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Fragments of Lappish Mythology

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This book is divided in to sections about Dieties, Sacrifice, Divination and Lappish Tales. Giving his own recollections and knowledge and quoting a number of others who wrote before him, and an Addition that adds more information from another who wrote at the same time (around 1840). Covers a range of beliefs and practices that continued on into the 18th century. Including detailed descriptions of such things as the bear hunt and reindeer sacrifices, as well as about their shamen (noaides) and a collection of tales about giants (stallo), that he theorizes are about invading Vikings, as well as detailed information about the Sami divination drum and how it was used.

I read this book as part of a study of Norse mythology, but enjoyed reading it for its interest in giving as much detailed information as possible from a region where paganism seemed to linger on. And is fine an interesting enough for a general reader. However it is all scholarly prose with only a few actual poetic verses. Clearly none of the old religion remained when this book was written, but it still provides a great deal of information. Only a few illustrations.