Mantaling (mɐn.ta.liŋ)
Mantaling is the highest point on the island of Lantak. It is the most sacred site on the island to the Bakunari, who believe the mountain is the gateway to the Celestial Palace, where the spirits of the dead are judged. A certain path on Mantaling's slopes must be carefully maintained and consecrated, so that its dream-echo continues to provide passage for the recently deceased. This path passes four waterfalls, each representing a virtue and a trial that the spirit must overcome. Understanding and embodying the four virtues is essential to the spirit's ascension - those who fail are dissolved into mist and spray, their essence dispersed across the world. Over time, the virtues have been interpreted in many ways; philosophers insist they are too complex and multifaceted to be expressed in simple terms. The most common descriptions today are Love, Strength, Honor, and Peace, but they have also been rendered as Family, Duty, Honor, and Joy, among other variations.
Under Imperial rule, the Bakunari must petition annually for their priests to walk the Path of the Ancestors, so they can maintain and consecrate it. This petition is directed to the Lakanlalawigan of Lalawigan ng Lantak - currently, Princess Liwayway. While the petition has never been denied (and Imperial policy forbids hindering the worship of local spirits and gods), the requirement to submit it has long chafed the pride of the Bakunari. It serves as a reminder that they no longer hold dominion over their most sacred land - they who once ruled the greatest empire in the world, albeit thousands of years ago. In recent years, Liwayway has hinted that she might abolish the petition process and grant the Bakunari a permanent easement for their religious practices - should she ascend to the throne instead of her brother.
Notable Spirits
The mountain is ruled over by Yulan, a god who manifests as a lóng - a sinuous, dragon-like creature. Yulan resides in a lake near the mountain's summit, where the Path of the Ancestors descends into her waters. She is the gatekeeper to the Celestial Palace, making the final determination of which spirits may enter. Those she denies are sent back to the egg, reincarnating as new people to try again in another life. Those she allows to pass are the most righteous of souls - they have embraced the four virtues and won Yulan's approval. These souls are admitted to the Celestial Palace, judged a final time, and assigned their place in the endless dream of heaven - perhaps as a servant, or perhaps in a station of great honor. Regardless of their position in the Celestial Hierarchy, those Yulan admits are granted immortality and the promise of eternal joy.
Geography
Mantaling is a high, steep mountain, considered one of the most difficult in the entire Southwestern Region to climb. The only true path up its slopes is the one carved by the Bakunari priests to maintain the Path of the Ancestors - climbing it without permission from the priesthood or the Empire is a capital crime. The lower slopes are heavily forested and are kept wild by Imperial decree. Hunting is likewise forbidden, as the animals of the mountain are believed to be the property of Yulan, the mountain's resident god.
Geographic Details
Location: Southwestern RegionLatitude: 9.88 degrees North
Longitude: 30.01 degrees West
Elevation: 6,844 ft
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This article was originally written for Spooktober 2024. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2023. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
An interesting holy site to be sure, and it seems some political intrigue may develop adjacent to it as well. After all, two siblings could end up on the throne, one promising of abolishing the practice and requirement for petitioning and granting permanent easement? Sounds like potentially a move to speak of to garner support of the Bakunari perhaps, in case of a conflict? Cutting deals with factions under the rule of the kingdom in return for support is a standard practice for potential succession conflicts after all. Most intriguing indeed.
Oh, yes. Liwayway is very aware of how she can make her ascension to the throne a desired outcome for the people - in ways that won't undercut her own power, even.