Mills - Blog Posts

Bowynn Gods: Hyu

Hyu  (Hi-you)  Hyu is the God of baking, ovens and bread. He is the “Baker of the Gods.” He is also the god of bread making, mills, harvesting wheat, the grinding of flour, acorn gathering and the patron of bakers. He is the son of Amaetheon and Deanna. His man means “Flour.” Hyu is a master bread maker. He has his own room and kitchen at Alaway, where he makes all the feasts for the divine Akua family each morning and night, particularly the daily first loaf, which is divided up among the gods. He taught the first mortal tribes how to harvest and prepare acorns for bread making. The bread he makes for the holy family is the most sacred. Hyu is also the guardian of mills. His image was always depicted on mill doors and all mills had a small shrine to Hyu. Hand mills are blessed in Hyu’s name.

     The 7 days Hyu spent with the first tribes to teach them the arts of bread making. This was one of the key elements that brought on man’s survival. So grateful were the tribes, that they build a special temple to Hyu in the shape a mill, instead of the typical shape. The altar as well was designed in the shape of a millstone.

     Hyu is depicted as a man of full age, His hair longish and brown, often seen in workman’s clothes of earth tones and a bakers tan tunic. He carries a broom-staff to which is bound his bread-board with red fillets, a color sacred to him. Offerings to Hyu are in the realm of bread, wheat, flour, acorns, and other grains that are made into flour. Special gifts also consist of elaborated carved spoons, brooms, bread-boards, honey and herb cakes. Hyu’s totem is the mouse, the symbol of abundant wealth.