Ilviran Symbols: An Overview

Since Ilvir has no fixed form, his followers represent him in art and ritual through symbols. The most typical Ilviran symbols are listed below

Serpents

Ilviran image

Snakes figure prominently in Ilviran symbolism.

These creatures are generally understood to represent the god himself, whose favorite form is said to be that of a “Great Worm”.

Several iconic serpent forms recur with especial frequency. The Ourorobos, also known as The Serpent Devouring Its Young, depicts a circular snake, clenching its own tail in its mouth. Another popular form is that of the coiled serpent.

Ivashu & Other Beasts

Umbrathri CarvingsDepictions of Ivashu appear frequently in Ilviran art. Sometimes, Ivashu forms are intended to represented Ilvir's strange brood; at other times they represent the god himself.

In addition to the most common Ivashu forms— Aklash, Hru, Nolah, Umbrathi, and Vlasta— Ilviran art often depicts other kinds of strange beasts. This includes mythical beasts such as chimerae, gryphons, dragons, and the like. It also includes strange and unidentifable creatures.

Ilviran art and symbolism occasionally also depicts wild beasts of a more mundane nature, wolves, bears, lions, frogs, fish, eels, etc. Birds figure rarely in Ilviran art.

The Claw

The Claw

After serpents and Ivashu, the symbol of The Claw is the most frequently appearing symbol of Ilvir. Many Iviran priests wear simple necklaces with a single claw (carved out of wood or metal, or taken from a beast).

Ilvirans in southern Hârn often associate this symbol with the myth of Agrik's Sundered Claw (see the pages on Ilviran Myth). However, there are Ilvirans in the north of Hârn who are unfamiliar with this myth, who also use the Claw as a symbol.

The Tower

The Tower

Another frequent symbol in Ilviran iconography is the Tower. In Ilviran art, towers are usually depicted as partially ruined or crumbling.

Most Ilvirans identify this symbol with the ruined stone tower that stands over a damp sinkhole known as Ilvir's Pit at Araka-Kalai, the god's alleged dwelling-place.

It is widely believed that the tower was erected by Ilvir himself.

Earth, Caves, & Pits

CavesThe earth— be it loamy soil, moldable clay, or soggy mud— is also closely associated with Ilvir.

The same is true for entrances into the earth— caverns, pits, sinkholes, serve as symbols of Ilvir.

Some Ilvirans regard all such caves as holy.