Toward a cognitive definition of the Estonian Thunder god Pikne

Giuliano Gajetti

Abstract


The aim of this article is to provide a cognitive definition of the supernatural entity associated with the phenomenon of thunderstorm (the Thunder god) in Estonian vernacular tradition and folk beliefs. The article will firstly investigate the lexicon connected with thunderstorm and its components, and secondly the etymological roots of the theonym. Subsequently, I will organize the linguistic data into facets such as homonyms and synonyms, co-hyponyms, hyperonyms, appearance, features unrelated to appearance, actions performed by the god, authority, addressee, address, and location. Finally, a cognitive definition will be proposed. The documentation will be shown in the original language alongside an English translation.

Keywords


cognitive definition; ethnolinguistics; Pikne; Uku; Estonian Thunder god

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17951/et.2022.34.223
Date of publication: 2022-09-30 20:08:37
Date of submission: 2022-01-30 18:22:03


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