A Forgotten Goddess

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Medenia, the goddess of forests trees and animals, dates back to 13th century Lithuanian mythology. Depicted as a young woman she has often been described as possessing both divine and demonic traits. Less known than other nature goddesses, Medenia is cloaked in mystery as little is known about her or her practices.

Despite her beautiful appearance, Medenia is often accompanied by wolves which lurk in the foliage just out of sight. As man often interprets his fears before understanding what makes him fearful, many assumed Medenia to also be a huntress, failing to notice that the wolves physical presence was representative of their protective purpose. Due to this ignorant oversight, man sought to attack the wolves, ultimately attacking Medenia herself. This fateful mistake divided man from nature. Once protected by Medenia, man found himself void of safety and in order to heal his wounds, chose to forget her existence.

Yet despite her lack of existence in mans memory, Medenia lives on, protecting the forests and animals. Often she strolls through the undergrowth, whispering incantations into the wind which swirl through the tallest trees and smallest saplings. Injured animals come to rest on her shoulder whilst they heal, bringing items of the forest to place around her neck in gratitude. With her she carries light, and the smell of summer blossom and earth follow her. Those who do remember her, paint Medenia as a beautiful summers day or a young woman in flowing gowns of gold and dark green. Although Medenia does like to dabble with the flowers, she prefers to tend to the darker sides of the forest. These people tend to overlook the fungus, rot and decay which is fundamental to the growth of such tall trees and colourful buds. As a consequence Medenia can be drastically romanticised.

Instead of flowing gowns, her hem is heavy and laden with thick mud, moss and debris. In amongst the folds a variety of fungus grow, their spores clinging to the mottled dank fabric. If you look closely enough skeletons of small mammals who sought Medenia out in their last moments have become intertwined into the tattered grime. Yet atop her shoulders blossoms unfold in a thousand shades, and all flying creatures come to sigh their secrets into her ear.

If you ever wish to find Medenia, simply listen to the wind amongst the leaves and fear not the dark underbelly of the forest. For if you treat it kindly, a sense of safety may be restored.