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Swietowit

Świętowit (also Swantewit and, incorrectly, Światowit) is the Polabian deity of war, fertility and abundance. It was a Rugian counterpart of the all-Slavic Perun common in Slavic mythology.

The main temple of Świętowit was located in Arkona in Rugia island on the Baltic Sea (todays Germany). According to various chronicles, the temple contained a giant wooden statue of Świętowit depicted with four heads and horn of abundance . Each year the horn was filled with fresh mead.

The temple was also the seat of an oracle in which the chief priest predicted the future of his tribe by observing the behaviour of a white horse identified with Świętowit and casting dice. The temple also contained the treasury of the tribe and was defended by a group of 300 mounted warriors which formed the core of the tribal armed forces.

In the nearby town of Korzenica Świętowit was worshipped as Rugiewit.

Last updated: 01-04-2007 01:18:57
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