Muren (Myoor-in)
Muren, while often depicted as the god of mountains, has evolved since humanity's geographic spread westward. As a member of the Ohdaufeen pantheon, his name is known across virtually every human nation and represents a formal role within the Augury religion. With references to his worship dating as far back as 250 DR, he was originally depicted as a warden of mountains, tasked with judging the passage of mortals through his ranges. This interpretation of the god was natural at the time: mountain ranges in Shellbay and toward Mot D'nir were largely viewed as both obstacles and awe-inducing behemoths. Passage through Muren's domain was treacherous in the early years of human settlements, yet such ideas eventually shifted as humans traveled Westward.
The first substantial settlement in Western Trinen was Astania, which respected many gods in the Ohdaufeen pantheon. In fact, several of the Ohdaufeen that have fallen out of worship by the modern era were perhaps last recognized by the Astanians. When Astania eventually fell at the hands of its outcasts, Muren was revered in the new nation of Eldurgrund. While the religion remained stagnant for a time, Ettermiddag (ca. 700-1000 EG) saw each human nation isolated, faced with disease, famine, and the loss of information. Following the Dark Age, the religions of Western and Eastern humans developed unique perspectives.
In both the Augury and Snow-Rock Bailumism, Muren is an insubstantial figure, merely associated with the 'obstacle' that is mountains and staunchness therein. His presence in the pantheon only goes unforgotten by his close association with Bailum and his prevalence in the Elduri Mythos, which exists within the Augury's confines.
Today, Shellbay still revere's Bailum one of the few gods worth noting, representing a pseudo-monotheistic faith. The Augury tends to value more abstract concepts, such as language and time, with little room to consider the spiritual implications of such concrete domains.
While Muren is still recognized by the Elduri Mythos as the 'god of mountains,' his associations have shifted to align with the Elduri perspective and their reliance on mountains.
While eastern humans often view the mountains as obstacles, the ranges of Eldurgrund represent stewardship, sanctuary, and security: so too does Muren. As the Elduri people grew to carve cities from their mountains and rely on them for security in times of war, Muren grew into the center of the Elduri Mythos
Muren in the Elduri Mythos
To the people of Eldurgrund, Muren's domain of mountains encapsulates the previously mentioned concepts of 'stewardship, sanctuary, and security.' That is, the mountains have always protected the Elduri from military and natural threats while also serving as a home and capital. Concerning stewardship, Muren watches over his people from the mountain ranges of Eldurgrund (reinforced by his monument carved from the mountains) and inspires leaders within the nation. Muren has subsumed the more traditional human gods in Eldurgrund, such as Bailum, due to his ideological framing. While Muren is the chief god in Eldurgrund, the existence of more substantial Ohdaufeen is recognized, though often ignored; exceptions include Wenlen, Fei Invaru, and Huereina. Wenlen, being the craftsman god, is strongly associated with the metallic boons in the mountains while the domains of winter and spring represent antagonistic external forces humanity must defend against. Alongside the divine Muren are two prophetic figures: Onothis and Anoch Athylis. Onothis was carved from a holy mountain by Muren's hands, sent to assist the mortals of Laminarum during the Dark Age of Ettermiddag. Anoch Athylis, on the other hand, is steeped in the nation's founding. While Muren and Anoch are both substantial members of Eldurgrund's origin myths, the association between the two ends there.Cultural Influence
Eldurgrund is a feudal agrarian society that values hierarchy, lending itself to the emulation of Muren himself. Sanctuary, security, and stewardship are traits anyone can possess, from the leader of a household to the leader of a nation. Such a focus on hierarchy means that patriarchal or matriarchal figures are expected to deliver such values to their lesser while receiving respect and reverence in exchange. In contrast with Shellbay's values (which are inherently spiritual), the people of Eldurgrund use the lessons of the Elduri mythos to better their own world. That is, the people of Shellbay focus on pleasing the gods and the promise of an afterlife while the Elduri view their mythological figures as individuals to emulate with little consideration to the cosmic implications.
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