Brainstorming - Religion

This chapter is for sketching out what the religious life of Lady-Land could look like. No contributing writers are obliged to actually use any of this. If you have any suggestions, leave a comment and I will edit it into this chapter.

Psuedo-Hellenistic National Churches

The main faith of the Western World resembles European polytheism, especially Hellenism (i.e. Greek / Roman mythology) in theological content but with a structure more akin to the Orthodox churches. Every language gets its own organisation with unique traditions but the high-priestesses will meet every century or two to standardise beliefs.

In this religion, especially in the modern era, there is a strong distinction between theology and mythology. That is to say, stories about goddesses appearing in human form or otherwise performing miracles are metaphors and parables rather than actual history. When pressed a theologian will explain that they are the forces of nature (grouped as physical, psychological and abstract) and as such don't even think. Their very existence keeps the universe (including ourselves) in motion.

Come to think of it, splitting goddesses into what shapes the universe and what gives it motion would roughly correspond to yin & yang energies.

The psychological goddesses (equivalent to Olympians) all represent virtues needed for motherhood that are usually good but can be evil in the wrong circumstances.

The closest word Latin has to "female pope" is Mater, simply meaning Mother. Perhaps that could be an English abbreviation of "Mater Maxima" meaning biggest mother. High-priestess is another, obvious choice as is Matriarch. Using terms from the Sisters of Battle in Warhammer has been suggested more are welcome.

Specific Goddesses and Spirits

Dione

In IRL Greek Mythology Dione is the first wife of Zeus. As her name literally translates as "Goddess" she will be combined with Zeus for LadyLand purposes. Empress amongst Goddesses Dione is embodiment of outward power dealing in politics (especially international) and justice.

Essentially the embodiment of "active" (yang) energy as shown in humans.

Hera

Historically Hera was the goddess of marriage and home life. In this story that role could be interpreted as the duty of maintaining the benefits of radical change.

Officially embodiment of "passive" (yin) energy in humans. Aphrodite is arguably a better example.

Aphrodite

Like her mother, Hera Aphrodite is in an incestuous marriage to a disloyal sister. However, where Hera relies on cruel tricks to drive Dione's mistresses away, Aphrodite maintains her position as the most lovely of goddesses so that Athena always comes back.

There could be a folk story about the love goddess sending her servants to awaken girls sexual desires. Like a sexy version of the tooth-fairy.

Athena

The war goddess is unavoidably kinky.

Apes and (including humans) typically end wars by integrating formerly enemy females into their own tribe. In the ancient history of LadyLand warriors would surrender by allowing themselves to be made into sex slaves of the victorious queen and her generals. In these more civilised times **** and slavery are forbidden but defeated soldiers still offer themselves as submissive mates. Likewise Athena is depicted as ready to make enemies do her bidding. The church tries to downplay the sex factor but we all know a dominatrix when we see one.

In this alternate religion the strategic Athena has been combined with the brutish Ares and is married to Aphrodite. Perhaps the Athena/Ares rivalry could be changed to trying to prove herself as a successor to Dione? Or even an Oedipal conflict?

Hestia

Goddess of hearth and home. Where Hera represents maintenance of all kinds Hestia specifically deals with literal cooking, cleaning and mending of clothes. While stories of Dione, Aphrodite and Athena are more exciting Hestia is the most widely worshipped Goddess as every house is thought to be her temple and all housewives her priestesses.

Fates

Same as original mythology. Three sisters, of uncertain parentage who together maintain time. This task is represented as creating a tapestry where each thread is someone's life. They are

1. Clotho - Goddess of the future. Spins the threads of life.
2. Lachesis - Goddess of the present. Keeps count of the threads length
3. Atropos - Goddess of the past. Cuts the threads.

Muses

Mostly same as original mythology. Nine daughters of Dione and Mnemosyne (goddess of memory) who guide artists, writers, scientists/mathematicians/philosophers and law-makers. They are:

1. Calliope - Law-making / justice. While her father Dione is the role model, Calliope delivers specific insights and innovations. Also the leader of the Muses.
2. Clio - History, especially concerning heroines.
3. Euterpe - Music (especially classical), logic and technical jargon.
4. Thalia - Comedy / inspirational stories and architecture
5. Melpomene - Tragic stories and persuasive speaking
6. Terpsichore - Dance. Happiest of the muses
7. Erato - Romantic / erotic stories. Of especial interest here. Possibly fathered by Aphrodite?
8. Polymnia - Religious art, music and writing
9. Ourania - Astronomy. This has likely been extended to all science.

Eris

The older sister of Dione and Hera. Nobody feels entirely certain if she is insane, evil, foolish or unlucky. In any case her actions inevitably bring chaos into the lives of all she meets. When granting miracles to humans she often calls herself "Mistress Marvellous" (see here to find out why). It is quite likely the lust spirit from the introduction was Eris in disguise.