Danu
Major Aspect of Life
The nurturing mother of the mortal world
Danu is often described as a presence coalescing into a figure woven from living vines and blossoming branches, her hair a cascade of flowering vines. She moves with the slow, deliberate grace of a growing tree, her touch leaving trails of sprouting life wherever she treads. Her voice is the gentle rustle of leaves, a soothing melody that carries the wisdom of the earth.
Danu is the earth's gentle heart, radiating compassion and patient wisdom. She nurtures growth, protects innocence and life, and shares her knowledge through the subtle language of the world, offering quiet, unwavering support.
Rites
Rites of Family: A rite to bless new mothers, babies, and marriages, emphasizing family bonds and the continuity of life under Danu's guidance.
Rite of Fertility: Rituals to help desiring mothers conceive.
Rites of the Plenty: A ritual held at the of planting new crops.
Celebrations
Mother's Blessings: Held at midsummer, this festival honors Danu's role as a mother and nurturer. It would feature ceremonies to bless pregnant women, newborn babies, and young children. Family gatherings and celebrations of community would be central to this festival. Stories of mothers and families would be told.
Harvest Festivities: Held at the autumn equinox, this festival is a time of thanksgiving for the harvest. It would feature feasting, dancing, and the sharing of food. Offerings of the first fruits of the harvest would be presented to Danu. Crafts would be made from the harvest and displayed.
Effigy: Woven seed basket, a harvest wreath, living oak sprout, or a figurine of Danu.
Domains: Birth, Growth, Agriculture, Family.
Legends: It is said that Danu swayed Graous - The Tamer of the Storm, to use his power to give water to the Hadeeb people, who are ever grateful for her intervening.
Goals: Lush, growth, flourishing of life.
Draws Strength From: Life, birth, prayers in her name.
Rivels: Diavola - The Crawling Doom.
Originating Culture: Hadeeb, Sajani ('of old'), MnSobek, and others.