Summary page for Dzewana, the Slavic moon goddess of the hunt.
Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Forests, Hunting
Archetype:
Protector: She embodied the role of a fierce guardian for hunters.
Moon goddess: She was associated with the moon, which linked her to mystery and nocturnal power.
Animal deity: She was revered as the divine guide of forest creatures, both protector and teacher.
Group:
Part of the forest and hunt deities of the Slavs.
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Czech: Devana
Polish: Dzewana, Dziewona
Russian: Devana (Девана), Zevana (Зевана)
Serbian: Dilwica
Slav: Dzewana
Ukrainian: Devana (Девана)
Other Pantheons:
Equivalent to Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and moon.
Paralleled Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, moon, and wild animals.
Dzewana was known as the goddess of hunting and animal trapping.
She protected hunters and was the patroness of the forest.
Ancient Slavs revered her for ensuring hunting success and survival.
Hunters offered part of their catch in worship rituals.
She held the role of a moon goddess linked to nighttime hunts.
The goddess taught forest animals survival skills for harsh winters.
Temples dedicated to her were built in forested areas, signifying her importance.
Consorts:
Siliniets: god of Forests, Wild Animals
Children:
None Known
Artists often showed her as a beautiful woman, emphasizing her elegance and strength.
She wore a luxurious coat made of marten fur, often trimmed with squirrel skins, which showcased her connection to nature.
She also wore a bear’s skin draped over her, with the bear’s head as a cap.
Ancient Slavs also depicted her holding a bow with a blunt arrow or a trap.
Hunting tools like skis, spears, and knives surrounded her in artistic portrayals.
Slain animals and a loyal dog lay at her feet, symbolizing her hunting prowess.
Temples and idols of Dzewana were placed deep in forests, reinforcing her protective role.
Weapons:
Dzewana held a bow with a blunt arrow, symbolizing precise hunting skills.
She used a trap, emphasizing her role as a goddess of animal trapping.
A spear (rohatina) for hunting large animals lay at her side.
A knife and skis accompanied her, symbolizing readiness for the hunt.
Sacred Animals:
Dogs were sacred to Dzewana and symbolized her hunting role.
Hunting dogs were kept in her temples, highlighting their importance to her worship.
A dog often appeared at her feet in artistic depictions, representing loyalty.
Symbolism:
Dzewana wore animal furs, including a bear skin, symbolizing her power over nature.
Her bow, arrows, and traps were key symbols of her dominion over hunting.
Hunting tools and slain animals surrounding her represented her hunting prowess.
Dogs were sacred symbols of companionship and hunting success in her iconography.
Celestial Associations:
Dzewana was associated with the moon, reflecting her mystical nature.
The moon symbolized her connection to nocturnal hunts and night protection.
Realms:
Dzewana’s primary realm was the forest, where she ruled as protector.
She safeguarded the wilderness, embodying its spirit and the life within it.
Worship Places:
Temples dedicated to the goddess were built deep within forests.
Forest shrines, or kapischa, were central to her worship by hunters.
Sacred sites in wooded areas emphasized her role as protector of the wilderness.
Hunters visited these forest sanctuaries to connect with her divine presence.
Rituals & Divinations:
Worshippers sought her favor for successful hunts and protection.
Hunters offered part of their game to honor the goddess.
Rituals involved bringing catches to forest shrines for her blessings.
Mythology Themes Related To Dzewana:
Themes of nature, protection, and forest life were central to her mythology.
She embodied themes of hunting and survival in forested areas.
Her role included guiding animals to avoid danger and survive winters.
She was revered as a protective goddess essential for hunters’ success.
Visit All Slavic Gods & Goddesses
- J.A. Coleman, The Dictionary of Mythology: An A-Z of Themes, Legends, and Heroes (Barnes & Noble, Inc., 2007)
- Yaromir Slushni, All Slavic Myths and Legends (Russian) Все славянские мифы и легенды (ACT, Moscow, 2021) Page 6
- G. Glinka, V. Zhukovskiy, A. Gilferding, Slavyanskaya Mifologia (Beliy Gorod, 2020) ЗЕВАНА, Pages 45-46
- A. Kononenko, L.P. Virovetz, Encyclopedia of Slavic Culture, Writings and Mythology (Russian Version) Энциклопедия славянской культуры, письменности и мифологии (Folio, Kharkiv, 2013) Дзеванна, Pages 216-217
- Mayevska Svitlana Vasilivna, Pantheon of Slavic Gods (Ukrainian) Презентація ПАНТЕОН СЛОВ’ЯНСЬКИХ БОГІВ – ТО НАШЕ НЕБО. (Na Urok (Ukrainian) «НА УРОК», April 01)
- Editors of Drevnerusskiy Slovar, Зевана (Drevenrusskiy Slovar (Russian) Древнерусский словарик, 2010-2024)