Forwarded from Hyperborean Radio (Uncensored) (T.L.K.)
Despite what's been shown in pop culture HeimdallR is regarded as "The Whitest of the Aesir" which may be a reference to his complexion or merely a reference to beauty. HeimdallR is also credited with bringing gifts of agriculture as well as being said to teach the runes to man. He is the guardian of Asgard and is a very old deity, with unclear origins, he is considered highly connected to the world tree, with one passage being interpreted as he gave his ear (hearing) to Mimirs Brunnr similar to Odin and his eye, which may have caused his hearing to increase to its present state and spread it throughout the nine realms. Making him a more effective watchman.-TLK
Many times Diasporan heroes and myth have their roots in European lore. American folklore can embody the mythical found in much of European ones, as they are carried over by the people migrating from mother Evropa.
Forwarded from DukeOfDurham 🦌
Folk heroes are imbedded in the consciousness of a people and have traditionally always served as a figure of inspiration. Before children today started to idolise sportsball players and YouTube celebrities, their heroes would often be folk heroes that were immortalised in literature, song, art and film.
When I was a young kid in America (lived there for a year), I remember being captivated by a storyteller that told of the heroic deeds of Davy Crockett, the frontiersman that fell alongside 183 white settlers at the Alamo. A witness described some of the aftermath, noting that Crockett's body was found in the barracks surrounded by "no less than sixteen Mexican corpses", with Crockett's knife buried in one of them.
I hope there are still many Americans, specifically young American boys, that remember their heroes.
When I was a young kid in America (lived there for a year), I remember being captivated by a storyteller that told of the heroic deeds of Davy Crockett, the frontiersman that fell alongside 183 white settlers at the Alamo. A witness described some of the aftermath, noting that Crockett's body was found in the barracks surrounded by "no less than sixteen Mexican corpses", with Crockett's knife buried in one of them.
I hope there are still many Americans, specifically young American boys, that remember their heroes.
Forwarded from Hyperborean Radio (Uncensored) (T.L.K.)
Gandalf, from the Lord of the Rings is a popular and well known figure in modern culture. However, Gandalf is an amalgamation of multiple influences and cultures. While one of the most notable deities he is influenced by is Odin. There is at least 4 other mythic figures who serve as inspirations for Gandalf. The Dwarf "Gandalf" (Magic Staff-Elf) due to initially being a dwarf in early versions. While the wizard Merlin has obvious aspects the two other notable figures are Rübezahl, a mountain spirit from Bohemian folklore whose visage was used as the inspiration for his appearance. Which Tolkien wrote on a postcard featuring him. The final notable inspiration is Väinämöinen, a Finnish deity and wizard/shaman. With at least 5 mythic sources of lore is it any wonder Gandalf is so influential.-TLK
Leshii (Leszi)
Known as the "Forest lord".
He often appeared as a peasant, either without a belt or with shoes on the wrong feet. Sometimes he was said to have wings and a tail and be covered in black hair. Often given goats hooves and horns like Pan in visual representation and he is usually attributed with green eyes.
He could change his size from that of a blade of grass to that of the highest tree and usually he carried a club to show his rulership over the forest creatures.
The Leszi could take the shape of a familiar person and lead you astray with the sound of their voice. Once in his domain, he might tickle his victim to death. He could also become a hare, wolf, bear, raven, pig, horse, rooster, flaming fir tree or even a mushroom.
Known as the "Forest lord".
He often appeared as a peasant, either without a belt or with shoes on the wrong feet. Sometimes he was said to have wings and a tail and be covered in black hair. Often given goats hooves and horns like Pan in visual representation and he is usually attributed with green eyes.
He could change his size from that of a blade of grass to that of the highest tree and usually he carried a club to show his rulership over the forest creatures.
The Leszi could take the shape of a familiar person and lead you astray with the sound of their voice. Once in his domain, he might tickle his victim to death. He could also become a hare, wolf, bear, raven, pig, horse, rooster, flaming fir tree or even a mushroom.
The Leshi is fond of trees and is said to be heard weeping when one is cut down. He is the protector of the forest and all it's creatures. His favorite animal is the wolf - the king of the beasts in Slavic folklore. He is also said to be often seen in the company of bears.
Upon entering a forest it was commonplace to utter a protective spell or prayer lest you run into him. If he got hold of a child, he might replace it with one of his own - who would grow up stupid, with an insatiable appetite.
If the child returned it would ever afterward be a useless derelict and when the Leshii got his hands on an adult, the adult would return sometimes mute and covered with moss, othertimes unable to concentrate and would act oddly for the rest of their lives.
It is believed that Leshii likes offerings of kasha, suet, blini, bread and salt.
Upon entering a forest it was commonplace to utter a protective spell or prayer lest you run into him. If he got hold of a child, he might replace it with one of his own - who would grow up stupid, with an insatiable appetite.
If the child returned it would ever afterward be a useless derelict and when the Leshii got his hands on an adult, the adult would return sometimes mute and covered with moss, othertimes unable to concentrate and would act oddly for the rest of their lives.
It is believed that Leshii likes offerings of kasha, suet, blini, bread and salt.
He is also perfectly happy with a cookie or candy left on a stump or log. It was believed to protect yourself against the leshii, you could turn all your clothing backward and also the collar on your horse, chant "Sheep's mug, sheep’s wool" or if you encounter him, get him to laugh.
When the leshy could be coaxed to befriend a human, the human often had to make a pact, never again wear a cross or take the eucharist. In return, the Leshy would teach the human the secrets of magic. Vast similarities can be made to the widely known Green Man.
When the leshy could be coaxed to befriend a human, the human often had to make a pact, never again wear a cross or take the eucharist. In return, the Leshy would teach the human the secrets of magic. Vast similarities can be made to the widely known Green Man.