Protvi

Protvi is a term that can refer to several different concepts, primarily in the context of the Slavic languages and mythology.

In some Slavic languages, particularly South Slavic ones, "protvi" can be related to the concept of "bread" or "dough." It might be an archaic or dialectal term.

More commonly, "protvi" is associated with Proto-Slavic mythology, specifically referring to a chthonic deity. This deity is often interpreted as a goddess of the underworld, fertility, or the earth. Details about her role and attributes are often pieced together from linguistic evidence, comparative mythology, and scattered references in historical texts. Some scholars connect "protvi" to other underworld deities found in Indo-European traditions. The exact pronunciation and spelling can vary, and scholarly consensus on her precise nature and worship is not always definitive. The limited surviving textual evidence makes a comprehensive understanding challenging, leading to various interpretations among researchers.