Sefdaanian Ethnography Chapter 8 - Faith

Pronunciation table

p	b	f	v	m̃	m			t	d	þ	ð	ɫ	l			ṡ	ż	s	z	r	n			k	g	x	ƣ	h	ȝ			š	s̨			i	e	a	ǫ	o	u			ĭ	ĕ	ŭ
/p/	/b/	/ɸ/	/β/	/m̥/	/m/			/t/	/d/	/θ/	/ð/	/l̥/	/l/			/ʦ/	/ʣ/	/s/	/z/	/ɾ̥/	/n/			/k/	/g/	/ç/	/ʝ/	/j̊/	/j/			/sʷ/	/sʲ/			/i/	/e/	/ä/	/ɒ/	/o/	/u/			/ɪ/	/ɛ/	/ʊ/

Religious beliefs – ȝounőas

• All of the Peoples are intensely religious. The Ethrans and the Xylans are especially so since they were created individually as immortals and remember their coming into existence at the hands of Ȝűmu.
• All the Peoples are monotheists but worship the one God under different names and appearances and with different rituals. These different appearances are called avatars (ȝumte̋iðru). The word ȝűmu is best understood as "godhead". It denotes the essential and divine nature of the deity. This Godhead, while not a Trinity in the Christian sense, is believed to have three aspects (nőőra) to his/her nature: Creation (ƥűþra), Maintenance (mǫ̋r̈a), Transformation (m̃a̋ira). This belief is known as the tirnőőra . This Godhead has manifested him/herself in six manifestations in the various acts of creating the Peoples.
• The Six Worshipful Avatars (sa̋a̋d tőzu ȝumte̋iðrus) for each People are:

1. ı̋lmu of the Ethrans who manifests as a clean-shaven man with white hair and light blue (ɫiiðkőőxi) eyes. He wears a long white (pa̋ȝi) silken (k̨uf̨őni) tunic (m̃e̋sto), slit to the hips, tied with a golden (gil̨őni) silken cincture (xe̋ɫo), and white silken trousers (ǧőno). His totem is the great golden eagle (műire), upon the back of which he travels. They name him "Lord of the Winds" (m̃ééande̋ru), "Eagle-rider" (muirmı̋mlu), and "the White-Haired" (paipı̋lmu).
2. puusa̋nu of the Pyrans manifests as a woman with long flowing titian (reuðgı̋li) tresses and amber-colored (diita̋a̋in̈i) eyes. She wears a long orange (vı̋mi) silken tunic, slit to the hips, tied with a silvern (kűri) silken cincture, and light orange (ɫiiðvı̋mi) silken trousers. Her totem is the reindeer. She travels in a chariot drawn by two reindeer cows. They name her "Lady of the Stars" (ṡúkande̋ru), "Reindeer Mistress" (tuntĕm̃a̋l̤u ), and "the Titian-tressed" (réuðgilbősmu).
3. ne̋e̋ru of the Hydorans manifests as a shaven-headed woman with dark blue (kaalkőőxi) eyes. She wears a long dark blue silken tunic, slit to the hips, tied with a silvern silken cincture, and light blue silken trousers. Her totem is the swan. She travels in a chariot drawn by two giant pens (kűűge). They name her "Lady of the Waters" (húrande̋ru), and "Mistress of Swans" (kuuƣm̃a̋l̤u ).
4. tarőnu of the Humans manifests as a black-bearded man with dark brown (kaalba̋di) eyes. He wears his black hair in a long ponytail (morpőɫo). He wears a long-sleeved carmine (őrbi) silken doublet, and salmon (seeƣre̋uði) silken trousers. His totem is the horse. He travels on the back of a stallion. The name him "Lord of the Steppes" (kebárande̋ru), "Horse Master" (morm̃a̋l̤u ), and "the Long-ponytailed" (píðmorpőɫmu).
5. perk̬űnu of the Xylans manifests as a dark-complexioned man with curly (b̨űdo) green (ða̋li) hair and eyebrows and brown eyes; his body hair is brown. His loincloth (tada̋po) (when he chooses to wear one) is made of amadou (Fomes fomentaria). He carries an oaken stave. His totem is the bear. He travels on foot. They name him "Lord of the Forest" (fúrande̋ru), and "the Green-haired (ðalþ̨űűxmu)".
6. kabe̋iru of the Lithans manifests as a woman with close-cropped black (šőrdi) hair and bangs (ṡuvle̋mbo). She wears a long purple silken tunic, slit to the hips, tied with a silvern silken cincture, and violet silken trousers. Her totem is the tur. She travels in a chariot pulled by two tur does. They name her "Lady of the Mountains" (ǧárande̋ru), and "Tur Mistress" (kiþm̃a̋l̤u ).

Sacred Writings – nőivo ȝa̋raþo

• The written traditions include:

1. The Scroll of Faith (ooa̋s ȝar̈e̋þo )

2. The Chronicle of Creation (ƥuta̋s þa̋no)

The Scroll of Faith (ooa̋s ȝar̈e̋þo)

• The basic tenets of this faith are collected in a scroll called the Scroll of Faith (ooa̋s ȝare̋þo).
• The foundation of this faith is a belief in the three unities (tı̋r þűntas):

1. The unity of God (ȝumþűnta).

2. The unity of Faith (oþűnta).

3. The unity of the Peoples (leuðþűnta).

• These Three Unities are made manifest in the lives of the Peoples through the practice of the Six Sacred Reverences (sa̋a̋d nőiva a̋isas). These Six Sacred Reverences correspond closely to six of the Hindu yamas.

1. Reverence of God (ȝuma̋isa) – ishvarapujana (worship of the Lord)

2. Reverence of Creation (ƥuta̋isa) – aparigraha (absence of covetousness)

3. Reverence of Life (ǧiira̋isa) – ahimsa (non-violence)

4. Reverence of Truth (m̃eera̋isa) – satya (truthfulness)

5. Reverence of Others (ana̋isa) – daya (compassion)

6. Reverence of the Property of Others (ánuða̋isa) – asteya (non-stealing)

• The Six Sacred Reverences give rise to the Six Precepts (sa̋a̋d őim̃os):

1. to refrain from impiety (álȝumna̋a̋am de̋usu)

2. to refrain from polluting (ma̋ȝam de̋usu)

3. to refrain from violence (kı̋ı̋ƣtam de̋usu)

4. to refrain from falsehood (ƣa̋m̃tam de̋usu)

5. to refrain from indifference (te̋ftam de̋usu)

6. to refrain from theft (vőőur̈am de̋usu)

• It is the belief of the Peoples that greed (uðȝa̋ta) is the source of all sin. This greed is manifested in the three lusts:

1. lust for others (anȝa̋ta)

2. lust for things (m̃exȝa̋ta)

3. lust for power (m̃axȝa̋ta)

• These lusts can be eliminated by the practice of the three cures (ȝa̋kos):

1. chastity (pőuƣta)

2. moderation (na̋ɫa)

3. humility (ta̋fta)

• There are six diseases (da̋mos) of the soul:

1. hatred (þi̋xra)

2. injury (ma̋iþa)

3. doubt (bűxra)

4. despair (vı̋ṡa)

5. ignorance (m̨űlta)

6. sorrow (mı̋m̃ra)

• There are six cures (ȝa̋kos) for these diseases:

1. love (m̃e̋nra)

2. forgiveness (dűűr̈a)

3. faith (őőra)

4. hope (ı̋ṡa)

5. wisdom (sa̋a̋sta)

6. joy (ba̋ira)

Religious practices – ȝounbőþos

• It is a practice of the Peoples to put themselves in the presence of Ȝűmu by chanting the Thirty Divine Names. With a circlet of beads consisting of five groups of six, each name is chanted with the response, nı̋ke, o anderű, "be present to us, O Lord". The thirty names are arranged in the order of the Senjecan alphabet, one name for each letter.
• The Thirty Holy Names of God (tı̋r foos nőivo ȝum̃űs fe̋e̋tos)

1. ƥűþlu – He Who Creates

2. bűɫlu – He Who Has Mercy

3. fa̋rlu – He Who Provides

4. ve̋nlu – He Who Hears

5. m̃e̋nlu – He Who Loves

6. me̋ðlu – He Who Judges

7. te̋islu – He Who Consoles

8. dűűrlu – He Who Pardons

9. þőnlu – He Who Helps

10. ðe̋m̃lu – He Who Shines

11. ɫe̋nlu – He Who Is Bountiful

12. lőővlu – He Who Restores

13. ṡa̋ðlu – He Who Transcends

14. ża̋a̋l̤u – He Who Invites

15. se̋hlu – He Who Conquers

16. ze̋l̤u – He Who Awakens

17. rı̋zlu - He Who Supports

18. ne̋slu – He Who Saves

19. k̬e̋e̋ðlu – He Who Admonishes

20. ǧiiı̋dĭlu - He Who Gives Life

21. xe̋rlu – He Who Requites

22. ƣuuƣı̋dĭlu – He Who Is Mystifies

23. ha̋m̃lu – He Who Summons

24. ȝűslu – He Who Justifies

25. a̋zlu – He Who Pervades

26. e̋slu – He Who Is

27. ı̋rlu – He Who Harmonizes

28. ől̤u – He Who Destroys

29. ǫ̋ǫ̋zlu – He Who Is Resplendent

30. űnlu – He Who Is Benevolent

• Other religious practices are enshrined in the Six Commendable Acts of Religion (sa̋a̋d e̋ȝo ȝouna̋s kı̋os)

1. private prayer (e̋im̃a lı̋lra)

2. almsgiving (peeðdőőa)

3. meditation (ƣoża̋ba)

4. earth care (talte̋sa)

5. ancestor reverence (ánera̋isra)

6. communal worship (kőina tőza)

Myth – ȝuml̨őmo

• Many myths are told by each of the Peoples about the activities of their avatars.

Afterlife – ǫn̈e̋sra

• There is a belief in an afterlife (ǫn̈e̋sra) in the religion of the Peoples. Stories abound about the afterlife in heaven (nűmo), but there is no certain knowledge. The Ethrans, being immortal, believe that, at the end of the world (whatever that may mean) they will merely continue to exist in that world. More will be related about the sundered mages in a separate article.
• The Xylans are immortal in that they are not affected by disease or natural causes, such as poison, in this life, although they can be killed.
• When a Xylan or one of the other Peoples dies, the body is disposed of according to each Peoples’ beliefs (Chapter 17), but there is a soul (ṡ̨űűu) which continues to exist in the afterlife. There is no reincarnation.
• Entrance into heaven is dependent upon a preponderance of good behavior (tı̋nra) over bad behavior (x̨űsra). In this context a People’s avatar is seen as a judge (ðeesme̋ðlu) holding a balance (te̋l̤o). Immediately after death there is a soul-weighing (ṡ̨uute̋lu). The individual’s good works, represented by a golden ring (gila̋a̋no), are placed in balance against his bad works, represented by a stone ring (taaina̋a̋no). If the golden ring weighs more than the stone ring, the soul enters heaven. If the stone ring weighs more than the golden ring, the soul enters the abode of the damned (orgűmo). If the rings are of equal balance, the soul is given the benefit of the doubt. It is not known how different margins of goodness translate into the afterlife. A ring is used as the never-ending circle is a symbol of eternity.
• Every worship hall displays prominently and centrally a representation of a balance.

Ancestor reverence – ánera̋isra

• A belief in an afterlife leads to some type of communal association with the dead. This gives rise to a reverence of the ancestors.
• With minor differences, the four mortal Peoples have similar practices of ancestor reverence. There are two annual celebrations in honor of the ancestors.
• At the winter solstice the celebration is to remember all the ancestors of the community.
• At the summer solstice the celebration is to remember all those who were leaders of the community.

Religious officials – ȝőunu dashőmus

• There are no religious officials in the sense of an individual being especially chosen for that role. In the case of all the Peoples, the senior member of the community is also the principal leader of worship. In his or her absence the next senior member leads the worship. In case of debility due to age or illness, this senior member may hand over the leadership to the next senior member of the community.
• The suffix –ne̋e̋ilu (leader) is appended to the name of the People’s settlement to specify the role of leader of worship. Thus,

1. For the Ethrans, ðuun̈e̋e̋ilu
2. For the Pyrans, davne̋e̋ilu
3. For the Hydorans, naaðne̋e̋ilu
4. For the Humans, ṡeim̃ne̋e̋ilu
5. Since they are solitary, the Xylans have no communal worship. When two or more happen to gather together, the eldest of them takes on the role of the ne̋e̋ilu.
6. For the Lithans, kilne̋e̋ilu

Religious calendar – ȝőuno áhluxta̋go

The religious calendar is given in Chapter 2 - Time, under "The Solar Cycle".

Rituals – ȝounþa̋xos

Prayer service (lilþa̋xo)

• The religious ritual (þa̋xo) consists, in general, of chanting the Thirty Divine Names of God, singing hymns, prayers for individual and collective needs, and personal testimony of good behavior and requests for forgiveness for bad behavior with respect to the Six Sacred Reverences.
• The ritual ends with announcements of coming events in the community.
• Sacred dance (nőivo me̋bo) is a part of the solar celebrations, but not of the lunar celebrations.
• As Ȝűmu has no needs, there is no offering, symbolic or otherwise. The communities are small enough that ritual giving to those in need is not necessary. This is done at any time as needed.
• The ritual is followed by a communal meal (koine̋do). If the weather is good, this communal meal is held on the village green (koinlőuko).
• Non-members of the community are always welcome to share in the ritual and the meal, although this does not happen often because of the distances involved in travel. Most of the time, the guest is a Lithan trader and his party or a wandering Xylan may visit. This travel occurs in the summer when the weather is good. Thus, it is usually the celebration of the summer solstice (June 21) and the autumn festival (August 6) at which one would see non-members of the community in attendance.
• A guest in the home is known as a še̋tu. A guest at a ritual is known as a ðeeš̤e̋tu.

Ritual for establishing a new community (ȝűűnu koinűs meiþa̋xo)

• From time to time it is necessary to establish a new community. This usually happens due to population growth, both of the People and of their livestock. Therefore a party journeys to find the site for a new community. When a site is found, they return to the community to gather a larger party. This party, which includes the leader of the new community, returns to the site to consecrate it.
• The ritual of consecration is as follows. A focal point is set up, that will usually become the village green. The Pyrans light a fire. The Hydorans pour out water taken from their lake. The Humans make a mound of their earth from their settlement. The Lithans set up a stone taken from their mountain. Those present form a circle around the focus. The new leader walks around the focus six times sunwise. As he circumambulates, those in the circle petition their avatar to bestow peace and prosperity on the new community. The Lithans will set the stone up in front of the community building.

The Monastic Life – koin̈őőnla ǧı̋ı̋ra

• The institution of monasticism goes hand-in-hand with hospitality. These monasteries/caravansaries (saaþda̋ro) are located at the fords of rivers. The hosts (rűűmlu) are of any of the Peoples who have chosen this vocation. The guest master (ruumve̋e̋l̤u) is chosen by the hosts for a period of six years (ruumlĕdı̋ı̋ta).
• The lodgers (őþlu) are provided with food and a place to sleep and may join the hosts in their rituals. The caravansaries also provide passage across the river. If the river is not too deep or wide, passage may involve being carried across by a Xylan. Otherwise, a Xylan-powered ferry (pe̋ro) is provided. Depending on the speed of the current, they may be either poled across or pulled across by a rope. Livestock must, obviously, be ferried across.
• There is a charge for lodging (oþxe̋po) and ferriage (perxe̋po). This payment may be in kind from the Lithan traders.

Magic – Dweomory (seȝűűra)

• In Sefdaania dweomory is one of the six energies. It is available only to the Ethrans whose physiology allows them to tap this source of energy. This energy enables them to perform telekinesis, levitation, and a limited instantaneous telelocation. They can also transform the dweomer energy into fire, heat, or light.

Supernatural Beings – uporv̌e̋e̋tu e̋santus

• There are no supernatural beings.

The Origin of Evil – ɫaaxta̋s tőda

• In creating the first Loquent People, the Ethrans, Ȝumu (known as Ilmu to the Ethrans) created seven mages. The first created was the female archimage Ṡe̋l̨u (Tseliu), also known as Semȝa̋zu. Then followed the creation of the other six mages and that of the rest of the Ethrans, each of them cr afted individually out of air. He then assigned them their home. All of this was observed by Ṡe̋l̨u. This was the beginning of the first era.
• After the passage of 26,000 years (the length of the precession of the equinoxes), Ȝumu (known as Puusa̋nu to the Pyrans) once again stepped into his creation and, out of fire, created the First Parents of the Pyrans. They were assigned their home and were to increase their kind sexually. This was the beginning of the second era.
• After the passage of 26,000 years, Ȝumu (known as Ne̋e̋ru to the Hydorans) once again stepped into his creation and, out of water, created the First Parents of the Hydorans. They were assigned their home and were to increase their kind sexually. This was the beginning of the third era.
• These acts of creation began to fascinate Tseliu.
• After the passage of 26,000 years, Ȝumu (known as Tarőnu to the Humans) once again stepped into his creation and, out of earth, created the First Parents of the Humans. They were assigned their home and were to increase their kind sexually. This was the beginning of the fourth era.
• After the passage of 26,000 years, Ȝumu (known as Perk̬űnu to the Xylans) once again stepped into his creation and, out of wood, created all 100 of the Xylans. They were assigned their home. This was the beginning of the fifth era.
• After the passage of 26,000 years, Ȝumu (known as Kabe̋iru to the Lithans) once again stepped into his creation and, out of stone, created the First Parents of the Lithans. They were assigned their home and were to increase their kind sexually. This was the beginning of the sixth era.
• Now Tseliu’s fascination turned to jealousy and she desired to create as had Ilmu. Unable to create life out of non-living matter, she was reduced to working with living matter. By means of a type of cloning, she was able to create what are known to the Sefdaanians as monsters (vormĕf̨űðlǫ, terror producer). Her first abomination was to create her own son from her cell and that of a male aurochs which produced a being rather like the Minotaur. To follow were satyrs, griffins, hippogriffs (one of which is her steed), merfolk, etc. She was, however, unable to create a viable centaur because of the presence of the two torsos.
• She then went on to tempt the other Loquent People to imitate her in disobeying Ȝumu. A number of Ethrans, Pyrans, Hydorans, Humans, and Lithans allowed themselves to fall into this temptation. However, none of the Xylans did. These 100 individuals have remained loyal to Ȝumu. This is called the Great Sundering (mezpűlra).

Prayers – lı̋los

• Ethran Plow Prayer – gaal̨onűm buzlı̋lo

ilmű anderű. bűzlusk̬e sı̋ı̋lesk̬e saane̋ȝa:

Lord Ilmu, may the plowmen and the pterchirus be healthy.

ilmű ȝumű, hőli m̃úm éra súvi saise̋ȝa:

Ilmu God, may the buckwheat yield well for us.

• Pyran Plow Prayer – aaþ̨onűm buzlı̋lo

puusanű anderű. bűzusk̬e tűntesk̬e saane̋ȝa:

Lord Puusanu, may the plowmen and the reindeer be healthy.

puusanű ȝumű, rűƣ̨i m̃úm éra súvi saise̋ȝa:

Puusanu God, may the rye yield well for us.

• Human Plow Prayer – tal̨onűm buzlı̋lo

taronű anderű. bűzlusk̬e mőresk̬e saane̋ȝa:

Lord Taronu, may the plowmen and the horses be healthy.

taronű ȝumű, eda̋a̋kis m̃úm éra súvi saise̋ȝa:

Taronu God, may the lentils yield well for us.

• Lithan Plow Prayer – taain̨onűm buzlı̋lo

kabeirű anderű. bűzlusk̬e űdesk̬e saane̋ȝa:

Lord Kabeiru, may the plowmen and the yaks be healthy.

kabeirű ȝumű, kana̋pi m̃úm éra súvi saise̋ȝa:

Kabeiru God, may the hemp yield well for us.

Canticle of Praise - ainős ga̋a̋iko

• Bless the Lord Ilmu, you Children of Air!
• ȝús gaal̨onűs. ı̋lmum ande̋rum fı̋re:

• Sing praise to God with glass harp and voice!
• veðkomlősk̬e ƣamősk̬e xéma ȝűmum o a̋inom ga̋a̋ȝe:

• Glorify the Lord, you winds and breezes!
• ȝés m̃eee̋sk̬e m̃eeke̋sk̬e. ande̋rum m̨a̋ge:

• Give thanks to the Lord, all you eagles and other denizens of the air!
• ȝés őre muire̋sk̬e a̋nus gaalős m̃eeslűsk̬e. ande̋rum o kűȝe:

• Praise and glorify the Creator, all you creatures,
• ȝés őre ƥutaþe̋m. ƥűþlum a̋inek̬e m̨a̋gek̬e.

• For his love for us is eternal.
• hi eȝu-m̃e̋nra m̃ús éra še̋ðm̃a e̋sa:

• Bless the Lady Puusanu, you Children of Fire!
• ȝús aaþ̨onűs. puusa̋num ande̋rum fı̋re:

• Sing praise to God with ocarina and xun!
• benšilősk̬e toolšilősk̬e xéma ȝűmum o a̋inom ga̋a̋ȝe:

• Glorify the Lord, you rivers and streams!
• ȝés daae̋sk̬e voge̋sk̬e. ande̋rum m̨a̋ge:

• Give thanks to the Lord, you salmon and other denizens of the watercourses!
• ȝés őre laṡe̋sk̬e a̋nus gave̋m m̃eeslűsk̬e. ande̋rum o kűȝe:

• Praise and glorify the Creator, all you creatures,
• ȝés őre ƥutaþe̋m. ƥűþlum a̋inek̬e m̨a̋gek̬e.

• For his love for us is eternal.
• hi eȝu-m̃e̋nra m̃ús éra še̋ðm̃a e̋sa:

• Bless the Lady Neeru, you Children of Water!
• ȝús hur̨onűs. ne̋e̋rum ande̋rum fı̋re:

• Sing praise to God with syrinx and ney!
• nedősk̬e ṡ̨agkumlősk̬e xéma ȝűmum o a̋inom ga̋a̋ȝe:

• Glorify the Lord, you lakes and ponds!
• ȝós eherősk̬e laxm̃ősk̬e. ande̋rum m̨a̋ge:

• Give thanks to the Lord, all you frogs and other denizens of the still waters!
• ȝés őre raase̋sk̬e a̋nus aam̃e̋s m̃eeslűsk̬e. ande̋rum o kűȝe:

• Praise and glorify the Creator, all you creatures,
• ȝés őre ƥutaþe̋m. ƥűþlum a̋inek̬e m̨a̋gek̬e.

• For his love for us is eternal.
• hi eȝu-m̃e̋nra m̃ús éra še̋ðm̃a e̋sa:

• Bless the Lord Taronu, you Children of Earth!
• ȝús tal̨onűs. tarőnum ande̋rum fı̋re:

• Sing praise to God with bows and harps!
• l̨omősk̬e kufrősk̬e xéma ȝűmum o a̋inom ga̋a̋ȝe:

• Glorify the Lord, you steppes and tundras!
• ȝós kebarősk̬e manrősk̬e. ande̋rum m̨a̋ge:

• Give thanks to the Lord, all you saiga and other denizens of the grasslands!
• ȝés őre ite̋sk̬e a̋nus paartőm m̃eeslűsk̬e. ande̋rum o kűȝe:

• Praise and glorify the Creator, all you creatures,
• ȝés őre ƥutaþe̋m. ƥűþlum a̋inek̬e m̨a̋gek̬e.

• For his love for us is eternal.
• hi eȝu-m̃e̋nra m̃ús éra še̋ðm̃a e̋sa:

• Bless the Lord Perk̬unu, you Children of Wood!
• ȝús maat̨onűs. perk̬űnum ande̋rum fı̋re:

• Sing praise to God with flutes and whistles!
• ṡ̬eȝoƣlősk̬e šiősk̬e xéma ȝűmum o a̋inom ga̋a̋ȝe:

• Glorify the Lord, you forests and groves!
• ȝós furősk̬e sumhősk̬e. ande̋rum m̨a̋ge:

• Give thanks to the Lord, all you wisents and other denizens of the woodlands!
• ȝés őre m̃isonte̋sk̬e a̋nus őm m̃eeslűsk̬e. ande̋rum o kűȝe:

• Praise and glorify the Creator, all you creatures,
• ȝés őre ƥutaþe̋m. ƥűþlum a̋inek̬e m̨a̋gek̬e.

• For his love for us is eternal.
• hi eȝu-m̃e̋nra m̃ús éra še̋ðm̃a e̋sa:

• Bless the Lady Kabeiru, you Children of Stone!
• ȝús taan̨onűs. kabe̋irum ande̋rum fı̋re:

• Sing praise to God with chimes and bells!
• ƥasősk̬e zarősk̬e xéma ȝűmum o a̋inom ga̋a̋ȝe:

• Glorify the Lord, you mountains and hills!
• ȝós ǧarősk̬e raȝősk̬e. ande̋rum m̨a̋ge:

• Give thanks to the Lord, all you turs and other denizens of the mountain ranges!
• ȝés őre kite̋sk̬e a̋nus mooniȝőm m̃eeslűsk̬e. ande̋rum o kűȝe:

• Praise and glorify the Creator, all you creatures,
• ȝés őre ƥutaþe̋m. ƥűþlum a̋inek̬e m̨a̋gek̬e.

• For his love for us is eternal.
• hi eȝu-m̃e̋nra m̃ús éra še̋ðm̃a e̋sa:

The Chronicle of Creation (ƥuta̋s þa̋no)

• 1. sénesa̋ntu. mi-e̋slu. ȝı̋kam alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilsedős éva e-se̋da:

Senesantu, the Self-existent, sat upon the Adamantine Throne for an Eon.

• 2. þűnta ȝı̋ka e-de̋usa:

The First Eon ended.

• 3. sénesa̋ntu. mi-e̋slu. eȝu-t̬a̋lon e-lűra: ǫ̋ǫ̋ża f̨őþa esa̋sa:

Senesantu, the Self-existent, opened his eyes. Resplendent light began to be.

• 4. ǫ̋ǫ̋ża f̨oþa̋s itűru ka̋itu e-e̋sa:

The Fountain of Resplendent Light was pleased.

• 5. ȝı̋kam alȝa̋áfĭn̨e̋mo zilsedős éva e-se̋da:

He sat upon the Adamantine Throne for an Eon.

• 6. d̬őta ȝı̋ka e-de̋usa:

The Second Eon ended.

• 7. sénesa̋ntu. mi-e̋slu. ǫ̋ǫ̋ża f̨oþa̋s itűru. e-te̋e̋a: m̃a néxo vűűla: tı̋ı̋ðo vűűlu ke̋la m̃ar:

Senesantu, the Self-existent, the Fountain of Resplendent Light, said, "There is nothing. There must be something."

• 8. alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilse̋dom ápa e-kőþakőþa: e-me̋ba: ṡukı̋ȝo nı̋ı̋go sukős móóda esa̋sa:

He arose from the Adamantine Throne. He danced. With each turn a galaxy began to be.

• 9. ormoþtős me̋vlu ka̋itu e-e̋sa:

The Dancer of the Cosmos was pleased.

• 10. ȝı̋kam alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilsedős éva e-se̋da:

He sat upon the Adamantine Throne for an Eon.

• 11. tɪ̋rta ȝı̋ka e-de̋usa:

The Third Eon ended.

• 12. sénesa̋ntu. mi-e̋slu. ǫ̋ǫ̋ża f̨oþa̋s itűru. ormoþtős me̋vlu e-te̋e̋a: m̃a ne̋o þeexe̋sos vűűla: e̋su ke̋la m̃ar:

Senesantu, the Self-existent, the Fountain of Resplendent Light, the Dancer of the Cosmos said, "There are no elements. They must be."

• 13. alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilse̋dom ápa e-kőþa: e-pe̋da: ð̬e̋som e-ð̬e̋sa: ga̋a̋lo esa̋sa:

He arose from the Adamantine Throne. He took a step. He breathed a breath. Air began to be.

• 14. d̬őto pe̋dom e-pe̋da: seegő' se̋ibom e-skőþa: a̋a̋þe esa̋sa:

He took a second step. He bled a drop of blood. Fire began to be.

• 15. tɪ̋rtom pe̋dom e-pe̋da: ṡuuþő' se̋ibom e-ṡűűþa: hűro esa̋sa:

He took a third step. He expressed a drop of milk. Water began to be.

• 16. na̋a̋ltom pe̋dom e-pe̋da: seeő' se̋ibom e-se̋e̋a: ta̋le esa̋sa:

He took a fourth step. He sowed a drop of semen. Earth began to be.

• 17. pe̋ntom pe̋dom e-pe̋da: pilős b̨űdom e-ha̋ȝa: ma̋a̋to esa̋sa:

He took a fifth step. He shed a lock of hair. Wood began to be.

• 18. sa̋a̋ðto pe̋dom e-pe̋da: rı̋ı̋som e-þűfa: ta̋a̋ino esa̋sa:

He took a sixth step. He spat a tooth. Stone began to be.

• 19. þeexesős ƥűþlu ka̋itu e-e̋sa:

The Creator of the Elements was pleased.

• 20. ȝı̋kam alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilsedős éva e-se̋da:

He sat upon the Adamantine Throne for an Eon.

• 21. na̋a̋lta ȝı̋ka e-de̋usa:

The Fourth Eon ended.

• 22. sénesa̋ntu. mi-e̋slu. ǫ̋ǫ̋ża f̨oþa̋s itűru. ormoþtős me̋vlu. þeexesős ƥűþlu e-te̋e̋a: m̃a ne̋xa ǧı̋ı̋ra vűűla: vűűlu ke̋la m̃ar:

Senesantu, the Self-existent, the Fountain of Resplendent Light, the Dancer of the Cosmos, the Creator of the Elements said, "There is no life. There must be."

• 23. alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilse̋dom ápa e-kőþa: þeexesőm e-ża̋na:

He arose from the Adamantine Throne. He strode among the elements.

• 24. ga̋a̋lom e-le̋ża: nom e-űűra: pa̋a̋memk̬e pe̋tantenk̬e e-va̋a̋na:

He gathered air. He crafted it. He created the dragon and all the beasts that fly.

• 25. a̋a̋þem e-le̋ża: nem e-űűra: mőremk̬e re̋e̋santenk̬e e-va̋a̋na:

He gathered fire. He crafted it. He created the horse and all the beasts that run.

• 26. hűrom e-le̋ża: nom e-űűra: la̋ṡemk̬e še̋mantenk̬e e-va̋a̋na:

He gathered water. He crafted it. He created the salmon and all the beasts that swim.

• 27. ta̋lem e-le̋ża: nem e-űűra: ża̋vdemk̬e nőlantenk̬e e-va̋a̋na:

He gathered earth. He crafted it. He created the serpent and all the beasts that crawl.

• 28. ma̋a̋tom e-le̋ża: nom e-űűra: om̃e̋remk̬e re̋nantenk̬e e-va̋a̋na:

He gathered earth. He crafted it. He created the squirrel and all the beasts that climb.

• 29. ta̋a̋inom e-le̋ża: nom e-űűra: va̋rkemk̬e rı̋ƣantenk̬e e-va̋a̋na:

He gathered stone. He crafted it. He created the badger and all the beasts that burrow.

• 30. uþme̋m żőőnlu ka̋itu e-e̋sa:

The Procreator of the Sentient was pleased.

• 31. ȝı̋kam alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilsedős éva e-se̋da:

He sat upon the Adamantine Throne for an Eon.

• 32. pe̋nta ȝı̋ka e-de̋usa:

The Fifth Eon ended.

• 33. suule̋s sı̋ı̋le̋s aara̋s éna e-vuante̋s. sénesa̋ntu. mi-e̋slu. ǫ̋ǫ̋ża f̨oþa̋s itűru. ormoþtős me̋vlu. þeexesős ƥűþlu. uþme̋s żőőnlu e-te̋e̋a: m̃a ne̋xa m̃e̋nra vűűla: vűűlu ke̋la m̃ar:

The sun was in the domain of the Unicorn. Senesantu, the Self-existent, the Fountain of Resplendent Light, the Dancer of the Cosmos, the Creator of the Elements, the Procreator of the Sentient said, "There is no love. There must be."

• 34. alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilse̋dom ápa e-kőþa: mı̋ı̋do nűmon þáfa e-ża̋na:

He arose from the Adamantine Throne. He strode across the majestic heavens.

• 35. eȝu-taɫős xéma ga̋a̋lom e-le̋ża: éȝom éha e̋santun e-űűra:

With his right hand he gathered Air. He crafted it into beings.

• 36. éȝu-nasfőőton éna éȝu-d̬e̋som e-d̬e̋sa: éȝu-ma̋inon éna éȝu-ga̋a̋ȝom e-ga̋a̋ȝa:

Into their nostrils he breathed his breath. Into their ears he sang their song.

• 37. ítu þűntu le̋uðum gaal̨őnun e-va̋a̋na:

Thus he created the First People, the Children of Air.

• 38. eȝúm o e-te̋e̋a: m̃a mı̋ı̋do nűmon þáfa a̋te: non éna se̋bam de̋e̋se: ǧı̋ı̋e:

He said to them, "Go throughout the majestic heavens. Find pleasure therein and live."

• 39. m̃enra̋s tődu ka̋itu e-e̋sa:

The Source of Love was pleased.

• 40. þ̨űdam alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilsedős éva e-se̋da:

He sat upon the Adamantine Throne for an Era.

• 41. þűnta þ̨űda e-de̋usa:

The First Era ended.

• 42. suule̋s tunte̋s aara̋s éna e-vuuante̋s. sénesa̋ntu. mi-e̋slu. ǫ̋ǫ̋ża f̨oþa̋s itűru. ormoþtős me̋vlu. þeexesős ƥűþlu. uþme̋s żőőnlu. m̃enra̋s tődu e-te̋e̋a: m̃a ma̋ta m̃e̋nra vűűla ne: ga̋a̋mo vűűlu ke̋la m̃ar:

The sun was in the domain of the Caribou. Senesantu, the Self-existent, the Fountain of Resplendent Light, the Dancer of the Cosmos, the Creator of the Elements, the Procreator of the Sentient, the Source of Love said, "There is not enough love. There must be more."

• 43. alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilse̋dom ápa e-kőþa: pa̋santo ga̋von méṡa e-ża̋na:

He arose from the Adamantine Throne. He strode along the rushing watercourses.

• 44. eȝu-taɫős xéma a̋a̋þem e-le̋ża: éȝem éha e̋santun e-űűra:

With his right hand he gathered Fire. He crafted it into beings.

• 45. éȝu-nasfőőton éna éȝu-d̬e̋som e-d̬e̋sa: éȝu-ma̋inon éna éȝu-ga̋a̋ȝom e-ga̋a̋ȝa:

Into their nostrils he breathed his breath. Into their ears he sang their song.

• 46. ítu d̬őtu le̋uðum aaþ̨őnun e-va̋a̋na:

Thus he created the Second People, the Children of Fire.

• 47. eȝúm o e-te̋e̋a: m̃a pa̋santo ga̋von méṡa a̋te: non éna se̋bam de̋e̋se: aaþ̨őnun va̋a̋nu se̋e̋re: ǧı̋ı̋ek̬e ne̋ṡek̬e ǧı̋ı̋ek̬e:

He said to them, "Go along the singing watercourses. Find pleasure therein. Continue to create Children of fire. Live and die and live."

• 48. m̃enra̋s tődu ka̋itu e-e̋sa:

The Source of Love was pleased.

• 49. þ̨űdam alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilsedős éva e-se̋da:

He sat upon the Adamantine Throne for an Era.

• 50. d̬őta þ̨űda e-de̋usa:

The Second Era ended.

• 51. suule̋s kukule̋s aara̋s éna e-vuuante̋s. sénesa̋ntu. mi-e̋slu. ǫ̋ǫ̋ża f̨oþa̋s itűru. ormoþtős me̋vlu. þeexesős ƥűþlu. uþme̋s żőőnlu. m̃enra̋s tődu e-te̋e̋a: m̃a ma̋ta m̃e̋na vűűla ne: ga̋a̋mo vűűlu ke̋la m̃ar:

The sun was in the domain of the Ostrich. Senesantu, the Self-existent, the Fountain of Resplendent Light, the Dancer of the Cosmos, the Creator of the Elements, the Procreator of the Sentient, the Source of Love said, "There is not enough love. There must be more."

• 52. alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilse̋dom ápa e-kőþa: mı̋ı̋r̈o hűron ȝóba e-ża̋na:

He arose from the Adamantine Throne. He strode by the peaceful waters.

• 53. eȝu-taɫős xéma hűrom e-le̋ża: éȝom éha e̋santun e-űűra:

With his right hand he gathered Water. He crafted it into beings.

• 54. eȝu-nasfőőton éna eȝu-d̬e̋som e-d̬e̋sa: eȝu-ma̋inon éna eȝu-ga̋a̋ȝom e-ga̋a̋ȝa:

Into their nostrils he breathed his breath. Into their ears he sang their song.

• 55. ítu tɪ̋rtu le̋uðum hur̨őnun e-va̋a̋na:

Thus he created the Third People, the Children of Water.

• 56. eȝúm o e-te̋e̋a: m̃a mı̋ı̋r̈o hűron ȝóba a̋te: non éna se̋bam de̋e̋se: hur̨őnun va̋a̋nu se̋e̋re: ǧı̋ı̋ȝek̬e ne̋ṡek̬e ǧı̋ı̋ȝek̬e:

He said to them, "Go by the peaceful waters. Find pleasure therein. Continue to create Children of Water. Live and die and live."

• 57. m̃enra̋s tődu ka̋itu e-e̋sa:

The Source of Love was pleased.

• 58. þ̨űdam alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilsedős éva e-se̋da:

He sat upon the Adamantine Throne for an Era.

• 59. tɪ̋rta þ̨űda e-de̋usa:

The Third Era ended.

• 60. suule̋s more̋s aara̋s éna e-vuuante̋s. sénesa̋ntu. mi-e̋slu. ǫ̋ǫ̋ża f̨oþa̋s itűru. ormoþtős me̋vlu. þeexesős ƥűþlu. uþme̋s żőőnlu. m̃enra̋s tődu e-te̋e̋a: m̃a ma̋ta m̃e̋na vűűla ne: ga̋a̋mo vűűlu ke̋la m̃ar:

The sun was in the domain of the Horse. Senesantu, the Self-existent, the Fountain of Resplendent Light, the Dancer of the Cosmos, the Creator of the Elements, the Procreator of the Sentient, the Source of Love said, "There is not enough love. There must be more."

• 61. alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilse̋dom ápa e-kőþa: re̋m̃o keba̋rom tára e-ża̋na:

He arose from the Adamantine Throne. He strode across the vast steppe.

• 62. eȝu-taɫős xéma ta̋lom e-le̋ża: éȝom éha e̋santun e-űűra:

With his right hand he gathered Earth. He crafted it into beings.

• 63. eȝu-nasfőőton éna eȝu-d̬e̋som e-d̬e̋sa: eȝu-ma̋inon éna eȝu-ga̋a̋ȝom e-ga̋a̋ȝa:

Into their nostrils he breathed his breath. Into their ears he sang their song.

• 64. ítu na̋a̋ltu le̋uðum taḷőőnun e-va̋a̋na:

Thus he created the Fourth People, the Children of Earth.

• 65. eȝúm o e-te̋e̋a: m̃a re̋m̃o keba̋rom tár' a̋te: nom éna se̋bam de̋e̋se: tal̨őnun va̋a̋nu se̋e̋re: ǧı̋ı̋ek̬e ne̋ṡek̬e ǧı̋ı̋ek̬e:

He said to them, "Go across the vast steppe. Find pleasure therein. Continue to create Children of Earth. Live and die and live."

• 66. m̃enra̋s tődu ka̋itu e-e̋sa:

The Source of Love was pleased.

• 67. þ̨űdam alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilsedős éva e-se̋da:

He sat upon the Adamantine Throne for an Era.

• 68. na̋a̋lta þ̨űda e-de̋usa:

The Fourth Era ended.

• 69. suule̋s vere̋s aara̋s éna e-vuuante̋s. Sénesântu. mi-e̋slu. ǫ̋ǫ̋ża f̨oþa̋s itűru. ormoþtős me̋vlu. þeexesős ƥűþlu. uþme̋s żőőnlu. m̃enra̋s tődu e-te̋e̋a: m̃a ma̋ta m̃e̋na vűűla ne: ga̋a̋mo vűűlu ke̋la m̃ar:

The sun was in the domain of the Bear. Senesantu, the Self-existent, the Fountain of Resplendent Light, the Dancer of the Cosmos, the Creator of the Elements, the Procreator of the Sentient, the Source of Love said, "There is not enough love. There must be more."

• 70. alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilse̋dom ápa e-kőþa: ƣőőro fűron tára e-ża̋na:

He arose from the Adamantine Throne. He strode through the august forests.

• 71. eȝu-taɫős xéma ma̋a̋tom e-le̋ża: éȝom éha e̋santun e-űűra:

With his right hand he gathered Wood. He crafted it into beings.

• 72. eȝu-nasfőőton éna eȝu-d̬e̋som e-d̬e̋sa: eȝu-ma̋inon éna eȝu-ga̋a̋ȝom e-ga̋a̋ȝa:

Into their nostrils he breathed his breath. Into their ears he sang their song.

• 73. ítu pe̋ntu le̋uðum maat̨őnun e-va̋a̋na:

Thus he created the Fifth People, the Children of Wood.

• 74. eȝúm o e-te̋e̋a: m̃a ƣőőro fűron tára a̋te: éȝom éna se̋bam de̋e̋se: ǧı̋ı̋ek̬e ne̋ṡek̬e ǧı̋ı̋ek̬e ne̋ṡek̬e ǧı̋ı̋ek̬e:

He said to them, "Go through the august forests. Find pleasure therein. Live and die and live and die and live."

• 75. m̃enra̋s tődu ka̋itu e-e̋sa:

The Source of Love was pleased.

• 76. þ̨űdam alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilsedős éva e-se̋da:

He sat upon the Adamantine Throne for an Era.

• 77. pe̋nta þ̨űda e-de̋usa:

The Fifth Era ended.

• 78. suule̋s kite̋s aara̋s éna e-vuuante̋s. Sénesântu. mi-e̋slu. ǫ̋ǫ̋ża f̨oþa̋s itűru. ormoþtős me̋vlu. þeexesős ƥűþlu. uþme̋s żőőnlu. m̃enra̋s tődu e-te̋e̋a: m̃a ma̋ta m̃e̋na vűűla ne: ga̋a̋mo vűűlu ke̋la m̃ar:

The sun was in the domain of the Tur. Senesantu, the Self-existent, the Fountain of Resplendent Light, the Dancer of the Cosmos, the Creator of the Elements, the Procreator of the Sentient, the Source of Love said, "There is not enough love. There must be more."

• 79. alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilse̋dom ápa e-kőþa: tom̃ka̋ðmo ǧa̋ron éva e-ża̋na:

He arose from the Adamantine Throne. He strode upon the snow-capped mountains.

• 80. eȝu-taɫős xéma ta̋a̋inom e-le̋ża: éȝom éha e̋santun e-űűra:

With his right hand he gathered Stone. He crafted it into beings.

• 81. eȝu-nasfőőton éna eȝu-d̬e̋som e-d̬e̋sa: eȝu-ma̋inon éna eȝu-ga̋a̋ȝom e-ga̋a̋ȝa:

Into their nostrils he breathed his breath. Into their ears he sang their song.

• 82. ítu sa̋a̋ðtu le̋uðum taain̨őnun e-va̋a̋na:

Thus he created the Sixth People, the Children of Stone.

• 83. þúm o e-te̋e̋a: m̃a tom̃ka̋ðmo ǧa̋ron éva a̋te: non éna se̋bam de̋e̋se: tal̨őnun va̋a̋nu se̋e̋re: ǧı̋ı̋ek̬e ne̋ṡek̬e ǧı̋ı̋ek̬e:

He said to them, "Go upon the snow-capped mountains. Find pleasure therein. Continue to create Children of Stone. Live and die and live."

• 84. m̃enra̋s tődu ka̋itu e-e̋sa:

The Source of Love was pleased.

• 85. þ̨űdam alȝáfĭn̨e̋mo zilsedős éva e-se̋da:

He sat upon the Adamantine Throne for an Era.

• 86. sa̋a̋ðta þ̨űda se̋e̋ra: sa̋a̋ðta ȝı̋ka se̋e̋ra:

The Sixth Era continues. The Sixth Eon continues.