Sanabor Grove
Purpose / Function
Sanabor Grove, on Sanabor Island, in the middle of the river Rhyn, is the main facility for healing and recovery in Rhynmouth and its surrounding area.
In its centre stands the Sanabor Tree, which possesses strong magical powers.
The Grove is run by the Druidic Circle of Sanabor, a branch of the Circle of Life, the most powerful of all druidic circles. They have been healing the sick in this place for thousands of years.
The approach the Druids take with healing is very holistic. Not only does the body have to be treated, but also the mind and the soul. Some of the healing is done by magic. However, especially with long treatments, potions, salves and incense, made from the berries and blossoms of the Sanabor Tree are just as important. Other very effective treatments are dream analysis, baths, diets and physical exercise.
Alterations
At the beginning, the Druids just adorned the Sanabor Tree with ribbons and ornaments and put offerings at the foot of its trunk. Soon they created a stone circle around the tree. They erected pillars, made of marble and brought from other magical places, to the Grove to increase the magical power of the site.
The climate in Rhynmouth made it impossible to live in temporary shelters all year around. The sick and the injured needed places to be treated and to live. During the years, various buildings for treatment and housing were erected, adjusted and, when they became too old, demolished again. The only unchanging fixture of the Grove was the Sanabor Tree and the Stone Circle with its pillars.
Architecture
When guests step off the boat onto the island today, the first thing they notice are the birds, singing and chirping. The tall trees, that cover most of the Western half of the island provide cool shade. The flowers on the forest floor emit a sweet, refreshing smell.
A gentle slope leads up to a great clearing. Eight high pillars, carved with leaves and flowers, stand guard around the paved circle. These are dwarfed by the majestic tree in the middle of the grove, its huge blue canopy swaying in a constant breeze. In Spring and Summer the Sanabor tree carries white blossoms, in Autumn and Winter, golden berries. The bark is a silver grey. The atmosphere in the grove is calm and uplifting.
At the foot of the tree stand silver bowls, full of offerings to the spirit of the tree. On warm days a lot of the patients are brought to the stone circle. They lie on mattresses and pillows and enjoy the restorative air.
Next to the Grove is a conglomeration of buildings, varying in size and style. It houses most of the Druids, the patients and also rooms for treatments.
There are a couple of smaller buildings, dotted around the island, further away from the main complex. Here the infectious patients are treated. The head of the druids, Father Carolus, has his own little hut on the North side of the island.
History
The Druids arrived 2000 years ago to honour the Spirit of the Sanabor Tree. Very soon the healing powers of the Grove were discovered and the place became a site for curing the sick.
The Druid Circle of Life took charge of the tree. At that time Rhynmouth was nothing but a fishing hamlet, however, the establishment of a sacred grove attracted visitors from all over the region and played a crucial role in the growth of the village.
Throughout the millennia the Grove retained its independence, mostly because the Circle was able to cast powerful protective magic around the island in times of war or unrest.
The heads of the Grove were also very cunning, not allowing themselves being dragged into city politics.
Tourism
The Grove is not accessible to normal visitors. Entry is by appointment only. Someone falling sick or being injured has to call on one of the Druids, who reside in the city. They perform an examination and then decide whether a transfer to the island is necessary. Patients do not have to pay for the treatment directly, but for food and boarding during their time there. Also donations are gratefully accepted and expected.
Founding Date
2000 years ago
Type
Temple / Religious complex
Parent Location
Owner
Owning Organization
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