Category:Folklore

Folklore—and all the various things that it entails—is a large part of Avorah. There are a great number of myths and legends, hymns and fables, proverbs and psalms that guide the people who live in this world through their daily lives, and everything good (and bad) that might happen.

Religion
First and foremost among Avorah's folkloric influences is religion.

The House of the Father
The House of the Father, an ancient church founded by the Four Saints (and a mysterious Fifth about whom no one likes to talk anymore), is the primary governmental power on the continent of Phila, where most of the stories take place.

The House is split into four Sects, each headed by one of the Saints: Each Sect was once led personally by its Matron, back in the Age of Quiets which has since faded into myth. In the present day, the Sects are led by its Matron's Sisters, hand-selected women who best exemplify the doctrines by which their predecessors lived and taught.
 * Allacinne - Saint of Mercy
 * Vilaya - Saint of Justice
 * Ulria - Saint of Wisdom
 * Aca - Saint of Sacrifice

Often left out of discussion is Molestrine, the Fallen Pillar, Saint of Retribution. Often seen by laypeople as an eternally damned betrayer of God's expectations, in truth she is the noblest of martyrs, who gave all that she had in her utmost loyalty to her Father in Heaven by falling from His good graces and governing the evils and misfortunes that must be the balance to His blessings.

The Edranni
The Edranni are a selective community of healers who hail from the Edran-sa Islands, off the eastern coast of Phila; though noticably foreign with their dark skin, odd clothing, lilting accents and strange traditions, the Edranni are welcomed in open arms by the people of Phila due to their knowledge of healing. Most people think of this ability as being divinely, or mystically, granted, the truth is that the Edranni are simply gifted with keen understanding of human anatomy.

New Edranni are selected by older members, who look for a very specific temperament: a thirst to help others. Though other traits are considered vitally important—insight, intelligence, self-control—it is this natural sense of empathy that is foremost among them.

Edranni often will not accept payment for their services; though they may request accommodations when visiting a new settlement, they do not exchange their healing skills for coin. They consider their knowledge to belong to the world itself, and devote their nomadic lives to giving it to any who might require or benefit from it.

Myths, Legends, and Songs
Aside from scripture and sermons, lessons are often tought to people through stories. There are a number of particularly popular and important stories that are told most often:
 * The Parable of the Kingsmaid - the legend of how God came to claim Heaven as His own.
 * The Lady in the Fountain - a poem dedicated to Saint Vilaya.
 * Father, My Father - a hymn requesting the blessing of God.
 * The Fox and the Beggar - a myth concerning Saint Aca.