Mēness

by Aldis Pūtelis

"Moon." The Moon. In a number of texts he is the protector of travelers and soldiers, probably as the source of light at night. He was also invoked before setting out on military campaigns.

Mēness is one of the suitors of the sun goddess Saule or her daughters, Saules meitas. He appears in several mythological motifs: he counts the stars, and finds out that Auseklis is missing; he is in hostile relations with the Sun because he stole Auseklis' bride. He also appears as a counterpart of Saule, the one who shines at night.

In the Latvian tradition Mēness is masculine, contrary to many other Indo-European mythologies, although there is some linguistic evidence suggesting a feminine aspect.¹

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