In Lithunian mythology, Dalia is the goddess of fate. She is believed to be the giver and taker of one’s goods and properties. Dalia is often confused with Laima, another goddess of fate. However, there is a distinction between the two. Laima is concerned in giving predictions on a person’s life while Dalia is more involved with a person’s wealth and distributing a proper share to everyone.
A myth relates Dievas Senelis' (manifestation of supreme god Dievas) duty in allotting each newborn with a rightful share while Dalia imposed Dievas' will. She takes the form of a woman, lamb, dog, swan, or duck.
References
- Greimas, Algirdas Julien (1992). Of Gods and Men. Studies in Lithuanian Mythology. Indiana University Press. p. 127–128. ISBN 0-253-32652-4.
- Gimbutas, Marija; Miriam Robbins Dexter (2001). The Living Goddesses. University of California Press. p. 201. ISBN 0520229150.
- (Lithuanian) Jonas Zinkus, et al., ed (1985–1988). "Dalia". Tarybų Lietuvos enciklopedija. I. Vilnius, Lithuania: Vyriausioji enciklopedijų redakcija. p. 378. LCC 86232954.