We now know about the Slavic pagan gods, of course, not everything. Much knowledge about them has been lost, closed for centuries and is unlikely to have already been won back from time. Researchers have to collect information bit by bit, extracting it from chronicles, traveller's notes, and folklore.
Recently, the topic has become more and more relevant, the study of the ancient Slavic pantheon attracts not only scientists, writers, researchers with a professional interest. There was a movement of neo-pagans studying ancient beliefs, restoring rituals and ceremonies. They feature primordially Slavic gods and goddesses, spirits and bereginas.
It is believed that the term "paganism" was introduced into circulation by the ministers of the Christian church to designate everything that is not Christian. However, the well-known chronicler Nestor still spoke of the Slavic tribes as pagans, that is, people who have a common language, common roots.
The religion of the ancient Slavs is, in fact, a living, spiritualized nature. Each natural phenomenon is humanized here, named by its own name. Each god or spirit performs specific, very necessary and important functions for people. Each grove, forest, river, mountain has its own patron, its own spirit, with which people need to live in peace and harmony.
The pantheon of the Slavs is very slender and detailed. There is a single supreme god, to whom all others obey. There are gods who control every element, life and death, peace and war.
So the supreme god Rod personifies the entire Universe, and the ancestor, ancestor. All other gods obeyed him. Svarog is the god of Heaven and the male embodiment of the clan, the father of the gods, the keeper of wisdom, the patron saint of marriage and crafts. His wife Lada is the goddess of the Earth, the mother of the gods, the patroness of women and children, the protector of the family.
Dazhbog / Photo: M. Presnyakov, ru.wikipedia.org
Our ancestors asked Dazhdbog for sun and rain, prosperity and a good harvest. The soldiers turned to Perun, asking for help in the battle. And Mokosha had power over fate, happiness and unhappiness.
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The gods in the Slavic tradition are very lively, understandable. They have spouses and children. Everyone has their own character. Some are wise and strong. Others are cunning and vindictive.
Their names do not need translation. Who could Bayan be if not the god of songs and music? And a god named Sleep, whose wife is called Sandman, and whose son is Calm? Or the goddess Share? And the goddess Truth and Krivda, the daughter of a god named Judgment?
The Slavs also had their own Holy Trinity - Triglav. Svarog is God the Father, Perun is God the Son, and Sventovit is the embodiment of light and spirit.
The latter is worth telling in more detail.
Sventovit (or Svyatovit, Svetovik, Svyatich, Belobog) is a light god, embodies the light of Svarog, penetrating everywhere, passing through any obstacles, carrying divine truth to people. In addition, Sventovit was the god of victorious wars, a warrior of light.
This mighty god was especially revered by the Baltic Slavs. The most famous temple dedicated to Sventovit existed on the island of Rügen until 1168, while Christianity came to Russia at the end of the 10th century. The snow-white horse of the god was kept in a special stable at the temple in excellent conditions. The horse played the role of an oracle, could "answer" the question of success in the upcoming battle.
Laurits Tuxsen, “Bishop Absalon destroys the idol of the god Svyatovit in Arkona in 1168” Photo: ru.wikipedia.org
It is remarkable that even in our vain, pragmatic times, interest in the ancient gods, beliefs, and traditions does not dry out. Slavic tribes tried to live in harmony with the nature around them, and she answered them with love and care. It looks like we have a lot to learn from our ancestors.