Eot (ˈe͜o.t)
"Some people say that the Eot love their horses more than their children. That's not true - they love their horses and children equally."
The Eot people are one of a closely related group of ethnicities known as the Inselvolk. They originate from the archipelago of Eotland, a part of the Volksland island group. The largest island in the archipelago is also called Eotlond, and it is where the majority of the Eot people reside. The other smaller islands are mostly uninhabited and are used as grazing land for the Eot's livestock.
Throughout the Northeastern Region, the Eot are known as the finest horse breeders in the world. They treat their herds almost as extensions of their families, and are very selective about who they will sell a horse to. Eot-bred steeds are in great demand on Ynys and beyond, and some Eot Cynnes can become wealthy on the sale of only a dozen horses in a year.
In addition to their horses, the Eot also keep herds of cattle and sheep, grazing them on the many small islands of Eotland. Grazing rights to particular islands are held by particular Cynnes, and wars have been fought over the privilege to graze on one or another islet.
During the Age of Warlocks, many Eot were employed as mercenaries on Ynys, bringing their superior horsemanship to the battles raging across the island. Some of those mercenaries remained on Ynys after the wars ended, and there are communities of Eots all over Ynys, especially in the Kingdom of Gewisse.
Physical Appearance
The Eot people have fair skin, blue or gray eyes, and blonde or light brown hair. They are tall, with sturdy, muscular builds and strong features. They are noted for their high cheekbones and strong jaws, and many people find the Eots to be uncommonly attractive. Eot warriors often paint their faces and bodies with intricate designs before battle.
Common Dress & Style
The Eot people typically dress in simple, practical clothing made from wool, linen, or leather. Men wear tunics and trousers, while women wear long dresses or skirts with blouses. Fur and woolen cloaks are also common, especially during colder months. They prefer muted colors, with natural hues such as brown, green, and grey being popular. Jewelry is often made from silver or bronze and often feature intricate designs and patterns worked into the metal.
Both men and women wear their hair long, with men typically keeping it in a single long braid down their back and women wearing it loose and flowing. Beards are common for men, and these are also braided. Cutting one's hair is seen as a sign of mourning, and usually only those who have recently lost a loved one will have short hair.
Social Structure
Like the other Inselvolk, the Eot are divided into different clans, known as Cynnes. Each community is led by a Þing, a group of respected adults from each of the Cynnes who live there. While the Eot Þings will cooperate with each other, there is no central unifying body that rules them all. In times of crisis, they will convene an AlÞing, with representatives from each Þing, to decide on matters impacting all of Eotland.
Central to Eot society is the concept of Gebu or mutual obligation. Individuals are expected to uphold their commitments to others and to the community as a whole, and it is axiomatic that no single person survives without the contributions of many others. When they describe their communities, they implicitly include their herds of horses and livestock as well, applying the concept of Gebu to these nonhuman community members equally with the humans. Many homes and stables will have the runic symbol for Gebu (ᚸ) carved on their lintels.
Religion & Folklore
Like the other people of the Norður Islands, the Eot worship the family of Numina known as the Vættir. Their particular patron among the Vættir is Éorawynn, the Mare-Queen. She is honored with great festivals in the spring and autumn, and she is the enforcer of Gebu, trampling those who ignore their obligations to the community. Éorawynn can manifest as either a woman or a horse, and is always tall, beautiful, and imposing whichever shape she takes.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Main Article: Inselsprach
The Eot people share a common language with the other Inselvolk, but their dialect is distinct and has its own unique idioms and phrases. The Eot dialect is known for its harsh, guttural sounds and its use of compound words.
Foods & Cuisine
The Eot people rely heavily on their livestock for food, and dishes featuring meat and dairy products are common. Stews made with lamb or beef and seasoned with herbs and vegetables are popular, as are roasted meats served with bread and cheese. Fish and seafood are also important parts of the Eot diet, as are grains such as barley and oats. Most meals are accompanied by mead or beer and vast quantities of both are consumed at feasts and celebrations.
The Eotensteorra
While the Eot raise many breeds of horses, they are best known for the Eotensteorra. These large horses exude strength, power, and presence. With their muscular build and expressive, feathered legs, they are a sight to behold. The Eotensteorra possess a natural elegance and an innate affinity for performing tasks that require both grace and strength. Despite their larger size, they display remarkable agility and versatility, making them suitable for both work and leisure.
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This article was originally written for Spooktober 2024. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2023. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
The Éorawynn, the Mare-Queen sounds like a force to be reckoned with. I also wonder what her festivals are like. I thought of many horse cultures around world as I read this. I enjoyed this piece.
I'll have to stub an article for her and write up her festivals! I'm glad you liked it.