Introduction/Religion in El-Hazard
From EHOL
The civilizations of EL-Hazard are very religious. So religious that many of the
most important places on El-Hazard bear the name of God and even the most powerful
weapon is named likewise because it represents the final apocalyptic power that
God possesses.
Indeed, it seems that many of the people in El-Hazard are superstitious and fearful
of God's power and many refuse to do things that may be considered taboo (Trespass
into the Spring of Arliman; climb Mt. Muldoon) because they genuinely fear the wrath
of God.
But what kind of deity do the El-Hazardians worship? Do they worship only one god
or many? Even the Bugrom make mention of God. Do the insects share a similar faith
to the humans?
The possible answers may lay with the three chief priestesses of Muldoon. Three
young maidens who were chosen to inherit ancient artifacts of power. These artifacts
give amplified power over specific elements. Why is elemental power so important
to religion? This may be a clue as to the nature of the religion itself. Many Earth
religions believe in spiritual energies that exist in the elements, in animals,
in people and places. Could the El-Hazardian religion be something similar?
It is very possible that the people believe in the spiritual sacredness of everything
and thus by understanding the divine nature of say, fire, or a mountain, then one
truly understands God. That may be why the Priestesses are warriors as well as theologians.
They are charged with using the sacred elements to serve God's creation.
However, this can only be given as a wild guess at best. While God and faith is
mentioned many times, there is very little mention of actual religious dogma and
the exact nature of the El-Hazardian religion may remain a mystery to all but those
who practice it.
Though it is interesting to note that religion and El-Hazardian politics seem to
be bound together as the politicians often need the Priestesses to aid their political
concerns. On one hand, the Allaince cannot use the Eye unless the Priestesses agree
to break the ancient seal. Similarly, after Miz chooses her replacement, a ceremony
must be held in which the Alliance gives their approval.
It is possible that religion and politics became bound for a reason. Indeed, by
installing the idea of God in the decision making process, were the ancient El-Hazardians
hoping to put a spiritual balance in the government to prevent disasters such as
the great wars from happening?
However, again, these are questions that will most likely remain partially shrouded
in an aura of mystery. In that respect, it is not much different from Earth faiths
as there is still mysteries surrounding even the oldest religions. Some things simply
have to be taken on faith.
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