(e) Although it does not involve pronouncing Latvian words, "Latvia"
is prononced "Lat'vya", "Latvian(s)" "Lat'vyan(s)", and "Destiny"
Dest'ny". Many three-syllable words are pronounced similarly: e.g.,
"Daug'va" "trav'ler", etc.
GLOSSARY
To assist readers who are not familiar with Latvian geography and
mythology, I have prepared a brief glossary of names and places (see
p. 164). This includes guidance on how to pronounce the names for
the purposes of the present work.
SUMMARY
It is the turn of the 13th century, 800 years ago in Latvia. The
Baltic gods have gathered to consult the Father of Destiny about
their own fate and that of the Latvian people. Both are under threat
from invading German knights, who have been sent by the Pope to
christianize the Baltic region, under the command of Bishop
Albert. Perkons, the God of Thunder, calls on all the gods to guard
and nurture the Latvians, and they promise to do so, each in his or
her own way.
As the council is breaking up the Goddess Staburadze reveals that
she has rescued a young man from the River Daugava, where he was
cast down by two witches.
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