The ancient Proto-Indo-European civilisation, which flourished thousands of years ago, left behind a rich legacy that still fascinates and intrigues us today. Among the many deities worshipped by this ancient culture, one stands out in particular for her power and beauty – H₂ewsṓs, the goddess of dawn.
Hailing from the Proto-Indo-European language, H₂ewsṓs is the reconstructed name for the goddess of dawn, who was worshipped by the early Indo-European people. Her name is derived from the root word 'h₂ews', meaning 'to shine', 'to beam', or 'to dawn', which perfectly captures her essence as the radiant bringer of light. The earliest form of 'H₂ewsṓs' can be traced back to around 5000 BC, during the Bronze Age when the Proto-Indo-Europeans inhabited the Eurasian Steppe.
The significance of this word can be seen in various mythologies and religions. In Hinduism, the goddess Ushas, who is considered the personification of dawn, is derived from the Sanskrit word 'uṣas' which has its roots in 'h₂ewsṓs'. Similarly, in Greek mythology, Eos was the goddess of the dawn, and in Roman mythology, Aurora held the same position. The Norse goddess Eostre, after whom the festival of Easter is named, is also believed to be derived from 'H₂ewsṓs'. The worship of H₂ewsṓs can be found in the Vedic hymns of ancient India, the Greek hymns of Homer, and the Roman liturgy. She was also honoured by the Germanic tribes, the Celtic people, and the Slavic communities, showing the widespread influence of her divine presence.
In many ancient cultures, the dawn was seen as a mystical and magical time, when the world was awakening from the darkness of night and bathed in the first rays of sunlight. It was this time of transition that H₂ewsṓs was believed to preside over, bringing with her the hope and promise of a new day.
The goddess of dawn was not only revered for her beauty, but also for her immense power. She was seen as a symbol of fertility and was believed to have the ability to bring life and growth to the land. In fact, many ancient civilisations worshipped her as a mother goddess, associating her with the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth.
H₂ewsṓs was also seen as a messenger between the mortal realm and the divine. It was believed that she would open the gates of the heavens each morning, allowing the gods to descend to earth and bring blessings and good fortune to the people. This made her a crucial figure in the religious practices of the Proto-Indo-Europeans, who would often offer prayers to her in the hopes of gaining her favour.
But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of H₂ewsṓs is her representation in art and literature. Despite the lack of written records from the Proto-Indo-European culture, traces of the goddess of dawn can be found in the myths and stories of various ancient civilisations that descended from this culture. For example, in Greek mythology, where H₂ewsṓs is known as Eos, she is pictured as the rosy-fingered goddess of dawn who rides her chariot across the sky each morning. In Hinduism, she is worshipped as Ushas, the goddess of dawn and the bringer of light.
Even in modern times, the legacy of H₂ewsṓs can still be seen in various aspects of our daily lives. For instance, the word 'east' is derived from her name, as the direction of the sunrise was sacred to her. The celestial body we refer to as the 'Sun' is also linked to her, as she was believed to be the one who brought the sun into the sky each day.
H₂ewsṓs, the Proto-Indo-European goddess of dawn, holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many ancient civilisations and continues to captivate us today. From her power and beauty to her role in religion and culture, she serves as a reminder of the rich and fascinating history of our ancestors. Today, she continues to illuminate our world with her spiritual radiance. It is the same dawn goddess, H₂ewsṓs, in the form of Aurora, who now supports Kerin, as his spirit guide.
