A stranded rusalka’s guide to Slavic Deities: Veles
Veles (Cyrillic: Велес; Polish: Weles; Old Russian and Old Church Slavonic: Велесъ) also known as Volos (Russian: Волосъ) is one of the two widely accepted deities of the slavic pantheon.
Like Perun exists as an eagle above the branches of the world, Veles is the winding serpent, intertwined in the roots which create the underworld; colloquially known as Nav. Plenty of people take the duality and conflict between Perun and Veles to be a representation of the clash between good and evil. However, it can more accurately be described as a opposition of natural principles of heaven and fire versus earth and water.
Art, both new and old depicts Veles as a wise man, often aged, wearing bear fur as a headdress. Sometimes he is depicted with horns, and sometimes as a old magus.
One of Veles’ domain’s is cattle. A number of people have made commentary and asked questions about this, but its a rather simple matter. Veles is also the god of commerce and wealth. Cattle, for a very long time was synonymous with wealth, able to be traded for a number of useful goods. Being the patron of merchants and craftsmen also relates to this.
Veles is also known for being the god of musicians and music. In some wedding ceremonies of northern Croatia, the music would not start playing unless the bridegroom, when making a toast, spilled some of the wine on the ground, preferably over the roots of the nearest tree.
The more commonly understood domain’s of Veles are the underworld, of which he is the keeper; alongside witchcraft and the forest. Here the contrast to Veles shows itself the most. He is most often associated animals are the bear, (in slavic folklore often seen as the king of the forest) and the żmij (the serpent), creatures of the earth and water, whereas Perun is represented by creatures of the sky; where Perun’s tree is the mighty oak, Veles is seen beenath the willow trees. Associations of Veles with foxes and stags have also been made in more recent times. Oaths, which are sacred to not only slavic faith but tradition and culture, are sacred to him and breaking one is said to be punished with horrific disease. A death without honour.
Belaj, V. (1998). Hod kroz godinu, mitska pozadina hrvatskih narodnih vjerovanja i obicaja. Zagreb: Golden Marketing.
Brückner, A. (1924) Mitologja polska. Studjum porównawcze. Warszawa: Instytut Wydawniczy „Bibljoteka Polska”, s. 37.
Gieysztor, A. (2006). Mitologia Słowian. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego,.
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