The Ditty of Sovijus (1261). The Nine Spleens of the Marvellous Boar: An Indo-European Approach to a Lithuanian Myth
Volume 15 (2011): Archaeology, Religion and Folklore in the Baltic Sea Region, pp. 72–77
Pub. online: 20 September 2011
Type: Article
Open Access
Open Access
Received
18 December 2010
18 December 2010
Revised
15 April 2011
15 April 2011
Accepted
16 May 2011
16 May 2011
Published
20 September 2011
20 September 2011
Abstract
In order to understand the narrative about Sovijus (1261), the author proposes a comparative analysis with similar myths in other Indo-European cultures: Hindu mythology (Indra), Irish mythology (Finn), and Scandinavian mythology (Sigurd). These myths emphasise the role of a sacred animal (Indra’s tricephalous monster, Finn’s salmon, Sigurd’s dragon, Sovijus’ boar with nine spleens). The animal allows the hero access to secret knowledge (divination in the case of Finn and Sigurd, revelation about cremation for Sovijus). Rituals or narratives of other folklore genres, such as tales, could be additional sources for a comparative analysis.