On Latvian folklore and mythology
I often get asked to share sources on Latvian mythology and folklore, therefore I composed a list with valuable and trustworthy articles, books and other sources that are available online.
This list will be updated regularly. If you can't find the information you're looking for, try taking a look at the sources in the Latvian and Lithuanian list and translating them via automated translation tools.
Stundžienė, Bronė. (1996). The Depiction of Trees in Lithuanian Folk Songs – [LINK]
The article is written from a Lithuanian perspective but many details apply to Latvian folklore and Baltic folklore in general.
The article is written from a Lithuanian perspective but many details apply to Latvian folklore and Baltic folklore in general.
Anča, Sindija. (2025). Naming practices and cultural perceptions of Swastika ornaments in Latvia and Lithuania. Culture Crossroads – [LINK]
In this article I describe the very different perceptions of swastika-type ornaments in Latvia and Lithuania. It has often been noted that swastikas are a very common element in traditional patterns in the Baltic region however they seem to be more common in the territory of Latvia and they also have many names in Latvian.
Anča, Sindija. (2023). The Nomenclature of Traditional Ornaments in Latvian and Lithuanian. Sustainable Multilingualism – [LINK]
My own article reflecting on the importance of traditional pattern names and the differences in naming traditional patterns and signs in Latvian and Lithuanian culture.
My own article reflecting on the importance of traditional pattern names and the differences in naming traditional patterns and signs in Latvian and Lithuanian culture.
Kvetkovskis, Pēteris. (n/d). Latvian Mythology. Skyforger.lv - [LINK]
"Skyforger" is a Latvian pagan metal band and they could be considered the international ambassadors of Latvian folklore and culture. Over 20 years they have been singing about Latvian folklore and their lead Pēteris has devoted a lot of work to researching these themes. Here you may read a brief overview on the main deities in Latvian mythology.
Gintaras
Beresnevičius (n/d). Lithuanian Religion and Mythology – [LINK]
A brief overview of Lithuanian mythology, main deities, aspects and symbols. The author, Gintaras Beresnevičius is considered to be one of the best specialists in Lithuanian mythology (along with Norbertas Vėlius).
A brief overview of Lithuanian mythology, main deities, aspects and symbols. The author, Gintaras Beresnevičius is considered to be one of the best specialists in Lithuanian mythology (along with Norbertas Vėlius).
Juzala,
Gustaw. (2013). Folklore
in the modern culture of Lithuania and Latvia. Ethnologia Polona, vol. 33–34
–
[LINK]
An outsider’s view on the many references to folklore and mythology present in contemporary art in Latvia and Lithuania.
An outsider’s view on the many references to folklore and mythology present in contemporary art in Latvia and Lithuania.
Muktupāvels,
Valdis. (2005). Baltic
Religion: New Religious Movements. Encyclopedia of Religion 2nd Ed Vol. 15 – [LINK]
Describes the formation process and conditions of modern Baltic pagan movements – Dievturība in Latvia and Romuva in Lithuania.
Describes the formation process and conditions of modern Baltic pagan movements – Dievturība in Latvia and Romuva in Lithuania.
Ķencis, Toms. (2011). The Latvian Mythological Space in
Scholarly Time. Archaeologia Baltica 15
–
[LINK]
This article describes the research and shaping of Latvian mythological structures. It lists the main authors who have studied this topic and left a mark on the modern interpretation of Latvian mythology.
This article describes the research and shaping of Latvian mythological structures. It lists the main authors who have studied this topic and left a mark on the modern interpretation of Latvian mythology.
Laime, Sandis. (2019).
Some Notes on the Possible Origins of Livonian Werewolves.
Body, Soul, Spirits and Supernatural Communication –
[LINK]
This article explains the peculiarities of Latvian werewolves with examples from folklore and actual werewolf trials which took place in the 17th and 18th centuries. It also mentions the old Thies – probably the most famous werewolf in Livonia.
This article explains the peculiarities of Latvian werewolves with examples from folklore and actual werewolf trials which took place in the 17th and 18th centuries. It also mentions the old Thies – probably the most famous werewolf in Livonia.
Tumėnas, Vytautas. (2018). Signs of morning star Aušrinė in the Baltic tradition: regional and intercultural
features. Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry, Vol. 18, No 4 – [LINK]
Tells about the Lithuanian goddess Aušrinė - Morning star, Sun Maiden and Sunrise - and patterns in traditional ornament that could potentially be associated with her.
Tells about the Lithuanian goddess Aušrinė - Morning star, Sun Maiden and Sunrise - and patterns in traditional ornament that could potentially be associated with her.