The Goddess Kurko – the principal cult of Galindia
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Online publication date: 2021-12-24
Publication date: 2021-12-24
KMW 2021;315(Komunikaty Mazursko-Warmińskie
Numer specjalny ):10-21
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ABSTRACT
The goddess Kurko was the focus of a cult for the Prussian tribes. In his article, the author outlines
the spread of her cult within the tribal territory of Galindia as well as the presence of toponyms
related to Kurko in Galindia. Kurko was a female deity who looked after crops, ripening
and fertility. Devotion to Kurke took place in two forms: after the harvest was finished, the last
sheaf of grain was displayed in every field (lauks) or in dedicated places in the forest (in linden
groves). In Galindia, the author identified seven place names connected with Kurko, which in
the past were probably places of worship associated with this deity. They were characterized by
a special geographic location, including the fringes of individual tribal territories, away from
major defensive centres.