Folklore as a Basis
Why is this project important?
Ukrainian folklore is both a key to national identity and a powerful instrument of cultural diplomacy. This project presents our folk tradition in a clear, systematic way, making knowledge accessible to everyone—from general audiences to expert communities representing Ukraine internationally. Each episode combines stories and fun facts with core features, regional distinctions, insights from leading scholars, reliable sources, and perspectives from today’s folklorists.
Building Institutional Connections
A Tool for Cultural Diplomacy
The Magic World of Ukrainian Folklore is designed for anyone who wants to navigate centuries of Ukrainian creativity and better understand our culture and identity. The project serves as a practical reference tool for cultural diplomacy while fostering collaboration between folklorists and professionals from other fields who represent Ukraine abroad. The author and host is writer Nik Lysytskiy, joined by experts from the Folklore Department of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the Ivan Krypiakevych Institute of Ukrainian Studies.
Building Institutional Connections
A Tool for Cultural Diplomacy
The Magic World of Ukrainian Folklore is designed for anyone who wants to navigate centuries of Ukrainian creativity and better understand our culture and identity. The project serves as a practical reference tool for cultural diplomacy while fostering collaboration between folklorists and professionals from other fields who represent Ukraine abroad. The author and host is writer Nik Lysytskiy, joined by experts from the Folklore Department of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the Ivan Krypiakevych Institute of Ukrainian Studies.
Continuity and Impact
Systematic Work Since 2020
Before launching the show, the team developed a digital platform, modern illustrations, and even a board game inspired by Ukrainian mythology. From 2022 to 2024, three seasons of The Magic World of Ukrainian Mythology were released, focusing on mythological characters and phenomena. These episodes showed contemporary audiences that Ukrainian mythology is rich, diverse, and just as captivating as Greek or Norse traditions. Project materials are widely used in education, and Nik Lysytskiy regularly hosts webinars and lectures for schools and corporate groups.
A New Map of Ukrainian Mythology
Робимо знайомство з міфологією та фольклором зручнішим
For this new stage, the team created a detailed map of Ukrainian mythology, featuring nearly one hundred characters and phenomena introduced in earlier seasons. The map is available for free download.
A New Map of Ukrainian Mythology
Making Ukrainian Folklore Easier to Explore
For this new stage, the team created a detailed map of Ukrainian mythology, featuring nearly one hundred characters and phenomena introduced in earlier seasons. The map is available for free download.
Your Support Matters
Let’s Promote Ukrainian Folklore Together!
Episodes of The Magic World of Ukrainian Folklore are available on YouTube, as well as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, where we also share additional content. Please subscribe to our channels and share the project with friends—your support helps us spread knowledge about Ukrainian mythology!
Watch all episodes on Mythologyua channel
Folk Beliefs
Episode One
Folk beliefs. How do ancient pre-Christian beliefs still shape life in Ukraine today?
Ukrainian Mythology
Episode Two
Ukrainian mythology. Meet the key images and characters essential to our mythological tradition.
Folk tales
Episode Three
Folk tales. Discover fascinating facts about Ukrainian fairy tales, their origins, and the development of the genre.
Folk songs
Episode Four
Folk songs. Explore the history, main features, and variety of Ukrainian folk music.
Paremias
Episode Five
Paremias. Learn about proverbs, sayings, and other short folklore genres.
Rituals and Customs
Episode Six
See how rituals and customs have shaped—and continue to shape—the lives of Ukrainians.
State Support
Created with the Support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation
The Magic World of Ukrainian Folklore was produced with support from the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation and the Ministry of Culture of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg under the “Scholarship” program. The views expressed in the project are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Foundation. More information: https://ucf.in.ua/
