Ata'Silluaaq (A-tuh Sill-oo-ach)

The Children of Nairuk

"The Giants follow Nairuk, whom they consider the creator of our world, using naught but the snow of the tundra and two of his fingers." -Onrej The Younger, Vestrata Compendida Vol. II

Not much can be written about the religion of the Giants, as their nomadic culture does not facilitate a need for writing, and differences in the stories from tribe to tribe is common. The shamans are the keepers of the old stories, and are passed down orally from shaman to shaman. Basic facts about the religion persist though, like the origin story, or the reason for the annual hunting ceremonies.

Nairuk

The creator of the world, according to the oral histories of the Giant tribes. His lonely trek through the lifeless tundra that was the world encouraged him to create a companion, as well as create the sun to see through the darkness. When he wished to see in all directions, he piled snow up into the first mountains.

"I cannot see," said Nairuk, his eyes squinting in the night. "I must make something to help me see where I am." Grabbing the freshly fallen snow, he packed it into a ball, and tossed it into the air. The ball held magic from his hands, and illuminated the land. Now with fresh sight, he looked in each direction. "If there's anything here, it's too far to see." So he began to pile the snow in heaps, till he'd made a rugged staircase upwards. His feet knocked snow back to the ground, creating smaller mounds all over."                                                                                     Excerpt from "The Ata'Silluaaq Oral Histories."

Neikanei

The only other god in the pantheon, and the creator of most amenities that her people enjoy. Everything from the elk that roam the wilderness, to the trees themselves. All giants revere Neikanei as a kind, but strict mother deity. She cares for her creations, but knows that the world is a brutal place, and only some may survive. This is why funerary rites are held for tribe members and hunted prey alike, and thanks are offered to her whenever possible.

Facts

• One of the tales of Nairuk talk of a time when Nairuk fought with an unnamed warrior, who wounded Nairuk with a strange weapon, coated in poison. This warrior was on par with Nairuk, and cut him deep. From the wound sprung Nairuk's guts, and mixed with the poison. The resulting mix brought forth a hideous creature, which lashed out at both of them. The two called a truce to their brawl, and worked to fight the creature. "For three months they fought the beast," shamans tell. "The warrior would strike at the serpent, whilst Nairuk shot his mighty bow. It hissed and cursed them, throwing their attacks off and replying in turn." After some time, a weakened duo finally caused the monster to retreat, slithering into the sea. (This is seen as an explanation as to why their are no snakes in Fjallsgard by some theologians)
• Neikanei is present in Thritic myth as well, the mistress of the god Hephasion. The giant shamans who have been spoken to agree that this is possibly true, as Nairuk would leave his bride for long periods, and her propensity for loneliness is present in their creation myth.
• Ties to the Civric/Kordovarian pantheon or even the Thraamok Tung pantheon are under conjecture. One story persists in a sect of Yog worship where Nairuk caused Yog either the loss of his eye/horn.

Type

Religious, Druidic Circle