Legends of Belariath

The Quest of Festivals Common

Mayalaya - Festivals of Cl' Varmouth

“Raised by humans were you? Yes, I can tell you more about Torian life, well at least life in my clan. My clan is about 2 month’s flight northwest of here, the Cl’ Varmouth.. We number several hundred. Perhaps I shall tell you of some of our festivals and celebrations to start with."

Varmouth

It is a solemn occasion. In the early spring the clan celebrates the finding of the Varmouth valley that happened many years ago. The clan fasts from sunset to sundown, though a feast is prepared. As the sun sets then they gather round a fire or if the weather is cold, in the Elders hall, a large simple wooden building, large enough to hold the clan. In the center on a raised platform are the Storyweavers.

The eldest chants out the story of the Winter of Despair when the clan almost failed and was close to dying out and of the finding of the valley. The long and detailed story, focuses on the dark wing born that winter, and the clans reluctance to banish or slay it. The Storyweavers also pull forth other tails of darkwings, and tales of the dangers of not following the old ways and wisdom that has been handed down since time immemorial.

Then the clan members break their fast with much eating and drinking.

Leavetaking Day

Unlike most Torian Clans, Cl' Varmouth have a strong contingent who live year after year in the fertile game filled valley that they found the spring after the Winter of Despair. Though we had planned on just staying a year or two to regroup, those two years turned into many as food was plentiful and enemies few.

Yet the innate wanderlust inherent in all Torians can not be quenched.

This day in late spring is the day that those who wish to leave either on an assigned task or simply because of wander lust do so. A light midday meal is served and afterwards the clan gathers in a circle. The voyagers stand in the middle.

Then do the Elders call out the name of each traveler in a loud voice: And as each name is called out, so does the clan answers in unison, hundreds of voice ringing out in response, repeating the Torian’s name and these words:

Far may thee travel

But still Varmouth you be

Born to us and part of us

And it shall ever be.

At the end of the chant, the individual alofts into the sky, starting their journey.

Sidden Ru

This occurs in early summer, and lasts a week.

From great distances come a few Torian clans to the Valley Varmouth for festivities, games and Storyweaves. During this time, younger Torians meet potential mates from other clans. It starts out about mid day with a feast and much bragging, chatting and conviviality.

Then over the week, Cloud dances are held, with each clan performing intricate aerial maneuvers demonstrating their skill and prowess. Other games of skill and competitions are held. One is an archery contest, where contestants must pierce the beroule – a sphere of wood that is tossed in the to Varil River where the current is fast and drifts down to the first pool. Another is the arkot. Teams of four armed with broad nets try to ensnare the other clans’ teams. Others contests are cooking, song, poem, joke and magic contests and races.

Additionally time is taken for sharing of new knowledge. Mages teach new spells to the other clans, warriors new techniques, and all who have Roles converse and share with their counterparts in the other clans.

After each day’s games and festivities are over, the clans gather to listen to Storyweaves. First tales of the individual clans since the last Sidden Ru are told. Then, as the week wears on the tales drift to the old tales of the origins of Torians and the clans, of Torian and of figures of myth and legends, heroes and villains, and of other races.

Cloud Races Midsummer

In the early afternoon, when the rock has been warmed, and afternoon clouds start to move in, conditions are ideal for powerful thermals that are drawn up to the clouds.

The Elders select a thermal by scanning the sky, looking for a cloud that is curling at the edges, and growing, and is above sun warmed dark rock. Once the thermal is selected, the contestants arrange themselves on the rock and at the blow of the Horn of Varmouth, take off, racing upwards to the finish, where several Elders hover in the sky.

For the second race, the cloud race, a different colored piece of cloth is held by each flyer. Starting from the same rock as used for the first race, they take off, striving to gain as much altitude as possible. When they can go no higher, they drop their cloth. The last cloth dropped is the winner.

The winners of these races are awarded a crossbow bolt, fletched with the distinctive striated spotted gold and buff feathers of a peregrine falcon.

The Warriors of the Clan seem to take particular interest in this race, keeping an eye out for future warriors among the younger contestants.

Fall Festival

After the harvest, the clan gathers for a two day celebration, which includes a feast, Cloud Dance and then Rolebirths.

It starts with a Cloud dance, where experienced fliers and those Torians who will Rolebirth and a few others, take to the skies, performing intricate maneuvers. Then follows the feast, highlighted by satirical aping of the soon to be full clan members (those to be assigned their Roles).

For each there is a member of the clan who has clothed themselves in their guise. What follows are hysterical plays and interplay of the mock Torian with Elders and others.

Each younger member’s foibles and personality traits are overly exaggerated, and expressions made broad. Funny or embarrassing situations are replayed, acted out in a most jesting manner.

This is said to puncture youthful egos, and also remind them that all is known in the clan, there are no secrets. Often times the younger males, and occasional the females take offense of the broad picture painted of them and lose their temper. This is a cause for much laughter as various clan members then pounce on the hotheaded one and toss them into the River Varil to cool off.

Finally, a feast, and then, as is usual, in my clan, a Storyweave. This one concentrates on Roles, the importance of them. Tales are told of famous Torians, and also of ones who turned from their Roles, resulting in disaster and unhappiness.

The next day the Rolebirths happen. The actual ceremony is shrouded in secrecy and happens in the Elders hall and I can not tell you of it.. The Elders, Rolebirthers, parents and grandparent go inside while the clan gathers outside.

Upon the completion of the Ceremony, the Elders and families walk out and gather. Then one by one, the new full-fledged members of the Clan walk out introduced by the Elders, to the sounds of hurrahs and much rubbing of wings, and pats on the back.

Deru

At the age of 13 each clan member goes through the Deru ceremony. This is the cause of much anxiety by the potential Deru, for they must memorize and recognize each clan member’s name, and there are several hundred,

In this ceremony, the clan gathers around a circular open space. The child stands near the center as an elder calls out its ancestry, and his name. Then the Deru points and calls out to each clan member.

“I know you Janayala – you are my clan and I am yours.” “I know you Marken – you are my clan and I am yours.”

On the rare occasions when memories falter, a slight whisper may be heard from the circle of clan aiding the Deru.

Then do the flutes and drums start as the Deru starts walking around the edge of the circle of clan, solemn rhythmic step. . As he or she does so, family members, friends and elders and others, one by one step out to shake their hand, and then give them some small gift.. A sweetmeat, a copper, a piece of cloth or even a word of love. Then they fall in behind the Deru, following the Deru as he or she continues to step along the inner perimeter of the clan circle. As the drums and flutes go on, the group following the Deru grows larger, also dancing slowly in stately step. This goes on till all who wish to, have joined the dance, and a phalanx of Torians follow the Deru.

Then does the Deru loft into the air, the group following him or her, as they circle 4 times over the clan circle.

To the onlookers, they see a child, but the child is not alone. For the child’s friends and families and elders do follow them closely. There may be 50 or more.

This ceremony reminds the Deru and all other clan members that the strength of one is actually the strength of many. And it is reminder of the bonds of family friend and clan. For no person is alone, and all have the clan to back them, or so we believe.

"Ah my friend, there is much more to tell of my clan, but that will wait for another time"

BACK