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On 4 June, the Kernavė Archaeological Site Museum hosted the launch of the project "Mythic Kernavė: Legends and Folk Tales", along with its outcome—a newly published bilingual educational book in Lithuanian and English.

The project aimed to highlight the cultural landscape and intangible heritage of the Kernavė Archaeological Site—a UNESCO World Heritage property—through its oral tradition. The publication features texts of legends and folk tales from the Kernavė area that have been preserved in manuscript sources and largely unpublished until now. These stories reveal the mythical world, the ancient worldview, and the traditional mindset of the locality.

The book invites readers to embark on a mysterious journey through the legendary first capital of Lithuania: to discover tales of giants, spirits of the departed (vėlės), magic stones, sacred sites, underground tunnels, and other myth-shrouded features of the Kernavė landscape. The book is complemented by a QR code that provides access to historical photographs of Kernavė.

During the launch event, the audience enjoyed a performance by Theatre LABAS titled "On the Spirits Wandering the Earth" (Apie vėles žemėje klajojančias). A subsequent meeting with the book's creators explored the significance of Kernavė's folklore, its connections to archaeological and cultural heritage, and the ways this heritage can be brought to life today.

The project contributes to disseminating the Outstanding Universal Value of the UNESCO-protected Kernavė Archaeological Site, enhances its cultural tourism appeal, and enables both Lithuanian and international audiences to experience Kernavė through its living storytelling tradition.

The book was compiled by Kristina Stankevičienė; Special Academic Editor—Dr Asta Skujytė-Razmienė; Copy Editor—Rima Bertaševičiūtė; Book Designer—Neringa Žukauskaitė.

We invite you to discover Kernavė differently—to experience the ancient capital of Lithuania through its folklore and step into the magical, mythological world of this legendary site.

Project implemented by: Directorate of the State Cultural Reserve of Kernavė Project Manager: Kristina Stankevičienė Partners: Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore, Association MEDGRINDA Media Sponsor: Public Institution Tėviškės alkas Funded by: Lithuanian Council for Culture