Tatar Myths for Children

How to outwit the shurale and how to recognize the snake Yukh? What are Albasty afraid of, and what threatens with a meeting with Pəri? What feats did the batyr Alpamysh perform, and where does the dragon Zilant live? What spirits, according to Tatars, protect the house, and who should be feared in the water, in the forest, or on the road?

This book from the illustrated series “Myths for Children” will tell about the origins of the Tatars, what spirits they believed in, and about whom legends were made. It will also introduce the most interesting Tatar myths and stories. A Doctor of Philology, a specialist in Tatar folklore, a lecturer at Kazan Federal University, and the author of more than 90 academic articles dedicated to literary studies, traditional culture, and Tatar folklore, Leyla Davletshina explains these fascinating ideas clearly and engagingly.

The book gathers information on what function myths served; how ancient Turks imagined the world around them; what religions they practiced; and why some rituals and superstitions have survived to this day. Dive into Tatar mythology—just don’t forget to appease your sū ana(ses) (house spirits)!

Book highlights:
— Written dynamically and easily; theory is accompanied by interesting myths and stories.
— From an expert folklorist: Doctor of Philology, specialist in Tatar folklore, lecturer at Kazan Federal University, author of 90+ scholarly articles on problems of Tatar literary studies, traditional culture, and Tatar folklore.
— A beautiful gift edition with illustrations by Alena Solomatina—an aesthetic continuation of the “Myths for Children” series.
— Compact format: convenient to take with you. Perfect for reading at home and studying between classes at school.

The next books in the “Myths for Children” series received an award in the competition of the Russian Book Publishers Association “Best Books of the Year—2024” in the nomination “The Best Book for Children and Youth”:
“Slavic Myths for Children. From Perun to Koshchei the Immortal”
“Scandinavian Myths for Children”
“Myths of the Peoples of Russia for Children”

Who is this book for?
For children aged 10+ and adults—everyone interested in mythology. For those who love stories about spirits and mysterious, frightening creatures. For anyone who wants to learn more about the culture of our country and the peoples living on its territory.