Vedic Mythology c7.s2.7

c7.s2.7

C. Paidva. Another mythical steed is that which the Aśvins are said to have brought to Pedu (1, 119¹⁰; 7, 71⁵) and which is therefore called Paidva (1, 116⁶; 9, 88⁴). The object of the gift was to replace an inferior horse, as may be inferred from the description of Pedu as *aghāśva*, ‘he who has a bad horse’ (1, 116⁶). This steed is several times spoken of as ‘white’, *śveta* (1, 116⁶, &c.). He is praiseworthy (1, 119¹⁰; 10, 39¹⁰; cp. 4, 38²) and is to be invoked (1, 116⁶) by men, like Bhaga (10, 39¹⁰). He is compared with Indra (1, 119¹⁰) and is called a ‘dragon-slayer’, *ahihan* (1, 117⁹. 118⁹ cp. 9, 88⁴), an epithet otherwise peculiar to Indra. He is a conqueror invincible in battles, seeking heaven (1, 119¹⁰). Here again the evidence, as far as it goes, appears to favour the interpretation of the steed of Pedu as symbolical of the sun¹².