ABSTRACT
The Rani's capital, Korenitsa, which Saxo Grammaticus called Karenz, is located in the southern part of the island. It had its own pantheon, consisting of a triad of gods: Rugevit, Porevit, and Porenut. Saxo Grammaticus describes the temple of Rugevit and its seven-faced statue: The largest shrine was surrounded by its own forecourt, but both spaces were enclosed with purple hangings instead of walls, while the roof gable rested only on pillars. Therefore, our attendants tore down the curtains adorning the entrance area and eventually laid hands on the inner veils of the sanctuary. Once these had been removed, an idol made of oak, which they called Rugevit, lay open to the gaze from every quarter, wholly grotesque in its ugliness. Saxo Grammaticus claims that Rugevit was the god of war and identifies him with the Roman god Mars. Like Sventovit of Arkona, he was probably yet another manifestation of the Christian St. Vitus.
