XERES
Xeres is one of the oldest deities known. He was worshipped in Jardaa prior to humans fleeing that continent, and seems to have been brought to Rhean by the humans of Rhe. The Yarrins knew of him, and they have always venerated him, although his worshippers are few. There are many legends about Xeres and his place in the Cosmos. It is said that he is far older than most other gods, older than humanity. According to the tales, this is why he concerns himself with the stars and moons--they are older than humans, and wiser. Still, Xeres does have priests, and seems to occasionally be concerned with mankind. Mysteries and strange philosophies are naturally linked with him, as is the grand destiny of the multiverse.
Priests of Xeres are concerned with the sky and stellar mysteries; as they grow in their faith, they come to treat these more and more as symbols of the greater mysteries of the universe. Religious texts of the religion refer to the age and wisdom of the stars--removed from the common world, they do not see the passage of days, but of eons. Their concern is not in individual lives, but the lives of nations, cultures, and races. It has been said that priests of Xeres must go insane (by any normal standard) to fully comprehend the religion. Priests initially wear light blue robes; as they rise in the faith, the color darkens until midnight blue is reached. The highest ranks have robes which seem to be the night sky, with stars shining in their depths. Priests often use symbols of the moon and stars in addition to their holy symbol.
Priests often live in seclusion from the world so as to be better able to contemplate these abstract and remote ideas. High lands far from cities are preferred, so as to allow viewing of the night sky. However, there are a significant number of temples and shrines in cities and towns throughout Rhean, providing spiritual guidance to travelers, mages, sages, and explorers-- both of the world and of themselves. Many people venerate Xeres and seek his guidance without regularly worshipping him. Holy days of Xeres include every night Xere, the Great Moon, is full; any time of rare stellar occurence (such as conjunctions); the first day of Dawnfest (one of the most sacred), when all three moons are full; and a few others commemorating events. At these times, the day before is spent in quiet meditation and discussion, without eating or drinking spirits; once night falls, the congregation gathers outside where the stars and moons can clearly be seen. A prayer to Xeres is offered as the moons rise, and then a homily is offered by the attending priest. This generally consists of a long discourse on philosophy. After this, the group meditates in silence until the first moon sets. At this point, a long parade forms and winds throughout the countryside, examining the world as the light changes. Finally, as dawn breaks, a long prayer is offered to Xeres and the worshippers meet for breakfast, a quiet but joyous affair. Normal services are similar, but do not require fasting and are not so long. Generally, the priest is available for discussion and meditation at least one night per week, but services are typically only prayers each night.
As mentioned, some mages are attracted to the worship of Xeres, and one group, the Star Mages, have based much of their philosophy and ceremony on this worship. These enigmatic mages seek the isolation and understanding that Xeres offers, and have based themselves on the Plateau of Stars in east-central Rhean. This place is said to be one of the sites where the gods once walked the world, and where Xeres sat, contemplating the future that Ender revealed to him. Many priests of Xeres feel that this is the greatest pilgrimage they can undertake, but its existence is a guarded secret.
Granted Powers
Stories and Legends
The Tale of the Sun
In the early days, Xeres looked down upon the world, and he was its only light. In those days,
our people followed a queen, even as we do now, and the queen at this time was Ellia, who was renowned as
the most beautiful woman in the world. So beautiful was she that a light shown about her, warming all in her presence.
When Xeres saw this light, he wondered at it, and came to spend more and more time gazing down upon her.
Now, the lands to the south also had a queen, named Maag, who was not quite as lovely as Ellia, of course, and she had no
light, and was not the favored of Xeres. All these things gnawed at her, until at last she decided that if only Ellia died,
then Maag could be most beautiful, and would have the attention of the gods. So she invited Ellia to her home,
on a pretense of friendship, and there served her poison food and drink. And when Ellia returned home, she fell ill,
and none knew the source. As Ellia lay sick, her people cried out to Xeres to save her, for they did not want to live
without her. And Xeres heard the prayers, and decided that he did not want this to happen again. To save her forever, he took
her up in the sky with him, so that her light and warmth could shine across the world, and he called her the Sun.
Each day, she comes forth to watch and guide her people, and each night, as she sleeps, Xeres comes to look upon
the world. Sometimes he shares the day with her, for he loves her as well. And so it has been ever since.
But the story is not quite done. Ellia knew that Maag had caused her to fall ill, and looked upon her very
harshly when she first rose as the Sun. Maag was blinded by her anger, and burned by her wrath, and
her land grew parched, until Maag's people cast her out and she wandered, friendless and scarred.
This is why all those who have evil in their hearts fear the sun.