Title of the article:

THE SHEPHERD OF HEAVENLY HERDS AND THE GOD OF CATTLE: VELES IN THE RUSSIAN FOLKLORE WORLDVIEW

Author(s):

Sergey O. Kuryanov

Alexander V. Baranov

Information about the author/authors

Sergey O. Kuryanov — DSc of Philology, Associate Professor, Crimean Federal V. I. Vernadsky University, Academician V. I. Vernadsky Ave 4, 295007 Simferopol, Russia. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7299-9568. E-mail: so_k@inbox.ru

Alexander V. Baranov — Undergraduate, Crimean Federal V. I. Vernadsky University, Academician V. I. Vernadsky Ave 4, 295007 Simferopol, Russia. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0595-8184. E-mail: aleksandr.baranov.97@mail.ru

Section

Theory and history of culture

Year

2020

Volume

Vol. 56

Pages

pp. 55–67

Received

July 30, 2019

Date of publication

June 28, 2020

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37816/2073-9567-2020-56-55-67

Index UDK

008 + 398

Index BBK

71 + 82.3(2)

Abstract

The paper reveals centuries-old connection between the Slavic picture of the world and pagan beliefs. The Moon (night light) is the deity associated with the god Veles (Volos). The author pays special attention to the principles of grouping of Veles’ serpent, bear and auroch`s faces which aimed to highlight his unity with the Moon. The link between Veles and Dazhdbog in the Old Russian Pantheon is examined in complex relations of the impersonated Moon and Sun. Both deities are the bearers of benefits (Veles — of wealth and offspring, Dazhdbog — of harvest). Veles is the God of the otherworld, a shepherd of souls of the dead. Old Slavic beliefs about the Moon as a haven for the souls once again prove identity of the deity (Veles) and the night Sun (Moon). The name of Veles was identified with a chthonic or usual serpent and a bear. The otherworldly serpent connects the Moon with Veles. The otherworldly bear serves as the link between Veles and the Moon. Contrary to the Slavic mythology, the Baltic mythology see the God of the otherworld and the chthonic underground character as different beings called Vels and Velnias. Therefore the image of Veles-Volos appears both dual and monolithic.

Keywords

Veles, Veles-Volos, Moon, lunar god, Dazhdbog, Blaise, otherworld, velas, laumas, serpent, bear, Vels, Velnias.

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