Threads of Fate. The Spinning Goddess in Slavic Tradition

This study is dedicated to describing the reconstructible features of the cult and mythology of the common Slavic goddess of fate - Mokosh, starting from chronicle mentions of the goddess and ending with ethnographic evidence that has preserved her name and image. The belief in Mokosh, as will be seen, has not completely disappeared, but continues to exist today within the context of folk-Orthodox tradition, where she is honored under the name of Saint Paraskeva Friday. This is not surprising, as the mistress of fate patronizes much that is important in the life of a modern person. Our attention inevitably falls on the folkloric continuations of the image of Mokosh with her helpers: the fairy tale three sisters - Yaga, three maidens-spinners from spells, the warrior-spinner Dunya from the well-known song, as well as the spinners from legends, riddles, and folk tales, who are close to all of them.

This work summarizes in the most detailed manner throughout the entire history of studying the pre-Christian religion of our ancestors the material related to the goddess-spinner, including the magical aspects associated with women's handicrafts. The publication is intended for everyone interested in the customs and mythology of the Slavs.

Book 1
 

The design of the cover features the work of Irina Erokhina (Dmitrov)