Summary page for Kresnik, the Slavic god of agriculture and cattle.
Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Agriculture, Cattle
Archetype:
The Protector: Some accounts depicted Kresnik as a god who guarded families from the evil Vlkodlak (Wereworlf).
Hero Deity: Was known as a culture hero, a brave monster slayer.
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Slav: Karsnik, Kresnik, Krsnik
Culture-Hero: Slovene mythology celebrated Kresnik as a culture-hero.
God of Agriculture and Cattle: People associated Kresnik with farming and livestock.
Monster Slayer: Kresnik earned fame for his bravery in slaying many monsters.
King of the Slovenes: Svarog appointed him as the king of the Slovenes.
Guardian Spirit: He was revered as a protector who guarded families from Vlkodlak.
Parents:
Svarog : god of Sky, Fire, Blacksmiths
Siblings:
Dazhbog: god of Sun, Light, Fertility, Abundance
Lada: goddess of Marriage, Love, Fertility, Beauty, Spring, Harmony
Mokosh: goddess of Fate, Weaving, Fertility, Harvests, Earth
Perun: god of Thunder, Lightning, Rain, Warriors
Semargl: god of Vegetation, Agriculture, Fire, Moon, Hearth
Stribog: god of Wind, Air, Storms
Svarozhich: god of Fire, Sun
Svetovid: god of War, Agriculture, Sun and Heavenly Fire, Wisdom
Ziva: goddess of Life, Fertility
Consorts:
None Known
Children:
None Known
Agriculture: Kresnik was closely associated with the land and farming.
Cattle: He represented the protection and care of cattle.
Slayer of Monsters: He was shown defeating monsters, symbolizing his bravery.
King of the Slovenes: Art may depict him as a ruler, crowned by Svarog.
Guardian Spirit: In some portrayals, he appeared as a protector of families from evil spirits like Vlkodlak (werewolf).
Weapons:
None Known: Kresnik was known for slaying many monsters, highlighting his bravery and heroism. However, no information was found on the weapons he used.
Sacred Animals:
Agriculture and Cattle: Kresnik was linked to farming and livestock, reflecting his role as a god of these domains.
Symbolism:
Cattle: He represented the protection and care of cattle.
Celestial Associations:
None Known
Realms:
Spirit Realm: In some accounts, Kresnik acted as a good spirit, protecting families from the Vulkodlak (werewolf).
Worship Places:
Homes: Slavic people worshiped this deity in the confines of their homes. Mainly looking for protection from the evil spirits and werewolves.
Rituals & Divinations:
Invocation for Protection: People invoked Kresnik’s name for protection within their homes, particularly against evil spirits and creatures such as werewolves and vampires.
He defeated many monsters, showcasing his heroism. Thus, Svarog granted him kingship over the Slovenes.
Kresnik’s rule was succeeded by Kralj Matjaz.
Visit All Slavic Gods & Goddesses
- 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) Page 23