Red Lily Festival
The Red Lily Festival1 is celebrated by the Tenrans, one of the five tribes of Mörkels inhabiting the kingdom of Yfrigía on the western Plain of Kings, specifically in Enórtal, the second largest settlement in the country. The name refers to the red lilies2 that are endemic to the area around the town, and is held around the time they bloom in honour of Leþa Vúlnetí3, patron goddess of the Tenrans and an aspect of the fertility goddess Leþa among the other tribes.
According to tradition, during the war between the gods and the rebellious silver giants, Leþa Vúlnetí was wounded in fight with one such giant at the site of Enórtal. The red lilies are said to have sprung from the blood that was spilled, and signify victory and protection against evil among the Tenrans, as well as marking the beginning of springtime.
At the day of the festival, a tírúa is sacrificed and its blood collected into a vessel, which the local priests and priestesses of Leþa and the town chief offer as a libation in a nearby sacred grove, and is believed to ensure a bountiful harvest later on.
Feasting, singing and dancing ensues upon their return, including a sacred dance performed by priestesses while wielding ceremonial axes, the favoured weapon of the Tenrans which the goddess is said to have used to defeat the silver giant.
According to tradition, during the war between the gods and the rebellious silver giants, Leþa Vúlnetí was wounded in fight with one such giant at the site of Enórtal. The red lilies are said to have sprung from the blood that was spilled, and signify victory and protection against evil among the Tenrans, as well as marking the beginning of springtime.
At the day of the festival, a tírúa is sacrificed and its blood collected into a vessel, which the local priests and priestesses of Leþa and the town chief offer as a libation in a nearby sacred grove, and is believed to ensure a bountiful harvest later on.
Feasting, singing and dancing ensues upon their return, including a sacred dance performed by priestesses while wielding ceremonial axes, the favoured weapon of the Tenrans which the goddess is said to have used to defeat the silver giant.
1Original icelandic: Roðaliljuhátíðin.
2Original icelandic: roðaliljur, singular: roðalilja.
3Hence why it's also known as the Festival of Leþa Vúlnetí.
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