Ansurja Pilgrimage

"Our ancestors once walked these roads to get to where we live now. We honour them by walking the same roads back."

The Ansurja Pilgrimage is one of the most important events for Elves across the world. Every year, on the fourth month, they will journey to the holy land of Asmara from the northwest of the Jade Rainforest. The reason for this is to reconnect with their origins and ancestry, and to gain the knowledge that was lost when the Elves migrated north. Most do the Ansurja at least once in their lives.

The Pilgrim's Path

The journey starts at the foot of Natamil Mountain in the north. From there, Elves will travel across the mountain paths to go to Asmara. This is the opposite of what their ancestors did when they migrated from the south of the rainforest to the northern lands. On the journey, many Elves say that they have had visits from ancestors or people from the past. Some learn of the secrets of their family trees.
There are many routes from the start point, but all of them lead to Asmara. Some are easier to navigate than others. Since the Ansurja is mostly a personal event, there is no pressure to choose the most "difficult" paths. The only requirement is that an Elf chooses the path that calls to them. For this reason, many will pray to the Flora Dragon Kalico or Sentinel Nadja at the mountain for their guidance.
Sleep and meditation are also important parts of the Ansurja. This is when Elves believe they are most likely to get visits from their relatives and ancestors. When the body is at rest, the soul is awake, so people are ready to receive messages and guidance in dreams or visions.
The Pilgrimage itself takes about a week, so many pack shelter and food to take with them. People have also set up stalls along the mountain paths to sell essentials to any pilgrims. On some of the rockier routes, there are also shelters set up, so people can just stop there and rest.

The Guardian's Temple

At the end of the journey, many Elves will visit the Guardian's Temple or the waters outside it. There, they will pray again before finishing the pilgrimage. It's said that there used to be an Elven palace in that location, when the Elven Kingdom was still around.
During the Ansurja, the Temple is open for everyone to use. People use it as another shelter and it is a place for bonding and rest. Some Elves get dreams or visions within the Temple, and these are more vivid than any they get outside it.
For those who follow the Guardians of the Realms, they are required to go inside the Temple and do additional tasks to rejuvanate their souls. These are smaller tasks like helping to tidy and clean the Temple, or cutting the grass outside. Many choose to help restore life in the rainforest, as they believe that is their duty. The act of cleaning is also a way of cleaning the mind, ready for the days ahead.

The Road Back

The Ansurja officially ends on the last day of the month. But for many people, the entire pilgrimage takes about a week. After they have completed the journey, they can take their new knowledge and return home. There is no requirement to take the mountain road back, and there is no requirement to stay in Asmara either. But many do take the mountain route, and a lot of Guardians remain in the country for much longer, continuing to live inside the Temple. At the end of the day, the Ansurja is a personal affair, so people may go when they feel ready to.

Primary Related Location

Guardian's Temple

Related Organizations

• Asmara