Perkunas

Perkunas is a deity in ancient Baltic mythology, specifically worshipped by the Lithuanians and Latvians. He is typically depicted as a god of thunder and is often associated with fertility and agriculture. Perkunas is derived from the Baltic word for "thunder," reflecting his role in the mythology as the god of thunderstorms and electrical phenomena.

In mythology, Perkunas is frequently depicted as a warrior-god, wielding a lightning-axe, known as the Uzpalga, which is capable of sending sparks flying in all directions. This imagery symbolizes his authority over the forces of nature and his power to bring life-giving rain to the earth. Perkunas is often contrasted with his dark counterpart, Velnias, who represents the forces of chaos and darkness.

Perkunas is also associated with agricultural fertility and the cycles of life and death. In some myths, he is said to have smitten down the earth, sending forth lightning bolts, and then sowing the seeds of new life. This cycle is reflective of the agrarian societies where Perkunas' worship emerged, where cyclical renewal and fertility were essential for survival.

Perkunas' character shows up in various works of Slavic mythology, often sharing roles with other fertility and thunder gods such as the Ukrainian and Belarusian god, Perun. The Lithuanian and Latvian tribes worshipped Perkunas with a significant reverence during the pre-Christian era, leaving behind a rich body of stories and rituals that showcase his status as a central deity in their pantheon.