Gwahlur

The King of Darkness

Gwahlur

Description

In the mythology of Keshan, the jungled land south of Stygia, Gwahlur is known and worshipped as the king of darkness, a demonic creature that revels in destruction and death. It is said that in the birth of the world, the other gods wrenched the teeth from the awful jaws of Gwahlur, and commanded them to be hidden.

Rituals and Beliefs

Much secrecy and superstition surround the myths of Gwahlur. Evidence seems to suggest that the priests of Keshia are not in fact priests of Gwahlur, but worship other gods of the jungle, such as Dagon, Derketa and Damballah. These gods might have tasked the priesthood to guard the sacred gems known as the Teeth of Gwahlur, and to perform rituals that keep Gwahlur chained or imprisoned somewhere. As such, the true might of Gwahlur can only be guessed at.
The center of Gwahlur worship is Alkmeenon, a hidden city which is taboo to all Keshians except the priests of that land. Beneath the ruined palace of Alkmeenon, there exists a series of caverns, each with a hideous idol of a god or demon (images, perhaps, of Gwahlur, or of the gods that cooperated to steal his teeth). Darkness, which seems to consume and eat torchlight, hides the true size of each cave.

Priesthood

The black priests of Keshan dress in leopardskin tunics, their heads decorated with ostrich plumes. They use invocations spoken in the ancient tongue of Alkmeenon, handed down from generation to generation of high priests. Only priests know how to unlock the bronze gates leading to the tunnels. During ceremonies, the priests make their way into each chamber and chant before each idol before moving into the next chamber. The Oracle Yelaja, the last princess of the original founders of Alkmeenon, has some sort of arcane connection with Gwahlur; she is sometimes called the «dweller with the great one of darkness». Yelaja died at an early age, yet her beauty never waned and her body never decayed. Each night when the moon floods the palace, she rises from her repose to once more rule over the city. The priests seek her audience, begging the great Oracle of Alkmeenon for wisdom and potents.

Gwahlur

An alleged statue to Gwahlur

GWAHLUR

(Lesser Deity)

Pantheon: Keshan
Gender: Masculine
Regions:

• Keshan
• Shem (hidden cults)

Attributes:

• Darkness
• Nine Gems

Representations: A reuplsive, squatting creature
Sphere of Power:

• Darkness
• Death
• Prophecy

Can Be Worshipped with Other Gods: No

Conan Lore Archives
Hyboria.xoth.net
Faith and Fervour, Mongoose Publishing, 2006