Chernobog

The Black God

The Bad Fate

-

Sources: https://www.mifologia.com/pantheon/slavic-pantheon/chernobog-slavic-god-the-dark-shadow-and-the-destroyer/ 

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Slavic-religion#ref533471 

-

Chernobog Slavic God: The Dark Shadow and The Destroyer

In the shadowy depths of Slavic mythology, a figure of unparalleled darkness loomed. Chernobog, the embodiment of evil and darkness, stood as a stark contrast to the forces of light. He was a god whose very presence brought fear and despair, casting long, dark shadows over the world. His name whispered in hushed tones, for he was the origin of all earthly misfortunes and calamities. The ancient Slavs believed that from him emanated every form of evil, every misfortune that befell mankind.

-

Chernobog was a deity of immense power and terror. His appearance was that of a mighty man, his skin as black as night, his deep blue eyes glowing with malevolence. He wore armor that accentuated his cruelty and strength, with hair as dark as his intentions. He was the antithesis of Belobog, the god of light and good. Their eternal struggle represented the balance of the universe, a never-ending battle between darkness and light.

-

As the Destroyer, Chernobog wielded power to bring forth darkness, cold, ice, snow, and frost. He unleashed hunger, epidemics, plague, and war upon the world. Legends tell of him striking the Alatyr-stone with his hammer, creating unclean spirits from the black sparks that flew. Despite his relentless efforts to conquer the world, he never succeeded. His dreams of encasing human souls and the earth in ice were thwarted by the forces of good.

-

Principal divine beings

Common to this Eurasian area is another divinity, called by Helmold and in the Knytlinga saga (a Danish legend that recounts the conquest of Arkona through the efforts of King Valdemar I of Denmark against the pagan and pirate Slavs) Zcerneboch (or Chernobog), the Black God, and Tiarnoglofi, the Black Head (Mind or Brain).

-

The Black God survives in numerous Slavic curses and in a White God, whose aid is sought to obtain protection or mercy in Bulgaria, Serbia, and Pomerania. This religious dualism of white and black gods is common to practically all the peoples of Eurasia.

-

Parentage and Lineage

Chernobog was the son of Rod, the primordial deity who played a vital role in the creation of the world. Chernobog’s lineage was steeped in the balance of cosmic forces, as he was the brother of Belobog, the god of light and good. Together, these two deities represented the eternal struggle between darkness and light, good and evil, which the ancient Slavs believed formed the very fabric of the universe.

-

Chernobog’s consorts were equally shrouded in mystery and fear. In some accounts he was married to a goddess Krivda, a figure often associated with deceit and falsehood. In others he ruled the dark kingdom of Nav, the underworld, alongside Marena. The goddess of death. Together, they presided over the souls of the departed, casting their influence over life and death, peace and chaos.

-

As a sibling, Chernobog constantly opposed his brother Belobog. Their unending battles symbolized the perpetual conflict between opposing forces. This struggle was believed to shape the world and its fate, with neither brother ever achieving a final victory.

-

Other Siblings

Being the creation of the almighty Rod, he by association had other siblings. His other powerful siblings, were all children of Rod. They each played significant roles within in the Slavic pantheon.

• Svarog: god of Sky, Fire, Blacksmiths

• Chislobog: god of Moon, Calendars, Astrology, Astronomy, Numbers, Time

• Khors : god of Sun, Health, Hunting

• Veles : god of Underworld, Cattle, Magic, Abundance, Knowledge, Travelers, Traders, Fertility, Agriculture

• Zemlya : goddess of Earth

• Diy: god of Sky, Death, Agriculture, Cosmic Order

Together, these deities formed a complex and interconnected family, each contributing to the balance and harmony of the cosmos.

Read More Veles God of The Fields Forests Underworld The Book Of Veles click

-

Children and Creations

Chernobog was not only a ruler of darkness but also a father to many fearsome beings. Among his children were Yaga, known in folklore as Baba Yaga, a witch of great power and terror. He also fathered Koschei the Deathless, a fearsome and cunning immortal.

-

From the strike of his hammer on the Alatyr-stone, black sparks flew, giving birth to unclean spirits and creatures like Chudo-Yudo and Sea Wonder. His chief servant, Viy, commanded the unclean spirits, spreading chaos and fear across the lands. Two goddesses of sorrow and mourning Zhelya and Karna were also whispered to be his children.

-

Sacred Animals

Chernobog’s connection to animals was equally dark. Horses were frequently sacrificed to him, particularly when seeking victory in battles. These rituals highlighted his demand for blood and his association with war and conquest. A black dog, symbolizing Chernobog, gnawed at the harness of the solar god’s horses every night, only to fail as dawn approached, embodying his relentless but ultimately futile struggle against the light.

-

Realms and Celestial Associations

Chernobog, the embodiment of darkness and horror, ruled over the underworld, known as Nav. This realm was a place of cold, ice, and unending darkness. It was a land where frost and hunger reigned, where plagues and wars originated. His throne stood in a black castle, deep within the underworld, guarded by a three-headed dog. This castle was a place of terror, where his consort, Marena, the goddess of death resided.

-

In the creation myth, Chernobog played a pivotal role. Alongside Rod and Belobog, he shaped the world, representing the dark force that opposed the light. He struck the Alatyr-stone with his hammer, creating black sparks that gave birth to unclean spirits. His rivalry with the forces of good was eternal, a cosmic struggle that defined the balance of the universe.

-

Planets and Constellations

Chernobog’s influence reached the stars, particularly the constellation Ursa Major, known as the Great Bear. Slavic legends spoke of a black dog, a personification of Chernobog, gnawing at the harness of the solar god’s horses each night. This relentless struggle continued until dawn, symbolizing the eternal conflict between darkness and light. The black dog, representing Chernobog’s persistent but futile efforts.

Read More Veles God of The Fields Forests Underworld The Book Of Veles click