Sami Mythology
Sami Mythology
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According to the Sámi world view, man and nature were one. To the Sámi people, nature was home, a way of life, the past and the future. In the Sámi world view, as in that of other arctic peoples, the well-being of man and nature alike was directly dependent upon the balance between the two.
The Sami people are an indigenous people of the Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Their traditional belief system is known as Sami mythology, which includes a rich collection of myths, legends, and religious beliefs. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Sami mythology:
The story of the creation of the world: According to Sami mythology, the world was created by the god, Radien-attje, who is the supreme god and creator of the universe.
The story of the Sami ancestor: The Sami ancestor is the first human being created by the god, Radien-attje. This figure is considered as the first ancestor of the Sami people and his children are considered as the founders of different Sami tribes and clans.
The story of the spirits: Sami mythology is rich with different kind of spirits, such as animal spirits, ancestor spirits, and nature spirits, who are believed to have great power and influence over the natural world.
The story of the shamans: In Sami mythology, shamans are considered as powerful intermediaries between the human and the spiritual world. They are known for their ability to communicate with spirits and to heal the sick through their spiritual powers.
The story of the Nattravnen: Nattravnen is a spirit of the night, known for its ability to shape-shift and for its mischievous nature. It is often depicted as a bird or an owl.
These myths, along with others, are used by the Sami people to explain the origins of their people and their customs and to reinforce their traditional beliefs and values. The Sami traditional religion was based on animism, ancestor worship, and shamanism.
Sami Mythology Facts
- Sáiva - The Sami believed that their ancestors lived in an underground world called Sáiva.
- Northern Lights - The Sami believed the northern lights were a sign of their gods and goddesses dancing in the sky.
- Huldufólk - The Sami believed in a race of giant creatures called huldufólk.
- The Sami People - The Sami are the indigenous people of northern Europe and have their own mythology.
- Meadow Louse - Meadow Louse was a Sami god who was responsible for creating the world.
- Horagalles - The Sami believed in a powerful sky god called Horagalles.
- Antervasara - Antervasara was the goddess of childbirth and protector of children.
- Nääs - The Sami believed that the souls of the dead went to a place called Nääs.
- Sieidi - Sieidi were sacred stones, trees, or other natural objects that were believed to be inhabited by spirits.
- Beaivi - The god of the sea was Beaivi, the Sami sun god.
