The Blood of Life

The Blood of Life

The historical repression of women due to their menstrual cycles is a multifaceted issue that has evolved over centuries, influenced by the rise of patriarchal institutions such as The Church of Hallowed Vows and the doctrines of the Talbot family. To fully comprehend how menstruation has been used as a tool of oppression, it is essential to explore its role in early societies, the shift toward patriarchal dominance, and the lasting effects of these attitudes across the regions influenced by these beliefs.

1. Ancient Reverence and the Rise of Patriarchy

In the ancient cultures that once flourished in what is now known as Maraheim and its surrounding areas, menstrual blood was regarded as a sacred and potent substance. It was associated with fertility, life, and the mysteries of creation, and women were often seen as embodying a divine connection to these forces. Menstrual blood was sometimes used in rituals believed to heal, protect, and promote prosperity.

• Early Reverence: Before the rise of patriarchal religions, menstrual blood was viewed as a life-giving force. Some ancient practices involved offerings of menstrual blood to appease spirits and ensure the well-being of the community. Women held significant roles as priestesses and healers, revered for their connection to the cycles of nature.

• The Blood of Creation: Legends from these early societies speak of the primordial goddess Ṯalšāriya whose blood was believed to have created the lakes and rivers, infusing the land with fertility and magic. This belief was central to the spiritual practices of the time and underscored the reverence with which menstrual blood was viewed.

However, as patriarchal systems began to establish themselves, particularly through the rise of The Church of Hallowed Vows and the influence of the Talbot family, this reverence diminished. Menstrual blood, once celebrated, became something to be controlled and feared.

2. The Influence of The Church of Hallowed Vows and the Talbot Family

The rise of The Church of Hallowed Vows marked a significant shift in the perception of menstruation. The Church sought to establish its authority by controlling aspects of women’s lives, including their natural biological processes.

• Doctrine of Impurity (The Church of Hallowed Vows): The Church taught that menstrual blood was a symbol of spiritual corruption, a reminder of the original sin attributed to the First Woman. Women who menstruated were seen as unclean and were often excluded from religious ceremonies and sacred spaces. The Church imposed strict regulations, requiring women to isolate themselves during their cycles to prevent the perceived contamination of holy sites.

• The Talbot Family's Doctrine: In The Old Parish, the Talbot family enforced similar beliefs, viewing menstrual blood as not only impure but also dangerous. They taught that menstruating women could attract malevolent spirits and disrupt the balance between the natural and supernatural worlds. Women were forbidden from approaching sacred sites during their cycles, and the Talbots' teachings further entrenched the idea that menstruation was something to be hidden and feared.

3. Witch Hunts and Menstrual Blood

The fear and repression of menstrual blood played a notable role during the witch hunts in Maraheim and its surrounding regions, particularly those held in Beldam Glade. Both The Church of Hallowed Vows and the Talbot family were instrumental in these persecutions, viewing menstruation as a possible link to witchcraft.

• Menstrual Blood and Witchcraft (The Church of Hallowed Vows): The Church associated menstrual blood with witchcraft, believing that older women, who no longer menstruated, retained a form of corrupt power within them. This belief fueled the witch hunts, where many women were accused of using their blood in dark rituals. These accusations often led to trials and executions, with Beldam Glade serving as a notorious site for such burnings.

• The Trials (The Talbot Family): The Talbots conducted their own witch hunts, driven by the fear that menstrual blood was a conduit for evil. Women accused of witchcraft were often those who were seen as defying the patriarchal order, and their trials were marked by intense scrutiny and brutal punishments. The association of menstruation with dark forces further reinforced the idea that women’s bodies were inherently dangerous.

4. The Continued Stigma Across the Regions

Despite the decline of witch hunts, the stigma surrounding menstruation persisted, subtly influencing cultural practices and societal norms across various regions.

• Medical Misconceptions and Superstitions: Into the 19th and 20th centuries, medical practitioners in these regions continued to propagate myths about menstruation. Women were often misdiagnosed with conditions attributed to the "corruption" of menstrual blood, reinforcing the belief that their natural processes were a source of instability.

• Cultural Taboos: Menstruation remains a topic surrounded by cultural taboos, with women expected to conceal any evidence of their cycles. This has led to practices that marginalize women during their periods, perpetuating the notion that menstruation is something to be ashamed of.

5. Reclaiming the Blood of Life

In recent years, there has been a quiet but growing movement to reclaim the significance of menstruation, challenging the long-standing doctrines of The Church of Hallowed Vows and the Talbot family.

• Secret Gatherings: Women have begun to hold secret gatherings, where they honor the ancient practices that once celebrated menstruation. These gatherings, often held in secluded areas like the Shy Woods, offer a space for women to share knowledge and challenge the stigma associated with their natural cycles.

• Cultural Reclamation: Scholars and activists are working to revive the ancient stories and practices that viewed menstruation as a source of life and power. Through education and cultural expression, they aim to dismantle the taboos that have long surrounded this aspect of womanhood.

Ongoing Influence

The history of menstruation reflects broader dynamics of control and repression exerted by patriarchal institutions such as The Church of Hallowed Vows and the Talbot family. These forces have left a lasting imprint on the culture and practices related to women’s bodies and natural cycles. In recent years, there have been efforts to reconsider and challenge these long-standing views. The quiet reclamation of menstrual significance represents a part of the ongoing dialogue about women's roles and the place of ancient traditions in contemporary society.