While the Apam Napat/Child of the Waters myth is quite real, and most
certainly of IE origin, it is nonetheless quite vague fragmentary and
characgter, and is quite difficult to adequately characterize.
Essentially, it's the nationalistic hero being being received by
watery female divinities, and thereby somehow 'consecrated' to some
noble nationalistic task. He seems to receive gifts, clothes
particularly. The hero is always very respectful towards the women he
meets.
I have a number of speculations. This could be an adoption/marital
ceremony, where an unrelated male is adopted into a clan by the
females, perhaps as a variation on the usual matrilocality.
Alternatively, it could be some sort of 'coronation' ceremony, where a
leader is consecrated.
One idea I've consdered is that this is a fragment of "the women's
religion". I believe we have overemphasized IE religion's patriarchal
nature.
I have difficulty seeing H. or D. as explicit examples of this.
--- In cybalist@..., "João S. Lopes Filho" <jodan99@...> wrote:
> Could be a relation between the legend of Apam Napat and the myths
of Hephaistos and Dionysos? Both hid themselves in the bottom of sea.
Vedic Apam Napat is linked to water-nymphs and cows (or cow-nymphs?)
and Dionysos too.