German Myths. From Wodana and Dwarfs to the Wild Hunt and the Belief in Wichtel

A journey into the heart of the mythological tradition of the ancient Germans. Legends about gods, epics, witches, divinations, nightmares, and the fate of pagan beliefs in the culture of modern Germans.
Who are the dwarfs? Is it true that Martin Luther believed in witches? And how did the pagan beliefs, displaced by Christianity, transform into the modern perceptions of Germans?
You will understand how the German and Scandinavian traditions relate, get acquainted with the pantheon — Wodan, Donar, and Freya, learn how Lady Holle, Rumpelstiltskin, and other characters from fairy tales are connected to ancient gods, and much more.

The author discusses the beliefs and pantheon of ancient Germans, relying on local sources: "Merseburg Incantations", "The Song of the Nibelungs", "Muspell's Law", works by the Brothers Grimm.