In our rather difficult time, even a very strong and self-confident person tries to enlist the support of (albeit not entirely clear) magical forces. Almost any item can be a talisman, according to experts, but only one that is connected with the history and energy of its people is strong and effective. One of the oldest Slavic amulets is the ax of Perun - the god of thunder and lightning, who was able to defeat the Serpent, who absorbed the Light. Let's remember who the god of thunder was in the pantheon of the gods of the Slavs and why exactly his weapon is considered one of the strongest magical amulets?
Son of Svarog
In the beliefs of the Slavs, Perun is the god of thunderclouds, thunder and lightning, a symbol of princely power, the patron of the princely squad and all warriors. He was born by Lada, the goddess of spring, marriage and love, from Svarog, the god of fire. The name Perun is interpreted as "smashing". He was known under different names among various tribes and peoples. The Western Slavs called him Prove, in Belarus - Pyarun, and in Lithuania - Perkunas. In Scandinavian traditionthe god of thunder was called Thor, in the Celtic - Tarinis.
Descriptions of the thunder god are similar among different peoples. He has a red beard, black and silver hair, similar in color to a thundercloud. According to the Slavs, Perun moved across the sky on a horse or chariot, with black and white winged stallions harnessed to it.
The thunder god was armed with thunderbolts, lightning bolts, a sword, a spear, as well as various clubs and axes. The most powerful weapon in his arsenal is the ax of Perun. The Slavs, who found fragments of ancient stone tools in the ground, sincerely believed that these were fragments of spears and arrows that the god of thunder and lightning dropped during battles. Such artifacts were highly valued by the Slavs, they were credited with healing and magical properties.
Other duties
Besides the fact that Perun patronized combatants and warriors, was the god of thunder, thunder and lightning, he was also responsible for controlling the elements and controlled some areas of human life.
In the old days, people believed that in the first spring thunderstorms, it was this god who opened the clouds with lightning so that “tears of heaven” - rain, would shed on the earth. In addition, Perun monitors the implementation of laws, and if they are violated, he may well punish with drought and famine. For the misbehavior of people and their bad deeds, the Thunderer could burn human dwellings.
Thus, Perun, according to the beliefs of the Slavs, was:
- the god of thunder, lightning and thunder;
- a steward who oversaw the execution of laws;
- patron of all warriors,defending their homeland, land and family;
- a symbol of princely power.
On the second photo is Perun's ax in a modern design.
How was he worshipped?
To a god like Perun, on whom people's lives depended, sanctuaries were created in Kyiv and Veliky Novgorod, where specially made idols were installed. The body of the god of thunder was carved from oak, which was considered his symbol, his mustache and ears were cast from gold, his head from silver, and his legs from iron. In his hands he held a jeweled club resembling lightning. In front of such an image, a fire was constantly burning, which was maintained by a special priest. If for some reason the fire died out, then the priest responsible for it was executed.
Modern archaeologists have found many sanctuaries dedicated to Perun, which were created in the open air.
The idol was placed in the center, in front of it was placed an altar in the form of an iron ring for sacrifices. Six or eight pits were dug around the image of Perun, in which fires were kindled.
Sacrifices were made to the terrible god quite often, but the largest ones took place on the eve of battles, natural disasters and civil unrest. The largest number of offerings fell on the Day of Perun, celebrated on July 20.
When did they start making amulets?
According to the data obtained as a result of archaeological excavations, the amulet "Ax of Perun" began to be made in Kyiv already in the 10th century. It was there that two axes of the indicated period were found.
One of the finds was an ax made of lead, on which an ornament of parallel lines, circles and zigzags was applied. The weapon repeated the most ancient type of Russian ax with a wide blade and an internal notch. During the reign of the first princes of Kievan Rus, around the 10th century, Perun was the patron of warriors and the princely squad. Princes Oleg, Svyatoslav and Igor swore in the name of this god with their squads when concluding agreements with the Greeks. Starting from the 11th century, amulets in the form of a Russian ax began to be massively cast from bronze, which became popular in cities such as Suzdal, Drogichin, Novgorod, and others.
Helps who?
Today, the ax of Perun is considered a strong male amulet. Usually they were given to warriors to increase courage and valor, increase strength and attract good luck in military affairs. However, archaeological excavations have shown that in the 11th-12th centuries this amulet was also widely used by women who revered the Thunderer and hoped for his protection and patronage. In addition, at about the same time, the ax of Perun changes its meaning somewhat and is used to protect against negative magical influences, such as the evil eye and damage, as well as to attract good luck in the implementation of plans.
Usually this amulet was made of silver or bronze of various sizes. To increase the protective powers, special signs, symbols of the sun or lightning were applied to this magical object. The silver ax of Perun is a symbol for a leader, a leader. It means purity of intentions, spiritual and physical strength. In addition, thisthe amulet is able to protect its owner from negative influences and low thoughts.
Magic action
Undoubtedly, the ax of Perun is a talisman of warriors, which carries the combat energy. Those who fight for their people and land, he will protect in battle and avert danger.
Today, this amulet can be used more widely: it can strengthen perseverance and stamina, determination and courage in people not connected with the military sphere.
This magical sign patronizes not only its owner, but also his family. It has been used in a variety of situations throughout life. So, in order to protect the house from evil spirits, the ax was thrust into the jamb of the house. To protect the newlyweds at the wedding, so that no one would cause harm and impose a curse, a circle was drawn around the newlyweds with an ax. In order to drive away evil spirits from the house where a woman gives birth, this weapon was placed at the threshold. They beat a bench where someone died with an ax, believing that in this way they “hook” and expel Death.
