Trials of the Bound

The Trials of the Bound is a marriage ritual that is practised by the Terellun and surrounding people. It involves tying the two betrothed together, and having them endure a series of trials. The belief is that if the couple can accomplish the trials together while tied up, they can endure the hardships of life and partnership.

History

When the ritual first began to be practised, there was the standard that if the couple could not complete the challenges they were given, they could not be married and the couple were not destined to be together. Depending on the situation they were allowed to re attempt the trials. Currently, the Trials are seen as more of a exciting activity for both the couple and the friends to participate in, and is not as serious if the couple cannot complete the challenges.

Execution

The Trial of the Bound begins the day before the wedding takes place. The couple are brought together at sunrise, in a form of an "ambush" preformed by family and friends, where they are kidnapped from their homes. The couple then have their legs tied together, one with their left and one their right. The whole day they are tasked with completing different trials and challenges in order to prove their merit as a partnership. Common challenges include hiking up a nearby mountain, hunting for Qualeks, or preforming a complicated dance. Once they have successfully completed the trials, and spent the day bound to each other, they are released at sundown, with the night to sleep before the wedding the next day.

Participants

The main participants of the Trials of the Bound are the two people who are getting married. All the planning, including coming up with the trials and schedule of the day are planned by the family and friends of the two betrothed.

Primary Related Location

Terellun