Corinus
The Angel of Knowledge and Healing
The Angel Corinus, also known as Healer, Wise One, Doctor, First Teacher, or simply Corinus, is one of the twelve angels who created Middengeard. When he arrived in the world on the isle of Midden, he became a doctor and an educator, healing the sick and improving the knowledge of others. Before departing, Corinus gave his gift to a Doctor and a Scholar. Corinus is often noted to be the root of all understanding regarding Aether. Corinus is celebrated in the month of Corinis. During this time people are encouraged to consider their health, detox, ready for a new year, or learn a new subject.
Lore and Doctrine
The Lore of Corinus can be found in the The Book. His tales teach respect towards knowledge and our bodies. His lore has been analysed over the centuries by specialist Corinthian Theologians who have created a doctrine based on his tales. This is the same doctrine delivered by Clerics to their flock.
Creating Middengeard
When Corinus left the Garden with the other angels to explore the mysteries of the universe, they discovered a void, within which they created the world of Middengeard. After mankind was created by Larimus, Corinus walked amongst the people, touching their hands and minds, gifting them knowledge that filled their individual capacity to learn and understand. Back in the Garden, Corinus continued to watch the people learn, experiment, and develop.
Lessons Learnt- Knowledge enables individuals to contribute meaningfully to society, but it must be proportional to their role and capacity.
- True leadership involves knowing when to guide and when to observe, allowing growth without constant intervention.
- Creation is not random or chaotic; it is designed with a purpose that must be respected and upheld.
- Knowledge carries an obligation to use it ethically and for the betterment of the community.
- Equality in divine design does not mean identical gifts but ensures that all have value within their roles.
Arrival in Midden
Tired of just observing, Corinus left the Garden with the other angels to partake in life in Middengeard. They arrived on an island at the centre of the world, Midden, and integrated themselves into society, keeping their true nature secret. Corinus became a doctor, using his knowledge to help the lives of others.
Lessons Learnt- [liThis story highlights the importance of leaving behind passivity to actively engage with one’s role in society, setting the foundation for Cosmos’ emphasis on fulfilling one’s designated purpose.
- Corinus demonstrates that knowledge must be applied responsibly to serve others, reinforcing its sacred nature as a gift that must be used wisely.
- Even as a divine being, Corinus operates within mortal society without disrupting its structure, showing that all beings, regardless of status, must respect the roles they are given.
The Lecture
Corinus was teaching a class of students who had all paid for their education, when he realised a young boy was sitting outside the lecture theatre listening and making notes. After the class Corinus went to the boy and told him what the cost of that class was. The boy explained that he was poor and his family were farmers. He did not have the money, but he did have a passion to learn. Corinus agreed that the boy did have the capacity and proposed that in exchange for lessons the boy could work for him. The boy agreed eagerly, and worked very hard, and studied even harder. Though he was not from a wealthy background, he was intelligent and insightful, and graduated with high honours. As he did not possess the respectability to become a doctor, Corinus found the boy to be one of his finest nurses.
Lessons Learnt- Knowledge is a sacred gift that must be earned through effort or compensation, never taken freely.
- Even the most talented individuals must operate within their assigned roles to maintain societal balance.
- Success and recognition are achievable for anyone who works hard, but only within the limits set by divine design.
The eager assistant
Corinus employed an assistant to work with him. They were passionate about their subject and Corinus found them a joy to work with. Whenever he came into the lab, there was his assistant, and when he would leave in the evening, his assistant would always stay behind. Corinus greatly appreciated this dedication, but began to notice subtle changes. Their assistant started to become thin and haggard, their excitability turned to nervousness, and their energy started to wane. 'It is good that you love your work,' Corinus said to them one day, 'but I fear you are not loving yourself. Take some time away and look after yourself.' The assistant refused, he had too much work to complete. Corinus tried to insist, but it only dampened their working relationship. The stress that the assistant was amounting upon themselves became too much, and they started to become physically sick, still they would not stop. Soon, the assistant died, and Corinus was most sad, for it could have been avoided.
Lessons Learnt- This story emphasises that even the most passionate and hardworking individuals must maintain a balance between dedication to their craft and care for themselves.
- While Corinus attempts to help, the assistant's choices ultimately lead to their demise, demonstrating that wisdom can only guide, not enforce.
- The assistant’s death serves as a stark warning to others about the dangers of overworking and ignoring the advice of mentors.
The Wealthy Man
Corinus was called upon to attend the health of a wealthy gentleman. The man lived in a large house with many slaves who carried him everywhere, dined on large meals of the finest and most decandent foods, and rather than leave the house to see artifacts around the world, had those artifacts brought to him. However, he had noticed, with time, that he had grown large, and his breathing had become difficult. He asked Corinus to create something that would breathe for him, so he could continue his life. Corinus agreed he could do that, but it would not solve the problem. He told the gentleman that he already had everything he needed to save his health, all he must do is take care of his body. He must exercise, go outside, and consider what he eats. The man refused, because why else would he have amassed all this wealth, if not to have other people do this for him. Inevitably, the man died, when he could have lived for many more years, and enjoyed his wealth to the fullest.
Lessons Learnt- The story reinforces that individuals must take responsibility for their own health and well-being, regardless of their wealth or status.
- It demonstrates that material wealth cannot buy everything, particularly health or the ability to overcome natural limits.
- The man’s death serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring wise advice and the natural needs of the body.
- Even those with privilege must engage with the physical world and care for their bodies, as no amount of wealth can replace personal effort.
The Arrogance of Youth
Corinus employed a young man who had recently completed his education. Fresh with ideas from his experience, Corinus found the man keen, but soon keeness quickly became arrogance. The man would often dismiss Corinus' device, even with an audience, claiming that he had modern, and therefore, superior knowledge. He became so assured with his knowledge that one day, when Corinus was delivering a lecture, that the man stood up and openly challenged. Corinus was shocked, but a member of the audience berated the young man for not respecting the wisdom of his superiors, and then when the young man attempted to challenge him too, the audience member responded with such irrefutable logic that the young man was silenced, and never sought to embarrass his superiors again.
Lessons Learnt- Knowledge is cumulative, but the wisdom of those with experience must always be honoured above the enthusiasm of the inexperienced.
- Arrogance in learning leads to downfall, while humility allows true wisdom to be gained.
- Maintaining societal order is a collective responsibility, and those who overstep their place will be corrected by their peers.
- New ideas must be tested against established wisdom; not all innovation is progress.
- Those who seek to shame their superiors will find themselves shamed instead.
The Duty of Children
Two parents came to speak to Corinus. They knew he was a great teacher and wanted advice with their children. They had a boy who was unruly and disrespectful. He would not learn or do his homework. He lacked manners and he ignored the wisdom of his superiors, including his parents. Corinus advised that the parents should beat the boy, as it was clear he had no regard for failure. If he associates failure with pain and disappointment, he will strive, as any being, to succeed instead. The couple also had a girl who loved to read and had adamantly refused to consider marriage or family, as she wished to focus on her studies and career. Corinus agreed this was hard, for he could appretiate her love of these activities. He informed the parents that the girl should also be punished, and continously punished, for selfishness and not realising her role in society. As a woman, she had been designed to be a mother, and a wife, not a scholar, as all women. The parents listened to Corinus and punished their children. Over time, they found they had to punish them less, as their children developed into accountable and agreeable members of society who understood and knew how to uphold their duty.
Lessons Learnt- Discipline is necessary to shape individuals into responsible and obedient members of society.
- Duty must always take precedence over personal ambition or desires.
- Authority figures have a responsibility to correct those under their care to ensure they fulfil their roles.
- A structured and orderly society depends on individuals accepting and performing their designated roles.
- Correction is an essential tool to guide those who resist their duty until they learn to embrace it.
The Two Sons
A man came to Corinus for some advice. He had two sons, Horick and Horace, but he could only afford to send one to school. How should he pick? Corinus told him that was an answer only the father of the two sons would know. The man decided to send his eldest, Horick, to school, as this seemed the most logical, but Horick did not possess the intellect for academics, and failed at his studies. Meanwhile, Horace, who had ambitions to become a doctor, studied in his free time while working. His efforts made him noticed and slowly but surely, he succeded. After leaving school, Horick found work as a blacksmith, and soon developed a passion for the craft, becoming famous in the industry. Years later, the father of the two sons came to see Corinus again. He regretted that he had sent Horick to school, and not Horace. Corinus replied that the two boys led the exact lives they were destined to lead.
Lessons Learnt- Hard work and passion are the foundations of true success, regardless of the field.
- Learning is most effective when it complements one’s strengths and interests.
- Everyone has a path where they can succeed; recognising and embracing it leads to fulfilment.
- Parents provide opportunities, but personal effort and perseverance shape success.
- True mastery in any field is earned through long-term commitment and practice.
The Gift
Corinus and the other angels decided that it was time to leave Middengeard and return to the Garden. Before leaving, to make their true nature known, each angel gifted Aether magic to two people who they believe best represented their qualities and could honour their gifts. Corinus chose a doctor and a librarian converting them from humans into Magi. He asked in his absence, that they continue to uphold his beliefs.
Lessons Learnt- Knowledge is not just power; it is a divine gift that must be used to serve and benefit society.
- True wisdom outlives its creator through the dedication of chosen successors.
- Not all are entitled to power—divine gifts are reserved for those who prove themselves worthy.
- A true legacy is not just about power but about the duty to uphold knowledge and serve others.
- Wisdom endures.
Characteristics
When presented in art or sculpture, Corinus can be identified or associated with one of the characteristics shown below. In some denominations, the element of water is also shown to represent Corinus, due to its healing qualities.
Corinus' Influence on Culture
The teachings of Corinus has had many direct, and indirect effects on the culture of those living in Magnus Prime.
Symbolism and Rituals
- Burning Rosemary for Clarity: The Temple of Corinus burns rosemary to enhance cognition and mental clarity. This practice extends beyond religious rituals, with educational institutions, libraries, and even some workplaces incorporating the scent to promote focus and intellectual discipline.
- Quartz as a Sacred Resource: Quartz, essential for storing aether and powering technology, is regarded as a divine gift from Corinus. Objects containing quartz are treated with reverence, as they are believed to be an extension of Corinus' wisdom and generosity.
- Owls as Guardians of Knowledge and Healing: Owls, symbolic of wisdom, are commonly carved above doorways in schools, libraries, and hospitals. These carvings serve as protective icons, reinforcing Corinus' role as the angel of knowledge, medicine, and science.
- White as a Mark of Office and Learning: White is worn by those in medicine, science, and librarianship while performing their duties. It symbolises wisdom, learning, and experience, marking the wearer as someone entrusted with knowledge and its responsible application.
- Rituals of Study and Precision: Followers of Corinus often engage in structured study and research as a form of devotion. Many begin their work with a silent prayer or moment of reflection, seeking his guidance to ensure accuracy and diligence in their tasks.
Family and Relationships
- The Household as a Reflection of Society: Families follow the same structured hierarchy as the world around them. Husbands lead, wives support, and children obey, ensuring stability and order in the home.
- Marriage as a Duty to Society: Marriage is not a personal pursuit but a necessary social responsibility. A successful marriage is based on fulfilling assigned roles rather than love or individual desires.
- Understanding One’s Family is Essential: Just as one studies medicine or law, learning about one’s family members—their strengths, weaknesses, and needs—is a necessary duty. A well-functioning household comes from knowing how to guide and shape its members effectively.
- Correction is an Act of Care: Family members must be disciplined to uphold their roles. A husband ensures his household follows proper conduct, while parents must correct their children to prepare them for their future duties.
- Respect and Loyalty Above All: Defiance, questioning authority, or rejecting one’s role damages the family structure. The household thrives when every member upholds their responsibilities and remains loyal to their duty.
Society and Friendships
- Social Hierarchy and Respect: Friendships and interactions are dictated by social rank, with strict deference to those of higher standing. Personal and professional circles rarely mix outside of their designated class.
- Knowledge as a Transaction:Learning is never free; wisdom is earned through payment, labour, or proving one's worth. Advice and favours are not given without expectation of repayment.
- Friendship as Mutual Benefit: Relationships are based on usefulness rather than sentiment. Trust is maintained through reciprocal obligations, and failing to repay a favour leads to social consequences.
- Correction and Public Accountability: It is a duty to correct others when they fail in their responsibilities. Discipline, whether verbal, social, or physical, is seen as necessary for maintaining order and ensuring personal improvement.
- Public Displays of Learning and Status: Scholars, professionals, and skilled individuals are recognised for their achievements in ceremonies and social gatherings, reinforcing the value of discipline and structured education.
Art and Architecture
- The Owl as a Mark of Knowledge: Schools, universities, libraries, and hospitals often feature carvings or images of owls above doorways as a symbol of wisdom, learning, and healing—an enduring reminder of Corinus' guidance.
- Corinus as the Universal Symbol of Wisdom: In paintings, sculptures, and stained glass, Corinus is frequently depicted as the embodiment of knowledge and intellect, reinforcing his status as the patron of scholars, doctors, and researchers.
- Temples and Universities as Grand Monuments to Learning: The Temple of Corinus, like all temples, is wealthy and has historically funded artists and architects. Every affiliated university and institution is adorned with artistic depictions of his teachings and the pursuit of knowledge.
- Aesthetic Emphasis on Logic and Order: Inspired by Corinus’ values, architecture associated with him often follows clean, structured designs that reflect discipline, reason, and intellectual pursuit. Mathematical precision and symmetry are common elements in buildings dedicated to his worship.
Science and Education
- Education as a Privilege, Not a Right: Learning is reserved for those who can afford it, either through wealth or labour. No knowledge is freely given. Students must pay or work to earn their education, ensuring they respect its value.
- A Hierarchical Education System: Education is tailored to a person’s caste and perceived intelligence. The elite study medicine, law, and advanced sciences, while lower classes receive only practical instruction for their designated roles in society. Some are denied formal education entirely, as their place in life does not require it.
- Women’s Role in Education: While women may study, their education is limited to subjects that serve their expected roles, such as medicine (as nurses, not doctors), administration, and childcare. Women who focus too much on study instead of marriage and motherhood are seen as neglecting their duty.
- Study as a Sacred Duty: For those permitted to study, education is an act of devotion. Dedicating oneself to knowledge honours Corinus’ gift of intelligence, but neglecting it or misusing it is seen as a waste of divine blessing.
- Structured Learning and the Institutionalisation of Knowledge: Schools, universities, and apprenticeships follow strict rules of mentorship and progression. No one can surpass their superiors without proving their worth, ensuring that knowledge remains in the hands of the capable.
Governance and Economics
- Work is a Measure of Worth: Employment is not just a necessity but a reflection of one’s value to society. Those who do not work are seen as wasteful, and those who refuse their assigned roles are viewed as defying the divine order.
- Respect for Superiors in the Workplace: Employers and higher-ranking professionals are owed deference and obedience. Workers are expected to accept their station, while those in charge must lead with knowledge and efficiency, ensuring the smooth operation of businesses and institutions.
- Fair Wages and Compensation by Status: Payment is based on skill, social rank, and necessity. The higher one’s position, the more they earn, as intelligence and responsibility are considered more valuable than physical labour. Lower classes are often compensated with necessities rather than financial reward.
- Knowledge as a Commodity: Training, apprenticeships, and education must be paid for. No knowledge is given freely—if one cannot afford tuition, they must compensate through service or labour. Employers benefit by securing skilled workers through these arrangements.
- The Duty of Employers to Maintain Stability: Business owners, estate managers, and employers are expected to ensure their workers remain productive, disciplined, and aligned with their roles. Just as doctors maintain the body, leaders must maintain the workforce through structure, order, and correction where necessary.
Part of a series on Cosmos
Cosmos
The Garden
The Temple of Corinus
- The Angel Corinus
- St Corinus
- Doctor
- Wise Owl
- The Learned
- First Teacher
- White
- Jasmine
- Rosemary
- Quartz
- Owl
Corinis
Water
- Doctors
- Educators
- Librarians
- Academics
- Nurses
Mantra for CorinusGuide me, Teacher, focus my mind, and steady my hand. Though I am foolish, I strive to be better. Though I am lost, I search for the truth. Though I am small, Your knowledge gives me faith.
"I always find Corinus one of the harder angels to connect with. Perhaps because I'm not a medical person, but I also don't agree with his attitude on women and children. We would never consider such a thing in the Stiriphese. If you want to learn, then you learn, and if your family love you, they'll support you."
"I think about the teachings of Corinus a lot more now that I'm at university. I always think there's an angel for every stage of your life, and I'm in the Corinus stage. You see his owl a lot, you smell his rosemary, and when you're studying, you're reminded that your studies honour him, which is sometimes comforting."
Aeryn DeSteffen
"Yes, Corinus, the angel who apparently told my father that I could not learn more than my basic words and some cross-stitch. He raises so many up, and lowers so many others down, but I guess, that is the diametric of every angel. Hmm, what a big word I used just then."
"I'm often asked about Corinus. Do I follow his teachings because I am an academic, or do I defy his teachings, because I am an academic? Personally, I prefer to ignore that particular story and focus on his creation of Middengeard and how he approached every person and gifted unto them their intelligence. My intelligence is a gift, as much as my magic. I will not squander it by not using it."
Janavier Rance
"Yeah, I definitely think I was one of the low intelligence people when Corinus was dishing out the brains. I'd like it, angels know I'd like it, but lets be real. I left school when I was fifteen, and no one missed me."
Ari
"Someone once told me that Corinus never got around to touching me, which sounds a bit creepy right? I told someone else what this person had said, and they put me right and explained it all to me. I sure felt daft, but that's the world ain't it? We're all different, and that's what makes us."
"I used to attend the minster in Steffen, it was a beautiful temple, and sometimes I'd visit each shrine and connect with each angel. Most were easy, I could see myself, for good, or for worst in each angel, but Corinus.... he was there for me in my studies, but beyond... I think you have to be a certain person, like Princess Listelle, for example, to connect with him."
Pearl Lightly
"I like to think I live my life by the teachings of Corinus, or certainly my interpretation of them. I'm ambitious, and wish to study and work hard, but I also want stop eventually and become a wife and a mother. I studied hard at school. I didn't always get it right, but I applied myself to the best of my abilities."
Prince Veris
"You need an angel like Corinus, one who can inspire people to pursue academic interests, to take care of their bodies, and to respect the words of others. I often think this is why society in Magnus Prime is so strong, because you have ever-lasting role models like Corinus. I don't think a soul could name a famous doctor in Niphan. But everyone here can immediately say: Corinus, as well as many living doctors' names too, because here, it is honoured."
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