Medeina
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Medeina or Medeinė (from
A Slavic transcription of John Malalas' Chronicle (dated 1261) mentioned Žvorūna and three other gods. The Hypatian Codex, describing events of 1252, mentioned pagan gods still worshiped by King Mindaugas.[1] The Codex mentioned Medeina and an unnamed hare goddess. It is unclear whether Medeina is the name of hare goddess mentioned in the Codex or whether the two are independent deities.[3] As part of the official pantheon, Medeina represented military interest of warriors and later was replaced by Žemyna, goddess of earth representing agricultural interest of peasants.[4] In the 15th century, Jan Długosz compared Medeina with Roman goddess Diana. She was also mentioned by Jan Łasicki, Mikalojus Daukša, and in the Bychowiec Chronicle.[2]
According to research by
Medeina was related and similar to Greek Artemis and Roman Diana and in fact was sometimes called Diana.[1]
References
- ^ ISBN 0-520-22915-0.
- ^ LCCN 86232954.
- ISBN 963-9116-42-4.
- ^ Beresnevičius, Gintaras. "Lithuanian Religion and Mythology". Anthology of Lithuanian Ethnoculture. Archived from the original on 2010-12-03.
- ^ ISSN 0207-8694. Archived from the originalon 2011-03-13.