Photo by Vladas Braziūnas

Gintaras Beresnevičius (1961-2006) was one of the few genuine scholars of old Baltic religion and mythology. Most of his work is academic research in the field, often pioneering and well regarded by his peers. He taught religious studies and Lithuanian mythology at various universities, and was a much-loved teacher. However, his work was not limited to narrow academic research and discussion. He became known very early on as a popular writer of non-fiction, mostly related to the national identity, its roots and the political situation. These analyses were always based on his research. He is still remembered as an essayist and a short-story writer. Unfortunately, he began writing literature rather late in his life, which was then cut short by his untimely death. But what he wrote was groundbreaking. His literary works are both humorous and intellectually complex, almost encyclopaedic. His insights into people and the society are chillingly deep. His work have been translated into several languages, such as Latvian, Croatian, Russian and English.

Paruzija. Vilnius: Tyto alba, 2005. – 291 pp.

Beresnevičius’ first full-length novel is both comical and frightening. It is essentially an apocalyptic tale about the end of the world, brought about by gods made by man. Several plotlines intermingle, all laced with mythological details and a glorious pastiche of various cultures. As the story progresses, the more fantastic and surreal, even phantasmagoric, it all becomes. It is difficult to say whether it is more horrific or satirical. At the same time, it is a poignant reflection of contemporary Lithuanian society, its gods and godlessness, its frail beliefs and its false idols. Many critics have lauded the book as ‘the first postmodern Lithuanian novel’ (although such titles are obviously always debatable). Some have found it too difficult and complicated, because of the amount of obscure references that have the reader reaching for an encyclopaedia. However, it can be said without doubt that this is one of the best-quality pieces of Lithuanian literature, and a book that can proudly be presented as an introduction to the Lithuanian psyche for readers abroad.

Selected translations

Italian: DAUSOS. Concezione del mondo postmortale nell’antica mitologia Lituana. Translated by Goda Bulybenko and Dario Giasanti. Viterbo: Vocifuoriscena, 2022

Russian: Семейство кауков. Translated by Alexandra Vasilkova. Москва: Мир детства медиa, 2011

Волчок, Юла и медный вепрь. Translated by Alexandra Vasilkova. Москва: Мир детства медиa, 2010

Latvian: Vēstures patiesā seja. Translated by Indra Brūvere. Rīga: Karogs, 2007