“The only gods they try to appease are Hestia, who is their most important divinity, Zeus, and Earth,” whom they consider to be the wife of Zeus; after these, they worship Apollo, Ourania Aphrodite, Herakles, and Ares. While these are the traditional gods of all the Scythians, the Royal Scythians also sacrifice to Poseidon. In the Scythian language, Hestia is called Tabiti; Zeus, Papaiosa (and most correctly so, in my opinion); Earth is called Api; Apollo, Goitosyros; Ourania Aphrodite, Argimpasa; and Poseidon, Thagimasadas”. (Herodotus, 4. 59) “Papaiosa” translated like “father” from the Scythian language, that is why Herodotus expressed his consent with the Scythian name of the god. It is worth mentioning that to a Ukrainian ear, the name of the chief male god of the Scythians sounds very similar to “Papa Usiogo” which translates as “Father of Everything” and it hardly can be a coincidence. The “Cradle of Civilizations” hardcover book explains why.
The unique pole top dating to ca. IVth century B.C. was accidentally found near the city of Nikopol in the Dnipro oblast of Ukraine. Famous archaeologist Vikenty Khvoika purchased it at a local market in 1896. The pole top represents the Scythian World Tree that had four branches signifying four parts of the world. In the center of the tree – is the figure of the supreme Scythian god Papiosa. On his head sits a sacral bird. Different animals and birds on four branches of the tree are most likely the spirits-helpers. National Muzeum of History of Ukraine.
