Bangpūtys

Modern fantastic carving of Bangpūtys

Bangpūtys is the god of sea and storm in Lithuanian mythology.

Description

Bangpūtys was described as two-faced with beard and wings. He is typically illustrated as holding a fish in his left hand, a untensil in his right and a rooster on the head.

Family

Rytys, Pietys, Šiaurys and Vakaris (easterly, southern, northern and westerly) are his sons. They are commonly known as gods of wind.

Behavior

According to some mythologists, Bangpūtys is stern and merciless. Based on a story, he wanted to drown Auštaras (son of Aušrinė and Mėnuo) because Auštaras caused a storm as he was swimming in the sea.

Reference

• Straižys, Vytautas; Gods and Goddesses of the Ancient Balts, Lietuvos Dangus (Sky of Lithuania), Vilnius, p.115, 1990.