Great Spirits of Nature are sentient beings who mystically embody a part of the natural world, such as a landscape feature or living thing. Most, if not all, were brought about by the work and play of Elder Gods.

Nomenclature

Great Spirits of Nature are typically classified into two groups: awakened spirits, which arise when the Elder Gods rouse a sleeping consciousness Dynara imbued into the world; and collective spirits, sometimes called "hive souls", which coalesce to sentience as a population of the same living thing meets conditions which are vaguely understood.

Awakened spirits are heavily associated with the Sixth Circle and there is often a deep bond between the spirit and the primary Elder involved in an awakening. Meanwhile, the Seventh Circle nurture the flora and fauna they create and often feel parental attachment when a species of theirs manifests a collective spirit.

Titles

Out of reverence and to distinguish the spirit from the general noun they are spirit of, Great Spirits are often given a titular prefix: such as Sister Snake, Old Man Rock or Great Spirit Sea. Once a distinction has been established, many texts will omit the title for brevity but continue to capitalize the name.

History

Elder Gods knew of ways to rouse a Great Spirit, but awakenings seem to have been accomplished typically over long periods and often took the work of many Awakeners.
Aslarn and Shairim decided during the Elder Wars that the forests should each be protected by a Great Animal Spirit and a Great Awakened Spirit. This tradition continues in many places.
After Zenos mortally wounded Sun, the spirit was regenerated with Fain's Elixir and promptly assaulted Night. For the first time, the Elder Gods reversed an awakening, putting Sun to sleep for 1000 years. (Book of Clangorum)
Li-varili attempted to use the Eye of Dynara to awaken Sea by herself.

Spirit Table

Sun
- Awoken primarily by: Rahm
Moon
- Awoken primarily by: Lisaera
Night
- Awoken primarily by: Nocht
Lake
Sea
- Awoken primarily by: Keltari
Tree
Old Man Rock

Maeve
White Hart
- Deer were created by Charune
Raven - Crow
- Ravens were created by Viravain
Bear
- Bears were created by Tae
Lion
- Lions were created by Lorella
Skunk
- Skunks were created by Bollikin
- Returned to Faethorn in 438 and stunk up the baths (Events Post #346)
Cat
- Revered by the Hhuhur igasho.
Groundhog
- has a shrine beneath the Blasted Land.
Scorpion
- Scorpions were created by Blooredi
Wolf
- Wolves were created by Volkh.
Sister Snake