Latvian Hillfort Folklore: Historical and Contemporary Insights

The article examines Latvian hillfort folklore using an interdisciplinary approach that combines data from archaeology, folkloristics and ethnological research. Particular attention is paid to the functional aspects of hillfort folklore in the archaeological discovery process, as well as to the thematic continuity of hillfort folklore from archival records of the 1920s to fieldwork data from 2023. Interest in hillforts as historical objects became relevant in the second half of the 19th century, when studies started and collected data were systematically supplemented with folklore – legends, stories and toponyms. Interest in hillforts also continued in interwar Latvia, and, although less intense, also remained after World War II. In recent years, with the development of technologies and the use of Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) capabilities, more than 70 new hillforts have been discovered; nevertheless, researchers are still using folklore for site identification. With regard to Latvian hillfort folklore, three basic functions can be distinguished: it serves as a verification tool for the site of the hillforts, affects the content dimension of the place identity narrative and provides an opportunity for local communities to creatively communicate the value of their place of residence in a wider sociocultural context. While analysing the tradition of Latvian hillfort folklore, five thematic groups can be distinguished in legends and stories: 1) a sunken castle/church on a hill, 2) a mountain covered with the corners of hats/coats, 3) treasure hidden in a mountain, 4) cosmogonic actions of God and/or the Devil, and giants on a hill, 5) hillforts are given significant names. Hillfort folklore continues to be relevant nowadays. A case study of three hillforts in Baltinava parish, northeastern Latvia (Alotāji, Puncuļova, and Svātiune / Bell Hill) demonstrates, on the one hand, the thematic continuity of hillfort folklore and, on the other, reflections of contemporary realities related to entertainment, everyday life and even esoteric practices.