Sa (A) (Egypt)
Life Preserver for travelers on the river. The hippopotamus goddess, Tauret, is shown standing upright with her hand on the life preserver, Sa, which is made of papyrus. See also Tauret.
Sa (B) (Sumer) Ancient Sumerian god. See also Nabu.
Sa-bdag (Tibet)
The Sa-bdag are spirits known as earth-movers who live in soil, lakes, springs, and houses. The image of the local Sa-bdag is placed inside the outer gateway. It is offered wine and bloody sacrifices. See also Nats (Burma).
Sa-Yori-Bime-No-Mikoto (Japan) see Amaterasu; Three Goddesses of Munakata.
Saa (Egypt) see Sia.
Saa-Set (Egypt)
Serpent in after world. Huge serpent that stands on his tail. He is in the first sector of Tuat. See also Akeneh.
Saba-Leippya (Burma)
Agricultural nats (spirits). See also Nats.
Sabala (India) “Heavenly Hound.” See also Yama.
Sabaoth (Chaldea, Syria)
Also known as: Iahweh Sabaoth, Iao-sabaoth, Ibraoth, Lord Sabaoth, Sabaoth the Adamas.
Possibly an underworld deity. Archon and ruler of the fifth sphere. One of the seven Hebdomad or Ogdoad deities coming indirectly from Sophia. Sabaoth is the grandson of Ialdabaoth and the son of Ialdabaoth. He is the guard of the gate called Portal of Life which opens into the lower zone of heaven. There are Gnostic texts that associate Sabaoth with the god Osoronnophris who might have been an Egyptian deity during the time of Moses. He has a chariot with a four-faced cherub and angels. See also Archons; Barbeio; Ialdabaoth; Ogdoad; Pistis Sophia; Tuat.
Sabaoth Adamas (Gnostics) see Adamas.
Sabazios (Gnostic) see Sabizios.
Sabazius (Greek)
Sabazius is an epithet of Dionysus (q.v.). See also Cybele.
Sabines (Gallo-Roman) see Silvanus.
Sabitu (Babylon)
This goddess rules the land along the sea of death. See also Siduri.
Sabizios (Armenia, Chaldea, Phrygia, Syria, Thrace)
Also known as: Iahweh Sabaoth (possibly), Sabazios, Zagreus.
Sabizios is possibly a serpent creator deity or a serpent god of the underworld. He might have been one of the deities of the Valentinus Gnostic sect. Sabizios is sometimes associated with the goddess Barbeio who was said to be his mother. He is is also identified with Jehovah. Some say he was worshiped under the name of Zagreus by the Thracians and Phrygians. See also Barbelo; Ialdabaoth; Sabaoth.
Sacharis (Egypt) see Seker.
Sachi (India) see Sagara.
Saci (India) see Indra; Indrani.
Sacontala (India) see Shakuntala.
Sacred Tooth (Buddhist)
The tooth of Guatama Buddha which is enshrined in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Sacti (India) see Shakti.
Sacy-Perere (Brazil) Happy forest spirits.
Sa’d (Arabic) see Allat.
Sadurn (Irish) She is the sister of Gwen, the goddess of smiles.
Sadwes (Persia) see Hapto-iringa.
Sae-no-Kami (Japan)
God of roads. See also Chimata-no-Kami; Sanzu-no-Kawa.
Saehrimni (Teutonic) see Saehrimnir.
Saehrimnir Saehrimni (Teutonic)
Saehrimnir is the divine boar who daily is killed, boiled by the cook, Andhrimnir, in the cauldron Eldhrimnir. He provides the food for the gods. No matter how much is eaten at each meal, the supply never runs out. Each morning the boar comes to life again.
Saeming (Teutonic) see Odin; Seming; Thor.
Saena (Persia) see Simurgh.
Saga (Teutonic)
Also known as: Laga.
Goddess of history, legend and song. She is one of the wives and daily drinking partner of Odin. He visits her in the crystal hall of Sokvabek. See also Odin.
Sagar (Islam)
A fiery place reserved for the Magi in the fifth section of the Islamic Hell (q.v.).
Sagara (Hindu; India)
The grandson of Bahu, and son of Sachi, the king of Ayodhya, Sagara spent seven years in his mother’s womb before birth. His father, driven from his throne by the Haihayas, died in exile in the jungle before he was born. When Sagara was old enough, Aurva, the sage, gave him a magic weapon known as the Agneyastra that allowed him to exterminate most of his father’s enemies and reclaim the throne. Aurva’s powers allowed Sagara’s spouse Sumati, the daughter of Kasyapa, to give birth to sixty thousand sons. His other spouse, Kesini, the daughter of Vidharba had one son, Asamanjas. This son was troubled and Sagara eventually abandoned him. The other sixty thousand sons also had behavioral problems. The gods complained to the great god Vishnu and the sage Kapila about their behavior. During his thirty thousand year reign he constantly attempted to bring the Ganges River down from the celestial realm, without success. In an attempt to usurp Indra, he decided to perform the horse sacrifice to signify his claim to universal dominion. When Indra caught wind of the plan, he assumed the disguise of a demon and drove the horse to the underworld. Infuriated, Sagara sent his sixty thousand sons, who had been responsible for guarding it, in search of the animal. They dug a deep pit and ended in Patala, the underworld, where they found the horse and Kapila. When they accused the sage of stealing their father’s horse, he reduced them to ashes with the powerful rays of his eyes. Anshumat, the son of Asamanjas and the grandson of Sagara searched for his uncles. Eventually he came upon their ashes, Kapila, and the horse in the pit. This huge hole was named Sagara which means “ocean.” Kapila told Anshumat that his uncles could only be purified by the waters that ran through Vishnu’s feet. He did permit the grandson to return the horse to Sagara. It was the grandson of Anshumat, Bhagiratha, who dug the bed for the river of heaven that cleanses the sins of all sinners, the Ganges. Her waters reached the underworld and purified the ashes of Sagara’s sons so that they could enter Swarga. See also Ganga; Kasyapa (A); Patala; Sumati; Swarga; Vishnu.
Sagbata (Dahomey, Fon People, Africa)
Smallpox deity. Associated with the god Dan, they are a group of four Vudus, consisting of Sagbata, the earth god who spread smallpox among mortals; Xevioso, god of thunder; Gun, god of iron; Avlekete (also known as Agbe), god of the sea. Sagbata is thought by some to be the son of Mawu. See also Agbe; Mawu; Vodu; Xevioso.
Sahadeva (India)
He is a Pandu prince and the twin of Nakula. See also Asvins; Madri; Pandavas.
Sahaganya (India) see Apsarases.
Sahar (Middle Eastern) see Elohim.
Sahasrabhuja (Buddhist; Nepal)
Sahasrabhuja is an aspect of Avalokitesvara. He has eleven heads and one thousand arms. The basic image of Avalokitesvara is depicted with eleven heads and eight arms. The other arms form a mandala and are sometimes marked with eyes. The eleventh head at the top is said to be that of his parent, Tathagata. The heads have a peaceful countenance with the exception of the tenth head which looks angry. His main hands are held against his chest; the upper hands hold the rosary and the full blown lotus. The other four hands display a jewel on the right and a pot and bow and arrow on the left. See also Amoghapasa Lokeswar; Avalokitesvara; Tathagata.
Sahasramuska (India)
Thousand Testicled One. See also Indra.
Saho-yama-hime (Japan) The goddess of spring.
Sai-no-Kami (Japan) see Sanzu-no-kawa.
St. Bridget (Celtic) see Brigantia; Brigit.
Saint Brigit (Irish) see Brigit.
St. George see Anat; Anhur.
Sa’ir (Islam)
This is the fourth state in the Islamic Hell. It is reserved for Sabians (people from Saba, an ancient Arab state).
Sais (Egypt) see Neith.
Saites (Greek) see Sapi.
Saiva (Lapp) Protective Deity.
Saiyamkoob (Maya People, Yucatan)
Also known as: The Adjusters.
First people. Dwarfs built the now ruined cities in total darkness long before there was light from the sun. At that time a living bloody rope came from the sky and brought them food. Once the sun appeared the people turned to stone. The rope was cut or broken and it divided the earth and sky. At this time a flood visited earth and destroyed the people. The second people, known as the Tsolob (The Offenders), were also destroyed by flood. The Maya lived in the third world and they were also destroyed by a flood. The present world is an admixture of all the races of the Yucatan. There was no indication of how this world will end. See also Legend of the Four Suns.
Sak (Egypt)
Composite animal. The Sak is an animal with the front of a lion, the rear part a horse, the head of a hawk, and a tail that terminates in a lotus-like flower. She is shown with a collar around her neck and with bars and stripes on her body, which has eight breasts.
Saka-no-mi-wo-no-kami (Japan)
God of the mountain slope. See also Naka-Yama-Tsu-Mi; Sengen.
Sakarabru (Guinea, Africa)
God of darkness. God of medicine, justice and retribution. Sakarabru, represented as a ball of maize, can be a demon or a healer. He appears during the changes of seasons and the new moon.
Sakhmis (Egypt) see Sekhmet.
Saki (India) see Indrani.
Sakko (India) see Sakra.
Sakra Sakko (Buddhist, Jain; India)
Sakra is the divine spirit who received Buddha (Brahma) in a golden bowl at birth. He is the chief Deva, and when Buddha was born, he ordered ten thousand sankhas to be blown. The shank or conch shell (Concha Veneris), was used as a “sounder” to drive away demons. He is referred to as one of the twelve Adityas. In the Jain tradition, Sakra, the “King of Gods in Heaven,” decided that the fetus of Mahavira should be transferred from the womb of Devananda to the womb of Trisala. The name Sakra is also an epithet for Indra and a name for India. See also Adityas; Buddha; Indra; Mahavira.
Sakta-Sura (India) A demon. See also Krishna.
Sakti (India) see Shakti.
Saktis (Hindu) see Astamatrikas.
Sakunadevatas (India) see Devis.
Sakuni (India) A demon. See also Duryodhana.
Sakuntala (India) see Apsarases.
Sakya-t’ub-pa-dam-g-Nas-brtan (Tibet) see Sakyamuni.
Sakyamuni (Buddhist; India)
Also known as: Buddha, Gautama, Gotama, Sakya-t’ub-pa-dam-g-Nas-brtan (Tibet), Sha-kya-tup-pa (Tibet), Shih-chia-mou-ni (China), Siddartha (He Who Has Fulfilled the Object of His Earthly Coming), Tathagata.
Born Siddartha, son of Maya by divine birth, he became the monk Gautama, also called Sakyamuni, when he renounced the world. He was a member of the Sakya tribe belonging to the Gautama clan. Sakyamuni means “the sage of the Sakya tribe.” He is the third Buddha and the fourth Manushi-Buddha, lord of the present world cycle. His asana (position) is dhyana (meditative). He sits on a red lotus. His mudras (positions) are dhyana bhumisparsa (the right arm pendant over the right knee with the hand and palm inward with all fingers touching the lotus throne), dharmacakra (the left hand covering the right hand against the breast), or varada (arm pendant, fingers extended outward and palm turned outward), or vitarka (arm bent, palm outward and all fingers extended upward, except the index finger which touches the tip of the thumb). His mount is a lion throne and his color is gold. His emblem is a patra (begging bowl). See also Akshobhya; Buddha; Kishimojin; Manushi-Buddhas; Maya; Samantabhadra; Vajrapani.
Salachia (Roman) see Salacia.
Salacia Salachia (Roman)
Also known as: Amphitrite (Greek).
Goddess of salt water and springs. See also Amphitrite; Neptune; Nereids; Poseidon.
Salagrama (Hindu; India)
The Salagrama are small rounded stones that symbolize the living presence of Vishnu. They are the objects of daily worship. Their river-worn shell is flint-like ammonite and they are different colors but generally black. They have one or more holes in the side. They are usually found in the Gandaki River, one of the tributaries of the Ganges.
Salamis (Greek)
She is the daughter of Asopus and Metope and sister to twenty-one siblings. Salamis was once kidnapped by Poseidon. See also Aegina; Asopus; Metope; Pelasgus; Thebe.
Salema and Sakia (Arabic)
Gods of rain and of health. Sakia is an ancient Arab god who was worshiped as the provider of rain and Salema is a health provider.
Sali Kanya (India) Mountain Maiden. See also Parvati.
Salii (Roman)
They are the priests of Mars who guard his sacred shield, called the Anchile.
Salkis (Egypt) see Selket; Serqet.
Salm (Persia) see Cairima.
Salmacis (Greek)
Salmacis is the name of the nymph of the fountain of the same name. All men who drink from its waters become effeminate. See also Hermaphroditus.
Salmon (Babylon) see Saramana.
Salmoneus (Greek)
King of Elis. His parents are Aeolus and Enarete. They have seven sons and seven daughters. (For a list of their names, see Enarete.) Salmoneus’ wife Alcidice died giving birth to a daughter, Tyro. His next wife, Sidero, imprisoned Tyro, but she was rescued by her sons, Neleus and Pelias. Sisyphus threw Salmoneus out of Thessaly. When he started imitating thunder and lightning, it did not strike the great god Zeus as humorous. He killed Salmoneus and sent him to the underworld. See also Aeolus (A); Canace; Enarete; Sisyphus.
Salmoxis (Greek) see Bacchus; Dionysus.
Saltu (Babylon)
This deity of discord was created by Ea as an opponent or rival of Ishtar. See also Ea; Ishtar.
Salus (Roman)
Goddess of health, prosperity, and public welfare.
Sam (Persia)
High god. Deified King. Sam exposed his son Zal on a mountain top where the vulture Simurgh rescued him. See also Rustam; Simurgh.
Samana (India) The Leveller. See also Yama.
Samanta-Bhadra (India) see Samantabhadra.
Samantabhadra (Buddhist; India) Samanta-Bhadra
Also known as: Fugen Bosatsu (Japan), Fugen En-myo (“Indestructible Existence,” Japan), Jitoku (Japan), Lokanatha, P’u-hein (China), Zuntu-zang-po (Tibet).
Samantabhadra, the deity of universal goodness and happiness, is one of the five Buddhist creators of the universe. The other four are Avalokitesvara, Ratnapani, Vajrapani, and Visvapani. Samantabhadra is the head of one of the three groups of boddhisattvas. Each group contains sixteen boddhisattvas. The other two groups are lead by Buddha Maitreya (Future Buddha). Samantabhadra is a member of a group of eight Buddhas known as Dhyanibodhisattva. The other Buddhas in this group are Akasagarbha, Avalokitesvara, Kshitigarbha, Mahasthamaprapta, Maitreya, Manjusri, Sarvanivaranaveskambhin, and Trailokyavijaya. Sometimes Samantabhadra or Vajrapani substitute for one of the eight. The Dhyanibodhisattva evolved from the meditations of the Dhyani Buddhas. The mortal manifestations of the Dhyanibodhisattva are known as Manushi-Buddhas. They come as teachers and live on earth for a short period. Samantabhadra’s consort is Dharmavajra. In Tibet, in the Red Cap sect, known as Mying-ma-pa, Samantabhadra is the same as Adibuddha. The Red Cap tradition was founded in the ninth century C. E. by Padma Sambhav. An ancient guru, and perfected being, he is the most important of the Mahsiddhas (Tantrie saints). In Tibet, the wife of Samantabhadra is the goddess Kuntu-bzang-mo, the Divine Mother. In Japan, Samantabhadra is known as Fugen Bosatsu and he is considered one of the most important boddhisattvas. Fugen Bosatsu, also called Jitoku, personifies wisdom, compassion, cordiality and constancy. He is known as the “Sweeper of Pine Needles.” Fugen is paired with Manjursi among the boddhisattvas. Fugen, the god of compassion and bestower of longevity, understands the motives and actions of all mortals. He is often shown wearing a crown, seated on a lotus with his legs crossed. In his left hand he holds a lotus surmounted by a sword surrounded by flames. His right hand is slightly raised, the palm turned outward and the fingers stretched outward, except the fourth and fifth fingers, which are bent. He is also depicted with multiple arms. In one depiction he has twenty arms, each holding an object. As a youth he is shown seated on a lotus, sometimes holding a manuscript. The lotus is upheld by one or more elephants, the symbol of longevity. Samantabhadra is depicted as blue or green. He is shown nude, without ornaments with and without his consort Dharmavajra. His mudra is vajrahumkara (his wrists are crossed at the breast and he is holding ghanta and vajra, a bell with a thunderbolt handle), the symbol of the supreme and eternal Buddha. A vajra is also the thunderbolt of Indra. In his form of Lokanatha, he is yellow, carries the jewel on a lotus and makes the gesture of charity known as the varada mudra. The arm is pendant, all fingers extended downward and the palm turned outward. As Lokanatha he is known as the assistant of Avalokitesvara. See also Adibuddha; Amrtakundali; Avalokitesvara; Dam-c’an-r-do-rje-legs-pa; Dhyani Buddhas; Dhyanibodhisattvas; Kshitigarbha; Kunto-Bzang-mo; Maitreya; Manjusri; Manushi-Buddhas; Sakyamuni; Trailokyavijaya; Vajrapani.
Samantaka (India) see Kama (A).
Samantamukha (Buddhist; Nepal)
Samantamukha is a manifestation of Avalokiteswara. Known as the “All Pitying One” or the “All Sided One,” he looks in all directions to protect all creatures. His numerous heads and eyes enable him to concentrate on the most auspicious way to redeem mortals. The three tiers of heads indicate that he looks down on the three worlds: the world of desire, the world of form and the world of non-form. He is shown with eleven heads on three tiers, eleven brains and twenty-two eyes. See also Avalokitesvara.
Samantapancaka (India)
Brahma’s sacred altar. See also Brahma.
Samas (Northern Semitic) Sun god. See also Sams; Shamash.
Samavurti (India) The Impartial Judge. See also Yama.
Samaya-Tara (India) see Amoghasiddhi.
Samba (India) see Krishna.
Sambara (A) Shambara (India)
Draught demon. See also Krishna; Pradyuma.
Sambara (B) (Buddhist; Nepal)
Also known as: Chakra Sambara, The Great Defender.
Maha Sambara, the deity of supreme bliss, has seventeen heads in five rows, four in each row and one at the top. All his faces have bulging eyes, gaping mouths and fangs. He has two sets of seventeen and eighteen arms, for a total of seventy arms. He has four primary arms which hold the goddess of bliss, Vajravarahi (Nepal). Each of his feet has six toes and he stands in the alidh asana posture (stepping to the left with the right leg straight and the left leg bent). He is also described with twelve arms and four heads, each with three eyes. He holds various symbolic objects and is shown embracing Vajrabarahi. Sambara is used in spiritual exercises; meditation and yoga practices. See also Chakra Sambara; Dorje Phogmo (for Vajravarhi); Pradyuma; Varahi.
Sambo-kojin (Japan)
Kitchen god, with three faces and two pairs of hands.
Samdhya (India) Goddess of Twilight. See also Ratri.
Samdya (India) see Sandhya.
Samgna (India) see Sanja.
Samhitas, The (India)
The Samhitas is the name given to the four sacred books: the Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda, Atharva-Veda, of the Vedas that are generally considered to form a unit.
Samia (Greek)
She is the daughter of the river god Maeander and the wife of of the Argonaut, king of Samos, Ancaeus. See also Ancaeus; Maeander; Rivers.
Samildanach (Celtic) see Lugh.
Samjuna (India) see Sanja.
Sammunus (Roman)
Probably an epithet of Hades (q.v.). See also Tina.
Sammuramat (Armenia)
Also known as: Ishtar, Semiramis (Syria).
See Atargatis; Ishtar; Semiramis; Sharis.
Samnati (India) see Devaki.
Sampati (Hindu; India)
The son of Garuda and the assistant to Rama, Sampati is a gigantic speaking eagle. He was instrumental in locating Rama’s spouse, Sita, who had been abducted by the evil demon, Ravana. See also Garuda; Rama; Ravana; Sita.
Sampo (Finland)
Sampo is the magic mill that grinds out prosperity. It is held by a wicked giant, and there are many battles over its possession. It was forged by Ilmarinen. See also Louhi; Vainamoinen.
Sampo-Kwojin (Japan) see Susanowo.
Sampsa Bellervoinen (Finland)
God of the sowing season. He flees to the North each year and must be brought back.
She is a sun goddess who is equal to the Northern Semite sun god Samas. She is also comparable to Allat (q.v.).
Samsara-Guru (India) see Kama (A).
Samvarana (India) see Tapati.
San Ch’ing Sang Ch’ing (Taoism; China)
Also known as: The Three Heavens.
The residence of the three supreme gods. The first heaven, located in the Jade Mountain, is called Yu Ch’ing and is ruled by Yuan-shih T’ien-tsun, or Lo Ching Hsin or T’ien Pao depending on the source. Both gods are the source of all truth. The second heaven is called Shang Ch’ing and is ruled by Ling-pao T’ien-tsun or Tao Chun. He is in charge of the sacred books. The third heaven is called T’ai Ch’ing which is ruled by Lao Tzu. He is also called Shen Pao, T’ai-shang Lao-chun or Cheou-Lao, and is considered the teacher of emperors and kings and a god of longevity. Comparable to the Buddhist three heavens. See also Ling-Pao T’ien-Tsun; San Hsien Shan; San Kuan; San Yuan; T’ai Shang San Kuan.
San Hsien Shan (China)
Also known as: San Kuan.
Home of the gods. “The Three Isles of the Blest” (P’eng-lai, Fang-chang, and Ying-chou) are the most desirable residence for the Immortals. (See Chiu Kung.) This is the location of the Peach Tree of Immortality (P’an-T’ao or Shen-T’ao). A similar heaven is called San Ch’ing (Three Pure Ones) and San Kuan (Three Agents) (q.v.) Similar to the Taoist San Ch’ing.
San Kiai Kung (China) see San Kuan.
San-ku (China) see K’eng-san-ku.
San Kuan (Taoist; China)
Also known as: San Kiai Kung (Lords of the Three Worlds), San Kuan Ta Ti (Three Great Emperor Agents), San Yuan (Three Origins), Tai Shang San Kuan (Three Supreme Agents).
Spirits. The San Kuan are the three agents who rule over heaven, earth and water. The Agent of Heaven is T’ien-kuan. He is a god of happiness. The Agent of Water, Shui-kuan, wards off misfortune. Ti-kuan is the Agent of Earth and grants remission of sins. They are usually shown sitting or standing together holding tablets in their hands. Sometimes only T’ien-kuan is shown. He is standing and holding an unfolded scroll in his hands. The Three Agents are similar to the Japanese Shichi Fukujin. See also San Ch’ing.
San Kuan Ta Ti (China) see San Kuan.
San Yuan (China) see San Kuan.
Sandacos (Greek, Persia)
Sandacos, said to be the father of Adonis, the Greek god of love, is a local god of the city of Celenderis. He could be the same as Sedeq (q.v.).
Sandakos (Phoenician) see Adonis.
Sandhya Samdhya (Hindu; India)
Sandhya, originally a nature goddess and later a goddess of twilight, is said to be the shy daughter of Brahma. Once when drunk and in the form of a stag, Brahma had incestuous desires and chased her through the sky. He was apprehended by Shiva, who cut his head off with a bow and arrow. From that time, it is said that Brahma paid homage to Shiva. Sandhya is also the period that precedes a Yuga, one of the four Hindu ages of the world. The four ages are Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali. Sandhyavandona was originally the Hindu morning and evening prayer (twilight worship). See also Brahma; Ratri; Shiva.
Sandili (India) Possibly the mother of Agni or Brahma.
Sang-gyeman-gyila-beduryr-o-chi-gyal-po (Tibet) see Bhaishajyaguru.
Sangarius (Greek)
He is one of the river god sons Oceanus and Tethys and the father of Nana. His grandson is Attis. He could be the father of Hecuba by Metope. See also Attis.
Sangay Chanma (Tibet) see Shakti.
Sangke (Slavic) see Ilmarinen.
Sango (Africa) see Shango.
Sangreal (Greek) see Holy Grail.
Sangso-Dungso (Dhammai People, India)
Sangso-Dungso, Kimbu-Sangtung and Lubukhanlung are the children of the first mortals, the brother and sister, Abugupham-Bumo and Anoi-Diggan-Juje. Their grandparents are the brother and sister frogs, Lujjuphu and Jassuju. See also Shuznaghu.
Sangye Khado Buddha Dakini (Tibet) see Khados.
Sanhara (India) “Destruction.” See also Shiva.
Saning Sari (East Indies, Java, Sumatra) “Mother of Rice.”
Sanja Samgna, Samjna, Samjuna, Sanjna (India)
In Puranic mythology, Sanja is the daughter of Visvakarma, the sister of the goddess Barhishmati, and the spouse of the sun, Surya. In some renditions, they became the parents of Manu and the twins, Yama and Yami. When she could no longer endure Surya’s brilliance, she had her assistant, (some say her sister) Chhaya or “Shade” take her place and she transformed herself into a mare and galloped off into the forest. After a time, Surya discovered that his mate had disappeared. He became a stallion, and when he found her they came together sexually and became the parents of the Asvin twins and Revanta. After this reconciliation, they lived together for a time as horses but eventually returned to human form. In order to make her living conditions at home more tolerable, she had her father shave away an eighth of Surya’s rays. In some renditions, Sanja is said to be the spouse of Soma (q.v.). The mythology of Sanja and Saranyu are similar and they are often considered to be the same deity. See also Asvins; Manu; Saranyu, Surya; Tapai; Visvakarma; Yama.
Sankara (India) Healer. See also Shiva.
Sankashana (India) see Bala-Rama.
Sankhasura (Hindu; India)
Sankhasura was a Yaksha (demon) in the employ of Kansa, Krishna’s archenemy. One night when Krishna and his half-brother Bala-Rama were frolicking with the cowgirls, Sankhasura mingled among them and attacked some of the women. When Krishna heard their screams, he pursued the demon and beheaded him. See also Bala-Rama; Krishna; Yaksha.
Santanu (India) see Bhishma.
Santaramet (Iranian, Persian)
Santaramet is a type of hell referred to in the Armenian Old Testament. The inhabitants are evil spirits called Santarametakans. Santaramet is also the name of an ancient Armenian goddess of the underworld, who was the Persian Spenta Armaiti (q.v.). See also Dzokh; Hades; Hell; Spantaramet.
Sanumati (India) see Apsarases.
Sanzu-no-kawa (Japan)
Also known as: Chimata-no-kami (singular), Sai-no-kami, Yachimatahiko (singular).
Divine river. Deities of the roads and highways. “The River of Three Routes.” The soul must go to one of three places, toward the hells, toward the beast life, or toward the realm of the “hungry ghosts.” There are judges on all three roads where the soul is examined. Other names associated with the Sanzu-no-kawa: Chimata-no-kami, the god of the road; Yachimatahiko, god of countless roads. The deities were created by Izanagi to protect travellers. Possibly the collective name of the judges is Sai-No-Kami. See also Chimata-no-kami.
Sapi (Egypt)
Also known as: Saites (Greek).
Afterworld deity. In the fifth nome in the Nome-Lists the name is associated with the goddess Nit or Neith.
Sapling (North America) see Yoskeha.
Sapta-Loka (India) see Loka.
Saptarshi (India) The seven Rishis. See also Rishi.
Saptungtongsum (Saora People, India)
The god of dancing. See also Adununkisum; Krishna.
Sar-Akha (Finnish) see Akha.
Sarah Sarai (Hebrew) see Abram.
Sarai (Hebrew) see Abram.
Sarama (India) Heavenly Hound. See also Yama.
Saramana (Assyro-Babylonia)
Also known as: Salmon, Selamanes, Shulmanu, Sulman.
He is a war god shown with a battle axe. Saramana is sometimes identified with Reshep.
Sarameya (India) Heavenly Hound. See also Yama.
Saranya (India) see Saranyu.
Saranyu Saranya, Sharanyu (Vedic, Hindu; India)
Saranyu, goddess of the clouds and morning light, is the daughter of the sun Tvashtri, possibly the twin sister of a brother Trisiras, the spouse of Vivasvat and perhaps the mother of the twins Yami and Yama, the Asvin twins and the artisan elves known as the Ribhus. She lived up to her name, which means the “fleet running one.” Shortly after a magnificent wedding, attended by all the gods in the world, she disappeared. Her husband’s brilliance had become unbearable. She was gracious enough to create a look-alike, Sarvana, to stay behind in her place. In time, when Vivasvat realized what had happened, he went to find her. What he found was his spouse disguised as a mare. They agreed to a reconciliation under the conditions that he would have some of his brightness shaved away so that she could have a little shade in her life. Her father performed the operation and she helped him reshape the shavings from his rays into weapons for the gods. Compare Saranyu to Sanja. Saranyu corresponds with dawn goddesses Aurora (Roman); Ausera (Lithuanian); Aya (Chaldean); Eos (Greek); Ushas; Zorya Utrennyaya (Slavic). See also Asvins; Ribhus; Trisiras; Tvashtri; Visvakarma; Vivasvat; Yama; Yami.
Sarapis (Egypt, Greek) see Serapis.
Sarasvati Saraswati (Buddhist; Chinese)
Also known as: Arya Sarasvati (Tibet), Benten (Japan), Brahmani, Brahmi, Dakini Ye-she-tsho-gyal (Victorious One of the Ocean of Wisdom), Gayatri (Singer), Khandro, Logos (The Word), Prajnaparamita, Satarupa (She of a Thousand Shapes), Savitri, Shata-et, Shata-Rupa, Vac, Vach, Vach-Sarasvati, Vajravina, Yira], Yang-Chen.
Originally, Sarasvati was the Vedic goddess of the Sarasvati river and was associated with fertility and prosperity. Her holy waters flowed west from the Himalayas into the sea. The sage Utathya cursed the waters when Varuna stole his spouse and now the river water ends in the desert. Later, Sarasvati became the goddess of speech, learning, the cultural arts and science. She is credited with bringing the Sanskrit language to the people. In some traditions, it is believed that she discovered soma, the elixir of the gods. Sarasvati was born of Brahma’s self, and it was for her love that he created the world. She was his daughter and became his spouse. Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Ganga were also mates of Vishnu. The strife in their relationship caused him to suggest that she marry Brahma. One day when she was to play a role in a sacrificial function Brahma sent word for her. She replied that she was involved with her grooming and that he could wait. Angry, he decided not to wait. He married a second wife, the goddess Gayatri. Incensed with his actions, she cursed him and declared that he should only be worshiped once a year. Sarasvati is known as the “White Goddess” when she is one of a trimurti with the goddesses Lakshmi and Devi. She is one of the goddesses of the Jaina pantheon along with Lakshmi and the Apsarases. As Satarupa, she is the mother of Manu Svayam-bhuva, the first Manu. She is considered the female aspect of Viraj created from the substance of Purusha or Prajapati. The three Vedic muses are the goddesses Bharati, Ila and Sarasvati. In the Buddhist pantheon, Sarasvati is the goddess of poetry and music and the spouse of Manjusri Jampal, the god of learning. Sarasvati is shown as beautiful and graceful young woman often smiling, white in color, wearing a crescent moon on her brow. She has two or four arms and is usually shown holding a book, a lyre or a drum, a rosary, and a lotus. Sometimes she holds a container of Soma and the Vidya, emblem of knowledge. Her mount is the peacock, which is shown with its tail spread. She is also depicted seated on a swan and sometimes on a lotus petal. Sarasvati is also shown as an attendant or consort of the fire god, Agni. As Vajravina, she holds a stringed instrument known as the vina, in her right hand. As Arya Sarasvati, she is bright red in color and has three faces, six arms and an aggressive attitude. Sarasvati merged with the goddess of highest wisdom, Prajnaparamita (Prajna), and is shown with three eyes, the moon in her crown, holding a book and a lotus. Sarasvati’s festival, Dawat Puja, or “worship of the inkstand,” is held in the month of Magh (January-February). On her day, the only writing instrument that may be used is a pencil. Following the festival, new pens and ink must be used. In Bengal, followers worship pens, ink and account books in her honor. Twigs and blossoms of the mango tree are among offerings given to this goddess. Offerings to Sarasvati cleanse the liar immediately. Sarasvati is intellectually compatible with Vach, the goddess of sound and almost identical to the goddess Benten of Japan. See also Agni; Andhaka; Apsarases; Brahma; Dakini Ye-she-tsho-gyal; Devi; Ganga; Lakshmi; Logos; Manu; Parvati; Prajnaparamita; Savitri; Shakti; Soma; Sri; Varuna; Vishnu; Yami.
Saraswati (India) see Sarasvati.
Sarbanda (Babylon, Syria) A goddess of war or the bow.
Sarika (India) see Durga.
Sarna Burhi (India) Bengali tree goddess.
Sarnga (India)
Sarnga is Vishnu’s divine bow. See also Vishnu.
Sarpanit (Assyro-Babylonian) see Zerpanitum.
Sarpas and Sarpis (India)
They are semi-divine serpents who dwell in heaven, in the air, on earth, and in the lower regions. Unlike the Nagas and Nagis, they do not walk or run.
Sarpedon (A) (Greek)
King of Lycia. Sarpedon is the son of Zeus and Europa. His siblings are Minos and Rhadamanthus. He was raised by Asterius, the king of Crete who had married Europa. Later he married Laodamia and was the father of Evander. As a youth he was exiled from Crete with Rhadamanthus by his brother Minos when Minos found out that a beautiful young man, either Miletus or Atymnius was in love with Sarpedon. His son Evander married Deidamia, the daughter of Bellerophon, and inherited his father’s kingdom. In some legends they became the parents of Sarpedon named after Evander’s father. In other legends, both Sarpedon (A) and Sarpedon (B) are thought to be the same man. Sarpedon’s brothers Minos and Rhadamanthus became judges in the underworld after death. See also Asterius; Europa; Evander; Minos; Rhadamanthus; Sarpedon (B); Zeus.
Sarpedon (B) (Greek)
Warrior. Sarpedon was the son of Zeus and Laodamia, daughter of Bellerophon, or of Evander and Deidamia. As the son of Evander and Deidamia his siblings were Pallas who was later killed by Turnus, Roma (the eponym of Rome) and Pallantia (the eponym of the Palatine Hill, the highest of the seven hills of Rome). As the son of Zeus and Laodamia he was a brave warrior who commanded the Lycian troops and was slain by Patroclus. His dear friend Glaucus could not bear to see the Achaeans desecrate his body, nor could the dead man’s father, Zeus. He sent Apollo to purify the corpse and had Hypnos (Sleep) and Thanatos (Death) transport it to Lycia for burial. Sarpedon is thought to represent the creeping light of heaven. In later traditions, Sarpedon is named as one of the sons of Zeus and Europa. There was another Sarpedon who was thought to be the son of Poseidon who was killed by Heracles for torturing visitors to his home. See also Evander (B); Glaucus; Sarpedon (A).
Sarume, The (Japan) see Ama-no-Uzume.
Saruta-Biko-No-Kami (Japan) see Ama-no-Uzume.
Saruto-Biko (Japan) see Ama-no-Uzume.
Sarva (India) The Destroyer. See also Agni; Shiva.
Sarvaga (India) see Bhima (A).
Sarvamangala (India)
“Universally Auspicious.” See also Devi.
Sarvana (India) see Saranyu.
Sarvani (India) see Devi; Tapati.
Sarvanivaranaveskambhin (India) see Amoghasiddhi; Dhyanibodhisattvas; Samantabhadra.
Sarvanivaranviskambin (India) see Amoghasiddhi.
Sarvari (India) Water goddess.
Sarvavasini (India) see Devi.
Sary-Khan (Altaic, Tartars)
A god of happiness. See also Bai Ulgan.
Saryata (India) see Mada; Sukanya.
Sasabonsam (Africa)
An evil spirit. He lurks in the branches of the trees and jerks up unwary travelers by hooking his toes under their armpits. His legs are long and can be uncurled to go longer; his feet point backward. He has a pointed beard and horns and has thin lips. His arms are outstretched, and skinny wings, like those of a flying fox, join his arms to his legs.
Sashikuni-waka-hime (Japan) see Kushi-nada-hime.
Sasi-kuni-opo-no-kami (Japan) see Kushi-nada-hime.
Sasilekha (India) see Apsarases.
Sata-rupa (India) see Vach.
Satakratu (India) see Indra.
Satan Sathanas, Sathan (Akkadia, Babylon, Sumer, Persia)
Also known as: Arya Sarasvati, Belial, Charun, Devil, Eblis, Iblis; Irra (possibly, Babylon), Nergal.
Underworld deity of evil. Satan is possibly Irra of the Babylonia pantheon. He is one of the demons recognized by Jesus. In one version of his mythology, he is the twin brother of the archangel Michael and ruler of the evil deities, Azazel, Beelzebub, Belial, Chemos, Dagon, Moloch, Rimmon and Thammuz. In one description he is depicted (as Charun), with horse-ears and a hooked nose, his flesh is blue as if decaying, and he carries a mallet to strike down his victims. Charun is believed to have influenced the medieval concept of Satan. Satan is similar in nature to Lilith. See also Azazel; Charon; Devil; Nergal.
Satarupa (India) see Sarasvati; Shiva; Manu.
Satavaesa (Zoroastrian; Persia)
An unidentified star or constellation and one of the Yazatas (q.v.).
Satet (Egypt) see Khnum; Satis.
Sathan (Babylon) see Satan.
Sathanas (Babylon) see Satan.
Sati (A) Ambika, Amvika, Devi, Parvati, Suttee, Uma (Brahmanic, Hindu; India)
Sati, one of the numerous daughters of Daksha, is an early aspect of the great mother goddess Devi. As Sati, the “good wife,” she committed suicide by burning herself to death when her mate Shiva in his aspect as Rudra the storm god was killed. Sati is depicted with a calm face and dressed in a girdle and necklace. She is also shown with a child on her knee. The practice of burning a wife on her husband’s funeral pyre is known as sati or suttee. See also Ardhanariswara; Daksha; Devi; Durga; Kali; Parvati; Rudra; Satis (Egypt); Shiva; Uma.
Sati (B) (Egypt) see Satis.
Sati, Queen (C) (India)
Queen Sati is the mate of the Brahmin and Maharishi King Visvamitra.
Satis (Egypt)
Also known as: Isis, Isis-Satis, Isis-Sothis, Satet, Sati, Satis.
River deity. Satis was the first wife of the creator god, Khnum. An archer-goddess, she assisted her spouse in protecting the upper Nile and the Cataracts. Arrows were the symbols of the swiftness of the Nile’s course. Satis presented water to the deceased for purification. When Khnum identified with the sun god Ra, Satis became the “eye of Ra.” She is sometimes confused with Satet. She is depicted in human form wearing on her head the white crown of the South with two horns and holding a bow and arrow. There is a similarity between Satis and the Hindu goddess Sati. She is sometimes identified with the goddess Ament. There is a possibility that as Sati she is a form of Isis (q.v.). See also Anukis; Khnum; Sati (A).
Satrajit (India)
A Yadava. See also Satrajit; Satyabhama; Yadava.
Satrughna (India) see Rama.
Sattung Suttung (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Fjalar, Loki, Utgard-Loke.
Sattung is the giant son of Gilling or Surtr. He is the brother of Baugi and the father of Gunlodd. Sattung captured the Mead of Poetry from the two dwarfs, Galar and Fjalar, but lost it to Odin in his guise of Bolverk. See also Fjalar; Kvasir.
Saturn Saturnus (Roman)
Also known as: Cronus (Greek), Heru-ka-pet, Heru-p-ka (Egypt).
God of agriculture. God of workers and the vine. Responsible for prosperity and abundance. His spouse is Ops and they are the parents of Jupiter. Saturn is also the father of Juno and Picus by the nymph Venilia and possibly Sterculus, the king of Latium. Once the ruler of the world, he was removed from his position by his son Jupiter. See also Cronus; Jupiter; Ops; Steruclus.
Saturn the Planet (Greek) see Eurynome (A).
Saturnus (Roman) see Saturn.
Satya-Loka (India) see Loka.
Satya-Narayana (India) see Narayana (A).
Satyabhama (Hindu; India)
Satyabhama, the daughter of Satrajit, is generally thought to be Krishna’s third wife. She claimed that a jewel that once belonged to her father was rightfully hers. When Satyabhama heard that Krishna had given his other wife, the beautiful goddess Rukmini, a flower from the magic Parijata Tree, she became indignant and demanded that he bring her the whole tree. Krishna went to Svarga, Indra’s celestial dwelling place, with Aditi’s earrings (Indra’s mother) and Indra’s canopy and requested the tree. When Indra refused to oblige him, Krishna uprooted the tree and left, pursued by Indra and his forces. Krishna kept the tree for a year and then willingly returned it to Indra. Krishna was involved with Jambavan, the King of the Bears who had a precious jewel that belonged to Krishna. See also Indrani; Jambavan; Krishna; Parijata Tree; Syamantaka.
Satyapir (India) see Narayana.
Satyavan (India) “Possessing Truth.” See also Savitri (B).
Satyavati (Brahmanic, Hindu; India)
Satyavati, meaning “the Truthful One,” is the daughter of the Asparasa Adrika who lived in the shape of a fish and the king of Chedi, the mate of the rishi Parasara, and the mother of a son Vyasa. At a later time, she became the mate of king Shantanu of Hastinapura, the mother of two more sons, Chitrangada and Vichitravirya, and the grandmother of the Pandavas. See also Asparases; Bhishma; Pandavas; Parashara; Vyasa.
Satyrs (Greek)
Also known as: Fauns.
Deities of the woodland. The Satyrs, woodland deities, are descendants of Hecaterus and Apis, Niobe or Car. They were addicted to sensual pleasure and associated with the worship of Dionysus and Bacchus. They loved and overindulged in the “nectar of the gods,” music, dancing and frolicking with women. When the Satyrs age, they are known as the Sileni. The Satyrs are ruled by Silenus, the king of Nysa, an expert musician, who resembled the Satyrs in appearance. The Satyrs are depicted as ugly, with a pug-nose, goat ears, budding horns and a short tail. See also Bacchus; Bhut (India); Corybantes; Dionysus; Hephaistos; Incubus (Medieval Europe); Jinn; Silenus.
Saubhadra (India) see Abhimanyu.
Saudamani (India) see Apsarases; Kasyapa; Yakshini; Yaska.
Saumanasa (India) see Lokapalas.
Saunanda (India) The sacred club of Bala-Rama (q.v.).
A giant female Rakshasa, Saurasa opened her mouth to swallow the monkey general Hanuman as he flew through the air. He had enlarged himself to the size of a mountain but when she caught him, he reduced himself to the size of a thumb. Once he was inside of her, he enlarged himself again, she burst open and he escaped. See also Hanuman; Rakshasa.
Sauromatai (Scythian) see Amazons.
Sauru (Zoroastrianism; Persia)
Sauru is the arch-demon who personifies the mismanagement of government and inebriation. He opposes Khshasthra Vairya (q.v.). See also Daevas; Darvands.
Savabhauma (India) see Lokapalas.
Savaki (Siberia) see Khovaki.
Savala (India) see Kamadhenu.
Savarbhanu (Hindu; India)
He began life as a Daitya with four arms and a tail. When soma, the elixir of the gods was being passed around, at the churning of the sea of milk, he slipped between Surya and Chandra and managed to gulp a portion. He was apprehended by Vishnu who sliced him in two with his discus, Sudarshana. The powerful effects of the soma gave each part immortality and Savarbhanu became Ketu and Rahu and was placed in the stellar sphere. Ketu appears as a dragon’s tail carried through the sky in a chariot drawn by eight swift red horses. The dragon-headed Rahu rides in a chariot drawn by eight black horses. He despises the sun and the moon and is constantly pursuing them. Occasionally, he catches the planets and an eclipse occurs. See also Chandra; Daitya; Kurma (regarding the Churning of the Sea of Milk); Rahu (for a variation of this myth); Soma; Sudarshana; Surya.
Savita (India) see Martanda; Sita; Vivasvat.
Savitar (India) see Savitri (A).
Savitr (India) see Savitri (A).
Savitri (A) Savitar, Savitr (Heaven), Surya, Vach, Vach-Sarasvati (Vedic, Hindu; India)
Originally, Savitri and Vivasvat were attributes or names of the sun. Later, they became deities. Savitri is the son of Aditi and one of the Adityas. He became the king of heaven, the giver of life, the father of the sun goddess Surya and possibly the Asvins. He is represented by universal movement, seen in the course of the sun and the motion of the winds and seas. Known as the “Generator,” “The Stimulator,” “The Inspirer” and “The Life-giver,” it is Savitri who calls for the night to approach. Savitri dispels disease and give mortals longevity and gods immortality, for he puts all to rest. He is invoked for the remission of sins. Savitri has golden eyes, hands and tongue. As the personification of the rising and setting sun, he rides through the heavens in a chariot drawn by glittering horses with white hoofs. In sacrifices, he cut off his hand but the attendant priests restored it. His hand represents the sun’s rays and the new hand is the lights of dawn. In the Hindu tradition, if the mantra of the Gayatri (a sacred text of the Vedas) is chanted upon rising, the magical powers of the text are exorcised on behalf of the reciter. The mantra “Om” is the basis of the Gayatri. Savitri is an aspect Surya, the sun god, and was later identified with Vishnu, whom he most resembles. In the Upanishads, Savitri appears as Purusha, “The Golden Person.” Compare him to the Norse god Odin’s lost eye and the Celtic deity Nuada’s silver hand. See also Aditi; Adityas; Asvins; Daksha; Mitra; Pushan; Sarasvati; Savitri (B); Surya (A); Surya (B); Vach; Varuna; Vishnu; Vivasvat.
Savitri (B) Deva-Kanya (Hindu; India)
Savitri, the daughter of Asvapati, choose the exiled prince Satyavan to be her husband. She was not thwarted by the warnings of the court sages that her loved one only had one year to live. The year passed and the god of death, Yama appeared to escort Satyavan to the land of the dead. Savitri followed them until her feet bled. She pleaded with Yama to release her spouse. Impressed by her willingness to follow her mate to death’s doorstep, the god agreed to allow Satyavan to return to her so that they could have many children together. Savitri is a name applied to many goddesses and is a common female name. A celebration is observed yearly by women in honor of Savitri, who did not allow death to conquer love. Savitri as a sun goddess could represent the sun and her husband the setting or dying sun. Another Savitri was the daughter of the sun and the wife of Brahma. Compare Savitri to the Greek goddess Alcestis. See also Sarasvati; Savitri (A); Yama.
Say-nying-po (Tibet) see Mamaki.
Sayori-bime-no-mikoto (Japan) see Three Goddesses of Munakata.
Scamander (Greek)
Also known as: Xanthus.
River god. His parents are Oceanus and Tethys. During the Trojan War, he assisted the Trojans, who were fighting with the Greeks, by flooding his river. He is the maternal grandfather of Cilia (q.v.). See also: Callirrhoe; Hesione; Rivers.
Scamandrus (Greek) see Rivers.
Scanda (India) see Skanda.
Scarab (Egypt)
Deified insect. A representation of a beetle, the sacred symbol of everlasting, eternal transformation and of immortality. The scarab is associated with the god Khepri and was often used as a seal, or an amulet worn for protection against evil. See also Amulet.
Scarphe (Greek) see Jason.
Scathach (Celtic)
Goddess of the sky. Sorceress. See also Aoife.
Sceiron (A) (Greek)
He is the son of Pelops or Poseidon who was killed by Theseus. See also Pelops.
Sceiron (B)
Sceiron is the northwest wind. His parents are the Titan, Astraeus and Eos, the goddess of dawn.
He is the king of a section of Boeotia. His parents are Athamas and Themisto. See also Atalanta; Athamas.
Scrat (Teutonic) Wood demon. See also Dus (Celtic).
Scylla Skylla (Greek)
Sea-monster. Although her lineage is murky, the legends of Scylla are clear. She was either the daughter of Phorcys and Hecate or Phorcys and Crataeis, or Typhon and Echidna, or Poseidon. In other legends, she is the daughter of the queen of Libya, Lamia, whom Zeus adored. When the jealous Amphitrite found out about Scylla’s affair with Poseidon she had the enchantress Circe turn the beautiful nymph into a sea-monster. In another version, Circe, angry that Scylla would not respond to the romantic overtures of Glaucus, poured poison into her bathing pond. Scylla stepped in to cleanse herself and turned into a monster. The jealousy of another woman also created havoc in Lamia’s life. Scylla and Charybdis harassed sailors in the Straits of Messina; it was impossible to avoid the danger of one without encountering the other. When Heracles was navigating his oxen through the straits of Sicily, Scylla reached out, grabbed one of the animals and gorged herself. Incensed, he killed her. Phorcys, her father, was able to revive her. Little is known about Charybdis except through the writing of Homer. He tells us that she lived in the sea under a rock on which a fig tree grew. She swallowed the angry waves of the sea three times a day and then regurgitated them. He called her the daughter of Poseidon and the Earth (Gaea). He wrote that the angry Heracles hurled a thunderbolt at her when she stole his oxen and thus changed her into a sea monster. Scylla barked like a dog and had twelve feet, six necks and six heads, each with three rows of teeth. See also Calypso; Ceto; Circe; Giants; Gorgons; Hylas; Lamia; Medusa; Nereids; Poseidon; Sirens.
Se-oritsu-hime (Japan)
Lady-Who-Descends-the-Rapids. See also Haya-akitsu-hime-no-kami.
Seb (Egypt) see Aai; Geb; Nut.
Sebak (Egypt) see Sebek.
Sebek Sebak, Sebeq, Sebku Sobek (Egypt, Greek)
Also known as: Helios (Greek), Petesuchos, Sebek-Hetep, Sobk, Sobk-Re, Suchos, Sukhos (Greek).
Sebek was a local god at the city of Arsinoe (called Crocodilopolis by the Greeks), in Faiyum. He was an early fertility god and later a god of death. A crocodile, believed to be the incarnation of a god, he is a protector of reptiles. Sebek prevents decay of the body in the tomb and provides speech and sight to the dead. He is associated with the pharaohs of the Thirteenth Dynasty. He is depicted as a crocodile or a crocodile-headed man. As Helios (Greek) he is depicted with a halo of rays and the attribute of a crocodile in his hand. There are depictions of crocodiles which carry a falcon’s head adorned with the double crown indicating the relationship between Suchos and Horus. In the Book of the Dead, Sebek assists in the birth of Horus. See also Horus; Sukhos (Greek).
Sebek-Hetep (Egypt) see Sebek.
Sebeq (Egypt) see Sebek.
Sebi (Egypt)
Sebi is a monster serpent who guards the entrance to the twelfth sector of Tuat.
Sebuit-nebt-uaa-khesfet-sebau-em-pert-f (Egypt)
Afterworld name. The name of the Eleventh Hour of Tuat. The city of Re-qerert-apt-khat which Osiris passes through has the pylon Sekhen-tuatiu. The deities who accompany the god or soul on the journey are Fa, Ermenu, Athpi, Netru, Shepu, Reta, Amu, Ama, Shetu, Sekhenu, Semsem, Mehni, Sem-shet, Sem-Nebt-het, four forms of Neith, Aper-hra-neb-tchetta, Tepui, Shetu, Tchet-s, Petra, Temu, Shetu, Nebt-ankhiu, Nebt-khu, Nert, and Hent-neteru. There are pits in this place. They are Hatet, guarded by Hert-ketit-s; another unnamed pit guarded by Hert-Hantua; another guarded by Nekenit; and two others guarded by Hert-Nemmat-Set and Hert-sefu-s. Three other goddesses are included in this journey: Pesi, Rekhit, Her-sha-s, and Sait and another god, Her-ut-f. See also Tuat.
Sechmet (Egypt) see Sekhmet.
Sedeq (Ancient Hebrew; Canaan; Persian; Syrian.)
Also known as: Melchi-sedeq, Sydyk.
Sun deity. Sedeq, a chief deity of the Palestinians, is the father of the seven Kabirs (great gods). He is usually associated with the god Misharu and called Melchi-sedeq. Under the names of Sydyk and Misor, they are the sons of Shamash and as culture heros, are the discoverers of salt. See also Misor; Zatik.
Sedit (Wintun People) see Coyote.
Sedna (Eskimo People)
Also known as: Ai-willi-ay-o, Arnaknagsak, Arnarquagssaq, Avilayoq, Nerivik, Nerrivik.
Sea goddess. Mother of all sea creatures. Sedna is the daughter of Anguta or Angusta. In one myth, Sedna fell in and out of love with a bird spirit. During her father’s attempt at rescuing her from the spirit he became frightened and threw her from the boat. She tried to climb back in and he cut off parts of her hand which became seals and other sea creatures. There are many variations on this theme. Another myth tells us that her nameless parents were giants. She had a voracious appetite and one night began nibbling on her mother and father. Horrified, they managed to throw her into the sea. She clung to the side of the boat and they chopped off her fingers which turned into sea creatures. She sank to the bottom, set up housekeeping, and became the ruler of all sea creatures and the dictator of storms. The Angakok (shaman) would visit her in a trance. He was received by the ruler in a luxurious tent in Adlivun under the sea furnished with the skins of various sea animals. The great lady would watch him dance and amuse her and then would give him a message for the people, generally regarding the food supply; if it was to be abundant they should stay, if sparse, they should move on. The toxic matter thrown into the sea (representing sins) tangles her hair. Her hair also tangles when land and sea meat are cooked together. Hunters who do not hunt with respect for the hunted caused her terrible pain. When Sedna is treated with honor, gentleness and honesty she provides food for humans, hence is called the “Food Dish.” She is also called the “Great Sea Mother.” It is Sedna who initiated taboos. She particularly dislikes dirty women. When a taboo is broken, she takes the women’s sewing articles and covers over the seals, so that they cannot be hunted. The shaman is called to bring her to him with his magic songs. When she possesses him, other men hold him tightly. During this period, the men are able to confess all breaches of taboos. Her hair becomes smooth again and she returns to her home in the sea. Her lights are turned up, the storms subside, and the animals are once again free to be hunted. However, the hunters must wait for four days before proceeding with the hunt. During this period, women do not sew. In some descriptions, Sedna is fat, hideous, and ill-tempered. She is also depicted as a giant with one eye. In another description, her hands are like seal’s flippers. She is the counterpart of the Pacific Eskimo goddess Nunam-shua (q.v.), and comparable to Nerivik. Compare Sedna to the Greek sea god, Poseidon. See also Adlivun; Anguta; Aningan; Nerivik; Tornaq.
Sedrat (Arabic)
Deified tree. Sedrat is the lotus tree that stands on the right-hand side of the throne of Ali. Countless angels rest in the shade of this tree and two rivers run from its roots.
Sedu Shedu (Babylon, Semitic, Hebrew)
Also known as: Alad.
Benevolent, obtuse demons. Door or gateway guardians (possibly). They are shown as winged animals, probably cows or bulls. Associated with the Lamassu. See also Lamassu.
Seeta (India) see Sita.
Sefer (Egypt)
Deified animal. A animal with the winged body of a lion and the head of an eagle.
Sefkhet-Aabut (Egypt) see Seshat.
Seger (Egypt) see Seker.
Segesta (Greek)
Segesta is a nymph and the possible mother by the river god, Crimisus, of the Trojan War hero, Acestes. See also Acestes.
Segetia (Roman)
Also known as: Tutilina.
Agricultural deity. Corn deity. Segetia protects the fruits and vegetables of the harvest. In some locales, she specifically protected the grown corn. Segetia may be an aspect of Ops and is comparable to the Greek goddess of corn, Seia. The difference is that Seia protects the corn before it sprouts.
Segomo (Celtic)
Another name for the god of war, Cocidius (q.v.).
Sehetch-khatu (Egypt) see Aai.
Seia (Greek)
Corn deity. Goddess of corn before it sprouts. See also Ops; Segetia.
Seilenos (Greek) see Silenus.
Seiren (Greek) see Sirens.
Se’irim (Middle Eastern) see Jin.
Seitaka Doji Seit Ka-doji (Japan)
He is the servant and messenger of Fudo-myoo. In one hand, he holds a stick. See also Fudo-myoo.
Sekem Taui (Egypt) see Ap-uat.
Seker (Egypt)
Also known as: Sacharis, Seger, Socharis, Sokar, Sokare, Sokaris.
Early god of vegetation. Deity of the necropolis of Memphis. He is closely affiliated with Osiris. Seker is shown as a seated hawk-headed man holding sovereignty emblems in his outstretched hand. He is sometimes shown with the head of man holding a knife in each hand. See also Amentet; Osiris; Ptah.
Sekhait (Egypt) see Sekhmet.
Sekhauit (Egypt) see Sekhmet.
Sekhautet (Egypt) see Sekhmet.
Sekhem (Egypt) The soul or vital power. See also Sekhmet.
Sekhem Em Pet (Egypt)
Also known as: Anubis.
Sekhem Em Pet is the name for the god Anubis as a son of Osiris. See also Sekhem Taui.
Sekhem-hra (Egypt) see Aai.
Sekhem Taui (Egypt)
Also known as: Anubis.
Sekhem Taui is another name for the god Anubis as a form of his father, Osiris.
Sekhemus (Egypt)
After world deity. The name of the Fourth Hour of Tuat. The boat of Ra arrives at the Circle called Ankhet-kheperu (see Aat) which has a pylon called Ament-sthau. Ra is guided along the hidden path called Re-stau and the winding road of the Amme-het to the land of Seker, which is filled with fearsome snakes. Along the way Osiris is merged with Seker and becomes Osiris Seker. Re-stau has three doors called Mates-sma-ta, Metes-neheh, and Metes-mau-at. Osiris Seker passes through the door guarded by the goddess Am-mut who consumes souls with fire from her mouth. Thoth and Horus go in front of Osiris and they pass through the serpents, Hetch-nau, Seker, Amen, Hekent, Menmenu, Neheb-kau and the scorpion Ankhet. See also Taut.
Sekhen-ba (Egypt) see Aai.
Sekheper-khati (Egypt) see Aai.
Sekher-remu (Egypt) see Aaru.
Sekhet (Egypt) see Bast; Hathor; Ra; Sekhmet.
Sekhet-aaru (Egypt) see Aaru.
Sekhet-hetep (Egypt) see Aaru.
Sekhmet (Egypt) Sakhmet, Sechmet, Sekhem
Also known as: Bast, Mut, Sekhait, Sekhauit, Sekhautet, Sekhem-bast-ra, Sekhet.
Warrior goddess. Goddess of childbirth, fire, heat. Punisher of mortals for sins. Protector of the righteous (in later times). Sekmet was created by Ra from the fire in his eyes to punish mortals for their sins. Sekhmet became the wife of Ptah, though often described as his mother, and mother of Nefertem. Together they made up the Memphite Triad. Her name means the “Mighty One” and she is known to spread terror. She is a fearless warrior who uses arrows. The hot desert winds are her breath and a fiery glow emanates from her body. Sekhmet, the negative aspect of Bast, is well known for her knowledge of magic and sorcery. The local goddess Mut merged with Sekhmet when Thebes became the royal residence. She is depicted with the head of a lioness or as a lioness. She is also shown with a solar disk, crowned with the poisonous uraeus-serpent. As Sekhem-bast-ra she is worshiped with Bast and Ra as a compound deity. In this form, she is the consort of Ptah-seker-ausar. Sekhmet is identified with Hathor who took the shape of a lioness and did battle for Ra against those mortals who were rebellious against him. She is also identified with Mut and Pakhet. The Greeks called her Sakhmis, Latona, and Artemis. See also Bast; Mut; Sakhmet; Ra.
Sekhmet-Bast-Ra (Egypt)
Strange deity portrayed as a male head on the body of a woman with a phallus.
Selamanes (Babylon) see Saramana.
Selene Selena, Selina (Greek)
Also known as: Artemis, Diana, Mene, Luna (Roman), Phoebe.
Goddess of the moon. Selene is the daughter of Hyperion or Pallas and Euryphaessa or Theia. Her siblings are the sun god Helius and the goddess of dawn, Eos. Selene had a long term affair with a beautiful, younger man, Endymion. She kept him in a somnolent state and every night paid him a visit. Over time, she had fifty daughters by Endymion. With Zeus she had three children, Pandia, Ersa and Nemea. The shepherd god Pan turned himself into a white ram and had sex with her. A very beautiful goddess, sometimes shown with wings, she rides across the skies in a chariot pulled by two white steeds. See also Artemis; Diana; Eos; Helius; Isis.
Selk (Egypt) see Selket.
Selket (Egypt) see Serqet.
Selkis (Greek) see Selket.
Selkit (Egypt) see Selket.
Selqet (Egypt) see Selket.
Selquet (Egypt) see Selket.
Selsabil (Islamic)
Water the flavor of ginger flows from this fountain in Paradise.
Semaahut (Egypt) see Aai.
Semeie (Greek)
Also known as: Thyone.
Semele is the daughter of the king of Thebes, Cadmus, and Harmonia. Her siblings are Agave, who later murdered her husband and went insane and then murdered her son; Autonoe, who was driven insane for her treatment of Semele; Ino, who raised Dionysus and later went insane; and two brothers, Illyrius and Polydorus. Semele was loved by Zeus and became the mother of Dionysus. The jealous Hera appeared to Semele in the form of Beroe, her nurse, and persuaded her rival to ask Zeus to appear to her in all the splendor of his divinity. Semele, unable to endure the brilliance of Zeus in his divine form, was burnt to ashes, but Hermes rescued her unborn child Dionysus, and sewed him into the thigh of Zeus from which he was later born. Her jealous sisters, Autonoe, Ino and Agave, spread vicious rumors about Semele and were punished throughout their lives by Zeus or Dionysus. In another version of this legend, Persephone was the mother of Dionysus and he was snatched away and eaten by the Titans. Zeus saved the child’s heart and served it to Semele in a drink from which she became pregnant. In later years, Dionysus went to the underworld, Hades, and took Semele to Mount Olympus where she became immortal under the name of Thyone. Some think Semele (or Persian Zamin) was Zemelo, an ancient earth goddess of the Phrygians. The Greeks identified her with the mother of the Egyptian Osiris. See also Actaeon; Bagos Papaios; Cadmus; Dionysus; Hera; Ino; Juno.
Semi (Egypt)
Deified object. Semi is a large winged uraeus standing on its tail. It is found in the tenth sector of Tuat.
Semiramis (Assyria)
Also known as: Sammuramat.
A goddess of love and war, she is the daughter of Ataryatis Derketo of Ascalon, the Syrian fish goddess (also known as Atargatis), and Oannes the god of wisdom. Ishtar’s dove fed her as a newborn until she was found by the shepherd Simmos, who raised her. She wed Menon, who was a general of King Ninus of Assyria. After his death, she married Ninus and became the Queen of Babylon. After his death, she became the ruler of Assyria. She led mighty war campaigns against Persia, Egypt, Libya and Ethiopia, and conquered the eastern world. She was also noted for building Babylon and its famed hanging gardens. See also Atargatis; Oannes.
Semit-her-abt-uaa-s (Egypt)
The name of the Fifth hour of Tuat. Osiris must pass through Semit-her-abt-uaa-s, the capitol city of Seker. The pylon and circle of the city are called Aha-neteru and Ament, respectively. Within the city are the souls called Baiu amu Tuat who are hidden beings. The boat of Osiris is towed by seven gods and seven goddesses, and he is accompanied by the gods Her-khu, An-hetep, Her-hequi, and Hetch-met. See also Tuat.
Sena (India) see Karttikeya.
Sena-pati (India) see Karttikeya.
Senenahemthet (Egypt)
Serpent demon. It is mentioned in a magical formula of Unas, a king of the Fifth Dynasty. See also Akeneh.
Sengen (Japan)
Also known as: Asama, Kono-hana-sakuya-hime (The Princess Who Makes the Blossoms of the Trees to Flower), Sengen-Sama.
The goddess of Mount Fujiyama. Although many shrines have been dedicated to Sengen, an important one has been established on the summit of the sacred Mount Fuji. Pilgrimages are made to her sanctuary during the summer months and worshipers honor the rising sun. Based on this practice, there could be a connection between Sengen and the sun goddess Amaterasu. In her role the similarity between the short lives of mortals and the short lives of blossoms is illustrated. (See Sakuya-hime.) Many shrines are erected on mountains, as they are considered sacred. Additional mountain deities are O-Yama-Tsu-Mi, chief god and lord of the mountains. This deity was appealed to before trees were cut down, particularly trees used to construct temples. He was born from the blood of his brother, the fire god Kagu-tsuchi. O-Yama-Tsu-Mi married Kaya-no-Hime-no-Kami (Ruler of the Grassy Plains). One of their daughters, Kono-Hana-Sakuya-Hime (Blossoms-of-the-Trees-Blooming-Princess), married Ninigi and became the mother of Hoderi, Hosuser and Hikohohodemi. Other mountain deities are Naka-Yama-Tsu-Mi and Saka-no-Mi-Wo-no-Kami, gods of the mountain slopes; Masaka-Yama-Tsu-Mi, god of the steep mountain slopes; Ha-Yama-Tsu-Mi, god of the lower mountain slopes; Shigi-Yama-Tsu-Mi, god of the mountain foot; Kama-Yama-Hiko, god of mountain minerals; the goddess Kanayama-hime (Metal Mountain Deity); her brother Kana-yama-biko-no-kami (Metal Mountain Prince Deity). See also Amaterasu; Fuji; Hikohohodemi; Hoderi; Hosuseri; Izanagi; Izanami; Kagu-Tsuchi; Kanayama-hime; Kaya-no-Hime-no-Kami; Ninigi; O-Yama-Tsu-Mi.
Sengen-Sama (Japan) see Sengen.
Senk-hra (Egypt) see Aai.
Senki (Egypt) see Aai.
Sennins Sennin (Japan)
Also known as: Weiwobo.
Sometimes known as one god, sometimes as more than one god with various attributes. High god. Tobo-saku. Known variously as the “Prime Man of the East,” and Weiwobo, the “Queen Mother of the West.” The Prime Man of the East is an old man who never grows any older. His immortality is symbolized by a peach in his hand. The Queen Mother lives on a plateau, close to Heaven, far to the west of China. Rafu-sen is the female deity of the plum-blossom. Kinko Sennin rides on a pure white crane and plays his harp while flying through the air. Kiku-jido, deity of the. Chrysanthemum, is an eternal boy who lives somewhere in the mountains. Most of the Sennins are shown as a man seated on a chair with a staff in his hand. See also Izanagi (for peach symbolism).
Senx (Bella Coola People, North America)
The sun. Senx is called “Our Father.” See also Alkuntam.
Sepa (Egypt) see Centipede.
Sepes (Egypt)
A deity who lives in the persea tree at Heliopolis.
Sept (Egypt) see Aaru.
Septu (Egypt) see Sopdu.
Seqeq (Egypt) see Sebek.
Sequana (Gallo-Roman)
Sequana, an early deity, is the river and earth goddess of the Seine and its valleys. Relics from her sanctuary were found in marshes near the source of the Seine River. Her sanctuary was thought to be a healing center, based on the found objects, which included human and animal figures, torsos, heads, limbs, and internal organs. The items may have been offerings to the deity. During her festival, the Celts pulled an image of a duck with a berry in its bill along the river. Other Celtic river goddesses are Belisama, Clutoida of the Clyde, Devona of the Devon, Matrona of the Marne, and Verbeia of the Wharfe. See also Belisama.
Sequinek Seqinek (Eskimo)
Aspect. Another name for God of the sun.
Ser-Kheru (Egypt) see Assessors.
Seraa (Egypt) see Aai.
Serafili (Muslim) see Gabriel.
Seraphim (Hebrew) see Angels.
Serapis Sarapis (Greek)
Also known as: Apis, Asar-Apis, Asar-Hap, Asar-Hapi, Asarhap, Hapi-Asar, Osiris-Apis, Usur-Api.
The Greeks derived the name Serapis from a combination of Osiris-Apis. During the Ptolemaic period Serapis was the Egyptian state god under the Greek rulers. In Greece, Serapis, a god of the underworld, was worshiped as god of the Ptolemies in the Serapeum temple in Alexandria. It was in Alexandria that the funeral cult of the dead bull was celebrated. Many of the myths attached to Serapis are similar to those of Osiris because in Memphis, Serapis was confused with Osorapis (Osiris Apis), the Greek name for Apis, and was worshiped with Osorapis. Serapis is shown as a bull-headed man wearing the solar disk and the uraeus between his horns. He is also shown wearing a corn modius on his head. In Greece and Rome he was usually represented as a figure similar to Pluto or Hades. Serapis is sometimes identified with Zeus, Asclepius, and Dionysus. See also Amentet; Apis (A); Argus (A); Onophris.
Serekhi (Egypt) see Assessors.
Serpent Lady (Aztec People, Mexico)
A name for Coatlicue. She is also variously called the Serpent Petticoated and Serpent Skirt. See also Coatlicue.
Serpents (Egypt)
Also known as: Dragons.
Sacred magical formulae. In the text of Unas, there are a series of short magical formulae, many directed against serpents. The following serpents are included: Ufa, Nai, Heka, Hekret, Setcheh, Akeneh, Amen, Hau, Antaf, Tcheser-tep, Thethu, Hemth, and Senenahemthet. The Nagas, Azi-dahak, Ahji are a few of the serpents of India. Kou-lung is a serpent from China. Even in Christianity St. George had his dragon.
Serqet Selket, Selqet, Selquet Serket (Egypt)
Also known as: Salkis.
Underworld deity. Protector of the dead and living. Scorpion goddess. With her winged arms widespread, she protects the mummy and guards the canopic jars containing the viscera. With the goddesses Neith, Isis and Nepthys, Serqet, the daughter of the sun god Ra, watches over the body of Osiris. During the Seventh Hour of Ra’s journey to Tuat, Serquet confronts, seizes, and ties up the evil serpent, Neha-bra, who attempts to prevent Ra’s boat from moving ahead. Serquet is depicted as a woman with a scorpion on her head and also as scorpion with the head of a woman. She is a companion of Isis and once sent seven of her scorpions to protect Isis from Set. She also protected Qebhsenuef. Worshipers of Serqet will never feel the scorpion’s sting. See also Ab-esh-imy-duat; Hapy (A); Isis; Neith; Nephthys; Tuat.
Serqi (Egypt) see Aai.
Ses-rab-kyi-pha-rol-ta-phyin-pa (Tibet) see Prajma-paramita.
Sesa (India) see Sesha.
Sesha Sesa, Sesha, Seshu, Shesha (Brahmanic, Hindu; India)
Also known as: Ananta (Endless), Anata, Anata-Sesha, Sesanaga, Virupaksha.
Sesha, the world serpent, and Vasuki, one of the three kings of the Nagas, were used by the gods as a rope, in the churning of the Ocean of Milk. Sesha forms the couch where Vishnu rests on the primal sea. With his thousand hooded heads, he provides shade for his master. He is one of the Nagas kings who rule in Patala, the underworld. He is the son of Kasyapa and Kadru and the brother of Manasa. Sesha came into being when he sprang from the mouth of Bala-Rama as he was dying. His name, given to him by Brahma, means “eternal.” Earthquakes are caused when he moves one of his heads. At the end of each kalpa (1,000 ages), he destroys the world with fire. Sometimes he is represented as a man in the form of Bala-Rama. As a serpent, he is depicted with a thousand heads, dressed in purple, and holding a plow and pestle. He symbolizes Time. Sesha is sometimes identified with Vrita. See also Bala-Rama; Kadru; Kalpa; Kurma (for churning of the ocean of milk); Manasa; Nagas and Nagis; Narayana (B); Nataraja; Patala; Vasuki; Virupaksha; Vishnu; Vrita.
Seshat (Egypt)
Also known as: Sefkhet-Aabut, Sesheta.
Deity of builders. Goddess of writing. Seshat is closely linked to Thoth as the patroness of writing and literature and the recorder of historical events. She is a helpmate to Thoth in his work and is the wife most often mentioned in connection with him. Her epithet is “She Who Is Foremost in the House of Books.” She is also known as “Lady Builder.” Seshat is a deity of the stars and to builders by aiding them in the stellar alignment of new structures, especially temples. She is depicted wearing a crescent and star with two plumes on her head or a headdress resembling a seven-pointed star crowned by a bow or a crescent. She usually wears a panther skin over her dress and holds a palm leaf in her hand. See also Sefkhet-Aabut; Thoth.
Sesheta (Egypt) see Sefkhet-Aabut; Seshat.
Seshetai (Egypt) see Aai.
Seshmu (Egypt)
God of perfume. Perfume deity and provider. Seshmu is mentioned from the Old Kingdom onward as the god of perfume and a provider, perhaps of material goods. Fragrance, aside from the olfactory advantages, was said to be infused with the power for immortality.
Seshu (India) see Sesha.
Sesi (Egypt) see Aai.
Sessrumnir (Norse; Teutonic)
Sessrumnir is the hall of the goddess Freyja in Asgard. See also Asgard.
Sessrymner (Teutonic) see Freyja.
Set Seth, Seti, Sut (Egypt)
Also known as: Sutekh, Typhon.
God of evil and darkness. Weather deity. Known as a born plotter. Set is the son of Geb and Nut, brother of Osiris, Isis and brother/husband of Nephthys. Sometimes he is known as the father of Anubis. In ancient times, he was the patron deity of Lower Egypt. When Upper Egypt overtook Lower Egypt, he became known as the god of darkness and the evil opponent of his nephew, Horus. During the Hyksos period he was worshipped as the chief god. During the Nineteenth and Twentieth Dynasties Set was known as a benevolent god who restrained the forces of the desert. He was the patron of the Ramessides. His good standing did not last long and by the Twenty-first Dynasty, he was once again the god of evil. He was insanely jealous of his brother Osiris, and numerous myths relate how he slaughtered him. In one tale, he tricked his brother Osiris by having a chest made that could only fit Osiris. When Osiris got in the chest, it was sealed and tossed into the Nile. The chest was found by Isis, but later came back to Set, who cut Osiris’ body to pieces. Isis found all of the body except the penis and scrotum and restored Osiris to life. Set was slain in vengeance by Horus and thrown into the desert to live forever. Set is represented as having a hyena-like body, the muzzle being pointed and the ears high and square. In his aspect as Akherkh, he is a griffin-like animal. Set is represented as darkness and has been compared to a destructive, cruel sea, while Osiris, his direct opposite, is compared to light and the river Nile for his life-giving attributes. Set has many animal aspects: the antelope, donkey, ass, crocodile, and sow. The ass, often thought of as slow and stubborn, was an insignia of Set. It symbolized lust and cruelty. In Greece, as an animal sacred to Silenus and Bacchus, it represents wisdom and prophetic powers. Set is identified by the Greeks as Typhon. See also Ab-ta; Akherkh; Anat; Atum; Bast; Horus; Isis; Osiris; Seth; Sopdu; Typhon (A).
Set-Hra (Egypt)
A monster serpent who guards the entrance to the eighth sector of Tuat.
Set-Kesu (Egypt) see Assessors.
Set-Qesu (Egypt) “Crusher of Bones.” A demon.
Seta-Ta (Egypt)
Guardian. Seta-Ta is a mummified god standing at the end of the corridor in the fourth sector of Tuat.
Setana (Celtic) see Cuchulain.
Setanta (Celtic) see Cuchulain.
Setcha (Egypt)
Setcha is an animal having the body of a leopard and the head and neck of a serpent.
Serpent demon used in the magical formula of Unas.
Setchet (Egypt) see Akeneh.
Setem (Egypt)
God of hearing. He is depicted with an ear above his head.
Seth (Egypt) see Set.
Setheniu-Tep (Egypt)
Afterworld deities. Four divine beings wearing white crowns found in the eleventh sector of Tuat.
Sethu (Egypt)
Also known as: Setu.
Sethu is a monster serpent god who guards the entrance to the tenth sector of Tuat. He carries a spear.
Seti (Egypt) see Set.
Setu (Egypt) see Sethu.
Seven Against Thebes (Greek)
They attempted to conquer the city of Thebes, unsuccessfully. Their sons, the Epigoni, successfully made the same attempt on the city of seven gates, ten years later. For details see also Adrestus.
Seven Generation Deities, The (Japan) see Ama-no-minaka-nushi.
Seven Snakes (Aztec)
A name for the maize goddess, Chicomecoatl.
Sgeg-mo-ma (Tibet) see Lasema.
Sgrib-pa-rnam-sel (Tibet) see Amoghasiddhi.
sGrol-mas (Tibet) see Tara.
Sha (Egypt)
Sha is a deified composite animal who has long square ears and a tail that looks like an arrow. It resembles the animal of the god of evil and darkness, Set.
Sha-kya-tup-pa (Tibet) see Sakyamuni.
Shadrapha (Phoenicia)
Also known as: Shed the healer.
God of Healing.
Shahapet (Armenian, Iranian, Slavic)
Also known as: Khshathrapati, Shavod, Shoithrapaiti, Shvaz, Zd.
Known as an Armenian lord of the land, he appears as a man or a serpent. He is a good spirit, unless he is angered. When found in houses, he is called Shavod, and is known as a lazy household guardian. On the last day of February he is forced out of the house to take up his duties in the field. The house-holders bang on the walls of the houses with old clothes, sticks and bags to arouse him. As a spirit of graveyards or fields, he is known as Shavz. Shahapet, Shvod, and Shavz are used in combination to frighten children. Similar to Iranian Khshathrapati. See also Shvaz; Shvod.
Shahar and Shalim (Canaan, Syria)
Also known as: Ab, Amm, Kahil, Wadd, Warah.
“The Gracious God.” Twins sons of El. Shahar (“dawn”) is the god of dawn, and Shalim (“peace”) the god of sunset. South Arabians had many names for the moon god: Warah (the Wanderer), Kahil (the Old One), Wadd (the Loving) and Ilmuqah, which has no meaning, but may follow in the same vein as Ab (father) or Amm (ancestor or uncle) Associated with the Canaanite Shemesh, a sun god, and Yareah, god of the moon. See also Alilah; El; Elohim; II; Ilah.
Shahpet (Armenian) see Shvaz.
Shahr (Mesopotamia) see Ba’al Shamin.
Shahrevar Shahriver (Persia) see Khshasthra Vairya.
Shahriver (Persia) see Shahrevar.
Shai (Egypt)
Also known as: Shait.
“Fate.” The god Shai accompanies each human from birth to death, decreeing the course of his life, and appearing with the soul of the dead when it is tried and judged before Osiris. Sometimes Shai is coupled with the goddess Renenet (“Fortune”). She stands near the pillar of Balance where the dead are judged. See also Aai; Osiris; Renenet.
Shait (Egypt) see Shai.
Shaitan Shetan (Islamic)
An evil spirit. In the Arabic tradition, Shaitan are one of five types of Jin. See also Azazel; Devil; Jin.
Shakrani (India) see Indrani.
Shaktar (India)
The demon who was originally King Kalmashapada. See also Parashara.
Shakti Sacti, Sakti (Pre-Vedic, Hindu, Saktism, Tantraism, Tantric Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism; India)
Also known as: Aditi, Asa Poorna, Buddha Krotishaurima (Tibet), Cha-dog-ma (Tibet), Chak-yu-ma (Tibet), Devi, Durga, Gokarmo, Hlamos, Kanya-Kumari (Daughter-virgin), Kunto-bzang-mo (Tibet), Lakshmi, Mamaki (Tibet), Manasa, Matris (the), Maya, Nam-kha-ing-kya-wang-chug-ma (Tibet), Padma Krotishhaurima (Tibet), Prakriti, Ratna Krotishaurima (Tibet), Sangyay Chanma (Tibet), Sarasvati, Til-bu-ma (Tibet), Varuni, Yasodhara.
Shakti is the Mother Goddess. She personifies the creative and destructive aspects of Divine Power. The Mother Goddess has come into the world in many forms to destroy evil and strengthen good. In the Tantra, there is one Universal Power, one Supreme Being, the Divine Mother. From herself, she created herself and her male aspect. In Hindu and Budhhist traditions, she is the consort of the god and represents his female aspect. Each member of the Hindu Trimurti has his Shakti. Shakti is also an epithet for many Indian and Tibetan goddesses. See also Ankusha; Devi; Durga; Ganesha; Hayagriva; Heruka; Kinkini-Dhari; Kuntu-bzang-mo; Lakshmi; Mamaki; Maya (A); Purusha (regarding Prakriti); Ratna Krotishaurima; Soma; Vairocana; Vilva (sacred tree); Zhag-pa-ma.
Shakuntala Sakuntala Sacontala (Hindu; India)
Raised by the sage Kanwa, this nymph became the mate of Dushyanta and mother of Bharata (q.v.).
Shakura (Pawnee People, North America) see Pah; Tirawa.
Shakuru (Pawnee People, North America)
Also known as: Atius, Atius Tirawa.
High god. Shakuru is the messenger between earth and the sky spirit, Tirawa. Some say he is a god of health and strength. See also Atius Tirawa.
Shal-za-ma (Tibet) see Nidhema.
Shala (Chaldea, Sumer)
An ancient Sumerian goddess of compassion, Shala was later included in the Chaldean Pantheon. She is the consort of Adad, or some say Marduk as Merodach, Dumuzi and Ramman. See also Dumuzi; Marduk; Ramman.
Shalem (Canaan, Syria) see Shahar and Shalim.
Shamas (Babylon) see Shamash.
Shamash Chemosh, Shamas, Shemesh (Mesopotamia) Sham-shu, Samsu or Sham-shu (Arabia), Chemosh, Shemesh. (Probably of Sumerian origin, then adopted by the Akkadian people along with the entire Sumerian pantheon.)
Also known as: Babbar, Shahan (possibly), Shullat, Utu (possibly).
Sun god. In the regions of Sippar and Larsa, a god of divination. Possibly a deity of fire under the name of Shahan and a god of prophecy. Shamash is the son of Sin the moon god, or some say Enlil. He is the twin brother/spouse of the passionate goddess Ishtar. (Some say Aya is his spouse.) He is the father of Kittum (“truth”) and Mesharum (“justice”). Originally a Semitic deity, Shamash was brought to Mesopotamia by the Akkadians. With his father, Sin, the moon-god, and his twin sister, Ishtar, Shamash forms an important triad. Elsewhere, he is one of a Babylonian triad with Sin (the moon) and Ramman (weather god). Shamash has the ability to deliver oracular responses of prophecy. His chief sanctuary was in Babylon, and he was also worshiped, possibly as Utu or Babbar at Sippar and Larsa or Ellasar. Scorpion men open his vast palace door every morning. (He lives in the mountains somewhere in the east.) His driver Bunene waits in the chariot for Shamash armed with his saw to mount the vehicle. They set out on their daily journey. At day’s end they enter through another vast door in the mountains of the west and travel through the earth to their starting place. The sun and moon were represented by a crescent and disk by the South Arabians from the ninth to second century. His Sumerian counterpart is Utu. Shamash is associated with Gilgamesh. See also Aa, Aah, Ba’al Shamin; Mithra; Mitra; Shamash; Sin.
Shamashana-Kali (India) see Kali.
Shambara (India) see Sambara.
Shamshu (Samsu) (Arabic) see Shamash.
Shan Kuei (China)
Demon of the mountains. One of the nine heroes.
Shang Ch’ing San Ch’ing (China)
Supreme god of the “Superior Heaven.” See also Lao-tien-yeh; San Ch’ing; Yu-huang-shang-ti.
Shang-di Shang-ti (China)
Ruler on High. Shang-di is the highest god of the Shang dynasty. He was later equated with Tian and was important in state rituals.
Shang Ti (China) Shang-Ti
Also known as: Huan-Vien Shang-Ti, Huang-Ti, Ti.
Supreme god. Shang dynasty. The ancients knew him as the “Lord of the Dark Heaven,” who was supreme over five deities. Each god had a sector of the sky. Ts’ing-ti, called the Green Lord, was in charge of the East. Ch’i-ti was over the South and was called the Red Lord. The god of the West was Po-ti, who was called the White Lord. Huan-ti, god of the North, was called the Dark Lord and the Center was under the rule of the Yellow Lord, Huang-ti. Shang Ti is represented as a man ten feet tall, surrounded with a halo, his long hair hanging over his back, generally clothed in a black robe. He is sometimes depicted as sitting on the back of a tortoise which is circled by a serpent. See also Chen Tsung; Huang T’ien; Lao-tien-yeh; T’ien; Yu-huang-shang-ti.
Shango (Yoruba People, Africa)
Earth god. God of thunder and lightning. Storm god. God of the east. God of war. God of justice and fairness. Shango is the earth born son of Obtala and brother of Ogun. He was the mortal king of Oya as well as a doctor who lived in a palace with several wives, including Oya, Oshun and Oba. His wife Oya had the reputation for being a very fierce woman who had an abundant beard. Shango had a bad temper and when he was angry he could kill by breathing fire. However, his wives apparently caused him great despair, for he committed suicide by hanging and now rules from the celestial realm. There, he acts as a god of justice. He punishes liars, thieves and those who work sorcery for negative means. The axe, representing the thunderbolt, is his weapon. When alive he carried a double-headed axe of stone said to have fallen from heaven. His altar is a three-forked tree that contains a basin with stones that also fell from heaven. In early days, if lightning caused fire, it was not extinguished even if a dwelling was burning because of the fear one had that Shango might retaliate. When Shango disappeared, his wife Oya changed into the river Niger. Shango is depicted with a double-headed axe similar to Thor’s hammer. Shango represents thunder and the sound of thunder is said to be his bellowing. His sacred animal is the ram, and he is often shown with a ram’s head and horns. From early times the Yorubas have been renowned for their bronze casting and their stone carving. Carved figures representing the Shango cult wore the double-axe insignia, often on the head or carried in their hands with a ram’s head carved on the top. The Ashanti storm god is their supreme deity, Nyame. The Dinka People have the deity Deng, who has the aspects of a storm god. The Buganda war god Kibuka has storm god characteristics. Compare Shango to Zeus and Ammon-Ra. See also Ifa; Oba; Obtala; Olodumare; Oschun; Oya.
Shani (India) see Tapati.
Shankha-sura (India) A demon. See also Krishna.
Shantanu (India) King of Hastinapura. See also Vyasa.
Shap (Syria, Ugarit) see Shaphash.
Shaphash Shap, Shapsh (Syria, Ugarit)
She is the sun goddess often called “Torch of the Gods,” who helped Anath bind and carry the body of Baal to the top of Mount Tsaphon. There she assisted in his burial and the accompanying feast. Later, when he was resurrected but could not be found, Shaphash went to find him. She was successful and Baal once again sat on the throne in Zaphon. A fight took place between Baal and Mot. Shaphash arrived on the scene, separated them, intimidated Mot, and paved the way for a reconciliation. See also Anath; Baal; Mot.
Shapsh (Syria, Ugarit) see Shapash.
Shar (Sumer) see Anshar.
Shara (Armenian) God of food. Son of Armais.
Shara of Umma (Sumer) see Inanna; Shara.
Sharabha (India) see Shiva.
Sharanyu (India) see Saranyu.
Sharira (Buddhist) see Stupa.
Sharis (Urartian People of Armenia)
Mother goddess. She could be the forerunner of Ishtar as some of the Babylonian deities migrated to Armenia. Some place Sharis in the same category as Sammuramat, a name that is an epithet of Ishtar. There may even be some relation to the Armenian goddess, Semiramis.
Sharma (Hittite, Hurrian) see Sharruma.
Sharruma Sharma (Hittite, Hurrian) see Hepat.
Shasnli Shakanli (Choctaw People, North America) Animal monster.
Shasti (A) (Bengal, India)
A protector of children, known as the Mother-Sixth, Shasti is worshiped on the infant’s sixth day of life. Sometimes she is worshiped with Karttikeya as her spouse and she is considered to be his Divine Army. Shasti is depicted as riding a cat. She could be an aspect of Uma.
Shasti (B) (Hindu; India)
Shasti is the female form of the elephant-headed god, Ganesha.
Shastradevatas (India) see Devis.
Shata-Rupa (India) see Sarasvati.
Shatananda Nandana (India) Karna.
Shatarupa (India) “She of a Thousand Forms.” See also Vach.
Shatrughna (India) Twin brother of Lakshmana (q.v.).
Shaumya (India) see Shiva.
Shaushga (Hurrian, Hittite) see Shaushka.
Shaushka Shaushga (Hurrian, Hittite)
Known as the Hittite Ishtar, Shaushka is the sister of three brothers, Teshub, Tashmishu and Hadad the storm god. Ishtar’s name is usually used in the texts of the period in place of her own name. See also Ishtar; Teshub.
Shavod (Slavic) see Shahapet.
Shawano (Algonquin) see Manibozho.
Shaya (India) see Chhaya.
Shazau (Babylonia) see Marduk.
She-Chi She, She-Tse (China, Taoist)
Also known as: Thu, Tu.
Spirits of earth and grain, respectively. Possibly a single spirit with the same attributes. Also called gods of soil and crops. According to some this deity was originally an official under the rule of the Yellow Emperor.
She-Tse (China) see She-Chi.
Shedu (Babylon) see Sedu.
Sheehogue and Deenee Shee (Irish. Called the “Gods of the Earth” in the Book of Armagh)
Also known as: Marcra Shee (fairy cavalcade), Slooa-shee (fairy host).
Fairies. The Sheehogue and Deenee Shee are fallen angels, not good enough to be saved, but not bad enough to be lost. At one time, they were the giants of the Tuatha De Danann, but became smaller as they were no longer worshiped. Among them are the Pookas and Fir Darrigs, who are bad fairies. The other fairies are mischievous, but not bad. Sheehogue (sidheog) is singular, Deenee Shee (daoine sidhe) is plural. See also Banshee; Leprechaun; Tuatha De Dannan.
Shehbui (Egypt)
Shehbui, the god of the south wind, is portrayed as a lion-headed man with four wings.
Shelartish (Urartian People, Armenia)
Shelartish is possibly a local god or one of the less important moon deities. He is associated with the goddess Sharis. There is a possibility that he was part of an early Urartian pantheon along with either Khaldi and Theispas or Shamas and Ramman.
Shelf of the Slain (Teutonic; Norse) see Valaskjalf.
Shelva (Toltec People, Mexico)
Shelva is the giant who escaped the Great Deluge by climbing the mountain belonging to the god of water. When the waters subsided, Shelva built the pyramid of Cholula.
Shemerthi (Egypt)
God of bowmen. He is an archer god in the tenth sector of Tuat.
Shemesh (Mesopotamia)
Sun god. Little known deity, but he might have been a twin of Yareah who was a moon deity. He is associated with Shahar and Shalem who are deities of dawn and sunset. See also Shahar and Shalem; Shamash.
Shemsu Heru (Egypt)
They are lesser deities who are the assistants to the god Horus. They also aid the dead.
Shen Nung (China) see Shen-nung.
Shen-Nung Shen Nung (China)
God of Agriculture. Deified mortal. Shen-Nung’s son is the spirit of grain, Chu. Shen-Nung, the emperor of the third millennium B.C.E., brought the skills of agriculture to his people. After his death he was deified.
Shen Shu (China) see Shen-T’u.
Shen-T’ao (China) see P’an-T’ao.
Shen-T’u (Taoist; China)
Also known as: Men-Shen, Shen Shu.
Guardian. They are the original door guards of the early Chinese. Along with Yu-Lu and Shen Shu (or Shu Yu) the two gods guard the gates to hell. They were later replaced by the Sniffing General and the Puffing General. Men Shen is the collective name for the door gods. See also Hu Ching-te; Men Shen; Ts’in Shu-pao.
Sheng-Mu Sheng-mu (Taoist; China)
Also known as: Nai-nai Niang-niang, Pi-Hia Yuan-Kun, T’ai-Shan Niang-Niang, Vien-Hou.
Mother goddess. Goddess of women and children. Her family name is Chen. Sheng-Mu is the daughter of T’aiyuehtati, the Emperor of the Eastern Peak. She is the wife of Mao Ying. She is a personal god (one who did great deeds during her lifetime). The daughter of a fisherman, she has the ability to cast out demons. She is the patron of farmers and fishers as she used her gift to aid them during her lifetime. She died at twenty-one. She keeps two of the demons she tamed with her. They act as messengers. Sheng Mu is shown wearing a headdress made of three birds with outspread wings. She is usually associated with the goddess of healing, Sung-tsi niang-niang (q.v.).
Shennda Boaldyn (Isle of Man) see Beltine.
Sheol (Hebrew)
Also known as: Hell.
Underworld. The grave or dwelling place of the dead. A place of darkness. The early Israelites pictured Sheol as a dim, underground world where all the souls of the dead were sent. It is a place without torture, but Sheol is also without joy. Sheol is similar to Arallu, Gehenna, Hades, Hell and Tuat.
Shepes (Egypt)
Aspect of Thoth. Shepes is a form of the god Thoth who appears in the seventh sector of Tuat. He is depicted seated with three headless figures, enemies of Osiris, kneeling before him. Their hearts have been ripped out and their bodies chopped up. There are other interesting figures in various positions around him: the god Af-Asar, the serpent Ankhtith, Hekenth the lion-headed goddess, and three hawks wearing double crowns on their human heads. The god Af-Tem sits regally nearby on a serpent shaped like a throne. Horus, whom Shepes in the form of Thoth once cured, also appears during this period with a retinue of gods and the goddesses of the twelve hours. See also Ab-esh-imy-duat (for other supportive members and enemies of this hour); Horus; Thoth.
Shepi (Egypt) see Aai.
Shesat Maket Neb-s (Egypt)
Afterworld deity. The name of the second hour of the night in Tuat. Osiris or the dead pass through the country called “Urnes” using the boat of Ra, proceeded by four other boats. The gods who minister to the dead in the second hour are Isis, Khnemu, Seb, Thoth, Afu, Ketuit-ten-ba, Kherp-hu-khefti, Heru-Tuat, Seben-hisq-qhaibit, Benth (two ape gods), Aana, Horus-Set, Mest-en-Asar, Met-en-Asar, Sesenet-khu. Following are the seven goddesses: Mest-tcheses, Amam-mitu, Her-tuaiu, Sekhet of Thebes, Amet-tcheru, Ament-nefert, Nit-tep-Ament. Then there are Nebui, Besabes-uaa, Nepr, Tepu, Hetch-a, Ab, Nepen, Ar-ast-neter, Amu-aa, Heru-khabit, Anu-bis, Osiris-Unnerfer, Khui, Horus and Set, Hen-Heru, Hun, Hatchetchu, Nehr, Makhi, Renpti, Afu, and Fa-trau. See also Tuat.
Shesemtet (Egypt)
She is the lion-headed sky goddess consort or wife of Shesemu.
Shesemu Shesmu (Egypt)
Underworld or afterworld deity. God of the wine press. Shesemu is the lord of the last hour of the night and consort or husband of Shesemtet. As the god of the wine press he pushes the head of transgressors into the wine press and crushes their skulls. He is shown as a human with lion or ox head. See also Tcheser-tep-f; Tuat; Unas.
Shesera (Egypt)
Afterworld deity. A god that appears in the tenth sector of Tuat. He is depicted armed with arrows and with a solar disk for a head.
Shesha (India) see Sesha.
Shesmu (Egypt) see Shesemu.
Shesshes (Egypt) see Ab-ta.
Shet-Kheru (Egypt) see Assessors.
Sheta-Ab (Egypt)
Guardian of the sixth sector of Tuat. His name means “Secret heart.”
Shetan (Islamic) see Shaitan.
Shetu (Egypt)
A serpent monster. He has the unusual ability to disappear into his own body when Ra ceases to speak. He appears in the eleventh sector of Tuat.
Shi-pa Lo-han see Arhats.
Shi Tenno, The Shitenno (Buddhist; Japan)
Guardians. The Shi Tenno, said to be five hundred years old, are guardians of the four cardinal points of the compass. They function as protectors of the world against the demons. Their names and directions are often given as guardian of the north, Bishamon, also known as Tamon; of the south, Zocho; of the west, Komoku; and of the east, Jikoku. Another list gives the north to Bishamon; the south to Komoku; the east to Jikoku; and the west to Zocho. The Shi Tenno are often located at temple gates to ward off evil spirits. The Nio serve a similar function. These and other guardian figures are known as Kongo Rikishi, or the strong men who hold the thunderbolt. The guardian figures are often depicted as “foreigners” with long curly hair, bulging eyes and fierce expressions on their faces. See also Bisha-mon; Godai-myoo; Jikoku-Ten; Konko-Yasha-Myoo; Nio; Shichi Fukujin.
Shi-tien Yen-wang (China) A name for the ten Yama Kings (q.v.).
Shi-wang (China) see Yama Kings.
Shichi Fukujin, The (Buddhist; Japan)
The Shichi Fukujin are the seven deities of luck, a group of six gods and one goddess. Their names are Benten the goddess of love; Bishamon the god of war; Daikoku the god of prosperity; Ebisu the god of workers and fishing; Fukurokujin the god of health and longevity; Hotei the god of good luck and generosity; Jorojin the god of wisdom. These deities have come together from different origins. Benten, as Benzaiten and Bishamonten (a male and female), is originally Hindu. Fukurokujin, Jorogin and Hotei are of Chinese origin. The name Pusa is a common European rendition for Hotei. The healer and sorcerer, Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto combined with Daikoku, became one of the Shichi Fukujin or Seven Gods of Happiness in later mythology. The images of the Shichi Fukujin were worn as charms. Benten is shown with a lute; Bishamon holds a weapon with an ax-like blade and a steel spike mounted on the end of a long shaft (similar to a halberd); Daikoku holds a mallet and sits on two rice bales; Ebisu holds a fishing rod and a plate of fish; Fukurokujin is depicted with a stork, a cane and a book of fate; Hotei has a large belly, a big smile and holds a bag containing desirable items; Jorojin is accompanied by a deer. Bishamon was also one of the guardians of the four points of the compass known as the Shi Tenno. See also names of individual deities for additional information and various spellings of names. See also Hiruko; Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto.
Shidure (Sumer) see Siduri.
Shidurri (Sumer) see Siduri.
Shigi-yama-tsu-mi (Japan)
God of the mountainfoot. See also O-Yama-Tsu-Mi; Sengen.
Shih-chia-mou-ni (China) see Sakyamuni.
Shiho-Tsuchi (Japan) see Hikohodemi; O-Wata-Tsu-Mi.
Shiko-Me Shikome (Terrible Woman); (Japan)
Also known as: Gogo-me, Gogome, Hisa-me, Hisame, Yomo-tsu-shiko-me (Ugly-Female-of-the-World-of-the-Dead).
Devils. Evil female spirits. Storm deities. The Shiko-Me are grotesque, evil, female deities who reside in Yomi, the underworld. Izanami was chased by a crowd of these demons along with eight attendant thunder demons and fifteen hundred assistant devils, as he fled from Yomi. Some say the Shiko-Me were an early form of the devil deities, the Oni. See also Gaki; Izanagi; Izanami; Kappa; Oni; Tengu; Yomi.
Shikome (Japan) see Shiko-me.
Shilup (Choctaw People) see Shilup Chito Osh.
Shilup Chito Osh (Choctaw People, North America)
Also known as: Shilup.
The Great Spirit or the name of a ghost.
Shima-tsu-hiko (Japan) see O-wata-tsu-mi.
Shimhanada Lokeswara (Buddhist; India)
Healer. Shimhanada Lokeswara is an aspect of Avalokitesvara and is regarded by the Mahayanist Buddhist as a healer of all diseases. He appears in many forms which vary slightly from one another. Shimhanada Lokeswara is depicted with a white complexion, three eyes, and a crown of matted hair (Jatamukuta). He wears a tiger skin and sits on a lion. A white trident with a white snake wrapped around is held in his right hand. In his left hand, he holds a burning sword on a lotus. See also Avalokitesvara; Lokeswara.
Shimmei (Japan)
Shimmei is a name used for the goddess Amaterasu, who is a sun goddess, the founder of sericulture, the guardian of agriculture, the deity of peace and order and the ancestor of the ruling family. See also Amaterasu.
Shimti (Akkadian) Goddess of Fate. See also Ishtar.
Shin-je-she-chi-chyil-khor (Tibet) see Yamantaka.
Shina-to-be (Japan) see Shina-tsu-hiko.
Shina-tsu-hiko (Shinto) Japan
Wind god. Shina-tsu-hiko and Shine-tsu-hiko (Shina-to-be) were born of Izanagi’s breath. They hold up the sky and fill the void between heaven and earth. They are the superiors of the minor wind deities Tatsuta-hiko and the goddess Tatsutsa-hime. Prayers are offered to Shina-tsu-hiko, Shine-tsu-hiko, Tatsuta-hiko and Tatsutsa-hime when a plentiful harvest is desired. These deities are also invoked by fishermen and sailors. Amulets are worn to protect believers from the ill-effects of the wind and protection against storms. Tasuta-hiko and Tatsutsa-hime are named after the sanctuary where they are worshiped. See also Amaterasu; Fu-jin (god of winds); Haya-ji (whirlwind deity); Izanagi.
Shine-tsu-hiko (Japan) see Shina-tsu-hiko.
Shining One, The (Greek) see Aglaia.
Shinto Creation Myth (Japan) see Ama-no-minaka-nushi.
Shio-Zuchi (Japan)
“Old Man of the Tide.” Shio-Zuchi is another name for the god of the sea and ruler of all sea creatures, O-Wata-Tsu-Mi (q.v.).
Shiri-Kume-na-Nawa (Japan)
“Don’t Retreat-Rope.” This rope was tied across the entrance to the cave known as Ame-no-Iwato, where the light of the world, personified as the goddess Amaterasu, had sequestered herself. See also Amaterasu.
Shishupala (India) see Sisupala.
Shita-teru-Hime (Japan)
She is the daughter of Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto, the god of medicine and sorcery. Ame-no-Oshido-Mimi, the son of the sun goddess, Amaterasu, fell in love with her. See also Ame-no-Oshido-Mimi; Haya-ji; Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto.
Shitala (India) see Sitala.
Shitenno Shi Tenno (Japan)
Guardians. The four guardian kings. Zocho (in India, known as Virudhaka), Jikoku (in India, known as Dhritarashtra), Komoku (in India, known as Virupaksha) and Tamon (in India, known as Vaisramana). They protect the East, West, North and South regions of the sky. The Shitenno are assisted by eight generals, who are also protecting deities. See also individual gods.
Shiu-Mu Naing-Naing (China)
Water mother. See also Hsi-Ho and T’ien-Hou.
Shiva Siva (Hindu; India).
Also known as: Ananda (Joy, Happiness), Ardhanari-Ishvara (The Lord Who Is Both Male and Female), Ardhanariswara (Nepal), Asitanga (With Black Limbs), Badari (Lord of Badari Shrine), Baidya-isvar, Bhaga (The Divine), Bhadra Vira, Bhairab, Bhairava (The Destroyer), Bhutesvara (Lord of Spirits and Demons), Dakshina-Murti (Facing South), Digambara (Clothed in Space, Dressed in Air), Garudi (Shiva’s secret form as female bird of prey), Hara (Universe Destroyer), Isana, Iswara (Supreme Lord), Kala-Siva (Double-sexed god of time or death), Kapala (Skull), Krodha (Anger), Mahadeva (“Great God,” a praise name for Rudra-Shiva), Mahakala (God of Irrevocable Time), Mahayogi (Great Yogi), Maheshvara (Great Lord), Nandisha (Lord of Nandi), Nandisvara, Nataraja Siva (King of the Dance), Nataraja (Cosmic Dancer), Nilakantha (Blue Throat), Panchamukhi-Maruti, Pashupa, Pashupati, Pasupati (Lord Protector of Animals), Phra In Suen (Siam), Rudra (Storm), Ruru (Hound), Sanja, Sankara (Healer), Sarva (The Destroyer), Sanhara (Destruction), Sharabha, Shaumya (a peaceful aspect), Sudalaiyadi (Dancer of the Burning Ground), Sundara, Sundareshwar, Syama (Black), Tryambaka (Three-mothered or Three-eyed), Unmatta (Raging), Vaidya-nath (Lord of the Knowing Ones or Lord of the Physicians), Virabhadra (Monster of Destruction), Vishvanatha, Visnanatha (Vishna’s name as the presiding deity of the sacred city of Benares); (Brahmanic, Hindu, Vira-Shaivaisma, Vedic; India)
Shiva has one thousand and eight names and epithets. He is a creator god, moon god of the mountains, god of agriculture, fertility god, lord of the cosmic dance, god of the arts and learning, god of truth, god of luck, god of the rivers, god of the forests, god of death, of yoga, of cremation grounds, and the lingam. He was a god of a primitive Hindu religion, later adopted into the Brahmanic pantheon. In this capacity, he embraced the destructive qualities of his Vedic predecessor Rudra, the storm god of the Rig-Veda. Shiva’s attributes are truth, energy, and darkness. It is said that he does not have incarnations, although some followers declare that he has twenty-eight. His celestial abode is Kailasa where the faithful hope to arrive after death. Shiva stands beneath the sacred river Ganges which flows from the Himalayas in great torrents. The water flows through his matted hair and divides into the seven holy rivers of India. Frequently he is called upon to assist other gods in their fight against evil. During the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, when the serpent demon Vasuki was used as a churning rope, he vomited poison. The toxin threatened pollution of the ocean and the death of the other deities. Shiva quickly caught the noxious spill in his throat. His wife Parvati sprang to his aid and strangled him to keep him from swallowing it. He survived and was left with the legacy of a blue throat. Shiva has eight terrifying aspects: Asitanga, Bhairava, Kapala, Krodha, Rudra, Ruru, Sanhara, and Unmatta. His consorts are aspects of the Great Mother Goddess Devi who appears as Gauri, Sati, Parvati, Uma, Durga and Kali. He is the third member of the Hindu Trinity and he represents the destroyer but has aspects of regeneration. The other two members are Brahma, who represents the principle of creation, and Vishnu, who is the preserver. As Ardhanari, Shiva represents Shiva with Parvati or Durga and is both male and female. Agni is identified with Shiva as Rudra-Shiva, his destructive aspect. The followers of Shiva maintain that Brahma created the universe and was outside of the universe. He was awakened by Shiva, in the form of Hansa the goose. From Brahma’s head sprang Angira (memory), from his breast Dharma (very loosely translated as “the ultimate conduct of all things”), from his body, mind and matter. He then proceeded to divide his body in half, the right half being Manu, the first perfect man, and the left half female, Satarupa, who is Maya or “illusion.” In the Mahabharata, it is written that Krishna worshiped Shiva. The Buddhist Shingon sect consider Fudo-Myoo an aspect of Shiva. Shiva, as the ascetic, is often depicted with white matted hair, and an ashsmeared body. He is seated on the skin of a tiger, elephant or deer, covered by a snake canopy. This position symbolizes that he has overcome aggression and greed. On each side of his third eye he has three horizontal gold stripes, known as tiku, his caste mark. (Vishnu has three converging vertical strokes). Around Shiva’s blue neck, he wears prayer beads, and the writhing cobra Vasuki. The crescent moon is depicted on his forehead, the symbol of the sovereignty given to him at the Churning of the Ocean. His mount, the white bull Nandi, is nearby and his son with the elephant head, Ganesha, is at his feet. Nandi, the guardian of all quadrupeds, provides the music for the dance of Shiva Nataraja known as the Tandava. Nandi’s symbol is the crescent moon and his consort is Nandini, the cow who could fulfill all desires. The elephant symbolizes strength, power, wisdom and knowledge. Shiva’s emblems are the lingam (phallus) and the footprint. Worship of the lingam celebrates his creative power. He usually has four faces, three eyes and ten arms. He rules with his eastward face, rejoices with his northward face, delights in all creation with his westward face, and with his southward face he shows his angry and destructive side. Shiva is also shown with five faces, three eyes and four arms, wearing snakes as ornaments and a string of skulls around his neck. Sharabha is a form of Shiva who appears as a black monster with eight legs and tusks and long claws. He lives in the Himalayas and is said to be over a hundred miles in length. As the god of music, Shiva Nataraja has his hourglass drum and frequently a stringed instrument known as the vina. He is sometimes pictured as a type of Dionysus or a Bacchus, drunk with wine and dancing madly on the mountains. As Bhutesvara, he dances in Smashana, the cemetery where the dead bodies are purified. He wears a necklace of skulls, and is garlanded with serpents. In Smashana, visitors must avoid the Vetala, an evil spirit who sneaks into corpses and makes them act like zombies who commit unspeakable crimes. In other depictions Shiva carries a trident named Pasupata or Pinaka, created by the divine smith, Visvakarma, a bow named Ajagava (some call the bow Pinaka), an arrow, and a noose. He also has a club with a skull on the end named Khatwanga. His other attributes are the elephant and the rat. His sacred plant is the Asoka (“Calotropis Gigantea”). The Bilva (sacred fruit) and the Nirgundi, a three-leaved plant, are also his emblems. The leaves of the sacred Vilva (bel) tree are used in cermonial worship of Shiva and Shakti. Red China roses are essential in worshiping Shiva. In his manifestation as Nandisvara, he is shown in a ca. 9th century sculpture from Central Java as a slender prince dressed in royal attire, guarding the entrance to a shrine. He wears a crossed sacred thread, two girdles and two sashes, tied at the hip. His head, slightly inclined, is framed by an oval halo. His face shows a three-quarter profile. Behind his right shoulder is his traditional attribute, a trident. As Ardhanari-Isvara, he is represented with one female breast, depicting his male and female nature. During the moon-month Phalaguna the wedding of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated with a feast known as Shivaratri. Shiva represents the totality of all being and he aids all who worship him. If his name is repeated with devotion, faith and concentration, the heart is cleansed from sin and in rebirth the worshiper will live a happy life. See also Kurma regarding Shiva as Nilakanth. Compare Shiva and Nandi to Ptah and Apis (Egypt). Shiva corresponds to Vishnu (q.v.). Compare to the creation myth of Brahma. See also Andhaka; Ardhanariswara; Arjuna; Badari; Baidya-nath; Bana; Banalingas (sacred stones); Bhaga; Bhairab; Bhairava; Brighus; Daksha; Dakshina-Murti; Devi; Durga; Fudo-Myoo (Japan); Gramadeveta; Hanuman; Hara; Indra; Kala; Kali; Kalki; Kama (A); Krishna; Kuvera; Lokapalas; Mahakala; Manasa; Manu; Meru Mountain; Nandi; Nandisha; Nataraja; Panchamukhi-Maruti; Parashur Rama; Parvati; Pasupati; Pinka; Pushan; Ratri; Rudra; Sandhya; Saranyu; Sati (A); Sitala; Soma; Tara (A); Trailokyavijaya; Vasuki; Virabhadra; Visvakarma; Vritra; Yaksha and Yakshini.
Shivaratri (India) Celebration Feast. See also Shiva.
Shiwanni and Shiwanokia (Zuni People, North America)
When Awonawilona created clouds and the air, the sky deities, Shiwanni and his wife Shiwanokia, decided to be creative. Shiwanni spit on his hand, slapped it, and formed yucca suds. His floating suds became the stars and constellations. Shiwanokia’s suds fell to earth and became Awitelin Tsita, the Earth Mother. See also Awitelin Tsita; Awonawilona.
Shk Shakak (Acoma People, North America)
The Winter Spirit. See also Iatiju.
Shoden (Japan) see Ganesha (India).
Shoithrapaiti (Slavic) see Shahapet.
Shojo (Japan)
The Shojo are denizens of the deep, who look something like orangutangs. They are merry deities and as they drink heavily, they are known as gods of sake, a rice wine. Their faces are red, and they have long red hair. They carry a dipper and wear gaudy dresses of red and gold.
Shokujo (Japan) see Amatsu-Mikaboshi.
Shony (Celtic) see Son.
Shore of Corpses (Teutonic) see Nastrond.
Shou (Egypt) see Shu.
Shou-hsing Shou-Sing, Shouhsing (China)
Also known as: Lao-Jen, Nan-Chi, Shou-Lao.
Shou-hsing is the god of long life, wealth and happiness. He is highly revered for his power to give mortals the gift of longevity. He records the destined date of a person’s death, but could sometimes be persuaded, by honor and sacrifice, to alter his figures favorably. He is closely connected with the god of long life and salaries Lu-hsing (or Lu-sing) and the god of happiness Tsu-hsing, who were often depicted with him. This group is known as Fu-shou-lu. Shou-hsing is also known as Nan-chi lao-jen or Shou-lao (Old Man of the Southern Pole). Shou-hsing is generally depicted carrying a staff and holding a peach of immortality. He is an old white-bearded man with a bulbous bald head who is sometimes shown with a turtle or stork. Shou-hsing is part of a triad with Fu-hsing and Lu-hsing. He is associated with the god of happiness, Fu Shen, and the god of wealth and happiness, Ts’ai Shen.
Shou-lao (China)
Old Man of the Southern Pole. See also Shou-hsing.
Shou-Shen (China) see Shou-hsing.
Shou-Sing (China) see Shou-hsing.
Shou-Ts’ang (China)
Servant deity. Shou-Ts’ang executed justice on the orders of Kuan-Ti. He was also the squire and groom for the god of war.
Shouhsing (China) see Shou-hsing.
Shraddha (India) see Sraddha.
Shri (India) see Sri.
Shru (India) see Sri.
Shruisthia (Acoma People, India) The Autumn Spirit.
Shu Shou (Egypt at Nay-ta-hut; Libyan)
Also known as: God of Air.
God of atmosphere. God of dry winds. Shu and his sister/wife Tefnut were the first couple of the Ennead of Heliopolis. When his father Ra (the sun) ordered Shu to separate Geb and Nut from their embrace so light could come through, he did so. He held Nut up to form the sky. After the reign of Ra, Shu became the ruler of the world until he was overtaken by Apep’s children. Weakened by the melee he gave the throne up in favor of Geb. The heavenly hosts threw a major farewell party that lasted for nine days. When it was over, Shu graciously retired to heaven. Shu and Tefnut were known as the “Twin Lion Gods.” Overall, Shu personified the atmosphere which divides the sky from the earth. The goddess Isis wrote a book entitled Book of Breathings for her dead husband Osiris. It was concerned with the necessity of breathing in the underworld, of living after death. To do so, the deceased had to identify with the god Shu. Shu is usually depicted with one or more ostrich (or feather) plumes on his head and sometimes as the support of the vault of heaven. Shu’s name means “dry,” “empty.” See also Aai; Amun; Anat; Anhur; Geb; Heh; Isis; Khepri; Khnemu; Ra; Seb; Tefnut.
Shu-Hu (China)
Lightning. Shu, the northern god, and Hu, the southern god, created the world from the body of Chaos (Hun-tun). After the creation of the world, their names were combined and became the lightning that struck Chaos and allowed the world to emerge. See also Hun-tun.
Shu Yu and Yu Lei (China) see Men Shen.
Shualu (Babylon) see Aralu.
Shui Chun (China) see Shui Shen.
Shui I (China)
God of the waters. See also Nine Songs; Shui Shen.
Shui Jung (China)
Also known as: Ch’eng Huang.
As Shui Jung, he is one of the Pa Cha (Eight Spirits). As Cheng Huang, he is the god of walls and ditches. See also Ch’eng Huang.
Shui-kuan (China)
Also known as: Shui Shen.
Water deity. He belongs to the triad known as San Kuan. They are the Three Supreme Agents, or Three Origins. With Shui-kuan is T’ien-Kuan, the agent of heaven, and Ti-Kuan, the agent of earth. It is Shui-Kuan’s job to defend men from evil. He rides his horse through water and is followed by fish. He is identical with Shui Shen. See also Nine Songs; San Kuan.
Shui Shen (China)
Also known as: Shui Chun, Shui I, Shui-kuan.
God of the waters. He is one of the Nine Songs, the nine creator gods. Shui Shen is similar to Yo Po and identical with Feng I. See also Nine Songs; Shui-Kuan.
Shukra Sukra (India) see Asuras; Brighus; Brihaspati.
Shullat (Sumer) see Shamash.
Shulmanu (Babylon) see Saramana.
Shura (Japan)
The Shura, male reincarnations of warriors who died in battle, are furious spirits who live in the sky where they fight one another.
Shurpanaka Surpanaka (India)
Shurpanaka is a Rakshasi (giant female demon) who is probably the daughter of Nikasha and sister of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Khara, and Bihishan. See also Nikasha; Ravana.
Shutu (Mesopotamia)
South West Wind demoness. See also Ilabrat.
Shuznaghu and Zumiang-nui (Dhammai People, Northeast India)
Shuzanghu and Zumiang-nui lived above in a place were neither sky nor earth existed. Zumiang-nui gave birth to the earth goddess Subbu-Khai-Thung and the sky god Jongsuli-Young-Jongbu. The children fell from their space and were swallowed by the worm Phangnalomang. Zumiang-nui had another child and the worm came to devour it. Shuzanghu trapped him, split his stomach open and rescued his children who took their positions as the earth and the sky. They united and gave birth to the goddess Jibb-Jang-Sangne and the god Sujang-Gnoi-Rise, who became mountains, followed by a son, Lujjuphu, and daughter, Jassuju, who were born as frogs. In turn, they mated and gave birth to the first mortals, Abugupham-Bumo and Anoi-Diggan-Juje. They became the parents of Lubukhanlung, Sangso-Dungso and Kimbu-Sangtung. Abugupham-Bumo and Anoi-Diggan-Juje are described as being covered with hair. See also Agni; Brahma; Prajapati; Purusha.
Shvaz (Armenian)
Also known as: Shahpet.
Shvaz is a spirit or ghost of the fields who appears in the spring of the year. He may be identified with Shahapet (q.v.). See also Shvod.
Shveta Tara (India) “White Tara.” See also Tara (B).
Shvod (Armenian)
This house guardian appears to mortals once yearly. He is beneficent unless he is angered. He may be related to Shahapet (q.v.). See also Shvaz.
Shyama-Kali (India) “The Black One.” See also Kali.
Si-Wang-Mu (China)
Si-Wang-Mu is a name for Hsi-Wang-Mu, the goddess of epidemics, plagues and pestilence. See also Hsi-Wang-Mu.
Sia (Egypt)
Also known as: Saa.
God of the sense of touch or feeling, and of knowledge and understanding. Sia was born from the drops of blood that flowed when the sun god Ra mutilated his penis. He was subsequently invoked as a protector of the genitals of the deceased. Sia also is one of the gods who watch the heart of the deceased being weighed at the great judgment. See also Hu; Ra.
Sia People — Creation Legend (North America) see Sus-sistinnako
Sibhol (Celtic) see Eire.
Sibu (Andean People, Peru)
Creator. Sibu created rocks on which a monster bat defecated. From this material sprang trees and grasses. The bat could travel to the underworld (Nopatkuo) where he fed on the blood of Benu, the earth. Benu is the daughter of Namaitami who in turn is the daughter of Namasia. When the inhabitants of the underworld found out what the bat was doing they made a snare that cut the monster in half. Sibu healed the bat but required it to always keep its head down so its innards would not fall out. Now, the bat must always stay in this position. There are other stories about Sibu, one of which involves a flood myth. See also Sura (A).
Sibyl (Greek)
Also known as: Sibylla, Sibylle, Sif.
Prophet. There are numerous women in ancient mythology from various civilizations known as Sibyl. They are almost all prophets who also act as intermediaries between mortals and the gods. The original Sibyl is thought to be the Greek Sibyl, daughter of Dardanus and Neso. When Apollo asked her what she wanted, she asked to live as many years as the number of grains of sand she held in her hand. But she forgot to ask for youth and consequently shrivelled to a tiny size. When children asked her, “Sibyl, what do you want?” she could only answer with the words, “I want to die.” See also Amaltheia; Golden Bough; Sif.
Sibyl Herophile (Greek) see Lamia.
Sibylla Sibyl (Greek) see Sibyl.
Sibyls (Greek)
Deified mortals. Women with the gift of prophecy who interceded with the gods on behalf of human supplicants. The Sibyls are usually very young or very old. They reside in and around caves. See also Sibyl.
Sibzianna (Babylonian) see Tammuz.
Siddhaikaviramanjughos (India) see Manjusri.
Siddhartha Siddartha (Buddhist, Jain; India)
Also known as: Buddha.
Siddhartha is the father of Mahavira. Siddhartha is an epithet for Buddha and a praise name for saints. The name is also used to depict one who has accomplished total enlightenment and self-control, or who has accomplished his reason for being on earth. See also Buddha; Mahvira; Sakyamuni.
Siddhas, The (Hindu, Jain; India)
Also known as: Siddhanganas (male), Siddhanjanas (female).
The Siddhas, demi-gods with great occult powers, reside in eternal bliss in Sidda-Sila, a region above the Kalpas in the zenith of the universe. There are 88,000 holy beings, all manifestations of Vishnu. See also Loka.
Siddhi (India)
Goddess of success. See also Ganesha; Karttikeya.
Side (Greek) see Orion.
Sidero (Greek)
“The Iron One.” She is the second wife of Salmoneus and stepmother of Tyro. Tyro’s twin sons, Neleus and Pelias, rescued their mother when Sidero had her imprisoned, and then murdered Sidero. See also Cretheus; Salmoneus.
Sidhe, The (Celtic) see Tuatha De Danann.
Sidhi-Data (India) see Ganesh.
Sidhottr (Norse; Teutonic) see Odin.
Sido (Melanesian)
Also known as: Hido, Iko.
Hero god. He is a trickster and shape changer. His wife is Sagaru. In death he planted crops to feed the souls of the dead.
Siduri Shidure, Shidurri, Siduru (Assyro-Babylonian)
Also known as: Ishtar, Siduri-Sabitu.
Sea deity. She is described as a beautiful goddess who lives by the sea in the midst of a beautiful garden strewn with gems. When she could not deter Gilgamesh from his desire to find Uta-Napishtim, Siduri directed him to elicit the help of Urshanabi. Siduri is shown as a serpent. Others describe Siduri as a veiled barmaid who is a manifestation of Ishtar. Her home is on the seashore not far from the Land of Life where the deified mortal Utnapishtim lives. See also Ishtar; Sabitu; Utnapishtim.
Siduri-Sabitu (Sumer) see Siduri.
Siduru (Sumer) see Siduri.
Sie-king T’ai (China)
Magic mirror. Sie-king T’ai is the mirror used by Ts’en-kuang to judge the dead before he assigns them to one of the ten hells of Ti-yu. See also Ti-yu; Ts’en-kuang-wang.
Siegfried (Teutonic) see Sigurd.
Sien-tsan (China)
Also known as: Hsi-ling Shih.
Goddess of weaving silk. The goddess and patroness of the art of silk cultivation. In her mortal life, she had been the wife of the emperor Shen-Nung, who was also deified. There is a similar version where Hsi-Ling Shih was the wife of Huang-ti and introduced the silk worm to the Japanese. See also Huang-ti; Toyo-Uke-Hime-no-Himi; Ts’an Nu.
Sieroji Zemele (Lithuania) see Zemina.
Sif (A) (Greek) Sif is an alternate name for Sibyl.
Sif (B) (Teutonic; Norse)
Sif is the wife of the thunder god, Thor. Her golden hair, cut off by Loki, was replaced by hair spun from gold by the dwarfs. She is the mother of Lorride and a daughter, Thrud. Sif is the owner of the jewel-dropping ring, Draupnir. See also Iarnsaxa; Sibyl; Thor; Thrud.
Sig-Tyr (Teutonic) see Tyr.
Sige (A) (Teutonic) see Sigi.
Sige (B) (Sumer) see Zi
Sigfadir (Teutonic) see Odin.
Siggeir (Norse; Teutonic)
Siggeir is possibly a lord of darkness. He is the husband of Signy, who is the daughter of Volsung. See also Sigmund; Signy; Sinfiolti.
Sigi (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Sige.
Deified mortal. King of Franconia. Sigi is one of the sons of Odin. He is the father of Rerir and grandfather of Volsung. He is usually depicted as a wolf. See also Odin; Volsung; Zi (Babylon).
Sigidi (Africa) see Eshu.
Sigird (Teutonic) see Sigurd.
Sigmund (Norse; Teutonic)
Sun hero. Sigmund is the eldest of the ten sons of Volsung and Liod. With his twin sister Signy they were the parents of Sinfiotli (Sinfjotli). Sigmund’s first wife Borghild murdered Sinfiotli. His second wife Hiordis is the mother of Sigurd. Sigmund furnished swords to the fallen warriors in Valhalla. He, alone, was able to pull Gram, the magic sword, from the oak tree where Odin had thrust it. Siggeir, the husband of Sigmund’s sister Signy, was so jealous of Sigmund’s ownership of the Gram the sword that he had all the Volsungs slain. Only Sigmund escaped and hid in a cave. After a long series of events Sigmund and Sinfiotli avenged the deaths of the Volsungs, but Signy perished in the flames that killed Siggeir. See also Arthur; Odin; Signy; Volsung; Volsung Saga.
Sigmund and Sinfjotli (Teutonic) see Odin.
Signy (Norse; Teutonic)
Dawn goddess. She is the only daughter of Volsung and Liod. Her brother, Sigmund, is the eldest of ten brothers. With Sigmund she became the mother of Sinfiotli. Signy and her son killed Siggeir (her former husband) to avenge the death of Volsung. See also Sigmund; Volsung.
Sigoo (Arawak People, New Guinea)
Sigoo took the animals and birds to the high mountains so that they could survive the Great Flood.
Sigrdrifa (Teutonic) see Brynhild.
Sigrun (Teutonic)
Also known as: Kara.
She is the daughter of Hogni. Sigrun was reincarnated as Kara, who is one of the Valkyries (q.v.).
Sigtyr (Teutonic) see Odin.
Sigu (Arawak People, New Guinea)
Ruler of the animals. See also Makonaima.
Siguna (Teutonic) see Sigyn.
Sigurd (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Siegfried, Sigird.
He is the handsome hero of the Volsunga saga. He was born after his father Sigmund’s death. His mother, Sigmund’s second wife, was Hiordis. Sigurd, encouraged by Regin, killed Fafnir so he could have the treasures stolen from Andarvi. Sigurd was in love with a Valkyrie woman, Brynhild. He went to Giuki’s kingdom, the land of the Nibelungs. Grimhild, the wife of Giuki, gave Sigurd a magic love potion. He completely forgot his longing for Brynhild and fell in love with Gudrun, the daughter of Giuki and Grimhild, whom he married. Later, Sigurd went to Brynhild and wooed her for his brother-in-law Gunnar. Later still, Brynhild, understandably jealous, played a role in having Sigurd murdered. See also Andarvi; Fafnir; Sigmund.
Sigyn (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Siguna.
Earth goddess. Sigyn sits by her husband Loki’s side collecting the poison that drips on his face. This is his punishment for misdeeds. She will stay with him until Ragnarok. Sigyn is the mother of Narve and Vali. See also Loki; Narve; Ragnarok; Vali.
Sigyu (Teutonic) see Loki.
Sikhin (India) see Manushi-Buddhas.
Silappadikaram (Tamil People, India)
Bala-Rama is worshipped under this name by the Tamil people. His spouse is the goddess of victory, Korraval. See also Bala-Rama.
Silas (Roman) see Silvanus.
Silenus Seilenos, Seilenoi, Selenus (Greek)
Also known as: Seilenus (plural), Sileni (plural).
King of Nysa. A jovial old deity, Silenus, a talented musician, has the gift of prophecy. He is a companion, teacher and protector of Dionysus. He also appears as a guardian of the drunken Bacchus. Silenus is the son of either the shepherd god Pan, or Hermes, the messenger of the gods, or the earth mother goddess, Gaea, and possibly the father of the Centaur Pholus by an ash nymph. Silenus killed the monster Enceladus during the war against the Giants. Woodland gods known as Sileni gave king Midas the “golden touch.” Silenus is depicted as a burly intoxicated old man riding an ass or with the ears of an ass. The Sileni are often confused with the Satyrs. Both were represented as animals, either horses or goats. See also Bacchus; Enceladus; Hephaistos; Midas; Satyrs.
Silik-mulu-khi (Akkadian)
The god of light and protector of mortals, Silik-mulu-khi is the son of Ea. See also Ea.
Silili (Babylon, Chaldea)
The Divine Mare; she is the mother of all horses.
Silvanus Sylvanus (Roman)
Also known as: Callirius (Woodland King), Gradivus, Quirinus, Silas, Sylvan.
Agricultural god. Silvanus, the protector of farmers in the Narbonnaise (southern Gaul) area, is affiliated with the ancient earth goddess Aeracura and was once thought of as a god of war. One of his consorts was the Celtic goddess Nantosuelta. His consort Rhea-Silvia is a priestess of Vesta. Their offspring, the Sabines, are also called Quires. Silvanus is depicted with a scythe or a mallet with his foot resting on a cask. It is thought that his animal is the stag. He is the same as the Celtic hammer or thunder god Sucellos. He is also identified with the vegetation god, Sylvain. He is sometimes identified with Mars and sometimes with Pan. See also Aeracura; Cernunnos; Nantosuelta; Sucellos; Vesta.
Simbi (Haitian)
Also known as: Simbi en Deux Eaux.
God of fresh water, rain and magicians. He is shown in snake form.
Simbi en Deux Eaux (Haitian) see Simbi.
Simhanadamanjusri (India) see Manjusri.
Simharatha (India) see Durga.
Simhika (India)
She is one of Daksha’s daughters and the mother of Rahu. See also Daksha; Rahu.
Simoeis (Greek)
He is the son of Oceanus and Tethys and the father of Astyoche and Hieromneme. See also Astyoche.
Simurgh (Persia)
Also known as: Garuda (India), Saena.
Simurgh is the vulture who saved Zal, the father of Rustam. He gave Zal one of his feathers and told him to throw it into a fire whenever he needed help. Compare Simurgh to Garuda (India). See also Rustam; Sam.
Sin Sinu (Sumer, Babylon, Akkadian)
Also known as: Nanna, Nannar.
Moon god. Sin, the early god of the moon, is the son of Enlil and husband of Ningal, father of Nusku. He has the reputation of being a wise god who shared his wisdom with other deities every month. Marduk placed Sin in charge of marking monthly time by his waxing and waning. With his light, his enemies, the evil beings, could be watched. When the Utukku (spirits) with Ishtar and Shamash extinguished his light, Marduk came to the rescue and battled the attackers. He was successful in bringing back the light from the eclipse. Sin is known as Nanna in Sumer, where he was worshiped in the form of an elderly man. His symbol is a crescent. He is also believed to be the father of Nusku. See also Enlil; Ishtar; Marduk; Nanna; Ningal.
Sin-Nanna (Babylon) God of the Moon. See also Sin.
Sina (Polynesia) see Ina.
Sindre (Teutonic) see Sindri.
Sindri (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Sindre.
Master smith. The dwarf Sindri resides in his palace located in a hall in the Nida mountains. He and his brother Brokk and perhaps others are known as the Sons of Ivaldi. The mischievous Loki had cut off all of Thor’s faithful wife Sif’s golden hair. Enraged, Thor said he was going to crush Loki to death. Loki, a trickster, was able to talk his way out of the situation by promising to have hair for Sif made of gold that would grow like her own hair. He went to the Sons of Ivaldi. They fufilled Loki’s promise and at the same time fashioned the ship Skidbladnir and the magic spear, Gungir. Loki put his head on the block and made a wager with Brokk that Sindri would not be able to fashion three other items as precious as the hair, ship and spear. Sindri and Brokk set about their task. Sindri placed a hog in the forge and instructed Brokk to blow the bellows without stopping until he returned. Meanwhile, a pesky fly kept annoying Brokk. He ignored it even when it settled on his neck. When he lifted the hog from the forge it had turned into a boar with golden thistles. The boar came to be known as Gullin-Bursti. He kept on working. When Sindri returned he lifted the magic gold ring Draupnir from the forge. Next Sindri laid iron in the forge and instructed Brokk to keep the bellows blowing or the work would be ruined. The pesky fly was still flitting around. This time it landed between Brokk’s eyes and stung him. It was so bad that blood poured down his face and blinded him. At that point, Sindri returned, reached into the forge and took out Mjollnir the magic hammer. He sent Brokk off go to Asgard to collect the payment of Loki’s head to settle the wager. Settled in their places of judgment, the Aesir decided that Odin, Thor and Frey were to judge between Loki and Brokk. Loki gave Odin the spear, Thor the golden hair, and Frey the magic ship. Brokk gave Odin the magic ring, Frey the golden boar, and Thor the magic hammer. The Aesir decided that Brokk had won the wager. Loki wanted to reclaim his head, but Brokk would not hear of it. Loki, wearing his magic shoes, took giant steps over land and sea. Brokk asked Thor to assist him. He did and Loki was apprehended. The dwarf was ready to chop off Loki’s head when Loki said the wager was for his head only and not his neck. Not to be thwarted, Brokk sewed together Loki’s lips. The name Sindri is also the hall with the red roof in the world to come after Ragnarok. See also Dvalin; Loki; Odin; Ragnarok; Sif; Svart-alfa-heim; Thor.
Sinfiotli (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Sinfjotle, Sinfjotli.
A werewolf. He is the son of Sigmund and his sister Signy, and half-brother of Siggeir. Sigmund and Sinfiotli in werewolf guise murdered people and when there were not any candidates available, they attacked one another. Sinfiotli was killed, but was brought back to life and together they avenged the death of the Volsungs. Sinfiotli also helped his mother murder Siggeir. See also Siggeir; Sigmund; Signy; Volsung.
Sinfjotle (Teutonic) see Sinfiotli.
Sinfjotli (Teutonic) see Sinfiotli.
Sinfjotli and Sigmund (Teutonic) see Odin.
Singhini (Nepal) Female guardian demon.
Sinilau (Polynesia) see Tinirau.
Sinivali (Hindu; India)
Goddess of fecundity and easy birth. Sinivali is thought to be one of Vishnu’s spouses. See also Dharti Mai; Vishnu.
Sinon (Greek)
Sinon, the son of Sisyphus and Anticleia (the daughter of Autolycus and wife of Laertes), was a Greek spy during the Trojan War. He could be the brother of Odysseus. See also Sisyphus.
Sinope (Greek)
Virgin deity. Sinope, the daughter of Asopus, was whisked off by Zeus, who promised to grant her any wish if she would submit to his ardent advances. Her wish was to remain a virgin and according to most myths, her wish was granted despite the pursuits of Apollo, the river-god Halys, and Zeus. She lived on an island, happy with her solitude. Diodorus Siculus claimed that Apollo finally deflowered her and that she became the mother of Syrus. See also Amentet; Apollo; Asopus.
Sintians, The (Greek)
In some myths, Hephaistos was raised by the Sintians on the island of Lemnos. See also Hephaistos.
Sinu (Sumer) see Sin.
Sio Calako (Hopi People, North America) A giant.
Sio Humis (Hopi People, North America) The Rain Spirit.
Siokhi (India) see Manushi-Buddhas.
Sioux People — Creation Legend see Wakataka.
Sipendarmidh (Persia) see Spenta Armaiti.
Sippara (Egypt) see Aah.
Sipylus (Greek) see Aedon.
Sirat (Islamic)
The Sirat is the bridge that spans hell, known as Daru el-Bawar. It is similar to the Zoroastrian Chinvat Bridge (q.v.).
Sirdu (Chaldean) see Aa.
The Sirens are evil nymphs who lived on various islands off the coast of southern Italy. The islands named are Cape Pelorus, the Isle of Anthemusa, Capri, and the Siren Islands. They are the daughters of the river god Achelous and the muse of tragedy, Melpomene or Terpsichore, the muse of dance. Other writers name Achelous the father and Calliope, the muse of poetry, or Sterope (also known as Asterope) as their mother. They have also been called the daughters of the ancient sea god Phorkos and the sisters of the demon Skulla. Homer named two Sirens but other writers say there were three, four or eight. Their names are given variously as Leucosia, Ligeia and Parthenope, or Aglaopheme (meaning brilliant voice), Aglaope, Molpe (meaning song), and Thelxiepeia (meaning enchanting words), or Himeropa and Peisinoe (Pisinoe), meaning the persuasive. The Sirens once witnessed Persephone being raped by Hades. Intent upon revenge, they were given wings by Zeus. In another legend, it is related that Aphrodite punished them with strange bodies because they never fell in love. Their greatest love was for their perceived talent. They challenged the Muses to a musical competition and lost. The Muses’ crowning glory is the tiaras they made from the Siren’s feathers. Their melodious voices enchanted sailors and lured them to their deaths. The only mortals known to survive the dangerous route past their island was Jason and the crew of the Argos, who had taken great precautions, and at another time, Odysseus. When Odysseus sailed by their island unscathed, the Sirens felt their loss of power and flung themselves to their deaths. Represented as birds with wings and the head and breasts of a woman. Compare the Sirens to the Russian Rusalki and Russalka. See also Achelous; Aello; Calydonian Bear Hunt; Fates; Gorgons; Graiae; Harpies; Hylas; Jason; Lamia; Muses; Odysseus; Orpheus; Scylla.
Siris (Assyro-Babylonia) see Ea; Zu.
Sirius (Egypt)
Also known as: Sirius the Dog-star, Sothis.
Sirius, known as the brightest star, marked the beginning of the sacred Egyptian year. The Egyptians called it Sothis and considered it the star of Isis. Visible just before sunrise about the time of the summer solstice, Sirius signified the beginning of the sacred Egyptian year. In female form, Sothis represented the goddess of love and life, who comes to wake her lover from the dead. See also Aktar; Hapto-iringa; Isis; Orion; Tishtrya; Sothis.
Sirona Dirona (Gaul, Celtic) see Borvo.
Sirrida (Chaldean) see Aa.
Sirrush (Sumer)
Sirrus, who has four feet and long legs with talons on his hind paws, is a dragon sacred to Marduk. The long neck of his scaly body ends in a large-eyed snake-head with straight vertical horns and a split tongue darting forward.
Sirsir (Babylonia) see Marduk.
Sirsootee (India) see Devi.
Sisa (Ashanti People, Africa) see Kla.
Sistrum (Egypt)
Sacred object. The Sistrum is a rattle used in the worship of Isis, Hathor, and Min. It is usually depicted as having a handle with the top shaped like the head of Hathor with cow’s ears, and a horseshoe-shaped metal frame with loose cross-bars that rattle when shaken. Sometimes there were metal disks along the strings. The sound frightened away demons. See also Ihi.
Sisupala Shishupala (Hindu; India)
Also known as: Ravana.
Sisupala, the King of Chedi, is the third avatar of the demon Ravana. When he was an infant, Krishna was visiting and noticed his deformities. He took the child on his knees, and his third eye and two extra arms disappeared. Sisupala’s hatred of Krishna grew into an obsession and he could barely sleep without thinking about him. In later years, he was engaged to Rukmini, the daughter of the King of Vidarbha, Bhishmaka. The engagement and impending wedding were arranged by her brother Rukma, who was a friend of the evil Kansa, who had been killed by Krishna. Rukmini, an avatar of the goddess Lakshmi, was in love with Krishna. She wrote to him and begged to be rescued from the ceremony. He arrived on the scene and pulled her into his chariot and they sped away pursued by Sisupala, Jara-Sandha and Rukma. Rukma tried to kill Krishna, but was apprehended by Krishna’s half-brother Bala-Rama. Rukmini interceded for him and her brother was spared. Krishna ensconced her in his celestial dwelling place, Dvarka, and in time they produced ten sons, including Pradyumna, and a daughter, Charumati. Sisupala, who never forgave Krishna for interfering with his relationship with Rukmini, harassed him whenever he had the opportunity. Krishna tolerated him because he had promised Sisupala’s mother that he would forgive him a hundred wrongs. On the hundred and first incident, Krishna threw Sudarsana, his magic discus, at him and split him in half. His soul burst into flame, bowed before Krishna and was absorbed into his feet. The discus Sudarsana is formed like a wheel with an extremely sharp edge. It lives in the sky and by rotation comes to Vishnu’s hand. It emits fire sparks and lightning and can burn down cities. Vishnu and his avatars used it in battle to slay demons. See also Bala-Rama; Jara-Sandha; Krishna; Lakshmi; Pradyuma; Ravana.
Sisyphos (Greek) see Sisyphus.
Sisyphus Sisyphos (Greek)
The underworld deity Sisyphus is the son of Aeolus and Enarete. He became the king of Corinth and married the Pleiad Merope and became the father of Thersander, Glaucus, known as Glaucus of Corinth, Halmus (Almus) the king of Boeotian Orchomenus, and Ornytion. Sisyphus discovered that the renowned thief Autolycus was responsible for stealing his cattle. In retribution, he seduced Autolycus’ daughter Anticleia, who was married to Laertes, and he became the father of Sinon and possibly Odysseus. Sisyphus and his brother Salmoneus despised one another and Sisyphus wanted him killed. He consulted an oracle and following the advice he had an affair with his brother’s daughter, Tyro. They had two sons but when she learned about the oracle, she felt that Sisyphus hated his brother more then he loved her, so she murdered the children. Sisyphus discovered the dead bodies and falsely accused Salomoneus of the deaths and had him expelled from Thessaly. It is felt that Sisyphus committed a heinous act at this time and was condemned to Hades to roll a huge rock uphill which, upon reaching the top, always rolled to the bottom. Some think that Zeus, angry with Sisyphus for divulging that he had abducted Aegina, the daughter of Asopus, ordered Hades to punish him. When Sisyphus reached Tartarus, he managed to manipulate Hades into allowing him to return to the world, and promised that he would return. He broke his promise and had to be dragged back by Hermes. Sisyphus, known as a cunning and avaricious man, also had another side. He discovered the dead body of his nephew Melicertes on the Isthmus of Corinth, which had been brought ashore by a dolphin. He buried him at that location and founded the Isthmian games in his honor. His son Glaucus was murdered by Pelops and his ghost was known as Myrtilus. For the genealogy of Sisyphus, see Aeolus (A). Sisyphus is similar to Ixion. For another explanation for his severe punishment in Hades, see Aegina. Compare his punishment to that of Ixion and Tantalus. See also Anticleia (A); Asopus; Autolycus (A); Bellerophon; Canace; Erinyes; Hades; Pelops; Salomoneus.
Sita Seeta (Hindu; India)
Also known as: Bhumija, Lakshmi.
Sita is described in some renditions as self-formed as a seed furrow in the soil. In this form she is known as Bhumija and is said to have sprung from the earth where she was discovered by King Videha while he was ploughing. Other legends proclaim that she is either the daughter of the earth Bhumi or the earth goddess and goddess of wealth Vasundhara and sister of her brother Naraka. A beautiful sister, Urmila, the daughter of Janaka, is also mentioned. In another version, she is the daughter of Savita who personifies the sun and the lover of Soma the moon. Sita is a fertility goddess and goddess of agriculture. She is an incarnation of Lakshmi who follows Lakshmi’s incarnation as Dharani. Sita was extremely beautiful and attracted many suitors. A competition was held to see who would have the privilege of being her mate. The winner of the event had to bend the bow that Shiva had been given by lanaka. Rama, Vishnu’s seventh avatar, was the victor as was predestined. Sita followed him into the forest when he was exiled. One day, while Rama was hunting, Sita was abducted by the demon Ravana and carried off to Sri Lanka. He tried to seduce her but she resisted his overtures. A battle to gain her back developed and she was rescued by Rama, his devoted brother Lakshmana and Hanuman and his troop of monkeys. Rama would not believe that Sita did not have sex with Ravana. Finally, in desperation to prove herself, she threw herself onto a burning pyre. The god of fire Agni knew that she was pure and did not burn her. Still her spouse did not believe her. He insisted that she go off to live in the forest even though he knew that she was carrying his child. She lived with the sage Valmika and gave birth to twin sons, Kusha and Lava. When the children were about fifteen Rama first saw them and knew instantly that they were his children. He wanted his family back, but Sita, who was heartbroken, returned to the womb of the earth, her birth place. Sita symbolizes the resourceful earth and the pure and faithful spouse. See also Agastya; Bharata (A); Bhu-Devi; Bhumi (regarding Bhumija); Hanuman; Kusha; Lakshmi; Rama; Ravana; Sampati; Soma; Sugriva; Vasundara.
Sitala Shitala, Sitia (Hindu; India)
Sitala is the black goddess of smallpox. She was thrown out of Shiva’s paradise, Kailasa, for throwing her gold necklace at the great god, which gave him ulcers. Kicked by a cow, she cursed all cows to lives of heavy labor. Her curse gave all cows one teat for the calf, one for the gods, one for the king, and one for the owner. It was further decreed that the animal’s hide would be used for shoes and drums. She also cursed the mango tree, causing it to be devoured by insects and used for burning the dead. Sitala, who dispenses and cures smallpox, is invoked for protection against the disease. She has eight faces studded with eyes and teeth like boar’s tusks. Her hair is made of peacock feathers and two elephants hang from her ears. In her hands are a sword, dagger, trident, cup, wheel, rope and an ape. Her clothes are serpents. She is also depicted wearing red robes, carrying reeds to chastise her victims and riding an ass. The milk from an ass is thought to be a cure for smallpox. Sitala is worshiped in spring and summer and during times of illness. During this time, the patient is surrounded by neem leaves. She is sometimes identified with Devi in her aspects of Durga and Kali (q.v.). See also Hariti; Kishimojin (Japan); Shiva.
Sitamahakala (India) see Mahakala.
Sitatapatraparajita (Tibet) see Avalokitesvara; Gdug-dkar-chan-ma; Tara (B).
Sitatara (India) see Tara (B).
Sith (Teutonic)
Harvest deity. One of the wives of Orvandel. Mother of Ull and stepmother of Svipdag. Legend says she prepared the food of wisdom from the fat of three serpents.
Sitia (India) see Sitala.
Siton (Phoenician)
An alternate name for Dagon. See also Dagon (B).
Sitragupta (India) Son of Indra. See also Indra.
Sittung (Teutonic) see Fjalar.
Situr (Sumerian) see Ninsun.
Siudleratuin (Inuit, Eskimo) Spirits of the dead.
Siva (India) see Shiva.
Siyamek (Persian) see Hushang; Takhmoruw.
Sjofn (Teutonic)
She is a messenger goddess who inspires human passion. Sjofn is also an attendant of Frigga.
Skad (Teutonic) see Odin.
Skade (Teutonic) see Skadi.
Skadhi (Teutonic) see Skadi.
Skadi (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Skade, Skadhi, Skathi.
Goddess of winter. Goddess of the chase (possibly). Skadi is the daughter of Hrim-thurs or Thiassi. Because of the death of Thiassi, the gods allowed her to choose a husband from the gods. Blindfolded, she could only see the gods’ feet. She wanted to be the wife of Balder but her blind choice was Niord. For a time, she spent part of the year with Niord and part of the year in her wintery home. Later, the two separated and she became the wife of Odin. They had a son, Saeming, who became the first king of Norway. Later still, she married the winter god, Uller. Some say Freyja was her daughter. Skadi was the one who fastened a serpent over Loki’s head so venom dripped on his face, but Loki’s wife Sigyn held a cup to catch the venom. When she had to take a moment to empty the cup, the venom caused Loki such pain that his agonized movements caused earthquakes. Skadi wears silvery armor, a short white hunting dress, white fur leggings, broad snowshoes and holds a spear and arrows. She is usually accompanied by wolves or dogs. See also Balder; Loki; Njord; Sigyn.
Skambha (Hindu; India)
“The Supporter.” Skambha is an axis deity who sustains the worlds. He is sometimes identified with Brahma. Skambha is also an epithet of Agni, Indra and Soma.
Skanda Scanda (Hindu; India)
Skanda is another name for the war god Karttikeya (q.v.). See also Bana; Devi; Durga; Kumara; Nandisha; Visvakarma.
Skandaganani (India) see Parvati.
Skandas, The Five (Buddhist)
The five cosmic elements. See also Dhyani Buddhas.
Skathi (Teutonic) see Skadi.
Skidbladner (Teutonic) see Skidbladnir.
Skidbladnir Skidbladner (Norse; Teutonic)
Skidbladnir is Frey’s ship. It can be folded like a napkin and put into a pocket. It was presented to Frey by Loki. The ship was probably fashioned by a dwarf, either Brokk, Ivaldi or Sindri.
Skidskegg (Teutonic) see Odin.
Skin-Faxi (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Skinfaxe, Skinfaxi.
Skin-Faxi is the steed who draws the chariot of Dag through the heavens. His name means “shining mane.” See also Dag; Hrim Faxi.
Skinfaxi (Teutonic) see Skin-faxi.
Skiold (Teutonic) see Odin.
Skirner (Teutonic) see Skirnir.
Skirnir Skirner (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Shining.
Skirnir is the messenger of Freyr who won the giantess Gerda for him. He was awarded Frey’s magic sword.
Skjold (Teutonic) see Thor.
Skogsfru (Scandinavian)
A woodswoman, Skogsfru is considered unlucky to hunters because she lures them away from their fires in the forests.
Skoll (Norse; Teutonic)
Skoll, a giant wolf, may be a god of eclipses and sunsets. Skoll pursues the sun daily, and will swallow it before Ragnarok. His brother, the more forbidding of the two, is the giant wolf Hati. He pursues the moon. Skoll is thought by some to be the son of Hrodvitnir. Others say he is the son of the wolf Fenrir. Skoll and Hati are known as the Varns. See also Fenrir; Hati; Ragnarok.
Skoyo Soyoko (Hopi, Sia People, North America)
The Devouring Monsters. The Hopi Indians call them Soyoko.
Skrymer (Teutonic) see Skrymir.
Skrymir Skrymer (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Utgard-Loke, Utgard-Loki.
Giant. Thor, Loki and Thialfi were traveling through the forest en route to Utgard, the land of the giants. They met the giant Skrymir who joined them. Over the days as they moved along, the giant placed them in strange conditions. At one point, angry and frustrated, Thor attempted to kill him with his magic hammer Mjollnir, but could not. The giant would not die. Later they discovered that Skrymir was Utgard-Loki who is Loki in disguise using his magic powers. See also Loki.
Skuld (Teutonic) see Norns.
Skulla (Greek) see Sirens.
Sky (Greek) see Chaos; Gaea.
Skyamsen (Tlingit) Thunderbird.
Skyites (Greek) see Dionysus.
Skylla (Greek) see Scylla.
Sleipner (Teutonic) see Sleipner.
Sleipnir (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Sleipner.
Odin’s horse. Sleipnir is the offspring of Svadilfari and the trickster of Asgard, Loki, who had taken the shape of a mare to consummate the union. The eight-footed Sleipnir has supernatural strength. When Balder died, Hermod (Odin’s son) rode Sleipnir to Hel to try to gain his release. See Asgard; Balder; Hel; Loki; Odin; Runes.
Slid (Norse; Teutonic)
Deified river. Slid is one of the rivers or streams coming from Hel. It consists of nothing but water and naked swords or daggers and spears. See also Hel; Hvergeilmir.
Slidrugtanni (Teutonic) see Gullin-Bursti.
Slooa-Shee (Irish) see Sheehogue.
Smaj (Serbia)
Protector of the Serbian nation. These divinities resemble winged male mortals and have been known to shoot fire while flying.
Smara (India) “Memory.” See also Kama (A).
Smashana (India)
Smashana is the cemetery where dead bodies are burnt for purification. See also Shiva.
Smok (Slavonic) see Zmek.
Smyra (Greek) see Myrra.
Smyrna (Greek) see Adonis; Myrrha.
Snana-yantra (India) Festival for Jagannath (q.v.).
Snatchers, The (Greek) see Harpies.
Snor (Teutonic) see Heimdall
Snorta (Teutonic) see Snotra.
Snorter and Blower (China) see Heng and Ha; Men Shen.
Snorter and Puffer (China) see Heng and Ha; Men Shen.
Snotra (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Snorta.
She is the goddess of virtue and knowledge and Frigga’s attendant. See also Frigga.
So (Ewe People, Dahomey, Africa) see Khebieso.
Sobek (Egypt) see Neith; Sebek.
Sobk (Egypt) see Sebek.
Sochos (Egypt) see Sebek.
Sogamozo (Colombia) see Ramiriqui.
Sogbo (Dahomey People, Africa)
Sogbo, also known as Mahu, the earth and fertility goddess, is the mother of the god, Agbe, whom she placed in charge of world affairs. See also Agbe; Mahu.
Sojobo (Japan) see Tengu (The).
Sois (Greek)
Sois is the wife of Triopas and the mother of Pelasgus. See also Pelasgus (D).
Sokar Sokari, Sokaris (Egypt) see Seker.
Sokare (Egypt) see Seker.
Sokari Seker (Egypt) see Osiris.
Sokaris (Egypt) see Seker.
Sokkvabek (Teutonic) see Sokvabek.
Soko-no-kuni (Japan)
“Deep Land.” Another name for Yomi, the underworld realm of the dead. See also Yomi.
Sokotsu-kuni (Japan)
“Bottom Land.” Another name for Yomi, the underworld realm of the dead. See also Yomi.
Sokushikki (Japan)
Sokushikki is a demon who is associated with the protector of monasteries, Ida-Ten. See also Ida-Ten.
Sokvabek Sokkvabek (Norse; Teutonic)
The home of the gods. Odin and Saga met at Sokvabek daily to drink the waters of the river. See also Breidablik; Gladsheim; Hlidskjalf; Odin; Saga.
Sol (A) (Roman)
Also known as: Helius (Greek).
Sol is the Roman god of the sun, identified with the Greek god, Helius. See also Helius; Sol (B).
Sol (B) (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Nat, Sun.
Sol and Mani are the giant children of Mundilfari. He named Mani after the moon, and Sol after the sun. (The orbs had been newly created.) Sol, the sun maid, is the spouse of Glaur (glow). Sol and Mani were transferred to the sky where they daily accompany their horses through the heavenly course. Sol is protected from the sun’s hot rays by the magic cooling shield Svalin. See Aarvak; Idun; Nott, Sol (A).
Solal (Caroline Islands)
Ancient deity. Supreme being. Solal, the oldest of gods, planted a tree on the rock from which the world is made. He climbed the tree, and halfway up he created earth, then he climbed to the top where he created the sky for the dwelling place of his brother, Aluelop.
Solang (Micronesia)
God of canoe builders or carpenters. He appeared to Longorik in the shape of a bird and with the assistance of the ants, helped him build the first canoe. He is associated with Alulei (q.v.).
Solomon (Semite) see Chemosh.
Solymi (Greek) see Bellerophon.
Solymians (Greek)
The Solymians are Lycian warriors who fought Bellerophon and lost. See also Bellerophon.
Soma (Hindu, Vedic; India; Persia)
Also known as: Amrit (Water of Immortality), Amrita, Chandra, Haoma (Persian), Indu (The Moon), Oshadhi-pati (Supervisor of Herbs), Skambha (Support), Soma Pavamana (Self-Purifying Soma), Syenabhrita (Eagle-borne).
In the Vedic texts, Soma is coupled with Agni. With the rise of Hinduism, and the advent of the deities Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti and later, Krishna, the stature of Soma and Agni fell to a lower rung. The deity Soma is a moon god, a god of the flowing waters, a god of inspiration, ecstasy and riches. In later times, he became a god of herbs and healing. Soma means “The Joyous One.” Soma, the beverage of the gods, is a sacred plant and the juice extracted from it gives strength, wisdom, and immortality to those who drink it. The moon is said to contain this celestial nectar, which reputedly also grew on earth. In one legend, the archer Krsanu shot at the eagle that carried Soma. A feather from the bird fell to earth and created the growth of the plant; Soma the god is the personification of soma juice. He took various shapes, and shared many of Indra’s characteristics. Many myths surround the origins of soma the golden nectar and Soma the deity. Some feel that Soma is Indra and that it was Indra who discovered soma in the Himalayas; yet other versions claim the goddess Sarasvati found Soma in the Himalayas and brought it to the other deities. Other myths are Indra first tasted soma from his mother’s breast; the goddess of waters Vach, who was one of Indra’s wives, gave soma to the half-bird, half-man, celestial spirits known as the Gandharvas. Later, they were charged with caring for the plant. Other variations are that Soma is the son of Parjanya; Soma is the son of the sage Atri (the son of Brahma) and Anasuya; Soma married the Vedic maiden of the sun, Surya. He had twenty-seven wives, who are the daughters of Daksha. When he ignored all the women except Rohini, his father-in-law placed a curse on him. Soma was afflicted with leprosy, and when he lost strength, so did all earthly creatures. When Daksha lifted the curse, he declared that Soma’s realm, the moon, would wax and wane each month. Rohini (Red Cow or Red Deer) is also known as the wife of the moon god Chandra. A goddess named Diksha, about whom little is known, is also mentioned as a wife of Soma. The etymology of her name is roughly, “solemn preparation.” In later times Soma was known as the embodiment of the moon. Later still, he became known as a god of herbs and healing. It is thought that medicinal herbs derive their healing properties from the ambrosia, Soma. Without leaves or branches, the beverage was produced by crushing the stem. The yellow juice of the plant and the sound it made as it passed through the sieve represent thunder and lightning. The resulting liquid, described as being the color of golden nectar, symbolizes the rain, or in other interpretations, semen. The beverage also symbolizes liberation, inspiration, and immortal life. Soma the plant had a real and a mythical existence. It was used in ritual ceremonies. Soma the deity has been described as a celestial bull, a bird, and a giant of the waters. He is also depicted as a youth, brown, active and wise, adorned in gold. The twenty-seven daughters of Daksha represent the twenty-seven lunar stations. Soma’s symbol is a silver crescent. He rides through the heaven in Indra’s three-wheeled chariot pulled by ten brilliant white horses, the steeds of Vayu (the wind). His celestial bow, later owned by Arjuna, is named Gandiva. Soma and fire were the two major Rig-Veda sacrifices. The goddess Amritika, a celestial being, is mentioned as the goddess who poured soma, the intoxicant, love potion, or hallucinogen. She represents the feminine as a vehicle of transformation. The moon, known as Shasha, means “hare,” which explains why the hare is considered by some to be a moon deity. Soma the beverage is similar to the Indo-Iranian Haoma, the ambrosia of the Greeks, and Manna of the Israelites. Varuna is referred to as the keeper of Soma. His daughter by Varunari is Varuni, the goddess of spirituous liquor. Soma is comparable to the Greek Dionysus (q.v.). Soma and the Sumerian deity Tammuz are said to be counterparts as each is associated with the waning and waxing of the moon. The renowned imbibers of Soma are Indra and Agni (q.v.). Sometimes the goddess Lakshmi (q.v.) assists Soma. Compare Soma to the Parijata Tree kept by Indrani. For other healing deities, see Asvins; Rudra. See also Arjuna; Brihaspati; Chandra; Daksha; Gandharvas; Garuda; Hoama; Kurma (Vishnu’s avatar as a tortoise); Loka; Lokapalas; Prithiva; Rahu; Savarbhanu; Sita; Skambha; Surya; Surya-Bia; Tara (A); Vach; Varuna; Vasus; Yama.
Soma-Loka (India) see Loka.
Somavati (India) Moon Goddess. See also Soma.
Sombol-Burkan (Buryat)
As he rested on the Primordial Ocean, Somboi-Burkan, a creator god, asked a water bird to dive to its depths. The bird returned with mud from which the god created the earth. In a variation of this myth, Sombol-Burkan created man from the same substance.
Somin-Shorai (Japan) see Buto (B); Fuji.
Somnus (Roman)
Also known as: Hupnos, Hypnos (Greek), Hypnus (Greek).
Roman god of sleep. Father of one thousand sons. He wears black garments covered with golden stars. A crown of poppies adorns his head. In his hand, he holds a goblet of poppy juice. Some say has wings. See also Erebus; Hypnos; Nox.
Somo (Buddhist) see Tara (A).
Son (A) (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Blood.
Deified object. One of the jars that holds the mead of poetry brewed from Kvasir’s blood. See also Kvasir.
Son (B) (Celtic)
Also known as: Shony.
Sea god. He is offered whiskey for good fishing and kelp. He is superseded by Brain-uil (St. Brendan).
Son of Self (India) see Agni; Tanunapat.
Son of Svarog (Slavic) “Son of the Sky.” See also Dazbog.
Sonponno (Africa)
Also known as: Ile-Gbigbona, lle-Titu, Olode.
Deity of smallpox and related diseases. He is also called Olode (Owner of the Public), Ile-Gbigbona (Hot Ground), and Ile-Titu (Cold Ground).
Sons of Mil (Irish) see Amergin.
Soora (India) see Sura (B).
Sopd (Egypt) see Sopdu.
Sopdu Septu, Sopd (Egypt)
Also known as: Har-Sopdu.
Earth deity. God of the frontier. Sopdu is one of the gods of the four quarters of the earth, along with Horus, Set, and Thoth. When the goddess Nut, in the form of a cow, was on her way to heaven with Ra-Tem on her back, her legs began to shake. The gods of the four quarters were called to steady her. Each god took one of her legs, and the god Shu supported her belly. In the Pyramid Texts, Sopdu is mentioned in connection with the teeth of the deceased. His link to Horus in the Middle Kingdom led to the name Har-Sopdu in the New Kingdom. He is depicted as a crouching falcon. In human form he is shown with a crown of two falcon feathers and a shemset girdle. See also Horus; Nut; Set; Thoth.
Soped (Egypt)
God of the roads. A hawk-headed god who protected the roadway that led out of Lower Egypt.
Sophax (Greek) see Antaeus.
Sophia (Gnostic) see Pistis Sophia.
Sophia-Prunikos (Gnostic)
One of the Aeons, Sophia-Prunikos, who personifies wisdom, is the mother of Ialdabaoth. She is similar to Ennoia. See also Alaghom Naom Tzentel; Barbeio; Ennoia; Pistis Sophia.
Spirit of the twilight or light of dawn. As Horus-Sopt he is the light of dawn.
Soramus (Roman) Roman name for Apollo.
Soteira (Greek)
An epithet of Athena, Artemis and Persephone. See also Athena.
Soter (Greek) “Father and Savior of Man.” An epithet of Zeus.
Sothis (Egypt)
Also known as: Isis-Sothis, Sirius.
Sothis is the female form, deified as a goddess, of the dog star Sirius. The name Sothis is the Greek form of the Egyptian word for Sirius. She was later associated with Isis. Sothis is depicted as a woman with a star on her head and is also portrayed as a large dog. Shown riding side-saddle on the dog, she is known as Isis-Sothis. Sothis was frequently represented among the Greeks and Romans as a cow. See also Isis; Sirius.
Sotshirvani (Siberia) see Vajrapani.
South West Wind (Greek) see Notus.
Soyoko Skoyo (Hopi, Sia People, North America)
Soyoko is the generic name for monsters. The Sia Indians call them Skoyo.
Spantaramet Spentaramet (Armenian, Iranian, Persian)
Also known as: Amesha Spentas, Santaramet, Spenta Armaiti.
A goddess of vineyards, Spantaramet is similar in aspect to the Persian Spenta Armaiti, and Dionysos of the Greeks. She was possibly known as Santaramet by the Armenians but later they used the name of Aramazd in her place. The name Santaramet was then associated with the underworld. The evil spirits who dwell in Santaramet are called Santarametakans. See also Amesha Spentas; Dionysos; Hades; Hell; Santaramet; Spenta Armaiti.
Sparte (Greek) see Acrisius; Sparti.
Sparti Sparte (Greek)
Also known as: Sown-men.
The Sparti are dragon-men who sprouted from the dragon’s teeth which were planted in mother earth by Cadmus (q.v.).
Spear of Lugh, The (Celtic) see Tuatha De Danann.
Speio (Greek)
A Nereid, Speio is one of the fifty daughters of Nereus and Doris. See also Doris; Nereids; Nereus.
Spenishta (Iran)
One of the five sacred fires. It burns before Ormazd and eats but does not drink. See also Ahura Mazda.
Spenjaghrya (Iran)
A demon, Spenjaghrya represented winter or darkness. He was slain by Vazishta who represents lightning.
Spenta Armaiti (Zoroastrian; Persia)
Also known as: Armaita, Armaiti, Armati, Asfandarmad, Isfenarmad, Santaramet, Sipendarmidh, Spantaramet (Armenia), Spendarmad (“Bounty”).
An Ameshas Spenta, she is the daughter of Ahura Mazda and sits at his left hand. Known as the guardian of the earth, and keeper of the vineyards, she is the personification of faithful obedience, religious harmony and worship. She also ensures pasture for cattle. Robbers, evil men and irreverent wives distress her. The archdemons opposed to Spenta Armaiti are Taromaiti, who personifies presumption, and Pairimaiti, who personifies crooked-mindedness. She appeared to Zoroaster visibly. In ancient Armenia, she was known as Spantaramet, the goddess of the underworld. See also Ahura Mazda; Ameshas Spenta; Asvins (India); Daevas; Gaya Maretan; Hell; Spantaramet; Zoroaster.
Spentaramet (Persia) see Spantaramet; Spenta Armaiti.
Spercheius (Greek)
River god. His parents are Oceanus and Tethys. He became the father of Menesthius by Polydora. Menesthius saved his lover, Cleostratus, from being eaten by the dragon who attacked Thespiae once a year.
Sphinx (Greek, Egypt, Asia Minor)
Also known as: Harmachis, Harmakis, Heru-em-akbet.
The Egyptian Sphinx is a spirit guardian of entrances. The most famous is known as Sesheps. A sphinx represents vigilance and is often depicted as a devourer. It can appear as a ram-headed lion, a hawk-headed lion and human-headed lion. The sphinx was often created from stone and shown in a crouched position, wearing the headdress of a pharaoh. The Greek Sphinx is the daughter of Typhon and Echnidna, or Orthus and Chimaera. Her siblings are the Caucasian Eagle, Cerberus, Chimaera, Crommyonian Sow, Hydra, Orthus, Nemean Lion, and an assortment of vultures. She guarded the road on the way to Thebes and asked all those who passed to solve a riddle. The riddle was “What goes on four feet, on two feet, and on three?” She killed those who failed to answer the question correctly. When Oedipus finally solved her riddle, she killed herself. The answer to the riddle is Man. The mortal as a child crawls, as an adult, walks upright and in old age is supported by a cane. The Greek Sphinx is depicted with the upper part as a female, her torso part dog, the tail of a snake, wings of a bird, and lion paws. She spoke in a human voice. Greek sphinxes are either female or androgynous and are winged. Iconographically, the sphinx is often said to be the female equivalent of the Centaur. The difference is the sphinx is depicted immobile and the centaur in movement. Sphinxes all like riddles. See also Cerberus; Chimaera; Eurydice (C); Sesheps; Typhon (A).
Spider Woman (Zuni People, North America) see Ahayuta Achi.
Spiniensis (Roman)
Agricultural deity. A god who helped clear a field of thorns.
Spinning Damsel Weaver Damsel (China) see Chin Nu.
Spirit of the Long Grass (Australia) see Morkul-Kua-Luan.
Spor (Slavic) The spirit of growth.
Sraddeheva (India) see Yama.
Sraddha Shraddha (Hindu; India)
Sraddha, the goddess of faith, is the mate of the god of justice Dharma and the mother of the god of love, Kama. Sraddha is also a sacred word meaning faith, belief or trust and a practice of giving a meal to the deceased. See also Dharma; Kama.
Sraddhadeva (India) God of Funeral Directors. See also Yama.
Sraosh (India)
Also known as: Srosh.
Messenger. God of obedience and devotion. A mediator or divine messenger between gods and mortals. Usually combined with Mithra and Rashnu as guardian angels. They will be judges of the otherworld. See also Amshaspands; Fravashis; Mithra; Rashnu; Yazatas.
Sraosha Sros (Pahlavi dialect); (Zoroastrianism; Persia)
With Mithra and Rashnu, Sraosha (“the obedient”) greets the soul at death and presides over judgment of the soul. He conveys prayers to heaven, feeds the poor, and is the destroyer of evil. His opponents are Aeshma, the embodiment of fury, and the leader of the demons, Angra Mainyu. The guardian angel of the world, he lives on the highest peak of Mount Hariati in a self-lit house with a thousand pillars. Four horses with golden feet draw his chariot. See also Aeshma; Ameshas Spenta; Angra Mainyu; Chinvat Bridge; Daevas; Hariati (Mount); Mitra; Rashnu; Yazatas.
Sreca (Serbia)
The genius of good fate, Sreca is the opposite of Nesreca, the genius of evil fate. See also Dola; Dolya.
Sri Shri, Shru (Hindu; India)
Sri is the name of Lakshmi when she was incarnated as the wife of Rama, an avatar of Vishnu. In Northern India, the coconut is sacred to her. It is called Sriphala, or fruit of Sri. Her mount is a white elephant named Sri-gaja. See also Lakshmi; Sarasvati. She is comparable to Kishijoten, sister of Bishamon (q.v.) (Japan).
Sri Dewi (Javanese) Goddess of Rice.
Sri-gaja (India) The white elephant of Sri (q.v.)
Srin-po (Tibet) Ghouls or vampires the color of raw flesh.
Sringatpadini (India) A Yakshini (q.v.).
Srinmo (Tibet)
Female demon of death.
Sriphala (India) The sacred coconut of Sri (q.v.).
Srishok Hadhayos (Persia)
Mortals rode the back of this heavenly bull to pass from the central portion of earth, Khwanirath, to the surrounding six portions, the Keshvars. Srishok will be the last animal offered in sacrifice at the renovation of the world. Because of his importance, he is protected by Gopatshah, the half-man, half-ox. See also Vourukasha.
Sristikanta Lokeswara (Buddhist; Nepal)
An aspect of Avalokitesvara, he is depicted with one face, two arms and stands on a lotus. Amitabha appears over his head. His right hand is held in the gesture of charity (varada) and his left hand is placed near his navel. Numerous four-armed gods emanate from his body. See also Amitabha; Avalokitesvara; Lokeswara.
Srnkhala (India) see Amrtakundali.
Srosh (Persia) see Sraosh.
Srvara (Persia)
This horned dragon had teeth as long as an arm, eyes as large as three wheels, huge ears and a horn as high as the evil Dahhak. Keresaspa jumped onto his back and stayed there for a half-day until he finally clubbed him to death. See also Gandarewa; Keresaspa.
sSin-rje-gsed-kyi-dkyil-kor (Tibet) see Yamantaka.
Ssu Ling (China)
Four spiritual animals. Ch’i-lin or Pai Hu, the unicorn, is the chief of the animals; the Phoenix, Feng-huang or Chu Ch’ieh, is the chief of all birds; the tortoise, Kuei Shen, is the chief of all mollusks; the dragon, Lung, is the chief of all scaly animals. See also Kuei Shen.
Ssu Ming (China)
Arbiter of life and death, and protector of virtue. One of the Nine Heroes. He is divided into two beings and is sometimes confused with Shang T’ai and Wen Ch’ang. See also Nine Songs.
Ssu Ta Chin-kang (Buddhist; China)
Also known as: Diamond Kings of Heaven, Kings of Hell, T’ien-wang.
The Ssu Ta Chin-kang are four brothers, protector deities who are gods of happiness. Their names are Mo-li Ch’ing or Tseng Chang; Mo-li Hung or Kuang Mu; Mo-li Hai or To Wen; and Mo-li Shore or Ch’ih Kuo. They represent “pure, vast, sea, and age.” Generally, they are considered to be mortal generals who were deified. See also Diamond Kings; Mo-li Ch’ing; Mo-li Hai; Mo-li Hung; Mo-li Shou.
Staphylus (A) (Greek)
An Argonaut. He is the son of Dionysus and Ariadne or Theseus and the husband of Chrysothemis and Ariadne. See also Argonauts; Ariadne.
Stellar Goddess (China) see Chin Nu.
Stenele (Greek) see Danaus.
Sterculius (Roman) see Stercutius.
Stercutius (Roman)
Also known as: Sterculius.
Agricultural deity. His father is Fanus, the inventor of herding, hunting and husbandry, and he is the possible father of Picus, the prophet who was turned into a woodpecker by the goddess Circe. Stercutius oversees the manicuring of the fields. He invented many agricultural tools and was the first to use manure. See also Acis; Fanus; Picus.
Sterope (A) (Greek)
She is the daughter of Acastus, the King of Iolcus and son of Pelias and Astydameia or perhaps Hippolyte. She is the sister of Laodamia and Sthenele.
Also known as: Asterope.
She is the Pleiad daughter of Atlas who was turned into stone and Pleione (also known as Aethra). Her siblings are Alcyone, Celaeno, Electra, Maia, Merope and Taygete. She is either the wife or mother of Oenomaus.
Sterope (C) (Greek)
She is the daughter of the King of Tegea and Argonaut, Cepheus, and the sister of Aerope and possibly Echemus.
Sterope (D) (Greek)
She is the daughter of Porthaon, the first king of Calydon and Eurtye, the daughter of Hippodamas. Her siblings are Agrius, Alcathous, Melas, Oeneus and Leucopeus. She could be the mother of the Sirens.
Steropes (Greek)
“Lightning.”
He is the Cyclops son of Uranus and Gaea, brother of Arges and Brontes. See also Acamas (D); Aegaeon; Cyclops; Gaea.
Sthalidevatas (India) see Devis.
Stheneboea
Also known as: Antea (Greek)
She is the daughter of Iobates (also known as Amphianax), the King of Lycia and the sister of Philonoe. Stheneboea married Proetus and became the mother of Iphinoe, Iphianassa, Lysippe and Megapenthes. Bellerophon made it clear that he wanted Stheneboea as his wife. Her father, Iobates, sent him to fight Chimaera, the fire-snouting three-headed daughter of Echidna and Typhon. After slaying Chimaera, Bellerophon returned and was given the hand of Stheneboea’s sister, Philonoe. Stheneboea was in so in love with Bellerophon that she committed suicide. See also Antea; Bellerophon; Iobates; Proetus.
Sthenelaus (A) (Greek)
He is the son of Actor who was killed while fighting the Amazons with Heracles.
Sthenelaus (B) (Greek)
He is the son of Androgeus, the famous athlete who is the son of Minos and Pasiphae. His brother is Alcaeus, King of Thasos, with whom he shared the throne.
Sthenelaus (C) (Greek)
His parents are Capaneus and Evadne. He was one of Helen of Troy’s numerous suitors.
Sthenelaus (D) (Greek)
He is the son of Perseus (who is the son of Zeus) and the beautiful Andromeda. His siblings are Alcaeus, Gorgophone, Heleus, Mestor, Perses and Electryon. See also Alcaeus; Andromeda; Electryon; Gorgophone; Heleus; Mestor; Perses; Perseus.
Sthenele (Greek)
She is the daughter of Acastus, who is the King of lolcus, and Astydameia, who is the daughter of Pelops and Hippodameia. Her siblings are Laodamia and Sterope. She wed Menoetius, the son of Actor and Aegina, and became the mother of Patroclus who was a close friend of Achilles with whom he shares burial grounds on White Island. See also Acastus; Laodamia; Patroclus; Stercutius; Sterope (A).
Stheno (Greek)
Stheno is one of the Gorgons. See also Gorgons; Medusa.
Stone of Fal (Celtic) see Tuatha De Danann.
Stratius (Greek)
He is the son of Nestor and Eurydice, or possibly Anaxibia. His siblings are Antilochus, Artetus, Echephron, Paeon, Peisidice, Peisistratus, Perseus, Polycaste and Thrasymedes. See also Antilochus; Nestor; Perseus.
Straw Mirror (Mexico) see Texcatzoncatl.
Strenia (Roman)
Goddess of fruits. She presides over New Year festivals. Strenia corresponds to the goddess of health, Salus.
Stribog (Slavic)
God of the wind. Slavic mythology has several gods of the wind and storms which may be related. They are Dogoda the west wind, Varpulis, the noise of the storm, and Erisvorsh, the deity of the holy tempest. They are all related to Perun (q.v.). See also Varpulis.
Stromkarl (A) (Sweden) Fresh water spirit.
Stromkarl (B) (Norway)
“River Man.” He is a talented musician who is a spirit of a waterfall. If a white kid or black lamb is sacrificed to him on a Thursday, he will teach the believer one of the eleven tunes he knows. If the student dares to play the eleventh tune, men, women, infants, cups, plates, chairs and tables must dance wildly.
Strymon (Greek)
River god. His parents are Oceanus and Tethys. He is the father of Evandne. See also Argus (A); Hesione.
Stupa (Buddhist)
Also known as: Caitya, Dagoba, Pagoda, Sharira, Tope.
A chief symbol of Buddhism, the stupa is a mound that is found in many forms and ranges from the size of an amulet to several hundred feet. A sacred object, it is revered because it is thought to preserve relics of Gautama Buddha. The sacred Indian world mountain Sumeru is known as a Stupa. When covering the remains of other Buddhas or holy men it is called sharira. It is known as a tope when it is erected as a memorial to a priest. See also Abheda; Amida; Buddha; Kuvera; Maitreya (the stupa is his emblem); Nagarjuna; Yamai.
Stymphalian Birds (Greek)
As his sixth labor, Heracles had to rid the Stymphalian lake in Arcadia of these birds. They were able to wound all who approached them with their arrow-like feathers. Hephaistos, the god of fire, made a bronze rattle that Athene gave to Heracles. The sound frightened the birds away. They flew to the island of Ares in the Euxine Sea, and it was there that the Argonauts encountered them. See also Athene; Hephaistos; Heracles.
King of Arcadia. The son of Laodice. Stymphalus was killed by Pelops. See also Aeacus; Laodice; Pelops.
Styx (Greek)
River deity. A Titan, the nymph Styx is the daughter of Oceanus and Tethys or Uranus and Gaea. She married the Titan Pallas, the son of Crius and Eurybia. They became the parents of Zelus (Zelos), meaning jealousy or zeal; Nike, meaning victory; Cratus (Kratos), meaning strength; and Bia, meaning force or violence. Their offsprings exhibited the attributes of Zeus. In some renditions of this legend it is thought that Styx was the mother of Persephone by Zeus, though it is usually Demeter who is named as her mother. When Zeus rebelled against Cronus and was attacked by the Titans, Styx deserted her brothers and with her children became one of the first deities to assist the great god. In gratitude, Zeus gave her the river Tartarus which bordered the lower regions of the underworld. She also ruled over her river, the Styx, one of the rivers of the underworld that separates the boundaries of the world between the living and the dead. It flows around the infernal regions nine times. The supreme judge Minos and his associates, Rhadamanthus and Aeacus, were located on the far bank of the Styx. Charon, the ferryman, also took dead souls across this river as he did on other rivers of the Underworld. Zeus agreed that all important oaths uttered by the Immortals would be sworn on the waters of the Styx. The messenger of the gods, Iris, would fly down to Tartarus for a vial of water from the river and return it to the oath sayer to drink, thus making the oath sacred. If the oath was broken, the person would go into a coma for one to nine years depending on the version of the myth. If the oath sayer regained consciousness and still did not abide by the oath, he or she was expelled from the company of the Olympians forever. It is said that when Hera swore by Styx from the peaks of Olympus, she could touch the earth with one hand and with the other could reach the seas. Thetis plunged her son Achilles into the Styx at birth to make him invulnerable. Only his heel remained dry. The mythology of the Styx is said to have originated in Egypt and legend has it that Isis buried Osiris on its banks. See also Acheron; Cocytus; Gaea; Golden Bough; Hades; Lethe; Mino; Oceanids; Oceanus; Rhadamanthus; Tartarus; Tethys; Uranus; Zeus.
Suaha Suada, Svaha, Swaha (Hindu; India)
Also known as: Agnayi.
Suaha is one of the numerous daughters of the early Vedic god, Daksha. He gave Suaha to Agni to be his wife. She is also reputed to be one of the wives or consorts of the great god of winds and storms, Rudra. See Agni; Daksha; Karttikeya; Rudra.
Suadela (Roman) see Aphrodite.
Suasuthur (Teutonic) see Summer.
Subbu-Khai-Thung (Dhammai People, India)
She is the earth goddess daughter of Shuznagu and Zumiang-nui who existed before the sky and earth. Her sky god brother, Jongsuli-Young-Jongbu, was born at the same time. The children were swallowed by the worm Phangnalomang. For details, see also Shuznaghu.
Subhadra Jagannatha (Hindu; India)
She is the daughter of Vasudeva and Devaki, sister and spouse of Arjuna and mother of Abhimanyu (also known as Saubhadra) by Krishna. See also Abhimanyu; Arjuna; Devaki; Krishna.
Subramanya (India) see Karttikeya.
Succubus Succuba (Middle Ages)
The Succubus is a female demon from the class of demons known as Incubi. The Succubus comes to men in the night. When the male awakens, the proper prayers must be recited to prevent pregnancy from the union, for if children are produced they are considered demonic. See also Incubus.
Sucellos (Celtic)
Also known as: The Good Striker, The Mighty Striker.
God of death. God of fertility. Thunder god. Known as Silvanus in southern Gaul, Sucellos is a charitable underworld deity who is thought by some to be connected with Dis Pater and has been equated with Cernunnos. His consort is the fertility goddess, Nantosuelta. Sucellos is shown as a heavy-set man, with long hair and a beard, wearing a long, belted tunic, sometimes with tights and sometimes bare-legged. He holds a long-handled mallet in one hand (indicating creativity) and a drinking vessel (fertility) in the other. He is frequently shown with Nantosuelta and is often accompanied by a dog. Compare Sucellos to Thor and Dagda. See also Cernunnos; Dis Pater; Nantosuelta; Silvanus.
Suchos (Egypt) see Sebek.
Suci (India) see Agni.
Sudalaiyadi (India)
“Dancer of the Burning Ground.” See also Nataraja; Shiva.
Sudarsana (India) see Sudarshana.
Sudarshana Sudarsana (Hindu; India).
Sudarshana, Vishnu’s magic discus, lives in the sky. Shaped like a wheel with edges sharp enough to cut off the heads of demons and tops of mountains, it spits fire and causes lightning. Sudarshana always returns to Vishnu. See also Rahu; Savarbhanu; Sisupala.
Suddhodana, Rajah (India)
Putative father of Gautama Buddha (q.v.).
Sudhanvan (India) “The Good Archer.” See also Ribhus.
Sudjaje (Slavic) Goddesses of destiny.
Sudre (Teutonic) see Sudri.
Sudri Sudre (Norse; Teutonic)
Sudri is one of the four dwarfs who supported the heaven’s vault, made from the skull of Ymir, on their shoulders. His name became South. The other dwarves are Nordri, Austri and Westri. See also Aarvak; Dwarfs; Nordri; Ymir.
Sudyumna (India) Son of Vaivasvata (q.v.).
Suetiva (Colombia) see Chia.
Suffete (Ugarit)
A beast who is the Lord of the River. See also Bod-Baal.
Sugriva Sukrip (Hindu; India)
The son of Surya, Sugriva was the honorable ruler of the Vanavasas, who are forest dwellers. His powerful half-brother Bali ousted him from his throne. He did not regain his position until Rama killed Bali. In return, Sugriva, his commander-in-chief Hanuman, and his army of monkeys aided Rama in his battle against the demon Ravana and the rescue of Rama’s mate, Sita. Sugriva is the spouse of Ruma, Queen of the Apes. See also Bali (A); Hanuman; Kabandha; Rama; Ravana; Sita; Surya; Tara (A); Yadavas.
Suhgurim (Babylon) see Marduk.
Suhiji-Ne No Mikoto (Japan) see Ama-no-minaka-nushi.
Suhiji-ni No Mikoto (Japan) see Ama-no-minaka-nushi.
Suhrim (Babylonia) see Marduk.
Sui-tengo Suitengu (Japan)
Suitengo is the protector of sailors and sick children. She is depicted in the shape of a woman holding a child in her arms. See also O-Wata-Tsu-Mi.
Suilap (Altaic, Tartars) see Bai Ulgan.
Suitengu (Japan) see O-Wata-Tsu-Mi; Sui-tengu.
Sujang-Gnoi-Rise (Dhammai People, India)
He is the mountain son of Shuznaghu and Zumiang-nui. His siblings are a sister, Jibb-Jang-Sangne, who is also a mountain; another sister, Jassuju, and a brother, Lujjuphu, who were born as frogs. See also Shuznaghu.
Sukan-Bikona (Japan) see Suku-na-Biko.
Sukana-Biko (Japan) see Susanowo.
Sukanthi (India) see Apsarases.
Sukanya (India)
She is the daughter of Saryata and wife of Chyavana. See also Mada.
Sukapreyasi (India)
Sow and earth goddess. See also Prithiva; Varaha.
Sukarasya (Buddhist; India) The Divine Cow.
Sukati (Egypt)
After world deity. A minor god found in Tuat. If the deceased is able to recite a certain formula and keep it secret from the god, he is allowed to drink from the deepest and purest part of the celestial stream, and eventually to become “like one of the stars in the heavens.”
Sukhavati (Buddhist; India)
Also known as: Go-Kuraku-Jodo (Japan), The Happy Realm of Sukhavati, Hsi Tien (China), Red Western Realm of Happiness, Si-Fang Ki-Lo Shi-Kiai, Ts’ing-tsing Vu.
Sukhavati is the western paradise of Amitabha. A place of perfection located an incalculable distance from earth, this is where the soul is invited to be born again. The blessed are surrounded by jewel-laden trees, beautiful gardens and serene waters. They bathe in water that is always the right temperature, without fear of drowning. Apparel is provided to the specifications of the blessed. One need only think of the food, aroma, and music most loved and it is provided. Apsarases (nymphs) attend every need. In Sukhavati, souls are conceived in lotus hearts. The soul develops and is nourished by the teachings of Buddha. The flowers ripen by the rays (fingers) of Buddha and the soul comes forth. It is in Sukhavati that the souls are judged. The bad souls are judged by Ch’eng-huang and the good souls by Kuan-yin. After judging they are sent to Tung-yo ta-ti who is called the Emperor of the Eastern Peak. Sukhavati is generally represented by a square structure of bamboo covered by sheets of paper. See also Amida; Amitabha; Apsarases; Chakravala (Buddhist Universe); Dhartarastra (Guardian in the Heaven of the Four Great Kings); Gokuraku; Lokapalas; Naga Knaya; Tushita; Yidak.
Sukhos (Egypt) see Sebek.
Suko (Dahomey People, Africa) Supreme god.
Sukra (India) see Shukra.
Sukrip (India) see Sugriva.
Suku-na-Biko Sukan-bikona, Sukuna-biko, Sukuna-bikona, Sukuna-biko-na-no-kami (Shinto; Japan).
Chief of medicine deities. Suka-na-Biko (Small Prince of Renown) is the dwarf son of the goddess Kami-Mimusubi. When Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto was murdered by his brothers, Kami-Mimusubi was called upon by his mother and she resurrected the woman’s son. Suku-na-Biko mysteriously arrived by boat to assist Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto, the son of Susanowo, in establishing his kingdom. Suku-na-Biko is a medicine god who wears moth wings with small feathers. One day he climbed a millet plant when it was ripe. His weight made the plant bend and he was flung to the heavens, where he remains to this day. Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto, who acutely felt the loss of his colleague, called out to the heavens in despair. A blinding light appeared over the sea and a voice announced itself as the protecting deity and instructed the distraught man to worship him on Mount Mimoro. His name was Omiwa. For additional details see Kami-Mimusubi; Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto.
Sukuna-biko (Japan) see Suku-na-Biko.
Sukuna-biko-na-no-kami (Japan) see Suku-na-Biko.
Sukuna-bikona (Japan) see Suku-na-Biko.
Sul (Celtic, British) Goddess of warm springs.
Sulman (Babylon) see Saramana.
Sulmus (Mongol)
Deity of evil. See also Ocirvani; Tsagan-Sukuty.
Sulochana (India) A Yakshini. See also Yaska.
Sumati (India)
Sumati is the daughter of Vinata and Kasyapa and the mate of Sagara. She gave birth to a giant gourd containing sixty thousand sons. See also Garuda; Kasyapa; Sagara.
Sumatra — Creation Legend see Batara Guru.
Sumaya (India) see Maya (C).
Sumbha (India) A demon. See also Durga; Kali.
Sumeru (India)
Sacred Mountain. See also Meru Mountain; Stupa.
Sumitra (India) A Yakshini. See also Rama; Yaska.
Summano (Etruscan) see Uranus.
Summer (Teutonic)
God of the Season. Descendent of Svasud and one of the rulers of the seasons. The god Summer is the enemy of Winter. See also Winter.
Summer Spirit (Acoma People) see Mayochina.
Sumul (Ugarit) Mother of the Vultures. See also Khasis; Kothar.
Sumuqan (Assyro-Babylonian)
“King of the Mountain.” Sumuqan is a cattle god who lives in Ereshkigal’s court in the underword. See also Enki; Ereshkigal.
Sumur (Central Asia) The world mountain. See also Abyrga.
Sun (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Sol.
The sun. Sun is the daughter of Mundilfari. She drives the sun on its course through the heavens. See also Helius; Mundifari; Ra; Surya.
Sun Hou-tzu (China)
Ruler of the monkeys. Sun Hou-tzu is a monkey or a fairy who carries a magic wand. When he was taken in chains, to the land of the dead, Sun Hou-tzu found and tore up the page on which his name was recorded, stating he was no longer subject to death. The king, Yen-Lo-Wang, conceded to his declaration.
Sun-pin (China)
Sun-pin is the mortal who invented shoes to cover his feet after his toes were cut off in a war.
Sunaman (India) see Krishna.
Sunda (India) see Arjuna.
Sundara (India) see Kuvera; Shiva.
Sundareshwar (India) see Shiva.
Sung Chiang Sung Kiang (China)
God of thieves. Once a renowned bandit, Sung Chiang was later deified. The more ancient mortal bandit named Chi is also worshiped as another god of thieves.
Sung Kiang (China) see Sung Chiang.
Sung Ti (Buddhist; Central Asia)
Sung Ti is one of the Kings of Hell who after the sinners are judged guilty, tortures them with hot water and fire. See also Kshitigarbha.
Sung-tsi (China) see Avalokitesvara; Kuan-yin.
Sung-tsi Kuan-yin (China) see Avalokitesvara; Kuan-yin.
Sung-tsi Niang-niang (China) see Sung-tzu Naing-naing.
Sung-tzu-Naing-naing Sung-tsi Niang-niang (China)
Goddess of Fecundity and Healing. Goddess of newborn children. She likes incense, firecrackers and rattles. She is one of six deities who are in the train of Sheng mu. Sung-tzu Naing-naing is shown with an infant in her arms. She is usually associated with Sheng mu.
Sung-tzu-niang-niang (China) see Kuan Yin.
Sunstone, The (India) see Syamantaka.
Suntra (Hindu; India) Fertility goddess.
Supai (India) see Supay (A).
Supai (Inca) see Supay (B).
Suparnas (Hindu, India)
Winged supernatural beings who dwell in the Simbali forest under the rule of Garuda. They are invoked at the daily presentation of water to deceased ancestors. See also Garuda.
Supay (A) (India) God of air.
Supay (B) (Collao, Inca People, Peru)
Also known as: Supai.
God of the dead. Evil spirit. Lord of minerals. Supay rules over those spirits that did not go to the Land of the Sun and are confined within the dark earth. Supay demanded human sacrifices, especially children, to populate his kingdom. He has the ability to transform himself into an animal and to make animal sounds. He can also appear as a charming mortal and when the confidence of his victim has been won he is said to enter the body and cause epilepsy or madness. Silver can be transformed to gold by this god of the dead. Supay, who emits a sulfuric odor, is sometimes depicted with a lion’s body, ram’s horns, and tiger’s teeth. See also Anchancho; Ekkekko.
Support (Polynesia) see Tango.
Suprabha (India) see Arjuna.
Supratika (India) see Dikpalas; Lokapalas.
Sura (A) (Andean People, Peru)
Supreme deity. Maize seed was given to Sura by Sibu, another supreme god. While planting the seed it was stolen by Jaburu who is an evil god. Given a cup of chocolate by Sibu, Jaburu swelled so much he blew up. The seed was then returned to Sura.
Sura (B) Soora (India) Goddess of Wine. See also Kurma.
Surabhi (Dravidian, Hindu; India)
Known as “the fragrant one,” Surabhi the cow goddess and goddess of plenty is one of Daksha’s daughters. Born from the churning of the ocean, she descended to earth with Indra. Later she became one of the mates of the sage Kasyapa and the mother of cows, buffaloes and the goddess Nirritti. She symbolizes Nature’s productive power and is closely connected with “Cow of Desire,” Kamadhenu. She is associated with the Rishi (q.v.). See also Daksha; Indra; Kamadhenu; Kasyapa; Kurma; Nirritti.
Surabhidatta (India) see Apsarases.
Suradevi (India) Goddess of wine and spirits.
Surapamsula (India) see Apsarases.
Suras (Persian) see Aditi.
Surasa (India) see Kasyapa.
Suris (Persian) see Aditi.
Surisvari (India) “Divine Lady.” See also Devi.
Surpanaka (India) see Shurpanaka.
Surt (Teutonic) see Surtr.
Surter (Teutonic) see Surtr.
Surtr (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Black Surt, Surt, Surter, Surtur.
Fire god. Surtr is a flame giant who guards Muspells-heim (Muspell). His sword sent sparks which partially melted the great ice-blocks coming from the streams of the Elivagar. He is the father of Sattung (or Glaur) and grandfather of Gunlodd. At the apocalyptic final battle of Ragnarok, Surtr will lead his band consisting of army of Hel, Liki, Garm, Fenris and Iormungandr against the Aesir and Vanas. Surtr will kill Frey and proceed to end the world with his fiery sword. See also Audhumbla; Elivagar; Fjalar; Ginnunga-gap; Gunlodd; Hvergelmir; Sattung; Sol; Vigrid.
Surtur (Teutonic) see Surtr.
Surya Surja (Brahmanic, Hindu, Vedic; India)
Also known as: Dina-Kara (Day-Maker), Divine Vivifier, Karma-Sakshi (Witness of Deeds), Surya-Bai (female aspect of Surya), Surya Narayana (Surya’s title as a divine incarnation of Vishnu).
Surya, the sun god and god of fate, is variously described as one of three sons of Dyaus, or the son of Aditi or Brahma. In early times, as the son of Dyaus, he was one of a triad, with his brothers, Indra and Agni. He was also a part of a triad with Agni and Vayu. As the power of the sun, in a fixed universe, he is the god of everything, both moving and static. He removes darkness, heats the world, and is the nourisher and stimulator of mortals. His light cures darkness, leprosy, and poverty. He became the husband of Sanja, who is the daughter of the divine artificer, Visvakarma. Surya is also represented as the father, husband or lover of the beautiful Ushas, goddess of the dawn. As in the mythology of Vivasvat, Surya married and was later left alone by his mate, who could not tolerate his dazzling light. Surya’s spouse Sanja, the daughter of Visvakarma, bore three children before her departure. She arranged for the shade goddess Chhaya to take her place. In some renditions, the substitute mate is Aswini who is said to be the mother of the Asvin twins. It was several years before Surya realized that Chhaya was not his wife. In the form of a stallion, he searched for and found Sanja, who had disguised herself as a mare. They were reunited only after her father shaved away an eighth of his rays. Surya is called the father of the Asvin in some legends and the father of the twins Yama and Yami in other renditions (as is Vivasvat) or the father of both sets of twins. He is the father of the goddesses Kalindi and Madri who became wives of Krishna. The goddess Kunti, also known as Pritha, chose Surya as one of her five lovers. Surya is said to be the source of amrita which he passes to Soma the moon god to dispense to the gods. As with Soma, a hostile atmosphere exists between Surya and the demon Rahu, who sometimes swallows him. In the Purana, Surya is celebrated as the supreme soul in all the Vedas. He is given names and epithets corresponding to the major deities; Indra, Dhata (or Dhatr, a synonym of Prajapati) known as the Creator of All Things, Parjanya, Tvashtri, Pushan, Aryama, Vivasvat, Vishnu, Ansuman (who keeps the vital organs functioning properly), Varuna, and Mitra. The deities Savitri and Vivasvat were absorbed by and became aspects of Surya. This god was widely worshiped during the Vedic and Puranic periods. He is often referred to as the eye of Varuna (the moon) and Mitra (the sun). As a fate deity, Surya sees all and notes all. He bestows immortality on the gods and presides over the length of a mortal’s life. He is invoked to cure illness and to eradicate evil spirits, for his radiance destroys darkness. Surya is depicted as a goat or horse, sometimes as an eagle in flight, or as a short or legless man. He is also shown as a dark red man with three eyes and four arms. Two of his hands hold water-lilies, the third is in an attitude of blessing, and the fourth is shown in an attitude of encouragement. He is sometimes shown with gleaming, golden hair and arms, riding in a golden chariot drawn by seven red mares, or one mare with seven heads. This could represent the seven constituent colors of the sun’s rays. He is preceded by his twin sons, the Asvins, who ride in a golden chariot. Surya’s symbol was the swastika, which during this period was a symbol of generosity. Rahu swallowing Surya is the sun darkened by an eclipse. Orthodox Brahmans repeat the Gayatri mantra three times a day, to receive the sun god’s blessing. The sun is praised in the form of Brahma in the morning, Vishnu at noon, and Shiva in the evening. For the Hindus, the celebration worship day for the sun god is on the seventh day after the new moon in the month which corresponds to January-February (Magha). Red lotuses are used during the worshiping of Surya. Compare Surya to Helius (Greek) and Sun (Teutonic). See also Adityas; Agastya; Agni; Aruna; Asvins; Bali; Brahma; Ganesha; Indra; Krishna; Lockapalas; Martanda; Mithra; Mitra; Parjanya; Prajapati; Pushan; Radha; Rahu; Sanja; Savarbhanu; Savatri; Soma; Sugriva; Surya-Bai; Syamantaka; Tapati; Urvasi; Ushas; Varuna; Vasistha; Vedas (The); Vishnu; Visvakarma; Vivasvat.
Surya-Bai Savitri, Surya (Male aspect of Surya-Bai); (Vedic, Hindu; India)
Surya-Bai, the sun goddess, is the female representative of the sun. She is the daughter of the sun god Savitri. Surya is the wife of Soma the moon god. In some legends she appears as the spouse of the twin gods of light, the Ashvins. She has been called the lover of the moon god Chandra. In Vedic mythology, as Surya-Savitri, representing the sun at winter solstice, she is the wife of Pushan and the Asvins. Surya is depicted in a three-wheeled car accompanied by the Asvins. This group of three, in their three-wheeled car, symbolizes the morning, noon and evening light. As Surya Savitri, the goddess represents the dawn. There is a connection between Surya-Bai and the Persian fire goddess Anahita (q.v.). See also Asvins; Chandra; Savitri (B); Soma; Surja; Surya; Ushas.
Surya Narayana (India) “Moving in Waters.” See also Surya.
Suryabhauma (Nepal) see Dikpalas.
Suryi (India) see Yami.
Susa-no-wo (Japan) see Susanowo.
Susa-noo (Japan) see Susanowo.
Susano-o-no-Mikoto (Japan) see Susanowo.
Susanoo (Japan) see Susanowo.
Susanowo Susa-no-wo, Susano, Susanoo, Susa-noo (Shinto; Japan)
Also known as: Atago-Gongen, Buto, Susano-o-no-Mikoto (His Brave Swift Impetuous Male Augustness), Taka-haya-susa-no-wo, Take, Takehaya Susanowo.
God of water. God of storms. God of the sea. God of forests. Ruler of the ocean and mysterious things. God of love and marriage (in later times). Susanowo is one of a trinity with Amaterasu and Tsuki-yomi. He is the son of Izanagi (Male Who Invites) and Izanami (Female Who Invites). His sister Amaterasu is the sun goddess and ruler of the light in Ama (heaven) and on earth. The moon god and ruler of the night, Tsuki-yomi, is his brother. Susanowo is variously called Swift-Impetuous-Deity, the Impetuous Male, and the Valiant Swift Impetuous Hero. When Izanagi escaped from Yumi (hell) where he had unsuccessfully attempted to persuade Izanami to return with him, he felt tainted by death’s grasp. He plunged into the powerful sea to cleanse himself of the pollutants that had adhered to his being. From his discarded clothing, the dirt and grime of the underworld was released into the water. This act liberated many evil spirits from the darkness to the light. He threw in his stick and the God-set-up-at-the-crossroads was created. When he cleansed his body, two deities who created ills were produced. To counterbalance their manifestations, he created two deities to set the ills right. He then dove into the sea and all the sea deities were created. When he washed his left eye, his daughter, the beautiful sun goddess Amaterasu, came forth. From his right eye, her brother, the moon god, Tsuki-yomi was born. When he washed his nose, Susanowo was created. Izanami gave them definite realms and functions. Amaterasu was to be the sun goddess and ruler of the realm of light on heaven and earth. Tsuki-yomi was the moon ruler and ruler of the night. To Susanow, Izanami gave the domain of the ocean and other mysterious things. The sun goddess and the moon goddess followed their father’s command and took up their duties. Susanow alone was recalcitrant. He insisted that he wanted to be with his mother Izanami, who was now the genius of death in the underworld. Finally, his father drove him away. Before departing, he went to bid his sister Amaterasu farewell. En route to the celestial sphere he caused a major uproar. Mountains shook and the earth groaned and quaked in upheaval. The alarmed sun goddess, fearing a confrontation, prepared her bow and arrows. Susanow assured her that his visit was without malice. To prove his intent, he suggested that they each create children. The sun goddess took her brother’s sword and broke it. She masticated the three pieces, blew a mist from her mouth and created three goddesses. The storm god asked Amaterasu for Mi-kura-tana-no-kami, her strand of jewels. He split them between his teeth, blew a mist from his mouth and created five male deities. Amaterasu decided that these were her children as they had evolved from her jewels. Excited with his accomplishments he lost control. A rampage evolved and destruction ensued. He roared through the land and obliterated the rice fields and irrigation systems his sister had developed. He sullied the sacred observances of the rules of purity that she had instituted by piling excrement in her sacred places. Unwilling or unable to deal with his unexpected outburst, Amaterasu secreted herself in a cave and the world was immersed in darkness. (See Amaterasu.) For his impetuousness he was punished by the gods. His beard was shaved, his nails were ripped from his fingers and toes and he was ousted from heaven. When Susanowo was controlled by Ara-mi-tama, his wicked soul, his nature was evil. When Nigi-mi-tama, his beneficent soul, was in charge, Susanowo was gentle and kind. On one occasion, the life of the rice goddess Kushi-nada-hime was endangered. The eight-headed dragon Koshi was making his annual visit and she was his next victim. Susanowo tricked the monster and chopped him into pieces. Susanowo and Kushi-nada-hime were married. He gave the sword Kusanagi that came from the tail of the dragon to his sister Amaterasu. Susanowo is the father of Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto (Great Land Master). His son is a healer and sorcerer, who works for the welfare of the people. It is often said that he is the only descendant of Susanowo. In other traditions, another son is mentioned: Oh-Magatsumi (Great Evil-doer), who was the source of all evils. Idakru is also mentioned as a son. Oni-tsu-nu is said to be the grandson of Susanowo. In one legend, Susanowo, dressed in rags, made his way to the home of a wealthy man, Kotan-Shorai. It was a wild and stormy night and the Susanowo asked for lodging. Kotan-Shorai, who did not recognize him, refused him entry. Susanowo chopped the inhospitable man into five pieces and offered him as a sacrifice. This complicated deity was eventually banished to the place of exile, Izumo. There, with his sons, they ruled the land and continued to rebel against the solar deities for a time. In the province of Izumo, as an ancestor of the Izumo tribe, Susanowo was reputed to have planted the forests on the coasts of Korea. He also created the mountains on the southern side of Japan (in the province of Kii). These remarkable locations sprang from the hairs on his head and beard. As instruments for mysterious and sometimes evil happenings, Susanowo was thought to be the chief of spirits in Yomi-tsu-kuni (land of darkness) or the underworld. Susanowo, Oh-Magatsumi, Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto and Suku-Na-Biko (the chief of the medicine men) were called upon by the Izumo followers whenever disease ravaged the land or a major disaster occurred. Susanowo’s attribute is the ox. The killing of the dragon is an aspect of Susanowo as a warrior. The myths of Susanowo are related primarily to water, thunder and the snake. In early Japan, the snake was considered the god of Thunder. The sword, known as Kasanagi, a symbol of courage, is one of the three insignia depicting Imperial power. (See Kasanagi.) A mirror known as Kagami, also called Yata-Kayami, the symbol of purity, is another insignia. The third of the insignia is the curved ornamental jewels that symbolize the benevolence of the soul of the sun goddess Amaterasu. The jewels is known as Magatama. It is thought that originally they came from the claws of a tiger or the tusk of a boar. The Chinese believed that the claws of a tiger or the tusks of a boar possessed magical qualities. The Magatama however is characteristically Japanese. Kotan-Shorai literally means inhospitable. See also Buto (B). In many ancient cultures, to be inhospitable to friends, strangers and in some cases enemies was a grievous infraction of social mores and sometimes a crime. (See Fuji.) For the Shinto creation myth, see Taka-mi-musubi. Susanowo might be the same as Shina-Tsu-Hiko. He is identified with Buto, Emma-O, Sampo-Kwojin and Tsuki-yomi. Other personifications of the warrior are Futsu-nushi (Sharp-Cutting-Lord) and Take-mika-zuchi (Valiant-August-Thunder). These gods, following the command of the sun goddess, went to vanquish the unruly deities in Izumo. For the return of the world from darkness to light, see Amaterasu; Hiruko; Izanagi and Izanami; Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto; Yomi. Compare Susanowo to Andromeda who was saved from the sea monster by Perseus (Greek). The tale of Susanowo and Kotan-Shorai is comparable to the myth of Buto, the ox-headed king, who is an aspect of Susanowo. See also Atago-Gongen; Buto (B); Kushi-nada-hime; Ninigi (who became the ruler following Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto’s sons); Suku-Na-Biko; Three Goddesses of Munakata; Ukemochi.
Suseri-bime (Japan) see Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto.
Suseri-hime (Japan) see Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto.
Susetka (Russia) see Domovoi.
Sus’istinako Great Spider (Akoma, Koshairis People, North America). See also Iatiku; Sussistinnako.
Sussistinnako (Sia People, North America)
First creature. The Great Spider Sussistinnako was the first of all living creatures. It was not until he shook his magic rattle and sang that the other living creatures came forth. He created two women: Utset (mother of Indians), and Nowutset (parent of other men). Another version says he created the two women from the east and west points of the lower world. The cosmogony of the Sia is similar to that of the Navajo.
Sussitanako (Keres, Pueblo People, North America)
Sussitanako, the spider woman, created her daughters Ut Set and Nau Ut Set from her singing as she spun. Ut Set became the Mother of the Pueblo people and Nau Ut Set became the mother of all other people. From turquoise, abalone and natural colored rocks, her goddess daughters created the moon and the sun.
Sut (A) (Islamic)
He is the demon of lies. His father is Iblis and his brothers are Awar, Dasim, Tir and Zalambur. See also Azazel.
Sut (B) (Muslim) Lord of lies. Son of Eblis.
Sutalidihi (Cherokee People, North America)
The sun. Sutalidihi is the name given to the sun, Unelanuhi.
Sutekh (Egypt) see Set.
Suttee (India) see Sati (A).
Suttung (Teutonic) see Loki; Sattung.
Sutty (India) see Devi.
Suvetar (Finnish)
Goddess of the South Winds. She heals with honey dropped from clouds.
Suvinenge (Dahomey People, Africa)
Suvinenge is a messenger between sky and earth. He has the body of a vulture with a bald man’s head.
Svadha (India) see Pitri.
Svadilfare (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Svadilfari.
Deified animal. Svadilfare belongs to the giant who offered to build the wall around Asgard if given the goddess Freyja. The god Loki, in mare form, lured Svadilfari away from his work of hauling stones. From Loki’s union with Freyja the great stallion Sleipner was born. The wall was unfinished so Freya was saved. See also Loki.
Svadilfari (Teutonic) see Svadilfare.
Svafnir (Teutonic) see Odin.
Svaha (India) see Suaha.
Svald (Teutonic) see Idun.
Svalin (Norse; Teutonic)
Svalin is a cooling shield made by the gods to protect the horses who draw the sun chariot, Aarvak and Alsvid. See also Aarvak; Alsvid; Muspells-heim; Sol (B).
Svanhild (Teutonic) see Swanhild.
Svantevit (Slavic) see Svantovit; Svetovid.
Svantovit Svantevit (Slavic)
Giant warrior god. God of plenty. Local deity. Svantovit is called the father of the sun and fire. His white horse was used for divination by the priests in later times. He is generally shown holding a bull’s horn in his right hand. Hanging beside him are a sword, saddle and bridle. He is similar to the war-gods Rugievit, Yarovit, or Radigast. He is analogous to Pyerun (q.v.). See also Svetovid.
Svantrovit (Slavic) see Svetovid.
Svar-Loka (India) see Loka.
Svarga (India) see Swarga.
Svarof (Slavic) God of fire.
Svarog (Slavic)
Also known as: Svarozits.
God of the atmosphere, or high god. Svarog is the father of Dazhbog (the sun) and Svarogich (fire). He is identified with Perun (q.v.).
Svarozic (Slavic)
Svarozic is an ancient god of fire. He is the son of Svarog (q.v.).
Svarozits (Slavic) see Svarog.
Svart-Alfa-Heim (Teutonic)
Also known as: Alfar, Svartalfaheim.
Home of the evil spirits. When Ymir was killed, a host of maggot-like creatures were breeding in Ymir’s flesh. These creatures became Dwarfs, Gnomes, Kobolds, and Trolls. Because of their evil ways they were sent down to Svartalfaheim, the underground home of the black dwarfs, where they must remain. If they come forth during the day they will be turned to stone. It is reputed these creatures have a great store of gold, silver and precious gems. Their opposite creatures are Fairies and Elves who are good and reside in Alf-heim (Alfheim). See also Ymir.
Svartalfaheim (Teutonic) see Svart-Alfa-Heim.
Svart-Alfar (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Svartalfar.
Dwarfs. Maggot-like creatures who came from the flesh of Ymir. They were pictured as black dwarfs or dark elves. They had to stay underground or be turned to stone. They were intelligent and knew the past and future. Homely, dark-complexioned beings with green eyes, large heads, short legs, and crow’s feet. See also Svartalfaheim.
Svartalfar (Teutonic) see Svart-Alfar.
Svasud Svosud (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Svasuthr.
Possibly a god of the summer sun. He is the giant father of Summer. See also Summer; Vasud.
Svasuthr (Teutonic) see Svasud.
Svayam-Bhuva (India)
The First Manu. See also Manu; Matsya.
Svetovid (Slavic)
Also known as: Svantevit, Svantovit, Svantrovit.
Chief of the gods. God of fate, fertility and war. He is possibly the same as Svasud (Teutonic). See also Svantovit.
Sviagod (Teutonic) see Freyr.
Sviagris (Scaldic)
The Scaldic name for the goddess Freyja’s necklace, Brisinga-men.
Svipdag (Teutonic) see Odin or Od.
Svipday (Teutonic) see Aesir.
Svosud (Teutonic) see Svasud.
Swaha (India) see Suada.
Swanhild (Teutonic; Norse)
Also known as: Svanhild.
She is the daughter of Sigurd and Gudrun. After Sigurd’s death she married Jormunrek (Ermenrich). When Swanhild was accused of adultery with her stepson, Randwer, Jormunrek had Randwer hanged and Swanhild trampled to death by horses. Swanhild was so beautiful the horses could not trample her without a cover over her. She was avenged by Sorli and Hamdir (two of the three sons of Gudrun) who cut off the hands and feet of Ermenrich. Odin (in his one-eyed form) interfered before they killed him, but bystanders still stoned him to death. See also Gudrun; Odin; Sigurd.
Swarga Svarga, Svarga Loka (Hindu; India)
Vaijayanta, Indra’s celestial home and its great city, Amaravati, which means “Full of Ambrosia,” is located on the sacred Meru Mountain. It was built by the architect of the gods, Tvashtri. Swarga, guarded by the white elephant Airavata, is a portable dwelling place and can be moved anywhere. It is here that the faithful await their next birth on earth. Indra presides over Swarga accompanied by his wife, Indrani. The Maruts and other major deities attend their needs. The Apsarases and Gandharvas provide entertainment. The healing twin deities, the Asvins, are the physicians of Swarga. In this capacity they are known as Nasatya collectively or sometimes Dasra and Nasatya. See also Amaravati; Andhaka; Apsarases; Arjuna; Asvins; Indra; Indrani; Krishna; Kunti; Loka; Maruts; Meru Mountain; Parijata; Ravana; Sagara; Tvashtri; Vaikuntha; Visvakarma; Yama.
Swayambhu (Nepal) see Adibuddha.
Swetavarahi (Nepal) see Varahi.
Sword of Nuada, The (Celtic) see Tuatha De Danann.
Syama (India)
“The Heavenly Hound.” See also Kali; Shiva; Yama.
Syamantaka (Hindu; India)
A magic jewel also known as the Sunstone, Syamantaka protected its owner from all harm providing the owner was of good character. If the wearer was evil, it brought evil and ultimately destruction to the person. Each day, this stone produced eight loads of gold. Surya, the sun god, originally gave the jewel to the Yadava, Satrajit, as a gift for his dedicated worship. Krishna coveted it and was riled when Satrajit refused his request. Satrajit’s brother Prasena borrowed the jewel one day when he went hunting. Although he was immortal, he was wicked and when he was attacked by a lion, it swallowed the gem and killed him. Krishna was a prime suspect when Satrajit found that Syamantaka was missing. However, Jambavan, the king of the bears, saw the incident from his home in a cave. He killed the lion and secured Syamantaka. In defense of his honor, Krishna set out to find out what had happened to the jewel. His detective work led him to Jambavan. A lengthy and vicious battle followed in the cave. After seven days, Krishna’s party assumed the worst and they returned to his celestial home, Dvarka, with news of his death. Back in the cave, the great god was still engaged in combat with Jambavan that lasted for another fourteen days. Finally, Krishna struck a mortal blow to the giant bear. Jambavan realized before death that his battle had been with a god. He turned the jewel over to the conqueror, begged for forgiveness, and gave Krishna his daughter Jambavati as a spouse. Krishna returned the jewel to its rightful owner, Satrajit. Grateful for Krishna’s honorable behavior, Satrajit gave Krishna his daughter Satyabhama. He did not retain ownership of the Sunstone for long. He was murdered and Syamantaka was stolen. For some reason, the thief gave the jewel to Krishna’s uncle Akrura. Unaware of this transaction, Krishna and Bala-Rama set out, found the culprit and murdered him. But he did not have the jewel. Bala-Rama, who loved Krishna, was convinced that he had stolen the jewel and his accusation led to a serious rift in their friendship. Uncle Akrura finally admitted that he was in possession of Syamantaka. Krishna, Bala-Rama and Satyabhama each claimed ownership but in the end, Akrura was allowed to keep it. See also Bala-Rama; Jambavan; Krishna; Surya; Syamantaka; Yadavas.
Syamatara (India) see Tara.
Syavana (India) see Mada.
Sydycos (Phoenicia) see Sydyk.
Sydyk (Phoenicia, Syria, Greek, Babylon)
Also known as: Sedeq, Sydycos.
High god. He is the father of the seven or eight Kabirs (Cabiri) who were “great gods,” and of Eshmun (Asclepius). He might be related to the Syrian hero-god Sandacos. He could be one of the Phoenician twin deities Sydyk and Misor. See also Astronoe; Cabiri; Sedeq.
Syenabhrita (India) “Eagle-Borne.” See also Soma.
Syenovik (Russian) see Domovoi.
Syga-Tojon (Yakut) see Ulu Tojon.
Sylain (Gallo-Roman) see Silvanus.
Sylg (Teutonic) see Elivagar.
Sylvan (Roman) see Silvanus.
Sylvanus (Roman) see Silvanus.
Symaetis (Greek) see Acis.
Symoethis (Greek) see Acis.
Syn (Norse; Teutonic)
Also known as: Synia.
Goddess of tribunals and trials. Syn is Frigga’s attendant. She guards the door of Frigg, and acts for defendants at trials.
Synia (Teutonic) see Syn.
Synnytar (Finland) see Luonnotar.
Syr (Teutonic) see Freyja.
Syren (Greek) see Sirens.
Syrus (Greek) see Sinope.