cienie-isengardu

[cienie-isengardu]

Cienie's take on Mandalorian Culture: God of Death as a mighty Beast

Kad Ha’rangir and mandalorian traditional weapons part 1 — part 2 — part 3 – part 4 — part 5 ||| Arasuum - stagnation as symbol of death, not sloth, renamed as Arasuum - the God of Death, not Sloth part 1 — part 2 — part 3 — part 4 ||| Original Mandalorians and Gai bal manda ritual ||| Hod Ha'ran, the god of visions, prophecies and magic

One of the most constant, recurring motifs seen in Mandalorian lore is the fight against dangerous beasts. The whole Taung culture was renamed in the honor of Mandalore the First, a legendary leader that is known for two specific things: finding and conquering a planet rich in beskar iron (Mandalore) and killing Mythosaur(s). The mammoth animal’s skull became a symbol of Mandalorians for the upcoming millennials while the New Canon even further mythologized the beast. For example, Bo-Katan seeing Mythosaur in the Living Water put her as the chosen leader to unite fractured Mandalorians.

Before, during and after the Mandalorian Wars, Mandalorians set their camp on Dxun moon, specifically known for its jungle full of dangerous beasts.  

From The Old Republic game:

Galactic History 67: Mandalore the Ultimate The Mandalorians had suffered not only defeat but humiliation in the Great Sith War. After their leader, Mandalore the Indomitable, crash-landed on Dxun and was devoured by wild beasts at the war’s end, a new warrior rose to take his place, later called “Mandalore the Ultimate.” Deciding to bring in new blood, Mandalore opened the ranks of the Mandalorian Crusaders–once dominated by the followers of the ancient Taung, now fielding alien recruits. Calling themselves Neo-Crusaders, these warriors adopted traditional Mandalorian armor and training. Mandalore established a base on Dxun, testing his warriors against Dxun’s infamous predators. [...]

From Knights of the Old Republic: The Sith Lords:

Player: Why did you use Dxun?  Mandalore: Mandalorians have a rapport with this jungle. Every moment here is a struggle, all creatures gripped in a constant war for survival. The sole purpose of the weak is to feed the strong. We train here and learn the lessons of the jungle. The beasts also help us keep our edge.

and

Mandalorian Sentry: If you head out into the jungle, stay alert. Our patrols keep the area clear of the more dangerous beasts, but a lot of the smaller ones still infest the paths. Player: What beasts are there? Mandalorian Sentry: Mostly cannoks and maalraas. Deeper in the jungle, there's boma beasts, and they're a little more sport. [...] Player: What's a boma beast? Mandalorian Sentry: Bomas are tough and fiercely territorial. Whenever we drive them off, they just come back to reclaim their grazing lands. We can handle them, but they may be too much for you. Player: Aren't there zakkegs, too? Mandalorian Sentry: How do you know of the zakkeg? We've seen signs along the paths. They are naturally armored and have foul dispositions. Mandalorian expeditions cleared them out of the area. But Dxun beasts never take kindly to losing territory. As soon as ship activity dies out around here we may hunt them again. Player: I can handle myself.     Mandalorian Sentry: Even the bravest Mandalorians have fallen prey to this jungle and its beasts. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Here on Dxun in the previous military conflict the Mandalore the Indomitable fell to the native predators while after the defeat in Mandalorian Wars, warriors were united under the new leader’s banner. Warriors lived and trained in the safety of their camp located in old ruins, while those who wanted to prove themselves wandered into the jungle and if they did not report within a day, it was assumed they were killed there.

Kumus: You there. I... I am in need of assistance. Player:  Are you Kumus? Xarga thought you were dead.     Kumus: I am Kumus. And Xarga was not wrong in thinking me dead. We assume that any Mandalorian who does not report back within a day has been taken by the jungle. I still live... I am just in a difficult situation. [...] Player: What are you doing up there?      Kumus: A patrol was sent to look for weapon caches in this region. They found three sites that looked promising. Xarga told me to prove myself by taking explosives to those sites and uncovering the caches, if they exist.      Player: So how did you get up there?      Kumus: This was the first site. After easily dispatching some malraas, I removed my pack and began to plant my charges along this ridge. When I finished setting the charges, I looked down to see cannoks swarming all over my pack. The pests were eating everything! I killed the cannoks, but then a herd of bomas arrived. I had no more ammo - the extra energy cells I had brought had been in my pack. So I have been up here, weaponless, for two days. Player: Haven't you tried running? Kumus: Even if I got by the bomas, there are too many beasts between here and the checkpoint. Bravery is commendable, but there is no honor in suicide. I thought I could survive until another patrol came by, and then return to camp with my brothers. 

Those trying to earn respect of other warriors, could do it by killing the most dangerous beast - zakkeg:

Player: Why do you want to fight me again?    Davrel: I was too young to fight in the Mandalorian Wars. With our clans scattered there was no opportunity to prove myself. Years ago young Mandalorians would fly point in a Basilisk, laying waste to anything before them, at the forefront of battle! But this has been denied me. What little honor I have earned you stripped from me in the battle circle. This I won't allow. Player: There must be other ways to prove yourself. Davrel: There are no wars to fight, no great enemies to destroy. I wish this was a different age, where our armadas were a force to be feared.  Player: What about the zakkeg? I've heard they're a challenge even for a Mandalorian patrol. Davrel: A zakkeg? Those are the deadliest beasts in this part of the jungle. Patrols are right to be cautious about them. I'll do what I must to prove myself to the other Mandalorians. But fighting a zakkeg would be a short-lived honor. Player:  I'm looking for the zakkeg. We could fight it together. Davrel: What - Yes, I suppose that is... possible. We would both gain recognition from that battle. Your plan is acceptable to me. Together we will destroy the zakkeg. I will meet you there. 

Hundreds years later, facing and killing deadly beasts is still a way to gain honor Mandalorians crave so much:

“I convinced Luth to come with me. I showed him we could no longer follow Vizla. We are warriors, we should be taking our fight to Zakuul, not the worthless machines on Darvannis. Vizla may be Mandalore, but Zakuul left no other challengers. Maybe this is her way of thanking them. I know there are others who feel the same, who will come with me too. There is a king who will let us hunt on his world. It is swarming with beasts the mightiest of us could only imagine. We can finally meet worthy prey again. The fool king wants tribute from our quarry, to slay offworld creatures and bring them to him from time to time. In return, he will leave us to hunt in peace. The di’kut doesn’t understand that acquiring his “payment” will bring us the honor we crave. When we leave, Vizla will say we are not Mando’ade, and those sheb’urcyin who have forgotten what that word means will agree with her. But if what she has made us is “Mando’ade,” then I want no part of it. I will be ash’ad. I will be someone else.” –From the journal of Mirli Lok, leader of the Ash’ad [The Old Republic game]

From the same game, we learn:

Mandalorians tend to be renowned for their physical strength and stature. Legendary Mandalorians especially so–one could fill a dozen books with stories of warriors who wrestled beasts to the ground with their bare hands.

and

Galactic History 21: The Birth of the Mandalorians The culture of the gray-skinned Taung species had always been defined by conflict, even before their days battling the Battalions of Zhell on Coruscant. For millennia, striking out from the world they called Mandalore, the Taung explored and conquered new worlds, seeking new opponents to test themselves against. Over time their philosophy of battle grew and changed, and a new cadre of elite warriors emerged. Known as the Mandalorian Crusaders, these warriors were honed by years of battle and guided by a strict code of honor. Wild stories began to spread throughout the Outer Rim of soldiers who could disappear into forests, face terrifying beasts without a trace of fear or even capture an entire planet in a day. These tales were the first time the name “Mandalorian” became widely known. Although the Taung themselves went into decline and eventually disappeared, they left behind followers trained as they were. Ever after, the Mandalorians were a people to be respected, and feared.

Similarly to ancient times, facing deadly beasts as part of training was still practiced by some modern Mandalorians, as could be seen in Star Wars: Blood Ties: Jango and Boba Fett

Boba: Why?? Why did you do that to me? Jango: Because there are moments when you won't have time to be scared. You have faced the most terrifying thing in the galaxy. Now, no matter how long you live, no matter what you come up against -- you know the most fearful thing you will ever face is behind you. You have faced the Balyeg. You need never fear again.

The “Star Wars Book - Expand your knowledge of a galaxy far far away” provides information that:

Mandalorian clans are often identified by shoulder signets denoting a worthy kill or conquest.

Presented there sigils included:

Mythosaur’s skull - a common symbol used for all Mandalorians

Clan Kast & vexis (serpentine creature)

Clan Eldar - leonid

Clan of two: Din Djarin and the Child - mudhorn

From lore we also know that clan Vizsla is identified with predatory shriek-hawk, whose “eyes” are another mandalorian symbol recognized as a sign of honor between the warriors.

Which highlights again the importance of dangerous animals in their culture. 

The lore noted that once Taung-Mandalorians treated war as a ritual of worship to their gods, before war became divine itself. There is little source material about Mandalorian culture before said religious reformation but during the events of Knights of the Old Republic games (first as mercenary and later as Mandalore the Preserver), Canderous Ordo said: 

Canderous: Win or lose, as long as the fight is worthy, then honor is gained. The glory at having triumphed over impossible odds is what drives us. If there's nothing at stake – your possessions, your life, your world – then the battle's meaningless. We Mandalore take everything we are and throw it into battle. It's the true test of yourself – the battle against death… against oblivion.

or

Player: You seek death? Canderous: All life dies eventually. A true warrior is one who can beat it down whenever it raises its head. But…

or

Player: Then what are you doing now?  Canderous: The days of combat and glory and cheating death at every turn seem to be over now… I take what I can. 

and finally, after traveling together with Player and facing various challenges that forced Canderous to rethink his life:

Canderous: The way the Mandalorians - we - fought... it holds no appeal for me. To rape and ravage worlds for the thrill of battle... It gets old. Very old. Honor in battle. Cheating death. Comrades in arms. The code of the Mandalore. I think I'm something different now. Maybe more, maybe less.

As I was collecting data for my thesis that Arasuum was originally the god of death, not sloth, the recurring motif of facing and killing animal predators and Canderous Ordo’s words made me realize that Taung-ancient Mandalorians could present the said god not as humanoid person but as a deadly beast. Thus the myth of eternal war between Life and Death could be imagined as the battle between warrior and deadly creature - similar to our real life mythologies and folklore when a deity or mortal fought against a dragon or alike monster. And so whenever Mandalorian killed animals that potentially could take their life, they repeated Kad Ha’rangir’s deeds in ritual worship. They faced a worthy foe and survived to tell the tale.

This feeling is supported by Mandalore the Preserver’s way to describe death. Again, assuming that Arasuum was originally the god of death, we have two different interpretations. In modern times, The Death Watch Manifesto painted Arasuum as a Mandalorian-like figure,

with helmet/mask, armor (or at least, armor elements) and either holding a cane or weapon with blade turned down. According to this source, the god whispered lies, seduced Mandalorians and tempted them with soft life.

In ancient times however, when Canderous Ordo talks about death, he attributed to it animalistic trait (“A true warrior is one who can beat it down whenever it raises its head”) and acknowledged that it was Mandalorians who actually needed to cheat death at every turn not the other way around. Which illustrates well ancient mandalorian philosophy of “constant war for survival” where “the sole purpose of the weak is to feed the strong”. Because no matter how mighty their warriors were, even the bravest Mandalorians will fall prey to the beast as ultimately, Death is the apex predator. A warrior may face it and cheat by surviving the impossible odds for years but not forever. Death on another hand won’t change and will be always lurking at every corner. This sentiment seems to survive to modern days, as members of Children of the Watch heard from Armorer this:

"When one chooses to walk the Way of the Mandalore, you are both hunter and prey."

To sum up my observation-turned-into-theory, I think in original Taung-Mandalorian mythology, 

the god of death was presented as a beast

the Eternal War Between Death and Life was imagined as a battle between warrior and deadly creature

facing and killing mighty beasts was originally a ritual form of worship to gods (emphasis on plural form).

Seeking a worthy opponent and later, waging war dominated mandalorian mindset but it never fully supplanted the position of the beast in warrior culture.

[cienie-isengardu]

Cassie Cage, Jacqui Briggs, Takeda Takahashi, Kung Jin

[cienie-isengardu]

Cienie’s take on Mandalorian Culture: Hod Ha'ran, the god of visions, prophecies and magic

Kad Ha’rangir and mandalorian traditional weapons part 1 — part 2 — part 3 – part 4 — part 5 ||| Arasuum - stagnation as symbol of death, not sloth, renamed as Arasuum - the God of Death, not Sloth part 1 — part 2 — part 3 — part 4 ||| Original Mandalorians and Gai bal manda ritual

Objectively speaking, there are a lot things we still don’t know about ancient Taung-Mandalorian faith, but as I was arguing previously in “Arasuum, the God of Death not Sloth, p.4”, Kad Ha’rangir, Arasuum and their importance in original religion were closely tied to each other. We may not fully understand the complexity of their relationship, but lore provides enough data to at least assume how they were perceived by original believers. 

In contrast Hod Ha’ran is a deity whose loyalty or role is even less exploited. The source material about this particular god is sparse; so far the deity was mentioned only in Death Watch Manifesto and referred to as trickster and agent of fickle fortune while all the trickstery and tempting with “soft life” is assigned solely to Arasuum[1]. Similarly, as the Manifesto is half historical lesson and half political propaganda riddled with author’s subjective opinions we may - and should - wonder how accurate is the source, as author himself calls Arasuum, Hod Ha’ran and Kad Ha’rangir the “now-extinct gods”.

Of course, our real-life folklore have plenty of trickster figures we could draw inspiration from to potentially explain Hod Ha’ran’s importance in mandalorian mythology, but that alone won’t tell us what kind of familiar ties or working relationship existed between Hod Ha’ran and the rest of the gods. 

Etymology of Hod Ha’ran’s name seems to be our best guess, however it adds to Death Watch Manifesto’s description in two ways.

One one hand, the name fits what we were told about the deity’s role of trickster as deceive, fool, camouflage, cover up and cunning share the same root: “hod”.

The deity’s name alone suggests a mortal should be wary of Hod Ha’ran, as the god may on purpose fool and deceive the warriors. On another note, out of the three established gods, just Hod Ha’ran and Kad Ha’rangir actually have a similar naming style (two-part name) but also share a common part in their naming. Even if the actual etymology of the common here “Ha’ran” word originate from two different meanings - something other fans much more versed in mando’a are better suited to theorize about - at the at least superficially level, it makes easier to group Hod Ha’ran with Kad Ha’rangir than with Arasuum.

Going further, Death Watch Manifesto specifically said that Kad Ha’rangir is the leading god and “the all-seeing creator of tests and trials” but the deity alone has never been called in this or any other source material as the actual Maker of Taung-Mandalorian people. In that sense, we could theorize that above the three named deities (or at least, above Kad Ha’rangir and Hod Ha’ran) stood a much more powerful and older being in the form of the Maker that actually predated the whole Mandalorian culture.

We could go even further with this theory by giving the Maker known from the Dha Werda Verda poem (Taung pre-Republic culture) the role of original Destructor; when volcano erupted, Taung people saw it as a sign their god “come to unmake”. As the word Ha’rangir has connection to destruction and ash, something fitting to describe volcano eruption, we may wonder if the common part in Hod Ha’ran and Kad Ha’rangir may imply a direct connection to the Maker, as in, they are the Maker’s children and/or subordinates.

One way or another, the source material implies division of functions between Kad Ha’rangir and Hod Ha’ran that directly affected the Taung-Mandalorian society. The first tested and judged the worth of warriors and there are plenty of examples of Mandalorians dedicated to prove themselves on battlefront or against great foes to back up the deity’s original importance. The second was described as a trickster and agent of fickle fortune, but I think this is not sufficient nor accurate description, especially as the author of Death Watch Manifesto transferred the "treacherous nature" to Arasuum. The mentioned work did not assign Hod Ha’ran to visions and magic, but it seems to me as the logical assumption to make when taking into account the widely understood lore.

For one, Knights of the Old Republic: War, established a connection between trickstery and magic when Dorjander Kace - a former Jedi turned into Mandalorian Knight - spoke to the warriors:

I know it offends some of you to have former Jedi in your ranks. Mandalorians win with arms, not tricks and magic! [...]

Simultaneously, presented in mentioned comics (non-Taung) Mandalorians show more or less open disdain for “sorcerers” (a term aimed at Jedi)

“Shut up, Carrick! I saw that lightsaber. I put up with Kace and his Knights because Mand'alor says to – but I won’t have sorcerers in my rank! A warrior fights with blade and blaster!”

or

[...] All the warriors here are stealing shuttles and leaving. They’d rather win without your magic and without involving children. [...]

while (human) Pulsipher from The Secret Journal of Demagol and Knights of the Old Republic: Vector thought the power of Jedi and Sith comes from their possessions. Thus to wield magical power, one must obtain a specific artifact.

and

I was less pleased to see who brought them here: Pulsipher. According to his message, Mand’alor sent Pulsipher here to be my “aide” — but I can hardly imagine anyone less suitable. We agree on only one thing: “The Force” is pseudo-scientific claptrap — a tale spun by the Jedi to keep the people in awe. A secret well of power, from which only the selected few may draw? How offensive. But Pulsipher rejects my conclusions that “Force powers” are inborn genetic traits — natural mutations, that any being can be modified to have. What does he think gives Jedi their powers? Why, magic, of course! Mystic talismans and trinkets, that’s what he believes! I realize that Mand’alor is trying to cover all his options — but really. Perhaps he could send me a Wookiee witch doctor on the next transport.

and

Pulsipher is telling Mand’alor of my failings, I am sure. Often I have seen him skulking about, scribbling notes to send off. That is, when he is not in the lockdown ogling the Jedi’s lightsabers. He acts as if some ancient spirit will rise from them to transform him into a Mandalorian Knight. Sheer fantasy.

All of those examples support the feeling how “magical thinking” was still present in their culture despite great religious reformation that happened before the Sith War and Mandalorian Wars.

However (Taung) Mandalore the Indomitable from The Sith War comics made a clear distinction between Ulic Qel-Droma (once Jedi now Sith Apprentice) and Aleema, the heiress to the Empress Teta star system (in)famous for her powerful Force illusions. Before Mandalore met with those two in person, he heard enough about Ulic and Aleema to see the former Jedi as a worthy champion - warrior -  to face in battle to death, while Aleema was described as “witch”, even though the skills of both humans had the same origin - the Force. 

This distinction, if based on the gender, may be rooted in prehistoric Taung culture, where Priestly Sisterhood must play a vital (sacred) role in their community and whose teaching became one of three ancient philosophical schools whose culmination gave a birth to Sorcerers of Rhand:

The third school is an offshoot of the Warriors of the Shadow - Taung soldiers beaten by the Battalions of Zhell in the prehistory of Coruscant. After surviving the war and a volcanic plume of ash that filled the skies for two years, the priestly sisterhood of the Taungs fled to the Unknown Regions to seek atonement through meditation and insight. (The Unknown Regions Sourcebook)

However, as lore claims that gender has little to none impact on Mandalorian culture, the distinction may lie in Aleema’s specific abilities that could resemble those of Hod Ha’ran, the trickster god, while Ulic’s combat skills were considered a worthy challenge (trial) for Mandalore. 

Visions and prophecies are another important religious element of Mandalorian culture with strong ties to magic and if interpreted wrongly, could be seen as godly deception. As the lore implies, the visions and prophecies were granted in specific, sacred places like planet Shogun or Living Water and were interpreted by a certain group of people.

In the pre-Mandalorian culture, the mentioned priestly sisterhood could be responsible for interpreting the will of god(s), but with passing time the role could be taken over by war chief[2]

Our history begins with the Taung, the Shadow Warriors we honor as our Progenitors.They originally dwelled on Coruscant, but their enemies drove them into the Outer Rim. Their clans traveled from planet to planet on orders from their war chief, who interpreted the will of their now-extinct gods [...] (Death Watch Manifesto)

and finally by Mandalore.

Neo-Crusader logo: Said to be the invention of Cassus Fett, the logo of the Neo-Crusaders pairs the symbol of their Crusader forebears with a stylized Mandalorian skull, symbolizing the authority of the Mandalore to interpret the will of the war gods.

Which could explain why the Mandalore title means the sole ruler, if both religious and secular power was concentrated in the hands of one person. As we were told by source material, both Mandalore the Indomitable and Mandalore the Ultimate visited Shogun, the “then as now the planet of visions” on which each received a different messenger (prophecy):

“The final years of the fifth millennium BBY brought a Taung religious reformation. Instead of worshipping Kad Ha’rangir, the Taungs elevated war itself as to the pinnacle of their cosmology - to make a war was effectively to be divine. The reasons for this momentous change are imperfectly understood, but Mandalorian legend holds that the clan leader known as Mandalore the Indomitable had a vision while on the mysterious world Shogun, returning to the clan with word of the revelation he’d received. [source: Excerpted from “Industry. Honor. Savagery: Shaping the Mandalorian Soul” keynote address by Vilnau Teupt, 412th Proceedings of Galactic Anthropology and History, Brentaat Academy, 24 ABY, published in The Essential Guide to Warfare]

and

Mandalore the Ultimate had seen many battles and knew his fellow Mandalorian Crusaders were brave and skilled. But the new Taung clan leader wondered how much that mattered. His people remained a fractious society of restless adventure seekers, with little to show for their efforts but stolen technologies and a slice of space on the outskirts of the Republic. There was a better way and Mandalore the Ultimate was determined to find it. The defeated Crusaders returned to Mandalorian Space to learn their leader had received a new vision on Shogun: From now on, non-Taungs who proved themselves in battle and upheld the Mandalorian warrior code were full members of the clans. Moreover, the Crusaders would no longer simply pillage worlds and move on like some terrible storm. Now they would hold the territory they conquered, creating an industrial society based on warrior codes. Warriors would rule, supported by farmers, artisans, and manufactures who accepted their place in the Mandalorian hierarchy, with slaves and those without honor below them.  [source: Excerpted from “Industry. Honor. Savagery: Shaping the Mandalorian Soul” keynote address by Vilnau Teupt, 412th Proceedings of Galactic Anthropology and History, Brentaat Academy, 24 ABY, published in The Essential Guide to Warfare]

and

Of the ancient Mandalores, we hold none in higher esteem than Mandalore the Ultimate, the Great Shadow Father of our clans. On Shogun, then as now the planet of visions, Mandalore the Ultimate received a staggering prophecy: The age of Taung was ending, but their great work was unfinished. To survive, the Mando’ade must be transformed.  It was a terrible burden, but Mandalore the Ultimate bore it with honor. He opened the clans to all who proved themselves in battle and followed the warrior code. Non-Taung were no longer confined to vassalship, but could be full-fledged Mandalorian warriors. Our forefathers were among these new Mando’ade, and soon proved that they were ready to lead the clans.” [Death Watch Manifesto]

In the case of Mandalore the Indomitable, the lore is not in agreement on the time and causes of the religious reformation and other source material puts this event in times before the Taung earned the title of sole ruler[3]. Thus there is a chance that the in-universe author of the lecture got the "facts" wrong. But whatever the vision truly was about, Mandalore visiting Shogun seems like a tradition the new leader must fulfill. Thus maybe receiving the vision  was seen as a sign the new Mandalore has a definitive plan for new conquests? 

Mandalore is the title given to the sole warlord who rules over all Mandalorians. This title is neither hereditary nor democratically bestowed, but is claimed directly by the one hoping to take up its responsibilities. But the Mandalorians would accept only a truly exceptional warrior and battlefield commander as their leader, so anyone seeking the title must have a proven history of victories and a definitive plan for new conquest to unite the numerous Mandalorian clans [...] [source: The Old Republic Encyclopedia].

Of course, did Mandalores truly receive visions on Shogun or just presented their plan for conquest as a prophecy bestowed by gods is up to debate. We can’t however exclude the idea that Mandalorians truly believed in supernatural powers guiding their action, as even in modern times we have examples of similar “magical thinking” as was seen with Children of the Watch on different occasions. The best example is the exchange between Bo-Katan Kryze and Armorer, when the first reported seeing Mythosaur in Living Water (The Mandalorian Chapter 20: The Foundling [s03e04])

ARMORER: I can replace what's missing, but not with its modern refinements. Shall I inlay the signet of the Nite Owl? BO-KATAN: Would it be acceptable to wear one pauldron of the Nite Owl and another with the Mythosaur? ARMORER: The Mythosaur belongs to all Mandalorians. It is always acceptable to wear. BO-KATAN: I would like that. [...] What would you say if I told you I saw one? ARMORER: That you saw what? BO-KATAN: A Mythosaur. ARMORER: I would say you're very lucky. It is a noble vision. BO-KATAN: No, I… I mean a real one. Beneath the Living Waters on Mand'alor. ARMORER: When you choose to walk the Way of the Mand'alor, you will see many things. BO-KATAN: But it was real. 

Apparently, there was also a prophecy about Mythosaur and new age of Mandalore (The Mandalorian Chapter 18: The Mines of Mandalore [s03e02]):

THE MANDALORIAN: But what if the mines of Mandalore still exist? If I visit the planet and I can bring you proof that I have bathed in the Living Waters, then by Creed, I would be redeemed. ARMORER: The songs of eons past foretold of the Mythosaur rising up to herald a new age of Mandalore.

To sum it up, we have at least two sacred places - planet Shogun, Living Water on Mandalore - where warriors could receive visions and selected members of the community from whom the warriors sought advice and/or interpretation after the supernatural event they experienced. It is worth to note that in Mandalorian culture the “magical knowledge” is often attributed to leaders. In modern day, we have mentioned above Armorer who led the Children of the Watch and in ancient times Mandalore.

As we know well from Star Wars itself, visions and prophecies are, well, a tricky thing but also a vital part of the universe. Galaxy at War sourcebook outright said that no Taung was Force-sensitive, yet the belief in magic and divine visions seems to be prevalent even when the original faith in gods became forgotten itself.

Thus my conclusion about the divine functions of Kad Ha’rangir and Hod Ha’ran is: the first tested and judged the worth of warriors while the latter was responsible for determining a course of action by sending visions that were interpreted by designated persons. Maybe Hod Ha’ran was a sort of divine messenger leading mortals where they could prove themselves in the eyes of Kad Ha'rangir, maybe a more independent deity responsible for fate[4]. One way or another, as much as the etymology of Hod Ha’ran puts the god in an ambiguous light, the tricky nature of the visions may not lie necessary in god’s ill intention toward mortals but how mortals decided to interpret and act on the will of their god(s). Because receiving a vision of the future does not guarantee it won’t lead warriors to their death and culture to ruin, which could explain why Hod Ha’ran was seen - at least by modern Mandalorians - as trickster and agent of fickle fortune. 

SIDENOTES:

[1] Death Watch Manifesto has an interesting correlation between Arasuum (the "bad god"), Jedi and trickstery and/or lies:

Arasuum the god of sloth, an enemy whispering and seducing with promises of peace […]

and

The Annihilation birthed the evils we now fight against. To rule us, the Republic installed puppets who had sought a foolish peace with the Senators and their Jedi. In the centuries since the Annihilation, this line of Anti-Mandalores - leaders of the self-styled New Mandalorians - have forfeited our honor, buying us soft lives of sloth and dependence.  Weary of war and deluded by lies, many of the Mando’ade accepted the Anti-Mandalores and the illegitimate rule of the Faithless, as we call the New Mandalorians.

and

Meanwhile, centuries of New Mandalorian lies had left the Mando’ade weak and soft. One of my kinswomen, the Duchess Satine Kryze, had been sent offworld as a child by her father, a mighty clan warlord, and she fell prey to the lies of the Jedi. After her father perished in the Great Clan Wars, she betrayed his memory by becoming the leader of the New Mandalorians. Aided by Jedi tricks, she became the newest Anti-Mandalore, whereupon the exhausted Mando’ade flocked to her banner.

while the author totally omitted the role of Hod Ha'ran, the trickster god and agent of fickle fortune, even though - as argued in the main text - Hod Ha'ran is much more connected to Jedi's "magic" than Arasuum.

[2] The title of Mandalore became an important part of Taung culture after settling on Mandalore. Thus I have separated the war chief from Mandalore on purpose, as to include the pre-mandalorian era of their history.

[3] For more details and quotes about the religious reformation from source material, please check Cienie’s take on Mandalorian Culture: Kad Ha’rangir and mandalorian traditional weapons, p. 4

[4] Ancient Mandalorians as presented in The Old Republic: Revan had an interesting opinion about Fate.

“Nobody knows where Revan hid the Mask,” Veela said quietly. “The clans have each staked out their territory, hoping it’s in their destiny to find that which we all seek.”  “Seems like a poor way to choose a leader,” Revan offered.  Veela glared at him, but it was one of the other women who replied.  “Fate will make the choice for us. Whichever clan is destined to find the Mask, will.”  “Is that how all the clans ended up here on Rekkiad?” Revan countered. “Fate? Chance? Blind luck?”  “You show your ignorance when you speak of things you don’t understand,” Veela said. “Fate and destiny are not the same as luck. It was not chance that brought us here. It was persistence. Perseverance. We are here because we are strong.” She paused a moment, then continued a little more calmly. “When Revan hid Mandalore’s Mask, most of our people scattered in disgrace. But some of us refused to give up. We stayed behind to look for what was lost instead of running off to become mercenaries and hired thugs.”  As she spoke, her eyes flicked toward Canderous. Revan followed her gaze to see his friend staring at the floor in shame.  “For years we have kept up our search,” she continued. “We know Revan disappeared for three days after the massacre at Malachor Five. There are only a handful of stable hyperspace lanes in that sector, only a few dozen habitable planets he would have been able to journey to in that time. So we have been searching each world in turn, scouring the surface meter by meter. On the first world there were less than fifty of us; it took us two years to explore the entire planet. But with each world our numbers grew. More clans joined in the search, and each clan’s numbers increased. Our quest gave us purpose; it united us as a people once more.”  She looked back at Canderous. “Slowly those who turned their backs on the Mandalorian ways have come trickling back. Now we number in the thousands. Over a hundred clans have gathered on Rekkiad. If we fail to find the Mask here, we will move on to the next world. And our numbers will continue to grow. Eventually we will find what we seek. And when one of our own finally reclaims Mandalore’s Mask, our numbers will be legion. On that day the new Mandalore will call upon the armies of our people, and we will answer!”  She turned and glared at Revan once more. “That is what we mean when we speak of fate,” she concluded “We will find what we seek. It is inevitable. It is the destiny of our people.” 

If vision could be seen as "purpose to dedicate themselves", then Hod Ha'ran could be seen also as god of fate, pushing warriors to their destiny while Kad Ha'rangir is the one testing and judging Mandalorians.

[cienie-isengardu]

I wish we saw the Revenants interacting more with Quan Chi and Noob.

One of the few moments we had is Smoke and Jax holding Sub zero down so Quan Chi could take out his cybernetics.

I’d like to see more of the Revenants. What’s interesting is that Quan Chi’s servants are not mindless slaves but mostly keep their old personalities just warped in ways to help Shinook and Quin Chi.

I’d love to see what it was like for them in the Neatherrealm

Yeah, I too would like to learn more about Revenants and it would be really nice if the story bothered to focus on all of them, not just Liu Kang, Kitana and Kung Lao. Even if not influencing the plot in any meaningful way, Noob Saibot at least is remembered and interacting with other characters. But Stryker, Kabal and Smoke? Those three definitely got the short end of the stick. Which is pretty frustrating, considering what a great potential the Netherrealm and enslaved there characters have. There is Noob Saibot who seems on one hand tied to (and accepting?) the hierarchy between Revenants - with Liu Kang being the ruler of hell / right hand of Quan Chi, on another bidding time for his own purpose and maybe even freeing himself from the Quan Chi. There is Sareena who seems to be familiar with Bi-Han/Noob and Kitana while turning against the sorcerer. There is Smoke who finally learns who he truly was (but was given no interaction with Kuai Liang, his best friend and family or Bi-Han/Noob Saibot) or Liu Kang holding personal grudge against Raiden, the once beloved mentor and father-figure. There was the potential to let Kung Jin reach Kung Lao and help the former to free himself from evil. Such potential drama and angst! So potential to expand the worldbuilding! Damn, the game literally killed Sonya during the mission in Netherrealm! She could be resurrected and turned into another Revenant who adds to Cassie’s guilt for leaving her behind and reason to distrust Raiden or even we could have a whole plot of Wraith Sonya trying to escape from Netherrealm. Like, there are so many possibilities, which is a truly shame for we won’t get much of anything with the new timeline and reboot.

I guess, the game format may not be the best for such character driven narration, with spotlight split between so many fighters, but still, what a shame.

[cienie-isengardu]

Factor H

source: The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia

[cienie-isengardu]

[cienie-isengardu]

Smoke isn’t possessed by a demon he is a demon.

He was the victim of a dark cult ritual and either became a Eneara or a Enaera got the memories of appearance of the dead boy.

The latter seems more plausible. It was always a Spirit but it thought it was a little boy

Seems we have similar feelings on the matter. Personally I tend to think either Smoke is a demon (trapped in human body?) or the boy's soul somehow merged with the demon (which is why Tomas still have human emotions). It is a true shame that Mortal Kombat has never explained what is the deal with Enenra nor did anything significant with Tomas' character in alternative timeline.

[cienie-isengardu]

Jaster: Canderous Ordo wouldn't approve your Death Watch's amoral goals! Tor: What he wouldn't approve is your "Mandalorians are merely highly-paid soldiers" mindset and we both know that, Jaster.

This is what happens when my headcanons mix with crack idea(s):

A) why do Mandalorians need capes? To steal carry the books

B) Jaster and Tor are nerds and of course they are gonna argue what Canderous Ordo would approve or not...

C) ...whatever they are alive or dead, they will argue about mercenery vs warrior mindset

D) they were once a good friends before Civil War and they are sort of come back to their bizzare friendship once both ended in Mandalorian Afterlife because there is not that many mando nerds to argue with hang out

[cienie-isengardu]

Cassie Cage, Jacqui Briggs, Takeda Takahashi & Kung Jin - Mortal Kombat X

[cienie-isengardu]

Hello! I'm writing a fanfiction that includes Jaster Mereel doing the history nerd rant on social media and would like to use your metas, blurbles and headcanons as a basis. I'd credit you for the religious and cultural stuff I'd be using.

If that's okay with you, please let me know!

Hi there! Thank you for asking, and I don't mind at all. Good luck with your story!

[cienie-isengardu]

Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide

[cienie-isengardu]

Good points. I find it interesting that Vader ordered to inform Bail right away, when he could stick just to informing the Senate - and by doing that, cover up in a better way his part in the "tragic accident" I think? Because if I were Bail and got informed about my daughter's death by anyone from 501st / Vader's men (as transmission would come from Devastator, Vader's personal flagship at that time), I would consider it a very suspicious coincidence of circumstances for Vader being in the same place where my kid died, regardless of any distress signal and technical reading. Unless this was Vader's intentional choice?

“Send out a wide-band distress signal. Indicate that the Senator’s ship encountered an unexpected meteorite cluster it could not avoid. Readings indicate that the shift shields were overridden and the ship was hulled to the point of vacating ninety-five percent of its atmosphere. Inform her father and the Senate that all aboard were killed.”

Vader casually covering up that he illegally arrested a Senator who has a diplomatic immunity seems like the most evil thing he did in the entire ANH novel. At the same time it's so mundane. That gives it that extra dose of realism.

Now I imagine Bail and Breha learning their daughter is dead. It must have been life shattering. They had the worst day of their lives as parents who lost their child and then they were blown up with Alderaan while believing Leia is dead.

Come to think of it, it can be seen as some sort of karma or payback. A lie for a lie. Vader's worst day was when he learned that Padme and his child died and Bail was one of those who made that lie. He hid Leia from her father. Now Vader unknowingly reversed the situation, inflicting the same pain of loss on Bail with the same kind of lie.

[cienie-isengardu]

Thank you for sharing your reconstructions of mandalorian gods' names! Very interesting!

My main problem with the translation of Kad Ha'rangir as sword which makes ashes or burns down is how it brings to mind a lightsaber of all possible things. Which mind you, it is not about translation itself, as the sword that brings destruction sounds really cool and is very likely to be the official meaning (albeit it present the god more as object/tool than person but for all we know Kad Ha'rangir could be a "tool" of the Maker to test mandalorian warriors, or alternatively, another Mandalore the Ultimate's propaganda to ensure his culture will survive). As I'm very bitter about Disney's take on Mandalorian culture and how the Darksaber was turned from "ancient trophy of clan Vizsla" into "sacred insignia of authority", I shudder at the mere thought. Especially since such etymology is ideally suited to explain why darksaber has such great importance. Which again, my rejection is not about the proposed translation, but my personal beef with current mandalorian lore. Sorry about that!

On another hand, as I have written this part something akin to two years ago and try to reconstruct Taung-Mandalorian religion ever for longer, I currently wonder if maybe Ha'rangir is a name that prehistoric Taung gave to the Maker that came to unmake? You know, after the volcano eruption mentioned in Dha Werda Verda, in similar fashion how they themselves adapted a new name? Especially as you pointed out its connection to "ash" but also for the fact that mando'a has another, whole separate word for destructor (naast) and destroy (naastar). Which maybe Ha'rangir is used strictly for mythological purposes and the other has secular meaning?

As for Arasuum, I personally stick to the word as it is, stagnation, with assumption Taung understood it as remaining the same without the negative connection our real-word languages have about something being stagnant.

I would love to talk with you more about all the potential language details, but I feel I'm not that versed in mando'a. Mainly because this language offends me on a personal level, I have no heart to immerse myself in it, and so I fear I may not bring anything worth into the discussion 🙁

Oh, and thank you - I'm glad you like my take on haat ijaat haa’it!

Cienie’s take on Mandalorian Culture: Kad Ha’rangir and mandalorian traditional weapons, p. 4

part 1 — part 2 — part 3

Tie-in material implies that Taungs were familiar with swords (Roon era and maybe even the early colonization of Mandalore), however the overwhelming majority of sources connect the original Mandalorians to mythosaur axes and spear-like weapons. At the same time, the further from Taung hegemony, the more visible swords became, as can be observed in:

material equipment of warriors 

art and broadly understood traditional culture

political sphere. 

To find a sensible answer on how truly important were swords in regard to Kad Ha’rangir, we need to examine the correlation between weapons, chronology and religion.  

Sources in general are in agreement that Taungs were religious warrior species who worshiped many gods but at some point, the original Mandalorians switched from more traditional polytheism into worshiping the War itself. Tie-in materials however do not completely overlap in regard to time and person responsible for this spiritual reformation.

The History of the Mandalorians [Insider #80]:

 “But following the Mandalorians’ epic clashes with the insectoids of Nevoota, war, once a ritual form of worship to Mandalorian gods, became itself divine and reverential.” 

The article implies the religious change happened before The Sith War (3996 BBY). The Essential Guide to Warfare states that Nevoota was attacked in 4024 BBY.

Excerpted from "Industry. Honor. Savagery: Shaping the Mandalorian Soul" keynote address by Vilnau Teupt, 412th Proceedings of Galactic Anthropology and History, Brentaat Academy, 24 ABY [The Essential Guide to Warfare]:

“The final years of the fifth millennium BBY brought a Taung religious reformation. Instead of worshipping Kad Ha’rangir, the Taungs elevated war itself as to the pinnacle of their cosmology - to make a war was effectively to be divine. The reasons for this momentous change are imperfectly understood, but Mandalorian legend holds that the clan leader known as Mandalore the Indomitable had a vision while on the mysterious world Shogun, returning to the clan with world of the revelation he’d received. Soon after this reformation, the Crusaders raided the galaxy’s central systems. In 4024 BBY they attacked the planet Nevoota in the Colonies, exterminating its species during a three-year campaign.”

Again, the change happened years before The Sith War, yet the guide claims the religious reformation comes from Mandalore the Indomitable and happened before the attack on Nevoota.

The Old Republic game’s Galactic History 42: The Nevoota Extinction codex

Lore Entry:  This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history: Some years before the Old Sith Wars, the Nevoota--a species of insectoid aliens from the Balmorra system--found themselves facing an army of disciplined warriors in distinctive armor. The warriors were Mandalorian Crusaders, testing themselves against the galaxy's deadliest species. However, the Nevoota were a challenge even for the Mandalorians. Possessing superior numbers and utterly disdainful of death, the Nevoota fought a four-year campaign under the cunning warlord Ithcharaka--but finally the Mandalorians hunted the Nevoota to extinction. This conflict had a profound effect on Mandalorian culture. The Mandalorians began to see war itself as an end, not just a means of conquest. Through war, Mandalorian society found its highest expression. When Mandalore the Indomitable eventually rose to power, he led a people who demanded nothing less than the greatest challenges the galaxy could offer.

The change happened before The Sith War AND before Mandalore the Indomitable rose to power.  

Those three sources vary from each other in details, but we can assume the reformation happened around 4024 BBY, which gives almost three decades before Mandalore the Indomitable challenged Ulic Qel-Droma and Mandalorians took part in The Sith War. Three decades isn't long enough time to erase previously established religious traditions albeit the change could affect to some degree the understanding of mythology and perception of the gods. 

Tie-in sources written after the most intensive period of expanding mandalorian lore (2005-2009) like "Industry. Honor. Savagery: Shaping the Mandalorian Soul” [The Essential Guide to Warfare, 2012] and Death Watch Manifesto [Bounty Hunter Code, 2013] understandably add Kad Ha’rangir as a god worshiped by Taungs which is a nice connection between various media. However both mentioned above articles are in-universe sources, meaning the modern authors may be wrong about  Taung!Mandalorian culture, which is also understandable, as the Taung species has been extinct for almost four thousand years. That said, I do not deny the existence of Kad Ha’rangir in itself but I do wonder if Taungs knew him under this exact name. Can we truly be sure that “Kad'' wasn't added over the years to either create connection to swords as the weapon favored by human Mandalorians or as a reconstruction of almost forgotten mythical knowledge done for cultural and/or political reasons?

Let’s think about it for a moment. Taung faith itself changed from waging war as a ritual form of worship to Mandalorian gods, to war itself being divine and reverential. Thus the personification of gods turned into a different, less anthropomorphic concept. Mandalore the Indomitable leads his warriors under the new understanding of the religion, up to his death in 3996 BBY.

Sadly, there are not many sources for the spiritual aspect of Crusaders beyond the religious reformation, so the eventual cult of sword could be related to ceremonies alone - events we simply didn’t have a chance to see. A fair argument however tie-in material implies that Mandalore the Indomitable and the Ultimate weren’t just military leaders but also spiritual authorities, as both were said to have received a vision on a surreal Shogun planet that determined the shape of mandalorian culture of their times. Did those two leaders truly have visions their people blindly believe or is that just part of myths passed down through the generations, we can’t be sure. Yet if we agree the Mandalores could received an vision from gods - thus having a magical connection to higher powers - then they were the best suited to carry on ceremonial items (swords) in the name of Kad Ha’rangir or War itself but Indomitable and Ultimate carried axes - a traditional Mandalorian (Taung) weapon of cultural meaning yet archaic compared to more advanced blasters. 

We could also argue that Indomitable displayed some sort of magic belief, as he acknowledges Ulic Qel-Droma as a Jedi (thus he most likely was aware of Ulic’s special powers) yet Aleema, who also was using Dark Side to cast powerful illusions, was considered by him a witch - a name generally connected to magic.

Granted, Mandalore heard about those two before he attacked Teta System, however Force widely was identified as magic across the galaxy, even in more modern times. Mandalorians weren’t “primitive” society and encountered many different species through decades of conquests yet Ulic’s unnatural powers got him the title of Jedi (Knight) while Aleema was called a witch. Her specific abilities could be easily tied down to Hod Ha’ran, the trickster god of visions but also could nicely be linked to prehistoric Taung Priestly Sisterhood - a very rare mention of female Taung - known from The Unknown Regions Sourcebook and whose teaching became one of three ancient philosophical schools whose culmination gave a birth to Sorcerers of Rhand:

The third school is an offshoot of the Warriors of the Shadow - Taung soldiers beaten by the Battalions of Zhell in the prehistory of Coruscant. After surviving the war and a volcanic plume of ash that filled the skies for two years, the priestly sisterhood of the Taungs fled to the Unknown Regions to seek atonement through meditation and insight.

The Mandalorian Crusader logo, as described by Death Watch Manifesto, is said to symbolize the circle of life and death while the sharp points represent the weapon of warriors. The triangle-like shape definitely resembles the shape of mythosaur axes than any swords.

The Crusader symbol could be seen on Mandalore the Indomitable’s mask - an “sacred” item representing the right to rule over all Mandalorians and even on his bracer:

Granted, the symbol wasn't always presented in the same way[8] and in some frame(s) even looked more like stylized animal/beast rather than a circle with sharp points but generally, the symbol is strongly related to Crusaders introduced in Tales of the Jedi: The Sith War (1995-1996).

In-universe and out-universe understandably, there is no mention of Kad Ha’rangir from Mandalore the Indomitable or his fellow Mandalorians in original comics - in the first case, the religion switched from gods to War as principle, in the letter, the concept of Kad Ha’rangir did not exist yet.

When Mandalore the Ultimate rose to power, slowly but steadily the Neo Crusaders dominated Mandalorian culture. Their logo is based on Crusader symbol (circle with sharp points resembling shape of mythosaur axes) but with added image of Mandalorian skull. The period of 3996 to 3960 BBY is either:

a continuation of worshiping War itself,

coming back to the traditional religion,

finding common ground between those two concepts or

rejecting the faith completely.

The sources did not explore much the mythological-magical aspect of Mandalorian people of that time, however we still can catch a glimpse of such elements.

For one, the same as previous leader, Mandalore the Ultimate is said to received a vision[9].

Excerpted from "Industry. Honor. Savagery: Shaping the Mandalorian Soul" keynote address by Vilnau Teupt. 412th Proceedings of Galactic Anthropology and History, Brentaat Academy [The Essential Guide to Warfare]:

Mandalore the Ultimate had seen many battles and knew his fellow Mandalorian Crusaders were brave and skilled. But the new Taung clan leader wondered how much that mattered. His people remained a fractious society of restless adventure seekers, with little to show for their efforts but stolen technologies and a slice of space on the outskirts of the Republic.  There was a better way and Mandalore the Ultimate was determined to find it. The defeated Crusaders returned to Mandalorian Space to learn their leader had received a new vision on Shogun: From now on, non-Taungs who proved themselves in battle and upheld the Mandalorian warrior code were full members of the clans. Moreover, the Crusaders would no longer simply pillage worlds and move on like some terrible storm. Now they would hold the territory they conquered, creating an industrial society based on warrior codes. Warriors would rule, supported by farmers, artisans, and manufactures who accepted their place in the Mandalorian hierarchy, with slaves and those without honor below them. 

Death Watch Manifesto [Bounty Hunter Code]:

“Of the ancient Mandalores, we hold none in higher esteem than Mandalore the Ultimate, the Great Shadow Father of our clans. On Shogun, then as now the planet of visions, Mandalore the Ultimate received a staggering prophecy: The age of Taung was ending, but their great work was unfinished. To survive, the Mando’ade must be transformed.  It was a terrible burden, but Mandalore the Ultimate bore it with honor. He opened the clans to all who proved themselves in battle and followed the warrior code. Non-Taung were no longer confined to vassalship, but could be full-fledged Mandalorian warriors. Our forefathers were among these new Mando’ade, and soon proved that they were ready to lead the clans.”

The same as with Indomitable, the new Mandalore received the vision on Shogun planet that could be recognized as a sacred (magical) place and who knows, maybe each new leader was obligated to seek there a sign from the gods and act on the given vision?

The interpretation of Force as a magic is visible during Mandalorian Wars, though sources don’t provide us with examples of such belief coming directly from Taung themselves. 

The Secret Journal of Doctor Demagol [This story takes place 3964 - 3963 B.B.Y.]

Entry #6025: The first arrivals. Mand'alor has kept his word. A transport has arrived bearing Jedi prisoners. The war has not even begun in earnest, and yet I have my first subjects. I will continue as before, categorizing differences in Jedi versus base members of their species. These are meager pickings to begin with. A Rodian and another human. Why must they always be humans? How I long to find a Trandoshan Jedi, to compare my past control groups. Vivisection experiments become so much easier when limbs can be regrown. Who says there are no second chances? I was less pleased to see who brought them here: Pulsipher. According to his message, Mand'alor sent Pulsipher here to be my "aide" -- but I can hardly imagine anyone less suitable. We agree on only one thing: "The Force" is pseudo-scientific claptrap -- a tale spun by the Jedi to keep the people in awe. A secret well of power, from which only the selected few may draw? How offensive. But Pulsipher rejects my conclusions that "Force powers" are inborn genetic traits -- natural mutations, that any being can be modified to have. What does he think gives Jedi their powers? Why, magic, of course! Mystic talismans and trinkets, that's what he believes! I realize that Mand'alor is trying to cover all his options -- but really. Perhaps he could send me a Wookiee witch doctor on the next transport.

and

Entry #6087:  [...] But I worry the Republic will collapse before I can produce results. I have learned a great deal about Jedi physiology from the subjects here, supplementing what I learned on Osadia. We didn't have living adult Jedi to study on the New Generation Project -- just preserved genetic samples. But, thus far, knowing what a Jedi looks like on a molecular level has told me little about what makes one a Jedi. I am half-prepared to believe this "Force" is an actual external phenomenon. Pulsipher is telling Mand'alor of my failings, I am sure. Often I have seen him skulking about, scribbling notes to send off. That is, when he is not in the lockdown ogling the Jedi's lightsabers. He acts as if some ancient spirit will rise from them to transform him into a Mandalorian Knight. Sheer fantasy.

(Side note: another example of “witch” coming from Mandalorians. Interestingly, according to Rohlan Dyre who investigated Demagol’s history, the man in question was trained by Mandalore the Indomitable himself

who first uttered this term in regard to Aleema.)

Knight of the Old Republic #26 (Vector, part II)

"I believe the so-called "Force", the power of the Jedi and the Sith comes not from the people, but from their possessions! Artifacts of power beyond science -- they are the enemy we face!

Knights of the Old Republic: War #2

Kra'ake: "Shut up, Carrick! I saw that lightsaber. I put up with Kace and his Knights because Mand'alor says to -- but I won't have sorcerers in my rank! A warrior fights with blade and blaster!"

Kace: I know it offends some of you to have a former Jedi in your ranks. Mandalorians win with arms, not tricks and magic!

Zayne: [...] I'm surprised there's so much superstition here about Force-users. Ko Sornell: There was a rumor about Force magic causing the disaster on Jebble -- that was an induction station too, come to think of it. Zayne: Er... yes. But I don't understand. If you all fear Jedi, why's you let Kace and his peope join? Ko Sornell: I have no idea. Mand'alor authorized it -- that's good enough for me.

Knights of the Old Republic: War #5

Ko Sornell: All the warriors here are stealing shuttles and leaving. They’d rather win without your magic and without involving children. You never understood that, Kace. Yes, when our battles create orphans, we adopt them but we don’t steal children from their parents or guardians. No victory is worth that!

It is hard to say how much of the presented above superstitions comes directly from mandalorian culture and its take on magic and how much of those are the result of diverse religious experiences of “converted” people. The sources implies Mandalore the Ultimate wasn’t against having Force sensitive Knights in his rank, nor did protested against Demagol’s science research to uncover the secret of Force. At the same time, the Mandalore himself wasn’t afraid of Jedi or their “magic”, as could be seen during short encounter with Alek (KotOR #20) or from the fact he challenged Revan to a one on one duel. Similarly, there are Mandalorians like Rohlan Dyre and Canderous Ordo who won’t blame “mystic powers” for giving Jedi an advantage in fight but treat the “unfair” battle as a great challenge for warriors to overcome. As Rohlan recorded:

Demagol begins with one correct point -- a fight with a Jedi isn't a fair fight. Special powers are a crutch that a real warrior doesn't want or need; and stars help us when someone gets those powers that shouldn't. Like that Malak. I can tell he's going to be a piece of work. But then Demagol thinks our warriors should take the crutch for themselves. That's dead wrong. I know what real Mandalorians think. Sure, we didn't like to see the clans being beaten by Jedi -- but we weren't humiliated, and we're not jealous. We're just annoyed at the people who lost. They bring a bigger gun? You fight harder. They bring the Force? You fight harder! If Mandalore the Indomitable had wanted to defeat Ulic Qel-Droma -- he should have been more indomitable! [The Secret Journal of Demagol]

Mentioned examples give us an interesting outlook at Mandalorian society during Mandalorian Wars and the opposite takes on Force. There are a number of warriors who perceive Force as “magic” and Force-users as "sorcerers" and some wanted to understand and/or obtain that power for Mandalore and Mandalorians. There are also those who acknowledged the Force as something special and unique yet not something a true warrior should desire or need.

Interestingly, beside the mention of Pulsipher who “in the lockdown ogling the Jedi's lightsabers” and acting “as if some ancient spirit will rise from them to transform him into a Mandalorian Knight”, the Mandalorians are indifferent or outright disapproving of the lightsabers - for example, like Kra'ake was about Zayne using his lightsaber to disarm enemy’s weapons instead of using blaster (KotOR: War #2)

This supports my belief that Mandalorians did not have widely understood swords and sabers in any special regard. So far I did not notice anyone connecting Jedi (the sorcerer’s) lightsaber to any of their mythological deities. Even Mandalore the Indomitable, during his fight with Ulic, called Jedi’s lightsaber “a bloodthirsty weapon”, impling that a simple weapon of his forefathers is the honorable weapon [The Sith War #1].

Additional example of what I personally consider to be Mandalorian, potentially religious and/or magical practice is the use of skulls and candles, as was seen with Demagol and Cassus Fett - two very opposite types of characters with different approaches to mandalorian matters. Interestingly, in both cases, the mentioned items were placed within their “workshop” sphere - in laboratory (KotOR#10)

and temporary headquarters respectively (KotOR #23 & 24). 

Even if skulls and bones were part of Demagol’s studies, candles alone in both cases had no useful purpose, as presented places clearly had an access to electricity and advanced technology providing light (and heat?). Presence of such items especially is interesting as Demagol did not believe Force to be magic and Cassus was busy leading invasion on Taris, yet presumably both dedicated their precious time and effort to equip their “personal” space with objects that seems to not have any impact on their actual living / working conditions. Even more surprising in the case of Cassus Fett, as his headquarter was a temporary place. Which is why I consider those skulls and candles a potential example of artifacts whose purpose fulfill some magical-religious needs or unexplained customs. Those of course could be some sort of trophies but interestingly, Mandalorians of Hidden Chain from The Old Republic MMORPG also kept skulls in various places of their headquarters 

while Shae Vizla kept her trophies and mementos(?) nicely displayed in showcases 

which gives a feeling of the different purposes and there is 300 years of the time interval between those two eras.

With those examples, I think it is safe to assume the religious-magic aspect is still alive within the full-fledged Mandalorians. Its shape and impact on society may be greatly reduced if not be just an echo of the old faith, the same as mythological interpretation of gods, once treated as literal stories[10] now could lose its importance when the number of Mandalorians was multiplied by the mass of new recruits. However it wasn’t completely erased by material needs nor pragmatic choices. It is hard to tell how religious were Taungs (represented by Mandalore the Ultimate) at this point in history, especially with so many changes done to ensure Mandalorian victory but I think we can cross out the possibility that religion was completely rejected.

The same as The Sith War, the Knights of the Old Republic did not provide a direct mention of Mandalorian gods (with a special emphasis on Kad Ha’rangir). As much as it is understandable with original source in which Taung as ancient Mandalorians debuted (1995-1996) and the original KotOR game (2003), the lack of such mention in KotOR & KotOR: War comics is surprising, as those two series were published from 2006 to 2012 and a lot of mandalorian elements were taken from Karen Traviss’s Republic Commando & Legacy of the Force book series and additional tie-in work. Those elements include the use of mando’a, both as singular words (e.g. oya) and the more “formal” phrase emphasizing the sincerity of character’s oath/intention, as was seen with Zayne Carrick revoking the “Haat, Ijaat, Haa'it” [Truth, Honor, Vision] formula while sealing a pact (promise) with Mandalorian Ko Sornell.

This detail too could be interpret as sign of religious-magic element as I personally see the Haat, Ijaat, Haa'it formule as swearing by the triad of mandalorian gods, in which Truth, Honor and Vision represents Arasuum, Kad Ha’rangir and Hod Ha’ran respectively. And yes, I identify Arasuum with Truth (something unchangeable) as I strongly believe he was not a god of stagnation and laziness originally but a god of death but I will leave this matter for another part of  Cienie’s take on Mandalorian Culture larger project.

Mandalorians of this era still most likely cultivate their religious traditions to some degree however so far beside Pulsipher ogling lightsabers, the warriors themselves showed little interest in this kind of weapon. The typical, traditional axe is seen mainly in regard to Mandalore the Ultimate (Taung) and is a continuation of previously established in The Sith War tradition while the weapons used by warriors - beside blasters - vary from each other. 

Mandalore the Ultimate not only opened ranks to outsiders but also indicated vital changes that will shape future generations - including approach to political and warfare matters. The mandalorian culture spread through the galaxy and assimilated a great number of Republic citizens, however in contrast to Crusaders from previous decades, one of Neo-Crusaders’ goals was “conversion” of non-Mandalorian people - whether someone wanted it or not.

The original Taung (Mandalorian) culture, as far as the sources showed, was  homogeneous, however the Neo-Crusaders’ approach created problems the warriors did not have encountered before. As Mandalore the Ultimate admitted:

So many new recruits. Different species, different armors, different languages -- and not enough time to learn our ways. 

The crisis Mandalorian culture faced will have far-reaching consequences - yes, there were new recruits to carry on Taung legacy even after their deaths, but their great number made it difficult to properly assimilate and teach the newcomers. As the Mandalore noted, those people spoke in different languages which I think could explain why (modern) mando’a is so similar to Basic language, as logically thinking Basic was the most common language in which recruits from different species could communicate and if there wasn’t time nor proper teachers to help understand the mandalorian grammar, it naturally could superseded the Taung original language complexity. Though that matter deserves a separate analysis as sources do not dwell much on linguistics aspects of lore, and simply use mando’a as a neat bridge between different mandalorian eras. 

Same thing most likely happened with original laws, as Taungs held in great respect complex Canons of Honor while new recruits were introduced to very simplified Resol’nare (Six Action) as a major cultural determinant

and the Resol’nare survived to modern times while Canons became obscurity. The overwhelming mass of new recruits (sometimes outright forced into Mandalorian ranks) and lack of proper time and opportunity to learn and adapt into warrior culture definitely affected future generations of Mandalorians. The important question is, did Mandalore the Ultimate and his fellow Taung/original Mandalorians pass down mythological knowledge in a relatively unchanged version or did they adapt it to their cause of leaving “legacy” to not be forgotten? Because Mandalore was presented as someone willing to use “mythology” in such fashion. Like the story of Rohlan the Questioner whose “dying speech” he wrote himself to uphold the importance of Mandalore title

or even the previously mentioned songs [part III] in which The Rage of Shadow Warriors though share name with an epic poem of struggle over ancient Notron (Coruscant) may be Taung “plea” to be remembered by their successors. Also, allowing Cassus Fett to change individual armor uniquity into very similar sets of armor in which a specific color represents certain ranks for better control over troopers is a clear sign how far Mandalore was willing to give up or modify the tradition of his forefathers to preserve at least some of Taung heritage.

So far there was little to no evidence of the cult of swords and its connection to Kad Ha’rangir but plenty of hints for both religious-magical aspects and vital cultural changes. Mandalore the Ultimate died and Taungs, officially[11], went extinct. The Mandalorian society became divided and leaderless, driving many veterans and latest recruits into mercenary work or giving up the warrior past entirely. Those who remained, slowly rebuilded their ranks while searching for “sacred” Mandalore Mask - an item Revan took after defeating the Ultimate and hid in hopes to demoralize and break Mandalorian spirit. There are not many sources about that era, even less in regard to religious matters. Ordo Canderous was the first human Mandalore, known as the Preserver as he tried to bring Mandalorians to their honorable warrior ways. However the cultural schism between well-paid mercenaries and warriors fighting for their own cause won’t be resolved and with passing time, the dispute will grow deeper and lead to clashes between traditionalists and soldiers of fortune.

As far as I managed to check available sources about times of Canderous Ordo, still no mention of Kad Ha’rangir, the mythosaur axe becoming obscurity while swords are a more common sight between post-Neo Crusader Mandalorians, as could be noticed in 

KotOR (2003)

KotOR: Sith Lords (2006) which Mandalorians under Ordo’s leadership 

[Next part] The Old Republic MMORPG game takes place a few hundred years after Mandalore the Indomitable, The Ultimate and the Preserver (Wookiepedia claims the history of SWTOR currently covers the era of 3643–3626 BBY). For the first time an in-universe source contemporary with the events taking place directly mentions Kad Ha’rangir and praying practice...

SIDENOTES:

[8] An examples how the Crusader logo was presented beside the typical circle with sharp (triangle) points:

Animal/beast shape

Sun(?) symbol

[9] The Old Republic: Revan book - leading into the storyline of the SWTOR - claims Mandalore the Ultimate was manipulated by the Sith and the so-called vision of victory over the Republic wasn’t his.

“Mandalore helped the Sith find Dramath’s hidden crypt,” he continued. “The Sith took the remains to give to his Master, and in exchange he told Mandalore of a vision his Master had had of the Mandalorians rising up against the Republic. He told him they would conquer world after world, crushing their enemies until the Republic collapsed in on itself. He promised the Mandalorians a glorious victory, and Mandalore believed him.” “Mandalore the Ultimate wouldn’t lead us into war against the Republic just because some stranger told him we’d win,” Canderous protested. “It’s more complicated than that. The Sith used the power of the dark side to manipulate him. Only as Mandalore lay dying at my feet was the spell finally broken and he realized he’d been tricked. That was why he told me about this place. So I could come and see for myself.” “This doesn’t make any sense,” Canderous said. “You say the Sith tricked Mandalore into attacking the Republic. But why?” “I don’t know,” Revan admitted. “Maybe it was a test of your strength. Or ours. Maybe the Sith are planning another invasion, and they sought to weaken the Republic.”

SWTOR's The Galactic History #67: Mandalore the Ultimate claims:

Later Jedi would believe Sith influences propelled the Mandalorians into war, but the Mandalorians themselves claimed to be driven only by the chance for conquest and revenge.

So the matter of Sith's influence is up to debate, I guess.

[10] Mandalorians: People and Culture [Insider #86] says:

Mandalorians were once intensely religious but disillusionment with the old fanaticism and warship of war itself gave way to a far less supernatural belief system among modern Mandalorians. They now regard creation tales, such as Akaanati’kar’oya (The War of Life and Death), as parables to illustrate a deeper philosophical meaning rather than literal supernaturalism.

what itself fits nicely the switch from religious Taung into more money-oriented mandalorian mercenaries. However the same article undermines the existence of Taungs in the first place by this:

And they’re probably not even the original Mandalorian race. Anthropologists disagree about their roots; did they begin as humans or, as a few academics still claim, a gray-skinned non-human species. Whichever theory you find most convincing, they became a species of predominantly human nomadic warriors.

I personally accept this source in regard to Taung religiosity but at the same time I advise taking a caution approach to it. Mandalorians: History and People has a lot of contradictions that sometimes go against generally accepted Mandalorian norms.

[11] KotOR Campaign Guide claims Canderous Ordo met a Taung after Mandalorians Wars:

“In thanks,  Revan returns to him the traditional mask of Mandalore, and Canderous sets out to reunite the Mandalorians. In so doing, Canderous happens upon an ailing Taung claiming to be the true Mandalore, and calling Mandalore the Ultimate a usurper with Sith ties. Before dying, this nameless Mandalorian presents his armor and clan to Canderous, asking him to preserve the old ways.”

This little story may be seen as another “tale” turned into mandalorian legend and/or cultural tool but also present a possibility that some Taung survived Battle of Malachor and lived for another decades and we simply have no clue about that. So far I have not heard about any hybrid between Taung and humans or other alien species though so I think it is safe to assume they died out at some point as sources claims.

[cienie-isengardu]

Just lil' Donny I made for a friend :)

[cienie-isengardu]

Cienie's take on Mandalorian culture: original Mandalorians and Gai bal manda ritual

I’m currently reading Magia Wojny i Wojna Magii w świecie dawnych Słowian (War Magic and War of Magic in the world of ancient Slavs) by Kamil Kajkowski. In one of chapters, the author mentioned how children were not seen as part of a community until reaching a certain age and undergo appropriate rituals that allowed them officially be seen as a person in legal, cultural and social context. 

This made me think about Taung and Mandalorian culture, specifically in the regard to the Gai bal manda ritual of adoption. Or rather of its origins, as sources imply Taungs did not start adopting outsiders until the few decades before Mandalorian Wars. 

From the History of the Mandalorians:

This mentality led the Crusaders to eradicate entire species like the Fenelar, Tlönians, and Kuarans. Thousands of years later, the Ithullans too would suffer the same fate. In fact, the only species to survive a full-fledged Mandalorian onslaught were neighboring Mandallian Giants. These fierce combatants not only repelled Mandalorian attacks but earned enough respect to later fight beside them.

and mind you, fighting beside Mandalorians does not necessarily mean being adopted into a clan or community; “Industry. Honor. Savagery: Shaping the Mandalorian Soul” specifically noted that Mandalorians and Mandallian Giants agreed to co-exist and assimilation of Giants happened with passing time. Or:

But that didn’t stop the Mandalorians. On the contrary, the temporary defeat precipitated a frenzied conviction that the “Great Last Battle” was at hand. For 20 years, the Mandalorians zealously invaded small non-Republic worlds on the fringe of Known Space, raiding their resources and building up a powerful army. Anticipating an apocalyptic war, the Neo-Crusaders began accepting members of other species into their midst, treating these “converts” as equals.

Furthermore, Knights of the Old Republic Campaign added that in period of time between Sith War and Mandalorian Wars:

[...] many of the conquered peoples are efficiently transformed into Mandalorians, undergoing speedy indoctrination by Neo-Crusader “rally masters” and receiving Neo-Crusader armor 

while

The traditional Crusaders do not proselytize; rather, they attract others to their cause through the examples they set. Veterans see the later Neo-Crusaders movement, which actively converts outsiders in its hurry to conquer the galaxy, as a perversion.

The in-universe text like Death Watch Manifesto and mentioned before “Industry. Honor. Savagery: Shaping the Mandalorian Soul” specifically said that humans were first treated like vassals in the Taung-Mandalorian society and gained the full “civil right” during Mandalore the Ultimate’s regime who opened Mandalorian ranks to anyone who proved their worth and dedicated life to warrior’s ways.

The age of the Taung was ending, but their great work was unfinished. To survive, the Mando'ade must be transformed. It was a terrible burden, but Mandalore the Ultimate bore it with honor. He opened the clans to all who proved themselves in battle and followed the warrior codes. Non-Taungs were no longer confined to vassalship, but could be full-fledged Mandalorian warriors. Our forefathers were among these new Mando'ade, and soon proved they were ready to lead the clans (Death Watch Manifesto).

[...] The Jakelians, for one, welcomed their new Mandalorian overlords, as did knots of worlds populated by humans centered on Concord Dawn and Gargon. Those worlds - along with the likes of Hrthging, Breshig, Shogun, and Ordo - became part of Mandalorian Space (“Industry. Honor. Savagery: Shaping the Mandalorian Soul” from The Essential Guide to Warfare).

There was a better way, and Mandalore the Ultimate was determined to find it. The defeated Crusaders returned to Mandalore Space to learn that their leader had received a new vision on Shogun: From now on, non-Taungs who proved themselves in battle and upheld the Mandalorian warrior code were full members of the clans (“Industry. Honor. Savagery: Shaping the Mandalorian Soul” from The Essential Guide to Warfare).

Thus we may assume that if adoption happened in Taung-ancient Mandalorian culture before the Sith War, it was aimed most likely at the members of the same culture, not really at outsiders. Which implies that before Mandalore the Ultimate’s regime, Taung warriors weren’t that open community and definitely not as open as their human descendants became. However, considering how little we know about Taung as a species - especially from a biological and psychological standpoint, I think we should be wary of attributing to them a human approach to the family in the context of parenthood and adopting children. For example, Galaxy at War sourcebook presented the general personality for Taung characters as:

Personality: Warlike by nature, Taungs are pragmatic and ruthless. But by the same token, they are also extraordinarily loyal to their clan, which serves the same function that a biological family serves for other species.

Which gives room for interpretations, especially as we have no idea how big the average Taung-Mandalorian clan was, nor what kind - if even at all - of biological connections there were between members. Because again, we have no idea how Taungs reproduced while author of Death Watch Manifesto made a point to highlight the difference between human and the original Mandalorians:

We call the Shadow Warriors our Progenitors, though we do not share their blood, and their bodies were those of beasts, not humans.

and so there is a possibility that original Mandalorian culture - due to Taung non-human reproduction - did not have a use of adoption of foundling or orphaned children because the bond between parent and child did not correspond to human norms. For all we know, original Mandalorians could lay eggs or inbreed to the point the distinction between parent, siblings and offspring was a blurred line or more than two individuals must have been involved in the conception of a new child. There are plenty of possibilities for alien species to develop and understand conception of “family” that won’t correspond with human’s biological and emotional needs (i.e. having a child, being a parent), especially as even some humans do not feel the need to have their own biological or whatsoever offspring. There is no need for Taungs to act as humans in that regard or be exactly the same as their modern counterparts. As source imply, for Taungs, adoption was a pragmatic means to pass their culture when they - as a species - were doomed to extinction. For humans though, Mandalore the Ultimate’s law allowed them to rise in the social hierarchy from vassals (subordinates) to the warriors (full-fledged “citizens”) so it makes sense they passed the tradition of adoption to future generations, giving a ground for the modern mandalorian culture.

Coming back to the “perpetrator” of the whole above essay, more precisely the aforementioned belief how children were not seen as part of a community until reaching a certain age and undergo appropriate rituals from Magia Wojny i Wojna Magii, let me present my personal “reconstruction” of Gai bal manda ritual.

In mando’a Gai bal manda means name and soul. If we agree that original Mandalorians

did not adopt outsiders but hold in special regard their community as a whole (specifically the clan, not necessary biological blood-ties) 

were religious and their culture was based on the will of the gods, magical thinking and rituals regulating their life

to officially become part of said community a child at a certain age needed to undergo appropriate rituals (similarly how in The Mandalorians a young Ragnar Vizsla recited the Creed in the presence of the whole community while Grogu, due to being too young could not perform similar rite of passage)

then Gai bal manda could be originally a ritual allowing ancient Mandalorians to officially accept a child into their warrior community.

In modern times, to adopt Mandalorian must recite the phrase ni kyr'tayl gai sa'ad—"I know your name as my child" with adding the adopted person’s name. But back in the old times, predating the Sith War and Mandalorian Wars, the clan as a whole could say something similar to acknowledge the new member of their community. 

Going further with this idea, Gai bal manda could be performed by Mandalore the Ultimate during the Great Adoption, as a symbolic way to acknowledge non-Taung warriors as legal sons and daughters (and any children of whatever gender) of Mandalore. Which frankly would add some interesting implication to Death Watch Manifesto’s description of Mandalore the Ultimate as the Great Shadow Father.

On one hand, this officially recorded symbolic adoption could explain how the phrase ni kyr'tayl gai sa'ad became part of non-Taung mandalorian culture and survived millenia after the original warriors died out. On the other hand, as non-Taung people were “undergoing speedy indoctrination” to become Neo-Crusaders, they did not have time to absorb and understand all the complexity of original Mandalorian culture. And so with passing time, something that once was a ritual to welcome a new (blood related or not) member into a clan became specifically used only for adoption. Partially because the knowledge about religion and all rituals of Taung has been forgotten and/or lost, in part because modern humans have moved away from magical thinking of their progenitors. 

[cienie-isengardu]

[cienie-isengardu]

Star Wars The Mandalorian Season 2 Issue #6