According to Book of Veles, in 10th century BC ("thirteen hundred years before Ermanaric"), pre-Slavic tribes lived in the "land of seven rivers beyond the sea" (possibly corresponding to Semirechye, southeastern Kazakhstan). The book describes migration of Slavs through Syria and eventually into Carpathian mountains, during the course of which they were briefly enslaved by the king "Nabsur" (Nabonassar?). They settle in Carpathian mountains in 5th century BC ("fifteen hundred years before Dir"). Several centuries appear to pass without much commotion. 4th century is described in some detail: during this time Slavs fought a number of wars with Goths, Huns, Greeks, and Romans. Many references to Ermanaric and his relatives are present (placing this section of Book of Veles in the same historical context as the story of Jonakr's sons, referenced in numerous European legends and sagas). Slavs eventually emerged victorious. The period of 5th to 9th centuries is described briefly; Khazars and Bulgars are mentioned.
The book ends with Slavic lands descending into disarray and falling under Norman rule.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Veles
Translation by Helen of Annoy, a Croatian member of the Unexplained Mysteries site.
I have uploaded all her posts in the thread about the Book of Veles.
http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=205462&pid=3892373&st=30&#entry3892373
Interesting topic, only I have absolutely no time for it right now
Just few random things:
Dažbog is the Rainmaker, in some Croatian dialects word for rain is not “kiša”, as you would expect, but “dažd”.
The sigil you can see in my signature is “gromoviti znak” (sign of thunder), and it belongs to Perun, the God of Thunder (among many other things).
Svarog is not the supreme deity, though he is the Sun God and Svarožici are his sons, there are usually seven of them, seven rays of sun. Noun “Sunce” (Sun) is neutral in my language, Svarog is obviously male, simply because he is like Sun, god of sun, but not physically the Sun itself.
For this plane of existence, the bosses are Perun and Veles, the Eagle (also the Bear) and the Snake etc.
The book of Veles is considered to be a forgery, or in the best case a „modern“ copy of original text. The original was said to be written in old Slavic runic script, and both are officially lost, because Slavs used to write on wooden planks (small planks, thin and light, not floor board size, and they used to be tied into some form of wooden books) which disintegrated over centuries and also, early Christian missionars were fond of burning such things.
It’s possible there was the original, and it’s possible the one that made a copy not only used the “new” Cyrillic script, but also tried to “modernize” the language. Only there’s no evidence for that.
The seven rivers could be actual rivers in the place of origin, but could be some form of symbolic, since there were seven siblings that led the migration for example (five brothers and two sisters). On the other hand, maybe there were seven leaders to honour the seven rivers...
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Plank 11a
We pray and bow to first Triglav (Threeheaded One) and to him we sing the glory. We praise Svarog, grandfather of god, who is the origin of all kin and creator of everything that lives, eternal source that flows in the summer and everywhere, and in the winter it never freezes... And to god Perun, the thunderer, god of battle and strife we say: you make us alive by never stopping revolving of circle and lead us on the path of justice through battles to the Great Trizna... to god Svetovid we elevate the glory, because he is the god of Prav and Jav and to him we sing because he is the light through which we see the world. We look and we continue to exist in Jav, and he protects us from the Nav and therefore we sing the glory to him. All the glory to Svetovid, our god who opens our hearts to admit our wrongdoings and turn ourselves to good. Two entities in the heavens contained are Bjelobog and Crnobog, and both of them are under Svarog’s hold and command.
I have Serbian translation, which means you'll have English tomorrow, posted here. I hope no one has copyrights on it
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We can argue later whose translation was better
So I use this source:
http://www.tolkien.rs/publikacije/VelesovaKnjiga.pdf
(Thanks, guys, I hope you don't mind.)
And here's the first five dašcice (planks), since I'm an idiot and I just had to come back and start translating
(So my private life suffers because of this, which means I'll be extra angry in the next few days... kidding.)
#1(D-16A/II)
This book of Veles we consecrate to our god who is our refuge and strength.
In those days was the man so gentle and brave they called him the father of Russians.
And that man had wife and two daughters. He had cattle and cows and many sheep and he dwelled in the steppe so no where could he find husbands for his daughters and he prayed gods so his line does not perish like that. And Dajbog granted his request and gave him what he was praying for. So were married those who live among us.
And we are obliged to believe because it clearly is god Veles that brings forth the offspring.
We owe to our gods and so we give them praise:
Let our leader be blessed now and for the eternity.
Said magicians (shamans) and went away.
#2(D-9A)
In those days was the Slavic father Bogumir and he had three daughters and two sons. They took the cattle to the steppe and they lived in grass like in the time of the fathers. And they were obedient to gods and their minds were clear. And so their mother who was called Slavuni and took care of them said to Bogumir on the seventh day: We have our daughters to marry and our grandchildren to see. So she said and (Bogumir) prepared cart and went away with horses. And he came to the tree in the field and stopped by the fire. And he saw three men on horses approaching and they said to him: Zdravo budi (be healthy, equivalent of hello), what are you doing? Bogumir told them about his troubles and they said to him they are themselves set to find wives.
Bogumir returned to his steppe and brought three husbands for his daughters. From that came into being three tribes united and glorious.
From there stem Drevljani, Krivici i Poljani because first daughter of Bogumir was named Dreva, second Skreva and third Poleva. Sons of Bogumir were named Seva and younger Rus. From them come Severjani and Rusi. Three husbands were three messangers: Jutro (Morning), Podne (Noon) and Vecer (Sunset).
That kin settled on the seven rivers where they lived behind the sea in green land and they mastered cattle even before the arrival on Carpathian mountains.
That was the time thousand and three hundred before Germanareh.
In that time there was the great battle on shores of Goth’s sea and there our forefathers ..?.. kurgale out of white stones under which they were burying bojari (the firsts) and all leaders fallen in smiting.
#3(D-9B)
We came from the green land to the Goth’s sea and there we found Goths who stood in our way. And so we fought for that land and our lives.
Until then were our fathers on the shores of the sea and on the banks of the river Ra. And with great effort they were transporting their men and cattle on the other bank towards Don and there they saw Goths on the south and Goth’s sea. And Goths were determined to stand against us and so we were forced to fight for our lives and survival because Huns were following the footsteps of our fathers, attacking them, killing men and stealing their cattle. And so went the glorious kin (glory = slava => Slaveni) to the land where sun goes to sleep at night and where is a lot of grass and fertile meadows and rivers full of fish and where no one dies.
Goths were still in that green land, almost were faster than our fathers who went from the great river Ra that separates us from other people and flows into Fasiste sea.
There a man from Belojarski kin goes to the other bank of river Ra and catches up with Sinic traders, going to Fražec, because Jeguni on their island wait for traders to rob them.
It was half a century before Aldoreh and even before that was Belojar kin mighty. Hun traders went after Belojar man telling him they’ll give him silver ..?.. for that ..?.. and two golden horses. He left and avoided the fraud of Huns, went past Goths so cruel and came to Nepre. And their lord is with no honour, takes taxes twice. So the traders that came to us, went back to Sinska and never returned.
#4(D-10)
Gods gave Bogumir all earthly treasures ..?.. and among us it was like this ..?..
and among the older of our kin we were electing the count who was titled the leader and the chief ..?.. those were the counts for the long time and Greeks won’t replace them, it will be until the end as it is appropriate for a man of that kin to give descendants to rule over us. And after Bogumir was Or with his sons. And when Huns started the great fight for securing of their big land, we went from there to Rus. Now different times have come, we are obliged to get together and go forward, so they don’t talk about us leaving our land to conquer other’s, but so they talk about us fighting for themselves. Therefore, Rusici, don’t leave Greeks on your land, but fight for it ..?..
In that time river Ra was the border with other lands, and today our enemies are coming down on us. We are obliged to fight for our grandchildren, to keep our steppes and not let our land to no one ..?..
So we are obliged to do differently. We won’t burn trees in the fields, or sow on it neither reap on ashes, because we have grassy steppes, to scatter our cattle guarding it from the enemies ..?..
#5(D-1A)
Our conscience commands we don’t hide our words and we tell only the truth about our kin.
Let us say truth about them, about our first ban (something like a duke) and counts that we elected and removed ourselves. Kisek led his kin and cattle to the steppes on the south and there where sun shines they dwelled. And to him came father Or and said:
We both have children, men, women and old people to defend from the enemies. And so they did, they became one tribe – they united cattle, so they were pleasing and honourable before their gods for all times. When they started to grow, ones decided to be something and others not to be that. And then father Or set his kin into motion and his herds and went to far away land. Like this he told us then: There we shall build a city. And it was Golinj because steppe was bare (gola). And Kisek went further and led all his men to another place so they don’t mix up with father Or’s people. So the ancestors created the land and populated it, like Kisek went with men and created other land and settled on it. That way they separated and set borders and became alien to each other. They had bread and salt and there was no fight between them.
And Kisek’s and father Or’s people were glorious and from that time their glory was flowing because they knew the sword and the arrow.
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Here comes some more, it's a bit longwinded book, you know
#6(D-2A)
Even in the old times it was said that we will, if we unite with them, create ..?..
We will give birth to our great Ruskolanj from Golunj and three hundred cities and villages where smoke comes out of big fireplaces. There is our Perun and our land. And here is bird Mother Sva (all-encompassing) singing about that day and we expect that time when Svaroži circle will end with us. Then Mother Sva will come to us. Mother Sva was telling us when we were miserable: Defend our land well. And Vendi, when they went to the sunset, there they divided land before the enemy and their faith was not firm.
Courageous and mighty were the men and they had faith in the word.
We are not stupid, deprived of sense, so we don’t believe until we mature.
Vendi, go back to our lands in the ancient steppes and see what misery it was until the exodus out of Petorecje that left cut off from us on the right side. And bird Sva was telling us that the fire will bring ashes to us and bring down and burn Golinj. Gods Kupalo and Dažd, release rain because that poor land is devastated and beaten by horse hooves while your sons were running across it, riding horses. Those were the gods sending dasun in anger. We must listen to them, not like in the time of Ant because those Ants smote many with their swords and devastated your home for aliens build no homes.
#7(D-2B)
Then our father Or was leading us, Kij led Russians, Šcek led his tribe and Hrvat (Croat) his Hrvati ..?.. And since we are the grandchildren of gods, Hrvat and Šcek separated from others and we settled in the Carpathian mountains. There were other cities built and we had other allied tribes and great treasures.
Then our enemies attacked us and we took refuge in cities Kijev and Golunj and there we settled.
We burnt our pyres at Svarga and offered sacrifices for mercy of gods.
And so then Kij died after thirty years of rule over us. And after him was Lebedjan who was called Slaver and he lived twenty years. And then was Veren from Velikograd also twenty, and then Sereženj, ten. On throne they achieved victory over the enemy, evil of darkness they thwarted away from sons and they built for us and for you. And then Goths came to steppe doing wrong to us but our forefathers had courage, fighting for their lives and they became glorious because they gave glory to gods. And so we are grandchildren of gods, our Svarog and Dajbog. And then we suffered evil though we had great power before that and defended ourselves from dishonourable Goths and Varjags for many years. Then Ilmeri supported us and so we won over the enemy. And they had ten emperors that were like wolves and had courage of lions. When we attacked them, they started to use clever tricks and to defend themselves, they buried their swords.
#8(D-3A)
Mother Sva is flying over us, because new troubles are coming our way. Our borders were weak so many enemies were burning our homes and fireplaces. Sadness spread its wings over our land.
Smoke from burnt steppes flew all the way to Svarga. And Žal (Sorrow) weeps with us.
Mother Sva cries to Višnji to give us forests for fires in our fireplaces.
He sent help and he himself stroke with our fathers against the enemy. And then Germanareh retreated and Goths escaped to the sea, over Mala Kalka. And so the land was freed all the way to Don.
And on that side of Don is Kalka Velika, the border between us and other tribes. And there Goths often fought wars with their enemies. Then we started to sow on our land and cultivate fruitfully land of Alans. On market places we traded cattle, leather and butter for silver and gold, drinks and various foodstuff. And our life was peaceful and calm until Goths strike us again. That fight lasted for ten years. We united and defended our land and things holy to us from our enemy.
The holy ones therefore visited us. First holy Kolada then holy Jaro and Crvena Gora and Ovsenj Veliki and Mali. The holy walk like good hosts through our cities and villages to bring and create peace on earth.
#9(D-3B)
Go our brothers, tribe after tribe and kin after kin and fight for our land like it is appropriate for us and in no other way. Because we are Rusi, we celebrate our gods with singing and dancing, with feast in their glory. Because we settle the land that we fold with our fingers on our wounds so we can when we die stand in front of Marmora.
And she was saying: I cannot blame the one who is captive of the earth and I cannot separate him from the earth. And our gods there, said: Rusi they are, for they folded earth on their wounds and brought it to the Nav. In that time, counts were elected and there were a lot of leaders and counts. And all that counts were from common men. Because it was like that: Land you work for yourselves, but be counts as it was told to take care of people. And bread, food and everything for living from people they were given each day. Other counts collect taxes and transfer power from father to son, and so from grandfathers to great-greatsons.
#10(D-4A)
Here comes mighty Dajbog to help our people. Therefore we are not afraid, we have faith in him and we feel how he cares for us. And we waited for that day when we had ..?.. Voronežac was the place where Goths moved in. Russians did not defend it and so few of us left inside. After the battle fire burnt our homes and our fields to ashes and dust, carried by winds on all four sides. Then Russians left their place.
Do not bless that Russian land, but remember it. There was shed the blood of our fathers and it is rightfully ours. Voronežec brought glory of Russians and Svarog. Fold it on you with all your might, return it to your counts, preserve Russia of gods. Because its pastures fed and clothed our counts and homes. We serve it and defend it because it clothes us, feeds us and gives us drink, since the first day and until death. They served it too, and many laid their bones, like in the time of Menzemit Ant.
We were given name Slavens, because we sing honour and glory (slava) to our gods. We ask nothing, only consecrate the glory. We say our prayers while we wash our bodies and glory ..?..
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Oh, no translators for me... they totally confuse me. I work from the scratch and by the feeling. I do use Oxford dictionary, because I’m emotionally attached to it. This is as literal as possible translation I’m trying to give here, since the style is very important, it could tell away the fake. Though a good fake would get the style right. Like this one.
Because, you know, so far, the Book of Veles feels like forgery to me. But it could be that someone did to it what was done to New Testament, for example. Toss the parts you don’t like out and put the invented parts that serve your purpose in.
What made me suspicious is the arch-enemy status of Goths, which is not what I was told about early Slavic history. It’s possible that proto-Russian tribes had issues with Goths, while proto-Croats allied with them, it’s also possible that I don’t know what I’m talking about, but my impression is that whoever forged that specific part had 20th century politics in mind.
The Book was found (or forged or both) in late 1919, by tsarist F. A. Izenbek, which could be just a coincidence but I don’t believe in coincidences. The tone of many parts sounds a little too intended to raise the nationalist, Russian-centric and Russian (passage where Greeks are not to be trusted either, for they are not as true as Russians) Orthodox moral.
Almost like the old times were used only as an allegory.
But it’s not just evil Goths... the biggest issue for authenticity is that there was no single reference to medovina (mead) or kvas (beer) yet. Those are two pillars of Slavic culture
I have no idea what sura-drink is, but I’m afraid it reminds me of “surutka” (also: sirutka) – the more-less clear liquid drained out of lumps of fresh cheese. I just can’t believe old Slavs would forget to mention medovina and kvas... maybe those will pop up later, there are many dašcice to read yet.
Only some modern (early 20th century modern) prude would avoid mentioning alcohol.
Seven, yes, Slavic myths and legends always have seven of something... seven sons, seven swords, seven rivers, seven ingredients for potion... one is important, this is the start, you have to have one to have anything at all to start with. Two is company, things are getting lively. Three is the first magical number, you forgive for three times, gods help three times, you greet spirits in the trees by knocking three times on tree trunks, table has to have three legs to be stabile... four is good, but too much really, three was doing just fine. So five and six, but then you get to seven. Seven headed god with seven swords, accompanied by his seven sons. Festival of sevens.
What is more than seven, crosses to the other side. Exceeds reality. Therefore my favourite number is eight, the beginning of eternity, where things that are going on are bigger than gods themselves.
The names... some of them I have no idea what they are or what they could be. But for some I’m quite sure what they stand for, maybe I could go through the text and try to give some explanations – according to my understanding of Slavic culture and history. There are more-less significant variations.
All righty... off to translate some more. Fake or not, it’s interesting read. At least the parts that are not wharrgharble or whatever is the right spelling for that charming Americanism.
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#11(D-4B)
Let’s drink sura-drink to glory, five times a day, light fire in Dub. And so we celebrate Snop (bundle of wheat) and we say praise to it because we are grandchildren of Dajbog and we must not forget our glory. And centuries ago Ants were on Russian field and in the past we, Rusi, lived with them ..?.. and then on Volinj came ..?.. were brave enemies. That Volinj was of the first kin. And then Ants of Manzemir were victorious over Goths, scattering them on all sides. And then Goths united with Huns and with them they attacked our fathers and were crushed and destroyed. Then stroke Obri on the count and killed him. And so sons of the sea went away from Russians. Russian gods ask for no human sacrifices, or animal, only fruits, flowers and grains, milk, sura-drink made of herbs and honey. Never live bird or fish. What Alans and Varjags offer to gods is different sacrifice, horrible, human. We don’t do that because we are grandchildren of Dajbog and we don’t follow alien footsteps.
#12(D-5A)
This is our sacrifice, honey, sura from nine ..?.. put in the sun for three days, and then sifted through wool. This will be our sacrifice to gods of Prav, like our forefathers used to give. Because we come from Dajbog and we became glorious and we give glory to our gods. Never we asked or prayed for our goods and gods told us: Go to the Russians, never to the enemy.
Mother Sva sang to us about the glory, about victories over enemies and we trusted her because our glory by the Bird Višnja was spread across the Russian sky ..?..
And then we elected our count to take care of us.
If enemy crosses our borders we haven’t kept safe so that he summons warriors.
And who are we, Snop knows that. Because we elevate the glory, we don’t beg and we have no fear for earthly treasures. Look at our father Or, walking on clouds, elevated by the power of Perun.
And Or saw there how Perunko forges swords for enemies and he told him: These arrows and swords we have for warriors and you must not have any fear, because if you divert your eyes to the ground, there will be less soldiers than there are fingers on hands, but if they bow down to the ground, beasts will become like piglets, smeared with mud and stink will follow their trails. So it will be told about them, like they are stinky piglets and swine. So said Perunko, forging swords. And Or said that and told that to our fathers. This is what our fight for life was and our heroism many centuries ago. And today we believe it was like that.
#13(D-5B)
Tivers came to the grey sea and Suroža to you and said:
We remember what was from our alliance with Ant. A lot of Russian blood was spilt on it and so for eons until the end this land will be of glorious tribe and kin. Because we celebrate gods, we don’t beg from them, only celebrate their might. And we give glory to our Svarog, who was, is and will be our leader from the beginning until the end.
#14(D-6A)
There was count Slaven with his brother Skif. And started the great division in the east and they said: Let us go to the land of Ilmer. So they decided and older son stayed with old man Ilmer. And they went to north and there Slaven built his city. And his brother Skif was by the sea and was old and had his son Vend, and after him there was grandson who ruled over southern steppes.
And a lot of blood was from then and great division of sowings and fields on both sides of Don and up to Russian mountain and to Carpathian pastures. And there they were working and Kol they elected for their leader, because he resisted the enemy, defeated and drove (the enemy) away. And about that he was talking to his kin and summoned the council.
This is how they created our land that existed for five hundred years, but then disharmony appeared among Russians and they spent their strength on hostility, conflicts and disunity. And the enemies also attacked our fathers from the south and defeated them on Kijev’s land, sea shores and in steppe.
They started to go north and met Franks who went to help the enemy. And Skifs showed themselves, busted the enemy by force and defeated it.
So were Huns busted all the way to Russian steppe and for that time fought away.
And that is (something) to learn from: Let us do like that today and we will win.
#15(D-6B)
We came back to steppes to take care of pastures like our fathers.
Their grass and flowers they grew and shed their blood for them.
And Golinj we left to the enemy. Golinj was surrounded and the enemy ..?.. All our cities we will fortify like our fathers used to do in past. And every child will honour the land, kiss it and be prepared to die for it. And on the steppe many armies attacked but victory was not theirs and they found no refuge.
Our fathers fought for that. We were saved from the lost by Perun. Out of earth’s dust Svarog’s army was springing and coming to help us in the war.
And our granddad Dajbog led them. And our fathers were winning.
We didn’t believe in miracles and we were hastening gods through prayers to help us win.
We pray to them, for our land was tainted by feet of aliens. And we saw what it was like: they threw themselves on them and broke them because they attacked us. This is what we are telling you about.
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#16(D-7A)
Kisak (was speaking) to his people before the attack and they become to hate the enemy, stroke at them and broke them. And we have the sign of that power that was not given by Jav to the enemy. We were weak before, but now we are strong and numerous.
There are not as many enemies as there are us, because we are Rusi (Russians), and they are not.
And there were our blood fell, there is our land. And our enemies know that and their efforts are in vain, as it was in times of our fathers.
We repeat these words and none of them we forget. Let us tell to our brothers: The godly power will be with you and you will win over enemies that take your land away.
They will be muted to never say the foul word again.
Be the sons of your gods and their power will be with you until the end. They burnt our bread in fire, and destroyed our cattle.
By weapons we defended the south and overpowered the enemies.
#17(D-8A)
Look at you – you have a bird ahead of you that leads you to victory over enemy ..?.. and then you keep.
And she was, shining before us, leading us across the world. So it was in those days when Russians went with Vends and they wanted to bring their gods to the sea.
There they made nest and built temples, and there were many buildings and treasures. Temples were decorated with gold and silver and many wooden gods were tempting. Others didn’t take that as right because it was offensive to them and our relatives had no peace. Arabs were coming to markets and traded children. And that land, they say, became repulsive and evil for living. So we went over Carpathian mountains to Kij but there we were also in hostility with evil nations. We sang about glorious Russian days, songs our fathers left to us, about happy life in steppes and about glory of our ancestors. And then vojvoda (duke) Borbec led Russians to Golun, and after his death was given the rank in brave Perun’s army.
We don’t forget we are sons of our fathers and with love we remember them. We say that our strength comes from them ..?..
We say ..?..
#18(D-8B)
..?.. about them who took care of us. We didn’t have place for prayer then but we did our praying in front of wells and springs where living water flew. It was magical, and preying wolves would not come. Now we remember time of Aldoreh who was summoning žreci (shamans).
We didn’t do like that to gods and we didn’t keep the letter (word). And our beauties were kidnapped and driven away. There was argument among us because of that.
There we lived under Goths. And in that century kins were ruled by kneževi (counts).
Count was Bravlin who took sea shore from Alans. After the battle we settled there and spread our cattle (there), and permitted Skits to let their cattle graze in the steppes. They were in misery then because Greeks have returned and took over them again, and we are here for two hundred years since then.
And today we have another count Bravlin, great-grandson of his granddad, who said:
Go to the south, on Greek field. Greeks are separated from Alans, they trade in steppes and take our cattle away from us by force.
Drive them to the sea and banish them from here, because this is Russian land and it is soaked in our blood. Have faith in us because we are with you today as we were before.
#19(D-1/II)
We forgot good old times and went no one knows where. We consciously accepted message of the past with no shame before both sides of Prav and Nav.
Because Dajbog presented us with glow of dawn by creating the earth from the abyss.
So the souls of our forefathers glow with dawn of Irij ..?.. And Greeks did evil to Russians in the name of their gods. We, men, did not know where to go and what to do because it was denied to us what was given in Prav by Dajbog.
This struggle in Jav, is our life – if we leave it – into death we go. Because Jav was created from Prav, and Nav is eternal. And in Prav is the Nav. Let us not forget the message of the past and weave our souls into it because everything that surrounds us was created by the will of gods. That gift of gods let us find in us and do according to Prav. Souls of our forefathers glow out of Irij for us and Žal washes against us and warns: Do not forget Prav, Jav and Nav ..?.. And we forget, didn’t hear the voice of truth ..?.. were not worth to be Dajbog’s grandchildren.
Therefore we pray gods for purity of our souls and bodies in likeness of our forefathers.
So we can be united with gods in only Prav and so grandchildren of Dajbog.
Russians, great is the mind of god and in it you create and announce the glory.
..?.. our life is temporary like we are and like our horses we work and in peace we live our lives on earth.
#20(D-2A/II)
Real man is not the one who does washing desiring to be appear right, but the one whose words are in accordance to his deeds ..?.. about that they said in the past: Let us do good in likeness of our ancestors. And we plough the furrows and with time we will become glorious.
But Borusi and Rusi were broken by the hand of enemy and evil deeds were done then ..?.. and our count was helpless.
He sent his sons to defend, but enemy defeated them because they didn’t listen to what was already said (or: what was already settled by greater ones; or: what was mostly settled). They divided, and from us they take taxes. And today we say:
Our counts should not ..?.. to go south and conquer land ..?.. for us and our descendants. Because there Greeks attacked as soon as Borusi separated from us. And there was great smiting for many months ..?.. for hundred times Russia was born and for hundred times it was broken from north to south ..?.. our fathers were herding cattle and father Or led them to Russian lands. Before that, we lived hard, and our sufferings were ended when we settled our fireplaces on Russian land.
And here, two darknesses passed since then, and then Varjags came ..?.. and land fell into Hazar hands to which we paid taxes.
And there was Ilmer nation with hundred to two hundred krajevi (kraj = place, land, seems it could be also a measuring unit for land). And our nation that came later to Russian lands, settled among Ilmers. They were our brothers ..?.. like us and protected us from evil. Councils were gathering to decide and so it was. That what they didn’t announce was not. Counts were elected from sabor to sabor (sabor, sejm = official gathering of leaders, today it’s parliament) and we lived returning help to them (as in: to return favour) ..?..
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I'm so hooked on this.
BTW, that "stabile table" from two posts ago means: balanced, firmly supported table.
I have moments when languages collide in my brain
Sorry.
All right, here it is:
#21(D-2B/II)
..?.. and we were forced to retreat to woods and live like hunters and fishermen. So we could find refuge from the danger. We survived one darkness and begun to build cities and villages everywhere. After second darkness there was great cold and we went south because there a lot of places were grassy ..?.. but then Romans took our cattle for price that was good for us and they kept their word given to us. We went to south greengrassness and we had a lot of cattle.
#22(D-3A/II)
We pray Veles, our father, to let Surija’s horses into heaven and for Surija’s golden circle to shine on us. Because he is our Sun that lights our homes and in front of (compared to) his appearance fireplaces of our homes are dull. And to god of fire, Smurgl (Simargl) let us say:
Show yourself and stand up in heavens and shine bright light. We call him by the name of Ognjebog (Firegod) and go to work. And so every day we do the prayer, eat and go to the fields to work as gods are commanding to every man who was designated to work for his bread.
We, grandchildren of Dajbog, are favourites of gods and holding god’s plough in right hand we sing glory to Surija. So until evening we are celebrating gods for five times and drink surica as a sign of kindness and unity with them who in Svarga also drink to our happiness ..?.. To the glory of Surija we sing and look, his golden horse speeds across the sky ..?.. and after work we come back to our homes, light fires and eat. Then to great goodness of gods that surrounds us we give thanks and go to sleep because darkness takes away the day from us. Also we give one tenth to our fathers, and one hundredth to rulers ..?.. And so we live proud because we celebrate our gods and pray with our bodies washed in clean water.
#23(D-5A/II)
About our beginning let us say in greater detail like this: One thousand and five hundred years before Dir our great-grandfathers came to Carpathian mountains, there they settled and lived in peace because kins were governed by fathers from the kin and oldest in the kin ..?.. Perun favoured us and so we lived for five hundred years, and then we went east to Nepra.
That river flows to sea, and we settled by it on north, there where it is called Priputa because it flows away ..?.. so we lived for five hundred years while kins were governed by councils and gods protected us from those who call themselves Jazgi. There were a lot of natives, Ilmers. So we were spreading our cattle on steppe and gods guarded us.
Father Or said well, we had many goods and lived rich.
#24(D-5B/II)
We were alone because Jazgi left us and went south. We started too leading our cattle and our bulls. Flocks of birds were flying at us. Then in steppe Kostobok tribe attacked us. A lot of blood flew out of open wounds. Kostoboks were cutting off heads of their enemies on which flocks of crows would swiftly come down.
Stribog was blowing in the steppe and there was storm until midnight. It was great smiting. Jazgi and Kostoboks were killing our bulls too in frenzy.
That struggle went on for two hundred years, and then our kin started to go into the woods.
There they found Germanareh’s Goths who were there for hundred years. They went for us and it was another great strife.
We banished Goths all the way to Don and Donec. Germanareh then drank wine with our dukes like they were brothers. So the new life was founded.
#25(D-8/1/A)
We were subdued by aliens, because we were hungry and impoverished.
And they sharpened their iron to destroy our lives. Because of that Askold and Rurik went across Nepr calling our men to fight. Bur we had Dir and didn’t want to go.
It was our fate to understand our mistakes and that our time is different. Askold put his armies on board ships and went on to take away from others by force. We won’t do as Askold did because we are Rusi. We are not Varjags who did great evil to Russians and their glory.
Rurik is not Russian because he storms across steppe killing traders who trust him. We walk in the old graveyards and there where our ancestors lie under green grass, we think. The answer we ask from them, what are our deeds to be like and our path.
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#26(D-8/1/B )
There our relatives started to divide – who will be older (stariji = older, also means: more responsible, in command). Kij went to fathers and ancestors who are dead. And when Kij left us misery appeared and great disagreement among Russians who fought to death in division and divided.
Then Greeks stroke from their lands while we were not ready for fight and couldn’t attack them from the side or surround them.
Warriors fought for their lives, couldn’t help their neighbours.
Men had no faith and in battles they only defended themselves.
It was better in Kij’s campaigns. With Kij, the night before the battle the story about victory would begin. They were singing about campaigns of fathers and how Ruskolanj fell under beastly deeds of Goths and Huns.
Ants and Goths were terrified of Kij’s Russia and they were leaving, back to their lands. We know of two lands – one of Vends another of Goths.
These Goths were coming to us and they grew strong, while Vends got weaker. And around was land Litva and they called themselves Iljmi, but we call them Ilmeri.
#27(D-8/2/A)
Here comes red dawn, putting on stones as her jewellery.
We salute from the heart like Russians, not like Greeks who don’t know about our gods and speak evil out of ignorance. And we call ourselves with glorious name and prove glory on enemy iron when we go on their swords.
It’s like bears too listen to glorious name and deer stop to talk to each other about Russians: they don’t attack but they defend, while Greeks go to war because of their greed. This is why Russians are proud and greet with bread, while Greeks take it away from others by force. About that glory eagles cry on all sides because Russians are free and mighty in steppe.
#28(D-8/2/B )
We went by the shore of Goth’s sea to Nepra and we saw only Russian wanderers, while Hun and Jazig tribes were free.
Their leaders were at war against us and they were dividing us.
From morning to morning we watched the evil done to Russians. And we waited for hour when better times will arrive. We realized we must join our forces and follow footsteps of our ancestors and listen to the words they meant for us.
Let us go to our steppes and fight for lives like soldiers, not like mindless cattle.
#29(D-8/3)
Bird came flying to the tree and started to sing to us. Every of her feathers shone with different colour. And night became day because she sang about past battles. She reminds us of battles of enemies against our fathers who watch us from the grey sky and smile at us.
And so we are not alone because they are always with us. We remember Perun and look, messenger on white horse darts across the sky. And he raises sword up to the heavens, cuts clouds open and thunders. And to us living water starts to pour, which we drink because Svarog gives the source of all life on earth.
Cow Zemunja on grey fields grazes and her milk runs down heaven’s wheat and shines with stars above us at night. Shines the only way of Prav that we wish to follow.
Glorious descendants carry Russia in their hearts, which is and will be our land. We fight for it and we die for it like day dies when there’s no sun and like Sun fades away. And like dying evening takes over shadow, letting night take its place.
And by night Veles walks Svarga, down the heavenly trail of milk, to his castle and opens door of his temple to us in the dawn. And we, waiting for him to take us in the shiny temple, sing songs and celebrate Veles through centuries, clean like lambs.
Veles gifted knowledge to our ancestors how to plough earth and sow grass and reap wheat in fertile fields, to put bundle in the house and honour it like heavenly father.
Glory to our fathers and mothers who taught us to honour gods and showed us the way of Prav which we follow and sing glory to gods and we are Slaveni.
#30(D-8/3/A)
Our ancestors founded Surož and Greeks were coming to our marketplaces. Staying there they were observing our land.
Many young people they sent who built houses and cities and traded. And soldiers with swords and armours showed up and soon they took our land into their hands and made their games firm. Then we saw Greeks are feasting while Slavs work for them and land that was ours for four centuries became Greek, and we became dogs that are banished by stones (dogs at which stones are thrown).
Today we fight for it again and soak it in our blood, so we can live peacefully like before, out of our work.
Perunica flies across the sky and carries the horn of glory which we drink to the bottom. And there were ten times more knights among us than among our enemies. And Perunica said: How did you, Russians, lose your fields. From today you must fight for them. And Surija said: Go, Russians, and do so. And we came in our land and breached the siege to make way and decided: Who was judged by Perun he will find himself in paradise, and in Svarga he’ll find eternal food. It could be that we will die today, but we have no other way out in life. It’s better for us that we are dead than to alive serve the aliens. Slave never feels good under despot, even when he favours him.
We listen to our counts and defend our country.
And Indra helps us keep our strength and remain strong.
So our knights on battle field resist with power of gods which leads us in victory.
#31(D-8/3/
..?.. we offer sacrifices to our gods in Russian name and tell the fortune by observing flight of birds. Enemy will be disintegrated into dust and blood.
We will have strength to breach the siege because on the other side there are Greeks, like old wives. Their swords are thin, shields light and we will mow them because there’s no help for them to receive, not even from their gods. And Surož will be ours like before and we will not be subdued by them.
Greeks tell us that they gave us their writing, and that we lost ours by receiving it. We remember that Ilar who, desiring to teach our children, had to hide in homes so we don’t find out he’s teaching our writing and offers sacrifices to our gods.
We will win over Greek because that’s what Kij said, our father. He also said that we will destroy hostile Horsunj too. Our state will be great and in it counts, cities, countless iron and numerous offspring. And there will be less Greek than there are us. And they will stand before us with their heads bowed down.
There will be many horrors and troubles but two will become one and united. We will win and fortify our land.
Gods will grant us eternal glory and nothing will stop us from fighting like lions for each other and listening to our count. And Perun will remain on our side until victory.
Glory to our gods forever and ever. May Russia be blessed, the land of our ancestors and may the will of gods be fulfilled.
#32(D-14A)
And Germanareh, grandson of Aldoreh’s grandson, attacked us from the north.
These enemies carried horns on their foreheads.
Varjags were talking us in to attack them, but we couldn’t fight war on two sides because both were enemies and there was no difference between them.
With mighty cavalry and numerous warriors Jazgs then attacked us too from Tanais.
And darkness after darkness was coming and approaching, and we had only help of gods. Gods would magnify our strength by ten times before the attack.
Bjelobog led our warriors and cavalry and shamans in forests took swords and went to war. We saw wizards do great miracles. How heavenly warriors were coming out of their hands outstretched towards Svarga. They charged at enemy and buried it. And we saw great birds flying to us. And Mother Sva rushed down on enemy, striking with her wings, and she was crying to us to defend our land.
And we fought for our tribe’s fireplaces because we are Rusici.
Charge our brothers, tribe with tribe and kin with kin and strike the enemy on our land because it belongs only to us. Do not come back defeated.
Don’t let anything stop you because you are under Svarog’s protection, whose hand leads you to victory.
#33(D-14B )
When our enemies were attacking us, we took swords in our hands and we were winning. And Mother Sva was saying that our future is glorious. And we leave into death like into feasting. We were told that we, once upon a lot of time, while we still had temples in Carpathians, used to trade with Arabs and others. Newcomers respected Radgost and we took taxes in fair fashion, because we honour gods like it was trusted to us. They said to us not to take unreliable faith which is what honours our fathers and not to approach trees with no will. Our hands won’t be tired because of the plough, but of the sword, because we were trusted with going to our borders and defending them from the enemy. And here, smoke rises all the way to sky, what was the great sorrow of fathers, children and our mothers. It is time of wars.
And let us say no more. Only that.
Varjags arrived to Nepra, conquered our land and took men away. Do not take men away. If you don’t listen to us, you will taste our swords. Take Rurik out of our land and return him to where he came from.
Our borders were laid waste and our land was looted. We are at war only to defend our land.
#34(D-11/A II)
We pray and bow to first Triglav and to him we sing glory.
We praise Svarog, grandfather of gods who is sire of all gods’ kin and creator of everything that lives, eternal spring that flows in summer everywhere and in the winter never freezes. And with that living water he waters and gives life to us until we reach meadows of paradise, blessed. And to god Perun, the thunderer, god of battle and strife we say:
You make us alive by unstopping revolving of the circle and lead us on path of Prav through battles to Velika Trizna. And everyone died in battle – let them live forever in Perun’s division. To god Svetovid we elevate glory because he is the god of Prav and Jav and to him we sing the song because he is the light through which we see the world. We look and in Jav we survive, and he protects us from the Nav and therefore we sing thanks to him. We sing and dance to him and we summon our god to sustain earth, sun and stars steadily in light.
All glory to Svetovid, our god that opens our hearts to admit our wrongdoings and turn to good. May he embrace us like children because it is firmly like this:
That what was created – with half-worth mind cannot be seen.
Because the great mystery is, how Svarog is at the same time Perun and Svetovid.
Two entities in heavens contained, Bjelobog and Crnobog are, and Svarog holds and commands them both.
After them come – Horos, Veles and Stribog, and then – Višenj, Lelj and Letic.
#35(D-11/B II)
Then – Radgost, Krišni and Kolada, and after them – Udrzec, Sivi Jar and Dajbog.
After them follow – Belojar, Lada, Kupala – Senic, Žitnic, Venic – Zrnic, Ovsenic, Prosic, Studic, Ledic and Ljutic, and after them – Pticic, Zveric and Milic – Doždic,
Plodic and Jagodic – Pcelic, Irestic and Klencic – Jezerkic, Vetric, Slomic
Gribic, Lovic and Besedic – Snežic, Stranic and Svendic – Radic, Svetic, Krivic
Krasic, Travic and Steblic, and after them follow – Rodic, Malenic and Živic – Vedic, Listvic
and Cvetic – Vodic, Zvezdic and Gromic – Semic, Lipic and Ribic – Brezic, Zelenic and
Goric – Stradic, Spasic and Listveric – Mislic, Gostic and Radic – Stranic
Curic and ROdic – and there is already Smurgl – Ognjebog fierce and haste, born fast.
This is the essence of Triglav because everyone comes from him
and into him return. And there is wonderful Irij and there river Ra flows dividing Svarga from Jav, and Cislobog counts our days and reports his counts to god: when is heavenly day and when night. And he divides days into days of Jav which are days of gods and night in which is only god our Did – Dub – Snop. Glory to Perun – Ognjebog who sends arrows at enemies and loyally leads on path that is honour and the judgement of a soldier. He – golden-fur, merciful and just.
#36(D-7A II)
Glory to our gods for we have faith that asks for no human sacrifices, unlike Varjags who always offered sacrifices calling Perun – Parkun.
We offer only fruits of fields and our work as sacrifice:
millet, butter from milk and also on day of Kolada we add a lamb, as we do on day of Rusalja in spring and Crvena Gora. We do that in remembrance of Carpathian mountains.
In that time our kin was called Karpeni, and when we took refuge and dwelled in woods, they called us by the name Drevici, and in the fields they called us Poljani.
Those who listen to Greeks say that we are cannibals and that is a lie, because it really isn’t so. We have different customs.
So those who want to humiliate the other talk bad about him and insane is the one that doesn’t defend from such words. For a long time we governed kins, and old men from the kin, Vendi, went to relatives to judge under the Perun’s tree. And also on that day we played games before old men eyes: heroes showed strength, fast walking, sang and danced. On that day villagers went hunting and brought wild game to old people who shared it then with others. And shamans shared sacrifice with gods as sign of gratitude and elevated the glory. In time of Goths and arrival of Varjags a count was elected among leaders and that one led young men into cruel battles.
And Romans observed us, plotting evil against us. And they came on us with their chariots with steel weapons and attacked us. We defended us from them for a long time to keep ..?..
#37(D-19)
And this was seen in Nav: Ognjebog was distancing from amazing dragon.
Soaking the land blood he licked flew out of him. Then came mighty man and cut dragon in half and there were two then that he cut again and there were four. And then man cried for help from gods. And they rushed from Svarga on horses to kill the dragon, because his strength was not from humans or gods, but it was black. And that dragon, those are enemies that come from the south. Those are warriors from Bospor with whom our granddads were at war.
Greeks want our land for themselves, but we won’t let them have it because it is ours. And that dragon is our suffering.
We will fight and lay our lives for her that spreads from us to Poljani and Drevici and Rusi. And reaches the seas and mountains and steppes of the south. And that is Russia. And only from her we receive help because we are grandchildren of Dajbog.
We pray God to send flame so Mother Sva would carry the glory on her wings to our ancestors. And that song we sing by the fires in the evenings and old letter (slovo = letter => speech) we say about glory, about holy Sedmorjecje (seven rivers place) where our cities were and for which our fathers were at war. And that land we left and now in other land we fight for survival. In the past we had Golunj and in it cities, villages and fireplaces.
We wash our bodies and souls in desire to Golunj remains holy Russian, in which enemies feared our ancestors.
From sheep pastures spreads the land on one day of travel from us ..?..
to others, where they now dwell and from where they drove us away in the past.
Enemies threaten us and cruel day ahead of us is thirsty of blood.
And we will shed it for Russian land ..?..
And stone of land taken away by force cries for us and we will fight until death ..?..
Respect my son who died for her ..?..
#38(D-21)
Evil force of two hundred equipped soldiers they defeated bravely. And we had to protect what was left and build sanctuaries for our gods. We built walls out of oak, and often double and there we kept images of our gods.
We had many sanctuaries in Novgorod, on river Volhova. We had them in Kijev-city and in forests that belong to gods. We had sanctuary in Volinja and Surož on Surož sea, blue. It’s great insult for us that Surož sanctuaries are left to enemies, so our gods lie in dust because Russians have no force to resist the enemy. Our clothing was ragged like tramps who drag around by night through woods and tear their clothing into rags.
So were Russians wearing rags, caring not about it.
They wished to celebrate gods that accept no sacrifices in sanctuaries, because they were angry for their laziness. And bird Mother Sva was talking to us about the glory and begged us to regain the glory of our fathers. But we had no courage to go to war and take our land by sword and purge it from the enemy. And for thousand and three hundred years already we hide our holies and our wives tell us that we are stupid, that we have lost our minds for we stand before them like lambs.
That we dare not to go to defend and scatter our enemies by sword.
And Kupalo tells us we must be an army of clean bodies and souls. And so we start to follow footsteps of him, who is our protector in justified combat. And then we stand in front of image of Svarog. Leaving to battle we praise gods like we do in days of peace too. And Kupalo tells us we will live the time and be respected for our glory. And meet our ancestors again.
#39(D-22)
We will tell also how Kvasura got the secret of making surina from gods. And it quenched the thirst that was killing us. And gods rejoiced us in Radgost. We were dancing and throwing wreaths up to the sky and sang elevating the glory to gods.
Kvasura was mighty man and favoured by gods. And Lada came to him and told him to put honey in water and osuri (expose to heat) it in the sun. So Sura made it so that it turns into surica. And that we drink in the glory of gods. In centuries before Kij, that man was favourite of gods and he passed (secret) to father Bogumir. And he was taught by Svarog how to make kvasura which we call surina. And that was in our Radgost.
And when autumn days come we finish the harvest and it rejoice us. And if then someone swerves off the way and starts talking mindlessly, that is from Crnobog. And other becomes happy and that is from Bjelobog. And so we have both friends and enemies ..?.. Forging swords against enemy forces we defeat them on both sides. And that Bogomir started to prepare sura when glory was foretold to him. And he said thanks to gods ..?.. and so they determined their kins in likeness of god.
They had kins from that kin like Svarog is the father, and then his sons.
And we obey like it is when one obeys a parent, because he is the father of the kin.
And that kin are the warriors from Kij to counts of Kijev.
#40(D-23A)
From the old pastures where Russians dwelled, Novojars went south and fought wars in steppes for ten centuries. And they are also Russians, who elected their counts from their own kin. Kins from every tribe gave each its count, and counts elected leading count. That one was the leader in wars. SO we lived in that land, until Greeks attacked us and settled our land, caring not for Russians. Therefore Russians took swords and drove Greeks away from their sea shores. And Greeks were fighting wars protected by steel armours. It was great smiting, crows were flying over scattered human bodies and their cawing was spreading across field among total chaos. They were ripping Greek carcasses, but didn’t Russian, because they were protected from dying by the will of gods.
Then sun went to war with moon over that land. And sky protected them from falling under disgrace of Jelins.
Mothers mourned sons who shed blood on battlefield and that field became Russian. Novojars settled that land until today, because it belongs to us on grounds of our blood spilled by swords. Jelins were promising to our leading count, that they won’t go to land of Ner, or kidnap Alan children, because they have sea shores. We know that our ancestors who died in the battlefield, didn’t take away land from the enemy and therefore we won’t take away land that belongs to others.
And from Germanareh, who was attacking us from the north, we defended because land of Goths is ours. It was sown by Belorogs with their own bones and (they) shed their blood and therefore it is ours
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#41(D-23B)
And bird Mother Sva sings about us and foretells us glory: and to us alone and to our swords. We went to the sacred field and resisted northern enemies and defeated southern enemies.
Germans were defeated by Russians because we are sons of our father Perun, and grandsons of Dajbog. Svarog showed us way they left: Germanareh went north, Jelins went south. So we defended and united our land and we did not give our sons, because our sons have no price.
Masses of other kins advance into our steppes, and we are not indifferent.
We ask for no help, because it is in our muscles and on tip of our swords with which we smite the enemy ..?..
Bird Mother Sva sing to us to raise our swords in defence.
She strikes with her wings and raises dust up to Svarga. From enemies she defends us because she is caring. We win, because her cry reaches our hearts. Sura we drink before the battle and take the victory, because that drink was created by gods.
And sura will be for us living water in last hour of Velika Trizna in honour of those who died for their land.
#42(D-25A)
They were in Karana, small city on shores of Russian sea. And local count decided to defeat Jelins and drive them away from Russians. He equipped the army and cavalry and went to battle. Jelins cried and begged to be relieved from taxes. And taxes were paid in sheep and wine.
Then Jelins, seeing that Rusici drink a lot, decided to attack them.
Volsev, arriving to offering of the sacrifice, with his brother Soloven, said to Rusici: Do not intoxicate with these gifts. But Rusici didn’t listen and they got drunk.
On that day Jelins attacked and crushed them, and seeing that disaster Rusici went to steppes. There they settled, gathered their strength and stroke back at enemy.
They won by the will of gods because they were with them and gave power to their hands.
Enemies were fighting because they wanted to keep cattle and rule alone in that beautiful land.
But we prayed to Triglav Veliki and Mali. And Triglav joined us and defeated enemy with cavalry. Gods overpowered.
We saw many dead that were defeated by gods. And we will follow our gods and like great Perun’s army our enemies we will crush. We will be victorious like Svarožici who carry the glory of their fathers and until today’s day on (battle)field they win over all enemies.
#43(D-25B )
Our creator Svarog, said to father Or like this: We were created by my hands and you are sons of the creator and as such (you are) my children, and Dajbog will be your father. Obey him and what he tells you so you make and so you do. And you will be great nation, you will win over all alien kins that draw their strength out of stone and perform miracles – chariots with no horses and other miracles (done) by no wizards. Then every one of you will be becoming soldier through an oath. But soldiers will turn into slaves of those who give speeches and from that flood of words they will lose their manhood and will be subdued by gifts and gold.
Because of that, they will sell themselves to the enemy. And gods tell you:
Love the covenant of father Or, nature and life and love your comrades and keep the peace among kins. From then there were seventy our counts like: Mezislav, Borislav, Kamenobradaš and Gorislav. And so elected they were to decide as much as people asked them to. In that time counts were doing their best. Kisek was great and wise. And when he died, after him were the others and each did something good. Rusici remember that and celebrate them on each Trizna. For three times they give their respect in the memory of our sons. That no one forgets so a curse from gods and men would he not drag onto him and in front of people his name (would not be) soiled (dishonoured) for the eternity.
#44(D-26A)
In that time was one good host. And he was gentle so gods gave him many sheep and cows that grazed in the steppe. And there was a lot of grass and gods gave offspring to his cattle and were multiplying it. And came before him an alien and said that his sons should go to the other land, in wondrous land where sun sets and sleeps on golden catafalque. Horseman rode there and said to the sun: Go, sun, into your blue forests, sit in your chariot and with Dawn ride to the east. Having said that he rode off to other lands. And evening came after him and horseman said: Sun has set behind its mountains and drove its chariots away. And it hid its magic. And horseman goes to other lands. And Dawn goes, carrying light and shaking (dusting, actually) Dajbog’s clothing. And sparks flow all the way to land in heavens. So he told.
And two sons went there where sun sets and saw many wonders and golden grass.
And they came back to tell their father about beauty of that land. Many tribes and kins wanted to go there and everybody went to (see) that host.
And then father Or said to his sons to lead the kins. They didn’t want to separate from each other, but count led his people to the south, and Or to the land by the sea. There was great drought and desert and they went to mountains which they settled. So they lived for half a century, gathered great cavalry and rode off to other lands. On that journey, they fought many armies on which they came across.
They saw many warm lands and went past them because there already lived many alien tribes. Guided by gods, they moved on.
We keep the memory of these times and follow the way of our fathers.
We purge ourselves through prayer, washing and splashing our faces. And by splashing our faces with water we pray for purity of our souls and our bodies.
Those prayers were set by Svarog, and Kupalo was reminding us of them.
#45(D-26B )
We do not forget our customs: we wash our bodies and splash our spirit in clean living water. We work and do prayers each day. Sura we drink five times a day praising our gods happily, because sura is our drink and our milk that comes from Krava (The Cow). We live cooking wheat in milk from which everyone takes their share. And as time goes by, so we come to the blue river because time ahead of us is not endless. There we meet our ancestors and mothers who in Svarga keep their herds and tie bundles of wheat together. Their life is like ours, only there are no Huns or Jelins, but Prav is doing the duty of the count. And that Prav is true, while Nav is under Jav. So it was given and will be from Svetovid for all eternity. And god there with our ancestors that perished on earth, and suffered many evils, talk. There is no evil there, but there’s green grass.
Lives are lived in accordance with god’s will which is honour for people.
And we will look at steppes of paradise in the blue sky.
And that blue is from god Svarog. And Veles there leads herds across golden wheat fields. No one pays taxes and there are no slaves.
Their sacrifice is unknown to unbelievers: wine, honey and wheat for prayer. We elevate the glory to gods who are our fathers and we are their sons. We will be worth of them through purity of our bodies and souls that will never die. And they don’t die in the moment when our bodies die.
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