Bjomn Slöɵk

Destiny Reading

History

The destiny patterns of a goliath are unique to their species, deciphering them has been a tradition of goliaths since they first began to walk to earth. It started with the giants, who wanted to know why these markings appeared in the first place. Ever since then it has been a tradition to read the markings on a newborn goliath to determine its future within the caste and the world at large.

Execution

The ritual is conducted before the mother even has a chance to hold her newborn. A goliath midwife is often the Gothi as well, who is charged with reading the child's future anyways. First the child is cleaned and dried of the birthing fluid and the Gothi will then pass the crook over the child and begin their reading. Once the reading is complete, they will loudly declare the destiny they find to all in earshot before finally giving the child to its mother.

Components and tools

A miniature crook to pass over the child's pattern, a blessing of the All-Father

Participants

The most important people are the mother and the Gothi in this tradition, but the father of the child is often present, and in some cases much of the family and community might be present to hear the destiny declared. This is especially true of higher caste birthings, as their destinies often shape the lives of many around them.

Observance

This rite is observed at birth, and nearly all goliaths of Jhordheim participate. Failing to do so means that a child goes without a destiny attached to their pattern, which means they only have the shapes to share with others. It leaves them usually hesitant to share their skin, and that shows a lack of ability to trust within goliath circles.

Related Ethnicities

• Yotunn