Ukko
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Aaninen.jpg
In Finnish mythology, Ukko (Estonian spelling Uku) is a god of sky, weather, crop (harvest) and other things. He is also the most significant god in Finnish mythology and the Finnish word ukkonen, thunderstorm, is derived from his name. In the Kalevala he is also called ylijumala (overgod), as he is the god of things above. He makes all his appearances in myths solely by natural effects when asked. "Ukko" in contemporary Finnish means old man.
Ukko's origins are probably in Baltic Perkons and older Finnish sky god Ilmarinen. Also Thor of Ásatrú is originated from Perkons. While Ukko took Ilmarinen's position as the Sky God, Ilmarinen's destiny was to turn into a mortal smith-hero. The stories still tells about Ilmarinen vaulting the sky-dome.
Ukko's weapon was a hammer called Ukonvasara, or an axe or a sword, by which he struck lightning. While Ukko mated with his wife Akka, there was a thunderstorm. He also created thunderstorms by driving with his chariot in skies. The original weapon of Ukko was probably the boat-shaped stone-axe of battle axe-culture.
Snake with saw-figure on its skin has been seen as a symbol of thunder. There are stone-carvings which have features of both snakes and lightning.
See also: Finnish paganism