Cahaya - Goddess of Light

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r-Mother, Goddess of Light, Lady of the Day, or Creator, these are the names by which Cahaya, the first and eternal goddess, is known throughout Mirintha. As the creator of the universe as we know it, she holds a place of highest reverence among all peoples and cultures. She is seen as the inexhaustible source of light, the divine force that set the world into motion and bathed it in brightness.

Wherever despair threatens to take root, Cahaya’s presence offers warmth and reassurance. She is the protector of hope and comfort, the one to whom mortals turn in moments of darkness, seeking clarity, peace, and the strength to endure. Her influence brings joy and serenity, and her followers find in her a source of deep emotional refuge and motivation.

Cahaya stands at the very beginning of Mirintha’s divine history. Together with her consort, Pimedus, god of shadows, she gave birth to the goddess Daba, guardian of the elements and stars. Later, she bore the divine twins Kära - Goddess of Love and Mirtis - God of Death, embodiments of love and death, respectively. In a tale woven with passion and vengeance, she also has a son named Karas, god of war, agriculture, and hunting through an affair with the dragon Bjarnskvir, thus defying Pimedus himself. Through her children, she is the grandmother of both Satuma, goddess of luck and chance, and Nauda, god of trade and greed.

Depiction

Cahaya’s appearance stands in radiant contrast to the shadowy form of Pimedus. Her long golden hair frames a gentle face marked by deep blue eyes that shimmer with inner light. She is often depicted wearing a flowing gown of luminous fabric that seems to catch and multiply light, and a golden diadem rests upon her brow. Where Pimedus is draped in night, Cahaya is the dawn incarnate.

Domains

Cahaya’s primary domain is light, both in the literal and metaphorical sense. She is also the goddess of hope, comfort, encouragement, and kindness, all qualities that bring symbolic light in times of hardship. Some cults whisper of a lesser-known aspect: vengeance. According to myth, it was Cahaya who took the first act of divine revenge when she lay with Malysah in defiance of her husband, Pimedus. In this, she is sometimes invoked by those seeking justice cloaked in light.

Classical portrait of Cahaya

She looks really radiant!

Tenets of faith

1. Let your light shine in the darkness.

Bring hope where there is despair, joy where there is sorrow. Followers of Cahaya are taught to act with compassion and resolve, serving as sources of strength for those in need.

2. Offer comfort without expectation.

True kindness is its own reward, it is a gift, not a transaction. Just as Cahaya’s light shines on all, even those who do not ask for it, her followers are called to give freely.

3. Seek truth and clarity.

Illuminate the world through honesty and courage. Cahaya's path is one of honesty and enlightenment. Her faithful are encouraged to dispel ignorance and speak truth, even when it is difficult.

If these are her principles of faith, I like her very much!

Symbols

Cahaya is closely associated with the Phoenix, one of Mirintha’s rarest and most sacred creatures. As the phoenix rises anew from its own ashes, so too does Cahaya’s light return to Mirintha, no matter how deep the night. Her followers often wear phoenix motifs or carry talismans bearing flame and feather designs.

Another symbol that is often used in relation to her is the sun, be it depicted as the sunrise, sunset or the full sun during noon. While some see the sun as her eye, her vigilant gaze brining trugh and clarity, others believe it to be her heart, symbolizing her boundless warmth, love, and hope. All versions are a daily reminder that her presence never fully leaves the world, even during the darkest times.

They both are fitting symbols for her, but I think the phoenix is more creative. Also, phoenixes are just amazing birds.

Worship

Temples dedicated to Cahaya are always bright and airy, designed to let light stream in from all directions. Devotions and offering rituals take place primarily in the morning, as the first light breaks over the horizon, and in the evening, as the sun sets beyond it. Priests and priestesses of Cahaya paint a sun on their forhead during ceremonies. Just like her they only wear white clothing, either adorned with sun or phoenix symbols.

Holidays

The first day of the new year is also the first holiday celebrated throughout Mirintha. Just as Cahaya contrasts with her husband Pimedus, the Cahaya Celebrations stand in contrast to Pimedus Day, which was celebrated the day before. The festivities in honor of the goddess are dedicated to the values she embodies: light and hope. Some people even believe, that Cahaya might take some time to wander around the world and partake in the celebrations. If she does, and we don't think so, that would most likely happen somewhere in the countries of the Valoperi. After all, they are her creation.

Parts of the celebrations are observed uniformly across the land. As soon as the new day - and thus the new year - begins, a single candle is lit in every household. Cheerful music resounds in public squares, taverns, bars, and other venues. Settlements that can afford it launch fireworks. People raise their glasses and exchange well-wishes. Once this initial phase concludes, more and more lights are gradually lit, as many as one can afford. This symbolizes Cahaya extending her light over Mirintha again and is accompanied by a prayer for each light lit. With each prayer, people typically ask for one blessing for the coming year, with common wishes being happiness, health, and financial prosperity. For more information on local costumes we recommend the corresponding article on the festivities.

Okay, let's check out that local costumes now ...

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TLDR for my players

Cahaya is the goddess of all light, hope, and life, as well as revange.
She is the wife of Pimedus and mother of Daba, Kära, Mirtis, and Karas.
The Valoperi were created by herself.
Her holiday is the first day of the year, known as the Cahaya Celebrations.