"The coming of Christianity to the state of Kievan Rus at the end of the tenth century had an enormous impact on the development of Russian civilization. Despite the abandonment of the pagan gods, both Christian and pagan practices and beliefs continued to coexist for centuries, producing a system known as 'dual faith'. These resilient mythic customs and beliefs concerned the veneration of earth, water, fire and air; the existence of demons and spirit-beings in the world of nature; the cult of the dead, and witchcraft. The author draws upon a rich variety of sources, including anecdotal narrative forms, religious legends, epic songs, funeral laments and folk tales to illuminate the evolution of major themes and set Russian myths in the context of mythology the world over."--BOOK JACKET.