Moons
From Almeopedia
Almea has three moons, none as large as ours. Their movements make for a fairly complicated tidal system, and a good natural chronometer.
The three moons have a prominent place in almost every Almean cosmology. Often Iliažë and Iliacáš are associated with male and female deities, though cultures don't agree on which is which.
Many of the names listed below include the Proto-Eastern word *naɣi 'moon'.
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Iliažë
Iliažë [i li a ˈʒjɛ] is the largest and brightest. Its period is a little shorter than 28 Almean days, which gives a natural length to the month (Ver. iliažyoš).
- In Cuzei Xlainari (Shining Moon), with an associated male guardian spirit.
- Caď. Iliages (Shining God), originally masculine, but recast as feminine in pre-imperial days, probably because of the association of the moons with the goddess Fidra.
- Wede:i Begoŋ, a male god, also associated with eagles and silver; Cuolese Beoŋ; Ax. Nejimex 'moon-master', X. Nejimex, Ṭeôši Neḍimes.
- Omeguese Sate ‘bright moon’ (f.)
- Lé Sáemàe ‘sky-mistress’
- Uyseʔ Trau, considered male
- To the elcari, Beliddên 'Great Moon'.
Iliacáš
Iliacáš [i li a ˈkaʃ] is slightly smaller and grayer, and has a period of 17 days. The Uytainese are notable for using this period (kraiwal) instead of the month as a basic unit of the calendar.
- In Cuzei Têllênari (Lovely Moon), with an associated female guardian spirit.
- Caď. Iliacos, of uncertain etymology (modified to match Iliages), a masculine god.
- Wede:i Birbi: 'very bright', a goddess, associated with owls and iron, Cuolese Bibí; Ax. Nejimexi 'moon-mistress', X. Nejimes, Ṭeôši Neḍimek.
- Omeguese Yate ‘strong moon’ (m.)
- Lé Sáetɛ ‘sky-man’
- Uyseʔ Krai, considered female
- To the elcari, Beliddegg 'Noble Moon'.
Naunai
Naunai [na u ˈna i] is quite a bit smaller (it is probably a captured asteroid), and has a period of just 6.5 days.
- In Cuzei Sistenari (Shining Moon), with an associated male guardian spirit.
- Caď. Nounahis (Rain Moon), a goddess.
- Wede:i Śabukma 'very fast', an ewimo god, associated with swallows and mercury, Cuolese Šaukma; Ax. Nejimez 'moon-son', X. Nejimémis; Ṭeôši Bibimes ‘small lord’.
- Omeguese Dainmuin ‘sky boat’.
- Lé Sârjir ‘little moon’
- Uyseʔ Sunwon ‘fast moon’, considered male
- To the elcari, Phelidd 'Little Moon'.
