Living As A Bear
Þamtic: Kirónpoðe /khɪːrounphɔːðɛ/
Jolþic: Kironpoðí /khɪːrɔnphɔðiː/
Númric: Þímja-yhis /θɪːmja yːhɪːs/
Living As A Bear is the common name for the initiation ritual in elven Arctolatry, one of the oldest and most significant ceremony practiced in by virtually all arctolatrist denominations in Borgalor as it represents certain key concepts of that faith, namely courage, self-reliance and spending time out in nature.
The ritual is performed in regions that have been set aside for specifically for that purpose, some large enough to have separate areas so that multiple people can to prove themselves at a time. Notable ones are found in Jolþ, Þamta and New-Þamta.
In addition to this initiation ritual, it's not uncommon for arctolatrists to also Live As A Bear later in life for various reasons, often as an act of piety or to deal with a personal dilemma, which can occur at any time of year and sometimes last for weeks. Those who choose to stay in the wilderness indefinitely are known as feral arctolatrists, whose depictions in popular culture ranges from that of wise hermits to -more commonly- frenzied cannibals.
Living As A Bear is the common name for the initiation ritual in elven Arctolatry, one of the oldest and most significant ceremony practiced in by virtually all arctolatrist denominations in Borgalor as it represents certain key concepts of that faith, namely courage, self-reliance and spending time out in nature.
The ritual is performed in regions that have been set aside for specifically for that purpose, some large enough to have separate areas so that multiple people can to prove themselves at a time. Notable ones are found in Jolþ, Þamta and New-Þamta.
In addition to this initiation ritual, it's not uncommon for arctolatrists to also Live As A Bear later in life for various reasons, often as an act of piety or to deal with a personal dilemma, which can occur at any time of year and sometimes last for weeks. Those who choose to stay in the wilderness indefinitely are known as feral arctolatrists, whose depictions in popular culture ranges from that of wise hermits to -more commonly- frenzied cannibals.
History
This custom dates back to prehistory, though the purpose was mostly to teach children survival skills in case they had to travel a long way from home or got lost, as well as rituals meant to protect them from evil. Over time, as the idea that the bear was to be imitated rather than simply venerated became more common among arctolatrists, the symbolic aspects of the ritual were more emphasized, meant to imbue the participants with some of the sacred animal's strength, intelligence and resilience.
This lead to the rise of certain traditions where Living As A Bear is seen as a preparation for the afterlife, often described as pristine and bountiful wilderness. Those who pass the initiation have the skills to thrive there, while the ones unable or unwilling to abandon their civilized ways suffer as they try in vain to recreate their former lifestyle there. Other traditions believe in reincarnation, with those partaking in the ritual being born as bears in the next life to provide guidance and ritual paraphernalia to future generations.
Today, even in arctolatrist societies such as Þamta and New Þamta where the majority of the population is irreligious, many children still choose to Live As A Bear due to the prestige associated with it.
This lead to the rise of certain traditions where Living As A Bear is seen as a preparation for the afterlife, often described as pristine and bountiful wilderness. Those who pass the initiation have the skills to thrive there, while the ones unable or unwilling to abandon their civilized ways suffer as they try in vain to recreate their former lifestyle there. Other traditions believe in reincarnation, with those partaking in the ritual being born as bears in the next life to provide guidance and ritual paraphernalia to future generations.
Today, even in arctolatrist societies such as Þamta and New Þamta where the majority of the population is irreligious, many children still choose to Live As A Bear due to the prestige associated with it.
Execution
While the exact details of the initiation differ between regions and denominations, they all follow the same basic formula: after being taught about the geography and wildlife of the area, either at home or -more recently- in school, the participants must fend for themselves for at least three days out in the wild, subsisting only on what they can hunt, fish or forage and using natural shelters to rest to succeed.
No tools or weapons are allowed, and the only clothing provided is a simple tunic. They are often expected to carry out certain rituals to honour the sacred bear as well as for purification, and take note of their dreams during that time.
If all goes well, the participant finally heads back to the entrance to the area, where they are evaluated and sent home. Those who don't show up on time are retrieved by a rescue team if possible.
No tools or weapons are allowed, and the only clothing provided is a simple tunic. They are often expected to carry out certain rituals to honour the sacred bear as well as for purification, and take note of their dreams during that time.
If all goes well, the participant finally heads back to the entrance to the area, where they are evaluated and sent home. Those who don't show up on time are retrieved by a rescue team if possible.
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