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Finnish Snake Charms

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Book cover Charms, Charmers and Charming

Part of the book series: Palgrave Historical Studies in Witchcraft and Magic ((PHSWM))

Abstract

The order of reptiles contains about 2,500 species of snakes. Due to biological and physical variation, popular interpretations of the qualities of snakes differ greatly between cultures. But generally facets emerge, due to its appearance, way of motion and (supposed) dangerousness, the snake has frequently been seen as an anomalous, and often also mythical, animal. Due to this a rich snake-lore exists. Despite contradictory elements in oral traditions worldwide, it would be foolhardy to assume that the variety found in the interpretations of and attitudes taken towards snakes is solely due to its multiplicity of species. The differences between local species have been both recognised and disregarded by people in illiterate cultures.

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Authors
  1. Henni Ilomäki
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Leeds, UK

    Jonathan Roper (Teaching Fellow in English Language) (Teaching Fellow in English Language)

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© 2009 Henni Ilomäki

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Ilomäki, H. (2009). Finnish Snake Charms. In: Roper, J. (eds) Charms, Charmers and Charming. Palgrave Historical Studies in Witchcraft and Magic. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230583535_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230583535_12

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-349-36250-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-230-58353-5

  • eBook Packages: Palgrave History CollectionHistory (R0)

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