The Old Gods, Mythology and Mysticism

From Vishnaism, we are given the ten gods of the traditional Cherry Tree Mythology, foundational in Seeder storytelling and lore. These figures are referenced in historical myths and allegories, serving as cultural touchstones as well as the basis for any rituals, the calendar and days of the week.

Odravor, the Root King
Odravor is the god of the beginning, the unseen force beneath the earth where the cherry trees take root. He is depicted as an old man with roots growing from his hands and feet, nurturing life from below the soil. His followers believe that he determines the strength of the trees and, by extension, the prosperity of their communities. Odravor is revered for stability and hidden power, a reminder that all life starts from what is unseen.

Velmara, the Blossom Queen
Velmara governs the blossoming of the cherry trees and is associated with fertility, beauty, and the renewal of spring. Her form is often depicted as a radiant maiden with long, flowing hair, interwoven with flowers and leaves. She is believed to breathe life into the flowers, ensuring they bloom in splendor, signaling a new beginning for both trees and mortals. Her devotees celebrate with colorful dances in spring.

Chervan, the Harbinger of Rain
Chervan is the god of rain and nourishment, depicted as a figure clad in a cloak of mist and falling water. His role is to ensure that the cherry trees receive enough rain to grow, yet he can also bring devastating storms. Farmers offer sacrifices to Chervan in hopes of receiving gentle rains. His volatile nature is both feared and revered.

Lúkor, the Sun Bearer
Lúkor is the god of sunlight, responsible for ripening the cherries. He is depicted as a towering figure, with a radiant golden crown and eyes that blaze like the sun. Without Lúkor’s light, the cherries would remain sour, never reaching their full sweetness. His festivals are held at the height of summer, where worshipers feast on ripe cherries in his honor, praising him for the abundance of the harvest.

Kresna, the Fruit Guardian
Kresna is the protector of the cherries themselves, especially when they ripen. A vigilant god, Kresna ensures that the fruit is not taken before its time and shields it from pests. His symbol is the bird, as he can take the form of a hawk or owl to chase away intruders. In folklore, Kresna is known for rewarding those who are patient and punishing the greedy.

Yarga, the Goddess of the Harvest
Yarga is the goddess of the harvest, depicted as a robust woman with baskets overflowing with cherries. She brings the cycle to fruition, ensuring the successful gathering of fruit. Her blessing ensures a plentiful and peaceful harvest season. Yarga is beloved for her kindness and generosity, as she symbolizes the bounty and joy of the season’s end.

Zimranna, the Frost Bearer
Zimranna is the goddess of winter and frost, who brings the necessary cold for the trees to rest and renew. She is an ethereal figure with white hair and skin like ice, holding a staff of frozen branches. Though her presence is harsh, it is also essential, and her cold breath ensures that the trees will sleep through the winter and awaken stronger. Her worshipers see her as both a necessary destroyer and a harbinger of future growth.

Morvosh, the God of Decay
Morvosh is the god who governs death and decay, ensuring that fallen fruit and leaves return to the earth to nourish the next generation of trees. He is often depicted as a skeletal figure draped in black robes, holding a sickle. Morvosh teaches that nothing is truly lost, for death feeds life. He is respected but feared, as his touch brings the inevitable end of cycles.

Tvari, the Seed Keeper
Tvari is the goddess of seeds and new beginnings. She guards the seeds within each cherry, holding the potential for the next tree. Tvari is seen as a symbol of hope and rebirth, always carrying a bag of seeds that she scatters through the land. Her devotees plant seeds in her honor, believing that she determines which will grow and thrive.

Slavinor, the Storm of RotSlavinor is a malevolent god who thrives in times of excess. He brings disease, rot, and infestation to the cherries if they are left unharvested. Depicted as a shadowy figure with rotten fruit at his feet, Slavinor represents the dangers of greed and negligence. His worship involves rituals of warding, where devotees seek to keep him at bay through offerings and prayers.