The Gods of the Fey-Realm
The Wood Elven Pantheon
It is well recorded that Elves were the first race of mortals to appear in the world, but much that was written about this early civilization was lost long ago. What does remain speaks of the Gods and Goddesses that are still worshipped by the Wood Elves of Delastari today. It is said that in ancient times, these beings would visit the Elves, bestowing gifts and guiding them. As the world turned and time went on, the Gods and Goddesses visited less and less, but still watched over the Wood Elves from afar.
Worshipped within Delastari, there are many Gods that make up the Wood Elven Pantheon. Each of the major entities has a Noble house dedicated to them within Wood Elven society. Elves that feel the guiding hand of one of the Gods may end up joining the family house, becoming a worshipper at the temple-home of their new patron.
Each of the Noble houses dedicated to one of the Gods has its own customs and traditions, ranging from spiritual days to dedicated clothing that must always be worn. The various ways of honouring and praying to the Wood Elven Pantheon is as numerous as the Gods themselves, but each is tied to the deity specifically. For example, Falren, God of Animals and the Hunt, is celebrated by a great hunt that takes place annually.
Outside of the dedicated temple-houses, Wood Elves worship when they believe it is right. An Elf may seek to pray in a Temple for guidance or to bless a particular aspect of their life; a good harvest, a new child or inspiration for art. Where the Temple-houses do not sway from their faith, most of the Wood Elven populace of Delastari are agnostic of the Gods, going through their day to day lives uncaring if the Gods are watching or not. This is not to say they do not believe at all, but more that they have accepted the Gods no longer walk amongst them and cannot aid as directly as is told in the stories of long ago.
Alongside the Gods are creatures that are sacred to the Wood Elves. These Creatures of the Fey are said to have been made by the Gods themselves, and are revered by Wood Elven kind. Found throughout the mortal lands, it is rumoured that within the Realms of the Wood Elves themselves, such magical creatures can be seen, often appearing for a glimmer of a moment before disappearing back to the realm of the Gods. Indeed, many Wood Elves claim to have spoken to these creatures, who show a kinship with their Elven cousins.
Some of these sacred creatures are:
There are many lesser Gods and Entities that are also worshipped by the Wood Elves. Below is listed some of the larger beings that have Temples dedicated to them.
Arawaan – Goddess of Life and Death
Nature has a fine balance to it, and Arawaan is the neutral balance that is found throughout the world. Bringing new life to the world and removing the old through death, the cycle is constant. Followers of Arawaan frequently provide funeral rights to the dying, and are also responsible for overseeing births within the Wood Elven society.
Thelrenus – God of Sunlight and Warmth
The plants and creatures of the world would be very little without the daily watch of the sun. It is Thelrenus who ensures the sun is returned each day so that life may flourish. He tasked himself with this duty when he first saw the Goddess Silthara, and how she wept when the sun did not rise one day. Seeing her beauty broken by her anguish, Thelrenus has ensured the sun returns each morning so that nature may continue to flourish. His followers typically take up arms to follow in Thelrenus' footsteps, defending nature and those that cannot when they can.
Brilassel – Goddess of the Rivers
It is said that when a great fire came to the Fey-Realm, it destroyed a great swathe of the land. Brilassel saw this destruction and began to cry. Her tears eventually became the rivers that restored life to the ravaged landscape. The teachings of Brilassel preach that everything is in a constant state of changing, and that one must follow the ebb and flow of this change to live a fulfilling life.
Lurus – God of Arts and Poetry
Lurus is often said to have a streak of trickery within his form, and will more likely appear to mortals to provide inspiration for poems, music and great works of art. With a smile on his lips and a few whispered words, the greatest tales are often told after the God or Arts and Poetry has paid a visit. The Temple of Lurus is grander than a lot of Wood Elven buildings, and its followers are more prone to travel and seek outside influence throughout the land.
Morrilal – Goddess of Battle and Warriors
The Rangers and soldiers hold Morrilal in the highest regard, perfecting their deadly arts in her name. Morrilal is the great defender of the Fey-Realm, ensuring its borders are constantly kept safe from outside evils.
Silthara – Goddess of Nature and Forests
The Druids and tree-benders of the Wood Elves keep Silthara close to them, using their gifts to influence the growing of trees and plant-life. It i said that the beauty of Silthara was enough to sprout all of the forests of the mortal lands.
Falren – God of Animals and the Hunt
Even with their reverence of nature, the Wood Elves must hunt for food to survive. It is Falren who is prayed to on these hunts, and after every kill a prayer is said so that Falren may look over the spirit of the animal as it is used in the cycle of life and death. Falren is often worshipped by the Wood Elven Rangers, as the greatest tracker and hunter of the Gods.
Worshipped within Delastari, there are many Gods that make up the Wood Elven Pantheon. Each of the major entities has a Noble house dedicated to them within Wood Elven society. Elves that feel the guiding hand of one of the Gods may end up joining the family house, becoming a worshipper at the temple-home of their new patron.
Forms of Worship
Each of the Noble houses dedicated to one of the Gods has its own customs and traditions, ranging from spiritual days to dedicated clothing that must always be worn. The various ways of honouring and praying to the Wood Elven Pantheon is as numerous as the Gods themselves, but each is tied to the deity specifically. For example, Falren, God of Animals and the Hunt, is celebrated by a great hunt that takes place annually.
Outside of the dedicated temple-houses, Wood Elves worship when they believe it is right. An Elf may seek to pray in a Temple for guidance or to bless a particular aspect of their life; a good harvest, a new child or inspiration for art. Where the Temple-houses do not sway from their faith, most of the Wood Elven populace of Delastari are agnostic of the Gods, going through their day to day lives uncaring if the Gods are watching or not. This is not to say they do not believe at all, but more that they have accepted the Gods no longer walk amongst them and cannot aid as directly as is told in the stories of long ago.
Creatures of the Fey
Alongside the Gods are creatures that are sacred to the Wood Elves. These Creatures of the Fey are said to have been made by the Gods themselves, and are revered by Wood Elven kind. Found throughout the mortal lands, it is rumoured that within the Realms of the Wood Elves themselves, such magical creatures can be seen, often appearing for a glimmer of a moment before disappearing back to the realm of the Gods. Indeed, many Wood Elves claim to have spoken to these creatures, who show a kinship with their Elven cousins.
Some of these sacred creatures are:
- Centaurs
- Satyrs
- Pixies and other Fairies
- Dryads
- Eladrin
- Nymphs
The Gods and Goddesses of the Fey-Realm
There are many lesser Gods and Entities that are also worshipped by the Wood Elves. Below is listed some of the larger beings that have Temples dedicated to them.
Arawaan – Goddess of Life and Death
Nature has a fine balance to it, and Arawaan is the neutral balance that is found throughout the world. Bringing new life to the world and removing the old through death, the cycle is constant. Followers of Arawaan frequently provide funeral rights to the dying, and are also responsible for overseeing births within the Wood Elven society.
Thelrenus – God of Sunlight and Warmth
The plants and creatures of the world would be very little without the daily watch of the sun. It is Thelrenus who ensures the sun is returned each day so that life may flourish. He tasked himself with this duty when he first saw the Goddess Silthara, and how she wept when the sun did not rise one day. Seeing her beauty broken by her anguish, Thelrenus has ensured the sun returns each morning so that nature may continue to flourish. His followers typically take up arms to follow in Thelrenus' footsteps, defending nature and those that cannot when they can.
Brilassel – Goddess of the Rivers
It is said that when a great fire came to the Fey-Realm, it destroyed a great swathe of the land. Brilassel saw this destruction and began to cry. Her tears eventually became the rivers that restored life to the ravaged landscape. The teachings of Brilassel preach that everything is in a constant state of changing, and that one must follow the ebb and flow of this change to live a fulfilling life.
Lurus – God of Arts and Poetry
Lurus is often said to have a streak of trickery within his form, and will more likely appear to mortals to provide inspiration for poems, music and great works of art. With a smile on his lips and a few whispered words, the greatest tales are often told after the God or Arts and Poetry has paid a visit. The Temple of Lurus is grander than a lot of Wood Elven buildings, and its followers are more prone to travel and seek outside influence throughout the land.
Morrilal – Goddess of Battle and Warriors
The Rangers and soldiers hold Morrilal in the highest regard, perfecting their deadly arts in her name. Morrilal is the great defender of the Fey-Realm, ensuring its borders are constantly kept safe from outside evils.
Silthara – Goddess of Nature and Forests
The Druids and tree-benders of the Wood Elves keep Silthara close to them, using their gifts to influence the growing of trees and plant-life. It i said that the beauty of Silthara was enough to sprout all of the forests of the mortal lands.
Falren – God of Animals and the Hunt
Even with their reverence of nature, the Wood Elves must hunt for food to survive. It is Falren who is prayed to on these hunts, and after every kill a prayer is said so that Falren may look over the spirit of the animal as it is used in the cycle of life and death. Falren is often worshipped by the Wood Elven Rangers, as the greatest tracker and hunter of the Gods.
The Fey-Realm
It is widely believed that the Gods of the Wood Elves inhabit a mystical realm known as "The Fey". The Fey is said to encompass all the spirits of nature and forests, watched over and guarded by the Gods. A vast forest of every kind of tree in every kind of colour is said to make up The Fey, with magical streams of water that never stop flowing nourishing the land. Dryads, Nymphs and other fey-creatures inhabit the realm, dancing between branches and brush, a constant dance of the natural world.
The Gods are said to reside in different locations within The Fey, sticking mostly to themselves. They will ocassionally wander and may even visit the mortal world, secretly disguising themselves amongt the lesser beings to observe and influence for whatever whim takes them.
Type
Religious, Pantheon
Related Ethnicities
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