Editing Vorinism

{{culture
|image=Relief.jpg
|related=[[Alethkar]], [[Jah Keved]], [[Kharbranth]], [[New Natanan]], [[Thaylenah]]
|type={{cat tag|Religion}}
|world=Roshar
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
}}
{{update|sa4}}
'''Vorinism''' is one of the primary religions of [[Roshar]]. It is most prevalent in [[Alethkar]], [[Jah Keved]], [[Kharbranth]], [[New Natanan]] and [[Thaylenah]], collectively known as the Vorin kingdoms, and becomes less common further west.{{book ref|sa3|28}} The religion worships the [[Almighty]], a deity based on [[Honor]], and the ten [[Herald]]s.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

== Beliefs ==

=== The Almighty ===
In Vorin religion, people believe in the [[Almighty]], the force of good and creator of mankind, along with animals and plantlife and Roshar itself.{{book ref|sa1|part=ars}}{{book ref|sa1|7}} The glory of Almighty is such that anyone looking upon him would immediately burn to ash.{{book ref|sa1|7}} As such, he is typically represented by the divine prism with ten facets, one for each of the Heralds.{{book ref|sa1|33}} 

The Almighty is believed to have ten holy names; including his tenth name, Elithanathile or ''He who Transforms''; which is allowed only to be spoken by members of the Ardentia.{{book ref|sa1|7}}{{book ref|sa4|97}}

It is believed that the Almighty exists within all people.{{book ref|sa4|22}}

The Almighty is ultimately based on the Shard Honor. Some Ardents have tried to reconceptualize their faith after learning of Honor's death, interpreting Honor as merely being an aspect of the Almighty through which He revealed himself.{{book ref|sa4|22}}

{{image|Chasmfiend_old.jpg|side=left|width=250px|Artistic representation of a Desolation.}}

=== The Heralds ===
The Heralds were believed to be forces of good which fought against the Voidbringers in one-hundred Desolations. After the hundredth Desolation, the Last Desolation or Aharietiam, they cast away the Voidbringers from Roshar forever. But they continue to fight against them in the Tranquiline Halls, in order to liberate the Halls from them.{{book ref|sa1|45}} 

Each Herald is an emissary of the Almighty, wielding potent magical powers, as well as the ability to respond to prayers and patronage over a specific part of human experience.{{book ref|sa3|part=ars}} Vorinism typically places [[Jezrien]] and [[Kalak]] as the highest among the Heralds, with others beneath them.{{book ref|sa3|26}} Occasionally, either of them are conflated with the [[Stormfather]], who in turn is commonly equated with the Almighty himself, although this depends on the particular Vorin country.{{book ref|sa3|64}}{{book ref|sa2|74}}

=== List of Heralds ===
{{columns|
* Jezerezeh'Elin
* Nalan'Elin
* Chanarach'Elin
* Vedeledev'Elin
* Pailiah'Elin
* Shalash'Elin
* Battah'Elin
* Kelek'Elin
* Talenelat'Elin
* Ishi'Elin
}}

=== Creation Myth === 
Vorin doctrine claims that the Almighty created both plants and creatures, including mankind.{{book ref|sa1|part=ars}} He too created the [[Tranquiline Halls]] and Roshar, through the use of the [[Soulcaster]]s.{{book ref|sa1|7}} Through his goodness, and the creation of good things, the cosmere bore forth the Voidbringers as a rival evil to his goodness. Forged in [[Damnation]], they are regarded as the embodiment of evil, and the polar opposite of the Almighty.{{book ref|sa1|45}}{{book ref|sa2|32}}

The Vorin creation story places mankind's origins at the Tranquiline Halls, a paradise where they existed for some time, before they they were forced out by the Voidbringers in an event known as the Expulsion.{{file ref|The History of Man.jpg|The History of Man}}

The Voidbringers followed humanity to Roshar trying to destroy it or force humanity off it and into Damnation. Mankind, led by the Heralds and their [[Knights Radiant|chosen knights]], fought them off ninety-nine times in what are known as [[Desolation]]s. Finally in [[Aharietiam]], the Last Desolation, the Voidbringers were defeated and cast back into the Tranquiline Halls. The Heralds followed to force them out of this heaven as well, heralding the Era of Solitude.{{book ref|sa1|45}}{{book ref|sa1|61}}

On Roshar, the Knights Radiant were left behind, although they ultimately betrayed humankind in the [[Day of Recreance]]. One explanation for the betrayal is that the Knights Radiant imitated great powers and pretended a holy calling using elaborate tricks and once this was discovered they fled.{{book ref|sa1|26}} Whatever explanation is given, it is believed that the Knights Radiant betrayed mankind, gaining the moniker of the Lost Radiants.{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa1|43}}{{book ref|sa3|35}}

=== Morality === 
==== Calling ====
All Vorins are expected to choose a '''Calling''', their greatest talent, and practice it until death.{{book ref|sa1|33}} However, it seems acceptable for one to choice to change their Calling.{{book ref|sa1|i|8}}

In the Alethi variety of Vorinism, fighting is considered the most important Calling, as the Almighty depends on Alethi to join the Heralds' army in their afterlife and win back the Tranquiline Halls.{{book ref|sa1|18}} The ardents are supposed to help someone follow their Calling, helping them to set goals for them to achieve in furtherance of it.{{book ref|sa1|18}} When one furthers their Calling enough, they '''Elevate''', one goes through multiple Elevations in the pursuance of their Calling.{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa4|22}}

==== Glory ====
Closely tied to the concept of a Calling is Glory. A Glory is a particular attribute of the Almighty that one is supposed to emulate in the pursuit of their Calling. One typically choses their Glory alongside their Calling, as the two are supposed to work together; for example, the Calling of a warrior and the Glory of determination.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

It is seen that Lighteyes have more innate Glory than others, and that the purer their blood, the more they possess.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

===== Known Glories =====
{{columns|
* Determination{{book ref|sa1|18}}
* Denial{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}
* Insight{{book ref|sa1|33}}{{file ref|Kholinar.jpg|Map of Kholinar}}
* Mercy{{book ref|sa4|25}}
* Purity{{book ref|sa1|33}}
* Sincerity{{book ref|sa1|48}}
}}

==== Telling the Future ====
It is seen that telling the future is an utmost evil, inherently tied to [[Voidbinding]].{{book ref|sa1|18}}

Due to this, Vorins look down upon gambling and games of chance, seeing them as immoral, heretical, and dangerous.{{cite}}

==== Transformation and Change ====
Vorinism preaches change and becoming something better. They believe that the ability of mankind to change and grow, making their mind and soul into something better, is one of the Almighty's greatest gifts. This concept forms a core pillar of their doctrine.{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}{{book ref|sa4|26}}{{book ref|sa4|i|2}} The power of change and transformation is also held to be holy, and to be one of the greatest powers held by the Almighty.{{book ref|sa1|7}}

==== Oaths and Marriage ====
{{anchor|Causal}} 
When it comes to relationships, Vorinism is focused on making and upholding oaths. Breaking oaths, or acting without proper oaths, such as having sex outside of marriage, is frowned upon.{{wob ref|1443}} However, Vorinism offers a wide variety of partnership oaths for those who do wish to pursue relationships, including some for same-sex couples.{{wob ref|1443}} All official Vorin betrothals must be signed and verified by ardents. As a result, people sometimes use a '''causal''' betrothal, which makes them practically engaged but confers no legal benefits.{{book ref|sa2|1}}

Ardents are permitted to marry, but only within the ardentia.{{book ref|sa3|10}}

==== Sex and Sexuality ====
As mentioned previously, premarital sex and adultery are frowned upon, alongside the institution of prostitution.{{wob ref|1443}}{{cite}} Hand-holding, particularly with the safehand of a woman, is considered very intimate.{{wob ref|8810}}

=== Life After Death ===
Those who grow to be the very best at their Calling are chosen to join the Heralds in the fight to regain the Tranquiline Halls when they die. Their particular afterlife differs depending on the Calling -- those who were the very best at farming become farmers for the Heralds, those who are the greatest at battle are chosen to fight beside the Heralds, etc.{{book ref|sa1|3}}{{book ref|sa1|i|8}}{{book ref|sa1|16}}{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa1|28}} Depending on what your calling was in life, you would receive powers in the afterlife. A farmer would be able to cause whole fields of crops to grow with a single gesture, a spearman could create thunder with his shield and lightning from his spear.{{book ref|sa1|59}}

The Heraldic Forces were a believed to be the army of the [[Herald]]s that fought the [[Voidbringer]]s for the [[Tranquiline Halls]]{{book ref|twok|15}} in what was called the War for Heaven.{{book ref|sa1|59}} It was said that the sound of a horn would call the Heraldic Forces to the field of battle.{{book ref|twok|17}} Joining the Heraldic forces was the considered to be highest Calling of men.{{book ref|sa1|18}} 

Those who do not achieve their greatest potential are stuck in a dreamless sleep until the Halls are reconquered,{{book ref|sa1|59}} while those who do horrible things are cast into Damnation. Damnation is believed to be a cold place where the dead are punished for their sins.{{book ref|tsm|34}}

They appear to have some awareness of the Spiritual Realm, but conflate it with the afterlife.{{book ref|sa1|16}}{{book ref|sa1|i|8}}

=== Belief in Symmetry ===
Symmetry is considered holy in Vorinism. Among others, [[glyph]]s are shaped symmetrically, [[Silver Kingdoms]] have perfectly symmetrical names, the heralds have symmetric names, and many people's names are close to symmetrical. However, people who have names that are actually symmetric are looked down on as "too holy" and therefore blasphemous.{{book ref|sa2|29}} Even the Double Eye of the Almighty, which represents the Almighty and the world itself, is designed with two-fold symmetry.{{book ref|sa1|part=ars}}{{file ref|TWoK_Front_Endsheet.jpg|Double Eye of the Almighty}}

==== Importance of Opposites ====
This belief in symmetry also extends to a metaphysical dimension. Vorinism teaches that, as the Almighty and his goodness exists, so too must an opposite force as evil as he is good. It is this necessity for symmetry that led to the birth of the Voidbringers as a rival evil to his good.{{book ref|sa1|45}} The belief in opposites can also be seen in the dichotomy between the Tranquiline Hills and Damnation.

=== Temples ===
Traditional Vorin temples are circular and domed, with a sloping mound in the center. Usually, the dome is exactly ten feet tall at its highest point. They are often filled with statues and pictures of the Heralds.{{book ref|sa1|18}} A major city is expected to have a separate temple for each Herald.{{file ref|Thaylen City.jpg|Map of Thaylen City}}{{file ref|Kholinar.jpg|Map of Kholinar}} Additionally, wealthy lighteye families will often have private chapels, and the ardentia maintains monasteries throughout the continent. Such monasteries, like [[Jokasha Monastery|Jokasha]], are often seen as highly desirable postings, with many ardents working decades to get into one.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}}

=== Ten Essences ===
{{for|Ten Essences}}
The Ten Essences are a Vorin framework for understanding the nature of reality and of Soulcasting. Each Essence is associated with a [[polestone]], a body focus, its soulcasting properties, a Herald, and the attributes associated with that Herald, amongst other associations.{{book ref|sa1|part=ars}} The Ten Essences have their foundation in Soulcasting, and what soulcasted materials are associated with what polestone.

=== Prayer ===
Vorin pray through [[Glyphward|glyphwards]], prayers written in glyphs, typically on a strip of paper, calling on the Almighty and, sometimes, one or more of the Heralds. They are typically burned to carry the soul of the prayer to the Almighty.{{book ref|sa1|69}}

In higher classes of [[Alethkar]], much of the religious observation falls to the priesthood, the [[Ardent]]ia, rather than the lighteyes themselves. The ardents in the employ of a lighteye are supposed to perform the required rituals for their master, so that the lighteyes do not have to worry about the spiritual aspect of their lives.{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}

=== Oathgates ===
The original purpose of the [[Oathgate]]s has been lost to time, though they are still considered sacred. In the present day, it's believed that the eleven lamps stand for the ten [[Silver kingdoms|Epoch Kingdoms]] and the [[Tranquiline Halls]], while the huge keyhole is "the need for ardents to ignore borders, and look only at the hearts of men".{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}

=== Scripture ===
Vorin doctrine holds [[The Arguments]] as their holy scripture, which acts as a basis of much of their mythology and moral framework.{{book ref|sa1|24}}{{book ref|sa1|61}}

== Culture ==
{{image|Vorin_Havah.jpg|side=right|width=200px|Vorin woman, with covered safehand on display.}}
The Vorin religion is closely interwoven with the culture of the Vorin kingdoms, to the point where the same word is applied to both the faith and the culture. Its modern form appears to be based on the book ''[[Arts and Majesty]]'', outlining what is proper for men and women. Women are expected to completely cover their left hand (called [[Safehand]] in Vorin vernacular) from the age of roughly eleven or twelve, as it is generally considered obscene.{{book ref|sa1|3}}{{book ref|sa2|19}} They are, however, permitted to learn how to read and write, and expected to manage a household and business. Feminine arts include painting, reading, writing, and music. Flutes are a commonly chosen instrument, however, it is rare for side-blown flutes to be found on Roshar.{{book ref|sa1|57}} More confrontational positions, such as politics and military, are considered masculine -- however, men are forbidden (or at least discouraged) from learning the alphabet and a man who is literate is considered unseemly.{{book ref|tsm|19}}{{cite}} Additionally, Vorinism differentiates between feminine and masculine foods (sweet and spicy). Those division between genders do not apply to ardents, who are considered genderless from cultural standpoint, and thus permitted to engage in both feminine and masculine activities. By tradition, every person can learn a trade at a Vorin temple, including those of the opposite gender.{{book ref|sa2|63}}

In addition, the Vorin religion justifies the cultural divide between the [[Lighteyes]] and [[Darkeyes]], with the former being considered closer to the [[Almighty]] and thus more holy, giving them power over the darkeyed masses.{{book ref|sa1|73}}

Vorins are sometimes purposefully named after the Heralds -- for example, [[Shallan]] for [[Shalash]]{{wob ref|333}} or [[Kaladin]] for [[Kalak]].{{wob ref|3199}}

There is some crossover among different groups within Vorinism, such as with Essential Theology, which is known to be used by ardents, scholars, and Soulcasters, and is related to polestones.{{book ref|sa3|109}}


=== Law ===
Apart from cultural and religious aspect, Vorinism has an impact on the legal system, as the teachings of Heralds demand implementation of certain laws.

==== The Right of Travel ====
{{quote
|Institute a right of movement, so that a family who feels their lord is unrighteous can leave his area. Then tie a lord's authority to the people who follow him.
|[[Nale]]{{book ref|sa4|47}}
}}

The Right of Travel allows every Vorin citizen of sixth [[nahn]] or higher to freely travel between various Vorin lands.{{book ref|sa2|15}} Vast majority of darkeyes have this right. Lacking it ties a person to the land they were born in, and usually means that something has gone very badly for their ancestors.{{wob ref|2782}} However, joining the military automatically forfeits the Right of Travel for the duration of service.{{book ref|sa2|15}}

The Right of Travel is derived from the [[Herald]]s teaching that all borders should be open.{{book ref|sa2|84}} More specifically, it was established by [[Nale]], as a way to protect the weak from abuses of power.{{book ref|sa4|47}} It also serves as a form of addressing the power imbalance between lighteyes and darkeyes, as most darkeyes are able to leave a land that is poorly managed.{{wob ref|2782}}

==== The Right to Learn ====
Most people in Vorin kingdoms have the Right to Learn professions in any temple of the [[Almighty]].{{book ref|sa2|63}} Larger Vorin temples have at least one [[ardent]] who is an expert in any given art or trade, and they provide training to anyone who's interested, regardless of eye color.

==== The Right of Challenge ====
{{for|Right of Challenge}}
The Right of Challenge allows a distinguished lighteyed warrior to demand justice through combat from the one who wronged him. Though the Right is almost never used in the modern day, it can still be exercised, and is well-known among lighteyes.{{book ref|sa2|55}} This Right, however, does not extend to darkeyes, and a darkeye attempting to call on it can be punished with execution.{{book ref|sa2|58}}

== Priesthood ==
{{image|Kadash.jpg|side=right|width=200px|[[Kadash]], a Vorin ardent}}

The Vorin priests are called '''ardents'''; the entirety of them is referred to as the '''ardentia'''. In matters of faith, they are led by a '''council of Curates''', operating out of the Holy Enclave in the [[Veden]] city of [[Valath]]. This council has the authority to excommunicate members of the church, including the leaders of Vorin countries, for heresy -- a right given to them by the Covenants of Theocracy, an unspecified, but centuries-old document. They can be recognized by their blue robes, as well as gem-encrusted staves, far more ornate than is considered proper post-Hierocracy.{{book ref|sa3|100}} 

Other types of ardents are likewise differentiated by the colors of their robes -- regular ones wear gray, while the [[soulcaster]]s wear red.{{book ref|sa2|35}} Many ardents have shaved heads, and men often have long beards. Both male and female ardents are considered genderless from the social standpoint: women do not need to cover their [[safehand]], while men are allowed to learn to read and write, and both can eat both sweet and spicy foods. This being said, while they are technically allowed to pursue both masculine and feminine arts, they are often pushed to follow their gender.{{book ref|sa1|33}} Ardents are permitted to marry, but only within the ardentia.{{book ref|sa3|10}}

=== Slavery ===
Ardents are, technically, slaves to [[Lighteyes|lighteyed]] nobles of [[Vorin]] countries, with some serving specific households while others are beholden to the national ruler.{{book ref|sa1|18}} They can neither hold land nor own property -- a safeguard to prevent a second [[Hierocracy]].{{book ref|sa1|59}} Like [[Parshmen]] and other slaves they are not paid for their work, but they are highly respected, even by people above them in the social hierarchy.{{book ref|sa2|16}} It seems one cannot be forced to become an ardent; rather, people join willingly, and can also leave if they so choose.{{book ref|sa2|26}}{{book ref|sa1|42}}

They believe that the limitations put upon them, and their state of slavery to high ranked political officials, is done by the Almighty as so that they never rise above their stations. They believe that the Highprinces that own them are chosen as the Almighty's guardians of the people.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

=== Spiritual Guidance ===
Ardents are forbidden from participating in politics or holding social offices. However, their word and opinions are still highly valued, and they hold authority in spiritual matters.{{book ref|sa3|100}}

Ardents are responsible for the spiritual well-beings of their masters, and often tend to various rites and rituals in their stead, so as to allow the [[lighteyes]] to go on with their lives unburdened.{{book ref|sa2|i|12}} For the [[darkeyes]], ardents provide advice in pursuing their Calling, as well as education -- the Right to Learn means that any person who asks for it must be taught by the ardents. For this reason, most major temples have ardents specializing in most common skills, from fighting to writing.{{book ref|sa2|64}} This also means that they are allowed to wield [[Shardblade]]s, as they must be capable of teaching the lighteyes how to use them.{{book ref|sa2|18}}

They are the only people allowed to speak Almighty's tenth name, ''Elithanathile'', or He Who Transforms.{{book ref|sa1|7}} However, it seems that this isn't considered to be too important of a rule, as [[Navani Kholin]], a devout Vorin, commonly uses it as an exclamation of shock or awe.

They are seen as being important in helping one set personal goals in order to better achieve their Calling.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

=== Soulcasting ===
In [[Alethkar]], ardents are the only people allowed to use [[Soulcaster]]s. They surround the practice with mystery, carrying out Soulcasting at night and under heavy guard to prevent the general public from seeing. They are not, however, allowed to use Soulcasters on people. Those among the ardentia who use Soulcasters are often worked until they die of [[savant]]hood as their bodies become more and more like the things they Soulcast.{{book ref|sa2|35}}{{book ref|sa3|i|4}}

=== Devotaries ===
{{image|Ellista.png|side=right|width=200px|[[Ellista]], a scholar from the Devotary of the Mind}}

Ardents are separated into Devotaries, sects devoted to different aspects of Vorinism. Devotaries come in different forms: some, like the Devotary of the Mind, are monastic, sequestered away from civilization to devote themselves, while others permit their members to remain in touch with the rest of the world.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}}{{book ref|sa1|7}} This being said, ardents are generally not allowed to marry outside of their orders, though at least some orders allow them to marry each other.{{book ref|sa1|42}}{{book ref|sa1|8}} Overall, their chief purpose is to aid in nurturing the believers' Callings. 

Devotaries are dedicated either to a specific Glory,{{book ref|sa1|33}}{{book ref|sa2|i|12}} or to a specific Herald.{{book ref|sa4|25}}{{book ref|sa1|54}}

Known devotaries include:

* {{anchor|Devotary of Purity}}'''The Devotary of Purity''' is dedicated to wholesomeness and honesty. Members of this devotary are expected to keep their thoughts and actions 'pure'. A member's talents are expected to be dedicated to purity as well, such as an artist depicting only religious topics.{{book ref|sa1|33}} [[Shallan Davar]] is a member of this devotary, by her father's choice.{{book ref|sa1|33}}

* {{anchor|Devotary of Sincerity}}'''The Devotary of Sincerity''' is dedicated to seeking truth in all things. Members believe that there is always something to learn, and everything is subject to scrutiny, even their own religion. No question is rebuked. It is one of the smallest devotaries.{{book ref|sa1|48}} In stark contrast to the rest of Vorinism, [[Jasnah]] respects this devotary, and suggests that Shallan seek it out once she arrives home.{{book ref|sa1|48}}

* {{anchor|Devotary of Insight}}'''The Devotary of Insight''' is not described. Many ardents from the Devotary of Insight are seen exchanging dulled lamps from the Palanaeum and putting infused ones in their place.{{book ref|sa1|33}} They have a temple in Kholinar.{{file ref|Kholinar.jpg|Map of Kholinar}}

* {{anchor|Devotary of Denial}}'''The Devotary of Denial''' seems to emphasize the denial of desires to the point of asceticism.{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}

* {{anchor|Devotary of Mind}}'''The Devotary of the Mind''' is a monastic devotary with its home at the [[Jokasha Monastery]] on the western slopes of the [[Horneater Peaks]]. It is devoted to historical and linguistic study, with the focus on literature.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}}

* {{anchor|Devotary of Mercy}}'''The Devotary of Mercy''' is a devotary with a presence in [[Urithiru]]. Their ardents care for those who have trouble with their minds.{{book ref|sa4|25}}

* {{anchor|Devotary of Kelek}}'''The Devotary of Kelek''' is a devotary with a presence in [[Urithiru]]. Their ardents will take commissions for prayers and glyphwards.{{book ref|sa4|25}} This devotary is likely related to the attributes ascribed to Kelek by Vorin tradition. 

* {{anchor|Order of Talenelat}}'''The Order of Talenelat''' is related to the [[Herald]] [[Taln]] and, likely, the attributes ascribed to him by Vorinism. Those dedicated to this particular devotary are said to have a dislike for theological debates. It is viewed by some as an order for lesser people.{{book ref|sa1|54}} The Order of Talenelat maintains a presence in western [[Kholinar]], adjacent to the temple of Talenelat.{{file ref|Kholinar.jpg|Map of Kholinar}} [[Dalinar Kholin]] was a follower of this devotary prior to his excommunication.{{book ref|sa1|54}}

== History ==
=== Origins and Old Vorinism ===
Though the origins of Vorinism are lost to the [[Shadowdays]], it's known that the name "[[Almighty]]" was used to refer to [[Honor]] even back during the [[Desolation]]s -- in fact, it might predate human arrival on [[Roshar]], as it was used even by the [[Herald]]s themselves.{{book ref|sa1|19}}{{book ref|sa1|part=prelude}} The Vorin religion came about around that time, basing itself on writings of a currently-unknown, but highly influential writer whom it was eventually named after.{{wob ref|12365}} [[Nohadon]] was another important figure during that time, and ''[[The Way of Kings (in-world)|The Way of Kings]]'' he penned was one of Vorinism's early holy texts.{{book ref|sa1|53}}

Back in the early days of the religion, now called '''Old Vorinism''', the [[Knights Radiant]] were an important part of the faith, and [[Immortal Words#The First Ideal|the First Ideal]] was a religious doctrine. The primary tenet of the faith, as far as can be ascertained, was that how one lived was far more important than what one had accomplished. Religion permeated every aspect of life, allowing the ardents to own land and property.{{book ref|sa1|53}}

=== Hierocracy: Rise ===
{{for|Hierocracy}}

Following the [[Recreance]], the attitudes towards the Knights Radiant changed drastically, with them being seen as traitors rather than heroes. The focus shifted from the First Ideal to other texts, chief among them ''[[Arts and Majesty]]'', leading to the gender divide among the Vorins that exists until the modern day. In spite of that, the [[lighteyes]]-[[darkeyes]] divide likely began during the same time, with pale eyes becoming the symbol of Almighty's favor despite their previous association with Radiance.{{book ref|sa1|73}}

As time went on, [[ardent]]s took over more and more segments of society, claiming divine mandate to rule.{{book ref|sa3|34}} Ultimately, this led to priesthood holding near-absolute power over large swathes of land and populace as they sought to bring Vorinism to the whole of Roshar.{{book ref|sa1|26}} 

The '''[[Hierocracy]]''', as it would come to be called, saw the ardentia go to great lengths to control its subjects through access to information.{{book ref|sa2|3}} The priesthood claimed to have the sole authority to interpret the holy scriptures and the will of the Almighty; the commoners were to follow them blindly as they were told what their Callings were and what their god had planned from them. Knowledge of the Knights Radiant was heavily censored, and what remained was altered and mythologized to fit the doctrine.{{book ref|sa2|6}} Yet even as Surgebinding was discredited and deemed to be mere trickery, ardents themselves claimed to be able to predict the future through visions and prophecies.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

=== Hierocracy: Fall and Aftermath ===
{{image|Rushu.png|side=right|width=200px|[[Rushu]], a researcher ardent}}

{{for|War of Loss}}

As with many empires, Hierocracy's greatest weakness was its sheer size.{{book ref|sa3|19}} It grew larger with time, but so did the fractures within, and those fractures allowed [[Alethkar|Alethi]] warlord [[Sadees]], later called the Sunmaker, to make war on it. The resulting conflict, known as the [[War of Loss]], saw the ardentia fractured into devotaries, and the ardents themselves stripped of much of their power. No longer were they allowed to hold land or own property; no longer were they even free men. Rather, they became slaves to [[lighteyes]].{{book ref|sa1|45}}

Moreover, as Sadees conquered their strongholds, he interrogated them and their correspondence, and claimed to have learned that the so-called visions were little more than fabrications made to keep the people in check. This marked yet another shift in Vorin doctrine: now, prophecy was an evil thing, of [[Odium]] and the [[Voidbringers]], and to pursue it was heresy.{{book ref|sa1|18}} Yet more changes were made to free the church from ardentia's grip: rather than holding ultimate authority, they became merely advisors, and each man and woman was supposed to find the faith's meaning for themselves.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

=== Present and Future ===
Though Sadees' war of conquest stretched as far West as [[Azir]], Vorinism did not find foothold there.{{book ref|sa3|65}} On the other hand, the states formerly under Hierocracy, now known as the Vorin kingdoms, retain the faith to this day.{{book ref|sa1|8}}

Despite ardentia having few privileges remaining from the days of Hierocracy, their social status has been slowly climbing back up over the past decades. The curates retain their right to excommunicate members of the Church without consulting with any political authority, and though they are forbidden from amassing wealth, some of it still finds its way into their hands.{{book ref|sa3|100}} In addition, ardents are increasingly often used as yet another political tool by the lighteyes.{{book ref|sa1|54}} Some people -- not only ardents, but even laymen -- seek the return of Hierocracy, chief among them the [[Sons of Honor]].{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}{{book ref|sa2|88}} Other groups, like the [[Envisagers]], desire to go even further back, to the age of Old Vorinism.{{book ref|sa2|71}}

With the coming of the [[Everstorm]] and the return of the [[Knights Radiant]], the future of Vorinism is unclear. Many of its tenets, chief among them that the [[Aharietiam]] was the final Desolation, have been proven wrong, the Heralds are quite mad, and the leaders of the largest anti-Odium faction are a heretic and an atheist.{{book ref|sa3|122}} For now, the church strives to retain control through hamfisted means -- most notably, the Curates' sudden excommunication of [[Dalinar Kholin]], who, at the time, had began to loudly proclaim Almighty's death. This is unlikely to be sufficient, however, as there are some who believe that now is the time to break free from Vorinism.{{book ref|sa3|100}}{{book ref|sa3|107}}

==Notable Members==

=== The Ardentia ===
{{for|:Category: Ardentia|a list of all known ardents}}

* [[Ashir]] - An ardent who studies chemistry through cooking and lives on a small Reshi island with Geranid.{{book ref|sa1|i|8}}
* [[Ellista]] - scholar ardent from the [[Jokasha Monastery]] who works on deciphering [[Dawnchant]] texts.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}}
* [[Geranid]] - A scholar of [[spren]] who lives on a small [[Reshi]] island with Ashir.{{book ref|sa1|i|8}}
* [[Kabsal]] - [[Ghostblood]]s member who lives in [[Kharbranth]] and attempts to assassinate [[Jasnah]].{{book ref|sa1|7}}{{book ref|sa1|70}}
* [[Kadash]] - head of the ardents under Dalinar’s household. He is a former elite solider who became an ardent after he witnessed the events at the [[Rift]].{{book ref|sa3|107}}
* [[Lhan]] - another member of the Queen's ardentia. Eventually subverted by [[Ashertmarn]].{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}
* [[Pai]] - new member of Queen [[Aesudan]]'s retinue. Denounced the queen for her waste and was executed as a result, sparking riots.{{book ref|sa2|i|12}}
* [[Rushu]] - an ardent scholar, associate of [[Navani]].{{book ref|sa2|4}}
* [[Tadet]] - an ardent who works under [[Dalinar Kholin]].{{book ref|sa1|28}}
* [[Zahel]] - warrior ardent who teaches [[Adolin]], [[Renarin]] and [[Kaladin]] swordmanship and how to fend off a [[Shardbearer]].{{book ref|sa2|16}}

=== Lay members ===
* [[Dalinar Kholin]] - [[Bondsmith]] and [[Alethkar|Alethi]] [[highprince]]. Member of the Devotary of Talenet and the head of the Alethi church until his excommunication.{{book ref|sa1|54}}{{book ref|sa3|100}}
* [[Shallan Davar]] - [[Jah Keved|Veden]] [[Order of Lightweavers|Lightweaver]]. A somewhat devout member of the Devotary of Purity.{{book ref|sa1|33}}

== Trivia ==
* In the English language, the word "ardent" is an adjective meaning eager, zealous or passionate.
* Though "ardent" shares some similarity with [[Arteth|arteth]], the name of [[Shu-Dereth]] priests from [[Sel]], ardents and arteths are not connected.{{wob ref|6823}}
* Though ardents are around in ''[[The Way of Kings Prime]]'', there, they are simply called monks.{{wob ref|3808}}

== Notes ==
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[[category: religion]]
[[es:Vorinismo]]