Summary page for Bagan, the Slavic god of large cattle.
Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Large Cattle
Archetype:
Protector deity: Guardian of fertility and prosperity.
Animal deity: Was responsible for well being of domestic large cattle.
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Belarusian: Bugan (Буган)
Polish: Walgino
Russian: Bagan (Баган)
Slav: Bagan
Protected cattle, goats, and sheep in ancient Slavic culture.
Ensured livestock fertility, health, and safety from predators.
Multiplied herds and prevented diseases when honored.
Symbolized wealth and prosperity through livestock health.
Played a crucial role in the survival of agrarian communities.
Punished neglect by causing infertility or killing newborn animals.
Parents:
None Known
Siblings:
None Known
Consorts:
None Known
Children:
None Known
Depicted with horned features, often resembling a ram or other horned animals.
Believed to have a horned or ram-like appearance, symbolizing his role.
Associated with domestic animals, especially cows, goats, and sheep.
Portrayed as a protective spirit of livestock in stables.
Some icons showed Bagan as a horned domestic animal, reinforcing his guardian role.
Visualized as a household spirit responsible for protecting cattle.
Weapons:
None Known
Sacred Animals:
Cows, goats, and sheep were sacred to Bagan.
He protected and ensured the fertility of horned livestock.
These animals symbolized Bagan’s influence over wealth and prosperity.
Symbolism:
Cattle symbolized wealth and family prosperity.
The hearth fire represented family well-being and abundance.
The word “bogach” (wealth) was linked to Bagan.
Horned animals, particularly cows, goats, and sheep, symbolized his guardianship.
Celestial Associations:
No celestial bodies, such as stars or planets, were linked to Bagan.
Realms:
Bagan resided in stables, barns, and cattle sheds.
Believed to protect livestock within these structures.
Special cribs filled with hay were prepared for him in animal shelters.
His realm was closely tied to the earthly, agricultural world.
Worship Places:
Worship occurred in stables, barns, and cattle sheds.
Special cribs filled with hay were prepared in these locations to honor the god.
These animal shelters were considered sacred spaces for invoking his protection.
Rituals & Divinations:
Rituals focused on livestock care, especially after the birth of animals.
Hay from the specially prepared crib was fed to nursing cows for healing.
This hay was believed to have protective and medicinal properties.
Bagan appears in Belarusian folk tales, often compared to Veles (Volos).
He is portrayed as a guardian spirit of livestock.
Stories highlight his role in agricultural prosperity rather than epic narratives.
Visit All Slavic Gods & Goddesses
- J.A. Coleman, The Dictionary of Mythology: An A-Z of Themes, Legends, and Heroes (Barnes & Noble, Inc., 2007)
- A. Kononenko, L.P. Virovetz, Encyclopedia of Slavic Culture, Writings and Mythology (Russian Version) Энциклопедия славянской культуры, письменности и мифологии (Folio, Kharkiv, 2013) Баган, Page 203
- Editors of Drevnerusskiy Slovar, Баган (Drevenrusskiy Slovar (Russian) Древнерусский словарик, 2010)