Hidden Mythologies of the Volga Region Lecture Series

This five-part lecture series explores the rich and often overlooked mythologies of the Volga Region’s minority peoples, including the Tatars (Republic of Tatarstan), Bashkirs (Republic of Bashkortostan), Mari (Republic of Mari El), and Mordva (Republic of Mordovia). Learn about the stories, gods, and legends that shaped these cultures, while listening to the captivating music that brings their myths to life!

Join Dr. Gulshat Safiullina, PhD (IU College of Arts and Sciences), as she introduces the mythic pantheon of each culture. Each 60 minute session will be comprised of a 20–25 minute lecture followed by a musical performance inspired by the featured mythology.

Live musical performances by:

  • Inna Moiseeva, Doctor of Musical Arts (St. Petersburg Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory 2003; IU Jacobs School of Music, Performance Diploma 2025)

  • IU Jacobs School of Music students, including Baritone Ron Kalinovsky and Soprano Viktoria Popritkin, performing arias, duets, and piano pieces

Lecture 1 - Tatar Mythology

January 24, 2025, Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Dive into the mystical world of Tatar legends as we explore figures such as Albasty, the fearsome spirit; Su Anasy, the water mother; and the playful yet cunning Shurale, the Tatar wood goblin. Discover how these beings shaped the Tatar imagination and folklore. The lecture concludes with a performance of the Tatar ballet “Shurale” (1943) by Farit Yarullin, bringing the enchanting stories to life through music and dance.

Lecture 2 - Bashkir Mythology

February 28, 2025, Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Experience the romantic and heroic legends of the Bashkirs, focusing on the love story of Zaytulyak and Huhylu. This session examines how Bashkir mythology intertwines with cultural identity and storytelling. Attendees will also enjoy a performance from the opera “Tulyak and Susylu” (1945) by Nazib Zhiganov, where music illuminates the emotions and drama of these enduring myths.

Lecture 3 - Mari (Cheremis) Mythology

March 28, 2025, Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Explore the cosmogony and seasonal cycles of the Mari people, with particular focus on spring rituals and creation myths. Discover how the Mari imagined the birth of the world and the forces that govern nature. The lecture is complemented by a musical interpretation of the “Mari Suite” (1931) by N. Rakov, translating these ancient stories into evocative soundscapes.

Lecture 4 -Mordva Mythology

April 25, 2025, Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Delve into the rich mythic traditions of the Mordva people, exploring their pantheon and the powerful role of women in their cosmology. This lecture highlights the “March of Feminism” within Mordva mythology, where women rule the sky, embodying strength, wisdom, and influence. The session concludes with a musical performance of “Mordva Wedding”, a piece that celebrates cultural rituals and the vibrancy of Mordva life.

Lecture 5 - Volga Region Mythologies – Synthesis & Reflection

TBD, Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

In the final lecture, we bring together the Tatar, Bashkir, Mari, and Mordva mythologies to explore common themes, contrasts, and the ways these stories continue to shape cultural identity today. Attendees will enjoy a collaborative musical finale, featuring selections inspired by the myths of all four cultures, performed by IU Jacobs School of Music students under the guidance of Dr. Inna Moiseeva. This session offers a celebratory conclusion, connecting legend, music, and the living traditions of the Volga Region.