An Introduction to Baltic Mythology and an Introduction to this Blog

The purpose of this Blog is to attempt to help attempt to approach an understanding on the lasting effects of Baltic mythology in the contemporary Baltic region, in as many aspects as possible. By no means, am an expert in this topic but through research I hope to come towards some discernible point of conclusion in my findings. As a slight background to me, I do have some prior knowledge of the Lithuanian language, so those names and spelling will most commonly be used. Some of the source I used were not in English so forgive me for any translation of fact errors, but if you notice them please point them out!
With that I lead you into my driving question:

What are the lasting effects of Baltic mythology on Contemporary Baltic Culture? 

         It is my intention to address this topic in 4 main categories: 

• Geographical and historical sites
• Music and Art
• Poetry and Writings
• Modern Practices of Baltic Paganism

Thesis: I think Baltic Mythology still maintains a  lasting effect on Baltic Culture in many aspects, but will have evolved with the invitation of Christianity into the Baltic culture.

The driving question will guide my research into the connections of these topics to the past and Baltic mythology. Throughout my research a running works cited page will be kept on this post: http://balticmythology.blogspot.com/2013/06/works-cited.html

When you have finished reading all the blog posts, please take this peer review survey: 

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LRP5KFV

With that let's enter into some background information about Baltic mythology:

An Introduction to Baltic Mythology

For our purposes Baltic mythology is the form of paganism practiced in the region inhabited by the early Letts, Semigallens, Livonians, Curonians, Lithuanians, Samogitians, Sudovians, and Prussians.This region encompasses modern day Latvia, Lithuania, and norther Poland (Old Prussia). 

Baltic Paganism has limited written records as it was spread almost entirely by oral tradition until the early 15th century. The Baltic region was introduced to Christianity in the 15th century yet unlike many other early religions, Baltic Paganism was able to persist another two centuries. 

 Principle Deities

• Dievas-   God of wheat, Principle god similar in purpose to Zeus 
• Dievas Senelis- Old wise man, teacher of morality and wisdom 
• Aušrinė- Daughter of Dievas, The Morning Star
• Dalia- goddess of fate, one of the weavers of the cloth of life
• Perkunas- Son of Dievas, God of Thunder
• Deivės Valdytojos- Seven sisters who weave the cloth of life