1 Is The: Religion of the Veda

and “rejoices in lightning,” or, “twists the light- ning”(rapyrwéprmros’). The Lithuanian Pcrlcunas has absorbed the functions of Zeus and has bccoxnc chief god. In the Vcda also]l Parjanya is called “ Father Asura,” making him for tho moment tho doublc of F athcr Sky, tho Asura. In another passage ho is ovcn morc clircctly identified with l)yans..i

Tho Veda has a pair of twin gods, known as tho “two I‘lorscmcn " (atria). Thcy arc f rctlucntly called “Sons of Iioavun” (dim Hfljltfffi). Of all Vcdic divinitics they have tho most pronounced mythical and legendary character. Thcy put in their appearance regularly in the morning, along with other divinitics of morning light. A maidcn by the name of Surya, that is “Sulthzticlcn,” or daughter of Surya, that is “ Daughter of tho Sun,” is captivated by the youthful bcauty of tho Agvins, chooses them for her husbands, and ascends their chariot that is drawn by birds. A difforcnt yct row latcd touch is added to their character in a riddle.» some brief story” which furnishes them with an“ other female relation, namely, a mother by the name

1 Rig—Veda 5. 83. 6.

9 Dim? paging/cm antariérficfz‘ firtfiioyzifz. Vijasancyi Sanhita, I8, 55 at of.

3 Told in Rig—Veda 10. I7. I, a ; see the author in yearns! of Me

American Oriental Society, vol. xv., 1). 172

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