Mirtis - God of Death

Twin to Kära - Goddess of Love, Mirtis couldn't be any more different then his sister. He is the god of death, decay, and disease. But at the same time of healing. If you were to ask him, he would undoubtedly explain that his sister is far too generous with fertility and new life. He might even tell you, that his sister is too impulsive, maybe even uncontrolled, bordering on chaotic. Without his influence, Mirintha would have long since become overgrown and overpopulated. According to him, his purpose in life is to hold the balance of the universe.

Mirtis represents the inescapable cycle of existence, guiding all things toward their destined end. The withering of autumn leaves and the rot that nourishes the earth are his work, just as much as the unseen force that mends wounds and fights disease. A shadow that claims the dying, yet also a guardian of balance, he neither inflicts suffering out of malice nor grants healing from compassion. Instead, he exists as the steady hand ensuring that life and death remain in harmony.

To many, Mirtis is a frightening god, but to others, he is a necessary force. Without death, there can be no life. Without sickness, there would be no struggle for strength. He is not a force of malice, nor of kindness - he simply is. And in the quiet of a healer’s hut, in the flickering candlelight of a funeral, or in the silent acceptance of one’s fate, his presence is always felt.

Depiction

Most depictions of Mirtis try to emphasize on the duality of his domains. While one part of him is showing his connection to death and disease, the other side focuses on his healing abilities and the renewal of life. Just like the one we are using in this article. There are of course some illustrations that focus primarily on one side, but those are rare and used by individuals or groups that don't respect Mirtis' dual personality.

Domains

As already mentioned, Mirtis is responsible for death, decay and disease. His job is to make sure, that dead souls don't linger in Mirintha, but find their way to the afterlife. He is, of course, embracing all kinds of death, be they natural or not. His specific role and all other available information about the The Path of Souls can be found in its article.

Where his sister is responsible for fertility and new life in spring, he is ensuring that everything eventually comes to an end and decays. His focus on balance shows most with his own two opposing domains of disease and health.

Classical portrait of Mirtis

They are twins but they really don't look alike. Maybe because they are gods?

Tenets of faith

1. Embrace the Cycle

Death is not an end, but a transition. Life and death are two halves of the same whole, and resisting one disrupts the natural order.

2. Honor the Departed

The dead must be remembered, their wisdom preserved, and their spirits guided toward their next journey.

3. Respect the Balance

Life should be lived fully, but when the time comes, one must accept death with dignity, neither clinging to life unnaturally nor hastening the end without cause.

Symbols

The scale is usually used as a symbol for Mirtis. It is representing the fact, that Mirtis' main priority is to keep the balance between live and death. But it also represents his job in overseeing judgment of the deceased. He is the one, holding the scale that weighs every single soul that departs to the afterlife. But as this is not supposed to be an article about the Path of Souls, we will not go into detail at this time.

Worship

Mirtis' followers include both morticians and healers, plague doctors and herbalists. His temples are often divided into two halves. One side is dedicated to the dead, where bodies are prepared for burial, and the other a place of healing, where the sick seek aid. Offerings to him include dried herbs, bones, and carefully crafted charms meant to ward off illness or guide the souls of the departed.

Why would you say that Mirtis abandoned you? Mirtis isn't taking sides. He didn't make you sick and he will not be the reason if you die. But he might grant you health, if you give him a reason for it.

— Unknown physician

While generally the duality of Mirtis is accepted all over Mirintha, there are those who dare to doubt this. We are talking about a more or less secretive cult called the Withering Veil. More or less, because while we are aware of their existence, there aren't many details. What we know is that they focus solely on Mirtis side that covers death and decay, completely ignoring his aspect of renewal. Of course you can inform yourself on them in their respective article.

That's weird, why would they do that?

Holidays

On the first day of autumn, Veil’s Crossing is being celebrated. It is a solemn yet essential day that acknowledges both the end of life and the continuation of the cycle. It is believed that on this day, the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest, allowing spirits to pass freely. It is a time to honor ancestors, reflect on mortality, and recognize the role of sickness and decay in the world. At the same time, it is a celebration of resilience, healing, and renewal.

In some cities, two processions occur. One is clad in mourning robes, walking in silence to acknowledge those who have passed. The other is dressed in white or green, carrying herbs and flowers, symbolizing health and renewal. When they meet, they exchange small tokens like bones or dried flowers in exchange for green twigs or healing charms, to represent the balance of Mirtis.

It is said that those who fall ill on Veil’s Crossing are undergoing a test of Mirtis. If they recover, they are believed to have his blessing for the coming year. It is also considered unwise to take a life (human or animal) on this day, as it is seen as disrupting the balance of death’s natural flow.

Depiction of the end of the Veil's Crossing procession

This sounds like a comforting celebration.

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TLDR for my players

Mirtis is the god of death, decay and disease, as well as of healing. His twin sister is the goddess Kära. Morticians and healers are normally strict followers of Mirtis, although pretty much everyone is praying to him from time to time.