The Russian Steppes

Although there is historic evidence showing their occupation on the Russian Steppes, the Hasti, a polytheistic people, now reside on the plains desert of North America, where most of them still practice one of their most ancient religious rites, that of the Heroiini, the worship of Havonir, the patriarchal horse god. As with other polytheistic societies, the Hasti have developed a strong following behind the creator/fertility god of that region (Oxtoby 12). This religious rite appears to have evolved from dependence on horses as the Hasti use horses for everything from transportation, food, and clothing, to work animals, and companions.

According to their creation mythology, Havonir was resting from creating the world when he made a man and a woman from two clods of dirt at his feet to bring him water while he was in his horse-form. They then helped him to drink until he had regained enough strength to change back into god-form. Once changed, the two Hasti cowered in fear at his greatness. Havonir took pity on them seeing they were naked, hungry, and fearful. He brought them a herd of horses, two of which offered themselves as sacrifices so that he could clothe and feed his two new charges. He then instructed them to care for the horses, warning that he would care for the Hasti and their children as they cared for the horses, so they needed to use horses wisely as a resource.

From this mythology has grown a number of rituals that are meant to mark the times of the year

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Category: History - T