2026-2027 Hidden Mythologies Lecture Series
Now in its second year, the Hidden Mythologies lecture series explores the rich and often overlooked mythological traditions of the peoples of the Volga-Ural region and beyond. Through stories of gods, spirits, legendary heroes, sacred landscapes, and traditional beliefs, the series examines the ways mythology reflects and preserves the cultures and worldviews of diverse communities across Eurasia.
During its inaugural 2025–2026 season, the series explored the mythological traditions of the Tatar, Bashkir, Mari, and Mordva peoples of the Volga-Ural region. For the 2026–2027 season, the series expands its journey, featuring the traditions of the Erzya, Udmurt, Karelian, Altai, Sakha, Buryat, and Tuvan peoples.
Each program begins with a presentation by Dr. Gulshat Safiullina exploring an aspect of the featured culture’s mythological traditions, followed by a musical performance curated by musical director Daryana Antipova to bring another dimension to the stories, beliefs, and cultural heritage explored in the lecture.
Lecture 1 - Erzya Mythology
September 26, 2026, Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Explore the rich mythological traditions of the Erzya people, including Ineshkipaz, Cham-Pas, Shkai, and Ange-Patyai, discover the fall rituals and wedding customs with guest speaker, Erzya Cultural Practitioner and blogger Vlasta Pilot. The program will conclude with a performance of Erzyan folk song Kov purnat-sernyat by a music group from Saransk Toorama.
October 31, 2026, Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Enter the mythological world of the Udmurt people and discover figures such as Inmar, Kyldysin, Kuaz, and Keremet (Luda). The lecture also explores traditional amulets and concepts of happiness, revealing connections between mythology, belief, and everyday life. The program concludes with a live performance of the Udmurt folk song Chagyr, chagyr dydyke (lullaby) performed by Dariana Antipova.
Lecture 3 - Karelian Mythology
November 28, 2026, Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Journey into the forests and mythological traditions of the Karelian people, exploring the Meteliläinens and the celebrated Finnish-Karelian epic, the Kalevala. Discover a world in which the forest, poetry, magic, and mythology are deeply intertwined. The program features traditional Karelian ballads, including Vellamon Neidon Onginta, Kanteleen Synty, and Loitsu Saunassa. The program concludes with a live performance of the Karelia folk song Kukkuu - Kukkuu.
Lecture 4 - Altai Mythology
January 30, 2027, Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Discover the mythological and spiritual traditions of the Altai people, including Ülgen, Erlik, Ak Ana, Mergen, and Bai Ulgan. The lecture explores shamanism and the dualism of Altai cosmogony, examining the powerful beings and opposing forces that shape the Altai understanding of the universe. The program concludes with a live performance of the Altai folk song Kai Kozhon.
Lecture 5 - Sakha Mythology
February 27, 2027, Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Explore the distinctive mythological traditions of the Sakha people, encountering figures such as Abbasy, Aptakh Baga, Bukhar Dodar, and Suge Toyyon, as well as myths surrounding animals and birds. The musical program introduces traditional Sakha vocal traditions, including toyuk, dyeretii yryia, and degeren yryia, bringing the sounds of Sakha culture into conversation with its mythology. The program concludes with a live performance of Toyuk Togoyo (traditional vocal exercises) and Sardaana Sibekki (Liliya) (Lily) .
Lecture 6 - Buryat Mythology
March 27, 2027, Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Enter the mythological landscape of the Buryat people through the legend of Old Baikal and his daughter Angara and the ezhins, spiritual beings associated with the earth, water, taiga, and celestial bodies. The program concludes with a live performance of the Buryat folk song Khukhyn Duun (The Cuckoo Song).
Lecture 7 - Tuvan Mythology
April 24, 2027, Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Journey into the mythological world of the Tuvan people, where beings such as Azarlar, Albys, Alan-Melekey, and Sook Irey inhabit a universe supported by a giant frog holding the Earth. Explore these extraordinary figures and the stories surrounding them while discovering connections between Tuvan mythology and traditional culture. The program concludes with a live performance of the Tuvan folk song Konguurei and a traditional khöömei throat singing demonstration.