Latvian mythology (original) (raw)

Latvian mythology is based primarily off collections of folklore and song texts. Much of the information presented herein, and in the best sources on the subject, is purely speculation based on very limited facts.

In AD 98, Tacitus, a Roman, mentioned the worship of mahtes, goddesses in the old Latvian mythology. Tacitus, however, did not speak Latvian and spent little time there. Later, reports of Christianization give similarly unbalanced information. We do know that some tribes had had their religious beliefs declining for some time, and accepted Christianity willingly. Others, such as the Curonians and Semigallians, resisted Christianization. Later texts by authors who presumably knew nothing of Latvian beliefs, substituted supposedly authoritative work substituting Prussiann deities, adding extremely unlikely explanations and etymologies.

The deities were believed to live on a mountain called Debeskalns.

The Latvians recognized eight different seasons to the year. The end of one season and the beginning of the next was marked by a festival.

Modern Season/Latvian Equivalents/Boundary Festivals

Winter	Winter Time (Ziemas Laiks)	Ziemassvetki - Meteni
Winter	Frost Time (Sersnu Laiks)	Meteni - Lieldienas
Spring	Spring Time (Pavasara Laiks)	Lieldienas - Jurgi
Spring	Planting Time (Sejas Laiks)	Jurgi - Jani
Summer	Threshing Time (Siena Laiks)	Jani - Maras
Summer	Autumn time (Rudens Laiks)	Maras - Mikeli
Fall	Spirits Time (Velu Laiks)	Mikeli - Martini
Fall	Ice Time (Ledus Laiks)	Martini - Ziemassvetki

Other holidays:

List of deities and other terms