The Matriarchs, sometimes referred to as lessers Matriarchs to better distinguish them from High Matriarchs,[2] are the second-in-command leaders of the Nora tribe.
History[]
As it is rare for a Nora to produce more than two children, and they live in a dangerous environment, the ranks of the Matriarchy tend to be somewhat dynamic.[3]
Enara once held the rank of Matriarch, but became disqualified after the death of her only child.[1]
During the events of Mother's Heart, there were some thirty Matriarchs in power.[2] Later, nearly all survived during the Eclipse's second invasion of the Sacred Lands,[4] indicating that this number has decreased slightly.
Attainment[]
The rank of Matriarch is held by women who are grandmothers, with two generations of living progeny beneath them. Those who gain a third are promoted to High Matriarch.[2]
Matriarchs serve until death or infirmity, unless an entire generation below them passes away, in which case they will be disqualified.[1][3]
Role[]
The Matriarchs oversee major rituals, such as Naming Rituals[5] and singing the Hymn of Atonement.[6] Other responsibilities include teaching, offering counsel, giving blessings[2] (such as the Seeker blessing,[6] Death-Seeker ritual,[7] and Mate Blessing[8]), judging those who commit crimes,[2] and working as healers, arbitrators of disputes, and sources of religious authority.[3] However, they are not permitted to enact the Death-Seeker ritual,[7] or know the meaning of the Death-Seeker face paint.[9] Matriarchs are seen as symbolic mothers to entire settlements.[10]
Matriarchs live in well-appointed lodges or, in small villages, single-family structures.[10]
During times of hardship, such as intense winter storms, a village's Matriarch may apportion scarce food according to the perceived value of individuals, with able-bodied women and hunters (who can procure additional food), and children receiving preferential rations.[10]
Only Matriarchs and High Matriarchs were allowed inside All-Mother Mountain until Teersa revoked that rule during the Eclipse's second invasion of the Sacred Lands.[4]
Matriarchs are exempt from the work of gathering berries and plants.[10]
Known Matriarchs[]
Former Matriarchs[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 As mentioned by Enara during Insult to Injury.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 As mentioned by Teersa during Mother's Heart.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Page 607 of Horizon Zero Dawn Collector's Edition Guide.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 As mentioned by Varl during The Heart of the Nora.
- ↑ As mentioned by Rost during the Intro Movie.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 The Womb of the Mountain
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 As mentioned by Teersa after completing The Heart of the Nora.
- ↑ Page 609 of Horizon Zero Dawn Collector's Edition Guide.
- ↑ Description of the Nora Death-Seeker face paint.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Page 608 of Horizon Zero Dawn Collector's Edition Guide.
[]
| Nora | |
|---|---|
| High Matriarchs | Jezza - Lansra - Teersa |
| Braves | Sona (War-Chief) - Aloy - Bast - Den - Dran - Ferl - Jarg - Jarm - Marea - Muns - Resh - Teb's father - Vala - Varl |
| Seekers | Aloy - Sona - Teb - Varl |
| Outcasts | Brom - Cren - Grata - Jom - Kam - Kurnst - Nora Keeper - Rost - Yun |
| Other members | Alana - Arana - Dral - Enara - Fia - Grist - Jun - Karst - Loha - Lut - Nakoa - Olara - Orn - Solai - Taim - Thira - Thok - Yan |