A real-world society practising these initiations is the Masai of East Africa. They hold huge ceremonies every few years involving hundreds of young men. As I understand it there is a period in which the young initiates-to-be wander around as 'moran' (young warriors), before settling down to adult responsibilities.
A children's book I have often borne in mind for initiation customs is 'Warrior Scarlet' by R. Sutcliffe. In this the boys (proto-Celts) come to their clan's Boy's House; spending a couple of years training before their final test--to kill a wolf by themselves.
>
>The hills of Largertarn
>Midst the storms of Ohorlanth
>Are two silver horns,
>Two breasts childing,
>Two steads of lightning.
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>Midst the gales of Valind
>They are two rusted swords,
>Twin waves of darkness,
>Twin pillars of ice.
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>- TarosKarla.
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