Arenai Taisha Shrine

Purpose / Function

Originally was a shrine to honor the zoā, Arenai, who is the deity of agriculture, creativity, and learning. This specific shrine is the head of the network of Arenai shrines, located in Minami Prefecture. Arenai Taisha Shrine first gained popularity in the early Era of Kingdoms and Adventures, around 134 EKA, as a place to worship the zoā. By imperial decree in 156 EKA, imperial messengers had to have their messages signed in this shrine with blessing from Arenai Ekamā.

However, when the humans began trying to colonize Hoseki, Arenai also became seen as the deity of protection and thus their shrines became refuges across the country for native Hoseki trying to escape the humans. Most shrines had little protection from the humans but were safe places to pray and plead with the gods. With Arenai Taisha Shrine being closer to the mountains, it not only was a place to pray to the gods but also a place of safe refuge from the human colonizers. It's sancuary buildings, or gai-den, are partially built into the mountainside, allowing for an extra barrier against attacks.

Alterations

Since it had been built, numerous domā-i have been erected along the path. Additionally, it has been through a seige where parts of the gai-den and the domā-i have needed rebuilding due to attacks. The addition of personal shrines are also an alteration of sorts.

Occasionally, a monsoon tears through or lightning strikes the shrine and random domā-i and gai-den need fixing.

Architecture

The Arenai Taisha Shrine's sanctuaries built into the mountains are made mostly of stone—part of them being in the mountain and the rest having been put together with stone that had been taken from the mountain. This was done as respect to the mountain and its Zoā, Minato Iro-dori.

The shrine gates, called domā-i are made of the strong doma wood, and were painted vermillion red. (It is akin to Japanese torii gates.) There are rows upon rows of these gates, put together by the refugees during the late 200s Scientific Era as a way to pray for safety from the colonizers. Along the path of these domā-i, there are miniature rock shrines called otsudo, which are set up for private worship. However, they are visible to the people walking the path so they can be easily found as well as appreciated by other visitors.

History

Human Colonization Efforts

As was mentioned before, during the colonialistic era of the humans during the late 200s, this shrine became a refuge for people trying to escape the humans. It being built into a mountain gave extra protection, and the miasma around the area is strong and protective. However, humans did try to lay siege upon this cultural and religious icon. The domā-i at the bottom of the mountain were damaged by the attack, and the damage can still be seen today. There are bullet holes as well as fire marks. Thankfully, the miasma and Arenai protected the rest of the shrine from the humans.

Tourism

In modern times, the shrine is considered a major tourist attraction from people all over the world. The one thing tourists love to do is hike the trail up to the mountain and visit where the refugees were. However, it is quite the hike—but it is certainly worth the effort. Part of the gai-den have been turned into a museum, showcasing the recent history as a refuge. Some of the elements in the museum include atamu beds, a stuffed fox brought by one of the refugee's children, and part of a domā-i which had been totally destroyed and made useless by the humans.

Arenai Taisha Colonization Museum

Artifacts of Interest

Please read these in Don Wildman's voice. I've watched too much Mysteries at the Museum lol.

Atamu Bed

This object is approximately eight feet long and about two feet wide. They look to be similar to a sleeping bag, but firmer. It's top layer is olive green and a bit worse for wear, thin in some spots. At the other end of it is a pillow, also worn and thin enough that most people wouldn't consider using it now.

Stuffed Fox

This object is approximately a foot and a half tall and ten inches thick. It is in the shape of a fox wearing a red bandana. It was white, however, it is now dirty with grass stains, dirt, and even marks of blood. It was brought in by an elven child in the 270s.

Piece of Original Domā-i

It is approximately three feet in length, about four feet in height. This object was once a brilliant shade of vermillion. However, it is marred with soot and bullet holes now. This was once part of the original domā-i gate at the bottom and start of the shrine.

Founding Date

15 Age of Kingdoms and Adventures

Alternative Names

Arenai Taisha Endejī

Type

Shrine

Parent Location

Minami, Hoseki

Owning Organization

Karedō