Nydra
Nydra is one of the oldest gods in Gromlin’s history. She is the one who brought life into the world. She is always depicted as a kind and forgiving goddess. She is known to be impulsive, loving, and the goddess that shows the most concern for the mortal realm. This concern is not solely for her worshipers but everyone in the mortal realm. She is one of the most worshiped gods in gromlin. The most notable followers being, physicians, druids, and is one of the most popular amongst the common folk.
Legends tell that she still walks among the mortal realm, taking the form a beautiful woman of lower class. Anyone who spends time speaking with her, finds themselves filled with confidence and cheer. Legends also say that she is also the most promiscuous of the gods, she has many children of otherworldly nature and mortals.
There are many tales surrounding her love for Hidum, and their fight against the Old Gods. How she healed his wounds in their fight against their enemy and eventually help raise him to godhood. Sadly it is unclear if her children, Telos and Jophon, were born of her union with Hidum or some older god lost to history. Her father is the World Builder.
Many seek her blessings in weddings and when a new child is born. Her temples cover Realon and Selwen.
She is opposition to Mahdis and has a strong distrust of Pugphy. She is married to Hidum and loves him completely. She has a strong admiration and love for both her children, Jophon and Telos. She does have a strong affection for Odes, however it is not returned.
Divine Domains
Light, Life, Community, Peace
Holy Books & Codes
The Lovers’ Legend: A myth about her and Hidum’s romance, possibly including a grand gesture of love, like shielding him from harm with her divine power during the battle against the Old Gods.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
The Open Gate
A pair of stone archways, connected by ivy or vines. Symbolizes hospitality, inclusion, and the goddess’s open heart. Found in the architecture of her temples, marking entrances to sacred spaces.
The Radiant Heart
A glowing, ethereal heart with rays of light bursting outward. Represents Nydra’s divine love, spreading warmth and compassion across all realms. Worn by her highest priests, who claim meditating before the symbol allows them to hear whispers of Nydra’s voice. Some say when this sigil appears in dreams, it is a sign of impending great love or deep healing.
The Mother’s Embrace
Two cupped hands, palm up, gently holding a glowing orb. The hands are surrounded by delicate vines. Represents the protective embrace of the divine mother, holding the potential of life within her care. It signifies safety, nurturing, and the unconditional love that Nydra offers to all new life. Worn by expectant mothers or placed on cradles to ensure the baby is surrounded by divine protection. This symbol is also used during midwife blessings and rituals of nurturing, with the hands offering a symbolic embrace to both mother and child.
Tenets of Faith
Heal the Body, Mind, and Soul
Physicians, druids, and caretakers are her most sacred servants. To heal another is to touch the divine.
Follow the Heart’s Call
Passion and impulse are sacred forces. Do not suppress your desires out of fear, but pursue them with wisdom
Embrace the Imperfect
Love, like the world, is not perfect. Do not fear flaws or mistakes, for they are part of life’s beauty.
Rituals
The First Breath (Sacrament of Birth)
A sacred ritual performed at the moment of a child’s birth. A priest or midwife of Nydra breathes upon the infant’s forehead and whispers a blessing, believed to fill the child with divine vitality. The parents offer a gift to Nydra, usually honey, flowers, or a piece of their own clothing, symbolizing their love and devotion.
The Soul’s Caress (Funeral Rites of Nydra)
Unlike gods of death, Nydra does not view death as an end, but as a passing embrace. The deceased are adorned in floral wreaths, and their loved ones whisper words of love and memories into their ears, ensuring they do not depart alone. Instead of mourning in sorrow, families hold a celebration of the life lived, with music and dancing.
The Feast of Reunions (Annual Pilgrimage of the Faithful)
Every year, thousands of Nydra’s followers gather in her grandest temples to celebrate unity, love, and renewal. It is a time when estranged families reunite, lost lovers find their way back, and those without a family are embraced by the faithful. Orphans and wanderers are invited as honored guests, symbolizing Nydra’s all-encompassing love.
Holidays
The Dance of Love: A yearly celebration of unions and relationships, involving feasts, music, and symbolic gestures like tying two ribbons together to represent eternal connection.
Comments