Slavic Saturday returns to its proper day this week as we return with another deity: Mokosz (Mokosh), the Great Mother and the Slavic protector of women.
(June 2021 Updated) Note: If you enjoy Slavic mythology, check out A Dagger in the Winds, the first book in my Slavic fantasy series called The Frostmarked Chronicles. You can also join my monthly newsletter for updates and free novellas (such as the prequel, The Rider in the Night) set in the world of the series.
Mokosz is the most well-known goddess in Slavic mythology, largely due to the fact there’s the most historical evidence about her. As the wife of the thunder god, Perun, and mother of the popular twin gods Jaryło (Jarilo/Yarilo/Genovit) and Marzanna (Morana) and perhaps also Dziewanna (Devana) and Živa (Vesna), she was at the heart of many stories within Slavic myth. She was the only female deity to have an idol among the six built by Vladimir the Great in Kiev, yet again showing her significance.
The role Mokosz plays can vary from story to story and region to region, but there is also consistency. She is often a weaver and spinner, representing the traditional work of women. Though her role to protect women, she was also prayed to by men as a fertility goddess as well.
Divination also partially fell under Mokosz’s realm. It is unknown what specific parts of the practice were hers, she is typically affiliated with it, possibly due to the fact witchcraft and sorcery was often considered more practiced by women. Divination usually had more positive connotations than most witchcraft, though, and was commonly used in preparation for war as well as on an individual scale.
Mokosz is pictured in various ways but she typically has long, flowing blonde hair and flowery clothes representing her role as the Great Mother of nature. Her hair can either be pictured as covered (traditional for a wife) or uncovered, which could likely just be for artistic reasons.
Stories of the great battles between Perun and Weles (Veles), the god of cattle, the lowlands, and the underworld, are sometimes described to have begun because of Mokosz. Though some say it was because Weles stole Jaryło from Perun, others say Mokosz was kidnapped by Weles, sparking the war. There is little consistency in the myths. Mokosz could have never been kidnapped, could have gone willingly and happily bore the goddess Chuma with Weles, or could have been an unwilling partner to Weles. All three have been told, and due to the lack of primary sources, it’s hard to know the original story.
In my books, Mokosz at first plays a more passive role. Otylia, a sorceress and one of the protagonists, practices Mokosz’s divination rituals and often looks to her for guidance. The gods in Slavic myth are often thought of as more distant giants than constantly involved, so when Mokosz speaks, it isn’t as direct as Otylia would like. Sometimes, though, a nudge in the right direction is all that’s needed.
That’s all for this week’s Slavic Saturday. Be sure to keep a lookout for more posts next week, and if you haven’t seen the full series of posts, be sure to check them out.
*As always just a quick disclaimer. Slavic mythology is broad and not written in many if any primary sources, so there’s a variety of interpretations. The interpretations I’m using here are from the sources I’ve found to be reliable and as well as some creative freedom for my book series.