Book of Estonian Folklore and Spirituality
Tere!
I’m Troy Trevoli Vonder, an Estonian-born author and illustrator currently based in London. I started writing about Estonian folklore after repeatedly seeing people online asking for reliable English-language resources on our traditions. There simply wasn't much available.
My newest book, Taimnejalg: The Estonian Book of Folk Magic, is now available. Spanning nearly 500 pages, it explores pre-Christian Estonian folk magic through historical sources, folklore, charms, healing practices, protective rites, spirits, sacred places, magical specialists, plants, animals, and the beliefs that shaped everyday life in Estonia for centuries. Rather than presenting modern interpretations, the book aims to document these traditions as they were recorded by the people who lived them.
This book is primarily intended for people of Estonian descent who don't speak Estonian and therefore have limited access to their traditional folklore and pre-Christian spiritual heritage. It's also written for anyone with an interest in Estonian folklore, folk magic, and the traditional beliefs of the Baltic region.
My previous book, Punaküla põleb: A Book of Estonian Malefica, focused on the darker aspects of Estonian folk belief, including witchcraft, the evil eye, werewolves, and harmful magic. Taimnejalg takes a much broader approach, exploring the wider landscape of traditional Estonian folk magic and belief.
I know this subject isn't everyone's cup of tea, and many people don't take these traditions particularly seriously today. My aim is simply to document and preserve an important part of Estonia's cultural heritage. I mean no harm with my work and would appreciate keeping discussions respectful. Curious minds are always welcome, and I'm happy to answer questions about the book or Estonian folk traditions in general.
Aitäh ja ilusat päeva!
https://www.crossedcrowbooks.com/shop-crossed-crow-books/p/taimnejalg
