The Aretalogy

Purpose

A description of the attributes of the Seven Sisters as defined by Dwarven Rite , from the point of view of each of the Sisters themselves. Considered to be a later inscription from oral tradition. Not only keeps everyone orthodox in defining their gods, but also serves as an extensive magical correspondence.

Document Structure

Clauses

The original Aretalogy is carefully preserved in the First Dynasty capital as seven walls in an eight sided underground chamber. Each wall is dedicated to a single goddess, denoted by a very big sacred gem at the top of each one. Upon each wall is a declaration that begins with the goddess introducing Herself by name and describing some of Her deeds. In a basic format of "These things please me" followed by a list, the correspondences remain consistent from goddess to goddess. Everyone has a tree, an hour, etc. The third section of each wall varies from wall to wall. Beadu, for example, exhorts her followers to conquer in her name, while Gléawnes gives a prophecy about the end of the world, Oferya warns her followers to fear her wrath, and Lifwynn gives the first written recipe for beer.

Publication Status

Copies are widely printed and widely translated. The original is available for pilgrims to visit, and even touch, as long as they stick to the deep, hand shaped grooves in the corners worn by prior visitors, well away from the letters themselves.

Historical Details

Background

It is generally accepted by most modern scholars that the inscriptions were made by Dwarven chisels and not the divine finger of Gléawnes herself, but certain elements of the correspondences and lists of deeds align too closely with certain myths from the Elven Rite for them not to have a common origin. As Elves and Dwarves did not have contact during the First Dynasty at all, and all the correspondences work, we must assume that although the writing is mortal in origin, the word themselves have root in something divinely given.

Legacy

Even those who openly decry the Dwarven Empire's excesses and are working to actively decolonize their cultures of Dwarven influence still read and recite the Aretalogy with devotion, though generally in their own tongues. This brief set of inscriptions is the single document that unites the known world, outside of a few pockets of Elven orthodoxy and even stranger clandestine radicalism.

Type

Text, Religious

Medium

Stone

Signatories (Organizations)

• Dwarven Rite

Dwarvish Name
Dryhtweorþa Sagu (The Divine Testimony)