List of Slavic deities

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The pagan Slavs were polytheistic, which means that they worshipped many gods and goddesses. The gods of the Slavs are known primarily from a small number of chronicles and letopises, or not very accurate Christian sermons against paganism. Additional, more numerous sources in which Slavic theonyms are preserved include names, proper names, place names, folk holidays, and language, including sayings.

Contents

Information about Slavic paganism, including the gods, is scarce because Christian missionaries were not very interested in the spiritual life of the Slavs. [1] Also, no accounts written down directly by the pagan Slavs exist. During the Christianization missions, the deities, on the one hand, were demonized to deter from worshipping them, on the other hand, their characteristics and functions were assumed by the saints, which was supposed to make the new religion less alien.

Common Slavic deities

Because of the small number of sources, there is no consensus among scholars of Slavic mythology on the extent of the worship of even the most important deities. Listed in this paragraph are those whose Panslavic range is most often recognized. In addition to these, the East Slavic Mokosh (a presumed toponym in the Czech Republic), and the East Slavic Stribog (toponyms in Poland) are sometimes indicated.

Supreme deities

Based on the reconstructed myths around the figures of Perun and Veles, some scholars believe that both of these gods are chief deities. [2] They are primarily found in the Slavic creation myth. According to some scholars, a pair of these gods prove "Slavic dualism", but there is no consensus on this either, and those who assume that such dualism in mythology may have existed, point out that Slavic dualism was probably not as extreme as in Christianity or Zoroastrianism.

NameImageGreek MythDetails
Perun
Perun Gromoverzhecz by Andrey Shishkin.jpg
Zeus Perun is the god of lightning and thunder, [3] as well as of war, [4] and the patron of the druzhina. [5] He is the etymological and functional continuator of the Proto-Indo-European thunder god *Perkʷunos , and shares many characteristics with other thunder gods worshipped by Indo-Europeans. [6] He is mentioned most notably in Primary Chronicle , where a grey-haired and golden-moustached statue of Perun is described in temple on Old Kyiv Hill, and Third Novogorod Chronicle, where his statue is described in Peryn, [7] and in many texts warning against paganism. His name survived in spells and in proper names. [8] Armed usually with an axe, hammer, or spear, [9] he fights chaos demons. His figure is preserved in folklore primarily in the form of saint Elijah and saint George. [8]
Veles
Veles by Andrey Shishkin.jpg
Hades Veles is a god of multiple functions, such complexity making comparison with other deities difficult. A chthonic deity, he rules over the underworld, to which, as psychopomp he conducts the souls of the dead, leading them out into the meadows of the beyond. As the god of wealth, he is associated with the care of cattle (cattle rather than money being, in ancient times, the primary form of wealth). Furthermore, like the Germanic Odin he is the patron deity of poets and other artists and also of those who practice magic (poetry having been intimately connected with magic in the past). [10] The etymology of his name likely connects it with Slavic words associated with death. Mentioned primarily in Primary Chronicle ; his name also often appears in proper names. His animal incarnations are bull or ox, dragon or zmey. [11] His figure is preserved in folklore primarily in the form of saint Nicholas and the devil. [12]

Other deities

NameImageGreek MythDetails
Dazhbog
Dazhbog by Andrey Shishkin.jpg
ApolloDazhbog is a sun god. His name, meaning "god of giving", may suggest that he was also a god of abundance. [13] He appears in the Primary Chronicle , where he is described as the son of Svarog, in The Tale of Igor's Campaign , [14] as well as in folk songs and proper names. By some researchers he is identified with Svarozhits, [15] or is considered to be his brother. [16]
Svarozhits
Texture Fire.jpg
Svarozhits is a fire god mentioned in minor East Slavic texts. [17] He is also mentioned by Bruno in a letter to King Henry II and later in Thietmar's Chronicle as the chief deity of Rethra, the main political center of the Veleti. [18] His name is generally translated as "son of Svarog", less commonly as "little, young Svarog". Generally identified with Radegast, less commonly with Dazhbog.

Personifications

NameImageGreek MythDetails
Dola
Srecha-Udacha by Andrey Shishkin.jpg
Dola is the personification of fate and destiny. [19] Dola was assigned to a person at birth and stays with him for the rest of his life. It may be inherited from ancestors. It is generally invisible, but may have manifested in human or animal form. [20] The opposite of Dola, understood as good fortune, was Nedola, the personification of bad fortune. Etymologically related to the Slavic words divide, part. [19]
Mat Zemlya
Lob Zemlia-imeninnitsa.jpg
Gaia Mat Zemlya is a personification of the Earth appearing mainly in East Slavic texts but remaining in most Slavic languages. [21] Perhaps epithet of Mokosh.
Rod
Sylenkoite representation of Rod.png
Rod is a figure, spirit, or deity often mentioned in minor East and South Slavic texts, generally along with Rozhanitsy. Etymologically related to the Slavic words for "family", "kin", "giving birth", etc. Bloodless sacrifices were offered to him. [22] There is no consensus in scholarship about Rod's status in mythology.
Rozhanitsy
Zorze Rodzanice.jpg
Moirai Rozhanitsy ("Givers of life"), Sudenitsy ("Givers of fate"), and Narechnitsy ("Givers of destiny") are female spirits or deities of fate. They appear in the plural or as a single entity. In East and South Slavic sources they are often mentioned together with Rod. [22] Their main function is to determine the child's fate for life, [23] then they leave an invisible mark on his forehead. Man's fate was symbolized by the thread of life, on the length of which, measured by the Rozhanitsy, depended the length of man's life. Bloodless sacrifices were offered to them. [22]
Zorya
Zarya Zarenicza by Andrey Shishkin.jpg
Eos Zorya is the personification of the dawn. She is the Slavic continuation of the Proto-Indo-European goddess of dawn *H₂éwsōs [24] and has many of her characteristics: she lives overseas on the island of Bujan, [25] opens the door for the Sun to go on its daily journey across the sky, [25] also has a golden boat. Zora can be a single figure, two figures, or three. She appears in Christianized prayers and orders.
Zvezda
Zvezda-Zirka by Andrey Shishkin.jpg
Zvezda, Utrenica, or Danica is the personification of the Morning Star or planet Venus as seen in the sky before sunrise.

West Slavic deities

NameImageWorshipped byGreek MythDetails
Svetovit
Swietowit of Rugia.jpg
Rani Svetovit is the chief god of the Slavic Rani. His cult is described by Helmold of Bosau and Saxo Grammaticus. [26] Theonym comes from the word svęt "holy, sacred" with the suffix vit "lord". [27] His main temple was located on Arkona. Inside the temple was his statue, described by Saxo as a four-headed statue holding an ornate horn in his right hand; there was also a large sword and other artifacts. [28] The horn and white horse, dedicated to him, was used for divination. [27] The theocratic rule of his priests limited the rule of knyaz. [29]
Triglav
Tryglaw.jpg
Polabians
Pomeranians
Triglav is a god mentioned in the Life of St. Otto and in the chronicle describing the capture of Slavic Brenna. He had a golden statue whose eyes and mouth were covered. A black horse, which was used by preachers to foretell the future, and a holy oak were dedicated to him. The three heads may symbolize the tripartite division between heaven, earth, and the underworld. [30]
Radegast
Radegast (Kaisarov) cropped.png
Polabians
Redarians
Moravians
Radegast is a god mentioned by Adam of Bremen, and the information is repeated by Helmold. He was to occupy the first place among the gods worshipped at Rethra. Earlier sources state that the main god of Rethra was Svarozhits, thus Radegast is considered to be a epithet of Svarozhits or a local variant of his cult. A white horse was dedicated to him, and he himself was depicted wearing armor and a helmet. It is generally believed that his name is composed of the words rad "glad" and gost "guest". [31] A modern statue of him is standing on the mountain Radhošť, which is also named after him.
Yarovit Circipanians
Hobolians
Yarovit is a Polabian god mentioned in the Life of St. Otto, where a festival dedicated to him is described, for which the city was decorated. From the description and etymology, it is clear that he is a war god, and his temple contained a gold adorned shield. According to many researchers, Yarovit is identical to the East Slavic Yarylo. [32] [33]
Zhiva
Zhiva by Andrey Shishkin (cropped).jpg
Polabians Zhiva is a goddess mentioned by Helmold. According to him, next to Radagast and Prone, she is the most important deity of the Slavs. Probably identical with the Polish deity Żywie mentioned by Jan Długosz. [34] A theonym related to the word živeti "to live".
Prone
or
Prove
Polabians Proue is a distorted name of a god mentioned by Helmold. This theonym is interpreted in several different ways: some scholars translate the name as Prove (from Slavic word pravo "law"), while others translate the name as Prone, a local variant of Perun's name. Helmold makes it clear that Proue, [35] unlike other deities, did not have a statue, but an oak grove near Starogard, where courts were held every monday, was dedicated to him. [36]
Rugiaevit
Rujewit - jesien - wyczerpanie.jpg
Rani Rugievit is a god mentioned by Saxo Grammaticus and in the Knýtlinga saga . He was worshipped in Gardec on Rügen, where his temple was located, as well as Porevit and Porenut. His statue was made of oak wood, had a head with seven faces, seven swords at his belt and an eighth in his hand. According to Saxo, he was a war deity, also associated with the sexual sphere. [37] The interpretation of his name remains a matter of debate.
Porevit Rani Porevit is a god mentioned by Saxo Grammaticus and in the Knýtlinga saga . He was worshipped in Gardec on Rügen, where his temple was located, as well as Rugieavit and Porenut. Statue of him had five heads, and importantly did not have any weapons. The meaning of the name is unclear, perhaps meaning "Lord of strength". [38]
Porenut Rani Porenut is a god mentioned by Saxo Grammaticus and in the Knýtlinga saga . He was worshipped in Gardec on Rügen, where his temple was located, as well as Rugiaevit and Porevit. His idol had four faces and a fifth on his chest, which he held up with his hands. The etymology is debated. [38]
Chernoglav Rani Chernoglav is a god mentioned in the Knýtlinga saga . He is described there as a god of victory with a silver mustache. [39]
Podaga Wagri Podaga is a god who, according to Helmold, had his image in Plön. Meaning of the theonym is explained as "power, might". It was suggested that the name Podaga is identical with Długosz's Pogoda . [34]
Devana
Devana by Andrey Shishkin.jpg
Poles
Lusatians
Devana is the goddess of wildlife, forests, the moon and hunting. Mentioned by Jan Długosz as a Polish equivalent of Diana. Devana, as Dživica, was also present in Lusatian folklore. She appears in Silesian customs together with Morana, which may indicate a double nature of these goddesses. Etymology of the name of the goddess is a subject of discussion. In Christian folklore, she may have been replaced by Our Lady of Thunder Candle.
Morana
Marzanna Matka Polski.jpg
Poles
Czechs
Slovaks
Moravians
Morana is the goddess of vegetation, but also of death and winter. She was mentioned by Jan Długosz as a Polish equivalent of Ceres. Burning or drowning Morana's image in the river is supposed to chase away winter and bring back spring, and this tradition is still alive in modern Poland, Slovakia, Moravia and parts of Bohemia. She appears in Silesian customs together with Devana, which may indicate the dual nature of these goddesses.

East and South Slavic deities

NameImageWorshipped byGreek MythDetails
Stribog
Stribog by Andrey Shishkin.jpg
East Slavs Stribog is the god of the wind. Mentioned in the Primary Chronicle and The Tale of Igor's Campaign . He may also have been worshipped in Poland. His name is interpreted as the " spreading god". [40]
Khors
Xors by Andrey Shishkin.jpg
East Slavs, West Slavs Khors is a deity with unclear functions mentioned in the Primary Chronicle and The Tale of Igor's Campaign , as well as other minor sources. [41] For many years he was interpreted as a sun god, supported by the theory that the name is a loan from one of the Iranian languages and means "Sun". [41] In recent years, this etymology has come under strong criticism, and a native etymological link to fertility is suggested instead. [42] His idol was allegedly located in Pskov.
Mokosh
Makosh-XIX Lob.png
East Slavs
Poles Czechs
Mokosh is a goddess mentioned in the Primary Chronicle and other minor texts. She is generally interpreted as Mother goddess. She appears in folklore as a creature with a large head and hands who shears sheep and spins flax, also associated in some way with masturbation. Etymologically related to the word mokrъ "wet". [43] In Christianity she is continued by St. Paraskeva and St. Anastasia. [44]
Simargl
Simargl-2.jpg
East Slavs Simargl is a deity mentioned in the Primary Chronicle , and mentioned in the Sermon by One Who Loves Christ in two entities: Sim and Rgl. Although the sources do not indicate any functions of this god it is believed that he is associated with the care of plants, as indicated by the god's name, which was borrowed by the Slavs from the Iranian Simurgh, a winged, dog-headed guardian of plants. [45]
Svarog
Svarog by Andrey Shishkin.jpg
South Slavs [46] Hephaestus.Svarog is a god mentioned in the Primary Chronicle in a passage that is a Slavic translation of the Chronicle of John Malalas. This source depicts Svarog as the counterpart of the Greek Hephaestus, and the father of Dazhbog. The function and etymology of the god are unclear: according to some scholars he is related to the Slavic word svar meaning "quarrel", while according to others he is related to the Indian svar meaning "radiance", "sky", "sun". Based on etymology, interpreted as the smith god, or as the god of the sky. [47] [48]
Yarilo
Yarilo by Andrey Shishkin.jpg
East Slavs

South Slavs

Demeter East Slavic ritual and ritual figure attested since the 18th century Interpreted as a deity of vegetation.

Deities listed anonymously

There are two sources that mention a nameless Slavic chief god. Procopius of Caesarea in the Gothic Wars describes the religion of the South Slavs:

Indeed, they believe that a single god, creator of the lightning bolt, is the sole lord of all things and they offer him sacrifices of cows and all manner of victims. The idea of destiny is unknown to them nor do they believe that it has any influence over men, but when death is at their heels because they have fallen sick or are preparing for war, they promise that, if spared, they will immediately offer a sacrifice in honour of the god in exchange for their life and, once they have been spared, they sacrifice whatever they have to hand and believe they have bought their salvation with this sacrifice. [49]

Greek original text
θεὸν μὲν γὰρ ἕνα τὸν τῆς ἀστραπῆς δημιουργὸν ἁπάντων κύριον μόνον αὐτὸν νομίζουσιν εἶναι, καὶ θύουσιν αὐτῷ βόας τε καὶ ἱερεῖα πάντα· εἱμαρμένην δὲ οὔτε ἴσασιν οὔτε ἄλλως ὁμολογοῦσιν ἔν γε ἀνθρώποις ῥοπήν τινα ἔχειν, ἀλλ’ ἐπειδὰν αὐτοῖς ἐν ποσὶν ἤδη ὁ θάνατος εἴη, ἢ νόσῳ ἁλοῦσιν ἢ ἐς πόλεμον καθισταμένοις, ἐπαγγέλλονται μὲν, ἢν διαφύγωσι, θυσίαν τῷ θεῷ ἀντὶ τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτίκα ποιήσειν, διαφυγόντες δὲ θύουσιν ὅπερ ὑπέσχοντο, καὶ οἴονται τὴν σωτηρίαν ταύτης δὴ τῆς θυσίας αὐτοῖς ἐωνῆσθαι. [49]

Similar information, however, concerning the West Slavic Polabians, appears in Helmold's Chronicle :

Within the multifarious aspect of the manifestations of their divinities, to which their fields, forests, sadness, and happiness are entrusted, they do not deny that there is one god in heaven who reigns above the others, that this is the only one responsible for celestial matters, and that the others obey him; each assuming a role, they come from his line and are more powerful the closer they are to said god. [50]

Latin original text
Inter multiformia uero deorum numina, quibus arua, siluas, tristicias atque uoluptates attribuunt, non-diffitentur unum deum in celis ceteris imperitantem, illum prepotentem celestia tantum curare, hos uero distributis officiis obsequentes de sanguine eius processisse et unumquemque eo prestantiorem, quo proximiorem illi deo deorum. [50]

It is unclear how reliably these accounts describe Slavic theology. Some scholars believe that these texts are Christian interpretations of the faith of the pagan Slavs; Helmold, writing about the god of gods, clearly borrowed the term (deus deorum) from the Book of psalms (50:1). In the case of Procopius' text, for example, Aleksander Brückner argued that the text was a calque, an image with a Hellenized tinge imposed on Slavic paganism. Scholars who accept at least partial authenticity of these messages believe that they may convey information about henotheism, the Slavic deus otiosus – a passive god who does not interfere directly in world affairs and whose commands are carried out by other gods. It is also possible that they may refer to the replacement of the passive sky god by a more active thunder god, just as the Greek Uranus was replaced by Zeus. Although Procopius and Helmold do not mention the names of these gods, whose names they probably did not know because of taboos, it is generally believed that Perun, or Svarog, was involved here. [51] [52]

Cosmas of Prague describes Czech paganism in his Chronica Boemorum through the Interpretatio Romana : "Therefore, sacrifice to your gods an ass so that they become your succour. Those who wish you to make this offering are Jupiter, most important of the gods, Mars himself, his sister Bellona and the son-in law of Ceres (i.e. Pluto). [53]

In the Chronicle, Thietmar describes the Christianization of Pomerania. In 1000, during the congress of Gniezno, Reinbern was appointed bishop of Kołobrzeg. Thietmar further wrote that Reinbern "destroyed the temples of the idols, he burnt them, and, after anointing four stone idols of their demons with holy chrism, he threw them into the lake and then blessed the water to cleanse it". [54] Perhaps the passage in this message is about the sea god. [55]

Deities of uncertain status

Pseudo-deities

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chernobog and Belobog</span> Alleged Slavic deities

Chernobog and Belobog are an alleged pair of Polabian deities. Chernobog appears in Helmold's Chronicle as a god of misfortune worshipped by the Wagri and Obodrites, while Belobog is not mentioned – he was reconstructed in opposition to Chernobog. Both gods also appear in later sources, but they are not considered reliable. Researchers do not agree on the status of Chernobog and Belobog: many scholars recognize the authenticity of these theonyms and explain them, for example, as gods of good and evil; on the other hand, many scholars believe that they are pseudo-deities, and Chernobog may have originally meant "bad fate", and later associated with the Christian devil.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stribog</span> Slavic god

Stribog is a god in Slavic mythology found in three East Slavic sources, whose cult may also have existed in Poland. The sources do not inform about the functions of the god, but nowadays he is most often interpreted as a wind deity who distributes wealth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Svarog</span> Slavic blacksmith deity

Svarog is a Slavic god of fire and blacksmithing, who was once interpreted as a sky god on the basis of an etymology rejected by modern scholarship. He is mentioned in only one source, the Primary Chronicle, which is problematic in interpretation. He is presented there as the Slavic equivalent of the Greek god Hephaestus. The meaning of his name is associated with fire. He is the father of Dazhbog and Svarozhits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Svetovit</span> Slavic deity

Svetovit, Sventovit, Svantovit is the god of abundance and war, and the chief god of the Slavic tribe of the Rani, and later of all the Polabian Slavs. His organized cult was located on the island of Rügen, at Cape Arkona, where his main temple was also located. According to the descriptions of medieval chroniclers, the statue representing this god had four heads, a horn and a sword, and to the deity himself were dedicated a white horse, a saddle, a bit, a flag, and eagles. Once a year, after the harvest, a large festival was held in his honor. With the help of a horn and a horse belonging to the god, the priests carried out divinations, and at night the god himself rode a horse to fight his enemies. His name can be translated as "Strong Lord" or "Holy Lord". In the past it was often mistakenly believed that the cult of Svetovit originated from St. Vitus. Among scholars of Slavic mythology, Svetovit is often regarded as a Polabian hypostasis of Pan-Slavic god Perun. His cult was destroyed in 1168.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Triglav (mythology)</span> Deity from Pomeranian myth

Triglav was the chief god of the Pomeranian and probably some of the Polabian Slavs, worshipped in Szczecin, Wolin and probably Brenna. His cult is attested in several biographies of the bishop St. Otto of Bamberg in the years immediately preceding his suppression of it in 1127.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rod (Slavic religion)</span> Slavic deity of family, ancestors and fate, perhaps as the supreme god

In the pre-Christian religion of Eastern and Southern Slavs, Rod is the god of the family, ancestors and fate, perhaps as the supreme god. Among Southern Slavs, he is also known as Sud. He is usually mentioned together with Rozhanitsy deities. One's first haircut (postriziny) was dedicated to him, in a celebration in which he and the rozhanitsy were given a meal and the cut hair. His cult lost its importance through time, and in the ninth or tenth century he was replaced by Perun, Svarog and/or Svetevid, which explains his absence in the pantheon of Vladimir the Great.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khors</span> Slavic god

Khors is a Slavic god of uncertain functions mentioned since the 12th century. Generally interpreted as a sun god, sometimes as a moon god. The meaning of the theonym is also unknown: most often his name has been combined with the Iranian word for sun, such as the Persian xoršid, or the Ossetian xor, but modern linguists strongly criticize such an etymology, and other native etymologies are proposed instead.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Porenut</span>

Porenut is a god with unknown functions mentioned in only two sources: Gesta Danorum and in Knýtlinga saga. The only historical information about this god is the description of a statue depicting him with four faces on his head and a fifth face on his chest, which was held by his chin with his right hand and his forehead with his left hand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radegast (god)</span> Slavic god

Radegast or Radogost is, according to medieval chroniclers, the god of the Polabian Slavs, whose temple was located in Rethra. In modern scientific literature, however, the dominant view is that Radegast is a local nickname or a local alternative name of the solar god Svarozhits, who, according to earlier sources, was the chief god of Rethra. Some researchers also believe that the name of the town, where Svarozhits was the main deity, was mistakenly taken for a theonym. A popular local legend in the Czech Republic is related to Radegast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yarovit</span>

Yarovit, Iarovit is a Polabian god of war, worshipped in Vologošč (Circipanians) and Hobolin. Sources give only a brief description of his cult, his main temple was located in Vologošč, where there was a golden shield belonging to Yarovit. By one Christian monk he was identified with the Roman Mars.

Rozhanitsy, narecnitsy, and sudzhenitsy are invisible spirits or deities of fate in the pre-Christian religion of the Slavs. They are related to pregnancy, motherhood, marriage and female ancestors, and are often referenced together with Rod. They are usually mentioned as three together, but sometimes up to 9 together, of whom one was a "queen" or singular. They are related to Dola, but it is not known on what terms. In Poland they were worshipped as zorze (auroras).

Jesza or Jasza is an alleged Polish god. He was first mentioned around 1405-1412 in the sermons of Lucas of Wielki Koźmin, which warned against the worship of Jesza and other gods during spring rituals and folk performances. His popularity is partly owed Jan Długosz's comparison of him to the Roman god Jupiter. However, the opinions of the 20th century and later researchers are divided with respect to the authenticity of the deity.

Chernoglav or Chernoglov is the god of victory and war worshipped in Rügen, probably in the town of Jasmund, mentioned together with Svetovit, Rugievit, Turupid, Puruvit and Pizamar in the Knýtlinga saga.

The fifth god was called Pizamar from a place called Jasmund, and was destroyed by fire, There was also Tjarnaglófi, their god of victory who went with them on military campaigns. He had a moustache of silver and resisted longer than the others but they managed to get him there years later. Altogether, they christened five thousand on this expedition.

Pereplut is a Slavic deity or a demon with an unclear function. It appears in the list of gods and demons of the 12th-century Ruthenian interpolation of the Word of St. Grigory, as well as in the Word of St. John. According to the source account, pagan Slavs worshiped :

Vila, Mokosh, Dziwa, Perun, Khors, Rod and Rozhanitsy, ghosts and banks, and Pereplut, and turning to drink to him in the corners

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Svarozhits</span> Slavic god of fire

Svarozhits, Svarozhich is a Slavic god of fire, son of Svarog. One of the few Pan-Slavic gods. He is most likely identical with Radegast, less often identified with Dazhbog.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rugiaevit</span> God of the Slavic Rani

Rugiaevit, Rugievit or Ruyevit is a god of the Slavic Rani worshipped on Rügen, mentioned in only two sources: Gesta Danorum and in Knýtlinga saga. His temple, along with those of Porevit and Porenut, was located in the gord of Charenza, probably today's Garz. The statue of him had seven faces, seven swords at his belt and an eighth one in his hand. Under his lips was a nest of swallows. Mostly associated with the sphere of war, but also sexual.

Porevit, Porovit or Borovit is a Slavic god with unknown functions mentioned in only two sources: Gesta Danorum and in Knýtlinga saga. The only historical information about this god is a description of a statue depicting him that had five faces and no weapons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zhrets</span> Priest in Slavic religion

A zhrets is a priest in the Slavic religion whose name is reconstructed to mean "one who makes sacrifices". The name appears mainly in the East and South Slavic vocabulary, while in the West Slavs it is attested only in Polish. Most information about the Slavic priesthood comes from Latin texts about the paganism of the Polabian Slavs. The descriptions show that they were engaged in offering sacrifices to the gods, divination and determining the dates of festivals. They possessed cosmological knowledge and were a major source of resistance against Christianity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hennil</span>

Hennil or Bendil is an alleged agrarian Slavic god worshipped by the Polabian Slavs. He was mentioned by Bishop Thietmar in his Chronicle as a god who was represented by a staff crowned by a hand holding a ring, which is interpreted as a symbol of fertility. However, there is no general consensus on the authenticity of the deity.

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Bibliography

Further reading