Votank

- Main Page; Griffin Island

Votank, the son of Grandmother Sky, was beloved of many different women and founded a widespread batch of sons. Ancient accounts say there were 25, though only 10 are now known. Each is credited as a founder of one of the Zaring clans. The entire island was once named Votank - a name which lasted until the coming of Zar, and which is still used by some more traditional natives.

Votank is an eponymous ancestor who defined the community and social order. He is the hero who taught men to use the javelin and atlatl in hunting. Before Votank, the people say, they used nothing but sticks and stones. Votank taught the men how to survive the great winter by hunting the beasts of the land and sky for food and for hides. He taught them how to use all parts of the beasts, so that nothing went to waste.

When a boy passes from a child to a man (~age 15), he follows the way of Votank. He must travel alone for a week in the wilderness and survive by his own hand to prove himself. Those who cannot do this can never join adulthood in the clan. Each fall equinox there is a great hunt. The man who returns with the greatest kill is the Master Hunter of the clan and holds the highest male role in the clan for the following a year. He is not a chief though and has no power to order other clan members. He is expected to lead through example and through winning the support of other clan members. He is also expected to ask for and use the advice of clan elders, especially the clan Mother.

Some women choose to follow the way of Votank instead of the traditional role of Grandmother Sky, or in exceptional cases, in addition to the traditional roll. There are one or two women who take this role in each clan. They too participate in the yearly Great Hunt.

- Main Page; Griffin Island