Sami mythology is rich in deities and spirits, each with their own unique role in maintaining the balance of nature and protecting human beings. Here is a list of the Sami gods and goddesses, with a brief description of each and where they belong.
Highest Deities Rádienáhttje
Role: Highest deity and the creator. He represents the sky and is the father of the other gods. Description: Known as the supreme deity in Sami mythology, he creates and maintains the order of the universe. Belongs to: The world of the heavens.
Rádien-niejta
Role: Goddess of fertility and life. She is the daughter of Rádienáhttje. Description: Represents fertility, both in nature and in human life. She helps bring new life into the world. Belongs to: The realms of heaven and earth.
Rádien-pardne
Role: Son of Rádienáhttje, helps bring souls to newborn children. Description: Associated with helping souls into newborn children and protecting them throughout life. Belongs to: The realms of heaven and earth.
The Forces of Nature Beaivi
Role: Goddess of the sun, important for growth and health. Description: She is a central goddess, especially important during the winter solstice when the sun returns. Belongs to: The world of the heavens.
Máttaráhkká
Role: Mother goddess of the earth, birth and female fertility. Description: She helps women during childbirth and protects the fertility of the earth. She has three daughters who help her with different aspects of women's lives. Belongs to: The earth.
Sáráhkká
Role: Goddess of fertility, especially female fertility and childbirth. Description: She is one of Máttaráhkká's daughters and helps women during childbirth. Belongs to: The home and the place of birth.
Juoksáhkká
Role: Goddess of hunting and protector of boys. Description: Also known as "the bow woman," she helps boys grow up and protects hunters. Belongs to: The forest and the hunting grounds.
Uksáhkká
Role: Protector of infants and helper in childbirth. Description: Another daughter of Máttaráhkká, she protects newborns and helps them enter the world. Belongs to: The home and the place of birth.
The Spirits of Animals and Nature Bieggolmmái
Role: God of the wind, controls the weather. Description: He controls the winds and the weather, important for the Sami people's living conditions in the harsh northern climate. Belongs to: The realm of wind and weather.
Horagalles
Role: God of thunder, often associated with Thor from Norse mythology. Description: He is known for creating thunder and lightning, and protects people from evil spirits. Belongs to: The world of the heavens.
Čáhceháldi
Role: God of water, protector of fishermen and sailors. Description: He controls lakes, rivers and seas, and protects those who travel or fish there. Belongs to: The realm of water.
Leibolmmái
Role: God of the forest, protector of hunters and the forest. Description: Associated with hunting and wildlife, he protects hunters and the resources of the forest. Belongs to: The realm of the forest.
Čáhcerávga
Role: Spirit of water, associated with dangers in the water. Description: Often seen as a dangerous spirit who can drag people underwater. Belongs to: Lakes and rivers.
Spiritual Guides and Protectors Jábmeáhkká
Role: Goddess of death, ruler over the realm of the dead. Description: She rules the world of the dead and guides souls to their resting place. Belongs to: The realm of the dead.
Ráná nieida
Role: Goddess of water, especially rivers and lakes. Description: Protects water resources and those who depend on them. Belongs to: The realm of water.
Veralden-rádni
Role: Ruler over the fates of the world. Description: Associated with determining the fates of all creatures, both gods and humans. Belongs to: Heaven and earth.
Other Important Deities Áhcearbmi
Role: Spirit of the underworld, associated with hidden treasures and riches. Description: Controls hidden treasures beneath the earth. Belongs to: The underworld.
Radienáhkká:
Role: Mother of the earth, important for fertility. Description: She is the protector of the earth and associated with fertility. Belongs to: The earth.
Tiermes
Role: God of thunder, also associated with justice. Description: Creates thunder and lightning, and is known for protecting against evil. Belongs to: The world of the heavens.
Raedie
Role: God of creation, helped shape the world. Description: Together with other gods, he helped create the world and the order of nature. Belongs to: Heaven and earth.
Bájánállás
Role: Goddess of fortune and prosperity. Description: Brings fortune and prosperity to people. Belongs to: The earth and the home.
Dierpmis
Role: Spirit of the deep forests, protector of animals. Description: Protects the animals of the forests and those who live by hunting. Belongs to: The realm of the forest.
This list provides a comprehensive overview of the Sami gods and goddesses, as well as their roles in Sami mythology. Sami mythology is closely tied to nature and society, with deities who look after various aspects of life, from birth and death to hunting and weather. This offers a fascinating insight into the beliefs and worldview of the Sami peoples.
Sources Maret Anne Sara. In the Shadow of the Midnight Sun: Contemporary Sami Prose and Poetry. (2010) Lars Ivar Hansen, Bjørnar Olsen. Samernas Historia fram till 1750. (2004) Anders Kalstad. Samisk religion og læstadianisme. (2007) Håkan Rydving. The End of Drum-Time: Religious Change among the Lule Saami, 1670s-1740s. (1993) Juha Pentikäinen. Saami Shamanism. (1998)
