Katehorija nyžčoj mifolohiji v systemi svitohladnyx ujavleń karpatśkix ukrajinciv

Abstract

‘Lesser mythology’ played an important role in the worldview notions of the Carpathian Ukrainians (Hutsuls, Boykos and Lemkos) during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It combines notions about various demonic figures, which may be divided into three types: figures of unearthly origin; transformed human souls; people in possession of secret knowledge and supernatural qualities. The terms used to define the representatives of lesser mythology varied from region to region. A range of euphemisms was also used. The coexistence between the living and the undead gave rise to many taboos relating to magic.