Not just a 'tender of beasts' : Radagast's connection to Slavic Mythology - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

03-25-2005, 09:57 AM

I live in the Beskydy mountains and have often wondered if Tolkien knew about Radegast. There is little info on ancient Slavic folklore, even in Czech, around here, sadly.

Encaitare's post makes me think the connection is coincidental...but even with the Old English connection, it seems like Tolkien could've been aware of it, being such a follower of folklore.

Dum, the dwarvish word for Mansion, apparently(Khazad-Dum, Mansion of the Dwarves) is the Czech word for "house" or "home". I doubt if that is coincidental and if not, he must've had some familiarity with Slavic things.

Although it's not strictly "on subject" I would be very interested indeed in any info you dug up on Radegast and Slavic myths.

03-25-2005, 09:57 AM	#7
Aquarius the King Guest Posts: n/a	I live in the Beskydy mountains and have often wondered if Tolkien knew about Radegast. There is little info on ancient Slavic folklore, even in Czech, around here, sadly. Encaitare's post makes me think the connection is coincidental...but even with the Old English connection, it seems like Tolkien could've been aware of it, being such a follower of folklore. Dum, the dwarvish word for Mansion, apparently(Khazad-Dum, Mansion of the Dwarves) is the Czech word for "house" or "home". I doubt if that is coincidental and if not, he must've had some familiarity with Slavic things. Although it's not strictly "on subject" I would be very interested indeed in any info you dug up on Radegast and Slavic myths.