Slav mythology 4.
In the East Slav mythology 'the heroic beginning' is not so expressed. The annals speak about Svarog's son - Dazhbog - Tsar (king) -sun. "The fragment about Svarog, the father of the sun, is connected to an insert about Sovius in John Malala's "Chronicle". These both texts, probably, reflect the common cultural tradition connected to tradition of cremation. There are in Baltic Slav culture Svarozich (differently named Radegast, Radigast, Redigost, Riedigost) it was venerated in the cult centre Retra as one of the main gods which attributes were a horse and spears (like Svantevit)..." (Myths of nations of the world, 1998, v. 2, p. 420). "The Tsar-sun" was compared by Rybakov with Scythian Colaxay - "Sun-king" (Rybakov, 1994, 434). He compares a legend stated by Herodot, with popular Slavic fairy tale on three empires. Three brothers-bogatyrs (hero) release princesses, stolen by Serpent or the Whirlwind. They extract three empires: Copper, Silver and Gold, last of which was got by younger brother. (Rybakov, 1994, 578 - 580).
In the Serbian folklore the Tsar-sun is described sitting on a purple throne, and near from him there are two maidens - Morning down and Evening glow, seven judges - planets and the seven emissaries flying in an image of stars. Here is the uncle of him bald month also. (Afanasjev, 1994. v. 1).
It is necessary to note that Dazhbog was considered as a deity of white light, instead of a star. The sun was thought as his crown. In this quality Dazhbog it is similar Mitra. And Hors was considered as a solar disk.
In medieval Russia the legend as Alexander the Great has risen on the sky on wonderful eagles or griffins was popular. It is embodied in decor of a cathedral in Vladimir, on diadems 12 c. A.D., on Russian embroideries. Everywhere it is shown the young man in a crown, on a chariot harnessed by birds or griffins. In opinion Rybakov the name of legendary tsar here covers image of Dazhbog (the image of the legendary king rising to the sky, is known and in ancient Iran mythologies. He was Kay Kavus ("Shahname") who according to some of sacred texts also has constructed seven magic palaces on sacred mountain (mountain Berezan of the Russian plots returning youth (Rak, 1998, 230 - 236).
Sometimes the basic form of this god name considers as 'Dazhbog', deducing it from Indo-European 'burn', that is 'the burning god' turns out. But the majority of researchers bases on other spelling - 'Dazhdbog', that is deciphered as 'granting god'. In this quality the image is similar with Indian Bhaga.
Probably, one of epithets of this Slavic god was 'White god', who opposites 'Black god'. Late White god's expression was Belun in the Belorussian folklore. He was represented as old man in white clothes, with a white beard and a staff in hands. During harvest he is present on fields and helps peasants, and also save people in wood and gives riches. (Afanasjev, 1994. v. 1).
For us the big value takes place in "the Word about Igor's regiment" where ancient Russians are named 'Dazhdbog's grandsons'. He can be treated as the indication of a role of a primogenitor, that in addition confirms our identification Dazhdbog with the Cultural Hero.
Rybakov results norrth Russian an embroidery on which the horseman. "The Horseman is unusual: the head of him is given as romb filled with crosses and a figure with eight beams. His hands were raised to the sky" (Rybakov, 1994, 500 - 501). The scientist considers that this is Dazhdbog and writes that in Russian embroideries such plot a rarity. But in arts and crafts of Ob-Ugrians the horseman with the hands lifted to heavens is the most typical image. This is Mir-Susne-Hum ('Behind the world observing person'), their national hero whom, it is similar Dazhdbog is the god-son.
Svarog (a winged god of the sky with four heads) and Dazhbog (a god of Good, with a light halo) plough by means of the Great Serpent. (А. Fantalov, 1996 pictures in watercolor).
"The evil powers of earth". (A. Fantalov 1997 pictures in watercolor)
We can see the evil creations: the Great Black Serpent, the titan Svyatogor, Vey and snake-legged giants.
"Ship of light gods". (A. Fantalov 1996, pictures in watercolor)
Gods (Svarog, Dazhbog, Perun, Lada and others) retuned in the world after final battle against evil creatures.
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