Russia Has Digitized and Brought to Life the Ancient Myths of the North

Researchers in Syktyvkar are developing a wide range of modern digital projects that introduce children to Komi culture and mythology through interactive media. At Pitirim Sorokin Syktyvkar State University, more than 30 ethnocultural tools have already been created — from comic books and board games to apps and virtual tours. These resources address the shortage of didactic materials for elementary schools and make regional traditions easier and more engaging to learn.

One of the newest projects is a story-driven adventure game built by university students and schoolchildren as part of the national initiative “Sirius. Summer: Start Your Project.” The plot draws on Komi myths and the artwork of Vasily Ignatov. Using AI technologies, participants generated backgrounds and character designs, while students developed scripts and visual sketches. The result is an interactive novel that lets children travel through the world of Komi legends and explore cultural traditions in an immersive format.

In another direction, the university’s VR lab is preparing a virtual tour of the Komi Museum. The current version is still in draft form, but future updates will include audio guides in both Komi and Russian, as well as a mobile-friendly version. All completed projects will be published on the university website so that teachers and students across the republic can access them.

Modern digital tools are helping preserve cultural heritage. Interactive storytelling makes it easier for children to remember plots and characters, while giving teachers fresh resources for the classroom. Especially notable is that these cultural projects are being developed by students and young people, proving that technology can be used not only for entertainment but also for passing on local knowledge.