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VYTAUTAS MAGNUS UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL STUDIES AND ETHNOLOGY

Comparative Studies of and Mythology of the Region SYLLABUS

Prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Senvaitytė

Kaunas, 2013 Translated and edited by UAB “Lingvobalt”

Publication of the syllabus is supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. Project title: “Renewal and Inter- nationalization of Bachelor Degree Programmes in , Ethnology, Philoso- phy and Political Science” (project No.: VP1-2.2-ŠMM-07-K-02-048)

© Dalia Senvaitytė, 2013 © Vytautas Magnus University, 2013 Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 5 Preliminary Plan of the Course 7 Content of Lectures ...... 10 Homework Tasks 20 Recommended Literature ...... 22 Annexes ...... 24 Sample Cover Page of a Homework Paper 25 Official Description of the Course ...... 26

Introduction

This handbook of the course is intended for students of Vytautas Magnus University studying the subject Comparative Studies of Re- ligion and Mythology of the Region (subject code – BRK 3002).

The subject aims at introducing ancient religious tradition and my- thologies of the region and contemporary situation of religion and religiosity in the Baltic Sea Region. It also seeks to present contemporary situation of religion and religiosity. The subject also discusses Christianisation and the role of in the region. Particular attention is given to the discussion of pre-Christian religious traditions and mythologies. Ancient religious mythological tradition of the is compared to the religious mythological tradition of the ancient Germanic, Slavic and Baltic Finnic peoples. The subject familiarizes with both sources of these traditions and scientific (re)constructions of pantheons, , cult, and places, and compares them. It also discusses modern-day attempts at reviving old religious traditions.

Upon completion of the subject students are awarded 6 ECTS cred- its. This means that the subject will be studied in detail both in lectures and in seminars and during students’ individual work. Stu- dents should consider allocating between 150 and 180 hours for the studies of this subject. 60 hours out of the said number will be class work (lectures and seminars). 90–150 hours should be allocated for student’s individual work. This number includes studies of recom- mended literature, preparations for seminars, intermediary and fi- nal examinations, and writing of a homework paper. This means that a student should allocate around 6 to 8 hours of individual work for the studies of the subject.

5 Comparative Studies of of The Region

Attendance at lectures is recommended; attendance at seminars is compulsory. If a student is unable to attend a lecture for justified reasons, the student needs to study a particular topic individually.

This handbook provides a preliminary calendar plan for studies of the subject. Topics are listed in succession by study weeks. Please be advised that the succession of topics may slightly change in the course of studies. Each topic is accompanied by a list of main related literature in English. There is a separate list of literature a student needs to study to prepare for a specific seminar. Please also note that the list of litera- ture for seminars includes the source to read in both the Lithuanian language and the original one and the review of the source itself. The material will be reviewed by focusing on how a selected is presented in one or another source (see homework tasks).

The preliminary calendar plan of studies provided in this handbook for students is followed by a detailed description of the topics to be studied during the course. This description should provide guid- ance to students on what one or another topic will focus on and what things students should pay attention to while preparing for assessments. For those wishing to familiarize with the subject studied better, there is a list of additional recommended literature at the end of this handbook. This literature may be in the Lithuanian, English, or Russian languages. A sample cover page of homework paper and the official descrip- tion of the course are provided at the end as annexes to this hand- book.

6 Preliminary calendar plan of the course

WEEK CONTENT OF OF THE MATERIAL STUDIED THE LECTURE SEMESTER 1. The concept The Nature of Religion – Concise Introduction to World of religion , p. 3–25. What is “religion”? – http://www.religioustolerance.org/ rel_defn.htm Study – http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/ topic/497151/study-of-religion Seminar Sources of Baltic Religion and Mythology. Volume I, p. 113– 203 2. Religion/ Religion – The Baltic Sea Region: , , , religions in p. 152–164. the Baltic and Modernity – Encyclopaedia of Religious Sea Region Freedom, p. 433–437. individual Religiosity – http://www.gallup.com/poll/142727/ states in the religiosity-highest-world-poorest-nations.aspx Region Seminar Sources of Baltic Religion and Mythology. Volume I, p. 204– 315 3. The concept Introducing “” – Csapo E. Theories of Mythology, p. 1–9. of mythology What is Myth? – http://www.faculty.de.gcsu. and myth edu/~mmagouli/defmyth.htm Myth – http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/ topic/400920/myth Seminar Sources of Baltic Religion and Mythology. Volume I, p. 316– 473 4. Features of – http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/ mythical topic/142144/creation-myth/33953/Additional-Reading thinking Hanging on the – in Long – Term Perspectives, p. 68–73. – Handbook of , p. 39–45. Seminar Sources of Baltic Religion and Mythology. Volume I, p. 473– 617 5. Ancient Lithuanian religion and mythology – http://ausis.gf.vu.lt/ religious eka/mythology/relmyth.html traditions and Old Norse religion – Old Norse Religion in Long–Term mythologies Perspectives, p. 11–15. of the region Introduction – Handbook of Norse Mythology, p. 1–38. The Germanic People – A History of Pagan Europe, p. 111– 137. Late German Religion. – A History of Pagan Europe, p. 138– 164. Finno-Ugrian – A History of Pagan Europe, p. 178–183. Seminar Sources of Baltic Religion and Mythology. Volume II, p. 9–198

7 Comparative Studies of Religion And Mythology of The Region

WEEK CONTENT OF OF THE MATERIAL STUDIED THE LECTURE SEMESTER 6. TEST

7. Sources The Character of the Sources of Baltic Religion and of ancient Mythology – Baltų religijos ir mitologijos šaltiniai, I, p. 50–78. religious The Genesis of Kalevala – Pentikainen J. Kalevala Mythology, traditions and p. 14–28. mythologies Primary Sources – Handbook of Norse Mythology, p. 333–336. Seminar Sources of Baltic Religion and Mythology. Volume II, p. 199–389 8. Studies of Vėlius N. Senosios lietuvių religijos ir mitologijos tyrimo ancient metmenys – Lietuvių mitologija, I, p. 7–31. religious Beresnevičius G. Lietuvių mitologijos tyrimai XX a. II pusėje – traditions and Lietuvių mitologija, III, p. VII–LXIV. mythologies Mythology: important studies – Handbook of Norse Mythology, p. 337–339. Seminar Sources of Baltic Religion and Mythology. Volume II, p. 390- 498 9. Reconstruc­ Lithuanian religion and mythology – http://ausis.gf.vu.lt/ tions of the eka/mythology/relmyth.html old Germanic religion and mythology – http://www.britannica. com/EBchecked/topic/231102/Germanic-religion-and- mythology/65401/The- Slavic religion – http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/ topic/548484/Slavic-religion/65460/Principal-divine-beings Seminar Sources of Baltic Religion and Mythology. Volume II, p. 499–690 10. Mythical Lithuanian and Prussian Gods and Spirits: From creatures to . – Balsys J. Lietuvių ir prūsų dievai, deivės, and the most dvasios, p. 403–433. popular Germanic religion and mythology – http://www.britannica. mythical com/EBchecked/topic/231102/Germanic-religion-and- imagery mythology/65401/The-gods Slavic religion – http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/ topic/548484/Slavic-religion/65460/Principal-divine-beings Seminar Sources of Baltic Religion and Mythology. Volume III, p. 9–99 and p. 324–378 11. Ancient Lithuanian religion and mythology – http://ausis.gf.vu.lt/ myths eka/mythology/relmyth.html and their Creation myth – http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/ reconstruc­ topic/142144/creation-myth/33953/Additional-Reading tions Vėlius N. The World of Mythological . – Lithuanian Mythological Tales, p. 11–18. Seminar Sources of Baltic Religion and Mythology. Volume III, p. 100–323

8 Preliminary calendar plan of the course

WEEK CONTENT OF OF THE MATERIAL STUDIED THE LECTURE SEMESTER 12. Reconstruc­ Lithuanian religion and mythology – http://ausis.gf.vu.lt/ tions of the eka/mythology/relmyth.html ancient cult Ritual and religious practice – Old Norse Religion in Long– Term Perspectives, p. 74–103. Seminar Sources of Baltic Religion and Mythology. Volume III, p. 379–546 13. Ancient The Alkai: Research in to Baltic Sacred Places. – Vaitkevičius sacred places V. Alkai, p. 257–278. Pagan and supranormal elements in Scandinavian place- names – http://germanic.zxq.net/heathenplace1.html Seminar Sources of Baltic Religion and Mythology. Volume III, p. 547–715 14. Revivals Introduction – Handbook of contemporary Paganism, of ancient p. 1–12. religious Reception and Present Day Use – Old Norse Religion in traditions and Long–Term Perspectives, p. 377–412. mythologies Introduction: Paganism old and New – A History of Pagan in the region Europe, p. 1–4. Paganism reaffirmed – A History of Pagan Europe, p. 196–220. Seminar Sources of Baltic Religion and Mythology. Volume IV, p. 7–245 15. EXAMI­ NATION Content of Lectures

TOPIC 1. The concept of religion The term religion and its etymology. The problem of Lithuanian term “religion”. The old name of religion in the languages of the region. A variety of definitions of religion. The problem of defini- tion of religion. The problem of a single definition of religion. Disci- plines defining religion. Anthropological, sociological, psychologi- cal, philosophical, theological, autonomic and other definitions of religion and religions. Religion and phenomena similar to it. Religion and science. Components of religion. Doctrine, cult, community. Religion and . Key features of religion. The sacred and the profane. The holy. Manifestations of the holy. Problems addressed by religions. Religion and religions. Variety of religions in the modern-day world. Classifications of religions. Most prevalent religions of the world. Christianity, , , , . Religion and religiosity. Different concepts of religiosity. Indi- vidual religiosity and everyday life. Popular religiosity. Religion and cultural and ethnic identity. Religiosity and . Causes for religiosity and secu- larization. Types of secularism. Religion and . Search for spirituality. New religious movements. Religion and . Religion and . Magical world view. The problems of scientific studies of religions. Questions of ob- jectivity, understanding and ethics in the studies of religion. Crite- ria of scientific evaluation of religions.

10 Content of Lectures TOPIC 2. Religion/religions in the Baltic Region and individual states in the Region

Religions in the Baltic Region. Christianity and its denominations in the region. of the region. Prevalence of Eastern and Western Christianity in the region. Similarities and differences between Eastern and Western Christi- anity. Branches of Western Christianity: Catholics and Protestants. The relationship between Catholicism and : similari- ties and differences. Distribution of Christian denominations in individual states of the region. Relevant contemporary religiosity and secularization in the region. Judaism and its history in the region. Key features of Judaism. The relationship between Judaism and Christianity. Other religions and their situation in the region. Islam in the region. Key features of Islam. The relationship between religion and state in the region and in individual countries of the region. in the re- gion and individual states of the region: in Lithuania, Latvia, Esto- nia, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Belarus.

TOPIC 3. The concept of mythology and myth Etymology of the terms mythology and myth. Concepts and defi- nitions of mythology and myth. Myth as a . Myth as a fictional . Myth as a symbolic narrative. Myth as an ideological narrative. Ancient and contemporary myths. History of research into myths. Rational interpretations of myths. Myth as an . Euhemeristic concept of myth: myth

11 Comparative Studies of Religion And Mythology of The Region

as history in disguise. Interpretations of myths as the foundation of ancient religions. Interpretations of myths as folk . Linguistic school of the study of mythology and its interpreta- tions of myths. . M. Müller and solar my- thology. The evolutionary anthropological concept of myth inter- pretation. Interpretations of myths by E. Tylor and J. Frazer. Sociological approach to myths. Functions of myths. Psycho- logical approach to myths. Psychoanalysis and myths. Myths and dreams. Myths as archetypes. Myth–ritual theories. Myth inter- pretations by G. Dumézil. Contemporary comparative mythology. Interpretations of myths by M. Eliade. The structural study of myth. The study of myths as . Myth and . Myth and tale. Myth and . Meta- morphosis of myth to fairy tale. Types of myths. Cosmological, cosmogonical, anthropogonic, theogonic, eschatological and other types of myths. The relationship between religion and mythology. Ancient pre- Christian religions and mythology.

TOPIC 4. Features of mythical thinking Mythical thinking as the foundation of myth creation. Features of mythical thinking, mythic world-view. Cosmogonical / my- thopoetical view of the world. Perception of unity of the world. The relation between macro cosmos and micro cosmos. The link between and nature. The identity of human body and ele- ments of the universe. Primary elements of nature. . The old concept of time and space. Cyclical understanding of time. Differences between the concept of cyclical and linear (historic) time. The concept of space in mythical thinking. The link be- tween space and time. Sacred time and space. – the world’s axis and centre. Ritual as a “eternal return” to the time of “creation”.

12 Content of Lectures

Mythical model of the world. Mythological code. Reciprocity of code systems. Mythological codes as a tool of classification. Mytho- logical codes and . Symbols and . Universal symbols. Symbols of the Cosmic-Tree (). Symbolic expression of the vertical and horizontal model of the universe. Other symbols of the universe. Poetics of myth and bi- nary oppositions. Recurrent motives in myths – .

TOPIC 5. Ancient religious traditions and mytholo- gies in the region The nature of ancient religious traditions and mythologies. The re- lationship between ancient religious mythological traditions and common pro-Indo-European and pro-Finno-Ugrian tradition. The formation and distribution of the Baltic, Slavic, Germanic and Finnic peoples in the region. Separate Baltic, Slavic, Germanic and Finnic tribes and features of their . Eastern and Western Balts. Eastern and Western Slavic peoples. Northern and Western . Baltic Finns. Ancient tribes and the formation of nations and states in the region. Common features between the ancient Baltic religion and my- thology. Common features between the ancient Slavic religion and mythology. Common features between the ancient Germanic reli- gion and mythology. Common features between the ancient Finnic religion and mythology. Reciprocal influences, similarities and dif- ferences between these religions and mythical religions. Changes in the ancient religious systems. The effects of introduction of Christianity on the ancient - reli gious traditions in the region. Reflections of the relationship be- tween Christianity and ancient religions in popular religiosity.

13 Comparative Studies of Religion And Mythology of The Region TOPIC 6. Sources of ancient religious traditions and mythologies

The character of sources. Primary and secondary sources. Written historical sources. found in historical sources, and the problems of its reconstruction. Problems of reliability of sources and their “correct” reading. The oldest written records about the ancient religions in the re- gion. Early sources and their authors. Change of information found in written sources in the course of history. Written sources before and after Christianity. Influence of approaches of the Renaissance age on information in historical sources. The nature of information provided by authors of the Protestant Reformation and the Coun- ter Reformation. The nature of information in written sources of secular content. Written historical sources providing information about the an- cient Baltic religion and mythology. Written historical sources pro- viding information about the ancient Slavic religion and mythology. Written historical sources providing information about the ancient Germanic religion and mythology. Runes, the , skaldic poetry, . Written historical sources providing information about the ancient Finnic religion and mythology. Epic poetry. The Kalevala. Sources of folklore providing information about the ancient reli- gion and mythology. Archaeological sources providing information about the ancient religion and mythology. Ethnographic sources providing information about the ancient religion and mythology. Information provided by comparative . Linguistic infor- mation and ancient religions and mythologies. The importance of complex and comparative studies to the anal- ysis of ancient religious systems and mythologies.

14 Content of Lectures TOPIC 7. Studies of ancient religious traditions and mythologies

Common problems of reconstruction of old religious traditions. The divide between sources and studies. Early studies of the ancient pre-Christian religions in the region. The rise of scientific studies of mythology of the region and circum- stances that contributed to the rise. Romantic studies of mythology in the 19th century. Positivistic studies. History of studies of Baltic religion and mythology. The specif- ics of studies in the 19th century and first half of the 20th century. T. Narbutas and his studies of . Positivis- tic studies of Baltic religion and mythology by W. Mannhardt, A. Mierzyński and others. Folklorist studies of Lithuanian mythol- ogy by J. Balys. Studies of by P. Smiths. Stud- ies of in the second half of the 20th century. Par- ticulars of studies in the Soviet era and in the diaspora. Writings by A. J. Greimas, M. Gimbutienė, N. Vėlius, G. Beresnevičius and other authors. Contemporary studies of Baltic religion and mythology. Studies of Slavic mythology. Studies of . Studies by M. K. Ross, G. Dumézil and others. Studies of reli- gion and mythology of the Baltic Finns. Works by Elias Lönnrot and the construction of the Kalevala myth. Folklorist works by A. R. Niemi.

TOPIC 8. Reconstructions of the old pantheon

Common problems with the reconstruction of old pantheons. Sources providing information for reconstructions. Hierarchy of gods, questions of conflicting divine imagery, functions of gods and areas of influence, names of gods and multiple names, euphe- misms, and couples of gods. Evidence providing information for reconstructions. and .

15 Comparative Studies of Religion And Mythology of The Region

Reconstructions of the old Baltic highest pantheon. Possible structure of the pantheon in 13th–14th century. , Perkūnas, Teliavelis, Žvorūna-. of fate. Patrons of separate areas of agriculture. Other Baltic gods. Differences between Lithu- anian, Latvian and Prussian pantheons. Reconstructions of the old Slavic highest pantheon. Pantheon of Kievan Rus and its gods. , , Hors, Dažbog, Stribog, Simargl, Mokosh and . Reconstructions of the old Germanic highest pantheon. The Aesir and the Vanir. Main gods of Northern Germanic people: Odin (Óđinn), , Freyr (Frey, Frikko), Loki, Tyr, Frigg, Freyja and others. Reconstructions of the old highest pantheon of the Baltic Finns. Jumala, Turso, Ilmarinen, (Perkele), Ahti and others.

TOPIC 9. Mythical creatures and the most popular mythical imagery Names of gods and descriptions of gods in folklore. Lower gods. Gods and mythical creatures. Folklore demonology. Most popular mythical creatures of the Baltpusių – velniai (dev- ils), laumės (faes), raganos (witches), household spirits, žiburinis (a scary ghost) and others. Similarities and differences between Lithuanian and Latvian mythical creatures. The most popular mythic creatures of Slavic peoples – леший (a forest spirit), воденой (a water spirit), домовой (a household spirit), Baba Yaga, rusalka and others. Personifications of seasons in Slavic mythology. Popular mythical creatures in German mythology – the Jötunn, the Dvegar (Norse dwarves), trolls, , valkyries and others. Pop- ular mythical creatures in Baltic Finnic mythology (, demons, sacred animals, etc.).

16 Content of Lectures TOPIC 10. Ancient myths and their reconstructions

Ancient myths and their sources. Common problems with (re) constructions of ancient myths. Ancient myths of the Baltic, Slav- ic, Germanic and Baltic Finnic peoples and their scientific recon- structions. Cosmogonic myths. Theogonic myths. Anthropogonic myths. Reconstructions of these myths based on different sources. The most popular imagery of the world, celestial bodies, natural objects and phenomena and creation of man. Reconstructions of ancient myths of the Baltic, Slavic, German- ic and Baltic Finnic peoples. The myth of Sovius and its meaning. Interpretations of individual elements of the myth of Sovius. Re- constructions of the myth of Šventaragis. Archaic understanding of the after-life and . Metempsycho- sis. The netherworld. Locality of the netherworld. The problem of the ruler of the netherworld. Imagery of the netherworld.

TOPIC 11. Reconstructions of the old cult

The nature of the old cult. . Information about rituals in his- torical sources. Reconstructions of rituals based on information in sources of different nature. Reconstructions of rituals by scholars. Types of rituals. The ritual of . The nature of sacrifice, form, material of the offering, the intention of the rite, and the place and time. . Hymns and specific formula of . The ritu- als of žemynėliavimas and palabinimas. Rituals held on specific festive occasions. Rituals of a life cycle. Burial rituals. Cremation of the dead. The cult of ancestors. Calen- dar and work rituals. Protection and thanking rituals. Performers of rituals. Information about performers of rituals in historical sources. Reconstructions of performers of rituals based on information in sources of different nature. Reconstructions of per-

17 Comparative Studies of Religion And Mythology of The Region formers of rituals by scholars. Individual and communal rituals. Par- ticulars of a religious community. Religious leaders. Matters of reli- gious organisation. The problem of . Names of performers of cult rites. The links between performers of cult rites and prophets. The tradition of prediction making. Types of “sorcerers” and “spells”. Shamanism. The problem of the sacral caste and its hierarchy. The nature of the old Baltic cult. The nature of the old Slavic cult. The nature of the old Germanic cult. The nature of the old Baltic Finnic cult.

TOPIC 12. Ancient sacred places The structure of cult: ancient sacred places, temples and sacred objects. Information about rituals in historical sources. Recon- structions of the structure of cult based on information in sourc- es of different nature. Archaeological data about the structure of cult. Toponymic data about the structure of cult. Reconstructions of the structure of cult by scholars. Names of sacred places. Links between sacred places. Regional and local particulars of sacred places. Status of sacred places and its diversity. The link between sacred places and specific objects. Sacred places and mountains. Sacred forests and trees. Sacred waters (rivers, lakes, streams, springs, etc.). Ravines, caves and fields of sacred sig- nificance. Mythic stones and their classifications. The link between specific and ancient religions. The problem of images of -an cient gods. The sacred meaning of fire. Grass snakes and the old cult. The problems of links between the places of the cult of the dead and ancient sacred places. Ancient sacred places and Christian sa- cred places. Ancient sacred places of the Balts. Ancient sacred places of the Slavic peoples. Ancient sacred places of the Germanic peoples. The temple at Uppsala and its reconstructions. Ancient sacred places of the Baltic Finnic people.

18 Content of Lectures TOPIC 13. Revivals of ancient religious traditions in the region

Contemporary revival of pre-Christian religions and its interpreta- tions. Common features of the concept of Pagan religions. Varia- tions in Paganism. Revivals of Paganism in the region. Influence of Romantic ideas of the 19th century on the formation of religious traditions’ revival movements. Influence of search for alternative spirituality in the latter part of the 20th century on in- terest in ancient pre-Christian religions. The Soviet era and interest in ancient pre-Christian religions as a form of cultural resistance. The formation and activities of German Neopagan–Heathenry– and other organisations. Lithuanian folklore movements in the second half of the 20th century. The Ramuva movement. Religious organisation . Pagan movements among the Slavic and Bal- tic Finnic peoples. Mythical imagery and contemporary art in the region. Mythical imagery and popular culture in the region. Homework Tasks

1. Analysis of how a mytheme selected is depicted in Sources of Baltic Religion and Mythology. 2. Analysis of how a mytheme selected is depicted in the trans- lations of the Kalevala epic or Edda, skaldic poetry and sagas into English (Note: This task may be selected only if a student cannot read in any of the languages in which Sources of Bal- tic Religion and Mythology is written.

Requirements for a homework paper A homework paper must be completed individually and presented publicly (at seminars). The scope of the homework paper needs to be between 5 and 7 pages (A4 page format, normal font size 12, 1.5 line spacing). General structure of the paper: introduction, detailed presenta- tion, conclusions, list of bibliographic references. Introduction and conclusions need to complement each other and the topic of the paper as a whole. The paper needs to answer the specific goal of the paper, ideas presented in the paper need to be well-argued, and include accu- rate references (at the bottom of the page) to bibliographic sources and authors quoted. References need to state the author of the work, name of the work, place where published and year of publication, page from which the quote was taken from.

Recommended mythemes • Rites of sacrifice • Offerings • • Augury, spells • Sorcerers, priests

20 Homework Tasks

• Celestial bodies • Cremation rituals • Gods (except for Perkūnas) • Taboos • Food and drinks • Grave goods • Calendar Holidays. • Origin • Baptism customs • Bodily parts • Burial rites • Wild animals (except for reptiles) and birds • Disease and treatment • , the act of praying • Trees, forests (except for oak) • Rites to commemorate the dead • Domestic animals and poultry • Perkūnas • • Reptiles • Sacred places, temples • Fire (except for cremation rituals) • Water • Wedding customs Recommended literature

• A History of Pagan Europe. London, New York: Routledge, 1995. • Balsys J. Lietuvių ir prūsų dievai, deivės, dvasios: nuo apeigos iki prietaro. Klaipėda: Klaipėdos universiteto leidykla, 2006. • Baltų religijos ir mitologijos šaltiniai. Sudarė N. Vėlius. Vil- nius, 1996–2005. T. I–IV. • Beresnevičius G. Lietuvių religija ir mitologija: sisteminė studija. Vilnius: Tyto Alba, 2004. • Beresnevičius G. Religijotyros įvadas. Vilnius: Aidai, 1997. • Beresnevičius G. Trumpas lietuvių ir prūsų religijos žodynas. Vilnius: Aidai, 2002. • Concise Introduction to . Don Mills: Oxford University Press, 2007. • Csapo E. Theories of Mythology. Blackwell Publishing, 2005. • Davies N. Europos istorija. Vilnius: Vaga, 2008. • Encyclopedia of Indo-European Culture. London: Routledge, 1997. • Encyclopedia of Religious Freedom. New York, London: Roo- tledge, 2003. • Gimbutas M. The Slavs. New York: Preager Pubishers, 1971. • Handbook of contemporary Paganism. Boston: Leiden, 2009. • History of the Archibishops of Hamburg-Bremen. Columbia University Press, 2002. • Kononenko N. Slavic Folklore: A Handbook. Westport: Greenwood Press, 2007. • Krikščionybės Lietuvoje istorija. Vilnius: Aidai, 2006. • Lecouteux C. Germanų mitologijos žodynas. Vilnius: Aidai, 2006. • Lietuvių mitologija. Vilnius: Mintis, 1995–2004. T. I–III. • Lindow J. Handbook of Norse Mythology, 2001. Santa Barbara.

22 Recommended literature

• Lithuanian Mythological Tales. Vilnius: Vaga, 1998. • Lyle E. Archaic Cosmos. Edinburgh: Polygon, 1990. • Lonnort E. The Kalevala. Las Vegas: IAP, 2010. • Mackay C. S. The Hammer of Witches. Cambridge: Cam- bridge University Press, 2009. • Mitologijos enciklopedija. Vilnius: Vaga, 1999. T. I-II. • Old Norse Religion in Long–Term Perspectives. Lund: Nordic academic press, 2006. • Pentikainen J. Kalevala Mythology. 1990. • Religion and social change in post-communist Europe. Kraków: Nomos, 2001. • Remond Rene. Religion and in modern Europe. Ox- ford: Blackwell, 1999. • The Baltic Sea Region: Cultures, Politics, Societies. Uppsala: The Baltic University Press, 2002. P. 152–164. • V. Toporovas. Pirmykštis pasaulėvaizdis. – Liaudies kultūra, 2002, Nr. 3, p. 50–60. • Vaitkevičius V. Alkai: Baltų šventviečių studija. Vilnius: Diemedžio leidykla, 2002. • Vėlius N. Senovės lietuvių religija ir mitologija. – Krikščionybė ir jos socialinis vaidmuo Lietuvoje. Vilnius: Mintis, 1986. • Костомаров M. (1995) Славянская мифология. Москва: Чарли, 1995. Annexes

Annex 1. Sample cover page of a homework paper Annex 2. Official description of the course Annexes Annex 1

VYTAUTAS MAGNUS UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE STUDIES AND ETHNOLOGY

GROUP C COURSE

COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF RELIGION AND MYTHOLOGY OF THE REGION BRK 3002

NAME OF THE TOPIC Homework paper

/Date of homework paper presentation/

By: MVU, Faculty of Humanities, study pro- gramme X, year X, name and surname

Verified: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalia Senvaitytė

KAUNAS 2013

25 Comparative Studies of Religion And Mythology of The Region Annex 2

Course Course Volume Course Course Reg. No. code group in ECTS valid valid to credits from

BRK 3002 C1 6 2010-11 2014-03-01

Course type (compulsory of optional) Compulsory Course level (study cycle) Bachelor Semester the course is delivered Fall Study form (face-to-face or distant) Face-to-face

Course title in Lithuanian LYGINAMOSIOS REGIONO RELIGIJOS IR MITOLOGIJOS STUDIJOS

Course title in English COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF RELIGION AND MYTHOLOGY OF THE REGION

Short course annotation in Lithuanian Dalykas skirtas supažindinti su šiuolaikine religijos ir religingumo situacija Baltijos jūros regione. Aptariama regiono christianizacija ir krikščionybės vaidmuo regione. Itin didelis dėmesys skiriamas ikikrikščioniškoms religinėms mitologinėms tradicijoms aptarti. Senoji baltų religinė mitologinė tradicija lyginama su germanų, slavų ir Pabaltijo finų religinėmis mitologinėmis tradicijomis. Supažindinama tiek su šių tradicijų šaltiniais, tiek su mokslinėmis jų (re-) konstrukcijomis, jos lyginamos. Aptariami dabartiniai senųjų religinių tradicijų gaivinimai.

Short course annotation in English The course aims at introducing students to contemporary situation of religion and religiosity in the Baltic Sea Region. The course discusses Christianization and the role of Christianity in the region. Particular attention is given to ancient pre-Christian religious traditions and mythologies of the Baltic Region. The course also compares religious mythological tradition of the ancient Balts with the religious mythological tradition of the Germans, Slavs and Baltic Finns. Students are introduced to both sources of these traditions and their scientific (re)constructions, and their comparisons. They also discuss contemporary revivals of ancient religious traditions.

26 Annexes

Prerequisites for entering the course None

Course aim The course aims at introducing religious tradition and mythologies of the region and contemporary situation of religion and religiosity in the Baltic Sea Region.

Links between study programme outcomes and course outcomes Study Criteria of learning programme Course outcomes achievement evaluation outcomes

Define the object of the study Definition of the object of religions of the study of religions

Explanation of the Explain the concepts of myth concepts of myth and and mythology The essence mythology of cultures, understanding Evaluation of and comparison of of functions and Evaluate and compare the the relationship relationship between religion between religion and and secularization in the Baltic secularization in the Region and individual states in Baltic Region and the region individual states in the region

Evaluation of the Evaluate impact of Christianity impact of Christianity Knowledge of on the culture of the region on the culture of the history and region culture of the Baltic Region; Description and extensive Describe and compare comparison of ancient theoretical ancient religious traditions religious traditions and practical and mythologies of the and mythologies of knowledge of Baltic, Germanic, Slavic and the Baltic, Germanic, the cultures Baltic Finnic peoples, their Slavic and Baltic of the Baltic pantheons, cult, myths, and Finnic peoples, their Region sacred places pantheons, cult, myths, and sacred places

27 Comparative Studies of Religion And Mythology of The Region

Study Criteria of learning programme Course outcomes achievement evaluation outcomes

Ability to define Recognition and objects and critical analysis of phenomena sources of mythology Recognize and critically of traditional analyse sources of mythology culture, and compare the same

Explanation of the Explain problems of (re) problems of (re) construction and revival of construction and Objective ancient religions revival of ancient evaluation of religions changes in and evolutionary Evaluation of the trends of Evaluate the relationship relationship between traditional between the ancient mythic the ancient mythic culture religious tradition and religious tradition and contemporary revivals of this contemporary revivals tradition of this tradition

Link between course outcomes and content

Course outcomes Content (topics)

Define the object of the study of The concept of religion religions

The concept of mythology and Explain the concepts of myth and myth. Features of mythical mythology thinking

Evaluate the relationship between Religion/religions in the Baltic religion and secularization in the Baltic Region and individual states in the Region Region

Evaluate impact of Christianity on the Christianization of the region culture of the region

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Course outcomes Content (topics)

Describe ancient religious traditions Ancient religious traditions and and mythologies of the Baltic, north mythologies in the region Germanic, east Slavic and Finno-Ugric peoples Recognize and critically analyse Sources of ancient religious traditional sources of mythology traditions and mythologies Studies of ancient religious traditions and mythologies Reconstructions of the old pantheon Explain problems of reconstruction of Mythical creatures and the most ancient religions popular mythical imagery Ancient myths and their reconstructions Reconstructions of the ancient cult Ancient sacred places Evaluate the relationship between the Revivals of ancient religious ancient mythic religious tradition and traditions in the region contemporary revivals of this tradition

Study (teaching and learning) methods Methods of teaching: narrative, explanation, consultations, display of visual material, organization of topic-related games Study methods: discussion, work in groups, learning by teaching, studies and analysis of reference material and sources, writing of homework paper

Methods of learning achievement assessment Tests; delivery of a homework paper

Distribution of workload for students (contact and independent work hours) Lectures – 45 hours; seminars – 15 hours; student’s individual work – 90–120 hours; total number of hours for the study of the subject is 150–180 hours

Structure of cumulative score and value of its constituent parts Test – 30% of the final grade, homework paper – 20% of the final grade, examination – 50% of the final grade.

29 Comparative Studies of Religion And Mythology of The Region

Recommended reference materials Basic materials Baltų religijos ir mitologijos šaltiniai. (1996-2005). Vilnius. T. I–IV. (10 copies, VMU library) Mitologijos enciklopedija. (1997–1999) Vilnius: Vaga. T. I–II. (3 copies, VMU library). Supplementary materials A History of Pagan Europe. London, New York: Routledge, 1995. (1 copy, VMU). Balsys J. Lietuvių ir prūsų dievai, deivės, dvasios: nuo apeigos iki prietaro. Klaipėda: Klaipėdos universiteto leidykla, 2006. (4 copies, VMU). Beresnevičius G. Lietuvių religija ir mitologija: sisteminė studija. Vilnius: Tyto Alba, 2004 (5 copies, VMU library). Concise Introduction to World Religions. Don Mills: Oxford University Press, 2012. (1 copy, VMU library) Csapo E. (2005) Theories of mythology. Malden (1 copy, VMU library and 1 copy, VMU Department of Ethnology and Folklore). Encyclopedia of Religious Freedom. New York, London: Rootledge, 2003. (1 copy, VMU) Handbook of Contemporary Paganism. Boston: Leiden, 2009. (1 copy, VMU) Lecouteux C. (2006) Germanų mitologijos žodynas. Vilnius: Aidai. (3 copies, VMU library). Lietuvių mitologija (1995-2004). Vilnius. T. I–III. (10 copies, VMU library). Lindow J. Handbook of Norse Mythology, 2001. Santa Barbara. (1 copy, VMU) Lithuanian Mythological Tales. Vilnius: Vaga, 1998. (2 copies, VMU ) Old Norse Religion in Long–Term Perspectives. Lund: Nordic academic press, 2006. Remond Rene. Religion and Society in Modern Europe (1999). Oxford: Blackwell (1 copy, VMU library). The Baltic Sea Region: Cultures, Politics, Societies. Uppsala: The Baltic University Press, 2002. P. 152–164. Vaitkevičius V. Alkai: Baltų šventviečių studija. Vilnius: Diemedžio leidykla, 2002. (1 copy, VMU). Костомаров M. (1995) Славянская мифология. Москва: Чарли (1 copy, VMU library)

Course programme designed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalia Senvaitytė, Department of Culture Studies and Ethnology at Vytautas Magnus University

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