Worship of Mielikki
There are many shrines to the Goddess of Nature, but no grand cathedrals. More populated areas of worship tend to have several smaller shrines rather than one large. When they do gather for ceremonies with a greater number of people, it tends to be in natural clearings or rocky amphitheatres.
Shrines are usually made as part of living trees or other naturally occurring elements that have been arranged into a form of an altar, often with a canopy. Offerings are placed before the altar or, if applicable, presented to wild animals to eat. The shrines often tend to themselves, staying healthy through the influence of the goddess. Priests and druids might look after more than one shrine as they wander the landscape. And some shrines are without formal caretakers for years until someone new takes on the role.
Structure
The tenets of Mielikki are well known and so those who serve her rarely have a reason do disagree and little hierarchy is needed. Sometimes, the role of caretaker of a shrine is passed down from teacher to adept, but not always. Seniority and local knowledge outrank most other things.
While Mielikki might be seen as very peaceful, this isn't entirely true and her caretakers will defend her lands as fiercely as they can. And they will come down even harder on a fellow worshipper of the goddess who acts against her interests.
Public Agenda
Cities and humanoid civilisations aren't bad just for being, but when they encroach on the ability of the wild to survive, that's when Mielikki's servants will take offence. Likewise, they encourage keeping farm animals - but not excessively hunting down beasts who might get hungry for said livestock. There is a balance and it must be maintained at all costs.
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Deities
Comments