Kriwe-Kriwajto


Kriwe-Kriwajto also known as Kriwe, was the chief priest in the Prussian mythology. He lived in the Prussian sanctuary Romuva that was a central worship place in the region and once a capital city of Prussia. Kriwe-Kriwajto was one of the most influential persons in the Prussian society and people from all of their tribes visited Romuva to make sacrifices. He was responsible for all the major rituals and his influence was recognized by other tribes of Balts, such as Curonians and Lithuanians.

Origins

According to legend, the first Kriwe-Kriwajto was Bruteno - one of the legendary kings of Prussia alongside his youngest brother Widewuto. He was responsible for the religious life in Prussia. At the end of their lives, both legendary brothers burned themselves in a religious ceremony in Romuva temple. Kriwe-Kriwajto had dozens of lower rank priests, such as wajdelotas, who assisted him in the rituals and were responsible for the burning of the holy fire under the sacred oak in Romuva.