Water has always held a sacred place in human history. Its life-giving properties and mysterious depths have inspired countless tales and legends. From the depths of the Amazon rainforest to the shores of ancient Asia, cultures around the world have revered powerful water deities. These mythological beings have captivated the imaginations of people for centuries, holding sway over the rivers, seas, and lakes. Join us on a journey to explore the fascinating world of water deities.
Yacuruna: The Enigmatic Spirit
One of the most prominent spirits of the Amazon rainforest is Yacuruna. You may remember this “monster” from the award-winning film “The Shape of Water.” Yacuruna possesses the ability to control all water-dwelling creatures. Shamans and healers call upon Yacuruna to either bring good or invoke mischief.
According to legend, Yacuruna travels along the Amazon River at night, riding on the back of a massive black crocodile, with a boa constrictor draped around his neck. He can transform himself into an attractive man, luring beautiful maidens into the depths of the water, never to be seen again.
Amaru: The Serpent Deity
Amaru, meaning “giant serpent” in Quechua, is a revered deity among the Aymara people of South America, particularly in Peru. This mythical creature is depicted as a hybrid with a snake-like body, eagle wings, and a llama’s head.
Amaru is associated with the waters that nourished the ancient Peruvian lands and symbolizes vitality for the Aymara people. It governs the waters that flow through canals, rivers, and streams. The legend suggests that the essence of life is inscribed upon the scales of this fantastic creature.
Atabey: Mother of the Waters
Atabey is the goddess of the sea, the moon, and fertility in the Taíno culture. The Taínos, an almost extinct indigenous people of the Caribbean and the Antilles, believed Atabey to be the feminine principle of the world and the mother of their main deity, Yucahu. Curiously, Atabey took the form of a frog in their folkloric representation.
Coventina: Celtic Goddess of Abundance
Coventina, the Celtic goddess of water, abundance, and fertility, was venerated in northern England and southern France. Carrawburgh, in Northumberland, housed a temple dedicated to her. Coventina possessed the power to heal, cleanse, purify, and fertilize through the water of the sacred spring she protected.
During the time of the ancient Britons, Coventina stood as the most important water deity in northern Britain. The Romans bestowed upon her the titles of “Sancta” and “Augusta,” which were used to denote their own deities.
Airón: The Ambivalent God
Before the Romans conquered Europe, the ancient Iberian Peninsula worshiped the god Airón. He was associated with subterranean waters, wells, and lagoons. This deity possessed an ambivalent nature, as he brought both life and death. While controlling water created life, it also condemned the souls of the deceased to the depths.
Derceto: The Assyrian Goddess
Derceto, a goddess from Assyrian mythology, ruled over the seas and the fish. Represented as a fish-like creature with the head, arms, and chest of a woman, she held great significance in the fertility of nature. Her worship extended to Greek and Roman cultures, where she was associated with Rhea-Cybele and Aphrodite.
Mama Cocha: Inca Goddess of Waters
Mama Cocha, or Mamacocha in the Quechua language, stands as the Inca deity of all waters. Representing the sea, tides, lakes, rivers, and springs, Mama Cocha’s children were the springs themselves. She was worshiped to calm rough waters and ensure bountiful fishing. As the wife of the supreme god Viracocha, Mama Cocha also embodied femininity and balanced the world.
Mama Cocha’s worship extended to the coastal regions of Peru, Ecuador, southern Colombia, and northern Chile, where fishing was vital for sustenance and trade.
Yemayá or Jemanjá: African Goddess of Fertility
Yemayá, also known as Jemanjá, is an Orisha, or divinity, in the Yoruba religion of Nigeria. Originally associated with rivers, the sea, and all bodies of water, Yemayá symbolizes fertility and motherhood. Her worship reached the Americas during the African slave trade.
On February 2nd, her celebration takes place in various South Atlantic countries. Practitioners of Africanism, Candomblé, and Umbanda, including Quimbanda, bring offerings, known as “ferramentas,” and sail wooden boats to the sea.
Watatsumi: The Lord of the Seas
In Shintoism, the dominant religion of Japan, Watatsumi reigns as the most important marine deity. As the ruler of fish and all creatures living in the sea, Watatsumi controls the tides. This divine being possesses the ability to influence any creature swimming in the ocean, including humans. In its true form, Watatsumi appears as a green dragon, while its alternative shape resembles an old man with gills.
Váruna: The Ocean God
In Hinduism, Váruna holds the title of god of the ocean. Often depicted riding a crocodile-like creature called Makara, Váruna’s realm includes Saumanasá, the West Elephant, one of the four elephants supporting the universe, as described in the epic Ramayana.
Ameonna: The Japanese Rain Spirit
Ameonna, a Yokai, or female spirit, in Japanese mythology, possesses the ability to attract rain by simply licking her hand. Originally derived from Chinese mythology, Ameonna takes the form of a cloud during the day and transforms into rain at night. Nowadays, the term “ameonna” or its male equivalent “ameotoko” is used to express the idea of having bad luck or being followed by rain wherever one goes.
Discovering the rich tapestry of water deities provides a glimpse into the ancient beliefs and cultural heritage of different civilizations. These mythical beings continue to fascinate us, connecting us to the powerful and ever-mysterious element of water. To explore more intriguing topics, visit Ratingperson.