GODS AT THE MARGINS.

The article examines the persistence of pagan traditions in Europe, particularly in regions where Christianity encountered resistance, such as Estonia and Lithuania. It highlights a 1668 incident where Swedish Lutheran commissioners observed traditional Estonian rituals that blended pre-Christian practices with Christian elements, illustrating the complexity of religious identity in these areas. The piece argues that the narrative of Christianity's inevitable triumph overlooks the resilience and adaptability of indigenous beliefs, which often merged with Christian practices to create unique creole religions. Ultimately, it suggests that the story of Europe's last pagan peoples challenges conventional understandings of religious conversion and cultural progress. [Extracted from the article]