Mythology & Folklore

Atharva Veda 3.18: A jealous wife's incantation against a rival

by The Rishis of the Atharva Veda c. 1200–900 BCE (traditional; uncertain)

Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith (1895–96) · From The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda (1895–96)

Mythology & Folklore

From out the earth I dig this Plant, and herb of most effectual power, Wherewith one quells the rival wife and gains the husband for one's self.

Auspicious, with expanded leaves, sent by the Gods, victorious Plant, Drive thou, the rival wife away, and make my husband only mine.

Indeed he hath not named her name: thou with this husband dalliest not, Far into distance most remote we drive the rival wife away.

Stronger am I, O stronger one, yea, mightier than the mightier; Beneath me be my rival wife, down, lower than the lowest dames!

I am the conqueror, and thou, thou also art victorious: As victory attends us both we will subdue my fellowwife.

I've girt thee with the conquering Plant, beneath thee laid the mightiest one.
As a cow hastens to her calf, so let thy spirit speed to me, hasten like water on its way.

MLA

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 3.18: A jealous wife's incantation against a rival.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/81/.

Chicago

Veda, The Rishis of the Atharva. “Atharva Veda 3.18: A jealous wife's incantation against a rival.” Translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/atharvaveda-rishis/81/.

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