urodze

Urodze is a term used primarily in the context of the Baltic pagan traditions, particularly within the Baltic mythology and folklore of Lithuania and Latvia. The word derives from the Lithuanian *urodžius*, meaning "a god" or "divine being," and is often associated with the concept of the divine or supernatural forces that govern nature and human life.

In Lithuanian folklore, the term *urodze* sometimes refers to a type of spirit or deity linked to natural elements, such as rivers, forests, or storms. These entities were believed to possess supernatural powers and were sometimes worshipped or invoked for protection, prosperity, or guidance. Some traditions suggest that certain rituals or offerings were made to appease or honor these divine beings to ensure favorable outcomes in agriculture, hunting, or other aspects of daily life.

The concept of *urodze* also appears in broader Slavic and Baltic mythological frameworks, where similar figures represent the unseen forces of the world. While modern scholarship often interprets these entities as part of an animistic belief system rather than a monotheistic religion, their cultural significance remains a subject of study in ethnology and comparative mythology. The term reflects the deep-rooted connection between Baltic peoples and their natural surroundings, where the sacred and the mundane were intertwined.