The goddess Giltinė, a prominent figure in Lithuanian mythology, represents death and the transition to the afterlife.

Her name is derived from Lithuanian words like gelti (to sting) and geluonis (thorn), reflecting her role as a bringer of death. Often depicted as an elderly woman with a blue-tinged face, a long nose, and a poisonous tongue, her appearance is both fearsome and symbolic of her grim duties.

According to legend, Giltinė’s transformation from a youthful and beautiful goddess into her ghastly form occurred after being confined in a coffin for seven years. As the sister of the goddess Laima, who governs life’s beginnings, Giltinė’s role is tied to life’s end, marking the cyclical nature of existence in Lithuanian folklore.

Stories of Giltinė often portray attempts by mortals to outwit her, reflecting humanity's desire to postpone death. Over time, Christian influences introduced the image of Giltinė wielding a scythe, aligning her depiction with broader European portrayals of death. Her lore continues to be a compelling exploration of mortality and fate within Lithuanian tradition.

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