The Most Badass Deity: The Trickster God Veles

Veles is a fascinating figure in Slavic mythology, not because of his overwhelming power or immortality, but because of his cunning and multifaceted persona. This article delves into the myriad roles Veles plays and his epic battle with Perun, the king of gods, concluding with the surprising family lineage that includes none other than Santa Claus.

Who Is Veles?

Imagine a god who embodies the essence of nature, life, and chaos. Veles, the cunning trickster god of Slavic mythology, stands out. He governs animals, fields, forests, fertility, vegetables, music, magic, art, writing, poetry, the underworld, floods, storms, wisdom, and even boasts a unique understanding of chaos. Such a multi-dimensional god naturally commands respect and intrigue.

A Mysterious Birth

Veles' birth is shrouded in mystery and magic. Legend has it that he was born from the remains of a magical golden fish. Goddess Lada, seeking to have a child without her husband's consent, sought the help of Mokosh, the goddess of witchcraft. Mokosh instructed Lada to catch the golden fish and swallow it whole, which resulted in a miraculous pregnancy.

However, Lada's gentle nature prevented her from swallowing the fish whole, so she cooked it and ate the meat, throwing the bones into her garden. From the meat, three goddesses were born, but it was Morana, born from the bones, who was dark and evil. Morana's hunger led her to turn her magical cow, Zemun, into a young man. This young man eventually transformed into Veles, the god made of magical bones. Despite the gods not knowing what to do with him, Veles was given the Earth, all its animals, plants, and stones.

The Battle with Perun

Veles, known for his powerful and bodily form, stood tall and mighty against Perun, the king of gods and god of thunder. This battle was no ordinary skirmish; it was a clash of titans. Perun, much like Zeus, wielded immense power and could unleash devastating lightning strikes. Yet, Veles was not merely a lowly creature; he was a divine dragon covered in fur, bearing the features of a bear and a wolf. His six wings, either pitch black or like a sunset, made him a formidable opponent.

The battle was fierce. Veles used wind and fire to challenge Perun, who threw lightning and bolts. Faced with this formidable foe, Perun finally struck Veles in the eye, blinding him. The mighty dragon god fell to the ground, and the earth beneath him crumbled, sending him to the Underworld, where he remains banished. This encounter underscores Veles' strength and the respect even powerful gods like Perun show him.

The Family of Veles

In the Underworld, Veles found his domain and a queen, Baba Yaga, an old, ugly witch. Although they married, he had numerous offspring due to his incredible power over women. His children included:

Yarilo: The unfortunate son of Dodola, Veles managed to reclaim Yarilo from Perun and raised him in the Underworld. According to Serbian myths, Yarilo's wisdom and radiance became the sun. Karna and Zhelya: Born to Morana, the goddess of winter and death, these twin sisters were goddesses of crying and sadness, and their existence underscored the duality of Veles' influence. Son (god of sleep and dreams): Another child with Morana, who was god of sleep and dreams. Moroz: The god of frost who transformed into Santa Claus with the arrival of Christianity, embodying the enduring legacy of Veles in contemporary culture.

This family lineage eventually led to the transformation of Moroz into "Deda Mraz," the Slavic name for Santa Claus, exemplifying the lasting impact of Veles on modern culture.

Conclusion

The story of Veles is one of a trickster god who defies conventional expectations. His birth, his battles, and his family all showcase the complex and intriguing nature of this Slavic deity. From the magical golden fish to the Underworld, Veles' legacy is a testament to the rich and vibrant mythology of the Slavic people.