Zevana

GODDESS of beasts and hunting.

She was revered by the Slavs who lived in the forests and other peoples who hunted for hunting: vekshi (squirrel skins) and martens in ancient times were not only clothes, but were also used instead of money. Zevana was portrayed in a rich marten fur coat trimmed with squirrel. Instead of an epancha (outerwear), a bear skin was thrown over it, and the head of the beast served as a hat. In her hands Zevana held a drawn bow and a trap, at her feet lay a spear, from which a bear is lifted from a den, and a knife.

The best hunting dogs were always found in the temple of Zevana. Catchers and hunters prayed to the goddess, asking her for happiness in hunting, and in gratitude they brought part of their prey.