Vražje oko<br>Der Gewässername »Vražje oko«</br>

Abstract

East of Križevci in the northwest of Croatia there is a plateau with a stream called Vražje Oko (Devil’s Eye), whose name illustrates how before the Christian Era the local Slavic population sacralized its immediate environment. Named after its source, the stream may be interpreted as the Eye of god Veles, who is closely connected with water, and is the opponent of the thunder god. The name, as well as its perception, indicates that its origin may be traced to Balto-Slavic pagan beliefs.

Keywords

• eye
• spring
• veles
• devil