Cult of Erkar

Erkar is one of the main deities in Mörkel mythology, specifically the Eilatogían Tradition, which originated in Eila'togía, the earliest kingdom on the Plain of Kings where many common features of Mörkel culture developed during the second century a.Dr.
Erkar is regarded as the strongest of the gods as well as the most destructive, able and eager to unleash wild beasts, tumultuous seas and all kinds of calamities on mortals whenever they don't show the gods enough respect. In early Mörkel traditions, Erkar shared a number of traits with the sun god Aþar, to the point the two were worshipped as two aspects of the same deity, and many early chiefs and kings traced their lineage to him.
Over time, as life became more civilized and especially since the Dragon disappeared, Erkar's role has shifted to being associated with stone and the sea, while Aþar has replaced him as the protector of royal dynasties.

Rituals

Like the war goddess Datena, ceremonies associated with Erkar are primarily to placate him rather than invoke, and are often held at night outside settlements. His priests and priestesses, in stark contrast to those devoted to other deities, are unkempt and wear either animal skins or tattered clothes to emphasize how the deity is believed to regard mortals; as lowly beings created solely for providing the gods with offerings, praise and amusement.

by Lappalingur

Priest and priestess of Erkar offering a bird to the god.

Mythology

In Eilatogían Tradition, Erkar is counted as one one of the five primordial deities created the world, and is credited for shaping the hills, mountains and boulders. He was the first of the gods to take up arms against the silver giants, who had been created to bring light into the world and eventually revolted, and in some later versions was involved in creating the Dragon, either to punish mortals for hubris or simply because he thought they were too prosperous.
The gods tolerate Erkar's destructive nature due to him being one of the few who can keep the silver giants and other beings from taking over the world.

Appearance and attributes

Erkar is usually depicted with long white hair and beard, scars from his battles with the silver giants and other monsters, and wearing animal skins.

Related deities

Katei

Katei is goddess of the Takakatys River which forms the easternmost boundaries between the Plain of Kings to the north and Þrihakía to the south, and the younger daughter of Erkar. Mörkels living by the river worship her as a protective deity associated with dragonflies, and invoke the goddess by painting stylized dragonflies on their shields.

Mekörar

Mekörar is the god of granaries, usually described as the son of Erkar, though in some traditions he's the son of Úlóar instead. He's given offerings alongside Leþa during Sartún Lennata, the harvest festival, to prevent spoilage, and is also invoked when kings are given annual tribute of goods.

Peiþena

Peiþena is goddess of the Draapei River on the eastern Plain of Kings, and the older daughter of Erkar. During late spring, Mörkels living by the river make small figurines out of reeds and place them in their boats in hopes of ensuring good fishing throughout the year.

Type

Religious, Cult

Parent Organization

Mörkel polytheism

Related Ethnicities

• Mörkels