Misraism

Misraism
misráti (DMZ) cý-rý-chy-shzh (TSC)
Type	Universal religion
Classification	Yasgan
Theology	Polytheistic
Language	Classical Dhimze (Chvalenic) Classical Doccábh or Tschintierst (Aigenic)
Origin	Evolved in its current form by c. 14th century CY North Yazland
Separated from	Proto-Ashno-Verethian religion
Number of followers	quadrillions

Misraism is the native polytheistic religion of the various Yasgan peoples. It professes faith for various gods and goddesses, the amount varying between each branch of practice. It is the second largest religion on Jotunnheim behind Kunwidya with over X million adherents.

Etymology

The name Misraism comes from the Classical Dhimze word misrāta, meaning "belief, religion", ultimately from the Proto-Yasgan root *misr̥- "to hope, wish for".

History

Misraism appears to have developed out of Proto-Yasgan religion and although very little is known about the earliest periods there are suggestive hints that some local elements go back even further than the Bronze Age to the farmers of Neolithic Yazland.

Beliefs

Theology

Misraism is polytheistic, based on the assumption that there are many gods and goddesses, as well as a range of lesser supernatural beings of various types. There is a hierarchy of deities, which differs between denominations. Aigenic Misraism is more explicitly polytheistic, with a pantheon of 10(?) major gods. There is however an element of henotheism, with the goddess Dydååjy having a more central role compared to the other gods. Chvalenic Misraism, on the other hand, worships 6 gods, which are seen as aspects of one divine entity.

Sacred texts

Misraism has no religious texts regarded as "revealed" scriptures of sacred origin, but instead a list of approved canonical works that form a collection of scripture and practices. In addition to canonical beliefs, there are also canonical but not heretical local beliefs. Local beliefs are tolerated and encouraged if they do not contradict or challenge the canon body of works, and often consist of minor deities unique to a region or even village. Works are usually written in scrolls.

Practices

Worship is performed at skhalemas

Denominations

Aigenism

Main article: Aigenic Misraism

Aigenic Misraism’s differences from other branches lay within the dualistic structure between the two major gods Boiguerr and Crib. The original structure of the duality has changed in Tschintieric Aigenism, with the two dualistic gods Schüüswi and Krüvs having taken on different responsibilities and meanings than the Doccábhic iterations they descend from. The main difference in Doccábhic Aigenism is that Boiguerr (Schüüswi) holds more meaning in being a god of creation, as opposed to the Tschintieric role as a god of power and destruction. Crib (Krüvs), who is the equal and opposite of Boiguerr in both variations, takes on the Tschintieric responsibilities of healing and temperance, while her original Doccábhic role was around the cold, winter, and death. This split of meanings is the cause of much strife within the Gintem Confederation, as Doccábh groups struggle to have these differences accommodated. The reason for these splits in responsibilities and meanings also happens with other major gods, and the cause is ultimately unknown. It is believed that the split resulted during the Gintem Migration Period, with the original Tschintieric groups seeking to emulate Doccábhic Aigenism, and adapting their gods to fit the roles of the Doccábhic variants.

Chvalenism

Main article: Chvalenic Misraism

Chvalenic Misraism is the main denomination practiced in Northeastern Yazland. It is centered around the Chvalkeks (Dhimze: chválkeks;), the six deities Anlas, Binerias, Dhesua, Dheuancim, Judzin and Pheia. Less explicitly polytheistic than Aigenic Misraism, the Chvalkeks are viewed as the six facets of a single deity.

Chvalenic Misraism is overall much more decentralized than Aigenic Misraism, with no unified ecclesiastical body. Religious jurisdiction generally do not extend further than the provincial level. This reflects Chvalenism's long history as a non-organized religion, dating back to Ancient Dhimrai. Ecclesiastical provinces and large-scale skhalemas are only a fairly recent development, arising in the last 200 years.

Dimya

Main article: Dimya

Dimya is one name given to the various dualistic practices of ancient Khozathian peoples. It was based on the worship of the sun god Dhodilem and the moon goddess Pejus. It had largely been replaced by Chvalenism by the 39th century CY.