Healers and Wizards in Rus'. Herbalists, Bone Setters, Midwives and Other Knowledgeable People

The book discusses the phenomenon of healing among the Eastern Slavs — those who healed, helped, and preserved folk traditions.

In Rus', unusual people — the "knowledgeable" — have been distinguished since ancient times. They helped our ancestors in farming and hunting, healing people and animals, home improvement, and childbirth. But who are they and how did they acquire their extraordinary knowledge and abilities?

In this book, Galina Popovkina examines the phenomenon of the "knowledgeable" among the Slavs, describes the peculiarities of the healer's initiation and worldview, shares observations on the practices of healers in various regions, and discusses their interactions with society, the state, and the church.

The author relies on interviews with modern healers, records of their rituals, and analysis of regional differences. She also explores the phenomenon of Eastern Slavic healing as a unique tradition that has survived despite the opposition of science and "unscientific" practices. In the modern world, interest in such phenomena is reviving: healing has not disappeared but adapted, combining ancient rituals with folk medicine.

Who is this book for?

For those who appreciate the history of Russia and mythology.

For those who want to immerse themselves in the mystical life of Eastern Slavic peoples.

For anyone interested in the life of Russian villages, the theme of healing, folk customs, and Slavic folklore.