On this painting it seems Shishkin bring into focus aspects of Veles – protector of nature and wilderness.
In this capacity, Veles often counter-posted to Perun as source of “order” and human as antithesis of wild nature. But I don’t think Perun and Veles relations much more interesting than just “endless fighting”.
Snakes are often seen as Veles symbols as keeper of wisdom & magic. Cattle animal head or skull may be seen as reference to Veles as “cattle god”, as protector of cattle animals as well.
As cattle seen as direct representation of prosperity and richness (sort of “movable property” of that times), and this gives hint on gold hidden in the earth, in the underworld. And this often allows people to say that Veles know where gold and other treasuries of earth/underworld can be found.
Famous story when during signing treaty with The Byzantine Empire of that time, Kyivian prince and his druzhina give oath calling Perun to witness their oath (may Perun turn our weapons against us if we break this auth) while people from peasantry calling Veles to witness their oath (may Veles make us yellow if we break this oath) (what seems to refers the scrofula).
It gives hints that for ordinary folk, most of whom were peasants, Veles were much more important than Perun.
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