The Mithrandic Trinity
by Dave

A dialog about the nature of the trinity in the Mithrandic cycle of life.

Q-What is the trinity?
A-The Trinity is the configuration of threes that appears within the cycle of the Mithrandic religion -- The Three (or Triune) being Albidar (warrior), Sagron (sage) and Elihu (nurturer), or the three lifetimes we are granted to achieve grace before Him, and yet also the thirds our society falls into -- those who fight, those who serve, and those who work.

Q-Triune? How do they relate to people?
A-All who are born under the seven pointed star are found to be somewhere within the triune cycle, be they a horse herder, a noble's scribe or a wandering beggar. Each will be found to be somewhere on the great path to enlightenment and their eventual return to the light.

Q-How does one know where they are?
A-In times past, only those who had the clearest vision and access to the wisdoms of worship were granted the insights to tell what aspect a petitoner possessed. Now that power has passed onwards. It is known that all of his children will have three lives to pass through the three stages of growth -- Nurturer, Warrior, Sage. The children are given these lives to complete their quest on this world, and bring their deeds and their stories before the Lord of Light at the end of their journey. Those who have been diligent and successful in his eyes will be judged worthy there upon the plains of Elysium.

Q-Can one fail to be worthy?
A-Yes, those who turn away from the light, and pursue selfish and aggrandizing acts of no common or natural good can be said to be failing.

Q-Will their misdeeds be punished?
A-If they have reached the end of their cycle, when they are judged before Him they will be turned away, into the darkness that engendered their deeds. There they will suffer the torments of nothingness, pursued by the memories of their failures. One cannot escape this.

Q-There is no atonement?
A-If there is another life left in the cycle, there is a chance for atonement.

Q-So, if one were aware that this life was the first one, one could live a life of total evil and hope to regain favor in the next life?
A-Yes, but also consider that your evil acts may be another one's challenge for his atonement. A balance of free will exists, and nothing is fated before HIM, yet so it is that there is temporal as well as spiritual justice.

Q-What happens when you die the first time?
A-Your deeds are gathered into a tapestry, and your story is used to guide your steps into the next life, therein to fulfil the gaps in that tapestry, to consolidate or flesh out one's soul.

Q-So each person's life has a destiny?
A-Each person's life has the opportunity to fulfill a part of their soul's journey, be they learning to understand humility, share mercy or avenge injustice. The choices are there for them to make. If fulfilling their soul is to be their choice, then that shall be their destiny.

Q-How do we know what goals each of our lives has?
A-We do not know, not at birth, but we seek opportunities for growth in our lives as practiced by the Triune. One can be a warrior in the mold of Albidar yet with the inner pursuit of knowledge of Sagron, and the careful husbandry and teaching of Elihu. Yolen the Sword Sage is a perfect example of the blendings therein.

Q-Is a simple peasant working a hide of land expected to have such a noble aspiration?
A-The peasant may only need to be just that -- i.e. a nurturing parent, a provider, a pair of strong hands and service, to complete their cycle. Or it could be that they are set at a humble station to surpass themselves and become into greater challenges -- for example Nystul the first's father tended carp ponds for a monastery.

Q-And a King?
A-Therein lies the greatest truth. We are set upon a path which offers failure and success -- so it is that the King's path is seen as that of equal dignity and difficulty as that of a woodcutter. Each one's life is important before Mithras, and each one's deeds will be weighed in light of what they entered into this world with. Great advantage implies great challenge. The woodcutter could be an earl or a priest in his next incarnation. Note that even the avatar himself, Epimetreus, lived three lives upon the world, laid end to end. That he did not become born between times was the mark of grace laid upon him. In his first life, he was a nurturer, a simple shepherd. As he grew into the responsibilities laid upon him, he became the sage that could turn men's hearts toward the word of Mithras. Then he lived as a warrior who pursued his enemies to the limits of Mithras' dominions. That his cycle was ended, and ended well is a mark of his being carried into the bosom of Mithras when his deeds, his tapestry and his soul were replete.