Veneration of the Nature Spirits

When the people sailed across the sea during the decades-long Exodus, they were exposed to wind and weather without protection. They had renounced their gods and prayed to their ancestors, hoping they might shield them from storms and waves. But the power of the ancestors seemed limited. They could grant courage, but they could not drive away a storm.   So the Frost People turned directly to the storm, to the waves, to the heat of the sun—and found that sometimes, they were heard.   Thus arose the belief in nature spirits. These spirits are associated with the elements: water, air, earth, fire, and magic. They rarely appear in any form, whether human or natural. They do not show themselves openly, but sensitive Frost People can feel their presence. When they do appear, their form depends on their mood. If they are well-disposed toward the Frost People, they may appear in a vaguely human shape—a face or a figure. If they are angry and wild, they manifest in their natural form, such as waves, strong winds, or trembling earth.

Prayers and Petitions

Prayers to nature spirits are rare. They are general in tone and, if spoken at all, are offered as a precaution before a journey. These are simple phrases not directed at any specific spirit, but to all, in the sense of: “Do not be angry with us and grant us a safe journey.”   More common are specific petitions, usually born out of necessity. One might ask for a tailwind to travel faster from one place to another, or attempt to calm rough seas through offerings and pleas. Some bold Frost People even go so far as to ask a nature spirit for physical advantages—inviting the spirit to enter their body for a short time.

Veneration

Unlike ancestor veneration, no symbolic figures or similar representations are used for nature spirits—no one knows what they truly look like. Veneration takes place partly through festivals dedicated to specific nature spirits. These are often tied to seasons and changes in weather.   There is a time when the waters along the coast and in the island zones become particularly restless. Just before this period, a festival is held to appease the spirits of wind and wave. Offerings are cast into the sea, and colorful leather gliders are released on strings to decorate and impress the wind.

The Elements

Air

Nature spirits of the air are considered moody but easily influenced. They can be flattered and made favorable. They are often perceived as vain and temperamental. Air spirits are not asked to slow down or leave—instead, they are offered a more beautiful or suitable place to go. Many claim that they can be lured away with melodic and harmonious music, as they are drawn to all things beautiful.   Air spirits hold a special place in Frostfolk belief, as they are said to carry souls into the sky—up to the stars. Gifts/Benefits: Speed, wind, dispersal of odors or fog, calming of storms, transmission of messages

Water

Water spirits are cheerful and playful, but can also be clingy and thus bothersome. They can be distracted or persuaded to be gentler—or wilder—through pretty offerings like jewelry, toys, or sweets. They can also be asked to flow in a particular direction.   A special form is ice. Ice spirits are not playful, but they are clingy and fond of beautifully crafted objects that show skill and artistry.   According to folklore, water spirits take the bodies of the dead and play with them on the ocean floor—likely a tale to help children cope with loss. Gifts/Benefits: Cleansing, agility, drinking water, food gathering, shelter (ice), pleasant cold (ice)

Earth

The Frost People no longer have contact with earth spirits. They encountered them during the long journey of the Exodus, but in Nyrian there is no soil, no stone. They are only faintly remembered, and no one practices communication with them anymore.   What little is known suggests that these spirits are quiet and patient. They cannot be influenced unless they choose to be. When angered, they are said to be able to shake the world. Gifts/Benefits (assumed): Endurance, inner peace, strength, plant growth

Fire

Fire is taboo among the Frost People—and so are fire spirits. Still, they are known in part, though not venerated. Fire spirits are said to be determined and rarely deterred once they’ve set a goal. Allegedly, they can be redirected to another target if one is strong enough—but usually, they follow their chosen path. Gifts/Benefits (assumed): Reflexes, determination, destruction

Magic

Magical nature spirits are an attempt to define everything that doesn’t fit into the four classical elements. Animal spirits are included here. The Frost People believe that animal spirits are the souls of creatures who, through magic, have gained their own spiritual form. Light and darkness are also considered to be bound in spirit form.   Depending on the type of spirit, influence varies—and requires a certain sensitivity. Gifts/Benefits: Night vision (night spirit), climbing upside-down (spider spirit), sixth sense (magic)