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SHIKRU Religion: Origins, Beliefs, and Practices

Introduction The SHIKRU religion is a complex and ancient belief system rooted in the reverence of strength, honor, and survival. With a central focus on the figure of Azgar, the First Human and later a god, SHIKRU reflects a worldview where conflict and sacrifice are seen as essential to spiritual growth. Though its practices and history are intertwined with deeply symbolic rituals, the essence of the faith lies in its teachings of resilience and the transcendent power of strength.

Origins and Historical Context The SHIKRU faith traces its origins to the earliest times of human existence, predating written history. The central myth revolves around the first humans, Azgar and Avira, created by the primordial god Așu. However, in a transformative moment in the religion’s evolution, Așu merged with Azgar, making him both the first human and a divine being. This moment symbolizes the inseparable bond between human suffering and divine power.

The SHIKRU religion is believed to have been practiced by early tribes in remote, cold, mountainous regions, where survival required exceptional physical and mental strength. These challenging environments shaped the SHIKRU ethos, focusing on endurance, self-reliance, and the belief that humanity must continuously prove its worth through trials and adversity.

Core Beliefs

Azgar: The First Human and God Central to the SHIKRU faith is the worship of Azgar, the First Human and god of War, Blood, and Sacrifice. Originally created as a human by the primordial god Așu, Azgar's transformation into a god occurred after the death of his beloved Avira. Overwhelmed by grief, he covered himself in her ashes and set himself on fire, preparing to die. Yet, Așu merged with Azgar, granting him divine status. Azgar thus became both human and god, embodying the struggle of life and the eternal strength of the divine.

This dual nature is fundamental to SHIKRU theology, teaching that every human carries within them a piece of the divine, but that this divinity can only be accessed through enduring suffering and battle. Azgar symbolizes the balance between mortality and eternity, war and peace, strength and compassion.

Strength and Survival The SHIKRU faith venerates strength—not only physical but also mental and spiritual. Followers believe that life is a series of trials designed to test one’s worth. These tests are not limited to combat but also include intellectual challenges, emotional endurance, and the ability to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. The SHIKRU doctrine emphasizes that survival is the ultimate proof of one’s connection to the divine. In the eyes of a true believer, to be weak is to be unworthy of Azgar’s protection.

SHIKRU followers live by the mantra "TARK AȘ LAKRU," meaning "Sacrifice for Ascension." This phrase encapsulates the idea that through giving up what is most precious—comfort, security, even one’s life—a believer can ascend spiritually.

The Role of Honor Honor plays a central role in the SHIKRU worldview. It is considered the highest moral virtue, transcending wealth, power, or social standing. To act with honor means to live truthfully according to the teachings of Azgar, to face challenges directly, and to protect one’s community and loved ones with courage. Dishonor, by contrast, is seen as a grave sin, for it not only diminishes the individual but also weakens the community and its connection to Azgar.

In SHIKRU, one does not attain honor through prayer alone but through action—by confronting life’s struggles with dignity and strength. The faith teaches that those who live honorably are rewarded with a place in AZGAD, the afterlife paradise, where the bravest warriors are welcomed by the gatekeepers LAH and SHRI.

The Priesthood and Spiritual Leaders

In the SHIKRU faith, priests serve as both spiritual leaders and warriors. Male and female priests are considered living embodiments of Azgar’s teachings, guiding their communities through times of strife while maintaining a rigorous commitment to strength and honor.

High Priests and Priestesses: To become a high priest in SHIKRU, one must undergo extensive training, which includes physical trials, philosophical study, and the mastery of sacred rituals. Male high priests shave their heads and tattoo their entire bodies, to symbolize their full dedication to the path of Azgar. Female high priestesses follow a similar practice. These physical markings signify the priest’s rebirth into a life fully aligned with Azgar’s will.

The Role of SAFA KA (Heart Keepers): Female priests, known as SAFA KA, hold a special role within the SHIKRU hierarchy. They are the guardians of sacred history and philosophy, responsible for preserving the oral traditions of the faith. In addition, they serve as guides for warriors, leading them through meditations on strength, justice, and sacrifice. The SAFA KA are revered for their wisdom and their ability to balance the harsh realities of life with a compassionate understanding of human suffering.

Afterlife and the Concept of AZGAD

In SHIKRU, the afterlife is a place called AZGAD, a paradise reserved for those who have lived and died with honor. AZGAD is described as an eternal realm where the souls of the brave are united with Azgar. Upon death, a warrior’s soul is taken to the gates of AZGAD, where they are met by the gatekeepers LAH and SHRI. If the individual has lived honorably, the gates are opened, allowing them to enter a realm of eternal honor and glory.

Souls deemed unworthy—those who failed to live in accordance with Azgar’s teachings—are judged by the gods of other faiths. Azgar desires only those who fought for their beliefs, lived with honor, and embraced the trials of life.

Conclusion

The SHIKRU religion, at its core, is a faith of strength, survival, and honor. Through the teachings of Azgar, followers are guided to live lives of resilience and purpose, continually striving to ascend spiritually by facing and overcoming the trials of life. With its deeply ingrained belief in the importance of sacrifice, conflict, and personal growth, SHIKRU remains a distinct and powerful philosophy that has stood the test of time.