In ages past, our ancestors invented stories, creatures, gods and goddesses to explain the natural phenomenon around us. There were gods of the sun, the harvest, of death and, of course, of winter. That’s what this infographic is all about!
Our myths and legends about winter are some of our most fascinating. Despite the brutality that winter has presented to humanity as a species, the myths surrounding it are surprisingly pleasant. They’re kind of like a warm feeling in your belly, warding off the cold cruelty of reality. It’s a shame that these myths don’t get much exposure anymore.
Everyone knows about Santa Claus, but how many people know about his Russian counterpart, Ded Moroz, who used to be a warlock of winter before becoming the Russian version of Santa Claus? Or the mischievous Yule Lads, who were terrifying in their original myths, but have become more like beloved pranksters as time goes on? There are more recent examples of winter stories, too, like “Why the Evergreen Trees Keep Their Leaves in Winter,” or Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen.”
Take a look at some favorite stories all about winter, and get into the spirit of the season!
An infographic by MJJ Sales.