ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Finnic deities

Okay, so you know how in some stories there are good guys and bad guys? Well, in some stories, there are also special characters called deities that are like really powerful beings that can do magical things.

The Finnic deities were the gods and goddesses of the people who lived in Finland, Estonia, and other nearby areas a long, long time ago. And when I say long, long time ago, I mean like way before you were born or even before your parents were born!

Now, the Finnic deities were very important to the people who believed in them. They would have special ceremonies and rituals to honor them, and they would sometimes ask for their help with important things like hunting, farming, or even having babies!

Some of the most well-known Finnic deities include Ukko, who was the god of thunder and the sky. He was really powerful, and people would sometimes offer sacrifices to him to try and keep him happy. Then there's Tapio, who was the god of the forest. He looked after the animals and helped hunters find game to hunt.

There were also some goddesses in the Finnic pantheon, like Mielikki, who was the wife of Tapio and the goddess of the forest and hunting. Then there was Laima, who was the goddess of fate and luck. People would sometimes make offerings to her to try and change their fortunes.

But these are just a few of the many Finnic deities that people used to believe in. Nowadays, most people in Finland and Estonia follow different religions or no religion at all, but the stories and traditions of the Finnic deities are still remembered and celebrated by some.