Mari (goddess)

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Mari, also called Mari Urraca, Anbotoko Mari ("the lady of Anboto"), and Murumendiko Dama ("lady of Murumendi"), is the main goddess of the ancient Basque mythology, who lives on the eastern slope of Mount Anboto (1,330 metres). From there she takes care of the environment and dispenses justice. When clouds appear around Anboto it is said the this is because Mari has returned to her home on this mountain, the so-called "Cueva de la Dama".^[1] She is married to the god Sugaar (also known as Sugoi or Maju).

Legends connect her to the weather: when she and Maju travel together hail will fall, her departures from her cave will be accompanied by storms or droughts, and which cave she lives in at different times will determine dry or wet weather: wet when she is in Anboto; dry when she is elsewhere (the details vary). Other places where she is said to dwell include the chasm of Murumendi, the cave of Gurutzegorri (Ataun), Aizkorri, and Aralar, although it is not always possible to be certain which Basque legends should be considered for her origin.