The Vodyanoy (Vodnik in some cases), or Water-sprite, like his kin spirit the Domovoy, is affectionately called ‘Dyedushka’, or Grandfather, by the peasants. mention Vodnik. Vodyanoi and Vodnici generally inhabits the depths of rivers, lakes, or pools; but sometimes dwells in swamps, and is specially fond of taking up his quarters in a mill-stream, close …
Vodnik & Vodyanoy in Slavic Mythology: Appearance & Powers Read More »
In the fields there appears, usually at the time of harvest, the Poludnica, sometimes Polednica, Poludnitsa (“Midday Spirit”) or the goddess(es) of the fields (from polder’ or poluden’, meaning “mid-day”), she was frequently attended by the polevoi. Although she was a patron deity of agriculture, the poludnitsa was also a mischievous spirit who would punish …
All about Slavic Poludnica: Lady Midday (or Noonwraith) Read More »
The Greek historian Procopius testifies to the ancient Slavic worship of beings similar to the Greek nymphs, and he also tells us that the Slavs offered sacrifices to them. The most common designation of these beings is “Fairy” – Vila in most Slavic languages, Samovila/Samodiva in Bulgarian – , and they are frequently mentioned in …
Vila & Samodiva: Why Slavic Mythology Fairies Are So Unique Read More »
Also: Perom; Peron; Pikker; Piorun; Pyerun the god of thunder and rain, known as Perkonis in Prussia, Perkons in Latvia, Perkunas in Lithuania, Perusan in Bulgaria, Peron (“curse”) in Slovakia, and Perun in Russia and the Czech lands. His name is possibly cognate with that of Paranjanya, an epithet of the Hindu storm god Indra. …
Perun: The Slavic War & Thunder God (+ Portrait) Read More »
Among the numerous deities of the Elbe Slavs the most prominent place was occupied by Svetovid (sometimes Svantovit or Svantevit). The centre of his worship was in Arkona, on the island of Rugen; and in the middle of the town, which towers on the summit of a lofty cliff, stood his temple, skillfully built of …
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