Paper short abstract:

This paper concerns perception of geographical objects in the Mari folklore. The author analyzes personalization of landscape, it's role in human interaction with nature and reasons for sacralization and demonisation of geographical objects. The study is based on analysis of folklore narratives.

Paper long abstract:

Mari folklore tradition often associated with narratives about spirits of geographical objects. During my expeditions to the Mari Republic and the Kirov's region I analyzed memorates and fabulates regarding the cases of mysterious experiences. Landscape in the Mari folklore is the topic that concerns both folklore and geography,because it influences human attitude toward the local ecosystem.

Demons and ghosts are often associated with certain geographical odjects. People can see strange objects, hear unknown sounds there. At the same time, the locals also describe these objects as divine places where mythological ancestries and heroes have been buried. According to the narratives, there are six typical places with superstition reputations: 1) forests, 2) groves, 3) hills,4) roads, 5) rivers and lakes, 6) ravines. Forests are considered to be full of ovda (forest witch), torgaltysh (demonic creation) and chodra oza (owner of forests). As for groves, some of them can be sacred and protected by spirits. Hills are related to ovda and white giants. The Mari people believe that roads are especially dangerous because of ghosts and iya (demon). Water objects are secured by vud oza (owner of water), but ghosts also can inhabit them. Ravines are known as gloomy places where evil demons can be seen.

There are some interpretations of these folklore images, which I am going to discuss in this paper. Moreover, I will analyze how these folklore beliefs produce specific rules of behavior of the Mari people.