Nemeton
Purpose / Function
Druidic ritual is often centered on the Nemeton, sacred places often centered around sacred groves and wells.
Architecture
Nemeton are sacred spaces, traditionally built in natural locations around sacred groves of trees, wells or standing stones, incorporating these elements into their design and space. While natural spaces are used for traditional and older ritual spaces, they are not always feasible, especially in urban areas and the druids have created artificial Nemeton to assist worshipers in heavily settled areas.
Unlike the towering, light-filled cathedrals of glass and stone built by the Southern Church, the Nemeton are designed as dark, somber places, thick canopies of leaves and walls of thorny hedge blocking out light and sound, intended to mimic the darkness of the Underworld. The ritual space of a Nemeton is typically vaguely circular, a well or altar surrounded by 7 sacred trees: the Oak, the Ash, the Apple, The Hazel, the Alder, the Elder and the Yew. These are arranged in a circle, with the Oak in the center opposite the primary entryway. These trees can also be represented with lifelike stone carvings serving as columns or standing stones etched with the Ogham Script of each tree. Sculpted trees are often ornamented with winding, twisting patterns of foliage, serpents or geometric spirals. During the Four Fire festivals, the inward-facing sides are painted with a deep red paint (or splattered with blood of oxen among some sects). Great torches or bonfires stand between each tree, ranging from simple torches to elaborately carved sculptures holding flames, lit for important ceremonies. These produce a great deal of smoke, blackening the ceiling of the space.
Trees or columns are painted with dark red paint (some sects traditionally use the blood of oxen, but this is rare in contemporary times)
Defenses
It is typical for the Nemeton complexes to be surrounded by stone walls or simple palisades to keep raiders and wild animals out of the sacred spaces
History
Nemeton were once more common across Kornôgel, but were gradually destroyed in the South, replaced by the churches of the Faith, often on the same locations to persuade or subjugate the local druidic populace. The structures survived in the North on the Armorican Peninsula, the Cotentin Peninsula and throughout the Fortunate Isles.
Type
Temple / Religious complex
Owning Organization
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