Pagan traditions and mythologies of the world

This selection of books on pagan traditions and world mythologies brings together many cultures at once — Egyptian, Slavic, Celtic, Chinese, Tibetan, plus a comparative look at mythology in general. It also includes fictional retellings of Greek myths for readers who want the story, not just a reference work.

This same selection sometimes goes by the name pagan books. The wording is different, the meaning is the same.

Many cultures on one shelf — what these books have in common

This selection covers a comparative look at the mythology and religion of many peoples at once, not one practiced tradition, the way the Wicca page does. Egyptian magic, Slavic gods, Celtic tradition, Chinese mythical creatures, the Tibetan book of the dead — each book explores its own culture on its own terms.

Academic history sits here alongside fiction. Ronald Hutton, a professor at the University of Bristol and a leading scholar of the history of witchcraft and paganism, writes as a historian. Madeline Miller or Costanza Casati retell the same Greek myths as novelists — different genres, different reasons to read them.

Aleksander Gieysztor, a Polish medievalist historian, wrote «Mitologia Słowian» («Slavic Mythology») — a work used as a university textbook for over twenty years. Joseph Campbell takes a broader approach: his «Goddesses» is a collection of lectures by the American mythologist on female divine images across cultures.

Which cultures and traditions the selection covers

The selection covers specific cultures as well as comparative views of mythology as a whole.

The Slavic tradition is covered most broadly — from an illustrated collection of gods to a primary source («The Book of Veles») and Gieysztor's academic study. That gives a reader room to approach the topic either as a reader or as a researcher.

Earth magic and practical work with natural forces show up here without a single cultural anchor. «Earth Magic» talks about principles shared across many traditions at once.

When a myth becomes a novel — literary retellings instead of a reference book

«Ariadne», «Atalanta», «Clytemnestra», «Circe», «Electra», «The Song of Achilles» — all of these retell Greek myths in the first person, often through female characters the classical tradition rarely gave a voice to.

Madeline Miller wrote «The Song of Achilles» and «Circe», Costanza Casati wrote «Clytemnestra». Both are contemporary novelists. Their goal is to show a familiar story through a character's eyes, not to document it.

For a reader who wants to understand the plot and the characters' emotions, these books are a more natural entry point than an academic study. For someone who wants verified facts about a culture or a ritual, Gieysztor or Hutton is the better fit.

Talk to a practitioner before choosing a book on pagan traditions

Academic history, an illustrated reference, or a fictional retelling — the same request can hide very different expectations. The simplest option is to describe what you want to a consultant in chat: history, facts, or immersion in a story.

• Honest advice on a book's genre. A practitioner will tell you whether it's an academic source, a reference work, or fiction, before you place an order.
• Original editions only, no scans or homemade translations.
• Orders are processed and shipped the same day.
• The loyalty program gives a cumulative discount from one to ten percent, promo codes through the newsletter, and a separate discount on the shop's birthday.
• Help choosing between an academic source and a fictional retelling based on what you're actually looking for.

Books on pagan traditions at Artifacts of the Vedun get bought by researchers and by readers of fiction alike. Orders are placed on the site, with processing and shipping the same day. Price depends on the edition: full illustrated collections cost more than a slim novel. If you're unsure which genre fits what you're looking for, a consultant can advise in chat before you order.

What people ask about books on pagan traditions and world mythologies

Are there fiction titles in the selection, not just academic sources?

Yes. «Ariadne», «Circe», «Clytemnestra», and other Greek myth retellings are written by contemporary novelists — Madeline Miller and Costanza Casati. This is fiction, not scholarly research.

Who is Ronald Hutton?

A professor of history at the University of Bristol and a leading scholar of the history of witchcraft and paganism in Britain. He writes as a historian, not as a practitioner or a popular author.

Why is the Slavic tradition covered by several books at once?

The selection includes an illustrated collection of gods, a primary source — «The Book of Veles» — and Gieysztor's academic study. Together they offer both a general picture and a deeper dive for anyone who wants more.

What payment methods are available?

Payment is available by card online, by bank transfer, or in cash at the showroom. Cash-on-delivery orders require a 150-hryvnia prepayment toward shipping.