In the folklore of Scotland’s Shetland Islands, the wulver is a creature with a man’s body and a wolf’s head. Despite its monstrous appearance, it is a gentle and solitary being. Related articles: the Story of the Wulver in Scotland Unlike a werewolf, the wulver is not a transformed human and is naturally kind. It … Read more
The use of phylacteries in modern Judaism and the distinction between Zizis and tefillin in liturgical context The term Zizis is sometimes used in modern Jewish vernacular, though it is not a standard or precise term for phylacteries. The correct and canonical Hebrew term for phylacteries is tefillin (תְּפִלִּין), referring to two small black leather … Read more
Youma is the supreme deity worshipped by the Mari people (Tchérémisses) in the Kazan region of Russia. In Finno-Ugric belief, Youma (also called Youmala in Finnish) is present everywhere and regarded as the highest power, though his authority is shared with his wife, Youman-Ava, and many divine children. Rituals are held at sacred groves (kérémet), … Read more
Yashd is a sacred book referenced by the Bedhin (Zoroastrian) community. Its use in prayer is said to confer a special property: after death, the corpse of a person who has prayed with the Yashd emits a delightful fragrance. The Yashd is considered extremely rare and is part of Zoroastrian esoteric tradition. The belief in … Read more
Xacca (Shakyamuni Buddha) is an Indian philosopher, born in Sica about a millennium before the common era, recognized by the Japanese as a legislator figure. He introduced the worship of Amida (Amida Buddha) in Japan and prescribed the recitation of mantras such as ‘nama mio foren qui quio.’ Amida is depicted as a supreme being, … Read more
Woden (also Odin), the supreme deity of the ancient Germanic peoples, was venerated across Northern Europe. Rituals included leaving sheaves of grain in the fields for his horses and game in the woods for his hunt. The figure of Woden merged with Odin in Norse mythology and was later associated with ‘God’ following the Christianization … Read more
Valhalla (Valhöll) in Norse mythology is the hall of slain warriors in Asgard, presided over by Odin. Those who die heroically in battle are received into Valhalla, where they are believed to feast, drink, and prepare for Ragnarök, the final battle. The hall features endless supplies of food and drink, such as the ever-renewing boar … Read more
Varonnin is described as a deity of light among the peoples of the Indian subcontinent, symbolizing the sun. Varonnin rides a crocodile and carries a silver whip. The identification of Varonnin as the sun god suggests parallels with Indian solar deities such as Surya (सूर्य). Variations of sun worship with animal mounts and ritual implements … Read more
Vaïcarani is a river of fire in Indian (Hindu) belief, which souls must cross to reach the underworld (Yama’s realm). If a dying person grasps the tail of a cow at the moment of death, the cow will appear to them on the riverbank in the afterlife, allowing safe passage across. This concept is embedded … Read more
Urgande is referenced as a benevolent fairy in chivalric literature, notably in the medieval French cycle surrounding Amadis and his son Esplandian. She stands in opposition to Mélye the Wicked. In one account, Urgande grants Esplandian an enchanted sword capable of breaking all spells. During a battle in Galatia, Christian knights, aided by Urgande, face … Read more