Keranos
| Keranos | |
|---|---|
| God of Storms | |
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| Information | |
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| Species | God |
| Birth, Life & Death | |
| Birthplace | Theros |
Keranos (/kɛərənoʊs/, KEHR-eh-nohs[1]) is the god of storms and insight on Theros, embodying both the destructive power of lightning and the brilliance of sudden inspiration. Uninterested in morality and impatient with indecision, he values action, clarity, and intellect above all else. Keranos delivers knowledge through bolts of insight or literal lightning, caring little for whether the result is creation or destruction. He is revered by inventors, philosophers, and oracles who seek solutions to intractable problems, and feared by those who speak foolishly or act without forethought. His unpredictable revelations can change the course of events, but never with compassion.[2]
Description
Keranos embodies the fury of the storm and the sudden blaze of epiphany. A god of little patience and less mercy, he dispenses insights and blasts of lightning in equal measure. He holds a lightning bolt in his right hand. Keranos is intolerant of mortals, whom he sees as reckless and short-sighted. Yet he respects those who act with purpose and decisiveness, especially when they seek his insight with humility and courage. Such individuals may receive prophetic visions, glimpses of the future that illuminate but offer no power to alter fate.
Keranos rarely appears in person, preferring to communicate through moments of divine inspiration or the raw spectacle of storms. When he does manifest, he typically takes the form of a stern, bearded man clad in a purple loincloth girdled with a mithral chain belt clasped by a dragon's skull. Alternatively, he may appear as a great horned owl, with lightning flashing in its eyes. Particularly clever words or plans may draw a fleeting smile, but foolishness invites immediate punishment. Among mortals, Queen Cymede of Akros was his most prominent devotee, and her patronage helped spread his worship across the region.[2]
Goals and Influence
Keranos represents insight unhindered by compassion and wisdom forged in the crucible of adversity. Like a storm that tears down the old to make way for new growth, he believes destruction has a place in the cycle of invention. He grants knowledge to both healers and warlords, caring only that the insight is applied boldly and creatively. He does not desire leadership among the gods, nor does he seek followers for comfort. Rather, he favors those who challenge themselves to think clearly and act with precision.[2]
Divine Relationships
Keranos is not sociable, and his interactions with other gods are often terse and impersonal. However, he shares a mutual respect with Thassa, whose introspection and love of deep truths complement his pursuit of revelation. The two are known to debate ancient philosophies in rare, extended conversations. He also maintains a volatile but productive relationship with Purphoros, whose fervent need to create pairs well with Keranos’s bursts of divine inspiration. Their collaboration gave rise to Epiphany, Keranos’s mighty javelin.[2]
Worship
Keranos is invoked by sailors facing tempests, artisans struggling with invention, and thinkers seeking divine insight. His name is not spoken lightly; irreverent or casual supplication may result in sudden, lethal retribution. In Akros, Queen Cymede once led elaborate rites in his honor, culminating in sand paintings erased by storm rain to symbolize the impermanence of genius. A similar celebration, the Lightning Festival, is held in Meletis and gives its name (Astrapion) to the third month of the Theran calendar. On the last day of each month, his worshipers offer fish and spirits at his temples, burning them under open skies as a tribute to his storm-wrath and wisdom.[2]
History
Keranos, like the other gods of Theros, was affected by the Silence of the Gods, which prevented divine contact with mortals.[3] However, he circumvented the Silence by sending prophetic visions to Queen Cymede, helping her raise the Deyda River into a steam elemental that destroyed the invading minotaur army of Rhordon. As a reward for her faith, Keranos took her from Akros shortly before the Great Revel, removing her from the mortal realm.[4]
Inspiration
The character of Keranos collects aspects of the Greek gods Zeus (lightning and storms) and Apollo (oracles).
Story appearances
Gallery
In-game references
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References
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (September 26, 2013). "Theran Pronunciation Quiz". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2021-04-30.
- ↑ a b c d e Wizards RPG Team (2020), D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Wizards of the Coast
- ↑ Jenna Helland (April 2014). Theros: Godsend, Part I, Wizards of the Coast. ISBN 978-0-7869-6556-4
- ↑ Jenna Helland (May 2014). Journey into Nyx: Godsend, Part II, Wizards of the Coast
External links
- The Magic Creative Team (April 02, 2014). "Planeswalker's Guide to Journey into Nyx". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2020-11-12.
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