Difference between revisions of "Vorinism"

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== 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, one for each 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}}

 

 

=== Creation Myth ===

 

== Culture ==

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) from 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}}

 

 

==== The Right of Travel ====

The Right of Travel allows every Vorin citizen of sixth [[nahn]] or higher to freely travel between various Vorin lands.{{book ref|sa2|15}} Vast majority of darkeyes have this right. Lacking it ties a person to the land they were born in, and usually means that something has gone very badly for their ancestors.{{wob ref|2782}} However, joining the military automatically forfeits the Right of Travel for the duration of service.{{book ref|sa2|15}}

 

 

==== The Right to Learn ====

 

== Priesthood ==

 

 

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 ===

 

=== 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}}

 

 

They are the only people allowed to speak Almighty's tenth name, ''Elithanathile'', or He Who Transforms.{{book ref|sa1|7}}

{{image|Ellista.png|side=right|width=200px|[[Ellista]], a scholar from the Devotary of the Mind}}

 

 

Known devotaries include:

 

 

* {{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}}

 

* {{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 ===

 

{{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}}

 

 

==Notable Members==