Terak Holy Days, Prayers and Saints

Teraketh Prayers

Some of the oldest prayers to Terak are quite poetic, and still used. One prayer for soldiers before battles is so ancient that scholars are uncertain of its ultimate origin, with many maintaining that it is what Terak himself uttered before the final assault on Kador.

“I am the river and the mountain. As the river, I rage in times of torrent, And decrease in times of drought. I swell to overflowing with my wrath, And my rage is dry in calmer seasons. None can control my run, None can alter it. None can stand against me. As the mountain, I am strong. I do not wax or wane. Age shall never o’ercome me. I will not be moved. I will not be shaken. I will not be broken. I am the river and the mountain, Unstoppable and unbreakable.”

Holy Days

The temples of Terak do not celebrate any universal holy days. Instead, each regional council organizes celebrations of local holy days tied to local great battles. The temples take it upon themselves to commemorate all fallen heroes from such wars, regardless of their faiths. Among each of the faithful there is one particularly important and holy day, which is the day of adulthood.
Called the sword day (shortened to Sworday and pronounced Soreday, a favorite pun among those mocking the Teraketh), it marks the day when a member of the faith comes of age. The young boy or girl is given a family weapon, usually an axe or sword crafted just before his or her birth, but sometimes one passed down from generation to generation, and the child’s head is shaved, removing the hair of youth. This is the only time the hair of the faithful is ever cut (though they can shave their faces) and the forelock from the occasion is saved and carried by the Teraketh for the rest of their lives.
Once the weapon is bestowed and head shaved, several stout warriors from the community gather around the newly minted adult and, depending on the culture, either beat him or her into unconsciousness against the adolescent’s fierce opposition, or stage a ceremonial fight.

Saints

Because of the strict belief among the Teraketh that all are equal, sainthood is never bestowed or spoken of. Also, since it is the duty of every worshiper of Terak to fight in the defense of the weak, all who die in battle are considered glorious martyrs, no matter how ignominious the death. It is not part of the faith to throw away one’s life to become a martyr. One should live on to fight another day, unless his death will be meaningful and help others.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion