Jörvskism

Jörvskism is a polytheistic religion containing the combined beliefs and traditions of Midjorisk Haizkeim and Jörvic Jörvism. It follows the central belief that time is a cycle, unending like a divine dance, with four stages represented by a “Gwelir” (see beliefs) symbolizing what stage is in effect. 
To Jörvite followers, time is a cycle because throughout their history, they have experienced the same stages in sequence many times, seeing new birth and prosperity as often as wars and death.
At its prime, Midjor supported the mingling of Jörvism and Haizkeim, with both parties living in relative harmony in the nation. Over time, though, minor squabbles and disagreements would begin to create a rift between both faiths, which came to a head when squatters pressed for war, eventually driving the Midjorsk to flee to new lands, leaving the Jörvic peoples to maintain Midjor on their own, holding the nation together after the invasion, further widening the rift.
===The Äsyyrsk-Gwelir War===
After some time, the Midjorsk population would be ravaged in their pursuit of new lands, eventually driving the few remaining back to Midjor, where even the Jörvic population had suffered from the Falthold Crisis. In their return, the rift between the groups led to a culture war between the two peoples and cultures.
The Jörvic Gwelir were relentless, giving no rest to the Äsyyrsk of Haizkeim, who had weakened during the search for a new home. They grew weaker with every Midjorsk lost, and the prayers of their followers were left unanswered more and more frequently. Many Midjorsk would convert to the Jörvi beliefs, breeding tales of the war between the gods.
Äsyyrsk like Elyyruh had killed Ulthshör; but not after being bested in battle by Kyndarr. Others like Vallenir having their soul possessed by an even greater darkness, Revna, To besiege the Haizkeim Pantheon. Some gods, like Baughorn, were slain alongside his wife; however, their heir would uphold their place in the cycle through mythologies of the Jörvite followers.
After The Äsyyrsk-Gwelir War the only remaining gods left were Yarvik and Yuno. Yuno, in spirit, had been returned to being in a new form as her children-Vallenir and Odenum-were slain. Once the progenitor Äsyyrsk of Haizkeim, now the Gweln of nature. With all of Yuno's being returned, and Yarvik being the last of the Jörvic pantheon, they agreed the Jörvic and Midjorisk pantheons would come together and would live in peace, together, as long as their peoples did.
Yuno and Yarvik recalled the events of their war, the loss of their children and clansmen, and the innumerable losses both sides suffered. It was decided then, that the two would work in tandem overseeing their new clan. And so was reborn, The Gardener & The Seafarer. Together, they would remake what they could of their children with what remains were left. But some were lost entirely, as is the price of conflict.
=== Beliefs===
=====The Gwelir=====
Of the Gwelir, those who practice Jörvskism, often take one deity as their patron, and attempt to embody them thoroughly. Although, it is common for Jörvites to simply worship the Gwelir, as a need arises.
===== The Odeiva =====
These are the Gwelir that embody the constants of our world, and as such, claim a place above the Gwelir of Cycle and Fäld Gwelir, being the all encompassing forces that they are.
Name 	Historical Description
Yuno 	Also known as The Gardener, is an Odeiva whose origin is largely clouded in debate. What is known of her is that the Äsyyrsk of Haizkeim were born from her very body, as per the texts from the Holy-Avseer. See Sagas “Yuno” for more information. She was reborn after the Äsyyrsk-Gwelir War, and became the Äsyyrsk of the natural world. Now representing life and nature, she is prayed to for healthy harvests and wellbeing of the lands under her care.
Yarvik	Or The Seafarer, is the Gwelir of kings and seas. He represents the civilization that comes of life, and the nature of Shörfolc. Once the presiding Odeiva ruling over the Faldshör, he shed his status to rule over Jörvskism alongside Yuno, for the prosperity and wellbeing of both groups. After the Äsyyrsk-Gwelir War, and the death of Ulthshör, the Rýmfodr became agitated. He sacrificed his right eye to reign in the Rým, and now controls it as Ulthshör once did, solidifying himself as a Gwelir of the Rým and seas.
Revna 	Once a mortal woman accused of being a witch, cast to the Skrímshör following her assassination, she was elevated to the status of a Gweln by Yarvik himself to rule over the Shör of monsters and torment those deserving. After the Äsyyrsk-Gwelir War, she was necessarily remade to continue ruling over the Skrímshör, and separated from Vallenir’s being. In her rebirth, Revna became the Odeiva of undoing. She is abhorred by Jörvites en masse, seen as an evil malicious being. Very little is known about Revna, as very few have ever escaped her clutches. What little is known, is that When the cycle ends for the last time, it is she that will usher in the silence and fog. Revnaic worship is rare, but some Jörvites are said to worship her through secretive means.
=====The Gwelir=====
These are the deities that embody parts of the cycle that all things abide by. They become their strongest selves when the cycle shifts to their purview.
Name 	Historical Description
Odenum 	The Guiding Light, now known as the Guardian of Faldshör. The Gwelir of life, once the diarchal ruler of the Äsyyrsk with his sister and rival, Vallenir. After the Äsyyrsk-Gwelir War, Odenum now watches over the honorable dead and the coming of a new age after death. He was pleased to be brought after the Äsyyrsk-Gwelir War to a conventional peace. Odenum is often prayed to by Jörvites for protection, healing, or guidance, being the paragon of all that's pure and nurturing.
Kyndarr 	Also known as the Steadfast Bear, Gwelir  of Vyythan- redemptive justice- and defensive war. Kyndarr is known to desire war as the last option, exerting all other options first, believing all life to be sacred. Kyndarr is often responsible for maintaining an age of peace. Conducting diplomacy through diplomats, Earls, Jarls, and Kings alike, so as to ensure the sanctity of his people. Kyndarr's worship is often invoked when wars are declared against a nation of Jörvites, in hopes the Gwelir will grant them his stoic might.
Theodyn 	Or the Wrathful Bear, is the Gwelir of Bárgan- retributive justice- and offensive war. Theodyn is widely known as the paragon of berserkirs for his unfathomable strength. Strongest when Shörfolc rage and war, he stalks battlefields, whipping the souls of warriors into an unthinking frenzy of bloodlust. It is said that Theodyn possesses a sickly, dying girl, in a pact left unfulfilled, somehow surviving the intrusion of the Paxian god Iristor, and now wandering Abelheim… Theodyn worship is often practiced by berserkirs, praying for his blind rage, fury, and brute strength.
Vallenir	The Quiet Night is the pause in the cycle, when death finds us. The Gweln of death, once the diarchal ruler of the Äsyyrsk alongside her brother and rival, Odenum. After the Äsyyrsk-Gwelir War, Vallenir was remade, no longer possessed by Revna, to uphold the closing notes of the cycle, and act as the guide of the dead. Although a Gwelir of death, Jörvites accept her as a necessary god in the natural order, and prayer to her is often done before battles or in the final moments of life in hopes that their prayers are heard, and that they may be granted space within the Faldshör.
===== Fäld Gwelir =====
These Gwelir exist with a purpose outside the main motions of the cycle, and are most powerful at points between its stages.
Name 	Historical Description
Laukaz 	Is the remade remains of the Äsyyrsk Elyyruh and Baughorn, upholding the purpose of both her original forms. Now the Fäld Gweln of growth and ancient knowledge, she is symbolized by books, runes, and roads, and her presence brings innovation and development. Prayed to by Jörvite scholars and craftsmen for knowledge and good fortune in their work.
Skalli 	Fäld Gwelir of the hunt and archery, he was once a man named Ferðkyn with such exceptional archery skills that Yarvik elevated him to the status of Gwelir, making him one with his bow, Bjoryyd. Skalli may guide hunters to their prey, or assume the form of a beast to reward those that manage to slay him. Often depicted as a twin skeleton, Skalli sometimes sails the Rým after a hunt, accepting souls from Vallenir. He is often prayed to by Jörvites before a hunt, or battle so their arrows may fly true.
Sylzein	The Trickster, is the Fäld Gwelir of greed. He weaseled his way into the Haizkeim pantheon back during the age of Midjor to usurp Odenum of his throne. In his failing, Odenum rewarded him with the body of a chicken, forced to wander the lands for all eternity. During the Äsyyrsk-Gwelir War, Sylzein would be freed from his prison of a form, and return as the embodiment of greed, lust, and indulgence. Not usually worshiped, those that do, do so in secret, and pray to him for greater fortune and power.
===== Eiva =====
Eiva is a blanket term for the many spirits of Jörvskism, and are minor expressions of the Gwelir that often appear wherever Jörvskism’s presence is greatest, and can sometimes be bound to an item. The Eiva’s nature depends largely on the Gwelir they represent, with most expressing a curious nature. See Sagas for more information.
===== The Lost Gwelir=====
The Äsyyrsk-Gwelir War left all but Yuno and Yarvik amid the slain Äsyyrsk and Gwelir. In the coming together of the two, they determined that the only way forward was to come together in peace and unity. So, together, they pieced together the remains of their pantheons… but on both sides, some parts were irreversibly lost, destroyed and lost to the lapping waves of the Rým. 
In the diarchal rule, Yarvik knew he could master the seas on his own, with some sacrifices… It was Ulthshör’s body that made the Gwelir whole again. Elyyruh and Baughorn had been ravaged in the conflict, and so their essence was brought together into a new form, upholding the duty of both origins as Laukaz, and all three of the lost names live on in the bodies of the Gwelir.
This is also the reason why the gods are uniformly referred to as “Gwelir” in place of Äsyyrsk.
===== Ancestor Worship=====
Among the Jörvites, worship is often given to the Gwelir, though one’s ancestors should never be forgotten. In the practice of Jörvskism, there are two kinds of ancestors one must venerate.
Clansmen - Clansmen are those who live in the memories of their Kinn. Although they may have not accomplished great feats, their remembrance is important for what parts they did play.
Imvylga - Imvylga are those considered to be heroic, or grand, in nature. Imvylga act as a Spirit Guardian for their Clan and Kinn. An Imvygla is dependent on the respective clan. For a clan which worships Theodyn, their Imvylgas may be berserkirs, or grand warriors. For a clan worshiping Yarvik, their Imvylgas may be Kings, Emperors, or the like. Imvylga are believed to protect their clan from evil spirits and guide their descendants. Clansmen often pray to their Imvylga for protection, guidance, or the general skills or talents they may be associated with.
=====Realms and Afterlife=====
All realms reside across the Rým, it is known to the Jörvites as "The World Sea", a living breathing thing that all Shörs are made from and will one day return to at the end of the cycle- as per its own cycle- and is host to the Rýmfodr, creatures of the Rým. It is said that there lies a great leviathan in the depths of the vastness, known as the Rýmstödr, and that this great beast causes the disruption of Shörs as often as the birth of new ones. Refer to Sagas “Rýmstuffwithnonameyet” for more information. Yarvik himself reigns over the Rým, and the Fäld Gwelir Skalli sails across them regularly, taking passengers at the behest of the Gwelir. 
The Rým can be traveled to and fro as willed by The Two, and has been used by the Jörvites for as long they've believed.
The Realms of The Rým
Name 	Description
Faldshör 	The hall of heroes and Shör where most Gwelir reside, the honorable 
dead find themselves, and where Skalli always delivers his hunt to.
Inómshör 	The Shör all known heims seem to inhabit. 
Now in the later stages of its life, parts of it drift apart or dissolve into the Rým entirely.
Abelheim 	The currently inhabited heim after the outer god Iristor froze Áldheim.
Áldheim 	The previously inhabited heim, now left held in time by the influence of the Paxian god Iristor. Inaccessible to all, and severed from the Rým’s influence.
Helvheim 	The realm in which the Jörvic originated.
Yonrheim 	The realm in which the Midjorsk originated.
Skrímshör	The Shör of monsters, where the Odeiva Revna is imprisoned, ruling over the monsters and the damned.
==== Sagas ====
Edda Ethnicus
Title 	Author 	Summary
Yuno 	Malzein	Yuno depicts the very origins of The Gardener in Haizkeim, and is presently missing.
Origins of Akir	Malzein	The tale of the first humans. Taking place millennia after Yuno, though it is currently missing.
Origins of Akir tells of Jordestain & Himmel
Embers 	Malzein	Embers depicts the birth, subjugation, and torment of Vallenir previous to the Äsyyrsk-Gwelir War, and is missing.
Possession 	Malzein	Missing, last noted as a WIP.
Coming works 	Tykkit 	Study of the Rým, Worship, Eiva, Imvylga
Of the Edda Ethnicus, the majority of all writings now known were written by the Holy Avseer-Malzein of Odenia, the first Yørv of Midjor. The Holy Avseer is known widely as the first prophet among the Jörvites, and many offerings are made in his name.
===Religious Structure===
Grägode: The Grägode, or Grand Priest, of Jörvskism acts as the spiritual leader of the religion. While retaining this position, the Grägode may call Jörvites into religious raids, wars, or other events to celebrate, defend, or spread their beliefs. Unlike a Bishop, a Grägode needs not be landed in order to retain the position. Lastly, the Grägode is the only individual who can raise Godes to Hüsgodes, and Jörvites to Godes. The Grägode can produce and recognize lored artifacts as Religious Artifacts of Jörvskism, and can create new Artifacts in dedication to The Gwelir. 
Avseer: An Avseer, or Seer, is believed to be an individual blessed by the Gwelir, as such, they are greatly respected by all Jörvites. An Avser, unlike a Sorg, can speak to all the Gwelir. However, due to their dance with divinity, many fall mad. Those who do not, often serve Jörvite Rulers, work for one of the Temples, or tell futures. 
Hüsgode: A Hüsgode works with the Grägode to convert peoples into Jörvskism, and oversee Temples and Godes. Hüsgode's preach the Edda Ethnicus, host Blöts, or otherwise serve the Gwelir and Grägode in expanding the religion as a whole. Hüsgode's are known as local leaders of the faith, there is generally only one or two Hüsgode's in a nation, depending on the size therein. Hüsgode's reserve the ability to raise Jörvites to Godes, and they may also recognize already lored artifacts as Religious Artifacts of Jörvskism.
Gode: A Gode, Priest, works with their respective Hüsgode to serve a Temple, go on Pilgrimages, or tend to a Stave. They can also host Nationwide Blöts with the permission of their Hüsgode. Gode's are recognized as an integral part of Jörvskism, they maintain the religion, convert foreigners, and pump the lifeblood of Jörvskism forward.
Sorg: A Sorg, or Servant, is an individual who has devoted themselves to any singular Gwelir. Sorg's are often religious fanatics, or those who've made deals with our deities. A Sorg takes their Patron's name and the word "Sorg" after (Ex. [First Name] [Family Name] Yarvikssorg/Odenumssorg/Etc.). Should the patron of the Sorg accept their pact, they shall hear their Patron's voice inside their head giving instructions, encouragement, or damnation.
Jörvite: A Jörvite is both the blanket term for followers of Jörvskism, as well as a follower and believer of the Gwelir on a more detailed inspection of the role. They may be learning, or even be well versed in the ways of Jörvskism. A Jörvite can often do tasks for a Gode, should they desire to catch the attention of a Hüsgode to become a Gode themselves. The only difference between a Jörvite and Sorg, is that a Jörvite doesn't choose a single patron, and instead, worships the entire pantheon.
====Staves====
Staves are recognized communal places any Jorvite or Sorg may visit to worship the Gwelir. Adorned with Rýmspik runes that grants connection to the Faldshör. A Stave can be many things, from a religious building to a simple statue or pillar.
Staves, in their connection to the Faldshör, allow the Gwelir a greater influence in the regions they are made so long as they are maintained by a Gode
* There is currently one Stave in Abelheim, the statue of Yarvik and Yuno, maintained by Tykkit Falinskye.
====Temples====
For each Gwelir, there is a temple to honor them, excluding the temple dedicated to The Seafarer and The Gardener. These Temples are treated as respective holy sites, used when one seeks something grand from their respective Gwelir, and must be traveled to by foot.
* There are no Temples in Abelheim
=== Worship ===
Jörvite worshiping practices vary depending on the Gwelir they seek to honor, or if they worship all Gwelir equally. A common practice among all followers of Jörvskism is to pray at a stave or temple. Feasts, expressions of the Gwelir in craft and literature, or pilgrimages are other ways Jörvites may worship them.
Prayer is most often done by lighting candles inscribed with runes, and burning a written prayer using its flame, resting for a moment until the paper is left as ash. Jörvites collect the ash, and spread it in their gardens to enrich the soil, representing, in a sense, the cycle.
During feasts, it is common practice to offer a plate to the spirits that may be attending, burning it in a firepit marked with Rýmspik runes so it may reach their realms.
Before and after eating, Jörvites give thanks to the Gwelir, by lighting a candle and burning a written prayer, and enjoy the company of their kinn and clansfolc.
In craft and literature, Jörvites write songs and poetry, or craft interpretations of the Gwelir to use as talismans that may make them closer to the Gwelir represented or ward off unwanted spirits. Rýmspik runes often find their way in the crafts, and many create totems and sculptures to the Gwelir, placing them in areas that embody the Gwelir best. 
Many songwriters and poets may create vivid stories in honor of the Gwelir that are sung in many mead halls, and kept in many libraries.
Jörvites, when temples exist, often make a pilgrimage to the site of worship that may span several days and even weeks. Passing through towns and cities, across rivers and forests, this is a feat only the devoted make, and it is often done to reach temples that grant a greater audience with the Gwelir it is made in honor of than a stave would be able to accomplish.
===== Sorg Worship =====
A sorg chooses one Gwelir to embody and honor to the best of their abilities, and their practices are far more specific than those of a standard Jörvite. A sorg of Theodyn may choose to worship him by delivering Bárgan through combat, and training their bodies. A sorg of Odenum, on the other hand, may practice healing as a form of worship, working at apothecaries or staves.
It is in the embodiment of their chosen Gwelir that worship is practiced.
See Sagas for more information.
===== Naming & Naming Ceremonies =====
Although no longer as much of a cornerstone to Jörvite practices, some ancient practices remain from the days of Midjor and Jörv.
The last name of a Jörvite references the history and origin of the Jörvite, and may change many times over their lifespan. A renaming ceremony will take place when a Jörvite is ready to recognize a new history, and this happens most often during a coming of age.
The first name of a Jörvite references their ideals, which may also change over time. The meaning of the name isn’t always clear, and sometimes is only known to the Jörvite it belongs to.
A naming ceremony takes place when a Jörvite is ready to recognize their life and ideals, and takes place at a stave or temple. It is a celebration of the Jörvite’s life and character, and prayers are made to the wellbeing and health of the Jörvite under their new name.
=== Words of Jörvskism ===
Äsyyrsk [eh-seer-sk]   -   The old Haizkeim word for god and the cycle
Odeiva  [oh-day-va]   -   The word for “Greater God”
Gwelir [guel-ear]   -   The masculine word for “god”, and used for gods and as an umbrella term
Gweln [gueln]   -   The feminine word for “god”l, used for goddesses
Fäld [felld]   -   The word for “lesser”, often combined with Gwel to mean lesser god/goddess
Vyythan [vee-th an]   -   The word for redemptive justice, like clearing a name
Bárgan [bar-gan]   -   The word for retributive justice, such as convicting someone
Eiva [ay-va]   -   The word for essence, or spirits
Shör [shore]   -   The word used to describe a distinct realm that rests in the Rým like an island
Heim [high-m]   -   The word used for “home” or “world”
Folc [Foe-k]   -   The word for civilized creatures
=== Sources ===
Haizkeim . Jörvism . Many other sources no longer accessible/not recorded. (Such as word of mouth, lost books, and the original Jörvskism wiki, which was updated)
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Category:Traveler's Era