The Vantage Panikos

Celebrated in various locations over the summer, features competition of ranching skills as well as bull-dancing.

I was kinda scared for the koreftes. I thought for sure that bull was gonna get them. Dad says the mean ol'emprer used to eat anyone who lost, an sometimes the winners, too!

— small child's reaction to their first Panikos.

The Panikos celebrates the strength of the bull, and the skill of those who work with him

— a priestess of Phasiphae.

History

Bull dancing brought over by Minoan refugees and established at Temple of Pasiphae within the first generation.
After the breeding of the Makasing Auroch, a cross between the indigenous bison and the imported auroch, ranchers began to meet above Pasiphae's Bench at the end of the summer to sort the herds and sell the animals for various purposes. This gathering, of course led to basting about ranching skills, and inevitably to friendly competition.

Execution

A traditional Panikos generally starts with a parade of all the participants in their regalia, most riding, their horses decked out in ribbons and fancy tooled leather tack decorated with silver and beadwork. The parade winds through town, gathering followers until all end up at the local stadium. An hour's pause gives everyone a chance to get refreshments and find a seat, or prepare for competition. Then the competitors for all the events, as well as judges, gather in the center of the stadium and are blessed by the local priests of Lathander and Pasiphae. Then all retreat and yield the field to the first competition - Bull Dancing.

Participants

Koreftes (Bull Dancers) work as a team. In competition, teams draw lots to determine which bull they will be matched with. Originally, the bulls were selected from the herds gathered in from the prairie just days earlier. Today, they are generally purpose bred, selected for their inclination to toss their head, spin, and charge. Some of these bulls are as famous as a top Koreftes team.
The ranching events are also popular, and feature skills involved with controlling a herd, and of course, riding. These events test the skill, speed, and endurance of both horse and rider. Most events feature single competitors racing against a timer. A few are team events, usually run in pairs.

Primary Related Location

Vantage

Related Ethnicities

• Phaistian