Othala - Murueit

Murueit — the goddess of green vegetation and flowers in the beliefs of the ancient Estonians, embodied the fertile forces of nature, gentle beauty, and the invisible powers that governed growth and blossoming. Her name, which translates to “Mother of the Forest“ or “Mistress of the Green,“ reflects her deep connection with living plants, dense forests, and the vibrant colors of spring and summer. Murueit was the patroness of fertile lands, grasses, and flowers that covered fields and forests, and it was she who bestowed abundance upon the fields and homesteads, sending rain and sunlight to ensure the harvests. She was believed to maintain the balance between the elements, holding back the forces of winter and allowing warmth and greenery to return to life. According to legend, Murueit appeared as a beautiful woman dressed in a gown woven from leaves and flowers, her hair resembling long grasses swaying gently in the breeze. She was always surrounded by forest spirits and blooming plants, who served as her protectors and loyal attendants. The worship of Murueit was closely tied to the annual cycles of nature, and she was most revered in spring when all of nature awakened. People offered her gifts — the first flowers, wreaths of woven grasses, and herbal infusions — to receive her blessing for a bountiful harvest and prosperity. It was believed that through love and reverence for Murueit, the land would remain fertile and abundant, filling people’s lives with health and plenty. Though Murueit was not a fearsome goddess, she could show her power through droughts or poor harvests if people neglected their duties to nature or forgot the sacred connection between the earth and its giver.