Inspired topos: places of natural space belonging to the genii loci

Abstract

The article is devoted to the locative code of folk culture. It examines the specifi c loci of natural space, seen as demonic ones, which belong to the genii loci. Signs of spirituality and personalization of natural places are: naming of the locus by demonic terms; axiological interpretation of the space (bad-good places); behavior of a person who has entered into a “not himself” locus: keeping a number of prohibitions, use of etiquette forms of treatment, greetings, requests, thanks, which are addressed to the spirits. Key-words: Slavic mythology, locative code of culture, the category of space, folk demonology, mythological genii loci.