The Cuigrithweg - the healers of Lorien

Grith is an ancient element in the Grey Elven speech that means to attend to, to tend, to care for, and within Lorien there is a noble group of elves dedicated to mending the hurts of the world. The Cuigrithweg, or Healers, are often called upon by the Guard, are an essential member to any party travelling beyond the safe confines of The Wood, and are often sought out by battle-weary visitors on our doorstep.

They are as skilled in elvish lore as they are in the fabrication of medicinals, poultices, plasters, and bandages. But more on that later. These next few pages speak about their structure, the entrance criteria, and how you can get involved.

Because the Elven fea (spirit) has incredible control over the hroa (body), the healer must always address the hurts of the fea. In fact, the entire Elven healing is deeply rooted in spiritual matters. Even when using the "simple" herbal ointments, the Elves can see behind them the strength and spirit of the nature itself, the wholesome beginning of Yavanna which is present in all things unspoiled.

Ranks

Within the Cuigrithweg organization, there are really only two rank plateau's: Attendant and Healer. Each of those plateau's can be further augmented with Junior or Senior Status. So, from bottom up, it goes: Jr.Attendant (where people start), Attendant, Sr.Attendant, Jr.Healer, Healer, and Senior Healer. A special "one person only" rank is the explicit leader of the Healer organization: the Master Healer, also known as the Herbmaster.

Entrance Criteria

As discussed on the next page, the essence of elvish lore is song and music. Consequently, those who want to join the Healers must join the Bards first. Once a Bard, movement into the Healers group is an IC event, so seek out some role-play with Arhuine, Elena, Celeborn or Charmat and ask for such an appointment.

Healing Lore

Elvish lore is nothing to be trifled with. We are a very complex creature, existing in both spirit (fea) and body (hora) forms. So the elvish healer must repair not just the wounds of the body, but must tend to the hurts of the fea as well. So even when using "simple" herbal ointments on a combat injury, the elvish healer looks beyond them, summoning the strenght and spirit of nature, the wholesome and omnipresent beginning of Yavanna herself. Heavy stuff. :)

This is where song and music comes in. Song was at the root of Illuvatar's creation, and so it is the means by which elves access their spiritual nature. A healing session with an elf, therefore, is much, much more than the application of bandages. Watch a Sr.Master perform a ritual once and you'll see how this theme isn't meant to be *restrictive* as much as it is a RP opportunity.

Finally, as with any lore, there is always more to learn. Some Healers are quite the bookworms, searching ancient texts for epic peoms and chants of the ancient days, both of which could become part of a subsequent healing event.

Members: