Witches in Lore: Embracing Female Strength and Wisdom

The lecture is an immersive survey of the image of the witch as depicted in folk tales and myth, with emphasis on Northern European and Slavic folklore. It highlights how these stories celebrate female strength and wisdom, presenting witches not just as mystical figures but as symbols of feminine power, knowledge, and connection to nature. A key part of the curriculum is the examination of Walpurgis Night, a traditional Northern European festival tied to tales of witches. The course also delves deeply into the enigmatic world of Baba Yaga, a prominent figure in Slavic folklore, exploring the complex and multifaceted portrayal of this renowned witch as a bearer of wisdom, and a guardian of primeval, natural justice and order.

This talk will be over Zoom and available to watch streaming live at the library.