Hindu myths 2.

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Hindu myths 2.

The God of Thunder like the God of Clear Sky does not into separate characters. This name descends to pro-Indo-European -perk- or -tar- and means 'thunder'. Probably the God of Thunder was a protector of professional warriors who replaced tribal collective during period of great Indo-European campaign (2 thousand b. c.). Then formed iconography of this type: his weapon - an axe or a hammer, his warrior chariot. A sacral animal of the God of Thunder was an eagle (and sometimes beasts like wolf or lion), a sacral tree was an oak.

In keeping with complication of society the God of thunder's power decreased. Celt, Indian, Persian, Balts priests became strong and promoted to first place other gods. But even there, where barbarian kings ruled (Scythian, Thracian, Vendel Scandinavian peoples) the God of Thunder ceded his power the Cultural Hero. However interesting phenomena is an eminence of the God of thunder at the Viking Age. May betrayed estate of Vikings. Perhaps reason of an idea of Kiev prince Vladimir to establish Perun as chief of pagan pantheon is influence of the Vikings and East Balts.

The important plot connected with the God of Thunder is a battle against the Serpent: Thor and Jormungand , Indra and Vritra , Tarhunt and Illuyanka or against giants. There the god of Thunder is defender of world against the powers of chaos. Other significant plot is opposite between the God of Thunder and the God of Earth Powers (latter can is replaced by the Cultural Hero in this opposite). The reasons of this collisy can be various. At first we see opposite between thundercloud and earth. At second it can be ancient subject of torment bull by lion. At third there was a conflict between tribal aristocrats (they venerated the God of Thunder) and the priests (they devoted to the God of Earth Powers). Possibly, there was choice for different way of development. For instance: the Celts and the Romans. When druids became super power, they devoted to Cernunnos/Esus and lived in irrational magic world. As to the Romans, that they promoted to first place Jupiter (who was the god of Sky but merged with the God of Thunder) and created strong warrior-political system. Compromise between mystic and rationalism was not available. It is not surprising that one of point of religious reform by professional priest Zaratustra was overthrow of the God of Thunder.

A. Fantalov.

Indra and Vritra. (A. Fantalov, the image in Indian ink).

Indra (Hindu God of Thunder) has killed three-headed dragon Vishvarupa. Vishvarupa father Tvastar was angry and, aspiring to punish Indra, by means fire and soma has created Vritra - the snake growing with huge speed. Soon Vritra has swallowed up world waters. Gods were attacked the monster, but it was necessary to that to open a mouth as they ran. Serpent swallowed Indra. When Vritra has slept Indra has come out and has demolished the snake a head. The God of Thunder has turn Vritra skull into a bowl and break body of a monster in two. Good Vritra part became moon then, demonic one became bellies of all alive essences, blood has caused cocks.

Hindu myths 3.