Bothean pantheon
Spirituality is an important part of a Yevat's life, and it's a complex subject. Every Yevat is free to believe in what they want to, but at the same time, spirituality is such an important part of the society and how it works than it's often badly seen to be an atheist. Honored gods will also vary according to a region or town, and according to each individual.
Reading this page is completely optional for your understanding of the universe and is simply here as bonus content. Introduction A Yevat deity always serves a purpose and is "summoned" whenever a Yevat think that he needs something. But beware, Yevatem seldom pray their gods; gods are more like brothers and sisters to them. If they need their help, they'll call their name or sing their song like you'd call a friend to help you. And gods are known to only act when they want, either to meliorate a situation, either get it worse. They are the personification of natural events such as death or the wind and do not always have a physical appearance. To this day, no proof of their existence has been found. Theories say that they could be of the same kind as the Maze Jumper, but nothing could actually reveal if it's true or not. It's also known in Yevat history that the gods used to appear more in the past than nowadays, as if they all disappeared with time. The gods are named in Yevat language: "Sorkatimsaal(em)", "Souls from the heart." Disclaimer: The artworks and designs present in this page are owned by people. They're supposed to illustrate praying Yevatem or believers, even if that's not always true. They are not representations of the gods. Save from Bothea and the Maze Jumper, god's appearance will vary greatly according to regions and beliefs, or is simply unknown. |
The primordial entities
A Yevat is free to not believe in any god, but he can't escape the primordial entities. Every Yevat grows up with the idea that they are real, and present all around them up to the very tip of their body and soul.
Yevat, the Soul, Otimsaalyevat - the FATHER In Yevat language, "Ye" means "one" and "vat" means "the same." All together, we are the same, is their life motto. The FATHER isn't technically a god, but more a huge entity, a huge source of power and mystical energy. There's no Yevat word for "Father," so you'll only see the primordial Yevat named "the FATHER" in english translations like here. However, we can consider that "the FATHER" is a good equivalent, because Yevatem consider this entity in a paternal way; the Yevat is strong, judgemental (gives rewards and punishments), strict, and educational. In some rare cases, the primordial Yevat can be named "Sorkayevat" (the most important Yevat, the heart, the core of our species), but it'll more generally appear just as "the Yevat." "Yevat watches over us. He watches our behaviour, and how we feed his soul." "At first, the Yevat was one, whole, single and complete. He wanted to have a physical body, but his power was too big to enter into any of Bothea's vessel. He understood that only small parts of himself could enter a body without damaging it. He then decided to split up into multiple, tiny bits of himself, separating into millions of souls. The Yevatem were born." (Here, the noun "he" is used simply by default. In Yevat language, the noun has no gender.) |
Yevatem believe that inside of each of them flows the mystical energy of the primordial Yevat. When they die, their soul returns to the Yevat, the huge entity. The concept of a "soul" for a Yevat is more like a gifted piece of energy, a piece from something bigger.
Every Yevat is raised with the idea that he's a part of the FATHER. It's so important for any Yevat that their whole society turns aroud this axis. Some rare Yevatem can not believe in the FATHER, but they generally remain silent about it, for it's taboo. "How can you not feel your own soul? How can you not feel that you're part of him?" Not believeing in the FATHER make any Yevat appear as an idiot, a fool, and sometimes even a valis in some countries.
The primordial Yevat's role is simple: when a Yevat dies, the energy flow of his soul returns to the whole, and the FATHER will judge the Yevat's actions in his life:
- If the Yevat lived a normal life, he'll transmit his knowledge to the huge entity, and he'll be able to reincarnate as another Yevat.
- If the Yevat was good to other Yevatem, was generous and helpful, or did something deserving, the FATHER will reward this Yevat in his next reincarnation with a pair of wings (Velilyevat.)
- If the Yevat was a criminal or a valis, he'll be excluded from the FATHER's soul and will reincarnate into an animal or a plant, and will never be able to join the Yevat again.
Yevatem believe that the primordial Yevat is purifying himself through this process. They have no idea, but only personal theories, about what the FATHER might try to achieve when he'll have gathered enough Yevatem's experiences.
The pridmordial Yevat is known to not communicate with his souls: the only way to meet him is to die. When Yevatem says the word "Yevat", it's a powerful word because they talk about their people, their hopes, their past and future, and the energy which flows in each of them. Saying "A zem Yevat" ("I'm a Yevat"/"I am Yevat") is always meaningful and powerful.
Every Yevat is raised with the idea that he's a part of the FATHER. It's so important for any Yevat that their whole society turns aroud this axis. Some rare Yevatem can not believe in the FATHER, but they generally remain silent about it, for it's taboo. "How can you not feel your own soul? How can you not feel that you're part of him?" Not believeing in the FATHER make any Yevat appear as an idiot, a fool, and sometimes even a valis in some countries.
The primordial Yevat's role is simple: when a Yevat dies, the energy flow of his soul returns to the whole, and the FATHER will judge the Yevat's actions in his life:
- If the Yevat lived a normal life, he'll transmit his knowledge to the huge entity, and he'll be able to reincarnate as another Yevat.
- If the Yevat was good to other Yevatem, was generous and helpful, or did something deserving, the FATHER will reward this Yevat in his next reincarnation with a pair of wings (Velilyevat.)
- If the Yevat was a criminal or a valis, he'll be excluded from the FATHER's soul and will reincarnate into an animal or a plant, and will never be able to join the Yevat again.
Yevatem believe that the primordial Yevat is purifying himself through this process. They have no idea, but only personal theories, about what the FATHER might try to achieve when he'll have gathered enough Yevatem's experiences.
The pridmordial Yevat is known to not communicate with his souls: the only way to meet him is to die. When Yevatem says the word "Yevat", it's a powerful word because they talk about their people, their hopes, their past and future, and the energy which flows in each of them. Saying "A zem Yevat" ("I'm a Yevat"/"I am Yevat") is always meaningful and powerful.
Bothea, goddess of the flesh - the MOTHER
Bothea is unique in her kind, since she's the only god with a physical body in this pantheon: she is the planet the Yevatem lives on. The word "Bothea" only correspond to the planet's name and means nothing else in the Yevat language.
There's no Yevat word for "mother," so you'll only see Bothea named "the MOTHER" in english translations like here. However, we can consider that "the MOTHER" is a good equivalent, because Yevatem consider this entity in a maternal way; Bothea is protective, caring, loving, warm and sweet, kind and considerate.
"She is the flesh of the fruit you eat, the wind in the highest trees and the rocks in the deepest undergrounds, she is the life and the death of everything. She is the rot on dead things and she is the newborn siune puppy in the desert. She is the reason why you, Yevat, have a body and flesh, a brain to think and a heart to love."
(Here, the noun "she" is used by default. In Yevat language, the noun has no gender.)
Bothea is unique in her kind, since she's the only god with a physical body in this pantheon: she is the planet the Yevatem lives on. The word "Bothea" only correspond to the planet's name and means nothing else in the Yevat language.
There's no Yevat word for "mother," so you'll only see Bothea named "the MOTHER" in english translations like here. However, we can consider that "the MOTHER" is a good equivalent, because Yevatem consider this entity in a maternal way; Bothea is protective, caring, loving, warm and sweet, kind and considerate.
"She is the flesh of the fruit you eat, the wind in the highest trees and the rocks in the deepest undergrounds, she is the life and the death of everything. She is the rot on dead things and she is the newborn siune puppy in the desert. She is the reason why you, Yevat, have a body and flesh, a brain to think and a heart to love."
(Here, the noun "she" is used by default. In Yevat language, the noun has no gender.)
Yevatem believe that their flesh is created by Bothea, just as every material thing. Everything that reaches the center of Bothea - understand the deepest undergounds and their waters - is closer to her heart. This is why Yevatem do not burry their dead (it's too close to the surface) but they dive bodies in the deepest lakes.
"May you feed Bothea as she fed us." Yevatem believe that when they send a dead to Bothea's heart, she'll transform this dead flesh into something new, and the fruit growing on this tree is the result of an eternal cycle of transformed flesh and energy.
Every Yevat is raised with the idea that their body and flesh has been kindly given by the MOTHER, and that when they'll die, they'll have to give back this flesh. Yevatem believe that they could not live without a soul and a body, and the body and every material aspect is handled by Bothea, the most generous and caring being of all times. Bothea will never judge, it's the FATHER's role. It's hard for a Yevat not to believe in Bothea, since she's literaly the planet they're walking on. She does exist, but atheists will think that she has no conciousness.
"May you feed Bothea as she fed us." Yevatem believe that when they send a dead to Bothea's heart, she'll transform this dead flesh into something new, and the fruit growing on this tree is the result of an eternal cycle of transformed flesh and energy.
Every Yevat is raised with the idea that their body and flesh has been kindly given by the MOTHER, and that when they'll die, they'll have to give back this flesh. Yevatem believe that they could not live without a soul and a body, and the body and every material aspect is handled by Bothea, the most generous and caring being of all times. Bothea will never judge, it's the FATHER's role. It's hard for a Yevat not to believe in Bothea, since she's literaly the planet they're walking on. She does exist, but atheists will think that she has no conciousness.
Varveleil, the Dragon, Otimsaalvarveleil - the BROTHER*
*Beware! The existence or not of a Varveleil's common Soul is heavily disputed among Yevatem! Some believe that Varveleilem have a common Soul, other say that they're just animals. For a long time, the Varveleilem weren't added to this entry because of this reason. In any case, Yevatem will not pray a Varveleil's Soul, so this entry shall be considered as secondary and questioned.
Read more in the "Other notable entities" part of this page.
"He came [with his brother the Yevat] and seduced Bothea [at the same time.] Bothea chose to keep both of them, and gave flesh to all." (Disputed.)
(Here, the noun "he" is used by default. In Yevat language, the noun has no gender.)
*Beware! The existence or not of a Varveleil's common Soul is heavily disputed among Yevatem! Some believe that Varveleilem have a common Soul, other say that they're just animals. For a long time, the Varveleilem weren't added to this entry because of this reason. In any case, Yevatem will not pray a Varveleil's Soul, so this entry shall be considered as secondary and questioned.
Read more in the "Other notable entities" part of this page.
"He came [with his brother the Yevat] and seduced Bothea [at the same time.] Bothea chose to keep both of them, and gave flesh to all." (Disputed.)
(Here, the noun "he" is used by default. In Yevat language, the noun has no gender.)
Other gods / spirits - Sorkatimsaalem
If the FATHER and the MOTHER are in a Yevat everyday's life and it's not questionable, other gods are a source of division among Yevatem. Some believe they exist, other think they're just myths, and most of time they'll believe in a few while denying the existence of the others. As said before, each clan or individual can have its own personal list of which god does exist or not. In general, these gods are way less important that the two primordial ones and should be more considered as "spirits" than gods. They're considered as equal to Yevatem, and it's very rare to see them being worshipped. They're not considered as "good" or "bad," and each is supposed to have his own behaviour and personality. They all serve a purpose and may (or may not) help Yevatem in their lives.
They would all be aspects of Yevat or Bothea taking shape, entities with souls that are from their very heart. Since Yevatem's nouns have no gender, "God" and "Goddess" only designate the most common representation and/or vibe of the god, but consider that most of them are androgynous or all-gendered. "Ai" or "Al" before a name or a word signify that we're talking about the deified entity, and not the simple word. It's the Yevat word for veneration. The order is from the most popular to the less popular god. |
- Popular gods -
Ai Yaken, god of curiosity and luck.
Yaken means "curiosity" or "luck." For Yevatem, it's the same. This god is pretty popular, and many are those who believe in him. Even when he's not personified and/or deified, he represents a philosophy: Yakesyjem zem hetlej voymu yaken. = "There are no discoveries without curiosity." If curiosity is a flaw on Earth, it's the opposite for Bothean: they value curiosity and associate it with luck and discoveries. Ai Yaken is supposed to reward curiosity with amazing discoveries. Bothea being a planet with many surprises, it's often true.
It's not rare to hear a Yevat saying "Ai Yaken, be with me" while travelling, to bring luck to travellers. He's one of the most known god because it's the main god of travelling merchants, who never stop talking about him. "Ai Yaken is with us. Always."
Ai Matia, goddess of death
Commonly named "Lady Death" or "Guardian of the Ovskrudem", "Matia" simply means "death" in Yevat language. She would be the one who decides when you die and when you survive, and how. She's also the protector and guardian of the Ovskrudem, the sacred cemeteries lakes. Since everything eventually dies, the death and its personified entity is commonly present on Bothea. Everyone already heard about her, and many believe in her.
You can find the Ode to Ai Matia in this page.
Al Lubia, goddess of life
If there's a goddess of death, it's all logical to find a goddess of life as well. Her name comes from the Yevat word "Lub," the life (fauna and flora meaning.) She represents the buds on a plant, nyokua's eggs, fertility and fire in the hearth. She would be the one who decides if a Yevat gets pregnant with an egg, or if she's not ready for that yet. Females who wants an egg will plant small trees and take care of newborns in general to try to attract Al Lubia's sympathy.
She's not as popular as Ai Matia, and in rare cases, some Yevatem believe that Ai Matia and Al Lubia could be two aspects of the same god.
Al Vanator, god of the hunt
"Vanator" simply means "the hunt" for Yevatem. In some rare regions he also can be named "Ai Varnat", which evokes that the god of the Hunt is a Varveleil, or has the appearance of a Varveleil. He's supposed to protect every hunter and to bring preys in Yevatem's traps. He's also an enemy of Ai Matia for he would protect the hunters from their own traps and animal's deadly bites. Al Vanator would be in the shadow of every good hunter.
Ai Yaken, god of curiosity and luck.
Yaken means "curiosity" or "luck." For Yevatem, it's the same. This god is pretty popular, and many are those who believe in him. Even when he's not personified and/or deified, he represents a philosophy: Yakesyjem zem hetlej voymu yaken. = "There are no discoveries without curiosity." If curiosity is a flaw on Earth, it's the opposite for Bothean: they value curiosity and associate it with luck and discoveries. Ai Yaken is supposed to reward curiosity with amazing discoveries. Bothea being a planet with many surprises, it's often true.
It's not rare to hear a Yevat saying "Ai Yaken, be with me" while travelling, to bring luck to travellers. He's one of the most known god because it's the main god of travelling merchants, who never stop talking about him. "Ai Yaken is with us. Always."
Ai Matia, goddess of death
Commonly named "Lady Death" or "Guardian of the Ovskrudem", "Matia" simply means "death" in Yevat language. She would be the one who decides when you die and when you survive, and how. She's also the protector and guardian of the Ovskrudem, the sacred cemeteries lakes. Since everything eventually dies, the death and its personified entity is commonly present on Bothea. Everyone already heard about her, and many believe in her.
You can find the Ode to Ai Matia in this page.
Al Lubia, goddess of life
If there's a goddess of death, it's all logical to find a goddess of life as well. Her name comes from the Yevat word "Lub," the life (fauna and flora meaning.) She represents the buds on a plant, nyokua's eggs, fertility and fire in the hearth. She would be the one who decides if a Yevat gets pregnant with an egg, or if she's not ready for that yet. Females who wants an egg will plant small trees and take care of newborns in general to try to attract Al Lubia's sympathy.
She's not as popular as Ai Matia, and in rare cases, some Yevatem believe that Ai Matia and Al Lubia could be two aspects of the same god.
Al Vanator, god of the hunt
"Vanator" simply means "the hunt" for Yevatem. In some rare regions he also can be named "Ai Varnat", which evokes that the god of the Hunt is a Varveleil, or has the appearance of a Varveleil. He's supposed to protect every hunter and to bring preys in Yevatem's traps. He's also an enemy of Ai Matia for he would protect the hunters from their own traps and animal's deadly bites. Al Vanator would be in the shadow of every good hunter.
- Less important gods -
Ai Samakt and Al Hasmel, gods of guidance "Samak" is the Yevat word for the desert. Ai Samakt is the guide and protector of desert nomadic tribes, and he's represented by the wind in the sand. "Hasma" means "star." Al Hasmel is the direct equivalent of Ai Samakt but for folks living in the jungle poles of Bothea. She's represented by the light in the dark, and the stars in the sky. Both are sought when a Yevat is lost, in his life or literaly, although Ai Samakt is more popular. Many Yevatem believe that these two gods are in fact only one, called differently. Al Deltetuta, god/goddess of excess "Deltetuta" is the contraction of "Delte," the strength, and "Metuta," the feelings. Their name can be roughly translated as "strong feelings." Al Deltetuta is the god/goddess of hate and love, of violence and arousal, and every other strong feelings. They're the reason why one would get lost in their feelings, abandon reason to dive into secret cravings, or finally use violence after boiling inside. This god has the reputation to be impish and impossible to control. They're often accused to influence minds and to push Yevatem in their deepest desires. "Dvaras Al Deltetuta, why can't I resist this urge?" This god is popular, but Yevatem rarely talk about them for they're a kind of taboo. More, it seems too convenient to believe in this god: it's easier to accuse an impish god for your bad behaviour rather than assuming the consequences of your own actions. Most of Yevatem will say that this god had just been created to be used as an excuse. "Deltetuta does no exist, and you'll assume your responsibilities, or you'll become a valis!" |
Ai Yokte, goddess of protection
"Yokte" is probably derived from "Yoa", love. She is the goddess of protection, ownership and belongings, sincere love, friendship, family and other strong bounds. She would be the protector of souls and emotional bounds, and her name is mainly said when a Yevat wants to see someone they didn't see for a while.
Rumours coming from shady tribes say that she also allows you to communicate with a dead Yevat's soul before it joins the FATHER, but almost no one believes in such theories.
Al Ketasen and Ai Krastasen, gods of weather
"Ketasen" is probably the contraction of "ketsa," an event, and "tasen," outside.
Al Ketasen is the god of weather, either bringer of the rain to water the plants, either master of the sunslight in the desert. More rarely, this god is also associated with the day and night cycle.
"Krastasen" is probably the contraction of "kraste," an attack, and "tasen," outside.
Ai Krastasen is the god of natural disasters. It's the thunder when you thought it'd only rain and the tempest when you thought it was only windy. It's the reason why the underground seas overflow and why the mountains split to cough up lava.
These two gods have plenty of different appearances, variations, and stories; they're either longtime enemies, either brothers, either lovers, either aspects of Bothea's very own behaviour.
For some reason, it seems that these gods are more popular among the underground folks.
Al Varok, god of the wild
"Varok" is the contraction of "Var," the wild, the nature, and "Rok," vivid, agressive, rude, savage. Rarely, his name will be pronounced "Varrok" with an insistance on the double R, to insist on his nature. He's the god who's always running, takes hasty decisions, and only obeys to his instincts. He's the water running in the undergounds, he's the wind in the trees, he's the noise in Yevatem's voice when they shout. He's living through every Yevat in Rokyevat form. Rarely, he'd also be present when Yevatem have joyful parties. He's often represented by a wild animal that's constantly running.
"Yokte" is probably derived from "Yoa", love. She is the goddess of protection, ownership and belongings, sincere love, friendship, family and other strong bounds. She would be the protector of souls and emotional bounds, and her name is mainly said when a Yevat wants to see someone they didn't see for a while.
Rumours coming from shady tribes say that she also allows you to communicate with a dead Yevat's soul before it joins the FATHER, but almost no one believes in such theories.
Al Ketasen and Ai Krastasen, gods of weather
"Ketasen" is probably the contraction of "ketsa," an event, and "tasen," outside.
Al Ketasen is the god of weather, either bringer of the rain to water the plants, either master of the sunslight in the desert. More rarely, this god is also associated with the day and night cycle.
"Krastasen" is probably the contraction of "kraste," an attack, and "tasen," outside.
Ai Krastasen is the god of natural disasters. It's the thunder when you thought it'd only rain and the tempest when you thought it was only windy. It's the reason why the underground seas overflow and why the mountains split to cough up lava.
These two gods have plenty of different appearances, variations, and stories; they're either longtime enemies, either brothers, either lovers, either aspects of Bothea's very own behaviour.
For some reason, it seems that these gods are more popular among the underground folks.
Al Varok, god of the wild
"Varok" is the contraction of "Var," the wild, the nature, and "Rok," vivid, agressive, rude, savage. Rarely, his name will be pronounced "Varrok" with an insistance on the double R, to insist on his nature. He's the god who's always running, takes hasty decisions, and only obeys to his instincts. He's the water running in the undergounds, he's the wind in the trees, he's the noise in Yevatem's voice when they shout. He's living through every Yevat in Rokyevat form. Rarely, he'd also be present when Yevatem have joyful parties. He's often represented by a wild animal that's constantly running.
- Almost forgotten gods -
Ai Iaii, small god/goddess Pronunced "aye aye," Ai Iaii is the god of insects and small lifeforms. They would also be the protector of the small ones. Rare are those who believe in this god, it's nowadays more a manner of speaking than a god. "And what, tiny? Gonna call aye aye for help?" But a few small Yevatem love to think of this god like a guardian angel who'll punish the tall ones for their superior behaviour. Ai Astrigora, god of culture "Astrigora" is the contraction of "astriav," the underground, and "gora," mushroom. More rarely, this god has worn the name "Al Varlegun" (wild root) as well. Ai Astrigora is the god of roots, mycelium, mushrooms, and plant culture. Yevatem used to call this god whenever they wanted a flora abundance; but since Yevatem do not really practice culture, this god is slowly forgotten with time. Al Rehebos, the hungry god "Rehebos" is the probably the contraction of "rehemae," to eat, and "bos," the food. Al Rehebos is the hungry god, and the cook. He's always cooking and always eating, and is the god of cooking and healing wounds through rest. He's a bevevolent god who's supposed to give strength. Nowadays, "rehebos" is mostly a nickname given to big tough guys with a soft heart. |
Other notable entities
These are not gods, but they are still important in a Yevat's life.
Ma'ni, Kubo and Seles They are the two suns and the giant gazeous planet visible in Bothea's sky. Yevatem gave them a personality and a story. You can read every detail about how do Yevat consider these planets in the Planet and system's page. *Varveleilem Yevatem wonder if Varveleilem, the dragon-like species, have a soul or not. If yes, do they have a primordial Varveleil god as well? Yevatem can't really answer this question. They consider the dragons as brothers - even if meeting a Varveleil most often means death by fire, acid, or being eaten. An old proverb says: "Varveleilem were here (on Bothea) before the first of us (Yevat) was born, and they will remain when the last of us will die. Varveleilem were here before the era of Oyevatem, and they remained after them. They were the first children of Bothea, and they will never die, unless Bothea herself dies." Despite Varveleilem's agressivity towards Yevatem, it seems like Varveleilem have more intelligence and knowledge that they pretend. It's badly seen to attack a Varveleil, unless it's purely for self-defense. Read why in the timeline. |
Oyevatem
The Yevatem's ancestors were a source of curiosity and remained a mystery for a long time. Yevatem have no idea why the Oyevatem died, and their theories about that are multilple and also disputed.
Now that the Oyevatem are back, they are seen as a powerful yet invasive species. Yevatem believe that they cheated to be here, and do not consider the Oyevatem as being a part of the FATHER's soul.
Viskanier
Its name is translated as "Sees-it-all," but you probably have heard about it refered as "The Maze Jumper." Not so long ago, it was an almost forgotten god. It was the god of mazes, tricky situations, getting lost and finding answers. It was also supposed to see everything, but its face without a mouth would prevent it to tell what it saw. It was not popular at all, and was mostly used to tell children that Sees-it-all had seen their foolishness and they'd better talk before getting punished.
With the recent events, more and more Yevatem started to claim that they've seen the Maze Jumper, and that he's real and has a physical body. It became popular again, but it divides Yevatem between those who believe in it, and those who think it's just a trend and it never existed. Someone who believes in its existence will call it "Al Viskanier", and a doubtful would just call it "Viskanier."
The Yevatem's ancestors were a source of curiosity and remained a mystery for a long time. Yevatem have no idea why the Oyevatem died, and their theories about that are multilple and also disputed.
Now that the Oyevatem are back, they are seen as a powerful yet invasive species. Yevatem believe that they cheated to be here, and do not consider the Oyevatem as being a part of the FATHER's soul.
Viskanier
Its name is translated as "Sees-it-all," but you probably have heard about it refered as "The Maze Jumper." Not so long ago, it was an almost forgotten god. It was the god of mazes, tricky situations, getting lost and finding answers. It was also supposed to see everything, but its face without a mouth would prevent it to tell what it saw. It was not popular at all, and was mostly used to tell children that Sees-it-all had seen their foolishness and they'd better talk before getting punished.
With the recent events, more and more Yevatem started to claim that they've seen the Maze Jumper, and that he's real and has a physical body. It became popular again, but it divides Yevatem between those who believe in it, and those who think it's just a trend and it never existed. Someone who believes in its existence will call it "Al Viskanier", and a doubtful would just call it "Viskanier."
Cults
Bothean Yevatem all believe in the two primordial entities, the Yevat and Bothea. The others gods are more some kind of impish or helpful spirits present in their environement, but Yevatem consider that their life would be unchanged without the presence of these gods. Most of Yevatem will casually believe in several gods, while ignoring the ones who feel "invented" to them. "Atheists" are supposed to believe in no god but the primordial ones. They are rare but they do exist, and even if they can raise an eyebrow on a Yevat's face, they're not considered as freaks, they don't have to hide. "True atheists", who don't believe in any god, not even the two primordial ones, will be considered as freaks, and sometimes even as valisem. And there are the others. Some very rare Yevatem decide that one of the secondary gods is more important than the two primordial ones, and start to worship it. A popular example is the tribe of the Matialejem, who pray and venerate Ai Matia, the goddess of Death, but any god can be worshipped like this. Most of time, these Yevatem have been declared valis (strangers, excluded from the FATHER's soul) and seek an opportunity to join back the Yevat's Soul by proving themselves to smaller parts of His Soul as redemption, considering that they correspond to some parts of it. Finally, another kind of cult, rarer, is when a Yevat pretends to embody a god. He can pretend being the physical body and soul of one of the known god, or can pretend being a whole new one. He can also pretend being the voice, or the chosen of a god. Sometimes, he'll be convincing enough to find followers. After all, if the Maze Jumper is a real god, why couldn't I? |