Difference between revisions of "Vorinism"

In Vorin religion, people believe in the [[Almighty]], the force of good and creator of mankind. He is typically represented by the divine prism, with the ten facets, representingeach for one of the Heralds. Each Herald is aan messengeremissary of the Almighty, wielding potent magical powers, as well as the ability to respond to prayers and patronage over a specific part of human experiene. Vorinism typically places [[Jezrien]] and [[Kalak]] as the highest among the Heralds, with others beneath them. Occassionally, either of them are conflated with the [[Stormfather]], who isin alsoturn is sometimescommonly equated with the Almighty himself, although this depends on the particular Vorin country.

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, and into Braize, the Damnation.{{book ref|sa1|45}}{{book ref|sa1|61}}

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. TheThen, 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.

Symmetry is considered holy in Vorinism. Many names are close to symmetrical, as names that are actually symmetric are looked down on as 'too holy' and blasphemous. Many Rosharans are named similarly to the heralds - for example Shallan for [[ShallashShalash]] or Kaladin for [[Kalak]].

The traditional temples for Vorinism are circular and domed. Usually, the dome is exactly ten feet tall at its highest point. They are often filled with statues and pictures of the Heralds.{{book ref|sa1|18}} A major city is expected to have a separate temple for each Herald. Additionally, wealthy lighteye families will often have private chapels, and the ardentia maintains monasteries throughout the continent. Such monasteries, such as [[Jokasha Monastery|Jokasha]], are often seen as highly desirable postings, with many ardents working decades to get into one.

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.{{cite}}

Following the Hierocracy, the ardents are not allowed to own any property of any kind, and they are directly owned by lighteyed lords, similar to slaves.

=== 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.

==Monasteries= Hierocracy ===

These priests were eventually cast down by the [[Sunmaker]] in the War of Loss. andThis theydirectly splitresulted intoin the ardentia splitting into devotaries, and the individual ardents becoming lighteye slaves.

* [[Ellista]] - Secondscholar interludeat in Oathbringer,the Jokasha Monastery., who Studiedstudied the [[Dawnchant]], and discerned it was only a universal written language.

* [[Pai]] - Twelfthnew interlude in Wordsmember of Radiance, Queen [[Aesudan]]'s retinue. Denounced the queen for her waste and was executed as a result, sparking riots.