Slavic Land of Elves
When we read a fantasy novel, admiring the wonderful descriptions of elven kingdoms, the spiritual beauty and purity of elves, when we long for these fantastic lands inhabited by this extraordinary people, let us think about the fact that less than a thousand years ago a very similar land existed on our lands, and our ancestors were remarkably similar to the elves described in these novels.
- Harmony with Nature
The Slavs, just like the Elves, lived in harmony with nature, loved forests, worshiped nature and loved beauty. Their social structure was also similar – the family structure.
They were fed by forests, which they loved, and farming was unlike what we know from other cultures. It was in harmony with nature, without destroying the environment. It was based on small fields scattered among forests, without causing destruction and environmental disturbances typical of other systems.
2. Kindness, nobility and hospitality
Everyone describing the Slavic people drew attention to the goodness and nobility typical of elves, which surpassed other peoples.
Helmod certifies:
“They have many natural virtues. They are extremely hospitable and show extraordinary respect to their parents. And there is not a single poor man or beggar among them. If someone is weakened by illness or old age deprives him of his strength, he is handed over to the care of his heir, and the one with the greatest humanity takes care of him (…) there is no more hospitable nation in the world than the Slavs.”
Adam of Bremen in the 11th century writes: “In terms of customs and hospitality, you would not find a nation that would be more honorable and more benevolent.”
From these and other accounts about the Slavs, an image emerges of a people who are naturally good in every respect and in goodness, superior to other peoples, exactly as they are presented in Elvish fantasy literature.
3. Not only the soul but also the body
Not only are the spiritual qualities of elves surprisingly suited to the Slavs, but so are the physical qualities. Elves are famous for their strength and endurance, and they are tall. Similarly, the Slavs, as Prokopus testifies in the 6th century when he writes about the Slavs: “Everyone is of the right height and very strong.” This is confirmed by Emperor Mauricius in VII with the words:
“They patiently endure frost and heat, exposure of the body and scarcity of food” Witukind writes in the 10th century: “They are a hard and hard-working people (…) and what seems to be too much of a burden for our people, the Slavs take it as a toy”
4. Children of the Gods
Like the Elves, the Slavs were beloved children of the Gods who gave them blessings and happiness, and they repaid them with love, devotion and adoration, constantly organizing celebrations and games in honor of the Gods, expressing their gratitude with joyful feasts, singing and dancing. It is therefore not surprising that many peoples adopted their culture and assimilated to these beloved children of the gods.
So when you read wonderful fantasy novels and long for elven lands, remember that the blood of Slavic ancestors flows in your veins, so similar to these magical creatures.
Perhaps, thinking about the fact that we are descendants of such a wonderful and extraordinary race, we will awaken the need to become better people, more like those whose heritage flows in our veins. Perhaps the memory of our ancestors will make the Elf-Slavic part of our soul come back to life, making us realize who we really are.