Altar of Horns
CW: animal sacrifice
The holy island in the middle of Lake Ulüwerä is mostly clear of human influence, save for one curious sight. The most holy place of Áfawarsal, a simple altar, buried under countless goat horns, the remains of generations of sacrifices.
Áçämara, Aradal: 'the holy island', is a barren island on the Lake Ulüwerä. Despite being only a short boat ride from Wasäkawakal, it is usually wrapped in thick blanket of mist, making it not visible from the mainland.
There is no permanent inhabitation on the island, but the activities are organised from the Temple of Áfawarsal in Wasäkawakal, and the Sister of the Weaver travel there for praying and to keep watch on the island. Visitors are allowed on the island, but they need to be approved by the Sisters. Any unauthorised visitors will not be greeted friendly. The local fishermen usually avoid the island and the waters near it. Even the wild animals seem to avoid the island, perhaps sensing the holiness of the place.
The continuing tradition of goat sacrifices for Áfawarsal is curious, because she does not generally accept animal sacrifices. More common offerings are pieces of wool thread and incense. This might indicate, that the traditions observed here are in deed ancient, and have since fallen out of favour elsewhere.
There is no permanent inhabitation on the island, but the activities are organised from the Temple of Áfawarsal in Wasäkawakal, and the Sister of the Weaver travel there for praying and to keep watch on the island. Visitors are allowed on the island, but they need to be approved by the Sisters. Any unauthorised visitors will not be greeted friendly. The local fishermen usually avoid the island and the waters near it. Even the wild animals seem to avoid the island, perhaps sensing the holiness of the place.
Altar
The altar is located a short distance from the pier. There is no visible human made structure there, but the location is easy to identify from the pile of innumerable goat horns covering the ground there. The altar itself is a simple recrangular stone, darkened by the blood and ashes of the sacrifices.Sacrifices
Goats are still sacrificed on the island, and presumably the tradition has been going on for at least centuries. Only the purest kids of the wool-producing goats are considered fit for the sarcifice.Sacrificial goats are brought in from the island, and slaughtered on the altar. The meat is burned and eated on the spot. Other remains are then buried, except the horns, that are left on the altar.The continuing tradition of goat sacrifices for Áfawarsal is curious, because she does not generally accept animal sacrifices. More common offerings are pieces of wool thread and incense. This might indicate, that the traditions observed here are in deed ancient, and have since fallen out of favour elsewhere.
by Viault (wikimedia)
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