Kerait religious texts describe same-sex intimacy as a sacred act between individuals who have pledged their lives to each other in service of a greater cause or deity. In some accounts, same-sex relationships are portrayed as a way for participants to transcend earthly existence and attain enlightenment through the union of spirit and body. Other tales depict them as an expression of loyalty to a ruler or a god, while still others suggest that they serve to balance the cosmic order. These myths reflect cultural beliefs about gender roles and social hierarchies, and may reveal much about the values and aspirations of ancient peoples.
How did Kerait religious myths encode same-sex intimacy as a metaphor for loyalty?
One example is the tale of Dalaidar and Anand, two youths who swear eternal devotion to one another after witnessing the death of their parents at the hands of invading enemies. They vow never to be separated again, and embark on a series of trials and adventures together, eventually becoming powerful warriors and defenders of their people. Their relationship serves as a symbol of their commitment to each other and their community, and their physical union represents the ultimate expression of their bond.
Another story tells of the king's concubine, who takes a lover in secret to ensure the continuation of his lineage. The king grants her permission to do so, and the two women become close friends, sharing their deepest thoughts and desires with one another. This relationship is viewed as a sacred act of selfless love, which brings blessings upon both individuals and the kingdom.
In yet another account, two male deities engage in sexual intercourse to create life and ensure the survival of the universe. This act is seen as a necessary balance between masculine and feminine energies, without which creation would be impossible. It is a symbolic representation of the cosmic order, where opposites must come together to create harmony.
The common theme among these tales is that same-sex relationships are portrayed as sacred acts that reflect larger societal values and ideals. They serve as symbols of loyalty, service, and sacrifice, and represent a higher purpose beyond personal pleasure or gratification. By encoding same-sex intimacy into religious myths, Kerait culture elevates this behavior from taboo to something meaningful and worth celebrating.
How did Kerait religious myths encode same-sex intimacy as a metaphor for loyalty, spiritual kinship, or cosmic balance?
As an essential part of their cosmogony, early religions often viewed human sexuality as reflecting divine power dynamics between male and female deities. The Keraits, like many other nomadic cultures of Central Asia, believed that the universe was governed by two great powers: heaven (male) and earth (female). This dualistic view led them to see sexual activity not only as a natural act but also as a symbolic representation of the relationship between these two forces.