Mana Ekani

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Mana ekani refers to the spiritual and religious beliefs within Rellica. Different ethnic groups place different emphases on different myths, but share certain general beliefs and practices.

Beliefs

Thousands of years ago, before the emergence of modern races, there was an Age of Myth (Lelo ekani: Manahwua mele). The world was roamed by powerful beings known as Melua, and in this time many stories (Lelo Ekani: Mele nui) took place which shape the world as it is today. Following this age of myth, the Melua weakened in power, and the modern races are their descendants.

Ocassionally, the stories of the Age of Myth can "remanifest", appearing as echoes (Lelo ekani: Kanelua), and such is the nature of magical phenomena.

Practice

The stories of the Age of Myth are retold using the art form of Mele Ahi. Mele Ahi involves performers (Lelo Ekani: Aihwua) retelling the myths of Mana ekani in song and dance, often in 'Ōlelo mele, and with a great enthusiasm for adaptation and modification.

Magic

A practictioner of magic, known as an Ulanua, can forcefully bring about the echoes of myths with themselves at the centre. This requires certain criteria to be met:

• The myth must be retold by the Ulanua.
• The Ulanua must take on a particular role within the myth.
• The Ulanua must project the rest of the myth onto the situation around them.
• The Ulanua must suspend their disbelief such that, in the front of their mind, the myth is actually happening. This effect is infectious. If taken too far, the Ulanua can be absorbed into the myth and permanently lose their sense of self.

This art is called Ulana mele or Mythweaving.