Books based on slavic mythology

If you are on the lookout for some books inspired by Slavic mythology, you are in for a treat! I have gathered here all the books that I have read and which are Slavic/pagan themed. You are welcome!

Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Let’s start with fact that a lot of Slavic themes can be easily found in Russian folk tales. Clarissa Pinkowa Estes will teach you how to read them. In her book Women Who Run With the Wolves you can find a folktale about Wise Wasylisa (and Baba Yaga!) and its analysis. I must say, this is one of the best things I have read in my entire life!

Baba Yaga’s Assistant by Marika McCoola, Emily Carroll

This comic book guarantees an amazing, cozy afternoon. If you are already familiar with the Russian tale of Wise Wasylisa then I am sure you will like Baba Yaga’s Assistant simply because… It is a continuation of that story! Of course this is more of an authors’ fantasy than original tale but still –  I was very pleased with the outcome. And there is Baba Yaga!

The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden

Let’s stay in Russia for a bit longer and visit snowy Tsarist Ruthienia that Katherine Arden presents to us in her three books: The Bear and the Nightingale, The Girl in The Tower, The Winter of the Witch. They are best read in winter, trust me! You will find there not only perfect ambience for cozy evenings but also a massive number of Slavic demons, face old gods and meet very strong, wise female heroine.

Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente

Russian folktales are an endless source of inspiration for English speaking writers. Catherynne M. Valente is one of them. In her novel we find Russia, but also Koschey Immortal, Baba Yaga and the whole enchanted world that our protagonist has to figure out. I read that book many years ago and I think it is one of the best stories ever written to this day.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Did you know that in American Gods you can find Slavic gods? Chernobog and Zoria make special appearance there. If you don’t know that story and you are interested in a variety of pagan religions – this is definitely a must read for you.

When The Frost Comes by Marta Krajewska

When The Frost Comes can be a great beginning to your Slavic adventure. Marta Krajewska presents us with a remotely located village where people are still believe in the old gods and celebrate all the Slavic holidays. You can learn a lot from this book.

The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson

The best representation of Baba Yaga’s hut is waiting for you in The House with Chicken Legs. Sophie Anderson researched Baba Yaga so deeply that she managed to present her not only as a folk-tale theme, but as a person who she once might have been.

Baba Yaga by Andreas Johns

And if you are not afraid of something more scientific and would like to learn more about Baba Yaga, then Andreas Johns’s monograph is a perfect read for you.

And what kind of slavicbook’s have you read?