Моравская и силезская демонология в чешско-словацком культурном ареале
Moravian and Silesian Demonology in Czech and Slovak Cultural Areal

Summary/Abstract: The article analyzes the pre-Slavic and Carpathian lexicon, borrowings of different times and specific terms in Moravian terminology of the mythological characters, considering the all-Slavic background. Based on the comparison and confrontation of demonological vocabulary and beliefs of the Moravian and Moravian-Silesian ethnographic regions with the Czech and Slovak regions, the isoleks and isodoxes that connect or separate these three closely related West Slavic regions, and partly continue in Slovenian and Croatian dialects. Moravia belongs to the archaic regions of Slavia and up to nowadays has preserved its ethnic and dialectic identity. The lexical fund of Moravian dialects is well documented in dictionaries. Nevertheless, the mythological terminology of the Moravians has not been studied intentionally. The article analyzes one group of Moravian mythological vocabulary – the names of mythological characters - in comparison with the neighbouring closely related systems of demons’ terminology - Slovak and Czech. Particular attention is paid to the terms and beliefs that unite and share these three traditions. The marginal carpathianism of the Moravian demonology is shown, due to the continuation of Carpathian plots and terms in eastern Moravia and their translation into Czech lands. Also the isoglossal connections of the Moravian lexical items in Slovenian and other South Slavic languages are noted at a glance. In general, taking into account the MoravianPolessian parallels, one can speak about the preservation in the Moravian region of archaic mythological beliefs and terminology, despite the strong German influence and the violent European history of the region.

• Details
• Contents