Pagan Witch - Blog Posts

Bowynn Gods: The Heather

Heather     (Heh-thur)  Kii folk that tend to the flowers, wild and domestic. These forms of Kii are diminutive in size, no bigger than a small bird and bare insect like wings. Heather are mostly spring and summer Kii, spending winter asleep. They are keepers of flowers both wild and domestic. They are easily drawn to any area that has flowers. It a said that Heather Kii are born from flowers.  In many ways, The Heather bare a strong resemblance to “fairies.”

Bowynn Gods: Hawynn

Hawynn  (Haw-winn)  Hawynn is the Bowynn God king of all the rivers in the world. But more-more-so the great river Muet, which flows under Alaway (Great Hall of the Gods) and ends up in Duannat (Home of those that have passed) He is also a god of fishing and protector of dams and bridges, and patron to those that depend on rivers for their lively-hoods. He is the son of Sumon and Phoenix.

     Prior to Hawynn's birth and taking of position, Alaway had Kii as water bearers bringing water from a well that was guarded by a serpent. Only the Kii could fetch waters. If any of the Kii drew near, the serpent would attack them into submission.  The fetching of water grew weary on the Kii, who would have to fetch water several times a day. Young Hawynn was fond of the servant Kii and hated to see them toil so. He took the great spear of his father, Tane, and the scrying bauble of his mother, Kalma, and went to subdue the serpent. Using the bauble Hawynn was able to predict the moves of the serpent as they battled. With the spear, Hawynn was able to finally say the beast. Then, using one of the ribs of the creature, Hawynn dug a massive trench to the well and released its waters. Thus, the great river was created and set to flow under Alaway. At the same time the servant Kii were released from their duties. In gratitude, Anhur gave Hawynn his blessing and made lord of all rivers and commander of the great river Muet. The Kii that were the water bearers before-hand were each given a river in the world to bless and sanctify, as all Rivers spiritually branch off of Muet.

     As for Hawynn himself, he took a bride, a Kii named Naea, whose status was raised to that of Goddess because she feasted on immortal foods and therefore, was given the blessing of Bia. When not feasting at night with the gods, Hawynn is busy marking the course of rivers and controlling their floods. Also making sure water is always clean and pure. He is a patron of those that depend on rivers for a livelihood, including mills, dams, power-plants, fishing and miners in some cases.  

     Despite his younger brash and reckless self, Hawynn is a most fun and pleasing god. He more often would hold banquets and riparian events on the banks of Muet than feast in the halls of Alaway and is a wonderful swimmer and fisherman. He is said to bear the face of a young thin man. Hawynn is often seen in a green cloak, with a goat-skin mantle and staff, which he uses to help control the waters. He also is said to always carry with him a drinking horn made from the serpent his slew. The horn is said to magickally hold enough water to drink from for a week. His totem is the otter which he often takes the form of, if not the otter, then he may take the form of a beaver.

Bowynn Gods: Gorto

Gorto  (Gor-toe)  The Gorto are Kii of forges and kilns. The Gorto are the helpful spirits of potters and blacksmiths. These Kii are said to be some of the small servants to brothers Kalen, Gondor and their wives. The Gorto try to assure that pottery will not shatter while baking and metal wares will not overheat or bend wrong while being forged. The Gorto will take residence most of the time in blacksmith's and potter's shops, close to the forges and ovens. Gorto often work hand in hand with The Abbonna.

Smithies, will have images of Gorto carved in their anvils and hammers, and Potters with have their images on the sides of their kilns. Potters and Blacksmiths will make the first object they create devoted to the Gorto or in the shape of a Gorto, this is a way of asking the Gorto to bless the crafter in all they make there-after.

The Gorto (left and right in the 2nd row) working hard in the home of Gondor

Bowynn Gods: The Golderae

Golderae   (Gold –ah-ray)   Kii folk that live in the sky and rule over the storms, particularly lightning and electricity. Of all the Kii, Bowynn legend describes them the most clearly. They are said to be diminutive in size with no wings. But they still fly because their bodies are filled with lightning which propels them. They have black hair and gold-like skin and their eyes are bright with light. Most tales seem to make them only male, as no female golderae are ever mentioned. Of course that does not mean they may not exist. These electric Kii are patrons and watchers of places blessed by lightning, as well as places like power plants or any utility business that brings power to homes.  

Bowynn Gods: Enya

Enya  (Ehn-ya)  Goddess of the morning and the dew. She is the daughter of Saul and Shayla and the sister of Treya, goddess of the dusk. Raven-haired goddess Enya is the goddess responsible not only for waking up the gods that decide to sleep in Alaway but also, she is in charged for the waking up mortals. At the same time, she is the goddess that flies ahead of the sun of the day, turning the sky from night to day and blessing the ground with morning dew.

     Very little sacred tales are known of Enya. However, it is said her song and voice if what breaks the shroud of night and brings forth the day. As she travels across the world, the vessel she carries spills out and blankets the grass with morning dew. She guides the sun across the sky till it descends in the west. In one sacred tale it is said that Enya and Treya fought over who would be leading the sun in the morning and the evening. Anhur was asked to make the ruling but even he could not decide. Finally, he called in the two goddesses individually to plead her case. His final judgment came not by wisdom but by the color of the dress they wore. Enya wore a dress that reminded the king of the gods of the gentle morning. And so, his judgment stands to this day.

     In most Boywnn villages there was always a “Morning Wailer.” It was their job to wake all up as they started a song throughout the villages at the top of her voice. These songs would be hymns to Enya and Treya was the patron of Morning Wailers. Of which is a most honorable and elite profession. Becoming a Morning Wailer would be devoting oneself to the Priesthood of Enya

     Enya was also one of the loves of the sun god Herne, prior to his wedding Morrighynn. Their love however was short lived when his eyes fell on the lady of the night. Despite the rejection, Enya still remains devoted to Herne.

     Enya is described as a most lovely lady, clad in a dress that matches the morning sky with red lips and short cut black hair. Sometimes she bares the wings of a bird, sometimes not. Other times she is depicted as merely flying on her own accord on the wind with morning birds accompanying her. The vessel she carries the morning dew is often shaped like a spiral shell. Sometimes Enya will take the form of a morning bird like a sparrow; the sparrow being her totem animal.

     Sacred offerings to Enya come often in the shape of bowls and cups of water, flowers, votive images of sparrows and birds and of course incense.   “Matenerm” or holy meals are left to her as a special gift.

The Bowynn Gods: The Entenn

Entenn  (Ah-ku-ah)  The Entenn are the great tree and forest Kii. [spirits] They are literally “Tree folk” that guard great forests. The Entenn are made up of trees so unlike other Kii, they are not mobile, as they have no legs nor feet. Being of a tree, they are naturally huge in size, but one can assume that there are small Entenn as well. Most Entenn will never reveal themselves to mortal men; instead, they will stand perfectly still and mix in with the normal trees.         

Bowynn Gods: Ehrlik

Ehrlik (Er-lik)  Ehrlik is a Bowynn benign Giant god of bards, historians, librarians,  history, memory, intelligence and music. He is one of the older gods that ruled the world before Anhur, created by Brea and her siblings. Ehrlik's kin roamed the world freely back then.

     There are little to no known prehistory sacred stories of Ehrlik, other than his wanderings about the world, recording events and sacred tales as they happen. These tales and historic events he put in a sacred book, the first Codex.   But it was not till he met up with a rival giant that stole his written work and swallowed it. Ehrlik slew the giant and opening the giants belly up retrieved the book. However, it was already destroyed. He swore that never again would he write the stories down. Instead, he took a rib of the giant and made it into a harp and from then on, Ehrlik kept all his knowledge to song. It was only after Ahnur built Alaway and gave Ehrlik his own place there, that Ehrlik rewrote new books. And it is in Alalway where they can be found. However, the sacred voice of Ehrlik so notes that it is best to keep the sacred text to mind and not to paper.

     Ehrlik is seen as an old god, of grandfather or even great grandfather status. He is said to be large man in height with long white hair and beard. His eyes are a deep sea. One can look into his eyes and yet never see the end of his age or knowledge. His robes are white and gray, well wore out from all his travels. In his hand he holds a mighty staff. If not a staff, he holds his harp. When not in his humanoid form Ehrlik is seen as a great white mammoth. Sacred offerings to Ehrlik are the traditional incense as well as manuscripts, musical instruments, scrolls, books and ones sacred Codex.

Bowynn Gods: The Ea

Ea  (Ee-ah)  The Ea are the four great hawks of the directions. These hawks were originally the great guardians of the North, East, South and West. However, to gain rulership of the earth Anhur had to take on these raptors. Unknowingly, it was not always a battle of strength. When Anhur met the great hawk of the west, he had to answer 7 great riddles. The hawk of the South dared him to endure the heat of the desert for 7 days and the hawk of the east made Anhur meditate and discover his inner self. Only when Anhur had accomplish the tasks with success, did the hawks bow down to Anhur’s majesty and let him rule all four kingdoms, thus calling him King of the Gods.

     In turn for their kindness, Anhur allowed the hawks to continue to reside in their homes and became the guardian companions of the four wind gods and their wives. The four hawks have become what are known as the four great endurances into adulthood. Few if any mortal has conquered all four endurances. The Ea are the Guardians of the Lands of the Directions. During Ancient times these lands were Scandinavia, Europe, Asia and African.

Bowynn Gods: Dylan

Dylan  (Dil-lan)  Dylann is the God of harbors, shores, ports and beaches. A sea god he is the protector of boaters and fishermen and anyone that depends on the sea for livelihood or entertainment.

     Son of Tane and Kauldra, Dylan is seen in one of three forms; either a bash handsome young man; A horse; or what is known as a Hippo-Ichthiocampus (The torso and head of a man, lower part of a dolphin and the front legs of a horse.) Dylan is the supplier of fish for those that are fishermen and shells for those that use them as craft. He is also the controller of tides and waves. One sacred tale speaks of a witch that stole Dylan’s powers to metamorph into his sea forms and he was kidnapped as a boat hand to row and maintain the large vessel. However, he fell into favor with the ship's captain, and they sailed to the island where the witch lived to steal his powers back. This they accomplished but at the cost of the mortal fishermen’s lives. Once he had his immortality back, Dylan changed all his friends into Dolphins and thus populated the sea. Dylan is also the herdsman of Lord Tane's sacred steeds, which are horses of the sea.

     Sacred to Dylan are all the abundances of the ocean; fish, shells, coral, sea mammals, sea birds, sea plants and these all make wonderful offerings to him, as well as incense, of course. Often Dylan is seen enjoying his days on the beach, fishing, swimming and running about, either in human or horse form. At evening Dylan sometimes can be seen camped on the beach by a bonfire, feasting and watching the boats and sunset.

Bowynn Gods: Drudenn

Drudenn  (Droo-den)  Drudenn is the Bowynn God who is the protector and guardian of domestic animals, guardian of barns and stables and guardian of pets. He is also the god that guards the stables of the gods and is the only key holder to the doors of Alaway; the hall which the gods feast in at night. Drudenn is the only one that allows access into the Great Hall and in that aspect, he can be considered a guardian of home as well. Though to be precise, he is more to be that guardian to the door of such places as court and council houses. In some respects, he is also considered "the opener of ways".

     Drudenn is a young god, the son of Anhur and Rhya. As such he was given the task of guarding Anhurs magnificent gryphons. This later became engrossed 100-fold when Morrighynn asked him to tend to her 30 white horses. Eventually he became the tender of all the sacred steeds of the gods. That is minus those of Duannat and under the sea. Because of this Drudenn learned the speech of animals and can communicate with all of the animals on earth. His 7 sacred days with mortals was spent teaching mankind how to tend and domesticate certain wildlife; milking cows, riding horses and teaching dogs and cats how to work with humans. This led to Drudenn teaching the first tribes of people to speak with all wildlife. Sadly, mankind abused this gift and Drudenn had to silence the ability.

Despite these arborist tasks, Drudenn is most happy in tending to the needs of domestic animals. Infact, he prefers the company of animals over people, sleeping in stables and pastures.

     Drudenn often walks amongst folk as a young hand, not too young as to be immature and yet not to old. His garments seem simple and almost peasant-like, but hardly dirty or like rags. on his belt hands the great keys that open and lock the doors of Alaway. At times, he will be seen riding his own horse or gryphon. Sacred offerings to Drudenn often appear in the form of milk, butter, bread, water, votive clay animals, seed and tiny bundles of hay. Not to mention the general form of incense. Plaques with the image of Drudenn are hung in barns and stables as well carved on the outside of doors to court houses and houses of law.

Bowynn Gods: Drautmer

Drautmer (Drawt-mer)  Drautmer is the god of music and more importantly drumming and the patron of drummers. At first this attribute and patron of drums and drummers may sound insignificant; however, to the Bowynn people, drumming is so much more than just entertainment. Drums are a form of communication and defense. Drautmer’s parents are Anhur and Rhya .

     In the early days of the first tribes, they were scattered about the landscape. It was drumming that was used as a for of communication between tribes, be it to signal if there was a death, enemy approaching, plague or other issues that could affect other neighboring Bowynn tribes. Drautmer was the creator of the first drums. Inspired when the young god, he heard the knocking of a woodpecker against a tree. At first the god talked with the bid by knocking against the tree. But then got the idea of finding a hollow log and a stick. Thus, the god created the first drum. He then later stretched a leather skintight over one end of the log that greatly improved the sounds. Son the god was making great drums for the gods and mortals alike. it was his seven days living among mortals that he taught them the art of drumming. it is at night at Alaway that Drautmer entertains the gods with his music.     

Drautmer is seen often as a young man, for a god, with long honey colored hair, with drum and beater in hand or at his side. Sometimes more than one drum of various sizes. His totem animal is the Woodpecker, which he as well takes the form of when mortals are about. it is said that if one listens to the knocks of a woodpecker, one can decipher a message from the god, much like divination. Sacred gifts to Drautmer or of course drums of all shapes and sized, votive woodpeckers, incense and milk.

Bowynn Gods: Draeken

Draeken (Dray-ken)  Draeken are beasts created by the god Brand to protect people and earth from the wrath and pranks of the god Mano. Draeken are the Bowynn version of 'Dragons' in every shape and form, for the most part. The only difference being is that Draeken can take the forms of people as well. The only way to tell is by their skin being marked with a draeken. In many ways Draeken are a form of Kii; as such, these Kii protect the 7 physical elements of the mortal world. Draeken are also protectors and guardians of the magickal and metaphysical properties, they are keepers or great wisdom of the ages and protectors.

Bowynn Gods: Dorro

Dorro  (Dor-Rho)  Dorro are the Kii guardrians of homes and stables. Of all the Kii, the Dorro are the most popular and seen depicted in every home and barn. These small Kii are said to be the size of small birds. They are born from eggs and bear bird-like wings. At times they will take the form of chimney swifts. In the home they are the guardians of the house and all that dwell in it. At times Dorro may even help the gods Io and Hyu to keep the home safe and clean. In a typical Bowynn home a special shelf is built over the front door. Here images of the Dorro, emerging from the eggs, are placed. It is considered a place for the Dorro to stay, where they are safe and out from underfoot. 

Bowynn Gods: Dhonan

Dhonan  (Ah-ku-ah)  Dhonan is a mortal blessed god of love and passion. He was born mortal, his parents names unknown. But he was given the rare and blessed gift of immortality and took the role of that of a god of passion and true love.

     Dhonan was a simple ranger and hunter in his mortal life but in mortal terms, he was extremely handsome. Handsome enough that he caught the attention of Brenda, goddess of love. For the longest time she would visit Dhonan while he was out in the forests hunting and trapping, presenting herself in the guise and a simple woodsman's daughter. These daily encounters lasted a good long time because Brenda never revealed to him who she was. Eventually Dhonan found out the truth, talking to a wood Kii but his heart never changed for the goddess. At the same time both Dhonan and Brenda knew that this love they shared could not last because Brenda knew she could not live amongst mortals and Dhonan would never be allowed to live in Alaway. Brenda went to Dhonan one last time while he slept. This was to bid him goodbye. The goddess Kalma was so moved by this devotion that she allowed him to pass quietly in his sleep and then granted him the blessing of immortality, thus making him a god. In this way Brenda and Dhonan would be united forever.

The Wedding of Dhonan and Brenda was said to be oone of the grandest ever. All of that Kykua attended, in a grand forest under a white canopy.

     As a god, Dhonan is a most loving god. He blesses couples of weddings to uphold the vow of love and to hold it unconditionally. He is seen as a handsome young man, dressed more than often in hunting garb with a quiver of arrows on his back and bow in hand. Most of the time Dhonan is seen with his consort, Brenda but at weddings he is seen with the goddess Rhya, blessing and sanctifying the wedding couple. Dhonan sees that vows and oaths of love are kept. This is his main attribute.

     Sacred to Dhonan is the wedding fillet that is used to symbolically bond the couples' hands. Also sacred to him is the bow and arrow and a wreath of ivy, which Dhonan is sometimes said to be seen wearing.

Dhonan and Brenda

The wedding procession of gods to the union of Dhonan and Brenda

Bowynn Gods: Deanna

Deanna dressed in red with 2 Kii accompanying her

Deaunna (Dee-awn-nah)  Deaunna (Dee-ahn-nah) is the Bowynn goddess of the harvest, gardens, vegetation and in general all foods that are grown. She is also the goddess if growth of new from old. She is the divine daughter of Anhur and Rhya and one of the most important of the Bowynn gods. Deaunna is the seed planter, the gardener, the farmer and the harvester all in one. She can also, if need be, wither or destroy crops to those that have abused her gifts.

     Deaunna has many sacred stories spoken about. But of all of then there are two that are the most prominent standing; the first being her 7-day visit with the first mortal clans-folk. It was during her stay with them, that Deaunna taught mortal man all the arts of farming and growing food, as well as storing and preserving food for winter. Without this important first lesson, mankind would surely have perished. The other blessed sacred tale of Deaunna is her courtship and eventual marriage to the god Amaetheon, lord of the grove, and orchard. United, the divine pair and their talents and lesson, assured mankind's place on earth. Deaunna’s and Amaetheon’s son is Hyu, the divine baker of the gods and their daughter being Io, goddess of the hearth and kitchen. Together, the four-some make a most divine and sacred pantheon all their own.

     When not tending to mortal needs and the earth in general (which is almost always), Deaunna is tending the great gardens and fields that surround Alaway. Here only the most divine of food grow and are tended to by Deaunna. Very few mortals are allowed to eat from this garden but all the seed and foods we eat stem from the gardens and fields of Alaway. Only the hero Allon was allowed to eat from the garden, in doing so, Allon was made immortal.

     Deaunna is seen as a most lovely young woman. Simple yet elegantly dressed. Her clothes bare the colors of her divine gifts, mostly earth times. It is said here hair is a golden color and she wears a wreath of woven wheat on her head. Others have seen her crowned with herbs or fruits. it may all depend on the time of year. On her hip she carries a gardening boline to cut harvested food and herbs. In here hand she is often seen carting either a basket of harvested food, staff and/or winnowing fan.

Embroidery of goddesses including Deaunna (3rd from the right)

Bowynn Gods: Dawnnat

Daunnat  (Dawn-nat)  “The next world.” Daunnat is the Bowynn version of heaven. However, it is neither a realm in the sky nor below. It is said to be a world that is much parallel to our own, only reachable by the dead and gods. The realm of Duannat is well describe from the travels of the gods Kord and Brenda, who had to travel there to return the god Brand:

     After the soul and spirit leave the body with the help of the god Heron, it is traveled to a body of water. There sits a grand celestial ship which flows down the divine waters of Muet. This ship is guided from the dock to the beach of Daunnat. From there Heron departs and the god Dadjall takes over, starting to guide the soul-spirit through Duannat. The view is that of walking through the most enchanted land ever; Forested, plains, gardens, streams and waterfalls. Above the land of Daunnat is blessed with its own light, ruled by the god Saulnat.

     Eventually Dadjall guides the soul-spirit to 7 natural gates. Each gate is guarded by a god or goddess. The first is the Gate of Courage and Strength, ruled by the goddess Mura. The second gate is the gate of Kindness, ruled by the god Naddas. The third is the Gate of Love, ruled by Orstal. The forth is the Gate of Balance, ruled by Odjett. The fifth is the Gate of Faith, ruled by Quatt. The sixth is the Gate of charity, ruled by Rhymar and the last gate is the Gate of Peace, ruled by Pedjet.

     Past the gates, Dadjall leads the soul-spirit to Tsellet. The goddess separates the soul from the body, as once in Daunnat and past the gates, no harm can come to the spirit. The spirit now goes to be reborn in our world. The Soul is cleansed and purified and brought to the king and queen of Duannat, Chumash and Kalma, and to the Reader of Deeds, Ano Atanno If the soul is free of sin, it is then lead to the get valley where all souls dwells. A great valley that’s land is ever lush, fertile, abundant and beautiful. The water ways in Daunnat are fed by the great river Muet, and these waters are used to bath the soul to help release all guilt and earthly labors away. All of the nature in Daunnat, from field to flower, is rule over by the queen of Daunnat, Kalma herself.

      If the soul is plague with sin beyond reason, then it is reunited with a spirit and he or she is reborn to earth to “get it right.” However, few are truly reborn, unless their crimes in their prior life are so great.

     Each Soul in Duannat has their own home at night where they live with their past-away family members. But the greatest is the home of Chumash and Kalma. This home or hall rivals that of Alaway. Like Daunnat itself it is not a dark place but most pleasing to the eye, with eloquently carved wood and decorated with most respect. The great dining hall is said to be big enough to let 500 souls feast most comfortably.

The story of Daunnat speaks that originally it was just a barren Island across a great chasm, where the spirit's wandered. During the contest Chumash and his brothers Anhur and Tane contested for who was to rule what level of the earth said God would rule over. Chumash's arrow flew the furthest and into a chasm with represented Daunnat at the time. His brothers mocked him so badly till Chumash said he would make Daunnat more beautiful than the kingdom of the earth and sea combined. Chumash rerouted the divine river Muet to fill the chasm, with Kane's him built the ship for spirits to travel on and constructed the palace of Daunnat. He constructed the 7 great Gates and stations his children at each one. With his new wife Kalma, they planted every seed, tree and pod, plowed every field, gouged every valley and built every home for spirits. By decree, Kalma and Chumash dictated the afterworld's day and night and seasons to come into being. By want and desire, Chumash created special Kii to tend to all mortal's spirits, laying out grand banquets each night.

Indeed, Daunnat is the most beautiful kingdom.

Bowynn Gods: Daeth

Daeth Coddling the Earth (2) Daeth with the defeated Bull of Night (3) Neo Classical Daeth (4) Daeth over-looking the Earth

Daeth (Dayth)  Daeth is the Bowynn God of darkness, shadows and the night. He is not a fearsome god by any means, just the god that attributes darkness to the universe and the night. He is a primordial god, one of the first gods to emerge from the will of Bia, along with his twin sister Tora and other brothers and sisters. He is the god one calls to during the dark of the moon, looking at one’s shadow self and looks at when practicing shadow magic. Again, Daeth is not an evil god by any extent nor has he any ill intentions. Even when there is light, Daeth is the creator and pinner of shadows. He is also a god of balance, where-in there is darkness, light exists as well.

     Daeth, like all gods when they are born, had no attributes or realms to tend to. And Darkness was an element that was guarded by a massive black bull in the heavens. When Daeth was old enough, Daeth had challenged the bull. Such a competition it was across the universe. Their tracks created the streaked sky called the "Milky Way" which in Bowynn is called "Ikarro." Eventually Daeth got on the bulls back and tamed the huge black bull till it was exhausted. Daeth then was able to unleash the darkness into the universe. Not as a feared element but as a separation of light, keeping the law of Bia "Balance" in check. For where there is Light, there must be darkness. As for the bull itself, Daeth kept the creature as his own steed and to give it honor, he arranged a constellation to match him, known as Taurus.

     Eventually Daeth and his twin sister Tora wed and bore and host of other gods. However, being actually created from Bia instead of born, the ill laws of incest never cursed Bia's children. Together Tora and Daeth rule the realm of night on earth. It is Daeth that gave Naraea, the goddess of sleep and dreams, a home high in the celestial heavens among the stars. And also, from Tora and Daeth was born the magnificent Goddess of the moon, Morrighynn. Unlike many of the gods of Alaway, Daeth does not often join the gods in the Great Hall at night for feasting and fun, as his realm needs to be tended to in those hours. Instead, he and Tora feast together and they tend to the night and darkness

     Despite his primordial appearance Daeth is not an old looking god. He is a well-developed young man, said to have curly hair and black as darkness. Some who have had divine contact with him say his eyes are just as black. Other say that his eyes are like a shining star. And his clothing of choice is also as black as his realm. Often, he is seen carrying the bridle of the great black bull or simply wearing a black cloak. Despite his dark attributes, Daeth is said to be rather handsome.

Kodex Naeth

Today, May 23 and 24th, is the Bowynn lesser Holiday of "Kodex Naaeth," - {Codex Night} Despite not being a sanctified 'holy night' in the grander scheme of things, it is important to Bowynn devotees and practicing mysts alike. For it was on this day that the first Kodex was printed and displayed for public eyes.

The day, more properly, the evening in devoted to time with one's codex, to sit and take serious study. I time for reading and contemplation of its life lessons, words and how it effects others. For practicing mysts, it is a time for great spell workings, cleaning, cleansing. The day is devoted to the gods Mystara and Erhlik, those who gave the gifts and arts of witchcraft, barding and shamanism. to mortals, to better our life's, physically and spirituals.

Traditionally, Bowynn devotes will cleanse and re-sanctify their holy books this night. A special candle will burn all night through as magic works. Spiritual music plays the night through, while mysts, bards and shamans will use this night to take long spiritual cleaning baths. Offerings and tsa'hekas of incense are burned to Mystara and Ehrlik. Some will use this night to just sing hymns to the gods

How ever you spend your Kodex Naeth, my it be a special night for you, filled with wisdom and wonder. Aelles and Syember.

Bowynn Gods: Dadjall

Dadjall (Dhad-jhal)  Dadjall is the Bowynn god who leads souls from the shore of Daunat to the presence of Lord Chumash and Lady Kalma. Dadjall is in fact the son of Kalma and Chumash and the brother of many chthonic gods. Despite is dark occupation; he is a friendly and said to be a very handsome god.

     Because Dadjall is always tending the dead, he has had no encounters with the living mortals outside of the gods Kord and Brenda. And though labor-some, Dadjall’s work is a labor of love, as he gets to travel though the most beautiful land in creation. So, he has never complained. However, because of his duty, he has never been graced to find a love nor know what mortals are like.

     Dadjall is rarely depicted, save for funerary articles. However, his image rarely changes. According to the accounts of Kord and Brenda, Dadjall is a young handsome immortal god, and he is a charmer, according to Brenda. His clothing is a mix of black and scarlet or burgundy in color with a loose scarf about his neck, wrapped about a couple of times. In hand he carries a tall walking staff with a large round quartz ball on the top, representing the Soul and Spirit in one. Often with him, at his side is a dog. So, his basic image is that of "a boy and his dog." All in all, Dadjall has the image of a wanderer. Sacred to him are all funerary offerings: incense, flower, fresh water, votive candles and votive dog images.

Bowynn Gods: Chumash

"Akua Naedarren" 2000 - left to right: Chumash, Tane and Anhur.

Chumash (Chu-mosh)  Chumash is the Bowynn guardian of passed Spirits and the Lord King of the next world, Daunnat. He is the son of Brea and Unthar and the brother of Sumon and Anhur.

     Unlike other mythologies and sacred stories of gods of the dead from around the world, Chumash is not a god to be fear. And depicting his as such is sacrilegious. He has no hatred, vengeance nor ill thoughts about him. He is a very kind soul for one that bears a crown on his head. In Daunnat he is the guardian of the souls and spirits that have passed, as well as Lord King of the other gods that dwell in Daunnat. Next to him sits his wife and most beloved queen, the goddess Kalma. Being the king of Daunnat is not just a status position but a lot of work. During the day, Chumash makes sure that souls and spirits are rightfully separated from their mortal husk; He makes sure that souls and spirits do not leave Duannat and living mortals do not enter Daunnat. In some cases, he is the judge of the dead, in that he may return souls and spirit back to the mortal world to be born again if they did not attain the lessons given to them at birth. In some cases, Chumash reunites family members that may not be able to find their past loved ones. At night Chumash leads the great feasts with the souls, making sure all have plenty of food to eat and drink and that music lasts throughout the night. Daunnat is very much the Architect of Daunnat and the creator of rites of the dead.

     Chumash should never be considered as a god of the cause nor effect of death itself. He does not bring death to mortals, nor does he send out agents of death to slay mortals on a whim. He has no dark side at all to him. Nor do any of the gods of Daunnat, in fact. Prior to Chumash taking the throne of Daunnat, there was no keeper or watcher of souls, and they would wander in and out freely, sometimes haunting mortals. Then one day Chumash and his brothers held contest as to who would be king of what realm: Earth, Sea and Daunnat. Each man drew an arrow and shot it. Wherever their arrow landed was the realm they would rule over. Chumash's flew the furthest and into an endless chasm; Thus, winning the kingdom of Daunnat. His other brothers laughed at Chumash, judging him as the winner of the worst prize. But he swore that he would make the kingdom of Daunnat more beautiful than any other kingdom of the living. And through hard work and the help of other gods, this became so. After this task was complete, Chumash asked the goddess Kalma to be his wife. However, she turned up the request several times. He bathed her with gifts of gold and jewelry, but she still turned his marriage proposal down. Finally, she accepted his hand when he offered her a single flower, an iris. It is now that flower that grows in abundance in Daunnat and by laying iris flowers on a grave, we honor the Chumash

     Chumash may be a light-hearted god, but he has a dark physical profile. His hair is said to be black and curly, as is his beard and moustache. His skin is tanned dark, and his eyes are chocolate brown and deep. Still, he is hardly a divinity to be feared. Sacred to Chumash are the gifts of votive dogs, Iris and Poppy flowers as well as all 7 sacred offerings of the Bowynn Tradition.

Chumash and Anhur Anhur, Tane and Chumash

Felt & Embroidery ribbon trim of Chumash and the gods of Daunnat

Bowynn Gods: Chappa

Chappa  (Chop-pah)  Chappa Kii are the Mountain spirits. Their reign is from the foothills to the peaks of all mountains. These Kii are titanic in size and are made out of rock or said to have flesh as strong as rock. If both be the case, then there may well be two types of Chappa Kii. Like all Kii, the Chappa are not evil spirits but will seek equal revenge to those that insist on destroying the mountains they reside around. On the other hand, there are tales of Chappa granting blessings on mortals as well who help them maintain their mountain homes. Some sacred stories and tales speak of a Chappa that would leading lost hikers or travelers back on their right path.  In tradition when one looks at a mountain, one would say "Thats a Chappa" or "That is the home of that Chappa of that mountain. A strong equivalent to the Chappa would be what is today "Giants" and certain Titans of Greek mythology.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Bowynn Gods: Briora

Briora  (Bry-or-rah)  The Briora are Kii (spirits, fairies, nymphs) of wisdom, organizers of books and protectors of buildings like libraries and other places where tomes of knowledge and records are kept. The Briora are diminutive spirits a lot like their European Fae cousins but do not bare wings at all. They take up residence in libraries among the books, where they indulge in reading, cleaning, maintaining and sorting books that are out of place. The Briora are the immortal essence of the term “A treasure in books.” In Bowynn libraries, images of the Briora and a shrine to them are kept. Most heavy readers will even places small images of Briora on their own bookshelves. Gifts to them are generally simple like a candle and incense. Even candy. 

Bowynn Gods: Bryathenaea

Bryathenaea (Bry-a-then-naya)  Brianthenaea is the great Bowynn patroness goddess. She is the great protector of all things and all Bowynn people. Though armored with shield, she is not a war goddess nor wager of trouble in any way, shape nor form. She is the type of woman that will protect her children and lead them on the righht course. She is the goddess of wisdom as well. Briathenaea is the daughter of Anhur and Rhya.

     It was Briathenaea that is said to have shielded the first tribes of mortals on the Great Migration from the south into Europe, shielding them also from the burning sun with a shield that was gifted to her by the god Gondor. Upon reaching Europe across the Bosphorus, Brianthenaea brought the people into a valley that had a bounty of apple trees to eat, drink, build and craft from. When the tribes settled in Europe, Briathenaea stayed with them for 7 days. In that time, she showed them the art of growing orchards and how to make things from its leaves, roots, flowers and wood. In that same wood she also created the first Bowynn alphabet, showing them how to write and read, make paper, books and scrolls. To date, a Bowynn Coden is only made of paper made from apple trees and its coover made from the wood. Only ink from its leaves can be used. For the people she created the hoe, spade/shovel, fork, rope and axe. On the last night Briathenaea told the tribes of mortals that she had to leave but if ever they were in need of her to look into the eyes of an owl and they would know she is there. For the owl is her most scared animal and the form she takes the form of most.

      When war loomed over the first tribes Briathenaea brought forth a great herd of horses for them to use in battle against the Southern Nation armies. The goddess quickly came and protected the women, children and homes with her shield. Today every Bowynn home has a shrine or even an altar to Bryathenaea. She is the very core and symbol of the Bowynn.

     Though Briathenaea is a goddess that neither wed nor gave birth, many swear that her stature is of a full mature woman. The people are her family. Briathenaea is said to have crow-black hair that is wavy and pulled back. Her eyes or that of forest green and her skin tanned. Her garment is said to be the color of sage-green and/or green in general. Over her dress she wears a long leather hladd that is well decorated. Some images have her holding an apple seed in her hand or cutting of an apple tree.  Often seen with Briathenaea is a barn owl, one of the rare owls that lives closest with people and yet still at a distance. Other times Briathenaea presents herself directly. Farms and orchards are blessed in her name yearly, along with the god Amaetheon and Deanna,

Sacred to the goddess are the gifts of Votive Owls, Apples, Apple wood, Books and Scrolls and Runes. Farm implements are sometimes also offered to her.

Embroidered bookmark of Briathenaea with Io and Kalma - Created by Rose Everett 1999

Bowynn Gods: Brenda

Brenda (Bren-dah)  Brenda is the Bowynn goddess of passion, love, lust and beauty. To be precise she does not (like Aphrodite and Venus) induce love on mortals but instead is closer to being the personification of love. She graces each person with all the forms of love. One can pray to Brenda to find a love or to enhance beauty; however, Brenda is also the goddess that justifies vanity and humility. Brenda is a goddess that punishes those that are vane, places their beauty above others and do nothing but pamper their beauty. And not just facial beauty. Those that "fat and body shame" quickly fall under her wrath. Brenda is also the goddess of charm and etiquette. She also teaches humans how to be themselves.

     The sacred story is told how 5 Kii were said to brag and boast how beautiful they were. They even went so far to claim their beauty outshined Brenda. Brenda heard this and turned the Kii into cardinals, birds. To this day cannot stop admiring themselves in anything shiny.

     Brenda is the daughter of Anhur and Rhya and the sister of the Kord and Brenda. In the great sacred story, Brenda was the subject of a plot by her cousin Mano. She was tricked into visiting the god Mano’s home and was locked in, a prank on her brothers. This enraged Kord and Brand so much that the three gods went from playing tricks on each other to full fledge war. Kord finally found the home and saved his sister but at the cost that Brand was left unprotected and slain in his sleep by Mano. Kord and Brenda wept so much that they dared travel to the kingdom of souls, Daunnat, to beseech Chumash and Kalma in restoring her brother. Above all, it was Brenda’s beauty, grace and devotion to her brother that the lord and lady of Daunnat conceded and released Brand’s soul and restored him.

      Many tales speak of various gods trying to woe Brenda for her hand in marriage. In the end she wed a mortal named Dhonan, because of all gods and men; he had nothing more to offer her than his love, as he was a simple hunter. Being that she could not live with a mortal and no mortal could live in Alaway, she blessed and graced him with immortality. Together they bore the love gods Shane and Onaur.

     In mortal’s eyes, Brenda often is seen as the most beautiful of goddesses. Her hair is a striking soft red color, as her painted lips. She is slim in hip and her clothing is loose and also red. Her hladd depicts a garden of flowers with doves, cardinals, lilies and egrets. She is almost always seen with a mirror in hand; a warning against vanity. When not seen in her godly form, Brenda will take the form of a cardinal or egret.

     Offerings to the goddess Brenda are commonly lilies and wild flowers, like daisies. Despite westerns and eastern ideologies, roses and not often attributed as "love". Also sacred to Brenda are doves, egrets and cardinal votive images. Other offerings are mirrors and brushes and in some cases, a basket of makeup toiletries is offered.

Bowynn Gods: Brand

Brand (Brand)  Brand is the god of music, prophecy and oracles. Brand is the son of Anhur and Rhya and the twin brother to Kord and brother of Brenda. His very name means “Light.” Not physical light but Light as in “Enlightenment.”

     There was always a special friendship and bond between Brand and his brother Kord. This was clear from their birth. So close were the two that their cousin Mano became enraged with jealousy. Often Mano would pick on the brothers. Brand in particular for Brand was considered the most handsome of the male gods. So, it was more than often that Mano would play practical jokes on the two. This went on for many years. However, one day, one of Mano’s jokes went too far and backfired on himself. So enraged, Mano wanted revenge on Kord and Brand more than ever.  He took Brand’s sister Brenda, the goddess of love and hid her in a cave and trapped her there. This started a long war between the three young men. Then one day while Brand was sleeping in a field, Mano attacked and slew him. Kord in the meantime, not knowing this, snuck into Mano’s home and freed Brenda.

     When they got back to Brand, it was too late, the handsome god was dead. While Brenda wept for her brother, Kord went on a mad hunt and after a long battle, defeated Mano and imprisoned him. Back at his brother’s side, Kord and Brenda wept and begged the gods of the world of souls to bring Brand back. Anhur said that to bring Brand back, Kord and Brenda would have to go to the underworld and bargain with Chumash. This Brenda and Kord did and the god was taken back with Brenda's plea that Chumash brought Brand back to life.

      It was also during this war against Mano that Brand and his brother Kord created the Kii in order to protect the land that battled on and mortals. Some of the Kii they created were small and others large, depending on the attribute they were bestowed to protect. Not to be outdone however Mano created the Tii, spirits of ill repute.

Since Brand's resurrection Brand took up less of a role as a warrior and more of a god of wisdom. He built, with the help of the god Kane, the first Vlanato Thanto {Oracle's Temple}, blessed and sanctified the first Vlanatos {Oracles} and gave instructions on the design for Bowynn Thantos {Temples}. He also created the strict codes by which all vlanstos need to live by. By taking the Bowynn alphabet he devised a divination system for people to use.

      Together with his brother Kord, the two represent the epitamy of brotherhood and friendship. One being the defended and protector and Brand being the thinking and voice of wisdom. The two together see over friendship and the rights of blood-brother making. They guard well over such friendships. Brand’s harp and voice is said to be that which brings such friendships together.

     Brand is considered of all the gods, the most handsome. This beauty is called ‘radiant’, and some say his presence and beautiful radiance has a sort of hypnotic power. Brand and Kord’s deep friendship are considered the very symbolism of true brotherhood. In art and in visions Brand is at most times depicted as a handsome young man, clean shaven, with light colored hair and carrying either a lute or flute. Brand has two immortal golden gryphons as steeds, which are his companions. Their names are Amber Wind and Honey Wind. Sacred to Brand are the Gryphon, Cattle, the harp, flute, amber stone and wreath of oranges or limes.

Kord and Brand Bronze of Brand

Bowynn Gods: Boquinn

Boquinn (Bow-kwin)  (also Soquinn) The Boquinn are the Bowynn are Kii giants of the forests and mountains and the protectors of them. Boquinn are hairy ape-like spirits, they are often solitary wanderers of the unlike other Kii that often work together. They were created by Brand to keep the woodlands safe from Mano’s wrath and pranks and the destructiveness of the Tii. Unlike other Kii, they do not speak like humans but more like animals. Legends say that for a person to see a Boquinn, will bring the person great blessings. The Boquinn are in general, peaceful, unless people get too close. When a Boquinn does present itself as vicious, it is normally a warning that some great change is about to take place that will disrupt their homeland.

Bowynn Gods: Arn

Arn  (Arn)  God of the North wind and the lord of the north. In some respects also the god of winter. He is often called “The Winter Wizard.” He is the eldest of the wind gods and as such, he is sometimes considered their watchers. Arn is the god that the goddess Myliea wed on the holiday of Kymeliea (also known as Candlemas and Imbolc). Their home resides in the far north and he accompanies Myliea on her first appearance on the winter solstice. In some ways, Arn is seen as a Bowynn version of Father Christmas and Santa Claus; On Winter Solstice eve Arn visits the homes that are decked in winter finery and have a candle lit in the window. If content, Arn will knock his staff on the doors and shutters, blessing the house and leaving a small gift at the door. Often these are in the form of foods; nuts, dried fruit and for kids, candy is left. Much like his contemporary, Arn has a stable that houses 12 great elk, which serve as his mounts.

     Arn is seen as an elderly man, sometimes adorned with white bird wings. His garments are of blue color, a wreath of holly on his head and in his hands, a staff with lantern on top, shaped like an acorn. When not in his godly form, he will appear as a white wolf or cardinal. Both of which are sacred to the god. On his side is a shoulder bag which holds the gifts to mankind. Arn is sometimes seen accompanied by the older winter mammoth god, Yormell, who also bears the same title of “The Winter Wizard.”

     Sacred gifts and offerings to Arn often consist of milk, fresh water, elk, wolf, feathers, cardinal, snow and white flowers. Pretty much anything winter and north wind related is sacred to him.

Bowynn Gods: Ano Taya

Ano Taya  (An-oh Tay-ya)  The Ano Taya are three goddesses that preside over “Fate.” The three goddesses are Nae (the past)  Narna (The present)  Nareen (The future). The Ano Taya are 3 of the few gods that never leave Alaway. Instead, they forever sit in front of a giant loom and weave the great tapestry of life; whose threads present every mortal ever born. Unlike the Greek and Roman Fates, the threads do not hold the very essence of mortal life. So, if they are cut, mortals do not die. The threads of the Ano Taya weave represent the paths of life we take, the threads that are woven in with are those we met in life. Grandmother Nareen tends to what was woven. Mother Narna weaves in the new threads and Nae prepares the threads that shall be woven into the loom.

     It is said that when the Ano Taya finish the current tapestry of life, this age is over. Then they will then start over making a new tapestry, and a new age shall begin. Currently mankind is the forth tapestry woven by the Ano Taya. The past tapestries they have created are hung in the great hall of Alaway.

     Sacred gifts offered to the Ano Taya goddesses are candles of white, red and purple. Also Fillets of the same color and votive images of the goddesses. The number 3 is most sacred to the Ano Taya so any offerings in the amount of 3 are most welcome by the Ano Taya.

Bowynn Gods: Anhur

Anhur (An-her)  Anhur is King-Father of the gods, Son of Brea and Unthar. Anhur is the god of families, men, fatherhood, laws, virtues, courtrooms, justice and men’s rites.  Anhur is the son of Unthar and Brea. He is the ruler of the earth and considered king of the Gods in the Bowynn faith. Being the figure-head of all the Akua, he upholds law, justice and morals, and this made him the spiritual leader of both gods and mortals. His symbols are the scepter, the hawk, wolf and the Maple Tree. Ultimately, Anhur is the God of Councils and councilors. He is a patron to all men and men’s rites, rituals and initiations. He lends wisdom to fathers. He is the god-king of justice, law, order and all virtues. He is a god of protection, liberty and freedom. Anhur is protector and patron of the king and his family. As the supreme deity, Anhur oversees the conduct of civilized life.     

      When born, Anhur and his brothers Chumash and Tane were living in the Second Age. Back then the rulers of the gods were his parents, aunts and uncles. The three boys quarreled often to their parents, who of the three would end up ruling what realm of the earth. The gods sent them into contest with a bow and arrow. The rules were that wherever the arrow that each one of the boys shot would land, that would be the realm they would rule. Tane’s arrow landed in the sea and Chumash’s landed in on another continent where one day mortal spirits would make their home far across the western sea. Anhur’s arrow however landed in a tree. None of the gods could agree what the ruling would be for such a shot. The Great Creator Bia was asked to judge the shot and Bia ruled that the realm Anhur would rule was the earth and the air. And so Anhur’s Kingdom was gained

     Next Anhur set on his first great task; to attain his totem animal. He picked not just the wolf but the king of the wolves, Lankner. But Lankner refused to be treated as a Totem animal. This led to a great chase and battle between Lankner and the young Anhur. Eventually the chases and wrestling were too much for the king of wolves and his mortal body collapsed and died. Grief stricken, Anhur saved the soul of Lankner from entering Daunnat and thus not only obtained his totem but to this day, he is Anhur’s immortal hound. Not as a pet but as a brother.

     Anhur fell in love with the Goddess Rhya. But she refused his advances till he showed her his true love. by Rhya's request, Anhur built the great Hall of the Gods, Alaway. This was not to be a home for them to stay in all the time but a place to where all the gods would meet for evening meal and sleep. It was said that an oath was made with all the gods that no matter what friction was fused during the day between the gods, when they enter Alaway to eat, all differences were left outside. It took Anhur 7 days to complete Alaway alone, but its completed state would make it the grandest of all hallows. (see “Alaway”)

     Anhur in appearance does not come off as a king, as much as he is seen as a father figure. That is to say he seems to present himself as a man in his 40s. Fully bearded, crowned with a circlet, helm or a wreath of maple leaves and with a staff in hand. His hair is said to be golden brown and his eyes green. Often Anhur is seen with Lanker the immortal wolf, or a wolf himself. His clothes are that is a counselor, warrior or a king, but of earthen colors.

Embroidry & Paint of Chumash (left) and Anhur (right) - created by Ksandra Weldess - 2011

Bowynn Bods: Amaetheon

Amaetheon (Ah-may-thee-on)  Amaetheon is the Bowynn God of shepherds, cheese-making, bee-keeping, honey, olive trees, oil making, soap making, harvest, brewing, milking, the protector of groves, farms and orchards, the vine, grapes, berries, fruit and abundance in life. He is the patron to farmers, brewers and shepherds.      Amatheon is the son of Rhya and Anhur. The god, in his role as the discoverer of honey and the art of brewing, makes these his prime attributes. But he is not to be confused with a god of drunkenness such as Bacchus. Infact, he is often seen and spoken of as a god that deplores drunkenness; In the end, making those that abuse his gifts, ill with hangovers and sickness, which they will not soon forget.      Amaetheon is a much beloved god, and many sacred stories are bound to him. Many speak of how he had bestowed onto mortals his many gifts or how he punished those who have mistreated his gifts. One of the more hair-raising tales speak of a group of men that gathered to have a private party, during which wine and ale flowed far too quick and often. The men became so drunk that they started to wreak havoc on their neighbors and all across the city. Getting word of this, Amaetheon directed their blurred vision on their own homes. By morning when the men woke, their homes were totally destroyed by their own drunken state and hands. The men were quickly cast out of their town and forced to wander for months with stones chained to their ankles.

In the 7 sacred days that Amaetheon stayed with the first tribes, he taught man-king all about tending to cows, goats other animals to gather their milk, how to grow fields of fruit trees, bee-keeping and the making of drinks from various trees and plants. 

     Amaethon is seen as a well built young man, with beautiful brown hair and sometimes with an apple or ivy wreath on his brow. His clothes are simple and are tainted in harvest colors. Purple and green however often prominent of colors. He always has a tankard tied to his belt or with a cluster of milk jars over his shoulder. He is said to be a very beautiful god and a charmer with his words and music. Often seen with him are a cow or goat. His image is placed in pantries and cupboards to make sure that they are always overflowing and in orchards for health harvests and its common to have a small shringe to Amaetheon in the Kitchen.

Clear equivalents to Amaetheon are Bacchus and Dionysus.