Giltinė

Giltinė Name meanings & History

The name Giltinė is derived from the Lithuanian word "gilti" which means "to pour". Giltinė is a goddess in Lithuanian mythology who is associated with death and has the power to pour the elixir of life. The name is believed to bring protection and guidance. The Lithuanian goddess of death, first mentioned by Matthäus Prätorius.Her name is derived from Lithuanian gelti "to sting, to stab", referring to her long, poisonous tongue which she uses to lick the poison off of gravestones and, afterwards, stab those bound to die to death with. Since she is unable to cross water, graveyards are usually separated from the village by a river or a body of water.In folk lore, she is sometimes considered a sister - and the polar opposite - of Laima. The name Giltinė is a unique and uncommon name that is mainly used in Lithuania.