Editors, Keepers
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|related=Alethkar
|world=Roshar
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
}}{{update|book=sa3}}
== Beliefs ==
In Vorin religion, people believe in the [[Almighty]], the force of good and creator of mankind.
[[File:Chasmfiend_old.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Artistic representation of a Desolation.]]
=== Creation Myth ===
The Vorin creation story places mankind's origins at the [[Tranquiline Halls]], a paradise from which they were banished by the [[Voidbringers]], the embodiment of evil led by [[Odium]]. While humanity retreated to Roshar, the Voidbringers didn't stop there, coming again and again in times known as [[Desolation]]s, trying to force them off Roshar as well
On Roshar, mankind, led by the Heralds and their [[Knights Radiant|chosen knights]], fought them off ninety nine times until finally the [[Aharietiam]], the Last Desolation, arrived. Then, the Voidbringers were defeated and cast back into the Tranquiline Halls, while the Heralds followed to force them out of heaven as well.{{book ref|sa1|45}} The Knights Radiant were left behind, although they ultimately betrayed humankind in the Day of [[Recreance]]. In the modern Vorinism, their powers are considered trickery.{{book ref|sa1|26}}
=== Morality ===
All
In the Alethi variety of Vorinism, warrior is considered the highest Calling, as it leads directly to the fight to reclaim the Tranquiline Halls.{{book ref|sa3|105}}
Closely tied to the concept of a Calling is Glory. A Glory is a particular attribute of the Almighty that one is supposed to emulate in the pursuit of their Calling. One typically choses their Glory alongside their Calling, as the two are supposed to work together; for example, the Calling of a warrior and the Glory of determination.{{book ref|sa1|18}}
When it comes to relationships, Vorinism is focused on making and upholding oaths. Breaking oaths, or acting without proper oaths, such as having sex outside of marriage, is frowned upon.{{wob ref|1443}} However, Vorinism offers a wide variety of partnership oaths for those who do wish to pursue relationships, including some for same-sex couples.{{wob ref|1443}}
=== Belief in Symmetry ===
Symmetry is considered holy in Vorinism. Among others, [[glyph]]s are shaped symmetrically, [[Silver Kingdoms]] have perfectly symmetrical names and many people's names are close to symmetrical. However, people who have names that are actually symmetric are looked down on as "too holy" and therefore blasphemous.{{book ref|sa2|29}}
=== Temples ===
=== Prayer ===▼
Vorin pray through [[Glyphward|glyphwards]], prayers written in glyphs, typically on a strip of paper, calling on the Almighty and, sometimes, one or more of the Heralds. They are typically burned to carry the soul of the prayer to the Almighty.{{book ref|sa1|69}}▼
In higher classes of [[Alethkar]], much of the religious observation falls to the the priesthood, the [[Ardent]]ia, rather than the lighteyes themselves. The ardents in the employ of a lighteye are supposed to perform the required rituals for their master, so that the lighteyes do not have to worry about the spiritual aspect of their lives.{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}▼
=== Oathgates ===
The original purpose of the
== Culture
[[File:Vorin_Havah.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Vorin woman, with covered safehand on display.]]
The Vorin religion is closely interwoven with the culture of the Vorin kingdoms, to the point where the same word is applied to both the faith and the culture. Its modern form appears to be based on the book ''[[Arts and Majesty]]'', outlining what is proper for men and women. Women are expected to completely cover their left hand (called [[Safehand]] in Vorin vernacular) since the age of roughly eleven or twelve, as it is generally considered obscene.{{book ref|sa1|3}}{{book ref|sa2|19}} They are, however, permitted to learn how to read and write, and expected to manage a household and business. More confrontational positions, such as politics and military, are considered masculine - however, men are forbidden (or at least discouraged) from learning the alphabet. Additionally, Vorinism differentiates between feminine and masculine foods (sweet and spicy). Those division between genders do not apply to ardents, who are considered genderless from cultural standpoint, and thus permitted to engage in both feminine and masculine activities. By tradition, every person can learn a trade at a Vorin temple, including those of the opposite gender.{{book ref|sa2|63}}
In addition, the Vorin religion justifies the cultural divide between the [[Lighteyes]] and [[Darkeyes]], with the former being considered closer to the [[Almighty]] and thus more holy, giving them power over the darkeyed masses.{{book ref|sa1|73}}
Vorins are sometimes purposefully named after the Heralds - for example, [[Shallan]] for [[Shalash]] or [[Kaladin]] for [[Kalak]].{{wob ref|333}}
▲=== Prayer ===
▲Vorin pray through [[Glyphward|glyphwards]], prayers written in glyphs, typically on a strip of paper, calling on the Almighty and, sometimes, one or more of the Heralds. They are typically burned to carry the soul of the prayer to the Almighty.
▲In higher classes of [[Alethkar]], much of the religious observation falls to the the priesthood, the [[Ardent]]ia, rather than the lighteyes themselves. The ardents in the employ of a lighteye are supposed to perform the required rituals for their master, so that the lighteyes do not have to worry about the spiritual aspect of their lives.{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}
=== Law ===
Apart from cultural and religious aspect, Vorinism has an impact on the legal system
The Right of Travel allows every Vorin citizen of sixth [[nahn]] or higher to freely travel between various Vorin lands
The Right of Travel is derived from the
{{for|Right of Challenge}}
The Right of Challenge allows a distinguished lighteyed warrior to demand justice through combat from the one who
== Priesthood ==
{{for|Ardent|more information about Vorin clergy}}
The priesthood of the Vorin religion are referred to as ardents. Ardents join devotaries (sects) based on their beliefs. Both males and females can become an ardent,{{book ref|sa1|i|8}} though many of the devotaries encourage women toward the female arts, rather than studies of theology.{{book ref|sa1|33}}▼
▲
Following the Hierocracy, the ardents are not allowed to own any property of any kind, and are directly owned by lighteyed lords, similar to slaves.▼
▲Following the Hierocracy, the ardents are not allowed to own any property of any kind, and are directly owned by lighteyed lords, similar to slaves. However, they have far more rights than ordinary slaves, and can expect respect even from their masters.{{book ref|sa1|16}}
Though the heads of the Vorin church are nominally the leaders of Vorin countries, in practice the ultimate authority lies in the hands of the ardents known as the Curates, operating from the Holy Enclave in the city of [[Valath]]. They can be distinguished by blue robes and gemstone-covered staves, and have the authority to excommunicate members of the church - including the national leaders - for heresy. This right was given to them by Covenants of Theocracy, which are unspecified, but centuries old.{{book ref|sa3|100}}
=== Devotaries ===
The Vorin devotaries are groups of ardents and lay members devoted to a particular facet of the religion. As such, they vary greatly in the interpretation of the faith, as well as their nature. Some devotaries are orders that permit their members to live their own lives, while others are monastic. Overall, their chief purpose is to aid in nurturing the believers' Callings. Known devotaries include:
* '''The Devotary of Purity''' is dedicated to wholesomeness and honesty. Members of this devotary are expected to keep their thoughts and actions 'pure'. A member's talents are expected to be dedicated to purity as well, such as an artist depicting only religious topics.{{book ref|sa1|33}} [[Shallan Davar]] is a member of this devotary.
* '''The Devotary of
* '''The Devotary of Insight''' is not described. Many ardents from the Devotary of Insight are seen exchanging dulled lamps from the Palanaeum and putting infused ones in their place.{{book ref|sa1|33}}
* '''The Devotary of
* '''The Order of Talenelat''' is related to the [[Herald]] [[Taln]] and, likely, the attributes ascribed to him by Vorinism. Those dedicated to this particular devotary are said to have a dislike for theological debates. It is viewed by some as an order for lesser people.{{book ref|sa1|54}} The Order of Talenelat maintains a presence in western [[Kholinar]], adjacent to the temple of Talenelat.{{file ref|Kholinar.jpg|Map of Kholinar}} [[Dalinar Kholin]] was a follower of this devotary prior to his excommunication.{{book ref|sa1|54}}
* '''The Devotary of the Mind'''
The collective body of [[
▲* '''The Devotary of the Mind'''{{book ref|sa3|i|2}} is a monastic devotary with its home at the [[Jokasha Monastery]] on the western slopes of the [[Horneater Peaks]]. It is devoted to historical and linguistic study, with the focus on literature.
▲The collective body of [[Ardent]]s from all of the separate devotaries is called the [[Ardentia]].
=== Hierocracy ===
==Notable Members==
=== The Ardentia ===
* [[Ellista]] - scholar at the Jokasha Monastery, who studied the [[Dawnchant]] and discerned it was only a universal written language.
* [[Pai]] - new member of Queen [[Aesudan]]'s retinue. Denounced the queen for her waste and was executed as a result, sparking riots.
* [[Rushu]] - an ardent/scholar, associate of [[Navani]].
* [[Lhan]] - another member of the Queen's ardentia. Eventually subverted by [[Ashertmarn]].
* [[Kadash]] - former soldier, who resigned after the events of [[Rathalas]] and became Dalinar's ardent.
* [[Zahel]] - swordsmaster in Dalinar's employ. Taught [[Adolin Kholin|Adolin]] and [[Renarin Kholin]] in the use of Plate and Blade.
=== Lay members ===
* [[Dalinar Kholin]] - [[Bondsmith]] and [[Alethkar|Alethi]] [[highprince]]. Member of the Devotary of Talenet and the head of the Alethi church until his excommunication.{{book ref|sa1|54}}{{book ref|sa3|100}}
* [[Shallan Davar]] - [[Jah Keved|Vedish]] [[Lightweaver]]. A somewhat devout member of the Devotary of Purity.{{book ref|sa1|33}}
== Notes ==
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