Legends of Belariath

Minotaur Religion

Minotaurs have a religion, though a somewhat odd one, as it revolves around the subjects of the myths and legends of other races. They have four deities: two gods, and two goddesses. They're believed to be the direct descendants of the titans, and the first of their race. They are believed to possess immense power and everlasting life.

Beliefs

Most minotaurs don't care for the other races, their attitudes are traditionally conservative. It is believed if the location of the four kingdoms is found that the ignorant younger races would destroy the kingdoms for sheer lack of understanding towards the minotaurs. Indeed minotaurs believe themselves to be the first race, dragons being the exception, to have been brought into this world. They consider themselves the sons and daughters of titans that once inhabited the world alongside the dragons, but long since vanished save for their few gods.

Rituals

Birth: Birth is generally celebrated with great rejoicing, as minotaurs can only bear children once or twice, maybe thrice or on a rare occasion four times in their life. It's not extremely uncommon for minotaur mothers to die whilst giving birth; the process of bearing minotaur children stressful on the body. "Successful" births are celebrated with song and dance and much playful fighting by the father.

Worship rituals: Worship rituals are highly uncommon in minotaur society. Mostly a small prayer or word of praise to the appropriate god or goddess is uttered before going about some task. Occasionally high ranked minotaurs may attempt to summon one of their deities, which requires an elaborate ritual to accomplish.

Coming of age: All minotaurs must complete a ritual when they come of age to take their place in the hierarchy of warriors. No exceptions are made, and the minotaur in question will never be seen as adult or receive their nose ring before completing the task. The task in itself may vary, but will usually consist of being able to stand up to an elder in unarmed combat. If the elder in question is pleased with their efforts, there will be a celebration and the minotaur will receive their appropriate nose ring, marking them both as warrior and adult.

Marriage and engagements: Marriage is performed by the ritual of hand-fasting. In this ritual the couple will be literally bound by the wrist for a whole moon. When their wrists are finally unbound the two will be given a bracelet to symbolize their bond.

Pantheon

Calderon, Lord of Battle: Calderon is one of the titan's sons. He was gifted with blade like horns, immense size and bulk and he is said to be the one that with his bare hands split the mountains to create the vale where the minotaurs live now. He's called upon before battle and asked to bless fallen warriors.

Gwarinor, The Stalker: Gwarinor is said to have pitch black skin, dark crimson eyes and dark grey horns, his appearance making him almost invisible in the dark. He's said to be the cause of nightmares or bad dreams. It is said he comes at night and takes the souls of minotaurs to the next realm where their ancestors the titans reside.

Onaera, She who Shines:Onaera is said to be blessed with silvery golden fur and beautiful silver horns adorned with golden patterns. Minotaurs who are lost (be it in travel or on their path along life) or traveling, pray for her to give them guidance and be their shining light guiding them onward. She's also the goddess of love and prosperity, and her blessings are called on minotaur weddings.

Aelina, Lady of Aethers: Aelina is said to be rather short, with light grey fur and hair and eyes that shift and change color constantly. Her magical power is said to be immense and the source of all minotaur magic. She's the deity of justice as well as knowledge.