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

THE Ka · 03-23-2005, 10:27 PM

I found this very interesting article while looking up Slavic Mythology and my own geneological connections (But this isn't what this thread is really about, so back on to the topic...)

Anyways, I was, just for curiousity, looking at entries on Wikipedia of Slavic Mythology, which there really isn't alot of available and I was surprised to find the name 'Radagast' listed as a god.

Very interesting!

Radagast, or also refered to as Radigost, Radegast, Radogost and other similar variations, is a Slavic god: the protector of travellers, traders and foreigners, and patron of hospitality.

If a householder does not take good care of his guests, turns away those seeking shelter or harms peacefully passing foreigners and salesmen, then Radigost punishes him. To good hosts Radigost gives a blessing: as they are compassionate to strangers, they will always find hospitality and accommodation when travelling.

Radigost's name is derived from the Old Slavonic raditi (take care, look after or consider) and gost (a guest, stranger, or foreigner).

There is a statue of Radigost on the top of mount Radhošť in the Czech Beskydy mountains. There is also a Czech beer named Radegast.

**************************************************

This had me wondering... Is it possible that Tolkien knew any of this background information, or did his genius just create this character without knowing this connection?

What do you think?

~ Mythologist Ka

03-23-2005, 10:27 PM	#1
THE Ka Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: As with the flygja Posts: 1,403	Not just a 'tender of beasts' : Radagast's connection to Slavic Mythology I found this very interesting article while looking up Slavic Mythology and my own geneological connections (But this isn't what this thread is really about, so back on to the topic...) Anyways, I was, just for curiousity, looking at entries on Wikipedia of Slavic Mythology, which there really isn't alot of available and I was surprised to find the name 'Radagast' listed as a god. Very interesting! Radagast, or also refered to as Radigost, Radegast, Radogost and other similar variations, is a Slavic god: the protector of travellers, traders and foreigners, and patron of hospitality. If a householder does not take good care of his guests, turns away those seeking shelter or harms peacefully passing foreigners and salesmen, then Radigost punishes him. To good hosts Radigost gives a blessing: as they are compassionate to strangers, they will always find hospitality and accommodation when travelling. Radigost's name is derived from the Old Slavonic raditi (take care, look after or consider) and gost (a guest, stranger, or foreigner). There is a statue of Radigost on the top of mount Radhošť in the Czech Beskydy mountains. There is also a Czech beer named Radegast. ************************************************** This had me wondering... Is it possible that Tolkien knew any of this background information, or did his genius just create this character without knowing this connection? What do you think? ~ Mythologist Ka __________________ Vinur, vinur skilur tú meg? Veitst tú ongan loyniveg? Hevur tú reikað líka sum eg, í endaleysu tokuni?