Difference between revisions of "Shu-Dereth"
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==Religious Texts== |
==Religious Texts== |
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Derethi scriptures are contained in the "Do-Dereth," though they also study the text of their parent religion, the Do-Kando of [[Shu-Keseg]].{{book ref|Elantris|3}} |
Derethi scriptures are contained in the "Do-Dereth," though they also study the text of their parent religion, the Do-Kando of [[Shu-Keseg]].{{book ref|Elantris|3}} |
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| + | |||
==Organization & Hierarchy== |
==Organization & Hierarchy== |
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| + | The religion of Shu-Dereth is very regimented, and its structure has been compared to that of a feudal government system.{{book ref|Elantris|8}} Followers are expected to obey the commands of their superiors, and priests are expected to give orders rather than shepherd others on the path to faith.{{book ref|Elantris|3}} |
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| − | === The Great Chain === |
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| − | The Great Chain is the chain that links all living members of Shu-Dereth to Wyrn and then to Jaddeth. Masters were always called hroden, but there were two different ways a servant could serve a master. One way was to swear to be someone's odiv, which was irrevocably binding. Krondet is a less binding oath, in which one listened to the counsel of his hroden, but was not morally obligated to obey. In the priesthood, all in the Great Chain are odivs and bound to do what someone higher in the chain commanded.{{book ref|Elantris|12}} |
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| + | A formal example of this type of relationship is that of the ‘’’odivs, krondets, and hrodens’’’. Members of the Derethi priesthood can elect to become a hroden, or master, taking on one or more odivs and/or krondets. Krondet is the less restrictive form of servitude, where the krondet listens to the counsel of his hroden but is not bound to do as told. Odivs, however, must follow the orders of their hroden, essentially serving as a slave. Many choose the role of odiv in order to gain power through their connection to their hroden.{{book ref|Elantris|3}}{{book ref|Elantris|21}} |
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| − | * Dorven are the lowest level of the priesthood; they serve the arteths and the gradors. |
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| + | === Chain to Jaddeth=== |
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| − | * Arteths are the lowest level that may lead a chapel by themselves; they serve the gradors. |
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| + | The Derethi believe that only one man – the Wyrn, or ruler, of Fjorden – can serve Jaddeth directly. All others serve only those in the position directly above them in the chain that links all people to Lord Jaddeth. This prevents those in the lower ranks from having to worry about commands of Jaddeth that are beyond their capacity to understand.{{book ref|Elantris|12}} |
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| − | * Gradors are the level of the priesthood directly above the arteths; they generally lead the chapels in the larger cities. |
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| + | |||
| − | * Ragnets are the level directly below the gyorns; they generally oversee a region of Derethi followers. |
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| + | * The '''Wyrn ''' of Fjorden is the only member of the church who serves Jaddeth directly.{{book ref|Elantris|12}} |
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| − | * Gyorns serve Wyrn directly; they are at the highest level of the priesthood other than perhaps some gragdets. There are only twenty of them, and they are among the most important people in the [[Fjordell Empire]]. They often serve as ambassadors for Wyrn to foreign nations, such as [[Arelon]] and the [[Rose Empire]].{{tes ref|98}} They customarily wear red ornamental armor.{{book ref|elantris|5}} |
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| + | * A '''gradget''', the leader of a monastery, is generally considered to be outside of the chain because gradgets generally don’t involve themselves in matters outside of their monastery. However, gradgets of the most powerful monasteries (Rathbore, Dakhor, and Fjeldor) rank above gyorn.{{book ref|Elantris|58}}{{glossary ref|Elantris|G}} |
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| − | * Gragdets are the leaders of monasteries; they are outside of the direct chain, although some have the authority of the gyorns (such as the gragdet of the [[Dakhor]] monastery). |
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| + | * '''Gyorn''' is the highest level of the Derethi priesthood except in cases where the gradget of a powerful monastery elects to become active in the affairs of the church at large. The twenty gyorns{{book ref|Elantris|5}} of the Fjordell Empire are amongst the most noble in standing; kings bow to gyorns in nations where Shu-Dereth is practiced.{{book ref|Elantris|14}}{{book ref|Elantris|48}} They are known to serve as ambassadors to foreign nations, such as [[Arelon]] and the [[Rose Empire]].{{tes ref|98}} They customarily wear red ornamental armor with billowing crimson cloaks.{{book ref|elantris|5}} |
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| − | * Wyrn is the head of the church, and is able to serve Jaddeth directly; the Wyrn has direct control over all members of Shu-Dereth. |
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| + | * '''Ragnat''' is the rank directly below gyron; they usually oversee a region of Derethi worshippers.{{glossary ref|Elantris|R}} A priest must be of at least this level to command Rathbore-trained priests without the Wyrn’s permission.{{book ref|Elantris|36}} |
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| + | * '''Grador''' is the rank below ragnat; they generally lead chapels in large cities.{{glossary ref|Elantris|G}} |
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| + | * An '''arteth''' is a full Derethi priest. This is the lowest rank of priest that can lead a chapel on his own.{{glossary ref|Elantris|A}} Many arteths can be assigned to one chapel with a “head arteth” leading them.{{book ref|Elantris|3}} |
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| + | * '''Dorven''' is the lowest level of Derethi priest; though arteths may have some authority over the dorven, they officially serve the gradors.{{book ref|Elantris|3}}{{book ref|Elantris|12}} |
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=== Monasteries === |
=== Monasteries === |
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Fjorden’s society stratified and organized Shu-Dereth’s teachings to a martial level. As a result, Shu-Dereth is a highly militaristic religion, and is based on a regimented ranking, known as the "Great Chain." |
Fjorden’s society stratified and organized Shu-Dereth’s teachings to a martial level. As a result, Shu-Dereth is a highly militaristic religion, and is based on a regimented ranking, known as the "Great Chain." |
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| + | |||
| + | === Cultural Impacts=== |
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| + | In an attempt to bring about the Day of Empire, Wyrn planned to send [[Hrathen]] to warn [[Arelon]] and [[Teod]] of his impending attack, followed by a genocidal slaughter of all people of [[Aonic]] descent.{{book ref|Elantris|58}} This culminated in Wyrn sending [[Dakhor]] monks to Arelon and Teod for the [[Invasion of Arelon]] and the [[Battle of Teoras]]. Both these attacks failed and Arelon and Teod remained independent,{{book ref|Elantris|63}} so the Day of Empire has not occurred yet. |
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== Trivia == |
== Trivia == |
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{{theory}} |
{{theory}} |
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| + | * In the planned sequel to Elantris, Wyrn decides to reinterpret scripture to suggest that only the nations to the east of the [[Atad Mountains]] needed to be Derethi for Jaddeth to return, so it is possible that the Day of Empire will occur during the [[Elantris sequel]].{{bws ref|elantris-reading-group-questions|Elantris Reading Group Questions|date=Sep 27, 2006}} |
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| − | * The god [[Jaddeth]] could be based on the [[Shard]] [[Dominion]], as Derethi-majority Fjorden seeks to expand the Fjordell Empire across Sel, similar to the Shardic Intent of Dominion. |
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== Notes == |
== Notes == |
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Revision as of 15:41, 21 July 2022
| Shu-Dereth | |
|---|---|
| Related to | Fjorden |
| World of Origin | Sel |
| Universe | Cosmere |
Shu-Dereth is a religion practiced on the Selish continent known as Opelon (Aonic term) or Sycla (Fjordell term).[1][2][3] During the events of Elantris, it is the official religion of all nations east of the Dathreki mountains; Arelon and Teod are the only nations within the “known world” that remain holdouts. [1][4]
Beliefs
The Derethi worship an unforgiving god known as Jaddeth, who rules from a throne beneath the earth. The central tenet of the faith is the achievement of ‘’’unity of all mankind under the rule of one nation.’’’[1]
- Jaddeth’s Return
- The Derethi believe that when all men are unified under the rule of one nation, Jaddeth will rise from his slumber and return to the earth. Wyrn Wulfden the Fourth, in a letter attributed to Jaddeth, calls this event the “Day of Empire.”[1]
- Elantris
- The Derethi believe the Elantrians to be vile, blasphemous, and altogether unholy.[5] Dilaf, gradget of the Dakhor monastery, believes them to be Svrakiss.[6]
- Svrakiss
- The Derethi believe that the souls of men who hated Jaddeth during life become Svrakiss. The Svrakiss are considered to be evil entities barred from entrance into heaven and are said to have the power to take over the bodies of living men and control their actions.[7]
- Seons
- Seons, as a result of their association with Elantris, are considered to be heathen magic. As such, only select Derethi who have the most faith and self-control are allowed to use seons.[8]
- Additional Teachings
- Jaddeth rewards ambition.[6][4]
- Jaddeth is intolerant of ignorance.[9]
- The only difference between man and animal is mankind’s ability to worship Jaddeth; beasts are only capable of serving their lusts, whereas mankind is capable of devotion to a higher purpose.[7][6]
- Service to Jaddeth is rewarded during life as well as in the afterlife.[6]
- Only one man – the Wyrn – serves Jaddeth directly. All others serve through a chain of command (see Organization & Hierarchy for more information).
Religious Texts
Derethi scriptures are contained in the "Do-Dereth," though they also study the text of their parent religion, the Do-Kando of Shu-Keseg.[1]
Organization & Hierarchy
The religion of Shu-Dereth is very regimented, and its structure has been compared to that of a feudal government system.[6] Followers are expected to obey the commands of their superiors, and priests are expected to give orders rather than shepherd others on the path to faith.[1]
A formal example of this type of relationship is that of the ‘’’odivs, krondets, and hrodens’’’. Members of the Derethi priesthood can elect to become a hroden, or master, taking on one or more odivs and/or krondets. Krondet is the less restrictive form of servitude, where the krondet listens to the counsel of his hroden but is not bound to do as told. Odivs, however, must follow the orders of their hroden, essentially serving as a slave. Many choose the role of odiv in order to gain power through their connection to their hroden.[1][10]
Chain to Jaddeth
The Derethi believe that only one man – the Wyrn, or ruler, of Fjorden – can serve Jaddeth directly. All others serve only those in the position directly above them in the chain that links all people to Lord Jaddeth. This prevents those in the lower ranks from having to worry about commands of Jaddeth that are beyond their capacity to understand.[8]
- The Wyrn of Fjorden is the only member of the church who serves Jaddeth directly.[8]
- A gradget, the leader of a monastery, is generally considered to be outside of the chain because gradgets generally don’t involve themselves in matters outside of their monastery. However, gradgets of the most powerful monasteries (Rathbore, Dakhor, and Fjeldor) rank above gyorn.[11][12]
- Gyorn is the highest level of the Derethi priesthood except in cases where the gradget of a powerful monastery elects to become active in the affairs of the church at large. The twenty gyorns[13] of the Fjordell Empire are amongst the most noble in standing; kings bow to gyorns in nations where Shu-Dereth is practiced.[14][15] They are known to serve as ambassadors to foreign nations, such as Arelon and the Rose Empire.[16] They customarily wear red ornamental armor with billowing crimson cloaks.[13]
- Ragnat is the rank directly below gyron; they usually oversee a region of Derethi worshippers.[17] A priest must be of at least this level to command Rathbore-trained priests without the Wyrn’s permission.[18]
- Grador is the rank below ragnat; they generally lead chapels in large cities.[12]
- An arteth is a full Derethi priest. This is the lowest rank of priest that can lead a chapel on his own.[19] Many arteths can be assigned to one chapel with a “head arteth” leading them.[1]
- Dorven is the lowest level of Derethi priest; though arteths may have some authority over the dorven, they officially serve the gradors.[1][8]
- Common people reside at the bottom of the chain and serve the arteths and the dorven.[8]
Monasteries
Entering Derethi priests joined one of many monasteries. The monasteries provide religious training as well as training for various tasks:[20][18]
- Dakhor Monastery
- A mysterious monastery with violent stories attached to it. It trains the Dakhor monks.
- Fjeldor Monastery
- Trains spies.[20][18]
- Ghajan Monastery
- One of many monasteries that train warriors. Hrathen trained here after leaving Dakhor.[18]
- Rathbore Monastery
- Trains assassins.[20] Very few individuals may make use of Rathbore assassins, Wyrn and gyorns among them.[18] Potential members may be required to kill someone before being admitted, as Fjon was required to kill Hrathen before being admitted.[21]
Origins & History
Shu-Dereth is an offshoot of Shu-Keseg. It was founded by Dereth, a disciple of Keseg. However, Shu-Dereth differs from Shu-Keseg in the way that it focuses on the unity of obedience, rather than the unity of mind. Shu-Dereth is based on the worship of Jaddeth, a God who is said to slumber in the earth, waiting for a time when the whole world worships him to return and rule the world. Followers of Shu-Dereth are known as Derethi, and the religion's holy book is called the Do-Dereth.
Dereth’s ideas were originally rejected in his native JinDo; however, they were embraced by the Fjordell. Shu-Dereth has been the official religion of Fjorden since the conversion of Wulfden the First and has spread to all of the eastern nations.[3] Since that time, the leader of Shu-Dereth takes receives the title Wyrn upon his ascension. Wyrn acts both as Jaddeth's prophet and regent during his entrapment on earth.
Fjorden’s society stratified and organized Shu-Dereth’s teachings to a martial level. As a result, Shu-Dereth is a highly militaristic religion, and is based on a regimented ranking, known as the "Great Chain."
Cultural Impacts
In an attempt to bring about the Day of Empire, Wyrn planned to send Hrathen to warn Arelon and Teod of his impending attack, followed by a genocidal slaughter of all people of Aonic descent.[11] This culminated in Wyrn sending Dakhor monks to Arelon and Teod for the Invasion of Arelon and the Battle of Teoras. Both these attacks failed and Arelon and Teod remained independent,[22] so the Day of Empire has not occurred yet.
Trivia
- In the planned sequel to Elantris, Wyrn decides to reinterpret scripture to suggest that only the nations to the east of the Atad Mountains needed to be Derethi for Jaddeth to return, so it is possible that the Day of Empire will occur during the Elantris sequel.[23]
Notes
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i Elantris chapter 3#
- ↑ Elantris (book) glossary section O
- ↑ a b Elantris (book) glossary section S
- ↑ a b Elantris chapter 9#
- ↑ Elantris chapter 42#
- ↑ a b c d e Elantris chapter 8#
- ↑ a b Elantris chapter 6#
- ↑ a b c d e Elantris chapter 12#
- ↑ Elantris chapter 19#
- ↑ Elantris chapter 21#
- ↑ a b Elantris chapter 58#
- ↑ a b Elantris (book) glossary section G
- ↑ a b Elantris chapter 5#
- ↑ Elantris chapter 14#
- ↑ Elantris chapter 48#
- ↑ The Emperor's Soul - Day 98#
- ↑ Elantris (book) glossary section R
- ↑ a b c d e Elantris chapter 36#
- ↑ Elantris (book) glossary section A
- ↑ a b c Elantris chapter 17#
- ↑ Elantris chapter 62#
- ↑ Elantris chapter 63#
- ↑ Elantris Reading Group Questions
— Brandon's website - Sep 27, 2006#