Wérunos is an inferred deity from the Proto-Indo-European pantheon, thought to be linked with the protection of cattle, with potential connections traced through several Indo-European mythologies, including those of the Slavs, Lithuanians, Latvians, Norse, and Old English cultures. This deity is deduced primarily from the attributes of Veles in Slavic mythology, Velnias in Lithuanian belief, and Velns in Latvian folklore, all of whom are guardians of herds. Additionally, Welnos's name is believed to share roots with Old Norse terms Valfǫðr (a nickname for Odin) and Valhǫll (Odin's hall in the afterlife).[1]
Jaan Puhvel, a scholar, posits that Welnos may also link to the concept of the Elysian Fields within Greek mythology and rituals, although concrete evidence of a cattle deity in these northern traditions remains scant.[1]
Earlier academics, like Max Muller, speculated on the connections between Welnos and other deities such as the Sanskrit Varuna and the Greek Ouranos, suggesting a broader thematic resonance across Indo-European mythologies.[2]
Wérunos is theorized to represent a more benign aspect of the divine sky, embodying the night and serving as a counterpoint to Dyēus, who symbolizes the aggressive daytime sky.[3] Additionally, Wérunos might have been embroiled in a conflict mirroring that between Perun and Veles, indicating a narrative of celestial rivalry within these ancient belief systems.[4]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Jaan Puhvel, Analecta Indoeuropaea, (a collection of articles), publ. by Innsbrucker Beitrage zur Sprachwissenschaft, Innsbruck, 1981
- ↑ Müller, Max. Comparative Mythology. p. 84.
- ↑ Marcílio Diniz, da Silva (April 2021). "Notes on Proto-Celtic "Pantheon"" (1.0 ed.). Academia:46084030.
- ↑ Belaj, Juraj; Belaj, Marijana; Krznar, Siniša; Ivančan, Tajana Sekelj; Tkalčec, Tatjana (eds.). "Sacralization of Landscape and Sacred Places". Proceedings of the 3rd International Scientific Conference of Mediaeval Archaeology of the Institute of Archaeology. ResearchGate:330925145. Academia:25730445