European myth & legend : an A - Z of people and places

NORSE • TEUTONIC • BALTIC • SLAVIC • FINNO-UGRIC The mythology and legend of Europe provide a rich tableau that combines fantasy with embroidered fact. Many European countries today have no distinctive mythologies of their own as so many of the beliefs and cultures of the pagan era were lost over the centuries due to frequent warring, the expansion of the Roman Empire and conversion to Christianity In this fascinating book Mike Dixon-Kennedy provides an authoritative guide to the principal myths and legends of Europe which have survived the turmoil of European history. This important reference work brings together the wide-ranging mass of European myth and legend into a single, easy-to-use volume, providing a unique collection of the myths, legends and beliefs of the Norse and Teutonic-speaking peoples, the Russians, Latvians, Lithuanians Lapps and Finns. Some of the stories to be found within the pages are translated here for the first time. With a valuable Bibliography, Spelling and Pronunciation Guide as well as historical and anthropological details and a map showing the European cultural divisions, "European Myth & Legend" is ideal for all who are interested in the heritage of Europe and its ancient peoples and their cultures. Covers European cultures from the Arctic circle to the shores of the Black Sea. With maps to identify the language/culture regions, this work should prove useful for those engaged in the study of European tradition or the role of myths. Covers literary and historical figures, including kings, heroes, writers, and scholars, as well as tribes, peoples, and real and imaginary places and creatures, emphasizing Slavic and Northern European mythology Preface 6 How to Use This Book 8 Spelling and Pronunciation Guide 9 Russian Titles 10 Brief Historical and Anthropological Survey 11 Map of European Cultural Divisions 12 Dictionary 21 Bibliography 271 An alphabetical collection of myths and legends from Europe, including the story of the Russian witch Baba-Yaga, and the legends of Audhumla Mike Dixon-kennedy. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 271-272).