Myths and Legends of the Baltic Region Quiz

Answer:

Zaltys appears in Lithuanian folk lore and the name translates as grass snake. It is associated with good luck and wealth and these snakes were sometimes kept in the home as guardians and to bring fortune to the family. Killing one would bring bad luck.

Saule is found in both Lithuanian and Latvian myth and is also the patron of orphans. In Baltic myth she rides a chariot through the sky each day. The chariot is pulled by horses which need no rest and which show no signs of effort. At night she disappears into her castle.

Perkons is the Latvian name while Lithuanians call him Perkunas. His weapon is the thunderbolt and lightning. He is a sky god who brings the rain and is also the guardian of law and order. He attacks demons and wicked men and is also known to have punished other gods. The oak tree is sacred to him. Vineta is often referred to as the Atlantis of the North, with a similar tale to the Greek myth of Atlantis. Like those of Atlantis, the citizens of Vineta were punished for their debauchery and the city disappeared into the sea. It is said to reappear sometimes and sailors can occasionally spot it at the bottom of the sea.

Jurate is sometimes described as a goddess and was punished by Perkunas for loving a mortal. Her castle, which Perkunas destroyed, was made of amber and this is why pieces of amber regularly wash up on the shores of the Baltic. A more romantic version says that these are Jurate's tears as she cries for her lost lover.

Zemyna is the Earth Mother, associated with all living things as the female nature goddess. Libations in her honour were given at the birth of a child and at events such as harvest festivals. As Christianity took root in the Baltic region, she became associated with the Virgin Mary.

Also known as Veles, Velnias has names meaning 'zombie' or 'phantom of the dead'. He is depicted as one-eyed, prophetic and the cause of whirlwinds, as well as being a trickster god. He leads the dead across the skies as well.

In Baltic myth, witches are spirits rather than mortal women with special powers. Ragana is the leader of all witches, many of whom are also referred to as raganas. Ragana is a shapeshifter who can appear as a hag or a beautiful woman and also in animal form. It must keep you on your guard when she can be anyone you happen to meet.

Laima is the goddess who determines the lifespan of humans, animals and plants in Baltic myth. She also determines other major events during a person's lifetime, including marriage and childbirth. Associated with Laima are the fairies known as laumas, who frequently appear as beautiful young women. Less pleasant is their habit of kidnapping human babies, as they are unable to bear children themselves.