The Sun, Moon and Earth

How the Earth Came to Be

Norbertas Vėlius
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Submission
VDA Vilnius
Language
Lithuanian
Source
Academic Publishing
Format
Other
Era
Ancient: 3000BCE—500CE
Sphere
Cultural
Submission
VDA Vilnius
Language
Lithuanian
Source
Academic Publishing
Format
Other
Era
Ancient: 3000BCE—500CE
Sphere
Cultural
Photograph by Aušra Jasiukeviciūtė

This traditional Lithuanian sakmė, a brief, fantastical narrative explaining the origins of natural phenomena, is titled "The Sun, the Moon, and the Earth." The tale has been rewritten and translated from How the Earth Came to Be: Lithuanian Etiological Legends („Kaip atsirado žemė: lietuvių etiologinės sakmės”), a collection compiled and edited by Norbertas Vėlius.

In this story, the Sun and the Moon lived in harmony in the sky and cherished their daughter, Earth. However, a dispute arose between them over who would safeguard her. The Sun claimed the sole right to protect Earth, while the Moon disagreed and brought the matter before Judge Perkūnas. The ruling determined that the Sun, embodying maternal warmth, would guard Earth by day, and the Moon, along with his starry sisters, would care for her by night. Since then, the celestial bodies have alternated their watch over Earth, defining the cycle of day and night.

This folk tale reflects the deep connection between Lithuanian mythology and the natural world, illustrating a harmonious balance between cosmic forces.

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