Shadew
The traditional divinity of the Shadew River is known by the names of the many lands and tribes through which the river flows. Shadew is considered a 'lower god' because he exists on the earth rather than in the heavens or on Isxinthios. His cult is very ancient and he is honored in all the lands through which his waters flow.
Temple of the River God at Shadwagorn
The small city of Shadwagorn is particularly sacred to Shadew with its gold-inlay wooden temple that rests on an islet on the north shore of the river. The gold decoration is said to have been gathered completely by panning from the river. The name of the temple avoids direct reference to Shadew as is traditional in ancient Gwenyan Languages.
Pietific Circumlocution
As with other Numinous Gods, a circumlocution is often used to avoid drawing attention, possibly unwanted, from the specific divinity. For example, the god of the Shadew River is called 'Shadew' when one is away from the River. But when one can see the river or possibly hear its waters, the Shadew is called "the Gentle Landflow" or the "Old One of the Valley" by traditional occupants of Shaddago and the Vale of Shadew.
In ancient times, a drop of one's own blood into the river was considered necessary to secure safe passage over its waves or to satisfy the river god if one had uttered his name in his presence. This practice continues among priests, rustics, and the Shadevan Trolls.
See Also
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