Story Summary
Discover The Cosmic Tree of Slavic mythology, an ancient oak connecting the heavens, earth, and underworld through the eternal struggle of Perun and Veles.
In the beginning, before the world of men existed, there stood a mighty Oak tree at the center of all creation. This was the Cosmic Tree, the axis that held the universe together. Its crown reached into the celestial realm of Prav, where the thunder god Perun sat upon his throne in the form of a golden eagle. Its trunk passed through Yav, the world of the living, where humans and spirits dwelled. Its deep roots plunged into the dark waters of Nav, the underworld ruled by Veles, the god of the earth and magic, who appeared as a great serpent. Between the eagle at the top and the serpent at the bottom, an eternal struggle ensued. Veles would slither upward to challenge the sky, and Perun would strike down with lightning to drive him back. This cycle of conflict was not one of good versus evil, but a necessary rhythm of nature that ensured the turning of the seasons and the balance of the world.
The Moral
The universe is held together by the eternal balance of opposing forces, such as light and shadow, height and depth.
“As the eagle strikes from the heavens, the serpent guards the roots, and between them, the world breathes.”
Fun Fact
In ancient Slavic culture, specific old oaks were treated as living shrines, and it was considered a grave sin to cut them down because they were seen as earthly echoes of the Cosmic Tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Cosmic Tree?
The moral is that the universe requires a balance between opposing forces to function. The conflict between the sky and the underworld is not a battle of good and evil, but a natural cycle that maintains life.
Who are the primary gods associated with the tree?
The two primary gods are Perun, the god of thunder and lightning who dwells in the branches, and Veles, the god of the underworld, magic, and cattle who lives at the roots.
What are the three realms of the Cosmic Tree?
The realms are Prav (the upper world of gods and law), Yav (the middle world of the living), and Nav (the lower world of the dead and spirits).
What species of tree is the Slavic Cosmic Tree?
In most Slavic traditions, the Cosmic Tree is depicted as a giant Oak, which was considered the most sacred tree to the ancient Slavic people.
Is Veles considered evil in Slavic mythology?
No, Veles is not inherently evil; he represents the necessary forces of the earth, water, and the afterlife. His conflict with Perun is seen as a productive tension that creates the weather and seasons.
How does the Slavic Cosmic Tree compare to Yggdrasil?
They are very similar in structure, as both are 'World Trees' connecting different planes of existence with an eagle at the top and a serpent or dragon at the bottom.
