Vellamo
| Vellamo | |
|---|---|
Mistress of Water | |
Vellamo pictured as a mermaid in the coat of arms of Päijänne Tavastia. | |
| Other names | Vellimys (Kainuu) |
| Gender | Female |
| Ethnic group | Finns, Karelians |
| Genealogy | |
| Spouse | Ahti |
| Offspring | Vellamo's maiden |
Vellamo (Finnish pronunciation: [ˈʋelːɑmo]), also spelled Wellamo, is the goddess of water, lakes and seas in Finnish mythology. She is called Veen emäntä (Mistress of Water).
Vellamo is said to be tall and beautiful, and is much respected by fishermen, who pray to her for good fishing luck. Vellamo can also control the winds to help sailors, and she controls the storms and waves. Vellamo has magical cows that live on underwater fields. Sometimes, during the morning mist, she brings her cows above the surface to eat water hay. Vellamo wears a blue dress that is made from sea foam.
Vellamo's husband is the Finnish sea god Ahti. In Finnish fishing spells, Vellamo and Ahti are asked to bring their cattle (fish) into fishing nets.
The Maritime Center Vellamo, which is located in the city of Kotka, Finland, is named after Vellamo.