{"id":116090,"date":"2026-07-22T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/?p=116090"},"modified":"2026-07-22T12:18:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T10:18:43","slug":"arkona-slavic-delfi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/arkona-slavic-delfi\/","title":{"rendered":"Arkona: The Lost Secrets of the Slavic Delphi"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:62.6953125%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:66.708074534161%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:56.54296875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:56.34765625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:66.6015625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:56.0546875%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:55.95703125%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:55.333333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:41.6015625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The island R&uuml;gen, in today&rsquo;s Germany, once housed a great Slavic temple devoted to <strong>Svetovid<\/strong> (Svantovit).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The people of the island kept their traditions alive in spite of the Christianization attempts from all sides.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The temple of Arkona was more than a local holy place. It was a <strong>trading hub<\/strong> and a place with strong military power.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&rsquo;s likened to Delphi because it attracted<strong> Slavic pilgrims<\/strong> across Europe to honor the idol and hear about their destiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&rsquo;s explore how Svetovid predicted the future and what Slavic pagan worship looked like!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The Position of the Island<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-116207\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"642\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-1024x642.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-1024x642.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-960x602.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-1080x677.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-170x107.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"642\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20642'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='642'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116207 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-1024x642.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-1024x642.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-960x602.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-1080x677.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-2-170x107.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/9\/9b\/Burgwall_Arkona.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; upload.wikimedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arkona sat on the northern tip of R&uuml;gen, an island in the Baltic Sea.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was surrounded by water on nearly every side and protected by steep cliffs. It felt like a natural fortress of stone, although the buildings were made of wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was home to a <strong>West-Slavic<\/strong> tribe called <strong>Rani<\/strong> (Rugians, Rujani).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These people lived more or less as you&rsquo;d imagine a thriving coastal community to live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They traded, raided and fought with other tribes and honored their gods; most prominently, the <strong>four-headed god<\/strong> Svetovid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The island&rsquo;s isolation made it defensible and sacred at the same time, a place that felt genuinely removed from the everyday world!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Svetovid, the World-Seer<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-116203\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"805\" height=\"537\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116203\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-6.jpg 805w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-6-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-6-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"805\" height=\"537\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20805%20537'%3E%3Crect%20width='805'%20height='537'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116203 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-6.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-6.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-6.jpg 805w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-6-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-6-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/savremenavestica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SVETOVID-1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; savremenavestica<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the heart of Arkona stood a temple of Svetovid, whose name translates directly to <em>The World-Seer<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He was a god who <strong>saw all directions<\/strong> and timelines simultaneously, and he governed a wide domain: <strong>war <\/strong>e <strong>destino<\/strong>, <strong>harvest<\/strong> e <strong>abbondanza<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leaders prayed to him before battle, and the locals prayed for good harvests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That combination of war and fertility wasn&rsquo;t unusual in ancient belief systems, where the same forces that brought death also brought life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Svetovid completely embodies that duality.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. The Idol<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-116202\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-1024x579.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-1024x579.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-768x435.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-960x543.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-1080x611.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"579\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20579'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='579'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116202 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-1024x579.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-1024x579.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-768x435.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-960x543.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-1080x611.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-7-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com\/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTyrDyaEs6DRaeXwJ6Fh244fSADvQVU79f6CcQEMSpRxS5IO5WCiSFriEg&amp;s=10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; encrypted-tbn0.gstatic<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Il <em>kumir<\/em>, or idol, of Svetovid was huge, almost <strong>reaching the ceiling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was carved from several kinds of wood, and it remains a mystery as to what technique the people of R&uuml;gen used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Svetovid held several items in his hands, but the most prominent one was the <strong>drinking horn<\/strong> made of different metals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What made Svetovid truly unique was that he was imagined as a deity with four heads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each one faced a different direction, seeing everything, all at once.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pilgrims sacrificed animals and gifted coins to the idol. And even a <strong>third of all <\/strong>il <strong>fortuna<\/strong> that was earned through trade and war was gifted to the temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some sources also claim that the Rani people <strong>sacrificed<\/strong> humans to Svetovid, specifically <strong>Christians<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One would be sacrificed each year to the god, but it&rsquo;s not clear whether this savage ritual was done even before the first Christianization attempts or only after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. The Slavic Deplhi<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-116200\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-1024x577.jpg\" alt=\"arkona, rugen\" class=\"wp-image-116200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20577'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='577'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"arkona, rugen\" class=\"wp-image-116200 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-1024x577.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/01varvara.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/05\/vsevolod-ivanov-the-temple-of-sventovida-in-arkona-2006-e1273558899426.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; 01varvara.wordpress<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arkona is called the Slavic Delphi because it gathered pilgrims from all over the Slavic world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typically, every region and town had its own ruling deity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pantheon was the same, but for instance, Perun was the primary deity in Russia, while in the Balkans, it was Dazhbog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still, everyone came to Arkona to worship Svetovid and ask for a reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People brought offerings, treasure, livestock, and portions of their harvest, and the priests would read the divine signs to give them <strong>guida<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This kind of pan-regional veneration was rare, which only highlights the <strong>significato spirituale<\/strong> of Arkona.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. The Wine Ritual<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-110037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-960x639.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-1080x719.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20682'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='682'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-110037 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-scaled.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-1024x682.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-960x639.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-1080x719.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-bread-wine-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most important rituals in Arkona involved the aforementioned horn that Svetovid held.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it was time to read whether the year would be abundant or poor, the high priest poured <strong>wine into the horn<\/strong> and left it there for a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then, people would gather to watch him check the state of the wine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the liquid stayed the same, everyone celebrated because it meant that the <strong>harvest would be good<\/strong>. But if the wine evaporated, that wasn&rsquo;t a good sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The community would more carefully spend its resources to prepare for a tough winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Svetovid&rsquo;s White Horse<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-116201\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-1024x574.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-960x538.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-1080x605.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-170x95.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20574'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='574'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116201 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-1024x574.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-960x538.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-1080x605.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-8-170x95.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/GiTaj7nq50Q\/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEhCK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAxMIARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD&amp;rs=AOn4CLCaJwfCrsLbjeB5fWIEAHw8Ckhhbw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; i.ytimg.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among all the unusual elements of Arkona&rsquo;s worship, the white horse stands out as especially <strong>poetic<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The temple always kept one white horse that was thought to belong to Svetovid himself. The horse was never ridden or used for labor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The priests would take good care of it and make sure it got enough of everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This horse is also present in certain folk songs that sing of the hero called <strong>White Vide<\/strong> who rides his horse (SvetoVID &ndash; VIDE).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These songs matter because, after Christianization and the centuries that went by, they have endured in the collective memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. The Horse Oracle<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-116205\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"573\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-1024x573.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-1024x573.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-960x537.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-1080x604.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-170x95.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"573\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20573'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='573'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116205 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-1024x573.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-1024x573.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-960x537.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-1080x604.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-4-170x95.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.seriouslyequestrian.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/White-horse-breeds.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; cdn.seriouslyequestrian<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another reason that the horse was held in such high esteem was that it worked like the god&rsquo;s oracle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was used to <strong>read destiny<\/strong> before any <strong>major decisions<\/strong>, such as whether to go to war or choose a new leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get a reading, the priests would arrange a row of spears before bringing the horse out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the horse took its first step using its <strong>right leg<\/strong>, people took it as a sign of good fortune. They would start getting ready for their undertaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if the horse led with its<strong> left leg<\/strong>, they would immediately give up on their plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The whole thing would be postponed without argument, which shows the strength of the people&rsquo;s belief in Svetovid.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. The High Priest<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-116209\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"664\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116209\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic-1024x567.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic-768x425.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic-960x532.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic-1080x598.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic-170x94.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"664\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20664'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='664'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116209 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic-1024x567.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic-768x425.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic-960x532.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic-1080x598.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-pagan-priest-slavic-170x94.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The priesthood of pagan Slavs is reminiscent of the Christian priesthood when it comes to <strong>hierarchy and perks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I already mentioned how much <strong>fortuna<\/strong> was given to the temple. This shows that priests had significant political power in Arkona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And in the temple itself, rules were pretty strict, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There were inner parts of the temple where only the high priest could enter, much like in the church, only priests and emperors can approach the altar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The priests <strong>maintained the idol<\/strong>, tended the flame, managed the horn, and interpreted the signs Svetovid sent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This preserved that sense that the temple was a sacred space, with some of its parts being beyond ordinary human reach.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. King Valdemar I&rsquo;s Crusade<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-116204\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-1024x426.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116204\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-1024x426.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-300x125.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-768x320.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-18x7.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-960x400.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-1080x450.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-170x71.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"426\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20426'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='426'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-116204 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-1024x426.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-1024x426.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-300x125.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-768x320.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-18x7.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-960x400.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-1080x450.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/arkona-rugen-svetovid-slavic-pagan-5-170x71.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Bishop_Absalon_topples_the_god_Svantevit_at_Arkona_%28full%29.jpg\/960px-Bishop_Absalon_topples_the_god_Svantevit_at_Arkona_%28full%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; upload.wikimedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In <strong>1168<\/strong>, Arkona and its incredible tradition were destroyed in a matter of days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A long-standing enemy of the Baltic Slavs, Danish King Valdemar I, led a crusade against them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His army attacked from the sea and land until it finally reached the city and the temple within.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Il <strong>temple<\/strong> was <strong>demolished<\/strong>, and the idol of Svetovid was brought down and destroyed. The treasure was stolen, and the Rani people were converted to Christianity by sword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sources speak of their sadness and disappointment as the idol fell, saying that some people willingly accepted the new faith when they saw how Svetovid couldn&rsquo;t defend himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arkona was just one of the many sacred Slavic sites that were <strong>systematically destroyed<\/strong>, along with all the knowledge and records they held.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The island R&uuml;gen, in today&rsquo;s Germany, once housed a great Slavic temple devoted to Svetovid (Svantovit). The people of the island kept their traditions alive &hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":116200,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["article"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"Article","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[208,100],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-116090","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-history","category-spirituality"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116090","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=116090"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116090\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":117767,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116090\/revisions\/117767"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/116200"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=116090"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=116090"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=116090"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}