Ukko

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Simplified drawing of a stone carving type found in Karelia, which is believed to have characteristics of both snake and thunder
Simplified drawing of a stone carving type found in Karelia, which is believed to have characteristics of both snake and thunder

In Finnish mythology, Ukko[1] (Estonian spelling Uku)[2] is a god of sky, weather, crops (harvest) and other natural things. He is the most significant god in Finnish mythology. The Finnish word ukkonen, thunderstorm, is derived from his name. In the Kalevala he is also called ylijumala (the high god), as he is the god of things above. Other names for Ukko include Pitkänen (pitkä, long), isäinen (isä, father), isoinen (iso, great) and Äijö. He makes all his appearances in myths solely by natural effects when asked. Translated to English "Ukko" means literally "old man". He is the equivalent of Odin in the Norse pantheon, with properties of Thor. The equivalent of Thor, Tuuri, was seldom encountered in the Finnish pantheon, and relegated only as deity of harvest and success.

Ukko's origins are probably in Baltic Perkūnas and the older Finnish sky god Ilmarinen. Thor of Ásatrú is also associated with Perkūnas. While Ukko took Ilmarinen's position as the Sky God, Ilmarinen's destiny was to turn into a mortal smith-hero. Stories tell about Ilmarinen vaulting the sky-dome.

Ukko's weapon was a hammer called Ukonvasara (Ukko's Hammer), or an axe or a sword, by which he struck lightning (see thunderbolt). While Ukko mated with his wife Akka, (which consequently means "old woman" in modern Finnish) the act created a thunderstorm. He also created thunderstorms by driving with his chariot through the skies. Ukko's original weapon was probably the boat-shaped stone-axe of the battle-axe culture.

A viper snake with a saw-figure on its skin is a symbol of thunder. There are stone carvings which have features of both snakes and lightning.

Ukko was sometimes known as the same god as Perkele and as Ilmarinen, the blacksmith of Kalevala. His wife was Rauni the protecter of rowan tree, known as the Mother-Earth or Akka.

Ukko also gave good luck for hunting.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Dictionary of Nature Myths: Legends of the Earth, Sea, and Sky - Page 214ISBN 0195136772
  2. ^ Uku @ The Esthonian Review from the University of California

[edit] See also

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