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Leib-olmai
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A href="/topic/Sami-language">Sami:
“Alder Man”
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Leib-olmai

Sami deity
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History

Leib-olmai, in Sami religion and folklore, forest deity who was considered the guardian of wild animals, especially bears. Hunters made offerings of small bows and arrows to Leib-olmai to ensure success in the chase. Leib also means “blood,” and the red juice from alder bark, symbolic of blood, was splattered over the hunters as they returned with a dead bear. As a god of the hunters, Leib-olmai despised women. As a consequence, hunting weapons were considered taboo for women, and preparations for the hunt were undertaken without the presence of women.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Matt Stefon.