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(Let's leave this here until we do the merges of ardent and curates into here) Tag: Undo |
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|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
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'''Vorinism''' is the one of the primary religions of [[Roshar]]. It is most prevalent in [[Alethkar]], [[Jah Keved]], [[Kharbranth]], [[New Natanan]] and [[Thaylenah]], collectively known as the Vorin kingdoms, and becomes less common further west.{{book ref|sa3|28}} The religion worships Almighty, a deity based on [[Honor]], and the ten [[Herald]]s.{{book ref|sa1|18}}
== Priesthood ==
[[File:Kadash.jpg|thumb|right|200px|<center><small>by {{a|botanicaxu}}</small></center> [[Kadash]], a Vorin ardent]]
Other types of ardents are likewise differentiated by the colors of their robes -- regular ones wear gray, while the [[soulcaster]]s wear red.{{book ref|sa2|35}} Many ardents have shaved heads, and men often have long beards. Both male and female ardents are considered genderless from the social standpoint: women do not need to cover their [[safehand]], while men are allowed to learn to read and write, and both can eat both sweet and spicy foods. This being said, while they are technically allowed to purse both masculine and feminine arts, they are often pushed to follow their gender.{{book ref|sa1|33}}
=== Slavery ===
▲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 guide the church doctrine and can be distinguished by their blue robes and gemstone-covered staves. The council of curates has the authority to excommunicate members of the church — including the leaders of Vorin countries — for heresy. This right is outlined in the Covenants of Theocracy, which is an unspecified, but centuries old document.{{book ref|sa3|100}}
Ardents are, technically, slaves to [[Lighteyes|lighteyed]] nobles of [[Vorin]] countries, with some serving specific households while others are beholden to the national ruler. They can neither hold land nor own property -- a safeguard to prevent a second [[Hierocracy]].{{book ref|sa1|59}} Though like [[Parshmen]], they are not paid for their work, they are highly respected even by people above them in social hierarchy.{{book ref|sa2|16}} It seems one cannot be forced to become an ardent; rather, people join willingly, and can also leave if they so choose.{{book ref|sa2|26}}{{book ref|sa1|42}}
=== Spiritual Guidance ===
Ardents are forbidden from participating in politics or holding social offices. However, their word and opinions are still highly valued, and they hold authority in spiritual matters.{{book ref|sa3|100}}
Ardents are responsible for the spiritual well-beings of their masters, and often tend to various rites and rituals in their stead, so as to allow the [[lighteyes]] to go on with their lives unburdened.{{book ref|sa2|i|12}} For the [[darkeyes]], ardents provide advice in pursuing their Calling, as well as education -- the Right to Learn means that any person who asks for it must be taught by the ardents. For this reason, most major temples have ardents specializing in most common skills, from fighting to writing.{{book ref|sa2|64}} This also means that they are allowed to wield [[Shardblade]]s, as they must be capable of teaching [[Shardwielding]].{{book ref|sa2|18}}
They are the only people allowed to speak Almighty's tenth name, ''Elithanathile'', or He Who Transforms.{{book ref|sa1|7}}
=== Soulcasting ===
In [[Alethkar]], ardents are the only people allowed to use [[Soulcaster]]s. They surround the practice with mystery, carrying out Soulcasting at night and under heavy guard to prevent the general public from seeing. They are, however, not allowed to use Soulcasters on people. Those among the ardentia who use Soulcasters are often worked until they die of [[savant]]hood as their bodies become more and more like the things they Soulcast.{{book ref|sa2|35}}{{book ref|sa3|i|4}}
=== Devotaries ===
{{image|Ellista.png|side=right|width=200px|[[Ellista]], a scholar from the Devotary of the Mind}}
Ardents are separated into Devotaries, sects devoted to different aspects of Vorinism. Devotaries come in different forms: some, like the Devotary of the Mind, are monastic, sequestered away from civillization to devote themselves, while others permit their members to remain in touch with the rest of the world.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}}{{book ref|sa1|7}} This being said, ardents are generally not allowed to marry outside of their orders, though at least some orders allow them to marry each other.{{book ref|sa1|42}}{{book ref|sa1|8}} Overall, their chief purpose is to aid in nurturing the believers' Callings.
Known devotaries include:
* {{anchor|Devotary of Purity}}'''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.
* {{anchor|Devotary of Mind}}'''The Devotary of the Mind''' 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.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}}
== History ==
=== Hierocracy: Fall and Aftermath ===
[[File:Rushu.png|thumb|right|200px|<center><small>by {{a|treefin}}</small></center> [[Rushu]], a
{{for|War of Loss}}
=== The Ardentia ===
{{for|:Category: Ardentia|a list of all known ardents}}
* [[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.▼
* [[Kabsal]] - [[Ghostblood]]s member who lives in [[Kharbranth]] and attempts to assassinate [[Jasnah]].{{book ref|sa1|7}}{{book ref|sa1|70}}
* [[Rushu]] - an ardent/scholar, associate of [[Navani]].▼
* [[Geranid]] - A scholar of [[spren]] who lives on a small [[Reshi]] island with her husband.{{book ref|sa1|i|8}}
* [[Lhan]] - another member of the Queen's ardentia. Eventually subverted by [[Ashertmarn]].▼
* [[Ashir]] - Geranid's husband, who studies chemistry through cooking.{{book ref|sa1|i|8}}
* [[Kadash]] - head of the ardents under Dalinar’s household. He is a former elite solider who became an ardent after he witnessed the events at the [[Rift]].{{book ref|sa3|107}}
* [[Zahel]] - warrior ardent who teaches [[Adolin]], [[Renarin]] and [[Kaladin]] swordmanship and how to fend off a [[Shardbearer]].{{book ref|sa2|16}}
▲* [[Ellista]] - scholar
▲* [[Pai]] - new member of Queen [[Aesudan]]'s retinue. Denounced the queen for her waste and was executed as a result, sparking riots.{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}
▲* [[Lhan]] - another member of the Queen's ardentia. Eventually subverted by [[Ashertmarn]].{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}
=== 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|Veden]] [[Order of Lightweavers|Lightweaver]]. A somewhat devout member of the Devotary of Purity.{{book ref|sa1|33}}
== Trivia ==
* In the English language, the word "ardent" is an adjective meaning eager, zealous or passionate.
* Though "ardent" shares some similarity with [[Arteth|arteth]], the name of [[Shu-Dereth]] priests from [[Sel]], ardents and arteths are not connected.{{wob ref|6823}}
* Though ardents are around in ''[[The Way of Kings Prime]]'', there, they are simply called monks.{{wob ref|3808}}
== Notes ==
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