A History of Indian Literature v1.c8.s2.112

v1.c8.s2.112

Even the actual Agni-myths have only originated in the metaphorical and enigmatic language of the poets. Agni has three births or three birthplaces: in the sky he glows as the fire of the sun, on the earth he is brought forth by mortals out of the two pieces of tinder wood, and as the lightning he is born in the water. As he is brought forth with the help of two pieces of tinder wood (Araṇīs), it is said that he has two mothers,—and "scarcely is the child born, when he devours the two mothers." (Ṛv. X, 79, 4.) An older poet, however, says: "Ten indefatigable virgins have brought forth this child of Tvaṣṭar (*i.e.* Agni)" (Ṛv. I, 95, 2), by which are meant the ten fingers, which had to be employed in the twirling; and as it was only possible through great exertion of strength to bring the fire out of the pieces of wood by friction, Agni in the whole of the Ṛgveda is called "the son of strength."