Jeghosi

Huts of ancient Jeghosi in Varthalos (Rodheros)

**Jeghosi** (sometimes incorrectly called also **Jeghosians**, **Jeghosis**; singular: **Jeghos**) is an ethnic group consisting of tribes sharing mainly particular cultural traits, traditionally having their own language and relating to Varthalos (a.k.a. "Great Savanna", see also Varthalovir Eglisar) on Aldoviri Peninsula. The territory they operate(d) in is used to be called **Jeghosia**, but the historical research points out, that this territory is not strictly delimited and varied over time. The clues point to the possibility, that we should percieve it so that Jeghosia is everywhere where Jeghosi are.

## Etymology

Name of this ethnic group is derived from *"jeg hos"*, with the meaning translated from their language: *"I am here"* (but also in a figurative sense: *"I am present", "I am awaken", "I am aware", "I am vigilant"*), which expresses the core aspect of their nature, influencing their culture, mindsets, and philosophical background, and often also their lifestyle.

## Genetical ancestry

Due to specific current status of this group that underwent a mass exodus in the past, which presumably led mainly to their dispersion around the world, it is hard to do systematic genetic research, but sample probing (on currently living, or excavated ancient remains) is showing considerably high level of their genetic diversity, and many of those who are returning to their "Jeghosi roots" nowadays, show no genetic link to the preserved remains of the ancients.

## Ethnic markers

It turns out that their ethnic markers like physical appearance, clothing, accent, etc. is strongly dependent on the background of each individual or a place where he/she operates, although there are also sub-groups sharing commonalities like style of clothing, architecture, or lifestyle nuances (which also change over time). One of such more homogeneous sub-groups is the one which currently inhabites the ancient capital of Jeghosia: Rodheros (you can recognize them by white eagle feather in their hair), but in general, ethnic markers of current days Jeghosi are very diverse, they are using various native languages, and a very small subset of them even knows their original Jeghosi language.

## Cultural attributes

Preliminary conclusions show, that the commonalities in this ethnic group are first of all cultural, but the more research is needed to extend, confirm and publish these findings. But for now, it seems to be safe to say, that etymology (as explained above) of their name is based on their identity deeply rooted in the present moment and their current place, which have many important implications for their mindsets and overall philosophy, e.g.:

1. They are nomadic, not bound to any particular place, because any place they are is their current place "where they are".
2. They don't make great plans for the future or for any places, because they often don't know, where exactly they'll be the very next day, but they still know, that that will be their "new here", so planning won't change anything essential (this does not mean they do not plan at all, they have many intentions, but they don't stick to them, their plans are not strict, but flexible, adaptable, improvisable, changeable when needed).
3. They are living in the present moment, they do not worry about the past or the future, also because they have the faith that there are only two options: either they still will be here in that present moment, which means that nothing significant changes, or they won't be here already, and nothing could trouble them anymore then.
4. That all leads to their usual contentment with their current situation, they usually don't crave for more, they are not used to being subject to anger, so they are very peaceful, not aggressive, not greedy, they usually do not participate in wars, and they do not hesitate to leave any place they are currently in, when there is the aggression by others. (This does not mean they never fight, they are able to, but it is in most cases the last resort - they are not suicidal. Historically they were masterful bow makers and archers, as mentioned also by historian Hurugdai the Wanderer.)
5. The fact they are content by default makes them not expecting, that the others should make them satisfied. They know, their contentment comes from their inside, not from the outside. Therefore they don't participate on hierarchical systems of power, where some rule and order, and the others obey, which causes a very lot of displeasure in other societies.
6. They are much more process-oriented than goal-oriented, because the process is about current experience and its enjoying, but the goal is about the future, which often means sacrificing the joy of presence.
7. They do not hurry and usually do or speak slowly and prudently, because they know, there is no rush, and independently from how fast, they'll still be where they will be: in the present moment. (They are able to act quickly under immediate threat to their survival, but in most cases they know: when it's not about life, it's about nothing. Chill.)
8. Their deep rootedness in the present moment is expressed by their symbol: a tree: also when windswept, it remains rooted and alive, touchinkg the sky, moving in the wind, which means, that they preserve their relaxedness and other qualities described above also in the middle of turbulent situations.

This does not mean, every one Jeghosi shares all the traits described above, but one is encountering that pattern(s) commonly while researching and studying them.

More about their traditions and religion in the history section below.

## Brief History

A brief history of Jeghosia follows - individual sections could be more expanded in the future:

### Original Homeland

Jeghosi tribes migrated to Aldoviri Peninsula in ancient times. It is currently not known, where was their original homeland, or if they even had one, before their migration to Varthalos,

### Migration to Varthalos

Time of the arrival of the first Jeghosi families to Varthalos is not known precisely, but it was long before Sagaviri Empire expanded to Varthalos. Jeghosi migrated to Varthalos in multiple waves over longer periods of time, and clues hint that that waves were quite diverse inside and also in comparison with other waves.

### Kingdom of Pontus vs. Sagaviri Empire

Pontus was ruling over Varthalos, where Jeghosi were living peacefully, when a Myrmark-Sagavir war broke out: Pontus joined Myrmark, but was defeated by Sagavir, and Varthalos became the part of the Sagaviri Empire. Some Jeghosi were fighting against Sagavir in that war, as mentioned also by the historian Hurugdai the Wanderer. After their victory, Sagavir had built a Sakrelist Sanctum on the hill above Varthalos, southern of Kalasirol (the area later known as Rodheros).

### Founding Rodheros

After the fall of Sagaviri Empire, its Sakrelist Sanctum on a hilltop of Varthalos started to decay and overgrow by vegetation. During that times, Rodheros was founded, as described by historian Hurugdai. See also the history of Rodheros.

### Sironian Expansion

In later times, Sironia expanded also to Varthalos, but not in an unfriendly manner, and Archon of Sironia granted Jeghosi the autonomy in Varthalos, where they had formed their state named Jeghosia, having Rodheros as its Capital. Writing by Hurugdai, preserved from that period, documents the traditions and the religion of the Jeghosi. Jeghosi lifestyle was very attractive also for many foreigners, which were joining these nomads, and becoming ones of them. Jeghosi Sakrelism arose in this era too.

### Fall and Exodus

After that "golden era" of Jeghosi in Varthalos, and due to the long-term recurring agressions from the south, a massive exodus of Jeghosi started (including acceleration of their assimilation with other nations, mainly Sironviri), and took several generations to complete. Jeghosi were departing Varthalos in larger groups. The leader of the last large group was Anthea - after she led them away, just scattered remnants of families and villages remained in Varthalos, and perished over time. "Tail end" (final phase) of that exodus is covered also in Nigxl's biography (early years).

### Jeghosi Renaissance

Current phase of the history of Jeghosi was started by Nigxl's return to Rodheros and is driven mainly by the restoration+renovation activities in Rodheros.

To be continued ...