Prthu

In Hindu mythology, an ancient king
who rules over all the Earth, and whose
reign is considered a golden age. Prthu is
magically born from the right hand of
king Vena, a man so wicked that he has
prohibited all sacrifices to the gods.
After Prthu’s birth the people in his kingdom suffer famine, since the Earth has
refused to produce food in protest
against Vena’s wickedness. Prthu chases
the Earth, who has taken the form of a
cow. She finally agrees that, if Prthu will
spare her life, she will produce food
again. It is in memory of this deed that
the Earth is given the name Prthivi
(“related to Prthu”).