HOME | DD
Dysharmonnia β Latvian Mythology - Swamp devil
Published: 2012-08-09 13:12:59 +0000 UTC; Views: 9410; Favourites: 97; Downloads: 79
Redirect to original
Description
Another one of my mythological creatures.There's a strange thing about Latvian devils - it's really hard to dig through to the real ancient Latvian devil - it's all coated in Christianity.
Devils in our mythology aren't necessarily evil, they tend to be mischievous, but are not that smart, ancient Latvians used every opportunity to fool them.
This guy is a bit different though. Swamp devils are not really that active, they are not interested in all that crap, they just sit in mud and occasionally eat a rabbit or a fawn and scare a random mushroom picker. Can't be described as agressive, but is not friendly either. They also don't talk much, anyway who would they be talking to in a swamp?
He spends most of his time under water/mud so that only the top of his back and head are showing, but as you see - he's well disguised, so people don't see him very often.
I don't know if a stork is very suitable for a swamp? But swamps are full of frogs and storks love frogs
Related content
Comments: 21
π: 0 β©: 0
Wow, I just found your gallery by accident, searching for some resources about Latvian mythology and I am impressed by your pieces of work!
I am Pole, doing my erasmus in Riga.Β I am writing a fantasy book, the story is taking place in medieval Latvia. Your gallery definitely will help in adding some interesting subplots!
Maybe you can recommend me some resources about Latvian mythology? The internet knows more about Lithuanian or Prussian, there is not so much about Latvian :<
π: 0 β©: 1
Thank you!
all the sources I have used are in Latvian I'm afraid. That ir probably a problem
π: 0 β©: 1
I expected that :<
So I'm waiting for new arts, they are really inspiring
π: 0 β©: 1
Aww, thanks
π: 0 β©: 0
A great drawing of our mythological devil. The stork definitely adds some life to it in an otherwise 'devil-ish' drawing where the trees are 'dead' and it's dark.
Izcils darbs.
π: 0 β©: 1
Cranes inhabit SOME swamps, so it's okay.
π: 0 β©: 0
Kind of lazy guy for a devil, but then again, just liek you said, our devils are mroe mischievous then evil.
π: 0 β©: 0
He seems not enjoying his time on the swamp 
π: 0 β©: 1
Actually he likes the swamp a lot, he hates to be disturbed
π: 0 β©: 0
Latvians sure do have some epic mythological beasts ^v^
Lielisks darbs!
Hehee ^w^ Hope you have a good day~
π: 0 β©: 0
Awesome! I like it. That stork adds some "life" into the painting.
π: 0 β©: 1
That was the main task of the stork. Apparently he's doing it well
thank you
π: 0 β©: 0
And I also remembered a fairytale by KΔrlis Skalbe ( think it was the 'Dragon' 
π: 0 β©: 1
I really can't imagine him picking blueberries with those large fingers
π: 0 β©: 1
Me, neither ._.
π: 0 β©: 0
( christianity devils in Latvian myths are still kinder than elsewhere in Europe anyway, so I'd say all Latvian devils are weird 
Lol our swamp devils are just really, really chill in compare to others. Can't say I'd dislike that attitude, finally a creature in mythology around here who looks scary but isn't really evil because of that.
Well, I'e never really been in a swamp, so I don't know about storks, but I guess they might wander in from time to time to get a delicious little frog or two.
π: 0 β©: 1
Itβs not just that our devils aren't truly evil, even the heavy influence of Christianity hasnβt changed that. Β Itβs or deities too. I havenβt noticed that anywhere else people would turn to their deities in a diminutive form, more like turning to relatives (parents, grandparents, godparents).Β Β
π: 0 β©: 1
Latvians have always done things in their own way, it seems; even with Christianity we still stayed a little bit of pagans within.
Yes, our deities are quitedown-to-earth, I would say. DieviΕΕ‘ walks around among people, Laima, too, Jumis likes to hide in the middle of the wheat or rye field... Even VeΔΌu MΔte can come around for a feast in autumn.
π: 0 β©: 0