Nandandies Re: Real World Vingans

From: Jeff Richard <richaje_at__Zs1fOtwV8NUUtORxv6gwoaI_p69IVXarkYFe6wDcqKyJZbHohou6yr3P03S9cqTUM80>
Date: Fri, 06 Apr 2007 01:21:29 -0000

> I find this odd - if this was the case Vingans would want to loose
their
> fertility as a standard thing. So why is it an option in one sub-cult
> rather than a normal part of the overall cult?

Because they don't have the option. A Red Woman is a woman who temporarily worships Vinga. She remains a she, and Ernalda takes her fertility until she has fulfilled her vows (or ever in the case of the Avenger subcult). Ernalda protects and blesses the Red Woman.

Other cults of Vinga are simply women "doing as men do". Ernalda does not bless them - Orlanth does. And Orlanth has no power over their fertility.

These differences and taboos are mythic, not rational. Vinga grants certain powers and blessings to women that no other goddess can - she can let her worshipers join the Thunder Brothers. However, there is a heavy price to pay: taboos, restrictions on behavior, distinctive dress, and a very "non-womanly" lifestyle, not to mention exclusion from the cult of Ernalda - the cult that defines Orlanthi women. I suspect it is similar for male Nandan initiates.

Jeff