Mat Zemlya is an ancient Slavic deity associated with motherhood, fertility, and the earth. She is often referred to as the Moist Earth Mother and is considered one of the oldest deities in Slavic mythology. Her identity later blended into that of Mokosh, another Slavic goddess associated with fertility and weaving. In the early Middle …

Zorya is a figure in Slavic folklore, often depicted as a feminine personification of dawn. She is associated with the morning star and is said to guard the gates of Dazbog’s palace. Zorya is also believed to protect lost travelers who need guidance in the dark. In Slavic mythology, Zorya is often depicted as a …

Rozhanitsy are invisible spirits or deities of fate in the pre-Christian religion of the Slavs. They are related to pregnancy, motherhood, marriage, and female ancestors, and are often referenced together with Rod. They are usually mentioned as three together, but sometimes up to nine together, of whom one was a “queen” or singular. The word …

Barghest is a mythical creature from Northern English folklore that is often depicted as a monstrous black dog with large teeth and claws. The name “Barghest” can also refer to a ghost or household elf in some cases, especially in Northumberland and Durham. The creature is said to appear only at night and those who …

Balaur is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived in Romania during the late Cretaceous period. It is a unique dinosaur that had double sickle-shaped claws on each foot, sharp teeth, and a long tail. The name Balaur comes from the Romanian word for dragon, which is fitting considering the creature’s fierce appearance. In Romanian …

Baloz is a legendary character in Albanian mythology and folklore. He is often portrayed as an antagonist to the Albanian legendary heroes and is sometimes described as a sea monster. The word “baloz” is believed to have derived from Italian “bailo,” which was the title of the Venetian ambassador to the Ottomans. According to Albanian …

Baš Čelik is a Serbian fairy tale that has been collected by Vuk Karadžić. The tale revolves around a king who has three sons and three daughters. The title of the story, Baš Čelik, meaning “head of steel,” is derived from Turkish words “baş” for “head” and “çelik” for “steel.” The story is similar to …

Bar Juchne is a legendary bird from Jewish mythology that is believed to have a wingspan large enough to block out the sun. According to the Talmud, a Bar Juchne egg once fell from its nest and destroyed 300 cedars and flooded 60 villages/cities. This colossal bird is also known as Bar-Yuchnei and has been …

Simargl is a deity or mythical creature in East Slavic mythology. It is often depicted as a winged dog or lion, and is associated with fire, the sun, and the end of times. Simargl is revered and respected by the ancient Slavic people, who believed that it possessed great strength and wisdom. The origin and …

Mokosh is a Slavic goddess that has been mentioned in various texts and folklore throughout history. She is known as the protector of women’s work and women’s destiny, and is associated with spinning, weaving, and the shearing of sheep. According to the Primary Chronicle, Mokosh is a Mother Goddess who watches over women during childbirth. …