Totemic Rites
A rite of passage into adulthood is a staple feature of nearly every society that has ever been. In the modern world, it could be argued that a defined rite of passage is sorely missed by our young boys and girls. In their place we have an amebous collection of benchmarks that are crossed more by reaching an age than proving one’s maturity. In ancient cultures and traditional cultures of today, the rite of passage is a true ordeal that, once complete, proves to the newly dubbed adult and their kin that they are worthy or some respect. This practice is exemplified by the Hern of the Kanhern Territories with the Totemic Rite - an ordeal that must be endured by each boy and girl to earn their place in their clan.
To the Hern, totems are iconic representations of the spirit. The four totems are Ulf, Hauk, Verdr, and Orm. The essence of each resides within every Hern, but each Hern will serve as host to one totem over the rest. This totem will define their internal, driving spirit, serving as an emblem of their innermost essence as it guides them to their most fitting social roles.
Ulf
The Ulf is a totem of prowess, vigor, and confidence. It is often depicted as a chimeric beast with features of the wolf, bear, and lion. Those guided by the Ulf totem are fierce, capable, and direct in all of their endeavors, setting the standard for excellence.
Hauk
The Hauk is a totem of vision, insight, and drive. It is often depicted as a perched bird of prey. Those guided by the Hauk totem often make up the strategists, hunters, and innovators of a clan, merging a broad view with a keen and goal oriented focus.
Verdr
The Verdr is a totem of balance, patience, and wisdom. Its is often depicted as symmetrically coiled roots or antlers. Occasionally, it is depicted as a great elk. Those guided by the Verdr totem bring value to their clan as tenders and caretakers of any sort, often growing to the role of a sage in their venerable age.
Orm
The Orm is a totem of contrarian cunning. It is often depicted as a crooked serpent. Those guided by the Orm totem are most often those shunned and ill-trusted by the clan. But, when respected (at arm's length), they will bring solutions and talents to bear that others lack.
Totemic Rites
As a rite of passage into adulthood, every Hern boy must earn the favor of his chosen totem. Each rite involves an unguided trek into the wilderness. Some are hunts, where the boy tames or slays an exceptional creature. Others are an extended stay, where the boy survives in the wild places. While no adults can accompany the adolescent Hern on a quest, boys are encouraged to take on this task cooperatively with those ready to perform the rite. This is more often the case than not. Though, some courageous or particularly lonesome Hern may complete this rite all their own.
Once a young Hern returns from this trial, a ritual is performed. This ritual varies from totem to totem, clan to clan, ever so slightly. It might involve the blood of a creature marking the flesh of the Hern, consumption of venom, or submerging in freezing water. Through the trial and this ritual, the totem of the boy is made clear and is pronounced to the clan in a roar. The roar calls forth a celebration where the young Hern is welcomed as a capable adult of the clan.
Hern girls have an altogether different totemic rite. During her first blood, a girl is visited by a totemic spirit (aided by ritual consumptions) that will guide her through a vision ordeal. Before the last day of her first blood, she will reveal to the matron elders the form of her guide. This will be announce to the clan and celebrated as she is declared a capable vessel and caretaker for the clan. Women who receive no spirit visitor are treated as outcasts in some cases, or echo seers in others - aloof in this world but with a connection to other worlds.
What totem would serve as your guide? Leave a comment here and tell us why!
