Interview with a God Historical Thread

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You enter the dark inner cella of the temple, cast into shadow by the summit of the Capitolium. A hint of movement draws your attention to the side. Is someone there? Or is it just a faint breeze that has stirred the heavy curtains? You move forward, eager now to make your offering and depart. Perhaps you should even come back another day. Yes…no, too late. The god has awakened. “Enter, mortal. I am here.” In the shadows you see a figure of large size. The weak light plays on the god’s skin, giving you brief glimpses of his features, as when lightning behind thick storm clouds briefly illuminates their formations. “Have you brought the offering?” You remember the instructions the acolyte gave you. The she-goat for sacrifice has been left with the priests. Now you place the cluster of oak leaves and acorns gathered from Mons Albanus on the altar. Next, you uncork the small bottle and pour the water brought from Lake Albanus into the silver bowl. The god seems to sigh, then speak softly in an ancient tongue. A gust of wind through the cella rustles the curtains. “What do you seek? Protection for a loved one in battle?” Scenes flash across the thin curtain. It must be some trick of the light. You see a vision of a Roman legion arrayed for battle, scenes of fierce fighting. The god Mars in battle frenzy smashes through the enemy’s ranks. And then Vediovis, terrible in visage, rides across the field hurling thunderbolts as he hunts the fleeing troops of a foreign army. “Vigile, mortal!” The god’s deep voice stirs you from your trance. “Or do you seek knowledge? A curious one, eh?” The god’s rumbling laughter echoes against the marble walls of the cella, like the distant thunder of a late afternoon storm. “Mortals! “Yes, I roamed the hills of Albanus before the Latins learned to speak their tongue of empire. And I was here before the Etrurians discovered the messages carried on the wings of birds. “I was here before the twin sons of Mars were weaned from the she-wolf. And when Tullus Hostilius was struck down for his hubris, it was I who…but I will not speak of that. Some knowledge is for the pontifices alone. “I am the god of the mountainsides where the tall oaks grow. I bring spring rain to the crops of beloved Ceres and guard the hills from strangers. In storm and wind, you shall know me by the flash of my arms and the roar of my voice.” The cella echoes with a loud boom and the floor seems to tremble, though it could be your legs are weak and shaking. “The sons of Mars summoned my immortal brethren and I to guard the roads and walls of their great city. So long as the maidens tend the sacred flame, their eagles shall roam the world in victory. Should they forget the sacred ways….” Once again your eyes glimpse scenes flickering across the folds of the cella’s curtain. Scenes of Romans gathered in the Forum, then darker scenes of people fleeing through the Fontinal Gate. Barbarian soldiers cast down statues outside the temple of Jupiter. “When the flame burns out, we shall return to the hills and sacred groves, once again to inhabit our ancient homes. Long-haired tribes of the northern woods will conquer the cities and plunder their riches, and the great age of Latium’s empire shall fall away. But in the mountains, we shall abide, until the children of Mars call again our true names.” From a side chamber you hear the bleating of the goat followed by a sudden silence. “Go now, mortal. You have my blessing.” Read more in the article “Who was Vediovis?”

Created by:

* M. Fabius Furius, Nov 29, 2007 - 13:36

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Agonium Veiovi (* Lucius Purpureo Furius, May 17, 2008 - 11:19 )
Annus MMCC (* Lucius Purpureo Furius, Mar 7, 2008 - 09:39 )
populorum pater latinorum (* Mauricius Fabius, Nov 30, 2007 - 17:52 )


3 Posts Viewing 3 - 1