Long ago, in the far North, lived the Daughter of the Sun, Naavisemo (Njávezan, Njàveseatni), and the Daughter of the Moon, Syöjätär (lit. Eateress, aka Hàhtezan, Àhceseatni). Both women were pregnant when their husbands were killed, leaving Naavisemo and Syöjätär widowed. As a consolation, Father Beaivi (the Sun) gave both women wild reindeer to domesticate. After domesticating the reindeer, the women began to care for their herds (thus began the Sami reindeer husbandry).
When the time came to give birth, the Daughter of the Moon had a girl, and the Daughter of the Sun gave birth to a boy. However, Syöjätär was not satisfied with her daughter, whom she considered ugly, so she kidnapped Naavisemo’s son and left her own daughter in his place.
Years passed, and the children grew up. The boy became a wise man and a skilled hunter, who eventually discovered the truth: his real mother was Naavisemo, not Syöjätär. Enraged, the boy killed Syöjätär and her daughter in anger over their deceit and burned their bodies.
From Syöjätär´s ashes rose frogs, mosquitoes, horseflies, and other bothersome insects and creatures. Syöjätär herself transformed into a malevolent dark spirit, ruling over evil beings, darkness, and the night side of the mountains. It is said that Syöjätär ‘s most loyal companion is a large dung beetle that always accompanies her. In winter, she puts to sleep the insects and other pests under her control, only to release them again to torment everyone during the summer.
But what about Naavisemo? After her death, the Daughter of the Sun gave rise to flower flies and other pollinating insects, ensuring that there would be enough berries in the forests and marshes for humans and animals to eat. A butterfly constantly flutters by her side, and she rules over good spirits, the bright parts of the year, and the daytime side of the mountains.
These two spirits are also seen as the ancestors of the elk and bear myths. According to belief, humans descend from two primordial animals: the elk, which supposedly united with Naavisemo, and the bear, which formed an alliance with Syöjätär.
These dualistic spirit pairs are naturally connected to the cycle of the seasons and sun mythology.
So, greetings to Naavisemo, whose reign begins at the vernal equinox.
Let’s hope that this summer Syöjätär forgets to awaken the troublemakers!
Sources in Finnish:
Goranus, Saamelaisesta Mytologiasta
Runavik, Pohjoinen shamanismi
