Eki (also Ekhi, Eguzki, Iuski, Iguzki, Iduzki or Eguzku) are the names of the
Sun
The Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System. It is a massive, nearly perfect sphere of hot plasma, heated to incandescence by nuclear fusion reactions in its core, radiating the energy from its surface mainly as visible light a ...
in the
Basque language
Basque ( ; ) is a language spoken by Basques and other residents of the Basque Country (greater region), Basque Country, a region that straddles the westernmost Pyrenees in adjacent parts of northern Spain and southwestern France. Basque ...
.
[Michel Duvert, Dictionnaire illustré de mythologie basque « Diccionario Ilustrado de MitologÃa Vasca y algunas de sus fuentes » Donostia, Baiona, Elkarlanean, 1993, 372 p. étail des éditions( et 9782903421359, OCLC 416178549)] In
Basque mythology
The mythology of the ancient Basques largely did not survive the arrival of Christianity in the Basque Country between the 4th and 12th century AD. Most of what is known about elements of this original belief system is based on the analysis o ...
, Eki or Eguzki is seen as a daughter of
Mother Earth to whom she returns daily.
She was regarded as the protector of humanity and the enemy of all evil spirits. The ancient Basques called her "grandmother" and held rites in her honour at sunset. They believed that when the sun set, Ekhi travelled into Itxasgorrieta ("The Reddish Seas") beneath the earth into the womb of
Amalur
Amalur or Ama Lurra (Basque for "Mother Earth"), is the mother of Ekhi, the sun, and Ilazki, the moon, in Basque mythology. She is the home not only of living beings, but also of mythological creatures, divinities and souls. Amalur (Mother Ea ...
or
Lurbira, her mother.
See also
*
List of solar deities
A solar deity is a god or goddess who represents the Sun, or an aspect of it, usually by its perceived power and strength. Solar deities and Sun worship can be found throughout most of recorded history in various forms. The following is a list of ...
References
Basque goddesses
Solar goddesses
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