Thracian religion

Illyrian gods were the objects of worship of the Illyrians, an Indo-European people in ancient history who maintained a polytheistic religion. Central to their beliefs was the concept that everything was "born" by Mother Earth, who was represented by the goddess Genusus. The name of the goddess is believed to have a relation of the Greek word of Genesis, which is translated as the beginning of an object, or act.

Although the Earth was central to the religion of these people, the main god was that of the Heavens, simply referred to as Ou. Everything around the world can be traced back to Genusus and Ou, especially all other gods. It was believed that Ou took Genusus as his bride with the promise that his desire was so great that it would eternally pour into her. An ancient Illyrian looking at the sky might have considered it to be falling to the earth - due to the dome shape. Ou and Genusus gave rise to Mikon (god of Friendship), Zeau (god of Intelligence), Redo (god of the Oceans), Korrotos (the god of War), Broket (goddess of Food and Fortune), Shkumbe (goddess of Love and Beauty), and another Genusus (a replicant of her mother).

The mythology of Illyrians seems to depict Mikon and Zeau as being twin brothers originally born as snakes (Illyrians were very appreciative of the animal) - corresponding to the phrase "two minds are better than one." The two gods seem to be very close to one another and were favorites of Illyrian farmers/growers. Mythology suggests that the two married the child Genusus.

Korrotos is the banished son of Ou and Genusus. The reason for his banishment is a mystery. Korrotos serves as husband to Broket and was, apparently, allowed back into the family. This may indicate a belief that sufficient food brings good fortune.

Redo (or Rodon, Redon) is often depicted as living separately in a cave. A system of caves in western Albania are known as Kepet i Rodonit, which translate into the Caves of Rodon. Rodon takes Shkumbe for his bride, perhaps corresponding to the idea that beaches and the open waterfront elicit a sort of grandiose beauty. The original written findings of this deity give the name as Redo. Rodon and Redon may be different spellings inspired by different dialects used by the various tribes at any specific point in time. Shkumbin (relating to Shkumbe, meaning "fizzy, effervescent") is the name of a river which divides Albania into its northern and southern parts.

Family tree

Genusus

Ou

Mikon

Child Genusus

Zeau

Korrotos

Broket

Redo

Shkumbe

References

• Casson, Stanley, Macedonia, Thrace and Illyria, Oxford University Press (1926); reprint: Greenwood Press (1971), ISBN 0-8371-4727-1.

External links

• Illyria and Illyrians