Vedic Mythology c6.s6.5

c6.s6.5

The name is perhaps derived from the root *ad*, to eat, in the sense of 'devouring', as the cognate word *atrin*, a frequent adjective in the RV. used to describe demons, seems to have this meaning. The word *atri*¹ itself is once employed as an attribute of Agni, probably with this signification (2, 85). Bergaigne² is even of opinion that, though Atri has become a priest, he originally represented some form of Agni. The name of Atri is four times accompanied or, in the next verse, followed by that of Saptavadhri. The latter is a protégé of the Aśvins, a seer whom they are invoked to release from captivity (5, 78⁵· ⁶), and who is said to have sharpened the blade of Agni with his prayer (8, 62⁸). For Atri Saptavadhri the Aśvins made the burning chasm agreeable (10, 39⁹). The two are therefore probably identical³.