In the realms of Slavic mythology, Veles stood as a figure of intrigue and wonder. He was not just a deity; he was a master of many realms, a guardian of secrets, and a provider of abundance.
Revered as the god of the underworld, cattle, magic, and wealth, Veles commanded respect and devotion. His influence reached across the land, touching the lives of travelers, traders, farmers, and magicians.
As a god of fertility and agriculture, he taught people the secrets of farming and blessed them with bountiful harvests.
Veles was not just a protector of cattle and wealth. He was a mediator in trade, a teacher of laws, and a guide for travelers. His wisdom and magic made him a revered figure, whose influence was felt in every aspect of life.
Through his connection to the earth and the stars, Veles reminded his followers of the mysteries that lay beyond the physical realm, inviting them to explore the depths of mythology and the magic that wove their world together.
Veles was the son of Rod, the primordial god of creation and chaos, who brought light and life to the world. His lineage linked him to the very essence of the universe, making him a powerful and revered god.
Veles’s family was a constellation of divine beings. He had several notable siblings, each ruling over different aspects of the natural and spiritual worlds. His brothers included Svarog, the god of the sky and fire, and Khors, the sun god. These divine relations enriched Veles’s role in the pantheon, connecting him to the cycles of nature and the heavens.
Veles married Azovushka, the spirit of the Azov Sea. She was the daughter of Svarog and the mother of Sva, the goddess of autumn and harvest. Their union symbolized the merging of land and water, life and fertility. Together, they lived on the mythical island of Buyan, a place of enchantment and mystery.
Veles was also said to be linked to Mokosh, the earth goddess of fertility and weaving. This association highlighted his connection to the earth and its bountiful gifts. Whether through his consorts or his dominion, Veles embodied the forces of nature, magic, and life itself.
His progeny included powerful and revered figures. Yarilo, sometimes depicted as a golden-horned deer, was his son and a guardian of family well-being. This divine lineage extended to other spirits and deities, with Veles having dominion over forest, water, and household spirits. His influence permeated every aspect of life, from the natural world to the mystical realms beyond.
Veles appeared in many captivating forms. His image often featured bull horns, symbolizing his strong connection to cattle and abundance. Dressed in simple clothing, Veles held a chalice of milk or a massive bull’s horn, signifying nourishment and the wealth of the earth. This horn, often called the horn of plenty, represented prosperity and the bounty of the harvest.
Legends also described Veles in more mystical and fearsome forms. Some tales portrayed him with scales and fur, moving with membranous wings, capable of breathing fire. This form, blending natural and supernatural elements, emphasized his dominion over the wild and his mastery of transformation and magic.
Worshipers often created images of Veles with the same horns, sometimes holding a human skull, highlighting his role as a protector and a judge of the dead. These icons adorned shrines and sacred places, reinforcing his powerful presence in the physical and spiritual realms.
Symbology
Veles’s symbols were deeply rooted in his diverse roles as a protector, provider, and magical guardian. His horns and the chalice of milk were primary symbols, representing his protection over livestock and his role in sustaining life. Worshipers also revered the bear, seeing it as a symbol of abundance and protection, closely associated with Veles.
The bear’s paw, used as a charm in stables, symbolized protection and prosperity. During rituals, people wore goat horns and animal masks, celebrating Veles’s connection to the wild and invoking his protective powers over their herds and homes.
Harvest rituals also held deep significance. People left the last sheaf of the harvest, known as “Veles’s beard,” in the fields as an offering, symbolizing fertility and hope for future abundance. Offerings of copper symbolized wealth, aligning with Veles’s dominion over material and spiritual prosperity.
Sacred Animals and Weapons
Veles’s sacred animals included cattle, particularly cows and bulls, which symbolized his protective and nurturing aspects. Bears, revered as masters of the forest and symbols of abundance, were also sacred to Veles. People also assigned a wolf as a sacred animal of the god.
Though not a warrior deity, Veles was invoked during oaths and rituals involving weapons. Prince Svyatoslav’s oath with a saber, invoking both Perun and Veles, highlighted the god’s respected and feared status. Rituals involving an axe to protect livestock showcased the blend of practical and mystical practices associated with his worship.
Veles’s iconography and symbology reveal a deity deeply intertwined with the natural and supernatural worlds. His images and symbols invite us to explore the mysteries of life, abundance, and the eternal cycles of nature.
Realms
Veles held dominion over both the physical and mystical worlds. Known as the god of the underworld, he ruled over death and the afterlife. Legends called him the “lord of the world of the dead” and the “judge of the dead.”
As the master of Navi, the Slavic underworld, Veles guided souls through the afterlife, ensuring the balance between life and death. His role as a keeper of the ancestors’ silent bones connected him deeply to the past and the spirits of those who had gone before.
Veles’s realm extended beyond the underworld. He was also the shepherd of heavenly flocks, an eternal rival to Perun, the thunder god. Together, they balanced the forces of life and death, the heavens and the earth.
As the “master of the unknown,” Veles held sway over the mysteries that lay beyond mortal understanding. His connection to the wild and untamed nature made him a guardian of travelers, guiding them through both physical and spiritual journeys.
Planets and Constellations
Veles’s influence reached into the stars, connecting him to the very fabric of the cosmos. Ancient beliefs depicted the Milky Way as the milk of a celestial cow, symbolizing the universe’s origin. Veles, as some say, the son of this cosmic cow, was intrinsically linked to creation itself. This celestial connection underscored his role as a deity of fertility and abundance.
The constellation of Ursa Major, or the Great Bear, was known as the “abode of Veles.” This starry formation, prominent in the night sky, signified his cosmic presence and protection. The constellation Taurus, referred to as “Veles’s starry field,” highlighted his connection to the heavens and the cycles of nature.
People called the Pleiades, a cluster of stars, “Veles’s wives,” symbolizing his deep ties to the stars and the mythological narratives connecting the divine to the cosmic. These celestial associations emphasized Veles’s role as a deity who bridged the earthly and the heavenly, the known and the unknown.
Through his realms and celestial connections, Veles invited his followers to explore the mysteries of the universe and the eternal cycles of life and death. His presence in both the underworld and the cosmos reminded the Slavic people of the interconnectedness of all things, seen and unseen. Veles, the master of realms and stars, stood as a guardian of the mystical and a guide through the boundless expanses of existence.
Mythology
As the god of the underworld, he governed the realms of death and the afterlife. Known as the “lord of the world of the dead,” Veles acted as the judge of the dead, guiding souls through their final journey. His dominion over the underworld, known as Navi, made him the master of the unknown, a keeper of secrets beyond mortal understanding.
Veles was also revered as the protector of cattle and livestock. With bull horns on his head and a chalice of milk in his hand, he symbolized abundance and nourishment. This deity’s connection to agriculture and fertility was vital to the Slavic people, who relied on his blessings for bountiful harvests and healthy herds. His presence ensured the cycles of nature, with day following night and seasons changing in harmony.
In the heavens, Veles’s influence stretched to the stars. People saw the Milky Way as the milk of the celestial cow, symbolizing the universe’s origin, with Veles as its divine offspring. They knew the constellation Ursa Major, or the Great Bear, as his abode, highlighting his cosmic significance. The constellation Taurus, referred to as “Veles’s starry field,” and the Pleiades, known as “Veles’s wives,” further cemented his place in the celestial narrative.
Themes
Beasts and Bravery of Heroes:
Veles’s cult was deeply intertwined with the veneration of the bear, a symbol of strength and protection. Hunters and warriors sought his favor, drawing courage and might from his example. The bear, as the master of the forest and taiga, embodied the wild, untamed spirit that Veles himself represented.
Creation and Birth of Humanity:
Veles played a crucial role in setting the world into motion, as created by Rod and Svarog. He brought life and movement to the cosmos, teaching humanity the importance of overcoming challenges and valuing joy. Through his actions, day followed night, and the seasons cycled, imparting the lessons of resilience and appreciation.
Genesis of the Realms – Unveiling the Mystical Origins of the Worlds:
The ancient belief that the universe emerged from the celestial cow, with the Milky Way as its milk, highlighted Veles’s role in cosmic creation. This connection to the stars and the origins of the world underscored his significance in the grand narrative of existence.
Tricksters and Marvelous Mischief:
Known also as a trickster, Veles’s ability to shapeshift and wield magic added an element of unpredictability to his character. This aspect of his nature made him a cunning and versatile deity, capable of both great benevolence and mischief.
Temples and Worship Places
In ancient Slavic lands, the worship of Veles was deeply rooted in both nature and the heart of bustling cities.
In Kiev, grand temples and smaller shrines known as “kapišča” stood in honor of Veles. His presence was felt in many cities, with each community offering a unique space for his veneration.
In Novgorod, Veles’s legacy lived on through Velesova Street, named after the location where his temple once stood. Similarly, in Rostov, a church dedicated to St. Blaise now occupied the sacred ground that had once been Veles’s domain.
Veles’s worship extended beyond the cityscape into the wild, untamed forests and hidden groves. These natural sanctuaries, often found in deep ravines or secluded groves, became sacred sites for sacrifices and rituals. Pine forests, dense and lush, with their moss-covered floors, provided the perfect backdrop for his worship. Here, amidst the ancient trees and at crossroads, devotees placed offerings and built idols to honor him. The forests whispered his name, and every rustle of the leaves seemed to carry his blessing.
Rituals and Offerings
The rituals dedicated to Veles were rich in symbolism and tradition. Sacrifices of bulls and cows were common, reflecting his role as the protector of livestock. During the festivals of Yuletide (зимние святки) and Maslenitsa, people dressed in fur garments turned inside out and wore horned masks, transforming into the very animals Veles guarded. These festive garbs symbolized a deep connection to cattle and their importance in daily life.
Magical rites were performed to shield livestock from harm. One such ritual involved crossing an axe over the animals, invoking Veles’s protection.
Symbolic baking also played a role, with figures of cows made from dough to ensure fertility and prosperity for the herds.
On the night dedicated to Veles, livestock received abundant feed, and sheep were given the first pancake. Celebrations included dances, songs, and expressions of love, all tied to themes of fertility and the renewal of life. At the end of the harvest, a bundle of unharvested grain, known as “Veles’s beard,” was left in the fields, adorned by the eldest woman in the family. This act of gratitude hoped to secure his blessings for the next season.
Divinations
Divination practices associated with Veles were shrouded in mysticism. Priests interpreted the smoke from sacred fires, believing that the future could be read in its patterns. If the fire’s message was unfavorable, and the flames extinguished, the consequences for the priest were dire.
Veles was not only a patron of practical life but also a revered sage and teacher of the Law. He guided merchants, herders, farmers, hunters, and magicians. At crossroads, which he governed, people sought his wisdom and blessings for safe journeys and successful ventures. As the god of wisdom and luck, he had the power to take any form, further adding to his mystique and revered status.
Festivals, Days, and Seasons
The worship of Veles followed the rhythm of the seasons and agricultural cycles.
Winter festivals, such as Yuletide and Maslenitsa, saw participants donning fur and horned masks, celebrating from December 22-24 and again from December 31 to January 6. These dates marked a time of transformation and renewal.
Spring and summer brought their own celebrations. On May 22, during the festivities of St. Nicholas Spring, communities honored Veles with rituals for fertility and growth. The harvest season in July and August was a particularly sacred time. People dedicated the first sheaf of grain to him, and they left a bundle of uncut stalks, known as “Veles’s beard,” in the fields as a sign of gratitude and hope for continued prosperity.
Wednesday was considered Veles’s day, a time when his presence was particularly strong. Symbols associated with him included opal or obsidian stones, lead or mercury metals, and woods like pine and yew. These elements were used to create charms, staffs, and idols, linking the physical world to the divine blessings of Veles.
The legacy of Veles, the Slavic deity of the underworld, magic, and cattle, echoed through the ages. Even as Christianity spread across the Slavic lands, the essence of Veles remained. People could not easily forget the god who protected their herds and brought prosperity. His name lived on in the guise of St. Blaise, the patron saint of livestock, showing how deeply he was woven into the fabric of daily life.
Even today, remnants of his worship remain. In quiet groves and ancient crossroads, echoes of his name can still be heard. The bear’s paw, hung in stables for protection, and the symbolic “Veles’s beard” left in fields, are lasting testaments to his enduring presence. Veles’s legacy is a testament to the power of myth to transcend time, blending the past with the present in a seamless dance of belief and tradition.
Veles was a god of immense power and significance in Slavic mythology. He ruled over the underworld and guided the dead. He protected livestock, ensuring the prosperity of those who honored him. His wisdom and magic made him a revered figure, sought after for guidance in both practical and mystical matters.
Despite the rise of Christianity, Veles’s legacy endured. He transformed into St. Blaise (St. Vlasius), continuing to protect livestock under a new name. His stories and symbols survived, reminding us of a time when gods walked the earth and magic flowed through every corner of the world.
Visit The Deity Summary Page
VELES: God of Underworld, Cattle, Magic, Abundance
References
- A. N. Nikolayeva, Slavic Myths (Russian) Славянские мифы Мифы мира. Самые сказочные истории человечества (Bombora Izdatelstvo, 2023) Pages 54-56, 89
- Alexandra Barkova, What gods were worshiped before christinization? (Russian) В КАКИХ БОГОВ ВЕРИЛИ ДО КРЕЩЕНИЯ РУСИ? («Культура.РФ», 2013)
- Editors of Drevnerusskiy Slovar, Велес (Drevenrusskiy Slovar (Russian) “Древнерусский словарик”, 2010-2024)
- Editors of Spadok.Org.UA, Pantheon of Slavic Gods (Ukraine) Пантеон язичницьких богів слов’ян (Spadok (Ukrainian), August 17, 2020)
- G. Glinka, V. Zhukovskiy, A. Gilferding, Slavyanskaya Mifologia (Beliy Gorod, 2020) ВОЛОС, Pages 43-44
- Galina Lozko, Слов’янський пантеон у світлі етнорелігійного ренесансу (“Об`єднання рідновірів України”, 1995-2024)
- Igor Ozhiganov, Slavic Gods and Goddesses (Russian) Славянские Боги и Богини (Naslediye Sluchkogo Kraya (Russian) “Наследие слуцкого края”, October 31, 2019)
- J.A. Coleman, The Dictionary of Mythology: An A-Z of Themes, Legends, and Heroes (Barnes & Noble, Inc., 2007)
- Jan Hanuš Máchal, George Foot Moore, Louis Herbert Gray, Slavic Mythology: Folklore & Legends of the Slavs (e-artnow, Originally published 1922, Date Published 2020) 109-111
- Mayevska Svitlana Vasilivna, Pantheon of Slavic Gods (Ukrainian) Презентація ПАНТЕОН СЛОВ’ЯНСЬКИХ БОГІВ – ТО НАШЕ НЕБО. (Na Urok (Ukrainian) «НА УРОК», April 01)
- Yaromir Slushni, All Slavic Myths and Legends (Russian) Все славянские мифы и легенды (ACT, Moscow, 2021) Page 5
