*Trito
Mythological figure / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
*Trito is a significant figure in Proto-Indo-European mythology, representing the first warrior and acting as a culture hero.[1] He is connected to other prominent characters, such as Manu and Yemo,[1] and is recognized as the protagonist of the myth of the warrior function,[1] establishing the model for all later men of arms.[1] In the legend, Trito is offered cattle as a divine gift by celestial gods,[2] which is later stolen by a three-headed serpent named *H₂n̥gʷʰis ('serpent').[2][3][4] Despite initial defeat, Trito, fortified by an intoxicating drink and aided by the Sky-Father,[2][4][5] or alternatively the Storm-God or *H₂nḗr, 'Man',[4][6] together they go to a cave or a mountain, and the hero overcomes the monster and returns the recovered cattle to a priest for it to be properly sacrificed.[2][4][5] He is now the first warrior, maintaining through his heroic deeds the cycle of mutual giving between gods and mortals.[1][4] Scholars have interpreted the story of Trito either as a cosmic conflict between the heavenly hero and the earthly serpent or as an Indo-European victory over non-Indo-European people, with the monster symbolizing the aboriginal thief or usurper.[7] Trito's character served as a model for later cattle raiding epic myths and was seen as providing moral justification for cattle raiding.[1] The legend of Trito is generally accepted among scholars and is recognized as an essential part of Proto-Indo-European mythology, although not to the level of Manu and Yemo.[8]