Summary page for Dogoda, the Slavic god of the west wind and gentle warm breeze.
Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Gentle Warm Breeze, West Wind, Spring
Archetype:
Protector of nature, nurturing through gentle winds. Peaceful guardian offering tranquility and comfort.
Group:
Part of the Slavic wind deities, embodying the gentle and calm west wind.
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Baltic Slavs: Podaga
Polish: Pogoda
Russian: Dogoda (Догода), Pogoda (Погода)
Slav: Dogoda, Podoga
Other Pantheons:
Paralleled with the Greek god Zephyrus, a god of the west wind.
Revered as the Slavic god of the west wind.
Brought pleasant weather and gentle spring breezes.
Associated with calm, favorable weather for seasonal transitions.
Loved for his peaceful and nurturing nature.
This contrasted with Pozvizd, who ruled by fierce winds and storms.
Consorts:
Zimsterla: goddess of Spring, Flowers, Dawn
Children:
None Known
Appearance: Portrayed as a youthful, handsome figure with blonde hair. Wore a cornflower wreath, symbolizing spring and nature. Dressed in a silver-blue, shimmering robe, echoing the sky and calm weather.
Wings: Shown with butterfly-like wings, blue with golden edges. His light, transparent wings were similar to doves, symbolizing gentleness.
Expressions and Movement: Depicted, smiling, and flying slowly over the land. He blessed the earth with a gentle gaze during his flight.
Symbolic Objects: Held a branch of a blooming rosebush, linking him to springtime.
Temples and Worship: Statues were placed on the western side of the Svetovid temple. He was celebrated with songs and dances, emphasizing his joyous nature.
Weapons:
None known; he was depicted as a peaceful, non-combative god.
Sacred Animals:
Doves: They were symbolically tied to Dogoda, representing peace and tranquility.
Butterflies: Depicted with butterfly wings, symbolizing beauty, calmness, and connection to nature.
Symbolism:
Wore a cornflower wreath, symbolizing spring and renewal.
Displayed blue butterfly wings with golden edges, signifying gentle winds and beauty.
Had dove-like wings, reinforcing his peaceful, harmonious nature.
Waved a branch of a blooming rosebush, symbolizing eternal spring and nurturing qualities.
Wore silver-blue robes, representing the sky and calm weather.
Associated with the horn of plenty (cornucopia), symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
Celestial Associations:
There were no associations with celestial bodies like stars, planets, or moons.
Realms:
Linked to the realm of the west wind, symbolizing calm, pleasant weather.
Associated with springtime, representing renewal and seasonal transitions.
Worship Places:
Had temples dedicated to him, showing his importance in Slavic worship.
His statue stood on the west side of the Svetovid temple, symbolizing the west wind.
Worship centers celebrated spring and pleasant weather.
Rituals & Divinations:
Honored with songs and dances, emphasizing joy and peace.
Rituals avoided material sacrifices and focused on cheerful celebrations.
The celebrations included a game called “Dogoda,” played during autumn gatherings.
The game involved guessing a singer, symbolizing Dogoda’s playful nature.
Festivals:
Autumn gatherings included the game “Dogoda,” a playful event involving songs and guessing.
Associated with springtime celebrations due to his role in bringing pleasant weather.
Likely honored during seasonal transitions from winter to spring.
Mythology Themes:
Represented themes of contrasting winds and weather, embodying calm versus stormy forces.
Symbolized springtime and renewal, bringing favorable weather after harsh winters.
Associated with love and devotion, shown in his affection for Zimsterla, the goddess of spring.
Mythology Stories With Mentions of Dogoda:
He was known as the peaceful counterpart to his stormy brother, Pozvizd.
Mentioned in stories highlighting his love for Zimsterla, symbolizing spring’s arrival.
Referenced in the autumn game “Dogoda,” showcasing his playful and gentle nature.
Visit All Slavic Gods & Goddesses
- J.A. Coleman, The Dictionary of Mythology: An A-Z of Themes, Legends, and Heroes (Barnes & Noble, Inc., 2007)
- G. Glinka, V. Zhukovskiy, A. Gilferding, Slavyanskaya Mifologia (Beliy Gorod, 2020) ДОГОДА, Page 51
- A. Kononenko, L.P. Virovetz, Encyclopedia of Slavic Culture, Writings and Mythology (Russian Version) Энциклопедия славянской культуры, письменности и мифологии (Folio, Kharkiv, 2013) “Погода” Pages 255 -256
- Editors of Drevnerusskiy Slovar, Погода — Догода (Drevenrusskiy Slovar (Russian) Древнерусский словарик, 2010-2024)