Danu, Goddess of Knowing and Learning

WHAT IS BELIEVED ABOUT DANU?

Danu is known to value one’s ability and willingness to learn above all else. There is a Vanor-wide law (Danu’s Law) that states all public libraries give access to all of their books to anyone who wants. For example: libraries are not allowed to have exclusive memberships for those who are wealthy: this is done to honour Danu (there is a loophole in this law: libraries cannot have paid memberships, however they can have exclusive memberships for those who hold degrees or other academic awards). It is believed that Danu wishes to see all people put effort into learning and mastering their chosen ability (for example magic, maths or even swordcraft) and that she is unforgiving to those who are unwilling to learn.

HOW IS DANU PORTRAYED?

Danu is portrayed as a woman in her mid thirties, often with brown hair and eyes, wearing robes of midnight blue: it is not uncommon to see these robes reflect the night sky to some extent, with largely accurate constellations. The most common constellation depicted on her robes is that of Angus, the Great Octopus. Alternatively she is portrayed with the image of a giant octopus either behind or alongside her.

WHERE IS DANU PORTRAYED?

Like every god, artwork of her can be seen within temples dedicated to her, as well as temples dedicated to The Nine. She is often depicted in schools and libraries. Items that reflect Danu might be gifted to someone at the start of the school year or when starting an apprenticeship.

HOW DO PEOPLE PRAY TO DANU?

When praying to Danu it is standard to do so while sitting down (anywhere is acceptable). The prayer always begins by a short standardised prayer that everyone knows which is said out loud, with the following part of the prayer narrated in one’s head or whispered. This is accompanied by a person writing out on parchment (traditionally made of oak) a single word or short phrase that encapsulates the prayer: such as ‘improve’. For people without access to a pen or who are illiterate, it is common for the single word to be whispered to the parchment. If parchment is unavailable then oak leaves or acorns can be used.

WHY DO PEOPLE PRAY TO DANU?

The most common (but not only) things one might pray for: success in a test or exam, help learning how to do something, help practicing a skill.

WHAT ARE THE IDEALS ASSOCIATED WITH DANU?

Some examples of ideals the followers of Danu might hold are: Integrity (specifically academic), passion, drive to teach.

Domain: Knowledge
Animal: Octopus
Colour: Midnight Blue
Alignment: Lawful Neutral