laima

Laima is a deity in Baltic mythology, particularly in Latvian and Lithuanian traditions. She is the goddess of fate and luck, credited with weaving the destinies of people from birth. In many folk beliefs, Laima determines the length of a person’s life and the major events that shape it. She is often depicted as a benevolent figure associated with good fortune, and in some sources she is portrayed as part of a triad of fate deities that governs human destiny.

Etymology and name usage: The name Laima derives from Baltic roots connected with luck and fortune; in Latvian laime means luck, and in Lithuanian laimė likewise. The given name Laima is common in Latvia and Lithuania, reflecting the goddess’s association with fortune.

Cultural and historical notes: Laima appears in folklore, songs, and narratives where she may be invoked for blessings at birth, marriage, or other life milestones. The figure has carried into modern culture as a personal name and is also used commercially, for example as a brand name in Latvia.

See also: Fate deities in Baltic mythology; Latvian mythology; Lithuanian mythology.