Svetovid

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Summary page for Svetovid, the Slavic god of war, agriculture, sun, and heavenly fire.

Pantheon:

Slavic Pantheon

Deity Of:

War, Agriculture, Sun and Heavenly Fire, Wisdom

Archetype:

Warrior: Svetovid was a warrior deity. He fought enemies on a sacred white horse. His victories were legendary, making him a key figure in Slavic warfare.

Sage: Svetovid was a sage among gods. His wisdom and prophecies were highly regarded, guiding the Slavs in both peace and war.

Justice Deity: Svetovid was seen as a god of justice. He was revered as the supreme deity, above all others, ensuring fairness and righteousness among his people.

Group:

Svarozhich

Other Names (a.k.a.):

Baltic Slavs: Gerovit, Porenut, Ruyevit,  Svantevit

Russian: Aguna (Агуна), Porevit (Поревит), Ruyevit (Руевит), Svantovit (Свантовит), Sventovit (Свентовит), Svetovid (Световид), Svyatovit (Святовит)

Slav: Agoni, Ogon, Ogoni, Poremitius, Porenutius, Porevit, Porovitu, Rinvit, Ruevitu, Rugavit, Rugevit, Rugievit, Rujevit, Svandovit, Svantovit, Sventovit, Svetovid, Svetovit, Svetovitu 

Ukrainian: Svitovid (Світовид), Svitovit (Світовит)

Other Pantheons:

Hindu = Agni

Supreme God of the Elbe Slavs: Svetovid was the most prominent deity among the Elbe Slavs. People regarded Svetovid as the supreme god, viewing other deities as mere demigods in comparison.

Prophetic Abilities: Svetovid was famous for his prophetic powers. He predicted the harvest through a ritual involving a horn filled with mead. His sacred white horse foretold the success or failure of important ventures.

War and Military Victory: Svetovid ensured victory in battles, with a sacred flag carried in front of armies to secure success in war. His white horse was believed to fight nocturnal battles against enemies.

Wealth and Treasures: Svetovid’s temple amassed incredible treasures, including large quantities of gold. Even Christian rulers, like the Danish King Sueno, offered gifts to Svetovid.

Attributes and Symbolism: Svetovid’s four heads symbolized his omniscience. He held a horn in his right hand and a sword at his side. While his left hand, set on his hip in akimbo, represented authority.

Destruction of the Temple: In 1168, Danish King Valdemar conquered Arkona and destroyed Svetovid’s sanctuary. The statue of Svetovid was torn down, and the deity was said to have left in the form of a black animal.

Colossal Statue With Four Heads and Necks:
The statue of Svetovid had four necks and four heads.
Two heads faced forward, and two faced backward.
This represented his omniscience and power.
The statue was massive, surpassing human dimensions.
It conveyed the deity’s immense power and presence.
The left hand of the statue was placed on its hip.
This stance reflected authority and strength.

Horn:
Svetovid held a horn in his right hand.
The horn was filled annually with mead to predict the next year’s harvest.
It symbolized abundance and divine insight.

Mantle and Clothing:
The mantle reached the statue’s knees and was closely fitted.
Made of a different wood, it seamlessly joined the figure, highlighting meticulous craftsmanship.
The legs touched the floor, with the base hidden in the ground.

Sword:
Svetovid was depicted with a large sword. The sword had a richly chased and damascened edge and scabbard.
It represented his role as a warrior god.

Sacred Objects:
Near the statue lay the bridle and saddle of Svetovid.
These items symbolized his readiness for battle and connection to the sacred white horse.

White Horse:
A white horse was consecrated to Svetovid. It was believed to predict the success of important projects.
The horse symbolized the god’s ability to foresee the future and secure victory.

Sacred Flag:
A sacred flag was carried before armies to ensure victory.
The flag reinforced Svetovid’s role as a protector and warrior deity.

Golden Helmet and Seven Swords:
Svetovid wore a golden helmet.
He wielded seven swords, symbolizing martial prowess and divine protection. His four faces embodied his control over all directions and his role as a sky god, radiating the power of the sun and light.

Sun and Light:
Svetovid was connected to the sun and heavenly light.
His four faces represented his control over all directions and his role as a sky god.

Worship Places:

Arkona, Island of Rügen: The primary center of Svetovid’s worship was located in Arkona on the island of Rügen. The temple stood on a high cliff, skillfully constructed of wood and adorned with rich decorations. In 1168, Danish King Valdemar destroyed the temple after conquering Arkona, marking the end of Svetovid’s primary sanctuary.

Korenice (modern Garz): The town of Korenice housed another significant sanctuary dedicated to Svetovid, where people worshipped a colossal idol of Rugievit, an associated deity.

Volegost (Hologost): The Pomeranians venerated Svetovid in Volegost, where they worshipped Gerovit, a war-god closely connected to him. The sanctuary housed an enormous shield, a symbol of war and protection.

Rituals & Divinations:

Annual Mead Ritual: Each year, the priest filled a horn in Svetovid’s statue with mead. The level of mead predicted the success of the coming harvest. The ritual involved offering the mead to the deity and praying for prosperity and victory.

Sacred White Horse Ritual: Svetovid’s dedicated white horse predicted the outcome of important ventures. The horse’s steps over lances arranged by the priests foretold the success or failure of military expeditions.

Temple Cleaning Ritual: Before the harvest festival, the priest would meticulously clean the temple, holding his breath to avoid desecrating the sacred space with mortal exhalation.

Festal Cake Ritual: A large honey-flavored cake was offered during the harvest festival. Thus, symbolizing a prayer for prosperity and a better harvest in the coming year.

Mead Ritual for Harvest Prediction: The level of mead in Svetovid’s horn predicted the next year’s harvest. If the mead had diminished, it was a sign of a poor harvest, leading the people to prepare for hardship.

White Horse for Omens: The sacred white horse’s actions, like stepping over lances or being found bathed in sweat after the night, served as omens for the success of future endeavors.

Prophetic Abilities: Svetovid’s prophecies, particularly those related to war and victory, earned him great reverence. Neighboring nations sought his prophetic powers and sent gifts and tributes to his sanctuary.

Festivals:

Annual Harvest Festival: The most significant festival dedicated to Svetovid was held shortly after the harvest season. The festival included sacrifices, ritual cleaning of the temple, the mead ritual, and the offering of a festal cake. This festival was essential for ensuring the prosperity of the land and the people in the coming year.

Prophetic Rituals and Omens:
Svetovid’s horn, filled with mead, was used to predict the harvest.
His sacred white horse predicted success in significant endeavors by the way it stepped over palings.

Sacred Horse’s Nightly Rides:
Svetovid’s white horse was believed to ride out at night, fighting against those who opposed the deity.
The horse was often found bathed in sweat after these nocturnal battles.

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