Krakens, Gods, and Humans: How Traditions and Superstitions Are Born

Geographical location shapes countless aspects of a nation—its food, music, clothing, and more. While I’ll explore those another time, today, I want to focus on how festivals, traditions, and superstitions bring a culture to life. I’ll also introduce an event from Book One, the annual Merchant’s Kraken Hunt Festival, without revealing any spoilers

Every town, city, and significant location must have a purpose. A seaport thrives on ocean access, a mountain fortress stands strong against sieges, and a small village flourishes by growing crops and raising cattle. Every location serves a purpose, and with that purpose come traditions and holidays shaped by regional events. Farmers celebrate a successful harvest, a trading port prays to the Sea God for protection, and a fortress offers sacrifices to ward off invading enemies.

In Book One, the adventuring guild participates in an annual event known as the Kraken Hunt Festival. What began as wealthy merchants hiring adventurers for protection against krakens and sea monsters has evolved into an annual festival that boosts local commerce and tourism. It also attracts ambitious new adventurers seeking wealth and provides a great opportunity for rogue adventurers to be scouted by guilds.

The Kraken Hunt is now a week-long competition, sponsored by merchants who export goods from this part of the world. Afterwards, the seaport city hosts a festival to celebrate, feasting on krakens and other sea monsters.

The slain monsters provide food for the locals and are also traded inland as a delicacy to neighbouring kingdoms. The Kraken Hunt Festival holds one other tradition, but you’ll have to read the book to find out what it is. The world feels more real and vibrant with just this one tradition already, yet all of this is only possible due to the location and daily struggles of the climate. Without a high population of sea monsters, or greedy merchants willing to sail through dangerous waters, this seaport wouldn’t require annual commissions, or have evolved into a grand festival, or be worth mentioning in the series.

While geography shapes traditions, beliefs and superstitions weave just as deeply into a culture’s fabric. Across civilizations, myths arise to explain the unknown and bring meaning to daily life. Whether it’s praying to the Sea God for safe passage or offering thanks for a bountiful harvest, myths and beliefs shape everyday life. In my series, the presence of the Sun and Moon Gods linger in everyday life, shaping customs and beliefs about communication, secrecy, and to some extent love.

To end today’s post, below is a common passage found amongst my world that describes the eternal lovers:

The Sun God, overseer of messages, letters, and announcements, loves the attention of the living and ensures everyone receives their news. He is as bright and joyous as the radiant sun, warm and caring as a summer day, yet cannot keep a secret to save his life. Anything said under the watch of the sun may not stay a secret for long. The Sun God loves to gossip and ensure everyone’s announcements are heard. It is said that if you wish to capture a large audience’s attention, you should speak at noon under the open sky, where the Sun God can listen and join in the fun. Yet despite his bold antics and joy among the living, he struggles to find the right words for the one who captured his heart.

The Moon, his one true love, is more reserved and hidden away. She is rumoured to be the most beautiful of all the gods, yet few even amongst the gods can claim to have ever seen her. She likes to stay in the dark out of sight, listening to people’s whispers, secrets, and confessions. She helps protect people’s most private conversations or serves as a listener for those who pray to the night sky. For those who cry themselves to sleep, or stay up late worrying and working, she watches over and will whisper encouragement or guidance that can almost be mistaken as a gentle night breeze. She aids those who meet their lovers in secret or move unseen, as long as their intent is not malicious. She lets the gods of war and deceit take care of any that have foul play in their hearts. Though her heart remains hidden from the world, it overflows with love for those who dare to shine, be it beneath the moonlight or in the sunlight.