ILLYRIAN GODS

'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''. The word has no meaning today in the Albanian language. However, up to the Ottoman conquest, it is believed that ''Ou'' was used in the first person and translated to "I". 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. This legend is supported by the possibility that an ancient Illyrian looking at the sky would certainly think it was 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 the actual Albania in its northern and southern part.

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References

★ Macedonia, Thrace and Illyria, , Stanley, Casson, Greenwood Press, 1971, ISBN 0-8371-4727-1

★ Illyria and Dalmatia: Containing a description of the manners, customs, habits, dress, and other peculiarities characteristic of their inhabitants, , Frederic, Shoberl, , 1821, ASIN B00088B3BO

External links

★ Maps of Illyria and Illyricum