Rauni: the Finnish Deity of Thunder
Rauni (2024) by NellamoRauni is know in the Finnish folklore as the spouse of Ukko, god of thunder, but in some scriptures as the thunder goddess herself.
Rauni is mentioned in the Mikael Agriola's list of pagan gods which he made in 1551:
Ja quin Kevekylvö kylvettin And when the spring sowing was sown,
silloin ukon Malja jootijn. Then the toast of Ukko was drunk.
Sihen haetin ukon wacka Thence they fetched Ukko's vessel,
nin joopui Pica ette Acka. And a maid and wife drank until they were drunk.
Sijtte paljo Häpie sielle techtin Then much shame was done there,
quin seke cwltin ette nechtin. As it was both heard and seen.
Quin Rauni Ukon Naini härsky When Rauni, Ukko's wife, was in a rage,
jalosti Ukoi pohjasti pärsky. Ukko nobly roared from below,
Se sis annoi Ilman ja Wdhen Tulon. And he gave weather and new harvest.
Mikael Agricola compiled this list of Tavastian (hämäläisten) and Karelian (karjalaisten) gods in 1551. To this day, it is seen as a foundational text in the academic study of ancient Finnish religion and folklore. The list of gods is included in the preface of his translation of the biblical book, Dauidin Psaltari (David's Psalter).
Dauidin Psaltari (David's Psalter)
Researcher U.Harva proposes that Rauni is female goddess of thunder, whilst the researcher E.N. Setälä argues that Rauni is personification of rowan trees, since the name 'Rauni' originates from the ancient scandinavian word raunir (swedish = rönn) or its an alteration of the scandinavian names which begin with Ragn- like Ragna or Ragnhild.
Photo: Rowan tree, pihlaja, in fall time
The rowan trees of Finland change the colors of their leaves early in the fall, into beautifully intense hues, with eyecatching orange berries. In the ancient belief of Finland rowan trees are said to protect a home from strikes of thunder. Often they were the first tree to be planted in the yard of a new homestead.
Purchase the Art Print of Rauni by Nellamo
References: Rauni (name) Rauni Mikael Agricol's list of gods