Vedic Mythology c5.s8.t1.13

c5.s8.t1.13

The word *ṛbhu* is apparently derived from the root *rabh*, to grasp (cp. 2, 3⁸)¹, thus meaning ‘handy’, ‘dexterous’. It frequently occurs in the RV. as an adjective and is several times thus used as an attribute of Indra, Agni, and the Ādityas. It seems to be identical with the German *elbe* and the English *elf*². Vāja (from the root *vaj*) means the ‘vigorous one’³, and Vibhvan⁴ (from *vi* and the root *bhū*), ‘the eminent’ (artist). Thus both the name of the Ṛbhus and the account given of them in the RV. indicate that their essential character is that of skilful artificers.