Heini-iki

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In Ob-Ugrian mythology, Heini-iki, also referred to as Kul-iki, is the god of the Underworld and of the spirits of sickness.[1] He is opposite in nature to his brother Numi-Torum, the heavenly god. He can appear in the shape of a dog or cat, or sometimes as a fog that hides a person from their guardian spirit.

The Khanties of the Surgut area described him as black in color. Animal sacrifices to him were also to be black in color.[1] These sacrifices were to prevent illness among the people. His name was not to be spoken, especially in the presence of a sick or dying person.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Barkalaja, Anzori (2002). Sketches towards a theory of shamanism: associating the belief system of the Pim River Khanties with the Western world view. Tartu University Press. p. 112. ISBN 9789985566473.
  2. ^ "World view of the Hanti". Archived from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2016.