A statue of the Ancestor Gods held in highest esteem among the Dawi.
The Ancestor Gods are the chief deities worshipped by the Dwarfs. The Dwarfs venerate their once-mortal legendary ancestors instead of worshipping otherworldly gods of the Aethyr like Men and Elves. Dwarfs believe that the spirits of the Ancestors watch over them, guide their actions, judge their achievements and determine if they have led worthy lives.[1a]
The most widely revered ancestors among the Dawi are the Ancestor Gods. Of these, Grungni, Valaya, and Grimnir are the most important. According to Dwarflore, the three were born from deep within the hearts of the first mountains of the mortal world, and the entire Dwarf race are descended from them. Gazul, the younger brother of the three principle Ancestor Gods, protects the spirits of the clans' ancestors. Smednir, Thungni, and Morgrim are other Ancestor Gods, whose worship tends to be restricted to specific clans.[1a]
Religion in Dwarf Society[]
Religion is integral to Dwarf society. It fulfills a role that transcends the normal bounds dictated by clan and, to a lesser degree, craftguild. It also plays a role in certain social functions like the exchange of marriage vows, judging those accused of breaking the law, consecrating new settlements, and conducting burial rites.[1a]
Members of the Dwarf priesthood are held in high esteem, both for their wisdom and because they represent the Ancestor Gods. Many disputes between clans and holds have been settled through the mediating efforts of priests.[1a]
List of Ancestor Gods[]
- Grungni - Grungni is the Ancestor God of mining, artisans and smiths, the chief deity of the Dwarf people. He is the sibling of Grimnir.[1a][1b]
- Valaya - Valaya is the Ancestor Goddess of home, hearth, brewing and healing and the wife of Grungni.[1c]
- Gazul - Gazul is the Ancestor God of the subterranean realm known as the Underearth to Dwarfs.[1e][1f]
- Skavor - Skavor is a renegade Ancestor God believed to have been responsible for the creation of the first Skaven in Dwarfen myth.[2a]
- Smednir - Smednir is the Ancestor God known as the "Shaper of Ore," the patron of ore refinement and intricate metalworking.[1f][1g]
- Thungni - Thungni is the Ancestor God of runesmiths.[1g][1h]
- Grombrindal - Also called the "The White Dwarf," Grombrindal could be viewed among the Dwarfs as a minor Ancestor God, cultural hero, or legendary figure.
- The ancestors of each individual Dawi Clan are worshipped by the Ancestor Cults.[1i]
Spells[]
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This article may contain older content that is now considered non-canon.
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Certain Ancestor Gods can grant magical spells to their worshippers, much like other gods of the Old World Pantheon.[1b][1f]
Divine Lore of Grungni[]
- One with the Stone - This spell uses a Symbol of Grungni and a fistful of stone dust. Once invoked, this spell grants the caster the ability to meld themselves into stone objects (including most tunnel walls). This spell permits the caster to pass through stone obstacles at a cautious rate of movement. If the caster is still inside the stone object when the spell expires, they are ejected from the stone at the point where they entered.[1b]
Divine Lore of Gazul[]
- Retribution - This spell uses a Symbol of Gazul and water blessed by a cleric. This spell can be cast by a cleric of Gazul against any group of Skeletons, Zombies, or ethereal Undead within 24 yards, and will affect between seven and sixteen members of the group, causing them to either crumble to dust or, in the case of ethereal Undead, simply vanish.[1f]
Canon Conflict[]
In the 1st Edition of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, Dwarfs were able to cast spells and become wizards and priests similar to Men. In all later editions of the game, the Ancestor Gods do not grant their worshippers miracles or spells.