About the book: 2024 / Fundamental research by folklorist Alexander Afanasyev, first published in 1865–1869. The book “Evil Spirits and National Holidays” reproduces the third volume of “Poetic Views”, in which the author continues the analysis of the mythological ideas of the Slavs. Afanasyev talks about otherworldly forces and their reflection in nature: the depths of thunderclouds as a hellish kingdom, the influence of stars on a person’s fate, night as the time when the dead appear. About people interacting with evil spirits in various ways, sorcerers and witches who send damage and illnesses, cause drought, crop failures, pestilence and turn the unfortunate into animals. Protection from harmful spells is provided by special ritual calls, Christmas songs, and agricultural festivals. The publication is adapted to modern spelling with some preservation of the features of the old spelling in order to give the reader a taste and aroma of the verbiage of a bygone era. Who is this book for? For connoisseurs of folklore and mythology. For those interested in Russian culture