Re: Initiation

From: Peter Metcalfe <metcalph_at_...>
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 21:51:56 +1200


Wulf wrote:

>If I remember correctly, 'all' Heortling males are initiated by
>taking part in the I Fought We Won battle, 'all' females by
>witnessing the rebirth of Ernalda.

AFAIK this is communal initiation.

>Later, within two years I think,
>they are called to a specific deity. OK so far?

Yup.

>First question - is that an Orlanthi 'all', or is it an every last
>one all?

It applies to Orlanthi with souls. Orlanthi with spirits have different initiation rites. The divergence in the rituals is when the Uncles deliberately lose the initiates-to-be - contrast the Initiation of Orlanth (KoS p64) with how Ingolf becomes a draconist (KoS p186).

>Second question, if the first answer is everyone - what about those
>who are called to the 'unusual' deities, notably Chalana Arroy and
>Nandan (Vingans, we know, have a close association with Ernalda, but
>I can't remember a similar connection 'twixt Orlanth & Nandan)? A
>Chalana Arroy cultist must never have killed, I believe, surely
>taking part in a battle would involve a bit of killing, or do you
>just have to watch?

One can decide not to kill in the battle but instead heal the wounded. Behaving in such a way is strong proof that Chalana Arroy has marked you out. From that point on, the initiation rites are focused on Chalana Arroy rather than Orlanth.

People destined for other unusual gods will also behave differently.

Powered by hypermail