Moirai
Goddess of Death, Reaper of Souls, the Caller in the Night, the Voice in the Void, the Mercy Bringer, Speaker in Dreams, the Dark Goddess
Moirai is the goddess of death. She is so old and mysterious that her true name has long been lost. Her patrons seek her favor to guide them in death and prevent the curse of undeath from falling on them.
Few gods engender as much confusion, uncertainty, and fear as Moirai, even though she is not counted among the evil gods, and is certainly not considered destructive or belligerent. This deity is shrouded in secrecy, legend, and myth to such an extent that separating truth from fiction proves a daunting task.
Most people hold a firm understanding of where the gods fit into their lives. Moirai, however, engenders conflicting emotions and uncertainty in almost every living creature. Is she evil? Is she a greedy thief of souls and stealer of joy? What happens to those she claims? Where do souls go after death? These questions remain hidden from mortals, obscured by the veil that separates life from death. At times, the Death Goddess seems vindictive or unpredictable, while at other times she seems merciful or even gentle.
Few mortal creatures view death as something cheerful or welcome. Despite this, virtually every person understands the inevitability of death, and its crucial part of the life cycle. As a result, the typical response to the Goddess of Death is a curious blend of fear, suspicion, reluctance, and acceptance. There is no escape from her clutches in the end.
Many mortals view death, and the Death Goddess, with superstitious dread. In their eyes, every sign is an omen of impending death, every strange occurrence a foreboding of the dark reaper. There are countless legends, folktales, and myths surrounding death and dying, the afterlife, and Moirai’s role in the process. Underlying these fears is one basic question: where do souls go after death? It is said that the gods do not even know where most souls travel after death, and the truth remains known only to the Queen.
Servants of Moirai wage a constant struggle to educate people about the goddess. They proclaim Moirai is a friend to mortals. She brings cessation of pain and suffering, grants peace to those ravaged by age, and makes room for the birth of new souls. Moirai is an extension of nature, a part of the cycle of life and death. In this way, she is no more evil than a bolt of lightning or rainstorm. She claims the souls of the dead because that is her role, not because it brings her any pleasure or glee.
Not surprisingly, even the clerics of the Death Goddess are shrouded in folktales and rumor. Many people look upon these priests as bad luck. At the same time, when a friend or family member passes away, people call upon these priests without hesitation. When it comes to the realm of the dead, there is no one else to call upon.
Moirai frequently receives the prayers of warriors, soldiers, and those who risk their lives often. Although these individuals may not consider Moirai their patron deity, all warriors appreciate the constant proximity of death; after all, they function in a dangerous, violent, and unpredictable profession. To men and women of the sword, death remains a constant companion. Wise warriors do not seek out death, but they do not fear it or run from Moirai. In the end, there is no such thing as outrunning death, so it is best to say your prayers to her and have your affairs in order before every conflict. Many people believe the goddess becomes most vindictive and persistent with those who try to cheat her or avoid her cold embrace.
Few gods engender as much confusion, uncertainty, and fear as Moirai, even though she is not counted among the evil gods, and is certainly not considered destructive or belligerent. This deity is shrouded in secrecy, legend, and myth to such an extent that separating truth from fiction proves a daunting task.
Most people hold a firm understanding of where the gods fit into their lives. Moirai, however, engenders conflicting emotions and uncertainty in almost every living creature. Is she evil? Is she a greedy thief of souls and stealer of joy? What happens to those she claims? Where do souls go after death? These questions remain hidden from mortals, obscured by the veil that separates life from death. At times, the Death Goddess seems vindictive or unpredictable, while at other times she seems merciful or even gentle.
Few mortal creatures view death as something cheerful or welcome. Despite this, virtually every person understands the inevitability of death, and its crucial part of the life cycle. As a result, the typical response to the Goddess of Death is a curious blend of fear, suspicion, reluctance, and acceptance. There is no escape from her clutches in the end.
Many mortals view death, and the Death Goddess, with superstitious dread. In their eyes, every sign is an omen of impending death, every strange occurrence a foreboding of the dark reaper. There are countless legends, folktales, and myths surrounding death and dying, the afterlife, and Moirai’s role in the process. Underlying these fears is one basic question: where do souls go after death? It is said that the gods do not even know where most souls travel after death, and the truth remains known only to the Queen.
Servants of Moirai wage a constant struggle to educate people about the goddess. They proclaim Moirai is a friend to mortals. She brings cessation of pain and suffering, grants peace to those ravaged by age, and makes room for the birth of new souls. Moirai is an extension of nature, a part of the cycle of life and death. In this way, she is no more evil than a bolt of lightning or rainstorm. She claims the souls of the dead because that is her role, not because it brings her any pleasure or glee.
Not surprisingly, even the clerics of the Death Goddess are shrouded in folktales and rumor. Many people look upon these priests as bad luck. At the same time, when a friend or family member passes away, people call upon these priests without hesitation. When it comes to the realm of the dead, there is no one else to call upon.
Moirai frequently receives the prayers of warriors, soldiers, and those who risk their lives often. Although these individuals may not consider Moirai their patron deity, all warriors appreciate the constant proximity of death; after all, they function in a dangerous, violent, and unpredictable profession. To men and women of the sword, death remains a constant companion. Wise warriors do not seek out death, but they do not fear it or run from Moirai. In the end, there is no such thing as outrunning death, so it is best to say your prayers to her and have your affairs in order before every conflict. Many people believe the goddess becomes most vindictive and persistent with those who try to cheat her or avoid her cold embrace.
Divine Domains
Death, dying, the departed, funerals, fate, winter, dreams
Divine Symbols & Sigils
The raven’s head or a face wreathed in raven feathers, or raven feathers in general.
Tenets of Faith
- Hold no pity for those who suffer and die, for death is the natural end of life.
- Bring down the proud who try to cast off the chains of fate.
- Watch for the cults of undeath and stamp them out whenever they arise.
Holidays
Her holy day is the Night of Ascension, or the dark day of Harvest. Some also associate her with Winter Solstice.
Divine Classification
Deity
Alignment
Lawful Neutral
Children
by Jeff Simpson
PRONOUNCIATION:
(mor-EYE)
(mor-EYE)