THE BEGINNING
In the unfathomable expanse of the void, where time and space were yet unborn, there existed only the cold, lifeless abyss. It was here that Koxazat sparked the first flame. This fire was not a gentle warmth but a searing, blinding brilliance that tore through the endless darkness.
From this fiery maelstrom emerged Paza, the Greater Light, radiant and fierce. Her presence illuminated the void, and her brilliance terrified Koxazat. Consumed by envy and fear, he sought to extinguish her, plunging his primordial claws into her radiant form.
But as Paza's celestial body shattered, it gave birth to Ho-Paza, the Greater Sun, and Unenja, the Lesser Sun. Their light dimmed in comparison to Paza's, but their existence was a testament to her enduring power. Her fragmented body scattered like cosmic dust, birthing the myriad of stars that would fill the void.
Koxazat sent Ho-Paza and Unenja into the distant reaches of the cosmos, away from his domain. Left alone with the twinkling stars, he reveled in the cold, distant light, relishing their whispers that affirmed his supremacy.
Koxazat embodies is the ceaseless river of time, an unending flow that carves and erodes all in its path, the etching and erasure of history in the stones of oblivion. It manifests in the decay and disintegration of all things, turning vibrant civilizations into desolate ruins, and lush landscapes into arid, windswept deserts. It is not a deity to be revered or antagonized, but a primordial force to be accepted with trembling submission. It is said to be most present in the howling tops of everlasting mountain ranges, in the aridest deserts, and in canyons carved by ancient rivers. Being represented by visions of ruins, rivers, or mountains in the motifs it appears.
THE WORLD
As Ho-Paza and Unenja journeyed through the void, their radiant presence stirred jealousy among the stars. The stars, fueled by resentment, united their luminous forces to assail Unenja, the Lesser Sun.
Their relentless onslaught marred her once-glorious radiance, casting her in a perpetual crimson hue, a reminder of the wounds inflicted upon her. Yet, despite the stars' cruelty, Unenja clung fiercely to the precious gift Ho-Paza had bestowed upon her: a perfectly round lustrous orb.
In her determination to protect the orb, Unenja's fiery hands inadvertently shaped the contours of this cosmic sphere. Her tears, shed in agony and defiance, cascaded onto the orb's surface, giving birth to the vast oceans. From these watery depths emerged the first life forms, emerging from the muddy waters as grotesque and mysterious creatures, forever influenced by her suffering and trauma.
THE SOLAR CROSS
The greater sun, symbolizing enlightenment and creation, is a central theme in their art and philosophy. It represents the source of knowledge and the creative spark that fuels their civilization's growth.
The lesser sun, embodying the concept of lifeforce, holds significant importance in Hukat culture. It signifies vitality, sustenance, and the essence of life itself. This motif is prevalent in their daily rituals and artwork, emphasizing the importance of vitality in their society.
The imperial seal and flags of the ancient Hukat Empire prominently feature a variant of what humans would recognize as the Solar Cross symbol. Their imperial flag is a regal blue with a golden solar cross right in the center, serving as a symbol of their cultural identity and imperial might. To signify year-round prosperity, a smaller red sun is added to the golden cross, underscoring their commitment to abundance and well-being - the superposed suns are a common sight across the world as they orbit each other, and the Hukat were quick to incorporate it as if the sky itself was their flag. The Hukat Bisolar Cross continued to be utilized across the ages as a symbol of power and prosperity until it was ultimately supplanted by the Expanse Lotus, way into the Stellar Era.
THE GUARDIANS
To safeguard her sister and the nascent world from the ever-watchful and envious stars, Ho-Paza forged the Five Guardians:
Bagede, the God of Trickery and Deception
In the celestial hierarchy of the Hukat mythology, Bagede occupies a unique and mischievous position. He was conceived by Paza as a simple and innocent idea to serve as a youthful and obedient guardian in the sky realm. However, what emerged was far from obedient. Bagede's essence brimmed with boundless energy, unbridled ingenuity, and an insatiable penchant for mischief. He became the celestial trickster, a joker whose antics could rival the most audacious of mortal pranksters.
Bagede's playful nature proved invaluable in the battle against the envious stars. His ability to outwit and confound the celestial bodies played a vital role in capturing and neutralizing their malevolent influence. However, when he wasn't on duty, Bagede's antics reverberated through the heavens. His laughter echoed like thunder, and his pranks disrupted the tranquility of the celestial realm.
To further amplify their trickery, Bagede often collaborated with Kotixera, the Hunter and Crafter Goddess. Together, they devised ingenious contraptions and elaborate schemes to trick not only celestial beings but also mortals. Mortals who found themselves ensnared in their devious traps often emerged forever changed, their fates intertwined with the malevolent whims of these two divine tricksters.
Bagede's domain extended beyond mere trickery. He held sway over the realm of self-entitlement, where individuals believed they were entitled to more than they deserved. He thrived on chaos and reveled in the inexplicable accidents that defied all rational explanations. When disaster struck against all odds, it was often seen as the handiwork of Bagede, the capricious deity who found amusement in the unpredictable.
Bagede was a deity of duality. He could assume the form of a mischievous, winged teenage figure adorned with numerous collars, piercings, and bracelets. However, at times, he revealed himself as an old man with the same youthful adornments, a testament to his status as the first god and the embodiment of time's ceaseless passage.
Ovigeza, the God of Lightning, Fire, Messengers, and Archers
Born as the second son of the radiant Paza, Ovigeza's essence was forged in the crucible of celestial power. He emerged as a warrior god, tasked with a solemn duty: protecting the Earth realm from the relentless onslaught of the stars. In his early days, he wielded the tempest's fury, conjuring storms and snatching bolts of lightning from the heavens to spear the stars that dared to draw near.
Ovigeza's prowess grew with time, and his sister, the ingenious Kotixera, gifted him a silver bow of divine craftsmanship. This silver bow allowed him to efficiently channel his lightning, transforming it into precise, deadly bolts. It was said that the thunder that followed each lightning strike was the celestial sound of stars shattering above the clouds. Ovigeza possessed superhuman sight and agility, his movements matching the speed of his own arrows, second only to the swift antics of the firstborn god, Bagede. His demeanor was serious and dutiful, reflecting his dedication to his sacred duty.
However, Ovigeza's steadfast nature found its counterpoint in the goddess Namenza, the embodiment of bountifulness. In her presence, his stern facade softened, revealing a sweeter aspect of his character. Their companionship was a rare respite from the relentless war against the stars, her presence masks the true extent of his malevolence, as she encourages him to lower his guard and manipulate others to serve their joint interests.
Ovigeza occupies a unique position within the Hukat pantheon as the sole bridge between mortals and the enigmatic will of Ho-Paza, the Greater Light. He is the messenger who conveys Ho-Paza's divine decrees to the other gods, granting him unparalleled insight into her intentions, bounding these divine messages into arrows, allowing them to traverse the boundaries between realms without his having to descend into the underworld. Yet, even he cannot always grasp the full scope of Ho-Paza's wisdom.
At times, Ovigeza acts with unwavering faith in Ho-Paza's will, even when her instructions are shrouded in ambiguity. His devotion to the Greater Light is unwavering, and he carries out her commands with a fervor that borders on fanaticism. This unyielding commitment to Ho-Paza's cause often places him at odds with the other gods and even challenges his own sense of morality.
Namenza, the Goddess of Bountifulness, Fertility, Seasons, and Fortune Telling
Namenza, a radiant and vital deity within the Hukat pantheon, is celebrated as the embodiment of life's abundant blessings. Her divine sphere of influence encompasses bountifulness, fertility, the changing of seasons, and the mystical art of fortune-telling. In the grand tapestry of the Hukat mythology, Namenza stands as a beacon of hope and prosperity, adored by mortals for her gifts of plenty.
Depicted as a tall and fit woman accompanied by the two suns and a tree, Namenza's appearance mirrors the lush and fertile nature she governs. Her long hair is a cascade of herbs and ferns, sometimes serving as a cloak to cover her nudity, symbolizing the intertwining of life and the natural world. Her attire varies, at times adorned in a simple farmer's cloak and, at others, revealed in all her divine glory.
Namenza carries a basket brimming with pristine fruits, a testament to her abundant blessings and the sustenance she bestows upon the earth. In her other hand, she holds a solar clock, a symbol of her dominion over the cycles of the seasons and the passage of time.
Namenza's presence is celebrated during planting and harvest festivals, where her divine favor is sought to ensure bountiful yields and prosperous seasons. Farmers and cultivators offer prayers and offerings to her, beseeching her to bestow fertility upon their lands and to bless their efforts with abundance. Her role in the Hukat pantheon is pivotal in ensuring the survival and prosperity of the mortal realm.
In the depths of the Hukat mythology, there exist tales of improper cults dedicated to Namenza, where her worshipers sought to manipulate her powers for personal gain. These cults engaged in forbidden rituals and twisted forms of fortune-telling, attempting to control the forces of nature and fate.
The consequences of such improper devotion to Namenza were dire. Plagues and curses would befall those who strayed from the righteous path, as the goddess's wrath manifested in the form of famine, disease, and misfortune, and sometimes, this destruction was the aim of such rituals.
Kotixera, the Goddess of Knowledge, Crafts, Hunt, and War
Kotixera is a multifaceted deity, her divine influence extending over a vast array of domains. She is the embodiment of knowledge, arts, crafts, the hunt, and the grim specter of war. Her role in the Hukat mythology is characterized by her inventive spirit and unwavering dedication to empowering mortals with the tools they need to thrive and, when necessary, to defend themselves.
In the mythological epochs of old, Kotixera actively engaged with the mortal world, serving as a direct conduit between the divine and the mundane. She imparted essential knowledge to mortals, instructing them in the delicate art of weaving baskets and fabrics, guiding them to unearth precious pigments and metals from the Earth, and teaching them the secrets of working these valuable resources. Her teachings paved the way for hoku civilization to flourish, as her inventions and craftsmanship elevated mortals to new heights of achievement.
Throughout history, Kotixera and her many mortal incarnations have played pivotal roles in shaping the destiny of nations. She heeded the commands of Paza and Ovigeza, carrying out their divine will. Under her guidance, empires rose and fell, and civilizations thrived and crumbled, all in accordance with the celestial mandates bestowed upon her.
Kotixera's inventive genius knows no bounds. She is the divine artisan behind a multitude of creations, both practical and artistic. Her craftsmanship extends to crafting potent war machinery, such as Ovigeza's bow and quill, Nuheza's trident, and the tools of war used by ancient Hoku warriors. Her portfolio of inventions also includes fundamental innovations like the wheel, the pulley, and the screw, which revolutionized the mortal world's capacity to manipulate and shape their environment.
Kotixera's dedication to the success of her creations in the field of war often places her in an amoral position. She cares more about the efficacy of her war machinery than the consequences of their use. This pragmatic approach to conflict has earned her the reverence of the ancient Hoku military establishment, who see her as a relentless advocate for their success on the battlefield.
Kotixera's creative spirit finds harmony with her energetic and mischievous older brother, Bagede. Together, they form a dynamic duo, crafting trinkets and traps for him to use in his pranks on mortals and fellow gods. Their playful collaboration is a testament to the multifaceted nature of the divine, where serious undertakings and moments of mirth can coexist.
Udeqera, the Queen of the Underworld
Udeqera, the enigmatic deity of death, possesses a haunting and mysterious visage. She is often depicted as a figure cloaked in a shroud adorned with a multitude of eyes and hungry mouths. These grotesque orifices serve as her sensory organs, allowing her to perceive the realms beyond sight. In some representations, her scarred and mutilated body is unveiled, a testament to the relentless passage of time and the scars of existence.
Udeqera is never alone in her realm, for she is accompanied by a cadre of nightmarish entities known as the Furies. These horrors embody the darkest aspects of humanity: fear, murder, terror, hunger, greed, and fury, among others. They are her beloved and loyal pets, extensions of her essence and will. It is said that they whisper dreadful truths into the ears of those who venture into the underworld, revealing the unvarnished consequences of their actions in life.
Despite her fearsome appearance and the menacing presence of the Furies, Udeqera's true purpose is not to torment mortals but to guide them through the labyrinthine journey of life and death. She watches over fallen soldiers, weary laborers, and all who find themselves in the liminal space between life and eternity. These souls await the judgment of Koxazat, the god of Time, on the fateful day of reckoning.
Udeqera is known for her profound silence. Her quiet demeanor hides a deep wisdom, and it is through her silence that she imparts her guidance to the souls under her care. Her goal is to ensure that mortals navigate the trials and tribulations of life without succumbing too heavily to the temptations and sins that feed the Furies. She seeks to lead souls toward a balanced existence, where neither excess nor negligence defines their journey.
???, the forgotten god of the Seas
In the annals of ancient Hukat culture, there exists a shadowy and enigmatic chapter dedicated to the worship of a nameless and forgotten deity. This eldritch god held dominion over the boundless oceans, the tempestuous storms that swept across the seas, and the fearsome sea monsters that lurked beneath the waves. Its presence in the early days of the Hukat empire is shrouded in mystery, and its existence has been meticulously erased from the tapestry of history.
The origins of this forgotten god are obscure, and it is widely believed to have hailed from foreign lands, possibly brought to the Hukat shores by intrepid explorers or seafaring traders. Its alien nature and association with oceanic forces set it apart from the native deities of the Hukat pantheon, making it an anomaly in the eyes of the established religious order.
As the Hukat empire grew in power and influence, the worship of this oceanic god faced increasing persecution. The Hukat society, with its aversion to deities possessing animal-like or animal-themed attributes, viewed the foreign cult with suspicion and disdain. The maritime prowess of the Hukat, which had once been a source of pride, became a point of contention as the cult's influence grew.
Fearing the destabilizing influence of this nameless god, the religious authorities of the Hukat empire launched a campaign to eradicate its worship. Temples were razed, artifacts destroyed, and followers persecuted. The cult of the forgotten god was systematically erased from the historical record, and its practices became whispers in the darkest corners of Hukat society.
What remains particularly curious is the complete obliteration of the memory of this deity, given the Hukat's renowned maritime prowess. One might expect the god of the oceans, storms, and sea monsters to hold a prominent place in their lore. Yet, it is as if this entity was expunged not only from the physical world but also from the collective memory of the Hukat people.
The neighboring seafaring civilization of Dahut had its own deity with a strikingly similar role. Dahut's sea deity was, in fact, the first god in their culture, emerging from the murky depths of the primordial seas. This god possessed dominion over the vast ocean and its myriad creatures. However, unlike the Hukat's forgotten deity, this god's influence extended far beyond the ocean's edge where it was responsible for ensuring good weather for crops and favorable conditions for seafaring ventures. This duality of influence made it a benevolent and essential figure in Dahut culture.
Often linked with arcane and ancient knowledge, holding the secrets of the tides, weather patterns, and the mysterious depths of the ocean, its eldritch nature rendered it inaccessible through common rituals performed by the average Dahut citizen. Instead, the blessings of this god could only be bestowed by specialized priests dedicated to its cult. These priests undertook rigorous training and rituals to commune with the deity and act as intermediaries between the god and the people.
The sea deity of Dahut was said to have two children with the earth goddess of their pantheon. One was a thunder god, and the other was a harvest goddess. Much like Ovigeza and Namenza in Hukat culture, the thunder god and the harvest goddess were initially separate entities but eventually fell in love with each other, creating a parallel dynamic between the divine siblings in both civilizations.
While the deity had no tangible imagery, its influence was felt in the symbolism and artistry of Dahut civilization. The oceanic motifs, representations of sea creatures, and depictions of bountiful harvests all served as reminders of the deity's benevolent presence and the vital role it played in the lives of the Dahut people.
It is possible that the existence of a similar deity in the neighboring Dahut culture influenced the Hukat's decision to erase their own sea god from their cultural memory. The absence of a visible deity with well-defined imagery in Dahut culture may have led the Hukat to abandon the concept of an invisible and elusive god in favor of deities with human-like attributes and imagery that could be more readily understood and represented in their art and rituals.
THE MOON
Nuheza's story is a rarity among moon deities, as he was once a mortal who ascended to godhood through his remarkable deeds and blind love. During the dawn of humanity, Nuheza, a strong and noble warrior of the ancient Hoku civilization, became enchanted by the beauty of Unenja, the great goddess of Earth and the Lesser Sun. This enchantment was ignited by a breathtaking sunset over the sea. In his love and admiration for Unenja, Nuheza prayed to her and offered his devotion.
Nuheza's love for Unenja was profound and sincere. His strength, granted by the goddess herself, was so impressive that the Hoku king considered stepping down from his throne to allow Nuheza to lead the civilization. However, Nuheza had a different aspiration. He sought to gather resources for a grand campaign, one that would earn him the privilege of marrying the Lesser Sun. The king readily accepted for this marriage was believed to rectify the ancient mistreatment of Unenja by the Hoku and the greater beasts of Earth.
The tale takes a poignant turn as Nuheza and his comrades journey to the underworld, a realm of the afterlife overseen by the enigmatic Udeqera. Here, the souls of those they protected in life are gathered, and the truth of their deeds is revealed. These mortals, despite being saved by Nuheza and his companions, were far from innocent. They harbored envy, and bitterness, engaged in deceitful acts, and even resorted to murder for power and status.
Udeqera, the keeper of the underworld, informs Nuheza that, while many souls will seek his wisdom at the gates of the underworld, they will be too blinded by their own knowledge to follow their hearts. They will suffer the same fate as Nuheza, trapped in the realm between the living and the dead. In a noble but misguided attempt to right the wrongs of his actions, Nuheza decides to free the souls of the underworld by slaying Kōratalil, a colossal serpent that guards the realm. After a fierce battle, Nuheza emerges victorious, but not without suffering significant injuries. He uses the serpent's carcass to create a bridge, allowing him and his comrades to escape the underworld.
However, Udeqera, who had been watching and listening to their journey through her many eyes and shadowy mantle, erupts in anger at Nuheza's actions. She cracks the ground around them and condemns him to exist in the world as a guide for souls, to witness the consequences of their actions like a ghostly observer. To avoid the same fate as Kōratalil, Nuheza is stripped of his sword and placed atop a mountain, where he must oversee the outcomes of the deeds of mortals.
Nuheza, now the watcher of the night and the guide during the day, eventually becomes the moon. He circles the world, guiding the souls of the departed as they embark on their journey through the afterlife. He asks the goddess Kotixera for a new weapon, and she fashions him a trident from the metallic horns of the serpent he had slain.
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE STARS & ANIMALS
In ancient Hukat culture, the interplay between astronomy and astrology gave rise to practices that were often viewed with suspicion and fear, earning them the label of "witchcraft." The Hukat people closely observed the movements of celestial bodies, believing that the stars held the secrets of fate and fortune. Astrologers, known as star-seekers, sought to decipher these celestial omens to predict future events, and their rituals often delved into the realms of the arcane.
Many of these practices involved the use of blood and psychedelic substances to commune with the stars and glimpse into the future. These rituals were shrouded in mystery and secrecy, with practitioners forming secretive cults dedicated to the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. The Hukat society viewed such practices with a mix of fascination and fear, as they believed that meddling with the cosmic forces had dire consequences. One notable individual from such cults was Hamanen Kalinen of Iekozadat (lived 5900 years before the Fall of Hokushoku) and his influence in the foundation of the Cult of the Sacred Circle - given this name for the recurring annular eclipse motif used as a symbol - his interest in the stars, however, was considered rather obscure, despite the genius of his methods and accuracy of predictions, his practices borderline what was considered witchcraft for the ancient Hukat religious doctrine, for this reason, few select students of his formed a secret society to practice astronomy and discuss other mathematical topics such as finances, with members of it later being chastised by the state.
The ancient Hukat's complex relationship with the heavens is reflected in their constellations. While some cultures might associate constellations with heroes or noble creatures, the Hukat's constellations often depicted fantastical monsters and stars associated with demons. These constellations were a testament to their belief that celestial forces were not to be trifled with and that stars held a dark and ominous power.
In the eyes of the Hukat people, the worship of anthropomorphic deities, whether they possessed animal characteristics or not, was considered severe heresy. The mythology of the Hukat dictates a history of conflict between wild animals and the Hoku, the mud creatures, after the creation of the world. This ancient enmity resulted in a deep-seated suspicion and unease between the two, and the Hukat people believed that creatures should be treated as such, not exalted as gods.
- M.O. Valent, 02/10/2023
