Golden Yarn. Myths about the Great Goddess

This study is dedicated to the description of the reconstructable features of the cult and mythology of the Slavic goddess of fate – Mokosh, starting from the chronicle references to the goddess and ending with ethnographic evidence that has preserved her name and image. The belief in Mokosh, as can be seen, has not completely disappeared but continues to exist even today within the folk-Orthodox tradition, where she is honored by the name of Saint Paraskeva Friday. This is not surprising, as the mistress of fate patronizes many things that are important in the life of a modern person. Our focus will certainly include the folkloric continuations of the image of Mokosh with her assistants: the fairy tale three sisters-Yagas, three maidens-spinners from spells, the heroine-spinner Dunya from the famous song, as well as the close spinners from legends, riddles, and tales.

This work summarizes the material related to the spinning goddess in the most detailed way throughout the history of studying the pre-Christian religion of our ancestors, including the magical aspects of women's handicrafts associated with her. The edition is intended for all those interested in the customs and mythology of the Slavs.