Snake Oracles
Núrakic navalede: Vylkal, pl. vylkalver
Sikíronian: Vylkalía
In all elven cultures of Adynía there's a deep respect, sometimes even fear, for snake oracles1, women devoted to the primordial serpent in their mythology, who live in isolation along with their guardian2 and give prophesy to those seeking answers to difficult dilemmas in exchange for food and other necessities. Though usually not venerated as such by non-elven cultures, the sheer antiquity of this practice makes openly criticizing the oracles something of a taboo.
The guardian listens to her mutterings and, after putting the snake away and tending to the oracle, interprets them into a (more or less) coherent prophesy which should give the visitor the answers they seek.
An oracle performing her ritual for a núrakic tribal chief, c. 9000 b.Paþ
Sikíronian: Vylkalía
In all elven cultures of Adynía there's a deep respect, sometimes even fear, for snake oracles1, women devoted to the primordial serpent in their mythology, who live in isolation along with their guardian2 and give prophesy to those seeking answers to difficult dilemmas in exchange for food and other necessities. Though usually not venerated as such by non-elven cultures, the sheer antiquity of this practice makes openly criticizing the oracles something of a taboo.
Structure
Historically, snake oracles often lived along with their guardians in sacred caves, near springs or waterfalls, though today most are found in Snake Monasteries built at these same locations. Oracles choose their future successors and their guardians through visions in their dreams, often while the two are still babies, and it's considered a great honour for the families involved to have their children chosen for these roles.Ceremonies
Though the details vary somewhat between regions, the main ritual performed by the oracles has changed very little throughout millennia. A þvírat snake is placed on the floor by the oracle, after which she begins an ancient dance while the guardian plays a drum. The dance and music gradually quicken until finally the snake bites the oracle -while painful, the venom is non-lethal-, causing her to collapse and experience visions.The guardian listens to her mutterings and, after putting the snake away and tending to the oracle, interprets them into a (more or less) coherent prophesy which should give the visitor the answers they seek.
Snake oracle performing a ritual by Lappalingur
1Original icelandic: snákavölvur, singular: snákavölva
2Commonly known as meirves.
Type
Religious, Monastic Order
Parent Organization
Related Ethnicities
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