Auril, the Frostmaiden

Other Names
Lady of Winter, Ice Queen
Deities or spiritual beliefs
Auril is revered as the goddess of frost magic and winter's harsh beauty. She is believed to be a powerful deity who governs the cold and ice, embodying both its destructive force and its serene splendor. Followers believe that Auril's touch can bring both deathly chills and preservation, symbolizing the duality of life and death. The faithful see her as a capricious yet necessary force in the world's balance, often depicted with a crown of icicles and robes made from snowflakes.
Practices and Rituals
Devotees of Auril engage in rituals that honor the cycles of winter. These include night-long vigils during the longest nights of winter, where prayers are whispered into the icy winds. Offerings are made by crafting intricate ice sculptures that are left to melt naturally as a sign of respect for Auril's ephemeral nature. Frost mages often gather at sacred icy altars to perform spells meant to invoke Auril’s blessing. Seasonal festivals celebrate her power through dances on frozen lakes and communal feasts featuring preserved foods.
Influence on Culture
Auril's influence permeates regions where winters are particularly harsh. Her worshipers have developed unique ways to thrive in cold climates, using frost magic for practical purposes like preserving food and creating shelters from ice. Cultural expressions inspired by Auril include art forms that capture winter’s beauty—ice carving competitions, snow painting, and music mimicking the sounds of cracking ice or howling winds. In societies deeply connected to her worship, there is a profound respect for nature’s cycles and an acceptance of life's transient nature.