Also called Svarožič (his son, fire), Swarog.
Their story
A twelfth-century translation of the Greek chronicle of Malalas, preserved in the Hypatian Chronicle, equates Svarog with Hephaestus. It says that in his time tongs fell from the sky and weapons were first forged, and that he taught that a man should have only one wife. His son Svarožič is linked with fire, and a god of that name was worshipped among the western Slavs.
Best times to give to them
- when lighting a hearth or fire
- before craftwork
- the winter solstice
- Kupala at Midsummer
What they like being given
- bread
- grain thrown into the fire
- a candle or a small fire
- something you have made with your hands
- kvass, or water
How to honour them
- Light a candle or fire mindfully and greet him in its flame.
- Take up a craft that uses heat or metal, or simply make something well.
- Keep a small hammer or piece of iron on your altar.
- Keep order and fairness in your household.
How they can help you
- craftsmanship and making
- discipline
- fire safety and warmth
- marriage and fidelity
Symbols
- the hammer and tongs
- the forge
- fire
- the sky
Svarog is attested in only a few lines; modern Slavic paganism has greatly expanded his role.
Festivals
- Koliada Midwinter, now kept at Christmas Eve, 24 December, or 6 January where the Julian church calendar is followed, and through the following Svyatki holy days