Semla (mythology)

In Latvian mythology, Semla (also spelled Zemla or Zemes māte) is the Earth Mother goddess. She is a central figure representing fertility, nourishment, and the life-giving force of the land. Semla is closely tied to agriculture, harvest, and the cyclical nature of life and death. She is the source of all growth and abundance, providing sustenance to humans and animals alike.

Semla is not typically anthropomorphized in myths and legends. Instead, she is often understood as the earth itself, a powerful and nurturing presence. Offerings of grain, honey, and other agricultural products were traditionally made to Semla to ensure a bountiful harvest and continued prosperity.

Her role is also associated with burial rituals, as the deceased return to the earth, becoming part of Semla once more, thus completing the cycle of life. She is therefore seen as a guardian of the dead and a connection between the living and the ancestors.

While not as prominently featured in some modern retellings as other deities, Semla remains an important figure in understanding traditional Latvian cosmology and the deep connection between the people and the land.