Virumaa kohajutud

The diverse natural conditions and spheres of human activity in Virumaa as a region are reflected in folklore which is just as diverse. Traditional place narratives constitute a significant and remarkable part of this. Each place has its own narratives related to local water bodies, hillocks, structures, roads, boulders, forests, and mires, as well as relationships, lines of power, and spheres of influence. Even if legends mediate the same content, concrete places and people make up a unique complex of local idiosyncrasy, narratives, and reality, which in turn creates and influences local identity. Supported by the materials in the Estonian Folklore Archives, the article about Virumaa place narratives gives an overview of the places adorned with place lore and their stories: Kalevipoeg’s grave in Kivinõmme, Kunda hillfort, Ebavere hill, Vaivara hills, Lüganuse stronghold, Vasavere village graveyard, and Jõuga heath, Kuremäe, Sarapuu hill in Rakvere, Tarumaa iron-melting site, St Mary’s chapel in Viru-Nigula, churches at Jõhvi, Haljala, Simuna, and elsewhere, as well as Luussaare bog, Äntu and Kurtna lakes, Uljaste and Tudu lakes, Hoard hill at Tammiku, and Purtse stronghold.