The Divinities of Thavnair

From Final Fantasy XIV Online Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Thavnair is "home to many gods," as it's people worship many different entities, called "divinities", who possess myriad forms and personalities. Some divinities are kind and gentle, others stern and temperamental, just as their mortal worshippers can be. Regardless, all of them are believed to be of great insight and experience, and by heeding Their teachings, the people of Thavnair strive to be better people and live better lives.[1]

The members of this diverse and bountiful pantheon can be divided into two (equally revered) groups: the Manusya and the Mrga.[1][2]

Manusya

The Manusya are described as beings of wisdom who assume the form of men, but wear animal faces as a show of esteem for the might of their counterparts, the Mrga.[2] They are said to love the petals of red flowers, which symbolize life, and remind the divinities of the lifeblood that grants them power. Similar in some regards to the gods of Eorzea, the Manusya preside over the many aspects of thavnairian life.

Among the more famous Manusya known are the three The Magus Sisters, each of whom presides over a different aspect of life. Each magus sister is usually worshipped for different reasons, even though they are often depicted together in artistic works.[3]

  • Cinduruva: The eldest sister, a goddess of wisdom. Bright yellow is said to be her color, and is thus associated with the intellect prized most by Alchemists.[3]
  • Sanduruva: The middle sister, a favorite of traders. The wealth she presides over not only includes money, but activities indicating a rich social life, like feasts, festivities, and companionship. Green is said to be her color, though some believers attest that only dark green will do.[3]
  • Minduurva: The youngest sister, she presides over the crafts, and is beloved by weavers. The vibrant red she favors is often associated with artistic talent.[3] [4]

Mrga

The Mrga are beings of might who assume the form of beasts, but possess the heads and/or limbs of men, as a show of esteem for the wisdom of their counterparts, the Manusya. They are said to love the petals of orange flowers, reminiscent of the rays of sunlight that are a source of power for the Mrga.[5]

Similar in some ways to the far-eastern kami, the Mrga hold power over nature. In ages past, They were revered as guardian deities in times of conflict.

  • Daivadipa can be counted among the Mrga traditionally worshipped in Thavnair. In the old tongue of the Arkasodara, his name means ‘heavenly light’ or simply ‘eye’─a reference to his ability to discern good and evil. Its legends say that, seeking the wisdom of man, this bestial god exchanged one of his three snakelike heads with a Manusya's. The only Daivadipa manifestation known to living memory was encountered near the Tower of Zot, making it much more likely to be a primal of the tower's making, rather than the true Mrga.[6]
  • A "Gaja-headed" Mrga, depicted by a large statue found at the The Font of Maya, is venerated as an ancestor of the Arkasodara. It is implied to have been built by the order of Arkasodara ascetics who once lived there.[7]

Dragons

Thavnair has long held Dragons in a special place of esteem, due to the key role a certain guardian dragon played in the founding of the island, and it's primary city-state, Radz-at-han. The ancestors' of Radz-at-han's current satrap[8] were said to have forged a pact with this benevolent dragon long ago, leading to dragons being viewed by the hannish in a much more favorable light than in other parts of Hydaelyn.[9][10]

Venerated Locations

Traditions and Methods of Worship

Objects

  • Charms or Talismans are often held or worn as jewelry, offering various protections or well-wishes to the intended recipient.[17]
  • Crystals: the Thavnairian peoples believe that crystals have the power to grant wishes and heal sickness.[18]
  • Fabrics: When a new baby is born, it is custom for the father to swaddle the child in festive silks, the color of which is an expression for the parents' wishes in how their child might grow.[19]
  • Gulal Powder: A soft, colorful powder, derived from turmeric, bilva, and other medicinal herbs. Traditionally thrown upon another person to wish them well or ward away misfortune.[20]

Words of Wisdom

“

Just as life leads to death, so too does death lead to life.
Do not shed tears for the departed, for they have but set foot upon a new journey.
Be not forlorn that your paths have diverged, but look forward with joy to the day that they might cross again.[21]

—

“

Should your heart quake with sadness, cast your mind to the heavens and remember. Remember the teachings of the old gods.
Did they not implore us to stand fast when waves of sorrow break against our shores?
Know this, my children. There is more ugliness than beauty in this world.
To live is to suffer.
To drink of calamity and drown in anguish.
To toil and be tested, always and ever.
'Tis a perilous path you walk. Death lurks in the dark, and is the sole promise that awaits at journey’s end.
You will tremble with terror. You will weep tears of anger and despair
But do not avert your eyes. See your life for what it is.
Then will you see how the hardships make you strong.
Every doubt reforged as scales for your armor. Every agony to temper your blade…[22]

—

Dances

Key elements of this section article are incomplete. You can help the Final Fantasy XIV Wiki by expanding it.

References

Special thanks to the [compilation on the Near East] created by [mirkemenagerie], which authors of this page used to locate many of the referenced quotes and material.

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Khanga, during quest House of Divinities “Now, I don’t know how it is whence you hail, but our isle is home to many gods. They can be divided into two groups: the Manusya, beings of wisdom who assume the form of men; and the Mrga, beings of might who assume the form of beasts. Together They are divinities─Their forms and personalities many and varied. Some are kind and gentle, others stern and temperamental─just like we mortals can be. All are possessed of great insight and experience, and by heeding Their teachings, we strive to be better people and live better lives. Different though They may be, both the Manusya and the Mrga are equally divine and equally revered.”
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Hasveydah, during quest House of Divinities "In ancient times, the Manusya and the Mrga─deities who look like men and beasts, respectively─were locked in conflict. Eventually, seeking the wisdom of the Manusya, the Mrga cast aside Their own heads and took up those of Their foes. Likewise, the Manusya coveted the might of the Mrga, and so They too resolved to trade heads. Thus were born new gods possessed of both might and wisdom, and They ushered in an age of harmony between the two factions. From then on, as a sign of Their esteem for one another, the Manusya have worn animal faces, and the Mrga the limbs of men. We honor the Manusya and the Mrga by incorporating Their sacred images into works both practical and artistic."
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Matsya, during quest House of Divinities: "They are Manusya─you heard about Them already, yes? Three sisters. The center one is the eldest. Cinduruva, a goddess of wisdom. For this, alchemists hold Her in the highest. To Her right is the middle sister, Sanduruva. As a goddess of wealth, She counts many traders among Her followers. And on the left is Minduruva, the youngest sibling. She presides over the crafts, and so is beloved by weavers. Although each is worshipped for different reasons, the sisters are usually portrayed together in these works, which people keep in their homes for good fortune."
  4. ↑ Maru: “I’ve been wantin’ some flowers to lay down as an offerin’ to Sanduruva… Only a certain kind’ll do, though─dark green astamudgara. They only grow at Night’s Watch, to the east of Yedlihmad. Of all eight colors of astamudgara, they say Sanduruva likes this dark green the best. When you’re prayin’ for good business, it’s these flowers or nothin’.”
  5. ↑ However, it seems to be implied that the sun is not the *only* possible source of the Mrga's power.
  6. ↑ Daivadipa Card
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Matsya, during quest House of Divinities: "The Mrga hold power over nature. In ages past, They were revered as guardian deities in times of conflict. If you have occasion to visit our temples and ruins, you'll find Their images there. Among them is a god who possesses a gaja's head, and He is venerated as the progenitor of the Arkasodara. And then there are dragons. They occupy a special place in our history."
  8. ↑ it's leader
  9. ↑ Matsya, during House of Divinities: “It’s said that an ancestor of the satrap─that’s the ruler of Radz-at-Han─forged a covenant with a dragon divinity in ancient times. This divinity has since acted as the guardian deity of the satrap. Legend holds that, if ever the satrap is in need, his dragon ally will fly to his aid!”
  10. ↑ Ahewann: “A necessary subterfuge, as the true tale of our nation’s history illustrates most effectively. In the beginning, the rock upon which our city is built was home to Vrtra, and Vrtra alone. In time, the ancestors of the Matanga came to the island and established a foothold, but never did they dare disturb the wyrm’s lair. Next to arrive were the Au Ra. Adopting the example of their Arkasodara allies, they too treated Vrtra with reverence and respect. And for many years, an understanding between our forefathers and the great wyrm endured…Until marauding Hyurs from the mainland came, threatening to shatter our peace and tranquility. When it seemed all would be drowned in blood, Vrtra himself came forth and quelled the rising conflict. A peaceful accord was reached, and oaths sworn in Vrtra’s name. Thus began the dragon’s governance of the fledgling state which was to grow into Radz-at-Han.”
  11. ↑ Endwalker Sightseeing Vista #023 - The Shroud of Samgha
  12. ↑ Weary Radiant during the quest In Agama's Footsteps: "Thank you for escorting him here. Truly you are worthy of the reputation you've earned─I daresay even Agama would be awed by your bravery. He was a storied mendicant of the Arkasodara. When the Hyurs landed ashore this island and war broke out, he spared no effort to save the lives of all who were injured in the conflict. He saw no tribes, only those in need. He is not so different from you, who throws himself into the maw of danger to save someone they've never met. If Agama's spirit lives on today, it is through your selfless deeds!"
  13. ↑ Ahewann: “I would have you board this boat and circle around to the north side of the island. There you will find a dense jungle we call Vanaspati. It is a sacred wood, home to many temples and a number of villages.”
  14. ↑ Endwalker Sightseeing Vista #024 - The Font of Maya
  15. ↑ Matsya: “If we follow Ksiroda south, we will arrive at Purusa, a temple. It is a sacred place where people go to commune with the divinities.”
    Lost Girl: “We can’t go to the shrine without something to offer the Manusya and the Mrga─everyone knows that!”
    Troubled Father: “Purusa is said to be a place where we can commune with the spirits of our ancestors.”
  16. ↑ Endwalker Sightseeing Vista #021 - Kadjaya’s Footsteps
  17. ↑ Mehryde: “That woven bracelet is a talisman of sorts─it creates a bond between gods and mortals. The tighter the braiding, the stronger protection it offers from a fate most dreadful. In Radz-at-Han, it is a tradition to present one to your lover. Wind-up Magus Sisters: “The Magus Sisters are revered deities in Thavnair, and their images are popularly peddled in Radz-at-Han as talismans. Talisman Needleleaf: “The fortune-teller wrote that the talisman needleleaf dispels negative thoughts, bringing a sense of calm to those who consume them.”
  18. ↑ Yedjina: “In Thavnair, they believe crystals have the power to grant wishes and heal sickness. It may sound like superstitious nonsense, but crystals are curious things. Part of them exists somewhere between the living and the material. As such, elemental energies can reside within them quite readily. They can influence your mind and spirit using the aether within you, which is precisely why the wish you imbue them with is so important. If the wish is impure, then so shall be the crystal’s effects on the user.”
    Crystal Merchant: “Have you decided what you want to wish upon the crystals? Haven’t you heard? Here in Radz-at-Han, crystals are given along with a wish. There’s no need to think on it too deeply. Simply envision the wish you would entrust the dancers with granting to their spectators. Once I know that, I can pick out the perfect stone for the occasion.” “Inner peace. Hmmm… In that case, emeralds will do quite nicely. In olden times, it was believed that the brilliant green sparkle could heal the heart as well as physical ailments.” “Protection from evil. I believe diamonds would be best for that. They say that the radiant gleam and hardiness of the gem makes it particularly effective against the realm’s many evils.” “Prosperity and wealth. For wealth, I suggest yellow sapphires. The lucid gold glimmer was once believed to invite fortune and secure riches.”
  19. ↑ Arkasodara Youth: “You see, my wife and I will soon be blessed with a child. It is custom for the father to swaddle the newborn in festive silk. According to our tradition, the silk swaddling’s color expresses the parents’ wishes for how their child might grow.
  20. ↑ Maru: “There’s an old island tradition that says peltin’ folks with gulal─er, colored powder, very soft─protects 'em from evil an’ brings good fortune. Each color even has its own particular blessin'─red for health, blue for tranquility, yellow for plenty, an’ so on.” Attentive Radiant: “Such a beautiful, vibrant color! And that distinctive, pleasant aroma… It may take a while to wash off, but that’s simply part of the fun. Red gulal is known to nurture good health and ward away injury.” Maru: “Our gulal is made from a Hannish recipe─it uses turmeric, bilva, an’ some other medicinal herbs, so it’s actually pretty good for you. Or so says the alchemist who taught me how to make it… But the most important ingredient─accordin’ to that alchemist─is the prayer you’ve got in your heart for the person you’re throwin’ it at. I dunno much about the science of it, but they say gulal works.”
  21. ↑ Sula: “From one of the divinities worshipped here were these words passed down, that we might send off our departed with its wisdom. Just as life leads to death, so too does death lead to life. Do not shed tears for the departed, for they have but set foot upon a new journey. Be not forlorn that your paths have diverged, but look forward with joy to the day that they might cross again.’”
  22. ↑ Matsya: Should your heart quake with sadness, cast your mind to the heavens and remember. Remember the teachings of the old gods. Did they not implore us to stand fast when waves of sorrow break against our shores?
    Resolute Civilian: “Know this, my children. There is more ugliness than beauty in this world. To live is to suffer. To drink of calamity and drown in anguish. To toil and be tested, always and ever.”
    Elderly Man of Palaka: “'Tis a perilous path you walk. Death lurks in the dark, and is the sole promise that awaits at journey’s end. You will tremble with terror. You will weep tears of anger and despair…”
    Man of Palaka: “…But do not avert your eyes. See your life for what it is. Then will you see how the hardships make you strong.”
    Unnerved Civilian: “Every doubt reforged as scales for your armor. Every agony to temper your blade…”

Retrieved from "https://ffxiv.consolegameswiki.com/mediawiki/index.php?title=The_Divinities_of_Thavnair&oldid=607097"