Religion

in World Encyclopedia

Religion in Ásaterra is not a fundamental part of life for most, but it is considered a relatively important one. Whilst no one is actually sure how the 'gods' came to be, or what their true nature is exactly, there are many myths and legends surrounding them. Whilst many are agnostic, acknowledging the presence of some kind of power but not naming it, others believe in a pantheon of deities, personifying the ever present energy which shapes the lives and nature of our world.  

Worship

  There is no set way to worship or honour the gods. Whilst there are some religious orders who have set practises, worship is generally seen as a personal choice and the method, if any, is down to the individual. Most worship is simple; a farmer asking for Fifaldia to bless their crops, a sailor calling on Omar for good seas, a couple asking Lyre for a happy and passionate marriage.   Religious cults and orders are generally private about their traditions and worship; only initiates learn about their practises in depth.  

Appearances of the Deities

Deities can be called upon by humans who are devout enough, and can offer either help or hindrance in the form of signs, portents, visions and sometimes full manifestation. The average Ásaterran will never see a manifestation of the deities; however, those who are strong enough in their devotion or who make a big enough impact on the mortal plane may experience contact with the divine.  Whilst some believe that the deities have their own realm where they live together, other hold that deities, no matter how they are perceived, do not have a gender or physical form; they are pure energy, and when they manifest, it is merely an illusion to help mortal minds comprehend them.  

Death and the Afterlife

There are no real set beliefs when it comes to the afterlife, and many simply choose to believe in what gives them the most comfort. Some like to believe that they will be reunited with loved ones, whilst others hold beliefs about grand halls in the underworld, where they can feast and drink for eternity. Others believe that they are reborn as different people, and there are many romantic tales about lovers being reunited in a different life. Some believe that after death, a person's soul goes to the realm of their preferred god to spend eternity there. There are also tales of the wicked suffering after death; that murders and the like receive eternal torment after their passing. However, all of this is pure speculation, as no one has ever been able to confirm what happens after a soul leaves this world. It is said, however, that the truth of the afterlife is bestowed upon a chosen few by Lady Death herself; however, this is only legend, and no one has ever come forwards claiming to know the answer; perhaps out of fear of the Dark Lady.