Juoksáhkká: The Bow Woman

myth · Norway · Sami

Juoksáhkká (Bow Woman) is a goddess depicted with a bow on Sámi drums. One of the daughters of Máttaráhkká, she could change a child's sex from female to male in the womb if given enough offerings, as sons were more valued. She helped with development and birth, protected children from shots and falls, and helped women during menstruation. After a son was born, a small bow and arrow were placed in Sáráhkká's porridge.

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