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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}}▼
 
▲'''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}}
== Beliefs ==▼
 
▲== Beliefs ==
In Vorin religion, people believe in the [[Almighty]], the force of good and creator of mankind. The glory of Almighty is such that anyone looking upon him would immediately burn to ash.{{book ref|sa1|7}} As such, he is typically represented by the divine prism with ten facets, eachone for oneeach of the Heralds.{{book ref|sa1|33}} Each Herald is an emissary of the Almighty, wielding potent magical powers, as well as the ability to respond to prayers and patronage over a specific part of human experience.{{book ref|sa3|part=ars}} Vorinism typically places [[Jezrien]] and [[Kalak]] as the highest among the Heralds, with others beneath them.{{book ref|sa3|26}} Occasionally, either of them are conflated with the [[Stormfather]], who in turn is commonly equated with the Almighty himself, although this depends on the particular Vorin country.{{book ref|sa3|64}}{{book ref|sa2|74}}
 
[[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 forced off by the [[Voidbringers]], wicked creatures forged in [[Braize]], the [[Damnation]] from hatred. The Voidbringers possess terrible destructive power, and are are regarded as the embodiment of evil.{{book ref|sa1|45}}{{book ref|sa2|32}}
 
The Voidbringers followed humanity to Roshar trying to destroy it or force humanity off it and into Damnation. Mankind, led by the Heralds and their [[Knights Radiant|chosen knights]], fought them off ninety nine times in what are known as [[Desolation]]s. Finally in [[Aharietiam]], the Last Desolation, the Voidbringers were defeated and cast back into the Tranquiline Halls. The Heralds followed to force them out of this heaven as well.{{book ref|sa1|45}}{{book ref|sa1|61}}
 
=== Morality ===
All Vorins are expected to choose a Calling, their greatest talent, and practice it until death. Those who grow to be the very best at their Calling are chosen to join the Heralds in the fight to regain the Tranquiline Halls when they die. Their particular afterlife differs depending on the Calling -- those who were the very best at farming become farmers for the Heralds, those who are the greatest at battle are chosen to fight beside the Heralds, etc.{{book ref|sa1|3}}{{book ref|sa1|i|8}}{{book ref|sa1|16}}{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa1|28}} Those who do not achieve their greatest potential are stuck in a limbo-likedreamless eternitysleep inuntil athe dreamlessHalls sleepare reconquered,{{book ref|sa1|59}} while those who do horrible things are cast into Damnation.
 
In the Alethi variety of Vorinism, fighting is considered the most important Calling, as the Almighty depends on Alethi to join the Heralds' army in their afterlife and win back the Tranquiline Halls.{{book ref|sa1|28}}
== 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) sincefrom 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. Feminine arts include painting, reading, writing, and music. Flutes are a commonly chosen instrument, however, it is rare for side-blown flutes to be found on Roshar.{{book ref|sa1|57}} 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]]{{wob ref|333}} or [[Kaladin]] for [[Kalak]].{{wob ref|3199}}
 
There is some crossover among different groups within Vorinism, such as with Essential Theology, which is known to be used by ardents, scholars, and Soulcasters, and is related to polestones.{{book ref|sa3|109}}
 
{{anchor|Causal}}
All official Vorin betrothals must be signed and verified by ardents. As a result, people sometimes use a '''causal''' betrothal, which makes them practically engaged but confers no legal benefts.{{book ref|sa2|1}}
 
=== Law ===
 
== Priesthood ==
[[File:Kadash.jpg|thumb|right|200px|<center><small>by {{a|botanicaxu}}</small></center> [[Kadash]], a Vorin ardent]]
{{for|Ardent|more information about Vorin clergy}}
 
The Vorin priests are called '''ardents'''; the entirety of them is referred to as the '''ardentia'''. In matters of faith, they are led by a '''council of Curates''', operating out of the Holy Enclave in the [[Veden]] city of [[Valath]]. This council has the authority to excommunicate members of the church, including the leaders of Vorin countries, for heresy -- a right given to them by the Covenants of Theocracy, an unspecified, but centuries-old document. They can be recognized by their blue robes, as well as gem-encrusted staves, far more ornate than is considered proper post-Hierocracy.{{book ref|sa3|100}}
Vorin priests are referred to as [[ardent]]s. Ardents join devotaries (sects) based on their beliefs. Both men and women can become ardents,{{book ref|sa1|i|8}} though many of the devotaries encourage women toward the feminine arts rather than studies of theology.{{book ref|sa1|33}}
 
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}}
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}}
 
=== 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}}
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:
 
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.
* '''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.▼
 
Known devotaries include:
* '''The Devotary of Sincerity''' is dedicated to seeking truth in all things. Members believe that there is always something to learn, and everything is subject to scrutiny, even their own religion. No question is rebuked. It is the smallest devotary.{{book ref|sa1|48}}▼
 
▲* {{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.
* '''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}}
 
▲* {{anchor|Devotary of Sincerity}}'''The Devotary of Sincerity''' is dedicated to seeking truth in all things. Members believe that there is always something to learn, and everything is subject to scrutiny, even their own religion. No question is rebuked. It is the smallest devotary.{{book ref|sa1|48}}
* '''The Devotary of Denial''' seems to emphasize the denial of desires to the point of asceticism.{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}
 
* {{anchor|Devotary of Insight}}'''The OrderDevotary of TalenelatInsight''' is relatednot todescribed. theMany [[Herald]]ardents [[Taln]] and, likely,from the attributesDevotary ascribedof to him by Vorinism. Those dedicated to this particular devotaryInsight are saidseen toexchanging havedulled alamps dislikefrom forthe theologicalPalanaeum debates.and Itputting isinfused viewedones by some as an order forin lessertheir peopleplace.{{book ref|sa1|5433}} TheThey Order of Talenelat maintainshave a presencetemple 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}}
 
* {{anchor|Devotary of Denial}}'''The Devotary of the MindDenial''' isseems ato monastic devotary with its home atemphasize the [[Jokasha Monastery]] on the western slopesdenial of the [[Horneater Peaks]]. It is devoteddesires to historical and linguistic study, with the focuspoint onof literatureasceticism.{{book ref|sa3sa2|i|212}}
 
* {{anchor|Order of Talenelat}}'''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 collective body of [[ardent]]s from all of the separate devotaries is called the ardentia.
 
* {{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 ==
=== Origins and Old Vorinism ===
Though the origins of Vorinism are lost to the [[Shadowdays]], it's known that the name "[[Almighty]]" was used to refer to [[Honor]] even back during the [[Desolation]]s -- in fact, it might predate human arrival on [[Roshar]], as it was used even by the [[Herald]]s themselves.{{book ref|sa1|19}}{{book ref|sasa1|part=prelude}} The Vorin religion came about around that time, basing itself on writings of a currently-unknown, but highly influential writer whom it was eventually named after.{{wob ref|12365}} [[Nohadon]] was another important figure during that time, and ''[[The Way of Kings (in-world)|The Way of Kings]]'' he penned was one of Vorinism's early holy texts.{{book ref|sa1|53}}
 
Back in the early days of the religion, now called '''Old Vorinism''', the [[Knights Radiant]] were an important part of the faith, and [[Immortal Words#The First Ideal|the First Ideal]] was a religious doctrine. The primary tenet of the faith, as far as can be ascertained, was that how one lived was far more important than what one had accomplished. Religion premeated every aspect of life, allowing the ardents to own land and property.{{book ref|sa1|53}}
 
=== Hierocracy: Fall and Aftermath ===
[[File:Rushu.png|thumb|right|200px|<center><small>by {{a|treefin}}</small></center> [[Rushu]], a researcher ardent]]
 
{{for|War of Loss}}
 
Despite ardentia having few privileges remaining from the days of Hierocracy, their social status has been slowly climbing back up over the past decades. The curates retain their right to excommunicate members of the Church without consulting with any political authority, and though they are forbidden from amassing wealth, some of it still finds its way into their hands.{{book ref|sa3|100}} In addition, ardents are increasingly often used as yet another political tool by the lighteyes.{{book ref|sa1|54}} Some people -- not only ardents, but even laymen -- seek the return of Hierocracy, chief among them the [[Sons of Honor]].{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}{{book ref|sa2|88}} Other groups, like the [[Envisagers]], desire to go even further back, to the age of Old Vorinism.{{book ref|sa2|71}}
 
With the coming of the [[Everstorm]] and the return of the [[Knights Radiant]], the future of Vorinism is unclear. Many of its tenets, chief among them that the [[Aharietiam]] was the final desolationDesolation, have been proven wrong, the Heralds are quite mad, and the leaders of the largest anti-Odium faction are a heretic and an atheist.{{book ref|sa3|122}} For now, the church strives to retain control through hamfisted means like-- most notably, the Curates' sudden excommunication of [[Dalinar Kholin]], althoughwho, thisat mightthe nottime, had began to loudly proclaim Almighty's death. This is unlikely to be sufficient, however, as there are some who believe that now is the time to break free from Vorinism.{{book ref|sa3|100}}{{book ref|sa3|107}}
 
==Notable Members==
 
=== 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]] - former soldier, who resigned after the events of [[Rathalas]] and became Dalinar's ardent.
* [[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]] - swordsmaster in Dalinar's employ. Taught [[Adolin Kholin|Adolin]] and [[Renarin Kholin]] in the use of Plate and Blade.
* [[Zahel]] - warrior ardent who teaches [[Adolin]], [[Renarin]] and [[Kaladin]] swordmanship and how to fend off a [[Shardbearer]].{{book ref|sa2|16}}
▲* [[Ellista]] - scholar atardent from the [[Jokasha Monastery,]] who studiedworks theon deciphering [[Dawnchant]] andtexts.{{book discerned it was only a universal written language.ref|sa3|i|2}}
▲* [[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}}
▲* [[Rushu]] - an ardent/ scholar, associate of [[Navani]].{{book ref|sa2|4}}
 
=== 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|VedishVeden]] [[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 ==
{{Stormlight}}
[[category: religion]]
[[category: notable articles]]
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