The cults of Dara Ni

From: Jeff Richard <richaje_at_yvU_BLb2KuguDQjCuYsGoO-zSZcXEF0FroptYQ7zb3pnMkaXOJg4b9pKerwyOxE54Tky>
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2007 18:21:12 -0000

Here's an example of the richness Glorantha has - and how many places have their own unique little cults and traditions.

Dara Ni is the rich land on the lower Erinflarth River - between Dara Happa, Sylila and Talastar. It is normally dominated by Alkoth and Henjarl, but has been ruled by Sylila and Talastar on many occasions.

In Dara Ni, Shargash is propitiated, but few initiate to him. Biselenslib, Erinflarth, Lodril, Oria, ViTuros and the Lightbringers are all found there, along with the god or goddess of each city, such as Pir, Harandu, Meslew, Foranbarda, Jeru and Vostalabatu. Many Talastaring deities are found there as well, and a city might have a shrines to Matu, Shargash and Lodril, along with Ernalda and Oria.

Many of these cults do not get along, making riots and street fights between the competing cults common occurances in the cities.

Here's a snippet from a discussion between three learned scholars featured in the in Fricaenius' "Divine Parables", a popular picaresque text from late Second Age Dara Ni.

Luvelko: "And let's not forget the cults of Pir, Harandu, Meslew, Foranbarda, Jeru and Vostalabatu!!"

Arabulares: "How could we possibly forget them. After all, Meslew is the Great Founder of this land. Only foolish foreigners think it was founded by Daran. And Pir - well beloved Pir is what makes us civilized!"

Luvelko: "Oh great Pir lawmaker, you preserve us from hell and frmthe barbarians. Here is a hare for you, skinned and raw, soaked in red wine."

Arabulares: "And Harandu is the Sun of this place. Not the harsh imperial sun of Dara Happa, or the barbaric sun of Talastar, nor the mercenary sun of Domanand, but the Good Sun of Dara Ni."

Gentraldes: "That's Pir Lawmaker alright. I hear the Carmanians associate him with Idovanus."

Luvelko "Yea, so said that one Carmanian who got this far. Wasn't he a slave of Old Karus? As if we'd believe him!!"

Arabulares: "And Foranbarda is the Great Defender Goddess. Big, mighty and strong. None can stand against her and she is loyal to Meslew alone."

Gentraldes: "I think it was one of Karus' slaves. Stupid foreigners."

Arabulares: "Oh, btw, all know these gods are known in only one place each, and not all known in the same place!!"

Luvelko: "Of course. Never mention Jeru in the city of Thubana."

Gentraldes: "You fool! You used them both in the same sentence! You must have sex today, and drink some alcohol!"

Luvelko: "Fortunately Jeru is pleasant to appease!"

Arabulares: "And remember the massacre of 878 when the folk of Suda tried to force the folk of Kistium to worship Vostalabatu?"

Gentraldes: "Har har, who cold forget such a thing? Have they ever finished their temple made of water to appease the gods?"