Symbology of Ilvir

Given that Ilvir developed from the ancient Jarin god Toeran (or Olfar, or Yrbera, depending on which texts you read), it should not seem unlikely that some of the symbols now associated particularly with that god, were originally a part of the wider Jarin culture of the time.

Circles and spirals abound in Ilviran art, and this can be traced first to the Jarin who form the majority of Ilviran priests and laity, and from them back to their ancestors. Among the runes that these ancients used were several relating to the stellar bodies; these are not surprisingly depicted by circles. Obviously the circle is a common motif in many cultures, but that should not make the derivation in this instance be any less clear.

Several decorative patterns that adorn the art-work not only of followers of Ilvir, but also the Jarin people as a whole, are most likely derived from these early runes. For example, the border design shown below is the repetition and combination of a single rune, that which denotes god. As is clear, the pattern is a versatile one, ideally suited to the hems of garments, where indeed it is frequently found on priest's robes.

Border Design Using God Rune

Another is the pattern commonly referred to as "herringbone", though it is again the simple repetition of a single figure, in this case that of the divided road. There is the possibility that the hexagon which forms the honeycone pattern is also derived from this forked rune. This was pointed out to me by Foo of Wibble, who had seen a weaving which used different three colours, so that each line of the rune could clearly be discerned among its fellows. Nevertheless I am wary of including such a pattern in this description, for it occurs also in nature, and is pleasing of its own accord.

Pattern Using Divided Road

In all of these cases the present-day symbols are of a mostly decorative nature, and little precise meaning is attached to them, although they naturally have some significance. Often they serve to mark whatever they adorn as being related to Ilviran belief - whether this is an object, a person, or a site.