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The Uqua - Symbol of the Temple of Fidonhaal by WulfeVanDerKross

The Uqua - Symbol of the Temple of Fidonhaal

WulfeVanDerKross

Here is a “plain” depiction of the Uqua, a symbol/design of immense importance to the Fidons, the denizens of the world of Fidonhaal, which is the setting for my debut fantasy novel "The Saga of Fidonhaal - Daughters of the East."

If interested, you can buy a copy, in eBook or print-on-demand paperback form, through this link: https://www.amazon.com/Saga-Fidonhaal-Daughters-East-ebook/dp/B09RJQ24BD/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

If you'd like to check out some chapters and artwork relating to the book and setting in general, you can check out my Weasyl profile: https://www.weasyl.com/~wulfevanderkross

If you’d like a basic idea of what this symbol means to the Fidons, then you could essentially compare their regard for it to that of how Christians regard the Cross, Buddhists and Hindus the Dharmachakra, Jews the Star of David, and the like.
For those who’d like to dive into the setting a bit more and "get their nerd on," feel free to continue reading.

The people of Fidonhaal, from all corners of the world, share a common religion and spirituality that differs regionally in an assortment of ways, such as variances in specific expressions and traditions, but is ultimately the same. The Fidon faith entails monotheism, with their sole deity being named Onu, whose name simply means “The One.” However, the Fidon religion also features a host of angels that have been allotted “roles of supervision” over various aspects of existence, which we could compare, at least to a point, to the deities of polytheistic religions. Examples of these beings include Stromarus, the Angel of Water, Kyse, the Angel of Autumn, and Morinaar, the Angel of Death. Fidonity’s religion also tells of the ultimate source of evil, who was once the greatest angel before being consumed by arrogance and resentment toward Onu’s plans for existence. This fallen angel’s name is Raakaru, whose name translates to “The Hateful Heart.”

This symbol, the Uqua, has numerous meanings that relate to the Fidons’ faith. The symbol’s name translates to “The Four,” and it initially refers to the four breaths that Onu breathed during the beginning of all things. The first breath formed the “matter” of spirit, which thus served as the stuff of all that is not of the corporeal universe (and thus distinguished the mortal and immortal planes and aspects of existence). The second breath formed the physical element of wind, or air. The third breath formed the breath of life, both that of mortal beings and of the eternal life in the spiritual plane. The fourth breath formed the essence of free will and sentience, which Onu instilled within the angels and, in time, the Fidons. In addition to the Four Breaths, the Uqua also represents the Heart, Mouth, Hand, and Eye of Onu, by which, alongside the Four Breaths, all of existence was formed.
A common exclamation of the Fidons is “Four Breaths!” which we might liken to someone we know saying something like “my God!” or “Jesus Christ!” An oath or vow that a Fidon might make could be by the Four Breaths, or by the Heart, Mouth, Hand, and Eye of Onu, or simply “by the Four,” which could refer to either prior example, other meanings affiliated with the Uqua, or “all the above.”

Other meanings for the Uqua include the Four Elements of flame, wind, earth, and water, and the Four Seasons. The symbol has also been associated with the four initial “stocks” of the Fidons’ fur colors, those being of the Balons (White Ones), Kasons (Brown Ones), Mavons (Black Ones), and Zarons (Grey Ones).
The Uqua has also come to refer to the first of the Elect, the women and men who have been chosen by Onu in times of dire need to undertake great feats of heroism. The first incarnation of the Elect was a group of four Fidons, who were barbarous warlords during the last days of Raakaru’s dominion over Fidonhaal. Learning of the lost days of goodness prior to Raakaru’s Reign and moved to repent, the four warlords were then touched by Onu’s Hand and branded with a mark upon their foreheads. This mark is what is now referred to as the Uqua, and this holy branding marked the first appearance of that symbol.

Now, the symbol is found all across the world. It is a recurring feature in the art and iconography of the Temple of Fidonhaal, as well as with druidic/shamanistic carvings found on great stones and totem poles. Many Fidons might wear a pendant or keep a talisman bearing this symbol, and it is featured on some of the finest and most common jewelry in the world. An example of such jewelry is the pendant featured on the cover for Daughters of the East. In addition to its spiritual/cultural significance, this particular pendant also carries personal value for several characters featured in the book.