ZUTTIBUR

Name: Zuttibur, Swiatibor, Świętobor
Area of Origin: Slavic Cultures
Zuttibur (literally translated as sacred pine) was an ancient forest spirit or god, last worshipped by the Sorbs or Wends; Slavic populations living near German settlements in the middle ages. Though visual depictions of the Zuttibur are rare, one can draw comparisons with other woodland spirits, like the Leshy. Zuttibur was said to have idols and large oak forests dedicated to it, particularly near the town of Merseburg and the river Saale, one of Central Germany’s longest surviving settlements. Merseburg’s first Roman-Catholic Prince-Bishop, Wigbertus (1004-1009 AD), burned down the forest, had any idols destroyed and a church was built in its place by his successor, Thietmar of Walbeck. It is unknown whether Zuttibur refers to an entity/individual or the idols that were constructed there in Merseburg.