Ukraine (N/A) – Mythical Home of Chernobog
Lysa Hora is one of the most famous ancient sacred places in Eastern Europe. Better known in English by the translation of its name, which means “Bald Mountain”, Lysa Hora has been immortalized in the popular imagination by the writings of Nikolai Gogol, the music of Modest Mussorgsky, and most famously by its prominent appearance in the Disney animated film Fantasia.
Bald Mountain has been a prominent fixture in Slavic mythology since pre-Christian times. It was closely associated with black magic, and was believed to have been a gathering place for witches and a site of paranormal activity. It is also supposed to be the home of Chernobog, an ancient Slavic deity who appears once a year to oversee his followers’ black Sabbath rituals. However, this latter legend is due more to modern day interpretations as opposed to ancient tradition.
Lysa Hora, which once stood south of Kiev, is now a nature preserve that the city has grown around. Contrary to popular belief, it is neither bald nor a mountain, but rather a tall wooded hill which is extremely popular with local nature enthusiasts. The site is also home to the remains of an old fortress, which is rumored to conceal an underground complex. This only adds to the mountain’s intrigue. Lysa Hora is conveniently located about four miles south of downtown Kiev.
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