WuHanXianShi14

Credit to Trinn, Nummy and OhDeerLord for the first heraldry piece, the Priesthood Tarot card, and the tattoo picture respectively!

The Savage Wolf, and the Stalwart Boar. Morea and Moccus are in fact two seperate Mani, yet are often spoken of in the same breath as the dual patrons of war. Morea is the wise and cunning, the stalker in the night. He leads his vast pack with ruthless calculation, finding where his enemies are weakest, and striking like lightning. Moccus, on the other hand, is indomitable and grounded. His hordes charge their foes head-on and trample over all who would oppose them.

Morea and Moccus are the most important Mani of the Ichorian sect of elnarnsae’ame, and attract worshippers among many elves who seek the life of a warrior. Morea blesses the hunters, those who fight with patience, precision and deadly silence. Moccus blesses the soldiers who charge into the foemen’s lines with their shields raised and spears pointed ahead.

But more than war, Moccus and Morea embody loyalty to the tribe and to the clan. Much like boars often lock tusks, and wolves quarrel amongst the pack, a tribe of elves may fight, but will always hold the survival of their unit above their personal squabbles. The values of the Wolf and the Boar transfuse into elven clan values.

Prayer:

“Morea, Ellaurir’Chirran

heya iheihuii Velulaei hiuwera,

kaean’leh ortilrun nae illerae.

kaean’leh Sirame ay’nae’leh lye myumierae.

Oh Morea, llytan, nae’leh ahern kae illera.”

“Laran Moccus. Oem heya ordivhiuw ito nae’leh.

lae heya cerun malarehan lomera.

kaean’leh ortilrun nae illerae.

kaean’leh Sirame ay’nae’leh lye myumierae.

Oh Moccus, ordivtilrun, nae’leh ahern kae illera.”

Offerings: Tributes of a hunt, equipment or weaponry of conquered enemies and fallen allies alike.

Ritual of Worship

There are many rituals that may be performed for the Wolf and Boar Princes, though the greatest celebration is held annually, in remembrance of The War of Moccus and Morea. The festivities begin at dawn with a hunt led by a warrior clan, who always return successfully with a plentiful gathering, and one live boar.

This day and their festivities are held by one of the myumierir’sul. They lead those gathered in prayer, dedicating one to each Prince, before they will perform a ceremonial sacrifice of the live boar kept from that morning. The heart is carefully carved from the animal, and the importance of it and its symbolism is stressed, before it is offered into the flames. Those who wish to make personal offerings are encouraged to before the ritual continues.

Any priest would now recount a short version of The War of Moccus and Morea, whilst three dressed as the Boar Prince, the Wolf Prince, and Artaxion entertain with an accompanying act. During the performance, those gathered who wish to join along on provided drums begin to play a well known, rhythmic and powerful beat, and continue on as the actors of Moccus and Morea shift into one on one combat, representing the annual duel between the two Mani.

War games follow the ceremony, and the winner of the duel is granted the first pick for teams. The style of game is not set in stone, and often changes yearly. Prior to the start of the game, competitors take part in prayer, speaking the Essence of War and drink a sip of the Essence of Cernunnos, boars blood.

Once the war games are finished, all come together for a feast, consuming the hunted boar from that morning, the flesh of the beast that was felled in the hunt by the blessing of the gods.

The Sovereign of all Cervidae, the silent watcher of the grass and woodlands. Amaethon’s realm is vast and rich, his subjects provide much game for the descendent races and that which he provides must never be taken for granted. For his subjects, the great horned beasts of the world can turn on the descendent predator at a moments notice.

He is the God of Regality for he is a Stag, the ruler of the herd and shows dignity in his realm. Of Compassion, for he must care for the health and wellbeing of his herd so it might survive the winter. Of Justice, for those who wrong the herd must face their sovereign and pay recompense. Of Fatherhood, as he must be an example to the rising bucks in the herd so that they may lead their own some day.

Prayer:

Ellaurir’Amean, Amaethon,

heya lye mamean marwehnsaenan’ehya ito narneyae,

kaean’leh ortilrun nae illerae.

kaean’leh Sirame ay’nae’leh lye myumierae.

Oh maehran lle’ehya Amaethon, nae’leh ahern kae illera.

Offerings: Peonies and daisies. Antlers from a hunted animal are one of the most favorable offerings.

Ritual of Worship

Amaethon’s chief ritual among his worshippers is the dance of Amaethon and the Silent Beast. To begin, a bonfire is raised near a shrine to Amaethon, ceremonial drums are then brought out to encircle the fire, the largest set in the middle and dedicated to whoever will lead in both prayer and song.

At the start of this ritual, the priest will lead those gathered in a prayer to the Prince of Cervidae, and whoever wishes to make an offering are called upon to bring it forward, and give it into the fire. Two individuals are chosen and are given hand-crafted costumes to wear. For the Silent Beast, a cruel wooden mask and dark robes under various shaggy and tattered pelts. And for The Prince of Cervidae, pure white, clean robes and a headdress of antlers.

While the priest recites the story to the gathering, the two chosen act it out in the form of an elegant and emotional dance. Those who have taken a spot at a drum follow a slow and steady beat until Amaethon overpowers the Beast, now drumming as loud and strong as they can. As the dance ends, the priest offers final words and a concluding prayer, those gathered repeating so.

The Wild Princess of Bears is capable of great ferocity, but also sincere gentleness. First and foremost, she is a spirit who values protection and guardianship. Bolomornaa does not seek war or conflict, she is not aggressive in this regard. Woe to those who threaten her cubs or tribe, however.

Fittingly she is revered as the patron of mothers and motherhood, for few things are more close to nature, than caring for and protecting one’s offspring. Blessings of Bolomormaa are sought by new mothers, or mothers-to-be, who wish to invoke her gentleness and protection. Mothers whose children are older, or those who occupy a protective role in society, may pray for her strength and ferocity.

Like a mother, the Princess of Bears always listens but does not always have to answer.

Prayer:

Elevarir Bolomormaa, Ellaurir ay’Lenotsan,

heya’leh cerun orhil’ehya adilnan okarere.

kaean’leh ortilrun nae illerae,

kaean’leh Sirame ay’nae’leh lye myumierae.

Oh Bolomormaa llean, ehya llytan’ehya, nae’leh ahern kae illera.

Offerings: Gardenia, rosebud and oleander flowers, tributes from a hunt, afterbirth.

Ritual of Worship

Those who wish to perform the ritual kneel around an altar, upon which sits a white beeswax candle surrounded by holly, oleanders and gardenias. Often there is slow, deep drumming throughout the ritual, but it is not required. The central candle is lit and offerings are added to the altar, while the one leading the ritual (usually a Priest) chants Bolomormaa’s prayer.

As the leader finishes the prayer, the others join in gradually growing in volume, repeating the prayer throughout. One by one, those who follow Bolomormaa lean forward with a colored candle they have brought with them, lighting it from the central white candle, while praising the Bear Mani and asking her to stir their inner bear. A purple candle symbolizes inner Balance, patience and motherliness. An orange candle symbolizes fire, protection and courage. A red candle symbolizes blood, childbirth and feminine power. After a candle is lit, it is placed upon the altar while the one bearing it stands and assumes a posture of strength as they take Bolomormaa’s qualities into themselves.

By this point, the chanting has grown into a roar, and the beating of one’s chest may join the drumming in creating a loud, powerful display until each has had their turn. Upon completion the leader indicates so and those present may leave, their blood pumping, muscles buzzing and feeling empowered by the Bear.

The great Raven is one of the most mysterious Mani, for she is the trickster, the bringer of prosperity and misfortune. It is the great Raven that presides over the fortunes of those in her flock, toying with the fates of the devout. It is known among her followers that worthy offerings to the raven often bring fortune, while in turn, she enjoys punishing those who displease her.

The Raven is most often disguised walking among us or watching us from the eyes of her children which nest upon her shrine.

Kwakwani is also a symbol of beauty in the world. Her black wings, painted with hints of color in the right light, spread color and beauty upon the winds as she flies above.

Prayer:

Lennielan Kwakwani, Ellaurir ay’Vulliran Len’ehya,

leyuan ito nae’leh orvalmsae.

kaean’leh ortilrun nae illerae,

kaean’leh Sirame ay’nae’leh lye myumierae.

Oh Kwakwani vullan ordivtulrun’ehya, nae’leh ahern kae illera.

Offerings : Coins, Precious Trinkets, Fallen Raven feathers, Beads.

Ritual of Worship

The Ritual of Fortune is a sacred ritual that is done in private. It is a special ceremony that is between yourself and the Goddess. Sitting in solitude at the feet of the Raven, one would lay a small bowl of trinkets and offerings before her. Then, taking a fallen raven feather, one would hold it to their heart, whispering upon the feather one’s wish or desire before placing the feather in the bowl with the offering. Following the laying of the feather, one would lay their own blood upon the feather, sacrificing not only material but part of themselves to the raven. Should their offering be pleasing, the raven will grant the wish.

The Ritual of Beauty is something that is to be shared and displayed to other Mali. Dressing in the garments of the Raven, black feathers adorning their shoulders as if wings with beads and feathers in their hair, the followers of the Raven paint intricate designs upon their skin in black paint. Then, as drums play out in the night, the followers of the raven spread their wings, dancing in sync to the beat as they circle the fire.

Lady of the sky, chieftainess of the bird of prey. It is said Nemglan is a Mani that can be in perpetual flight, never needing to land, and only doing so to perform its rare interactions with mankind or other beasts and Mani spirits. She is the god of Eagles, Hawks, Kestrels and Falcons. To the Elves, she is a patron of free will, for freedom is as natural to elfkind as the skies is to a bird.

Thunder is said to be an omen of Nemglan. The flapping of her great wings is said to cause the phenomenon, and lightning storms are said to be her wrath. As such, she is known to worshippers as the Thunderbird. Nemglan is also the patron of the journey. Those travelling long distances will pray to the Thunderbird for a safe arrival at their location. Those who fall ill of her favour will find themselves lost in storm.

Prayer:

Ordivtilruer Nemglan, Ellaurir ay’vallelacaelean.

heya’eh tahorranan mettaonn’ehya viran suliereyae,

kaean’leh ortilrun nae illerae.

kaean’leh Sirame ay’nae’leh lye myumierae.

Oh maehran lle’ehya Nemglan, nae’leh ahern kae illera.

Offerings: Feathers of an eagle or any other predatory bird, the protea and gladiolus flowers, small prey.

Ritual of Worship

The Storm - The opportunity to worship the Thunderbird comes when it storms. During a true hail of rain, thunder and lightning, devotees of Nemglan must trek to an area of high altitude where there is open air. They lay the ground around them with the feathers of an eagle, hawk or falcon- which often blow away in the stormy wind into the open air.

From then, the worshippers hold long metal rods decorated with feathers, bone and their own blood while speaking Nemglan’s prayer. This is a test of faith. If the lightning from the storm does not strike the rod-bearer, then the Thunderbird favours them. If they are struck by lightning, then they have angered her. This must continue until the storms end.

The Tamer - Falconing is, in and of itself, a sacred practice to worshippers of the Thunderbird. Devotees of Nemglan spend years seeking out her wildest beasts. Taming the fiercest of eagles and hawks and training them to kill. Skilled falconers who can lead their birds to catch the most pray donate parts of their hunt to Nemglan’s shrines to show their worthiness.

As there were many old wood elven seeds that dwelled by the rivers and coasts, aquatic Mani naturally came to be worshipped. None more prominent than Hamatsa- Prince of Dolphins, who was said to be able to guide great schools of fish into the nets of grateful fishermen. He is the patron of Sea-Dwellers, Fishermen, and Sailors, and one of the more friendlier Mani as he travels in a group with his species across the water and aids travellers that have lost their way.

Water has always been associated with the element of gentleness and healing. And as Hamatsa is a God of the water, with dolphins considered to be among the friendliest of the ocean’s creatures, Hamatsa himself is the patron of Elven healers, herbalists and doctors everywhere.

Fishermen often tell the tale of the gentle spirit of the sea which reflects the overall nature and attitude of Hamatsa. His playfulness knows no bounds and loves to play games with other creatures as well as Descendants. Though he might show gentleness towards mortals, this Mani Prince is also quite intelligent and will viciously attack in groups with its fellow kin to wipe out a threat.  

Prayer:

Ellaurir’Valleiansae, Hamatsa,

siyueran myan’ehya ito heya’leh lye,

kaean’leh ortilrun nae illerae.

kaean’leh Sirame ay’nae’leh lye myumierae.

Oh lle orwaleh’ehya Hamatsa, nae’leh ahern kae illera.

Offerings: Mandragora and larkspur flowers, fresh fish, seashells and pearls.

Ritual of Worship

Hamatsa’s most popular ritual is one meant to offer a day of joy and healing to those in need, or protection to someone planning on setting sail for a long period of time. The ideal location for the beginning of Hamatsa’s ritual is a cliff which overlooks the ocean, where the participating group will venture at sunrise. The myumierir’sul will lead the gathering in song and chant.

The ritual is all about becoming one with the sea, and from the cliff, the best way to do so is to leap into the welcoming waters of Hamasta’s domain. The goal now is to dive deep, retrieving as many of the ocean’s gifts from the seafloor before swimming to the nearest beach with them. Those who gathered shells and whatever else they found use them to decorate themselves, and others who may not have gotten anything.

All will put aside one of their found treasures to offer back to Hamatsa during his prayer, which is led by a myumierir’sul. The rest of the day is spent in the water, in song, in prayer, or all three at once. A feast of seafoods are prepared, and eaten on the sands of the beach as well.

To hear Owl is to know peace, for her prey will never hear her approach. Her speed, grace, and prowess as the hunter of the night surround her with tales of both death and comfort. This Mani also holds Knowledge, Wisdom, and Patience. Many would seek her out to gain her stories or tales and she is more often than not disguised as a normal messenger owl to a scholar or librarian. Those that show they are knowledge seekers, teachers, and/or watchers of the night may find an owl one day perched nearby to observe them working.

In elnarnsae’ame, Ohowaki is revered as one who brings realization, enlightenment and wisdom. All who value such qualities respect her, but it is those whose life is dedicated to teaching and learning, who would mark themselves with her Crest.

Prayer

Ohowaki maehran, Ellaurir ay’Ibaran.

lyun ito heya’leh orrarnan,

kaean’leh ortilrun nae illerae.

kaean’leh Sirame ay’nae’leh lye myumierae

Oh Ohowaki ormaehr, ehya leyuan, nae’leh ahern kae illera.

Offerings: Calla lilies, iris and clary flowers, owl feathers, books, letters or poems.

Ritual of Worship

In reference to the silence with which an owl hunts, this ritual is conducted in total silence.

Upon an altar, or on the ground centered between those performing, carrying oil infused with peppermint is heated under a small flame to allow the aroma to spread around. Irises, calla lilies, clarys and larkspurs will often be laid around the oil burner as well. The Priest or other leader of the ritual comes to those gathered bearing a single lit white candle, often they are also adorned with feathers or the likeness of an owl. This symbolizes Ohowaki bringing knowledge and enlightenment to Descendants.

The leader offers the candle’s flame to the other attendees, who will light their own candles from it. Should there be many people there, the flame passes to those nearest to the leader firstly, then is passed outward in a chain or web. Once the candles are lit, those present move down to sit or kneel and meditate before their candle- The flame of knowledge that Ohowaki has gifted them. At this point the ritual is complete, but many worshippers of the Great Moonlight Bird will remain in meditation for hours afterward.

Machana is a Mani whose influence holds much weight in the realm of Descendants, her kin coexisting as Elven mounts. Unlike other Mani, Machana has a more passive nature and often refuses to engage in conflict. However, anyone who mistreats their mount may awake one day to find an organized stampede of horses flattening their stable and galloping their way to freedom.

Machana, like all Mani, watches over her flock in nature. All herds of wild horses are her domain, and she dutifully leads them to the greenest pastures and most suitable climates. Men and Elves who seek to tame a wild horse will often be blessed by Machana with a strong and loyal steed should they make the right offerings and afford the right respect beforehand.

Her shrines often sit outside of cities, or along the road, reflecting the come-and-go nature of worshippers and the Mani herself. Offerings may be placed before a long journey, or upon returning home safely.

Prayer:

Machana, heya wynan’anoh marwehnsaenan hiuwera

heya lye divohn wehnsaenan ito narneyae,

kaean’leh ortilrun nae illerae.

kaean’leh Sirame ay’nae’leh lye myumierae.

Oh Machana, leyuan, nae’leh ahern kae illera.

Offerings: lathyrus, amaryllis and sweet pea flowers, braids of horse hair, carvings or figurines.

Ritual of Worship

A circle of drums is prepared by Priests of Machana, always outdoors to reflect the wild nature of the Princess of Steeds. Usually the ritual is performed midday, and attendees will braid their hair or otherwise take on the likeness of a horse. Worshippers drum together vigorously, to simulate the galloping of horses, while dancers assemble in the centre of the circle.

The dancers face inwards and take the wrist of their opposite partner, before turning to the right. They then dance together to the drumming, simulating a herd of wild horses galloping together. Through this a Priest will lead worshippers in chanting Machana’s prayer, to complete the ritual. Afterward, many worshippers will undergo travel or may ride at leisure, under the blessing of their patron Princess.

Prayer:

Marvull Felixi, Ellaurir’leh Ame

Heya'leh taliyuan uell uhiereyae,

Kaean'leh ortilrun nae illerae.

Kaean'leh Sirame ay'nae'leh lye myumierae.

O' Felixi, sulierir'ordivulie, kae'leh ahern kaean illera.

Offerings: Cat grass, an Arctic Hare corpse, or something you would consider a secret

Ritual of Worship

In accordance to the secretive nature of the Wildcat, the ritual undertaken in her honor is done in a quiet place away from prying eyes and listening ears.

A proper altar to the Wildcat goddess is made of any material so long as it is a sturdy and crafted in a basic rectangular shape with two cat-like eyes carved into it, one for the left and right side of the altar. The ritual itself is led by a singular priest of Felixii, adorned in the sleek finery of a Wildcat or alternatively face paint depicting a cat and/or significant to the Wildcat. The ritual itself is fairly straightforward. The priest approaches the altar and arranges the offerings, an arctic hare corpse in the center and one bundle of cat grass atop each carved eye of the table- As if they were peering through the tendrils of grass  to observe their prey in the center. The priest then chants the elven prayer aloud for all who gathered to hear it, requiring absolute silence in order for the words to be heard by the Wildcat herself. Once the prayer is had, the priest beckons the attendees to line up before the altar with their offerings of small game or cat grass to add onto whats already been placed. Once the offering of one attendee has been added, they must whisper a secret of their own to the altar so that it may be counted among Felixii’s vast collection.

It is said that if the Wildcat deems a secret exceptional and/or worthy, the whisperer of the offering will catch a glimpse of one such cat watching from the shadows or brush before swiftly disappearing from sight.

The Green Priesthood is comprised mostly of Elven Druids and their acolytes. Their mandate is to preserve and spread the traditional tribal culture of the mali’ame people, through promoting the worship of the Aspects and the Mani, and the facilitation of spiritual festivals, dances, and rituals. 

The Green Priesthood is led by three Archpriests, who oversee the cultural and spiritual activities conducted by all the spiritual leaders in the circle. 

The bulk of the Green Priesthood is made up of Priests, these are attuned druids who have been trained rigorously in the ancient practices of the Wild Faith, and now administer to the spiritual needs of the mali’ame, Alders and other forest peoples. 

Under Priests are Acolytes, who in essense are Priests in training, each one under the tutelage of a specific Priest. They undergo a set of rigorous trials that prepare them for life as both a druid and a Priest, before being given the Druidic gift in a ritual known as attunement. 

The process of inking ones skin is a universally sacred practice among all the Alder and Irrinite tribes who follow elnarnsae’ame. These tattoos vary greatly in form and meaning. Principally, a tattoo on a Wood Elf represents either the Clan to which they belong, the role or occupation they hold in society, or the specific Gods they choose as their patrons.

Clan tattoos are a way for all Elves to identify each other by each tribe they belong to. A clan tattoo has a uniform aesthetic that all members of the clan bare. Caerme’onn bares crimson red streaks that resemble a stag’s horns, while Ithelanen bare cyan streaks that embody their honoured dead. Most Elven clans don’t accept folks as full members until they’ve completed their trials and earned their clan tattoos.

Status and patronage tattoos take on the likeness of specific Mani gods. Each Mani embodies traits that reflect upon certain societal roles, thus different societal tattoos are bound to different Mani. For example, a tattoo of Kwakwani is worn by artists. And a tattoo of Morea is worn by warriors and chieftains. But they can also be worn by Priests of those Mani, and general worshippers of them.

A list of some standing Ilmyumier can be found here.

In order to join two Elves together in a life bond, the couple must earn the approval of their Clan chieftains. If the bride or groom is of no clan, then their closest immediate family must approve.

With a trained Priest of the myumieri’sul, a couple may proceed with a union taking place somewhere sacred to the Aspects and Mani. This includes shrines, Druidic Groves, or areas of nature connecting the mortal and fae realms.

Before the ceremony, the marrying couple must make one another sacred life gifts. The gift partners give one another must be symbolic of their entire lives leading up to this point. So, in giving the gift to their love, they are effectively handing their life over to them.

The gift can be anything. A warrior could symbolize their life in the form of a weapon, with carvings and decorations special for their lover. A hunter might braid a specially crafted bearskin for their partner. Many Elves decide to carve totems of their lives from a block of wood.

The Ceremony

When a place has been chosen and invitations sent, the ceremony begins. The process in which the progresses differs from Clan to Clan, and Elf to Elf, but by in large, the traditional wedding goes as follows.

1) The chieftain of the Seeds the two Elves hail from must lead them to the altar, and present them to the priest. The chieftain must speak aloud that he presents his seedkin to the myumierir’sul so they may be wed. If the engaged couple are from the same Seed, the chieftain of that seed leads them both up. If one does not belong to a Seed, they are represented by their closest blood-relative.

2) The Priest begins by establishing the sanctity of the ritual. They must bless the couple in the name of their clan’s patron Mani, and the Aspects themselves. They must speak a sermon on how the joining of man and woman is a natural balance, just like the wilds themselves of which the Elves hold so sacred.

3) The Priest instructs the two Elves to present to each other their life vows and speak their sacred oaths. The male goes first traditionally, then the female. Both explain the meaning of their gift, and how it embodies their life, then put it in the hands of their lover. If they wish to speak additional vows, they can.

4) The priest offers a knife made of bone to the couple. The man traditionally goes first with the woman following, slicing his hand and allowing blood to pool in his palm. The myumieri’sul then instructs the man to mark the woman’s forehead with his own blood, the woman following once again. This marking can take any shape the individual chooses, and simply acts as another symbol of giving themselves to the other.

5) The Priest then presents a jug with two spouts before the couple. This jug is filled with water from a druidic Attunement pool. Water is the lifeblood of all nature, and thus considered sacred. In drinking the holy water together, the couple are sealing their lives as one. The Priest instructs them to drink, and they must until the jug is empty. In doing so, the couples have joined themselves in blood and water, the two sacred essences of life.

6) Once the water is drained, the Priest must seal the marriage in the eyes of the Aspects. He must speak the following words (once again with room for adaptation):  “And so it is sealed. May the mother of spring bare them many children and have them grow healthy, the father give them strength, bravery and willpower in the years to come. Under the light of the Aspects, I declare you man and wife.” This sermon can be adapted to fit the clan’s patron Mani instead.

Celebration

Any wedding is meant to be followed by an all day and night celebration, with all of their kin and any citizen wishing to join in. Directly after the ceremony, is another display of faith and dedication to the Aspects and Mani, in the form of a drum circle and dancing from both the newlyweds and then their guests.

The Elven Seeds then use this occasion as a way to flaunt their wealth, providing drinks and tables of the finest foods in honor of the couple and all their guests. Drinking games are common, and so are the finest and freshest hunted meats.

Commonly during an Ichorian celebration, many men and women then choose to take to the ring, sparring to show off their strength and bravery in the name of Morea. After a few free rounds, a tournament begins, and the champion is fabled to be the next to wed!

More information on traditional mali’ame wedding customs can be found here.

When an Elf of elnarnsae’ame passes, their kinsfolk speak a prayer to the great Aspects above, and the patron Mani of their clan, begetting the dead’s soul either passes into the faerie realm, or is reborn into something pure and new. In one form or another, the body is returned to nature. In this, there are three ways to do so. The rite of earth, fire, and water.

In the funeral rite of earth, family members of the passed Elf bury his body in a land with fertile soil. They then plant a small sapling atop the dirt where their corpse lays. The body fertilizes the tree and thus in passing, the Elf’s corporeal form is returned to nature.

In the funeral rite of water, family members of the passed Elf lay his body on a raft of lilies and reeds beset with offerings to their patron Mani, and float him down a river, or into the ocean. In doing this, the body is eventually swallowed up by the waters and becomes sustenance for the creatures of the depths, returning its essence to nature.

In the funeral rite of fire, family members of the passed Elf place his body on a great pyre beset with offerings to their Patron Mani, and set it alight. When the body is burnt, the ashes are collected and spread into the sky over fertile soil, so that it may enrich the land. In this, its essence is returned to nature.