Estonian Religion

Estonian mythology is known from the folk heritage of the Estonians and various literary sources. Information about the pre-Christian and medieval Estonian religious practices can be obtained from historical chronicles, travellers' accounts, and ecclesiastical registers. In the 19th century, Estonians Friedrich Robert Faehlmann and Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald compiled a national epic, Kalevipoeg, from numerous prosaic folk legends and runic verse imitations that they themselves had written. The Estonian pantheon is a complex ensemble of gods and goddesses, each with distinct personalities, attributes, and stories. A list of the most prominent deities must begin with Taara (also known as Tharapita), the supreme god of Estonian mythology. Taara is the god of wisdom, the sky, and of thunder. He has been associated with the Scandinavian god Thor and the Baltic god Perkūnas. Peko is the god of agriculture, fertility, and the harvest. Peko is described as being benevolent and generous He ensures the well-being and prosperity of the people by providing abundant crops. Maa-ema is the mother goddess of the earth and nature. Maa-ema represents the nurturing and life-giving aspects of the natural world. She is revered for her power to grant fertility to humans, animals, and the land. Vanemuine is the god of music, song, and dance, and is associated with artistic expression and creativity. He is believed to have inspired the compilation of Kalevipoeg, the national epic. Lempo is the god of love and desire. Lempo is a capricious and sometimes malevolent figure who can both bless and curse lovers. A list of heroes and lesser deities must begin with Kalevipoeg, the central hero of Estonian mythology and the protagonist of the national epic that bears his name. Kalevipoeg is a giant warrior whose adventures include battles against demons, sorcerers, and foreign invaders, as well as quests for wisdom and power. Linda is the mother of Kalevipoeg and serves as the symbol of the Estonia. Linda is a tragic figure whose tears are said to have formed the numerous lakes of Estonia. Toell the Great is a legendary giant who featured in many Estonian myths. He is both a wise sage and a skilled warrior. He is known for constructing various landmarks in Estonia, such as the Toell's Chair, a large stone formation near the town of Kunda. Kratt is a magical creature. The Kratt is a servant created by its master from household items such as a broom, rake, or a wooden stick. The Kratt is brought to life by making a pact with the devil, and its primary purpose is to steal goods for its master. Noteworthy examples of Estonian beliefs and rituals include the Cult of the Sacred Trees and the Cult of the Stones. Trees and stones are revered in Estonian culture. Hingedeaeg is a festival that usually takes place in November, a time when the souls of the ancestors are believed to visit their living relatives. During Hingedeaeg, families prepare special meals, light candles, and visit the graves of their ancestors to honor them. Jaanipäev, also known as Midsummer Day or St. John's Day, is an important Estonian summer solstice festival. This celebration includes bonfires, singing, dancing, and various rituals to ensure fertility, abundance, and divine protection for the coming year. One unique Jaanipäev ritual involves jumping over a bonfire, which is believed to cleanse the jumper of bad luck and illness.