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Lausks, Lauskis or Granfather Lausks is a spirit of nature in Latvian mythology, | '''Lausks, Lauskis''' or '''Granfather Lausks''' is a spirit of nature in Latvian mythology. However, despite being a spirit of nature, he is only one man or a creature, not a race. | ||
==Etymolology== | |||
There is no adequate name for him in Englišh, translation for Lausks's name would mean something like ''The Shatterer'', but that is still under great doubt. If you want an adequate in the mythologies of other folks, Lausks would stand close to [[Jack Frost]], but they are not the same. | |||
==Appearance== | ==Appearance== | ||
Usually being described as an old man dressed up for winter in warm coat made of animal fur and holding small silver or crystal ax in his hand, Lausks is only mentioned in connection with winter and freezing | Usually being described as an old man dressed up for winter in warm coat made of animal fur and holding small silver or crystal ax in his hand, Lausks is only mentioned in connection with winter and freezing temperatures. | ||
==Functions== | ==Functions== | ||
People might wonder, why are the walls, corners or roofs of their houses cracking in winter, when snow covers them and icicles hang from roofs. Well, this is the job of Lausks. This old man walks around with the little ax in his hand and hits the walls, corners or roofs with it to test their | People might wonder, why are the walls, corners or roofs of their houses cracking in winter, when snow covers them and icicles hang from roofs. Well, this is the job of Lausks. This old man walks around with the little ax in his hand and hits the walls, corners or roofs with it to test their strength. | ||
Lausks is also the one, who pinches in peoples cheeks, nose and ears, when they go out in winter. | Lausks is also the one, who pinches in peoples cheeks, nose and ears, when they go out in winter. | ||
==Origins== | ==Origins== | ||
Because of his absence in fairy tales or native songs, no no one is really sure from where Lausks comes and who was the first to talk about him. One speculation might be the Russian [[Djed Moroz]] (much like Santa Claus). | |||
One speculation might be the Russian [[Djed Moroz]] (much like Santa Claus). | |||
[[Category:Latvian mythology]] | [[Category:Latvian mythology]] | ||
[[Category:Fairy creatures]] | [[Category:Fairy creatures]] |
Latest revision as of 14:49, 8 August 2009
Lausks, Lauskis or Granfather Lausks is a spirit of nature in Latvian mythology. However, despite being a spirit of nature, he is only one man or a creature, not a race.
Etymolology
There is no adequate name for him in Englišh, translation for Lausks's name would mean something like The Shatterer, but that is still under great doubt. If you want an adequate in the mythologies of other folks, Lausks would stand close to Jack Frost, but they are not the same.
Appearance
Usually being described as an old man dressed up for winter in warm coat made of animal fur and holding small silver or crystal ax in his hand, Lausks is only mentioned in connection with winter and freezing temperatures.
Functions
People might wonder, why are the walls, corners or roofs of their houses cracking in winter, when snow covers them and icicles hang from roofs. Well, this is the job of Lausks. This old man walks around with the little ax in his hand and hits the walls, corners or roofs with it to test their strength. Lausks is also the one, who pinches in peoples cheeks, nose and ears, when they go out in winter.
Origins
Because of his absence in fairy tales or native songs, no no one is really sure from where Lausks comes and who was the first to talk about him. One speculation might be the Russian Djed Moroz (much like Santa Claus).