Ziki

File:George Andrade with Ziki.jpg|Ziki with their Archpriest George I Andrade]]
File:Ziki Male AI.webp|The form Ziki has in this piece is Masculine.
File:Ziki AI Image.webp|The form Ziki has in this piece is feminine.
Like all other Sagaist deities, Ziki once was a mortal; a loyal eagle companion to a wandering Nomad. In the saga, Ziki's life is devoted to loyalty, sacrifice, and transformation. Initially, a humble eagle, Ziki shared a bond with its Nomad companion, aiding in survival and captivating audiences with dazzling performances. However, tragedy struck during a perilous spectacle, where Ziki valiantly intercepted a fiery torch aimed at its companion, ultimately sacrificing its earthly form to save its friend.
Moved by the profound grief and noble sacrifice, Anara, a celestial being shaped by the stars, intervened. With celestial grace, Anara bestowed upon the fallen eagle a transcendent metamorphosis, elevating it to divine status. Thus, Ziki emerged as the god of Fire and New Beginnings, embodying themes of transformation, renewal, and the enduring power of sacrifice.
As a deity, Ziki's presence resonates with those seeking renewal and the courage to embrace new beginnings. Its narrative serves as a reminder of the profound depths of companionship and the transformative power of sacrifice, inspiring reverence and contemplation among those who encounter its tale. Through the ages, Ziki's legend endures as a testament to the enduring bond between mortal and divine, forever immortalized in the annals of Sagas of the Gods.
In the teachings of Sagaism, prayers and blessings hold great significance, serving as heartfelt expressions of devotion and reverence to the Gods. Among the more formal prayers and blessings there are two in particular that hold great importance in Sagaist teachings when it comes to the worship of Ziki; Invocation of Eternal Flame: A Prayer to Ziki and Flames of Renewal: Ziki's Blessing.
== Biography ==
Once, there existed a Nomad who resided in the highest reaches of the world. Their possessions were meager, comprising only a horse, the clothes on their body, and a trusted eagle companion. Journeying across desert plains and rocky terrains, the Nomad survived by hunting rabbits and gathering resources, sustained by the nourishment of horse milk. The eagle played a vital role in the hunt, catching rabbits and large rodents and delivering them to camp, where both the Nomad and the eagle shared their meals. 
During their travels, the Nomad entertained the people they encountered by showcasing the tricks their eagle had learned. These performances not only provided amusement but also served as a means for the Nomad to earn money and secure temporary accommodation in larger settlements. Over time, a longing for a permanent home stirred within the Nomad's heart, prompting them to train the eagle in more elaborate tricks. 
Initially, the eagle relished the extra attention, additional food, and the enjoyment of learning new feats. These tricks involved the use of sharp blades, rings of fire, and intricate courses for the eagle to navigate. Due to the eagle's prior training, it effortlessly overcame these challenges. However, as the eagle grew older and underwent repeated training, exhaustion gradually overcame it. Witnessing their companion's decline, the Nomad, desperate to maintain their newfound life in the settlement, decided to take greater risks and perform tricks that were more dangerous and elaborate.
Category:Gods
Category:Traveler's Era