Medeina is one of the prominent deities of the Lithuanian pantheon. According to some sources, she would take one of two forms. The first being a young woman and the second being the form of a she-wolf, in which she would lead a pack of wolves.
In a way, Medeina is an Artemis-like figure, though this is a bit of a simplification, as some of her roles differ from that of her Graceo-Roman counterpart.While Medeina is regarded as a goddess of the hunt, she protected wild animals as opposed to lending aid to hunters. According to the myths, she would send a leaping hare out to lure hunters away from their path. Interestingly enough though, according to my friend Kat, during in spring, the first hunted animal would be sacrificed to Medeina.
The Hypatian Codex states that Medeina is one of the pagan deities worshipped by the Lithuanian King Mindaugas. I recall reading somewhere that he had such a respect for Medeina that if he ever saw a hare while hunting, he would leave the forest immediately for fear of incurring her wrath. Let's be honest, if any of us iknew there was a deity roaming near us that would possibly maim us or worse, we'd get as far away as possible.
According to research by French-Lithuanian scientist Algirdas Julien Greimas she was unwilling to marry though she is a voluptuous and beautiful huntress, however there is some academic confusion to as her relation to the grove god, Giraitis - he is either regarded as her twin brother or her lover.
One of Medeina's earlier roles in the Lithuanian pantheon was that of vested military interest of warriors. Sadly, after the Baptism of Lithuania, Medeina's cult declined and ultimately diminsihed.
Image source: http://maxkennedy24.tumblr.com/post/136322885822
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