Chapters 44-95 - Germanic Mythology

ut were longing for it and were seeking for it (Rigv., 10: 40, 2)*, found the newlyarrived
Agni "at the confluence of the waters." In a direct sense, "the confluence of the
waters" cannot mean anything else than the ocean, into which all waters flow. Thus Agni
came from the distance across a sea to the coast of the country where that people dwelt
who were named after the patriarch Bhrigu. When they met this messenger of the gods
(Rigv., 8: 19, 21), 13 they adopted him and cared for him at "the place of the water" (Rigv.,
2: 4, 2). 14 Mâtaricvan, by whose directions Agni, "the one born on the other side of the
atmosphere" (10: 187, 5) 15 was brought to mankind, becomes in the classical Sanskrit
language a designation for the wind. Thus everything tends to show that Agni has
traversed a wide ocean, and has been brought by the wind when he arrives at the coast
where the Bhriguians dwell. He is very young, and hence bears the epithet yavishtha.
We are now to see why the gods sent him to men, and what be does among them.
He remains among those who care for him, and dwells among them "an immortal among
mortals" (Rigv., 8: 60, 11; 3: 5, 3), 16 a guest among men, a companion of mortals (4: 1,
9). He who came with the inestimable gift of fire long remains personally among men, in
order that "a wise one among the ignorant" may educate them. He who "knows all
wisdom and all sciences" (Rigv., 3: 1, 17; 10: 21, 5) 17 "came to be asked questions" (1:
60, 20)* by men; he teaches them and "they listen to him as to a father" (1: 68, 9).* He
becomes their first patriarch (2: 10, 1) 18 and their first priest (5: 9, 4; 10: 80, 4). 19 Before
that time they had lived a nomadic life, but he taught them to establish fixed homes
around the hearths, on which the fire he had brought now was burning (3: 1, 17). 20 He
visited them in these fixed dwellings (4: 1, 20), 21 where the Bhriguians now let the fire
blaze (10: 122, 5) 22 ; he became "the husband of wives" (1: 66, 4) 23 and the progenitor of
human descendants (1: 96, 2), 24 through whom he is the founder of the classes or "races"
of men (6: 48, 8). 25 He established order in all human affairs (4: 1, 2), taught religion,
13 Rigv., 8: 19, 21 "I praise with song the Friend of man whom gods sent down to be herald and
messenger."
14 Rigv., 2: 4, 2 "Bhrigus who served him in the home of the waters set him of old in houses of the living.
Over the worlds, let again be the Soveriegn, the messenger of the gods with rapid coursers."
15 10: 187, 5 "Resplendent Agni, who was born in farthest region of the air"
16 8: 60, 11 "To Agni, Jatevedas, to the Son of Strength, that he may give us precious gifts. Immortal, from
of old. Priest among mortal men."
3: 5, 3 "Amid men's homes hath Agni been established, fulfilling with the law."
17 3: 1, 17; "O Agni, joy-giver, knower of all secret wisdom."
10: 21, 5 "Skilled in all lore is Agni, he whom Arthavan (the first priest) set to life."
18 2: 10, 1 "Agni first, loudly calling, like a Father kindled by man on the seat of worship."
19 5: 9, 4* Hymn 5: 9 regards Agni. Verse 3-4 reads: "In the man's home who offers gifts, where grass is
trimmed, Agni is priest, …..,skilled in well-ordered sacrifice."
10: 80, 4 "Agni hath made oblations rise to heaven: To every place art Agni's laws extended."
20 3: 1, 17 "…Friend of the homestead, though hast lightened mortals."
21 4: 1, 20 "The freest God of all, the guest who is received in all men's homes."
22 10: 122, 5"…with lauds the Bhrigus gave thee light and glory."
23 1: 66, 4 "Master of present and of future life, the maidens' lover and matrons' Lord."
24 1: 96, 2 "At Ayu's ancient call (the invitation of living man), he by his wisdom gave all his progeny of
men their being."
25 6: 48, 8 "Thou art the lord of the house and home of all tribes, O Agni, of all tribes of men."