The Nektarefni Sect

The Nektarefni

One of the more extremist religious sects in existence is the Nektarefni, a group whose beliefs stem from the teachings of their founder, Nektaref. According to scripture, Nektaref once proclaimed to his followers, “Men should cover themselves to not tempt women and they should serve and obey.” This phrase forms the basis of the sect's radical ideology, which has turned traditional gender roles on their head. In Nektarefni society, men are subjected to strict behavioral and dress codes. They must keep their entire bodies covered, with only their hands (from the wrist) and feet (from the ankle) left visible. Additionally, men are not permitted to leave their homes to work or tend to agricultural tasks without explicit permission from their wives. Travel is also restricted, men may only journey if accompanied by a female relative.

In stark contrast, women in the Nektarefni community enjoy a high degree of autonomy. They are free to dress as they choose, participate in public life, and make independent decisions without any formal restrictions.

An even more radical subsect within the Nektarefni is the Píslarvottar, who combine the foundational teachings of Nektaref with a disturbing sacrificial doctrine. The Píslarvottar believe that they must atone for the many lives denied to a divine figure named Leann, who, they claim, was “out of time.” To make amends, they offer themselves to the Gatekeeper, the god of death and cosmic balance. Every member is branded with the Gatekeeper’s mark on their hands as a sign of devotion. Their daily lives are marked by extreme austerity: men are barred from education, prohibited from speaking loudly in public, and denied access to most forms of music, literature, and art except those deemed religiously acceptable.

Law and order within the sect is maintained by the trúarleg lögregla, a paramilitary religious police force known for its harsh enforcement methods. Public corporal punishment carried out with whips or clubs is a common penalty for even minor infractions. Perhaps the most chilling aspect of Píslarvottar doctrine is the mandatory ritual suicide that occurs at the age of 7 ár, equivalent to 45 Earth years. In their final year, adherents are given the honorary title kynslóð, symbolizing their readiness to pass into the next life and fulfill their ultimate duty to the Gatekeeper. This fatal culmination of devotion is seen not as death, but as spiritual liberation a belief that highlights the cult's deeply ingrained fanaticism.