Ananta-Shesha
General
Ananta-Shesha [anɑ̃nta - ʃəsha] is the deity worshipped by the Akrehdei. She represents the religious antithesis and quasi-antagonist to Shesha, the deity of the Kehdei.
Concept and Traits
In Akrehdei belief, Ananta-Shesha is defined by nonexistence, having always "not been." To manifest this nonexistence, Ananta-Shesha had to create the world—or reality—as a counterpoint to her own state of nonbeing. Consequently, Ananta-Shesha is perceived as a quasi-extra-dimensional entity, representing an antithesis to the comprehensible world.
Ananta-Shesha is frequently depicted as a colossal serpent, often symbolized in the form of an ouroboros.
The Role of the Akrehdei
The Akrehdei view themselves as sentinels tasked with overseeing the world, ensuring that Ananta-Shesha remains peacefully nonexistent.
History
The belief system of the Akrehdei has historical roots tracing back to a period when they originally inhabited Kehda. This belief system emerged after their expulsion by the Kehdei from their homeland, an event that fostered deep-seated animosity towards their kin and shaped their religious convictions.
The Akrehdei’s faith in Ananta-Shesha is historically understood as a response to Shesha, the deity of the Kehdei. They view Ananta-Shesha as a being who created the world as a contrast to her own state of nonexistence. Consequently, they perceive the religion of the Kehdei as an affront to their own deity.
Revanchism
Expelled from Kehda by the Kehdei long ago, the Akrehdei harbor deep animosity towards their kin and aspire to reclaim their ancestral homeland. They believe this ambition aligns with the will of their deity and that the religion of the Kehdei constitutes an affront to Ananta-Shesha, a transgression that has angered her.
The Kehdei’s deity, Shesha, is regarded by the Akrehdei as a false idol.
Sects and Variations
Within the faith of Ananta-Shesha, there are several sects and factions, each with distinct goals and agendas.
