Rabbitfolk/Harengon Funeral Rituals

## Game-Specific Background

In *Chronicles of Hilan,* we have been playing as if Rabbitfolk/Harengon are Fey, or at least Fey-adjacent. Specifically, Garrett joined the party when Rabbitfolk were a playable species in Unearthed Arcana; in the official *Wild Beyond the Witchlight* material Harengon are \*not\* considered Fey - which in our opinion is just plain silly since everything about their background and history **screams** “Fey”.

## Burial Mounds

Like other Fey species, Harengon bury their dead in Fey mounds -  deep, somewhat hidden barrows often in the wild. Because Harengon society values resourcefulness, these barrows seldom contain treasure; however, many Harengon are laid to rest with small personal items or symbolic tokens of their achievements.

Soil from Harengon burial mounds is less magical than soil from other Fey mounds, but it is not entirely without magic: soil from a Harengon burial mound may be used quite effectively in rituals to increase the fertility of fields. However, rumors that the soil is equally effective in other types of fertility rituals is purely anecdotal and has no proven merit.

## Funerary Rites of the Harengon

Upon the death of a Harengon, the community will often use the services of a priest or cleric to delay bodily decay, beginning the funerary rites of the Harengon.

*Note: these rituals are deliberately based on the idea of a Celtic wake. The poem was written by Terry Pratchett and can be found in his work* I Shall Wear Midnight*.*

### Preparation of the Body

The dead  is wrapped in a shroud and adorned with flowers, herbs, and other symbolic items to guide the deceased's spirit on its journey.

Some Harengon communities wrap the deceased in a blanket woven of wildflowers.

### Gathering of the Warren

Friends, family, and members of the community gather in a meadow or forest clearing surrounded by standing stones to pay their respects and share stories and memories.

In many Harengon communities, this event takes place atop the burial mound itself.

Some Harengon communities will place the body on a ceremonial altar for the duration of the funeral ritual.

### Telling of Tales

Those gathered take turns telling stories about their memories of the deceased, adding to the celebration of their life. This sharing of stories is seen as a way to keep their spirit alive in the memories of those who knew and loved them.

### Vigil of the Spirit

As the sun sets on the night of the burial, a wise elder of the community (usually a druid, cleric, or priest) leads a vigil around the body, carrying either candles or lanterns, and speaking words of comfort and offering prayers for the deceased's safe passage into and through the afterlife.

Some Harengon employ a bard to sing ancient songs and play music to accompany the ceremony.

### The Sending

As the moon rises and the stars appear, the body is carried down into the barrow. Atop the barrow, a fire is lit as the elder begins to chant, entreating the deceased’s god to hear their prayer. Other Harengon begin to sway and dance around the fire. A traditional Harengon funeral prayer may go as follows:

*[**Elder**]: Moon and stars bear witness and earth, air, fire, and water carry these words to the ears of [name of the deceased’s god and their court] as I speak for the dead.*

The elder will then state their own name, position, and titles as they are addressing a Fey Court.

The elder will stop speaking for a few moments as the dancing continues, waiting for a sign (often the rusting wind). When the elder feels that enough time has passed for the Fey god to take notice (should they so choose), the ceremony continues:

[this poem was written by Terry Pratchett and can be found in *I Shall Wear Midnight*.]

*[**Elder**]: I speak for the Harengon [decedent’s name here].*

*[**Community**]: [Name] runs into the fire. The fire it takes [pronoun]. [Pronoun] is not burned.*

*[**All**]: The hare runs into the fire.*

*The fire, it takes [pronoun], [pronoun] is not burned.*

*The fire, it takes [pronoun], [pronoun] is not burned.*

*The hare runs into the fire.*

*The fire, it loves [pronoun], [pronoun] is free . . .*

Some Harengon communities repeat this three times; however, all consider this aspect customary rather than necessary.

### The Feasting

As the fire dies, the community shares a meal and continues to celebrate the life of the deceased. Some Harengon choose to have this portion of the ritual accompanied by music, dancing, and storytelling. Others feel that quiet contemplation is more appropriate. The final decision is left to the family.