"The Curiosity of Light" ((Inuyoko Mass #34))
Hello, everyone. My name is Inuyoko T’Alveni. I am a Priestess of this Shrine, and a member of its clergy since deoch 53. Last double-moon, I spoke about community, drawing inspiration from Maerista's work of that same name. Today, I’d like to speak about the gods and light.
While I’m not going to be talking about the content of a specific work as I’ve done for the past few Masses, the idea for this one was inspired by an interesting piece by Zemial entitled “Of Dual Theory of World and Gods”. I sometimes wonder if our understanding of the elements, specifically of light and darkness, are as complete as they seem. Clearly, most Aislings are able to harness the power of the elements in myriad ways, principally through magic and enchantment. Because of this, it stands to reason that we have some degree of familiarity with it. When the Dubhaimid first appeared, it coincided roughly with the discovery of the element of darkness. It is often thought, then, that there is some connection. That the Dubhaimid themselves are creatures *of* darkness. As far as we can tell, this is generally true. But what of the dubhaimid from the mazes below Loures castle? It has been reported that these creatures which are clearly the same types of Dubhaimid as can be found elsewhere in Temuair, cast spells of light, and shield themselves in holy power. Perhaps this is all an external perversion, and inside they are composed of the same darkness as any other. After all, it can be said that our spark is itself composed of light, yet we are perfectly capable of harnessing the magicks of darkness and cloaking ourselves in it. My point is perhaps there is some distinction between light and darkness as elements, and as essences. Even as I say that, I can’t claim to know how, why, or what such a difference could be. But again, it is said that we are creatures of light. That Danaan was a being of light. That the Dubhaimid are creatures of darkness. Is that to say we are made, in whole or part, of these elements? Perhaps it is so. But is the darkness within which the stars themselves swim the same as that which tears the flesh of creatures asunder? Is the light by which we see each day the same as that which kept the Dubhaimid at bay at the Isle of Man centuries ago? It feels as though it couldn’t be, but I cannot say for certain.
I think also of Deoch Himself. Deoch is, by all accounts, a creature of darkness in some respect. At least one powerfully attuned to it. And yet now He is also a god of light. He is the progenitor of *our* light. And sure, perhaps it is as Landon wrote that this task was extremely difficult because of this seeming contradiction, but it worked nonetheless. That is why I feel as though there must be something more to these forces in our world. Recently, I was speaking to a friend who was talking about the element of fire as a bridge between light and dark. We know that Deoch’s physical form is cloaked in fire. We speak of the flame of inspiration, the heat of passion, and so on. Fire gives off light, and leaves behind “dark ashes and char” in my friend’s words. Anyways, I am sort of rambling a bit now.
I don’t have any grand conclusions here today. I just wanted to share some thoughts I’ve had recently with you all. If anyone has any perspectives they’d like to share, I would love to hear them.
With that, then, thank you all for joining me and sharing your thoughts.
Comments
Post a Comment