Chosen of Bel (bulldancer)

Written by Pookas Kreations

After the fall of the Atlanteans, a small group of Atlans took up the worship of Bel Mithra. In his honor, they began the veneration of his favorite animal, the bull. They start by raising and training them to compete in athletic events. One of their favorites is Bulldancing or bull-leaping, it is a form of non-violent bull fighting based on an ancient ritual involving an acrobat leaping over the back of a charging bull (or cow).

Often foundlings and orphans are sent to the temple to join the ranks of bulldancers. Not all who join are awarded the coveted rank, many become healers (both to human and animal), therapists, servants or trainers. Those that join this profession live in the Temple of Bel, raise, train and compete with the bulls and each other. They dedicate themselves to the honor of Bel and rarely leave the fold except in death.

For certain important religious ceremonies, this dance turns serious and at the end of the "performance", the bull is sacrificed to Bel. Of course, every "dance" has an element of danger to the dancer/leaper because of the bull's horns and his/her strength. Dancers are often seriously injured or killed during these events.