Mara is the mother goddess of the Latvian pagan religion, Dievturiba. Sometimes compared to Juno or Hera of Roman and Greek myth, though it would be more appropriate to compare Mara to Gaia, the earth mother. In Lithuanian religion, Mara is known as Zemyna.
Mara is thought of as the loving mother figure. She watches over and cares for all aspects of nature. She is also personified in more specific ways, such as Lauku Mate (mother of the fields), Lopu Mate (mother of the animals), Mezu Mate (mother of the forest), Veja Mate (mother of the winds) and Zemes Mate (mother of the Earth). In all instances, she is not a malevolent spirit, and works to improve life for everyone.
Mara has often times been compared to the Virgin Mary of Christianity. However, the concept of Mara is believed to predate the beginnings of Christianity.
Mara is part of the main trinity of Latvian gods that are worshipped, along with Dievs and Laima. | 
