Also called Proven, Prono.
Their story
Helmold of Bosau describes a grove of ancient oaks in Wagria, near Oldenburg in Holstein, sacred to Prove, god of that land. It was fenced with a carved wooden court and two gates, and only the priest and those bringing sacrifice or seeking refuge could enter. In 1156 Helmold himself went there with Bishop Gerold, who had the grove cut down and burnt.
Their day
Monday. Helmold says the people met in Prove's grove with their priest and prince for judgement on the second day of the week.
Best times to give to them
- Mondays (for judgement, per Helmold)
- when settling a dispute
- harvest
What they like being given
- bread
- an acorn or oak leaves
- a promise kept
How to honour them
- Sit beneath an oak to think through a fair decision.
- Keep your word as the grove once demanded.
How they can help you
- fairness and justice
- resolving disputes
- honesty
Symbols
- an oak grove
- a fenced sacred court
- oak trees
Helmold is an eyewitness but a hostile one; Prove had no image, only the grove.
Sources
- Helmold, Chronica Slavorum, Book I, chapters 52 and 84
More Slavic gods
- Perun The thunder god of oak and axe
- Veles Lord of cattle, wealth and the underworld
- Dazhbog The giving god, the sun
- Svarog The heavenly smith, father of fire and sun
- Jarilo The youthful god of spring and growth
- Rod The god of kin, birth and fate
- Stribog Grandfather of the winds
- Khors The bright disc of the sun