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654 like that of Cronus and his counterparts in the theologies of the Western Aryans. One soon lights on Yama as showing a certain similarity to the character we are in quest of. His name, according to Vedic scholars, means 'a twin;' he is represented as the first man, and his sister and wife Yamî as the first woman. This double relationship reminds one of a reproach made by Loki to the Norse Niörᵭr. Now Yama as the first man was the first of the dead, so he functions as their lord and king; but he is not satisfied with the number of the subjects he has. He is accordingly described actively engaged in adding to their number; so he is not only king of the dead, but also death. He is sometimes represented as personally fetching the dead or making himself the. He had, however, two terrible hounds, described as guardians of the road to him, and sometimes as his messengers wandering forth among men in quest of those about to die. The way to Yama's home was long, and a canoe to cross a river is mentioned. He is said in the Rig-Veda to have crossed the rapid waters, to have shown the way to many, and to have first known the path taken by the fathers in crossing subsequently. The protecting aid also of a