Eki (also Ekhi, Eguzki, Iuski, Iguzki, Iduzki or Eguzku) are the names of the
Sun
The Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It is a nearly perfect ball of hot plasma, heated to incandescence by nuclear fusion reactions in its core. The Sun radiates this energy mainly as light, ultraviolet, and infrared radi ...
in the
Basque language.
[Michel Duvert, Dictionnaire illustré de mythologie basque « Diccionario Ilustrado de MitologÃa Vasca y algunas de sus fuentes » Donostia, Baiona, Elkarlanean, 1993, 372 p. étail des éditions( et 9782903421359, OCLC 416178549)] In
Basque mythology
The mythology of the ancient Basques largely did not survive the arrival of Christianity in the Basque Country between the 4th and 12th century AD. Most of what is known about elements of this original belief system is based on the analysis of ...
, Eki or Eguzki is seen as daughter/son of
Mother Earth to whom she/he returns daily.
She/he was regarded as the protector of humanity and the enemy of all evil spirits. The ancient Basques called her "grandmother"; and held rites in her honour at sunset. They believed that when the sun set, Ekhi travelled into Itxasgorrieta ("The Reddish Seas") beneath the earth into the womb of
Amalur
Amalur (Basque for "Mother Earth"), also known as Ama Lurra was the goddess of the earth in the religion of the ancient Basque people. She was the mother of Ekhi, the sun, and Ilazki, the moon. She is also believed to not only be the goddess o ...
aka.
Lurbira
Amalur (Basque for "Mother Earth"), also known as Ama Lurra was the goddess of the earth in the religion of the ancient Basque people. She was the mother of Ekhi, the sun, and Ilazki, the moon. She is also believed to not only be the goddess o ...
, her/his mother.
See also
*
List of solar deities
A solar deity is a deity who represents the Sun, or an aspect of it, usually by its perceived power and strength. Solar deities and Sun worship can be found throughout most of recorded history in various forms. The following is a list of solar de ...
References
Basque goddesses
Solar goddesses
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