Ukko
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In Finnish mythology, Ukko (Estonian spelling Uku) is a god of sky, weather, crops (harvest) and other natural things. He is also the most significant god in Finnish mythology and the Finnish word ukkonen, thunderstorm, is derived from his name. In the Kalevala he is also called ylijumala (overgod), as he is the god of things above. He makes all his appearances in myths solely by natural effects when asked. "Ukko" in contemporary Finnish means "old man".
Ukko's origins are probably in Baltic Perkons and the older Finnish sky god Ilmarinen. Thor of Ásatrú is also associated with Perkons. While Ukko took Ilmarinen's position as the Sky God, Ilmarinen's destiny was to turn into a mortal smith-hero. Stories tell about Ilmarinen vaulting the sky-dome.
Ukko's weapon was a hammer called Ukonvasara, or an axe or a sword, by which he struck lightning (see thunderbolt). While Ukko mated with his wife Akka, (Which consequently means "old woman" in modern Finnish) the act created a thunderstorm. He also created thunderstorms by driving with his chariot in the skies. The original weapon of Ukko was probably the boat-shaped stone-axe of the battle-axe culture.
A snake with a saw-figure on its skin is a symbol of thunder. There are stone carvings which have features of both snakes and lightning.
See also: Finnish paganism, Perkele, Ukkos faith