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Gods

From Prince of Nothing

The Encyclopedic Glossary describes twelve gods who were worshiped by the Kiünnat and latter by the Inrithi. While the Kiünnat understand these as seprate Gods, the Inrithi see "the individual deities... as Aspects of the God."[1]

Contents

[edit] Ajokli, God of thievery and deception

Though listed among the primary Gods in The Chronicle of the Tusk, there is no true Cult of Ajokli, but rather an informal network of devotees scattered across the great cities of the Three Seas. Ajokli is oft mentioned in the secondary scriptures of the different Cults, sometimes as a mischievous companion of the Gods, other times as a cruel or malicious competitor. In the Mar’eddat, he is the faithless husband of Gierra.[2] Idols of Ajokli show the God "with his chin propped upon his phallus."[3]

[edit] Akkeägni, God of disease

Also known as the God of a Thousand Hands. Scholars have oft noted the irony that the Priesthood of Disease provides the primary repository of physicians for the Three Seas. How can one at once worship disease and war against it? According to the scriptures of the Cult, the Piranavas, Akkeägni is a so-called Bellicose God, one who favours those who strive against him over sycophants and worshippers.[4] Some of Akkeägni's priests bear tattoos. They also use small prayer chimes which sound thanks to Akkeägni,[5] and use pharmaka and reliquaries to combat illness.[6]

[edit] Anagkë, Goddess of fortune

Also known as “the Whore of Fate” Anagkë is one of the primary “Compensatory Gods,” which is to say, one who rewards devotion in life with paradise in the afterlife. Her Cult is extremely popular in the Three Seas, especially among the higher, political castes.[7] According to Kiünnat tradition, Anagkë is the younger sister of Bukris.[8] Anagkë is also commonly called the Whore,[9] or the Whore of Fate.[10] Anagkë also seems to be associated with some celestial body. In the text a star is said to have “entered the horizon of Anagke.” The augur calls this “an excellent conjunction.”[11]

[edit] Bukris, God of famine

As one of the so-called Punitive Gods, who command sacrifices through threat and the imposition of suffering, Bukris has no real Cult or priesthood. According to Kiünnat tradition, Bukris is the older brother of Anagkë, which is why Anagkean Cultic Priests typically administer the rites of propitiation during times of hunger.[12]

[edit] Gierra, Goddess of carnal passion

One of the so-called Compensatory Gods, who reward devotion in life with paradise in the afterlife, Gierra is very popular throughout the Three Seas, particularly among aging men drawn to the “aphrodisica,” Cubic nostrums reputed to enhance virility. In the Higarata, the collection of subsidiary writings that form the scriptural core of the Cults, Gierra is rarely depicted with any consistency, and is often cast as a malign temptress, luring men to the luxury of her couch, often with fatal consequences.[13] In the Mar’eddat, she is wife of the faithless Ajokli.[14] Gierra's "voluptuous" idol, depicts "wide-thrown ankles."[15]

Priestesses of Gierra tattoo their limbs (in inscriptions?), and cover their bodies with oil.[16] Part of their duties is to have sex with male worshipers.[17] "The temple prostitutes of Gierra [believe] they [couple] with only one, Hotos, the Priapic God."[18] Sumni harlots must have the Sign of Gierra, twin serpents, tattooed on the back of their left hand, apparently in imitation of the Priestesses of Gierra.[19]

[edit] Gilgaöl, God of war and conflict

One of the so-called Compensatory Gods, who reward devotion in life with paradise in the afterlife, Gilgaöl is perhaps the most popular of the Hundred Gods. In the Higarata, the collection of subsidiary writings that form the scriptural core of the Cults, Gilgaöl is depicted as harsh and sceptical of Men, continually demanding proof of worth from those who would follow him. Though subordinate to the Thousand Temples, the Gilgallic Cult boasts nearly as many priests, and perhaps receives more in the way of sacrificial donations.[20] Gilgaöl is also known as the Shield-Breaker[21] and One-Eyed War.[22] At least some priests of Gilgaöl are hereditary. The priests took part in the celebration of Ikurei Conphas’s victory over the Scylvendi:

"In accordance with custom, the hereditary priests of Gilgaol brought basins of water. As Conphas expected, they smeared lion’s blood on his limbs and, muttering prayers, cleansed his symbolic wounds."[23]

They also sacrifice goshawks, dogs and lions, by burning them in godfires for the sake of those at war.[24] Other goshawks are released into the evening sun[25] At least in one case, the hide of a lion was retained by the offerer.[26] After battle the priests of Gilgaöl preside over the declaration of Battle-Celebrant. Stiff in their ornamental hauberks, the Gilgallic Priests rise to declare the Battle-Celebrant. The High Cultist of Gilgaöl, steps to the forefront of the others. The High Cultist performs Gilgallic rites, and moves to stand over the Battle-Celebrant. The Battle-Celebrant is told to kneel, and a circlet woven of thorns and olive sprigs, is placed on his head. Then stepping back, the High Cultist of Gilgaöl cries, “Rise, XXX ... Battle-Celebrant!”[27] It is also the job of the High Cultist to consult his omen-texts to determine the will of the God.[28]

[edit] Husyelt, God of the hunt

One of the so-called Compensatory Gods, who reward devotion in life with paradise in the afterlife, Husyelt comes after only Yatwer and Gilgaöl in Cultic popularity, particularly in the Middle-North. In the Higarata, the collection of subsidiary writings that form the scriptural core of the Cults, Husyelt is depicted as the most anthropocentric of the Hundred Gods, as intent upon enabling his worshippers as he is upon securing their obedience and devotion.[29] In The Chronicle of the Tusk, after:

“the Prophet Angeshraël… came down from his fast on Mount Eshki… Husyelt… sent a hare to him, so he might eat at last. Angeshraël skinned the Hunter’s gift and struck a fire so he might feast. When he had eaten and was content, sacred Husyelt, the Holy Stalker, joined him at his fire, for the Gods in those days had not left the world in the charge of Men. Angeshraël, recognizing the God as the God, fell immediately to his knees before the fire, not thinking where he would throw his face... The God said, ‘Why does our Prophet fall to his knees only? Are not Prophets Men like other Men? Should they not throw their faces to the earth?’ To which Angeshraël replied, ‘I find my fire before me.’ And peerless Husyelt said, ‘The fire burns across earth, and what fire consumes becomes earth. I am your God. Throw your face to the earth.’… So Angeshraël, bowed his head into the flames.”[30]

The Cult of Husyelt is rumoured to be extraordinarily wealthy, and high-ranking members of the Husyeltic priesthood often possess as much political clout as Shrial apparati.[31] Shanks of butchered antelope are burned for Husyelt.[32] After cursing, some superstitious people counter by making "the sign of Husyelt."[33] Husyelt is also commonly called the Dark Hunter and the Stalker.[34]

[edit] Jukan, God of sky and season

One of the so-called Compensatory Gods, who reward devotion in life with paradise in the afterlife, Jukan rivals Yatwer in popularity among subsistence farmers yet is scarcely represented in major urban centres. The priests of Jukan are readily recognizable by their blue-dyed skin. The Marjukari, an extreme ascetic branch of the Jukanic Cult, are notorious for living as hermits in the mountains.[35] During the mass migration to Momemn before the Holy War, priests of Jukan led people "singing soft hymns and clinking finger cymbals."[36]

[edit] Juru, God of virility and fertility

One of the so-called Compensatory Gods, who reward devotion in life with paradise in the afterlife, Juru is popular among aging caste-noble men, and possesses only a handful of temples, most of them found in major cities. It is often mocked as the Mistress Cult.[37]

[edit] Momas, God of storms, seas, and chance

One of the so-called Compensatory Gods, who reward devotion in life with paradise in the afterlife, Momas is the primary deity worshipped by seamen and merchants, and is the patron divinity of Cironj (and to a lesser extent Nron). In the Higarata, he is depicted as cruel, even malicious, and obsessed with minute matters of propriety—leading some commentators to suggest he is in fact a Bellicose, as opposed to a Compensatory, God. His primary device is the White Triangle on Black (representing the Shark’s Tooth worn by all devotees of Momas).[38] During storms, Nroni sailors wail and supplicat themselves to Momas.[39] Additionally, some Nroni fishermen attribute a good catch to Momas.[40] During the Feast of Kussapokari, which marked the summer solstice, some in Momemn celebrate on pleasure galleys, where "the first swallow was spat into the sea [as a] propitiation to Momas, the God who provided the ground of [the] proceedings.[41]

[edit] Onkis, Goddess of hope and aspiration

One of the so-called Compensatory Gods, who reward devotion in life with paradise in the afterlife, Onkis draws followers from all walks of life, though rarely in great numbers. She is only mentioned twice in the Higarata, and in the (likely apocryphal) Parnishtas she is portrayed as a prophetess, not of the future, but of the motivations of Men. The so-called “shakers” belong to an extreme branch of the Cult, where the devotees ritually strive to be “possessed” by the Goddess. Her symbol is the Copper Tree (which also happens to be the device of the legendary Nonman Mansion of Siol, though no link has been established).[42] Onkis is also called the Singer-in-the-Dark.[43] Her idol is the image of "the severed head of Onkis upon a golden tree."[44] In the Irreüma in Sumna, her idol is described as:

"worked in white marble, eyes closed with the sunken look of the dead. At first glance she appeared to be the severed head of a woman, beautiful yet vaguely common, mounted on a pole. Anything more than a glance, however, revealed the pole to be a miniature tree, like those cultivated by the ancient Norsirai, only worked in bronze. Branches poked through her parted lips and swept across her face—nature reborn through human lips. Other branches reached behind to break through her frozen hair"[45]

The idol also had "a small trough gouged from her pedestal" for food offerings.[46]

[edit] Yatwer, Goddess of fertility

One of the so-called Compensatory Gods, who reward devotion in life with paradise in the afterlife, Yatwer is far and away the most popular Cultic deity among caste-menials (as Gilgaöl is among caste-nobles). In the Higarata, the collection of subsidiary writings that form the scriptural core of the Cults, Yatwer is depicted as a beneficent, all-forgiving matron, capable of seeding and furrowing the fields of nations with a single hand. Some commentators have noted that Yatwer is anything but revered in either the Higarata or The Chronicle of the Tusk (wherein “tillers of soil” are often referred to with contempt). Perhaps this is why Yatwerians tend to rely on their own scripture, the Sinyatwa, for their liturgical rites and ceremonies. Despite the vast numbers of adherents enjoyed by the Cult, it remains one of the more impoverished, and seems to generate a large number of zealous devotees as a result.[47]

“The Cultic priestesses of Yatwer… always [drag] two victims—usually spring lambs—to the sacrificial altar, one to pass under the knife, the other to witness the sacred passage. In this way, every beast thrown upon the altar always [knows], in its dim way, what [is] about to happen. For the Yatwerians, ritual [isn’t] enough: the transformation of casual slaughter into true sacrifice [requires] recognition.”[48]

One witting lamb is equal to ten unwitting bulls.[49] Yatwerian priestesses also use "manural unguents."[50]

[edit] References

  1. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 453 'Inrithism'
  2. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 407 'Ajokli'
  3. ↑ The Thousandfold Thought, Ch. 10, p. 218
  4. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 408 'Akkeägni'
  5. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch. 19, p. 563
  6. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch. 18, p. 395
  7. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 410 'Anagkë'
  8. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 421 'Bukris'
  9. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 500 'Whore, the'
  10. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch. 5, p. 141
  11. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch. 5, p. 141
  12. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 421 'Bukris'
  13. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 444 'Gierra'
  14. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 407 'Ajokli'
  15. ↑ The Thousandfold Thought, Ch. Ch. 10, p. 218
  16. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch. 3, p. 103
  17. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch. 11, p. 331
  18. ↑ The Thousandfold Thought, Ch. 6, p. 125; This is the only known mention of Hotos.
  19. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 487 'Sign of Gierra'
  20. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 444 'Gilgaöl'
  21. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 485 'Shield-Breaker, the'
  22. ↑ The Warrior Prophet, Ch. 5, p. 118
  23. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch. 7, p. 195
  24. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch. 7, p. 208; The Warrior Prophet, Ch. 6, p. 122; Ch. 18, p. 391
  25. ↑ The Warrior Prophet, Ch. 18, p. 391
  26. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch. 7, p. 208
  27. ↑ The Warrior Prophet, Ch. 7, p. 152-4
  28. ↑ The Warrior Prophet, Ch. 20, p. 452
  29. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 451 'Husyelt'
  30. ↑ The Warrior Prophet, Ch. 11 p. 242
  31. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 451 'Husyelt'
  32. ↑ The Warrior Prophet, Ch. 6 p. 122
  33. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Prologue, p. 10
  34. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 436 'Dark Hunter, the'; p. 491 'Stalker, the'
  35. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 456 'Jukan'
  36. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch 10, p. 276
  37. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 456 'Juru'
  38. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 467 'Momas'
  39. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch 3, p. 75
  40. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch 4, p. 119
  41. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch 19, p. 575
  42. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 475 'Onkis'
  43. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch 4, p. 121
  44. ↑ The Thousandfold Thought, Ch. 10, p. 218
  45. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch 4, p. 122
  46. ↑ The Darkness That Comes Before, Ch 4, p. 122
  47. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 502 'Yatwer'
  48. ↑ The Warrior Prophet, Ch. 3, p. 52
  49. ↑ Encyclopedic Glossary, p. 475 "on lamb for ten bulls"
  50. ↑ The Warrior Prophet, Ch. 7, p. 146
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