wrapping up Uleria

From: Pam Carlson <carlsonp_at_wolfenet.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Jan 1998 22:29:15 -0800


Dan McClusky posted a nice middle ground summary of Uleria that I liked: keep it a mystery. For at the heart of Uleria, for both the reproductive, communicative aspects, is the mystery of union with the One. (Sorry - I'm going Penlandan here...) As long as Ulerians stress that, I'm happy.

Also, I'm sure there are the desperate/slave/oppressed type prostitutes in Glorantha, (just as there are oppressed and enslaved people in many professions), but I am certain that they are not maintained by the Uleria cults.

replying briefly to Frank -  

> I might misunderstand you here but do you imply that all prostitutes are
> forced into their profession?

Not exactly, but I do maintain that, given a free choice and real alternatives to make a comfortable living, the vast majority of women would not choose it as a way of life. While I have not studied the issue at all, I would bet that if you polled the prostitutes in Western Europe and North America, you would find that they come from poorer backgrounds, have little education, and little belief that they could do much else. You just don't find naturally promiscuous people from comfortable (ie, middle and upper class) backgrounds taking up prostitution for "the perks". Maybe they did in the ancient world, but then, what other option would did these women realistically have for a profession?

I'm not saying that this would not be the case in Glorantha, (for I think it largely would), just that such a life is hardly the reason for existence of the Uleria cult. Gloranthan prostitutes may claim to be Ulerians, and even offer her worship, (for Uleria accepts worship from everyone), but I don't think this is at all the mainstay of the cult, or where the mysteries lie.  

> Of course I can easily see this happen, but those roles seem to be taken
> in orlanthi culture (whatever that is) by voria & Chalana Arroy

I think that in Orlanthi culture (in Sartar, anyway), Uleria is involed more as an aspect of the Great Mother/Ernlada/Voria, or as a sister of Chalana Arroy. Only in Esrolia and Peloria would you find large temples, priestesses and all the deep mysteries.

Uleria is to love and life as Orlanth is to Air and human organization. Saying that the Uleria cult exists to operate establishments where people can saunter up, drop off a few silvers and enjoy a little sex and companionship, is equivalent to saying that Orlanthi temples are places where any old stranger can wander up, drop off a few silvers, and make sure the Storm Voices see that his or her fields are watered. Orlanth demands more respect, and I think Uleria does, too.

> Teelo Nori in lunar areas.

Yes, but this is a new cult that covers a relatively small area. I think that Uleria cult was the first to off general caregiving in many areas of Glorantha.

> And I'll try to look for the Harald and Maude video :)

You won't regret it!

Obstinantly,
Pam


End of The Glorantha Digest V5 #366


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