Gennuven Memory Absorption (JEN-oo-vehn)
Content Warnings: In-Depth Descriptions of Cannibalism
When a revered Gennuven elder dies, the rest of their village partakes in a ritual that would disturb many from the Middle Realm. The flesh is carefully stripped from the deceased elder’s bones, cooked in various ways depending on the body part, then eaten by the rest of their village. Though the process seems revolting, it serves a purpose that the Gennuven believe is so worthwhile, they’ve been doing it for centuries: in consuming the flesh of their fellows, they gain fragments of the elder’s memory and thoughts they didn’t have time to expand upon, thereby sparking ideas for them to explore.
Execution
Since the meat is tougher than that the Gennuven would normally consume, it must be cooked for long periods of time over low heat. Adding the meat to a stew or wrapping it in leaves is common so that it retains its moisture.
No part of the body goes to waste, as the organs are eaten along with the muscles and the bones are usually displayed in the catacombs as a macabre form of art. The heart and brain in particular are treasured because, when consumed, they impart more memories.
Components and tools
The elder's flesh is removed from the bones using knives or other sharp instruments. Large, waxy leaves and spices are commonly used in this ritual.
Participants
The entire adult population of the elder's village takes part in this ritual. Older adolescents are sometimes included, but younger children are not.
Observance
The ritual is observed each time an elder dies. Nobody is supposed to be intentionally killed for the purposes of consuming their flesh and absorbing their memories. Younger members of a village may also be consumed if they die before their time, but this is uncommon.
Primary Related Location
Important Locations