Summary page for Provie, the Slavic god of justice, prophecy, and fate.
Pantheon:
Deity Of:
Justice, Prophecy, Fate
Archetype:
Justice deity: Represented fairness, law, and cosmic order.
Sage: Known for prophecy and wisdom in predicting the future.
Other Names (a.k.a.):
Polish: Prozerpinye
Russian: Prono (Проно), Provie (Прове), Sud (Суд)
Slav: Prov, Prove, Provie
Ukrainian: Sud (Суд)
Provie was the god of justice and divine law.
He governed fate and predestination among the Slavs.
He also resolved disputes based on divine rules.
Slavs generally worshiped him in sacred oak groves and forests during weekly festivals.
Western Slavs believed he determined the future and maintained cosmic order.
The Wendish and Pomeranian Slavs revered him, second only to Sventovit.
Baltic Slavs honored him with rituals on the second day of the week.
Parents:
Perun: god of Thunder, Lightning, Rain, Warriors
In some traditions, he was considered the son of Rod, the creator god.
Siblings:
If his father is Perun, then the following would be his siblings:
Dzewana: goddess of Forests, Hunting
Magura: goddess of Battles, Warriors
Perunich: god of Thunder, Lighting
Children:
Krivda: goddess of Deceit, Falsehood
Pravda: goddess of Truth
Provie’s idol stood on a pillar, holding a broken plow stone, symbolizing innocence.
He held a spear with a small flag in his other hand.
His head was adorned with a wreath, and large ears protruded, symbolizing attentiveness.
He wore boots with small bells, reflecting a ceremonial aspect.
His idol was often placed on tall oak trees, sacred to him.
Around these oaks were altars for sacrifices and multi-faced idols representing different aspects of the divine.
In Altenburg, his idol and the sacred forest dedicated to him were destroyed after Christianity spread.
Weapons:
Provie held a spear with a small flag, symbolizing authority and justice.
He carried a broken plow stone, representing innocence rather than a weapon.
Sacred Animals:
None Known
Symbolism:
The broken plow stone symbolized innocence and was a key emblem of justice.
Provie was strongly connected to sacred oak trees and forests, representing strength and endurance.
Golden chains around his neck and oak trees symbolized the unbreakability of oaths and the permanence of laws.
Celestial Associations:
None Known
Realms:
Provie was the ruler of Prav, a magical realm of divine balance and order.
Prav represented cosmic justice and equilibrium, aligning with Provie’s role as a god of justice.
He served as the guardian of the mortal world, ensuring balance and harmony.
Worship Places:
Sacred Oaks and Groves: Provie’s worship was closely linked to sacred oak trees and forest groves.
Wendish and Pomeranian regions: Provie was worshiped by the coastal Slavs, with idols placed on tall oak trees.
Altenburg (ancient Germany): A major worship site with a sacred forest, later destroyed after Christianity spread.
Rituals & Divinations:
Ritual Celebrations: Priests performed ritual celebrations, including feasting and sacrifices, to honor Provie.
Sacrificial Rituals: Prisoners were sacrificed, and priests consumed their blood for prophetic power.
Divination through Possession: Priests believed Provie entered their bodies, speaking through them to offer prophecies.
Festivals:
Weekly Festivals: He was worshiped during festivals held on the second day of the week.
Sacred Locations: These celebrations occurred in sacred oak groves and forests, reflecting his connection to nature.
Mythology Themes Related to Provie
Predestination and Fate: Provie governed the world’s destiny and determined future events.
Cosmic Order: He maintained balance and divine will in the universe.
Visit All Slavic Gods & Goddesses
- Yaromir Slushni, All Slavic Myths and Legends (Russian) Все славянские мифы и легенды (ACT, Moscow, 2021) Page 5
- G. Glinka, V. Zhukovskiy, A. Gilferding, Slavyanskaya Mifologia (Beliy Gorod, 2020) ПРОВЕ, Pages 46-47
- A. Kononenko, L.P. Virovetz, Encyclopedia of Slavic Culture, Writings and Mythology (Russian Version) Энциклопедия славянской культуры, письменности и мифологии (Folio, Kharkiv, 2013) “Прове” Pages 261-262, 278
- Mayevska Svitlana Vasilivna, Pantheon of Slavic Gods (Ukrainian) Презентація ПАНТЕОН СЛОВ’ЯНСЬКИХ БОГІВ – ТО НАШЕ НЕБО. (Na Urok (Ukrainian) «НА УРОК», April 01)