Wisdom of a Harengon Author

Forward and commentary by R.G.

According to legend, the harengon originated in the Feywild as spirits of movement and freedom. It is not known how much truth this legend contains or when the harengon became corporeal, humanoid beings, but it does speak to their reputation as energetic, boisterous, and unlikely to stay in one place for very long. However, much about their culture and history is unknown to the races of Toril for a very simple reason: harengon do not speak about other harengon (except in vague, non-specific ways). Any attempt to ask a harengon a direct question about their history or way of life or of another of their race who is not present is apt to be met with an attempt to change the subject or an evasive answer that avoids actually saying much at all. My theory as to why they are so cagey about sharing anything about themselves as a race is simple. They are fundamentally a dichotomous people. Individually they are often brash, adventurous, even foolhardy, but collectively they are cautious, careful, and wary of outsiders. I believe harengon do not share information about others of their race because it is simply how they have survived in a universe where they are often outnumbered and outmatched by larger, fiercer, and more aggressive races. As one of their most commonly shared proverbs goes: Before they kill you, they have to catch you.
Which brings us to the purpose of this small work. One of the only pieces of their culture that the harengon will readily share are their sayings. What follows is a selection of the proverbs I was fortunate enough to have heard from my harengon acquaintances. As possibly the only window so far into the lore of this odd race, anyone seeking insight into their cultural mindset would do well to start here.

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Wisdom of a Harengon Author

Before They Kill You, They Have to Catch You: A Collection of Harengon Sayings

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Freedom lives in the heart, not the feet.

Harengon are often thought of as living peripatetic lives; constantly in motion, never staying in one place for long. This is not, strictly speaking, true. I have been personally acquainted with more than one harengon that was perfectly content to settle in one town or city and put down roots. The harengon’s love of freedom is not a superficial desire to always be on the move. It is a deep and abiding drive possessed by every harengon to follow their own destiny wherever it may lead. Also ingrained in the mindset of the race is an abhorrence of preventing anyone else, harengon or not, from doing the same. It is not unusual to see harengon fighting in the defense of freedom and free people, regardless of race, creed, or politics.

A lapa out of balance will never find their feet, a lapa in balance will never lose them.

Lapa (both plural and singular) is what the harengon call themselves, but only to other harengon. It’s unclear why they refer to themselves differently depending on who they’re speaking to, and all the harengon I have met are in no hurry to explain.

Attacks can lose fights, retreats can win them.

This proverb gives us a window into the harengon theory of combat. Attempts to save face or preserve some abstract concept of “honor” would be seen as silly or naive to a harengon warrior (do not let their appearance fool you; harengon make very capable fighters). Any tactic is valid, a favorite one being a quick withdrawal in order to strike again at a more advantageous time. You relax after a harengon “retreat” at your peril.

Enjoy the stew while you can; you might be in the next one.

Harengon, taken as a whole, are a very practical and pragmatic people. Lives in a chaotic and sometimes hostile home plane have instilled in them a tendency to live in the moment and enjoy the present above all else.

Long ears in the tall grass

An exhortation to pay attention, be careful, and stay hidden, often used as a goodbye in the same way humans would say “Stay safe.” Many harengon proverbs reference the ears as shorthand for paying attention and for the senses in general.

Everyone’s good depends on everyone’s cooperation.

Strong legs and an impressive leaping ability notwithstanding, harengon are not very physically imposing. This means that in order to survive and thrive in lands full of ferocious predators, every harengon has to work together, even when they disagree. One can imagine that the sometimes conflicting desire for individual freedom and the need to subsume one’s goals for the good of the tribe must lead to much inner conflict.

One cloud feels lonely.

Used like a combination of “misery loves company” and “it never rains but it pours.”

Everyone meets their match.

Reminders to not let one’s pride cloud one’s thinking are common to many races, and the harengon are no different.

Thumping hard

A harengon way of saying “showing off.”

The bitterest greens are better than the sweetest dreams.

Sometimes translated as: You can’t eat dreams. More evidence of the value harengon place on living in the present moment instead of placing more value in an uncertain future.

Daylight is needed, moonlight is noticed.

One of the more philosophical and aesthetic harengon proverbs. Daylight is vital for survival but its very necessity makes it often underappreciated and taken for granted. Moonlight, on the other hand, is much less necessary for life and is therefore seen as beautiful, ephemeral, almost as a luxury.

Ears over feet

A statement that strength and speed cannot replace paying attention and being prepared, i.e. brains before brawn. Just as the ears are often shorthand for attentiveness, the feet often represent the more physical aspects of harengon life.

Ready feet belong to live lapa.

Meaning survival is a matter of preparation and practice.

Better a rough road on your feet than a smooth road in a cage.

Very similar to sayings from various other races valuing freedom over comfort.

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Authored entirely by

u/ColdPhaedrus

Type

Manual, Martial Art / Combat

Medium

Papyrus