Medieval cartographers drew maps of the world as they knew it. These world maps, mappae mundi, pictured not only space but also time. East was up, Jerusalem was the center of the known world and mythical beings roamed at the edges of the maps.

I am Piia Sorvoja. Writer, artist, geek and teacher from the Finnish side of the Tornio River Valley, with a Master of Arts in religions and a minor in Asian studies. I write speculative fiction and historical fantasy rooted in mythologies of the world. My stories paint for you pictures of 6th century Dark Ages Britain, a world inspired by Finno-Ugric mythology, Scythian steppes, Thracian mystery cults and Buddhist cosmology. Growing up in a distinct cultural area with its own identity, language and traditions shaped by the free flowing river and border between two countries gave me an understanding of how maps can have more layers than first meets the eye.

Mappa Mythica is my field journal. Here I map mythologies behind my stories. Mappa Mythica will take you to the edges of maps and on a journey to mythologies around the world. You get to explore worlds and traditions rarely seen in Western literature.

In this newsletter I post deep dives into mythologies, historical fiction research, snippets about disappearing decorative painting traditions of Tornio River Valley and travel notes about museums and historical landscapes around the world. You can expect content about calligraphy, silverpoint drawing, art, video game analysis, book recommendations and my creative process.

Welcome to the map room. Hic svnt dracones — here be dragons.
Piia Sorvoja