Gateprabu

General introduction

Gateprabu is a deity of transition and those and that connected with transition in the broadest sense. This makes him a god of merchants and thieves, of wanderers and priests, of rites of passage and of alchemy, among many other things. Gateprabu is one of the latest gods from the original twelve deities to come into existence. He is the direct brother of sun and moon.

Placement in the pantheon and dominion

Although he is one of the younger deities of the pantheon, Gateprabu presides over a crucial sphere of dominion. Change is inevitable and omnipresent in Samthô and if it weren't for his position as a son within family of deities, he would most likely be considered the most important of the deities. He is revered by many and on many occasions and if it is not him, it is one of his emanations or a deity very much like him.

He is connected to all kinds of change and transition, to the movements of celestial bodies, the passage of time and changes of status in life, like coming of age, marriage or becoming an elder. Also those travelling through space are common worshipers of Gateprabu. Many harbour cities are places of worship either for the original Gateprabu or for a derived deity. Also those working in trade or transport consider him one of their main patron deities.

Most importantly he is a psychopomp, leading the deceased to what is believed to be the place the deceased go in the respective religious system. This role makes his colours or attributes play an important part in funerary rites across Samthô.

Appearance in art and literature and iconography

Gateprabu, despite his importance, is rarely shown in art. He is often alluded to with his attributes: wings, a staff with a glistening crescent to light the way or a large piece of cloth, often more precisely shown as a cape or cloak. When shown in iconic depictions, he appears to be a young wanderer cled in a cloak, concealing most of his features. His colours are red, purple, gold and black. Priests all accross Samthô invoke him during funerary rites or commemorations. This makes him regularly show up in liturgies around funerals.

Places of worship and festivals in honour of Gateprabu

Harbour cities often have shrines, altars or even temples dedicated to deities of travel close to the docks. Where Gateprabu is revered, these places of worship are dedicated to him or his emanations. Crossroads too are common places to find small shrines or altars for Gateprabu.

Transitional phases of the year, spring and harvest, are often presided over by respective deities of fertility or abundance, of vitality, bloom and fruit. One time in ones life where Gateprabu plays the most important role, is death, as normally no deity of death, but rather the psychopomp is revered by most peoples. Despite not having a special festival dedicated to himself, this fact renders Gateprabu one of the most regularly revered deities.