Engetsu

Engetsu is a Yuriban goddess, also known as the Second Moon. Her associations seem to be similar to major lunar deities in foreign cultures, with her known areas of influence including tides, nighttime, the duality of light and dark, and wolves. The mountain Engetsu-san derives its name from her, and seems to be peppered with temples and shrines, although the largest of these, Belldannim's Temple, does not appear to be devoted to her. A variety of stones and trees on the slopes are marked as sacred to her by shimenawa, and some are even carved with the flowing glyphs of Old Yuriban.

Contents

Symbols

Engetsu's colors seem to be shades of blue and silver, while her primary sacred place is the mountain Engetsu-san, especially its peak. The actual metal silver sees extensive use in Lilian and Underhill originated jewelry and offerings related to her, often set with moonstones or pearls; copper, garnet, or polished jasper accents are somewhat common to reference her ties in Yuriban lore as the lover of the earth goddess, Chikyuu. The animals associated most commonly with her are wolves, Moon Thrushes, and Moon Turtles. The Langnyanniichuan spring is sacred to her, and historically many of her priestess or followers bathed in its waters; those of high status invariably did so.

Lore

Legend holds that Engetsu was once literally a second moon in the sky; in love with the earth herself, she could only meet with her beloved once a year on the date of the first frost by crossing a bridge built by the Autumn deity, Akibimi-san. when all three goddess tried to stand on the bridge at once, it collapsed; Chikyuu transformed the falling Akibimi and Engetsu into mountains and embraced them within herself, creating the mountains Akibimi-san and Engetsu-san. This romantic myth is one of the most well known among immigrants, temples to one of the two seem to often have a tie to the other as well.

Stories suggest that the moon seen in the air over the hidden location of the Langnyanniichuan pool is Engetsu in her original form. Some claim there are places Underhill where both moons can still be seen shining as well, athough this does not appear to be the norm.

Some believe that a solar eclipse happens when Kikoutei shines her divine radiance too brightly upon the world. And to make sure the mortals are not harmed Engetsu moves in her way to block the worst of her light. There are also those that believe a solar eclipse is associated with Engetsu because of the appearance of both light and dark.

Ceremonies

Ceremonies of devotion to Engetsu are believed to have been held during the waxing full moon and the waning new moon. Evidence suggests that many of her ceremonies incorporate still water or purification by water as an important element; some say they also used moon turtle shells. There are at present no known priestesses dedicated specifically to her worship in the village of Yuriba.

Sentry

Engetsu was the second of Yuriba's pantheon to choose a Sentry after Amanohara, choosing Cassidy to serve her.

See Also

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