One of the most powerful goddesses in the Slavic pagan pantheon is Mara. Also known as Morana and Morena. The name of the goddess most likely comes from the word "mor", meaning "death." In most sources, this goddess is referred to as an image that embodies the autumn dying and spring rebirth of nature. Basically, the name of Mary is associated with death and cold.
There are several versions about the origin of the goddess. According to one of them, Mara originated from sparks that flew from the anvil of Svarog and later became his daughter. According to the other, Morana is the daughter of Chernobog. The third, and, in my opinion, the most plausible version is that the goddess simply appeared herself, embodying the human fear of death and the hope for a new incarnation.
Mara's appearance also does not have an accurate description. In most cases she is described as a young black-haired girl in a white robe. This is how she appeared at the beginning of winter. Because of the cold and snowstorms, the goddess's clothes turned into rags, and, along with the clothes, she herself grew old. Therefore, at the very beginning of spring, Mara looked like an emaciated old woman in torn clothes. The custom of burning the effigy of winter is connected precisely with the belief in this goddess.
Mara's main attribute is the sickle, with which she collects the souls of the dead. Rare sources mention the companions of the goddess - the maars, ghosts that penetrate the house and whisper names to sleeping people. The man who heard his name and responded to it soon died. Another version is more common, according to which Maru is accompanied by crows.
Morana is above the concepts of good and evil, her task is to maintain harmony and balance in a world where there can be no new life without death. In addition, she is credited with power over time and tremendous magical power with which she can bestow longevity. Judging by the evidence that has come down to us, the ancient Slavs were wary of this goddess, in any case, no traces of mass worship of her were found. In modern neo-paganism, Mara appears as an unambiguously dark image that personifies death and decay.