Legends of Belariath

Sylvan Elves Religions and Beliefs

The sylvan’s protect and follow nature and the spirits that inhabit all things around them: they believe the spirits speak and try to guide them in life. There are some who would say that the spirits are just aspects or servants of Gaea, but the sylvan’s don't concern themselves whether this is fact or fiction. The spirits around them guide and protect them; a belief that came as a result of having long ago given up civilized concepts of religion, when they broke from the other elves. Druids of course follow Gaea, and work in the groves of balance, and Sylvan’s freely work with other druids and creatures of nature (Nymphs, Dryads, etc...) as their beliefs easily mesh with these other; as both seek to protect and live with nature as a whole.

Young Sylvan’s often when coming of age seek out a spirit guide to help them on their life’s journey. They will fast and spend a day in the woods, listening, searching and opening themselves to the land around them. Many times this spiritual guide is the first animal seen: wolves, bears, along with gentler deer and birds are not uncommon, each spirit with its own aspects or meanings. For example, Wolves are savage but loyal, Bears are strong and solitary, Deer swift and cautious for examples. That’s not to say Trees or Rivers couldn't also give guidance and call out to a sylvan. Oak would say endurance and reliability, a River could show adaptability and determination, Flame could speak of anger and passion. Whichever the sylvan follows, all spirits are willing to guide a sylvan if they seek a sign or omen.

A few of these as mentioned already stand out in Sylvan’s lives. Given a list here are spirits powerful enough and old enough to rival even the power of the gods.

Phoenix - The cycle of life, death and rebirth. The phoenix is one of the most important spirits to be known to sylvan’s. Often seen before great changes to either village or even an individual sylvan, these changes can be good and wonderful or dire and dark. The phoenix’s cycle is not about right and wrong, only shows the life’s path and warns when that path is going to take a drastic turn

The Forest Father - Often seen as the great woods that surround many sylvan villages, this spirit wields enormous influence on their lives, both protecting and protected. He is steadfast and enduring, but not without a temper if those under his many trees are hurt or hurt the forest itself. All festivals and ceremonies have some offering to the father and his continued guidance and protection.

Raven - Both the bearer of the dead and trickster, this bird is both honored and watched carefully. Seeing of a raven can often mean a death soon, or then again he might just be making you think of such. Also known as a notorious thief, the raven often enjoys picking up items and hiding them for others to find.