Mystra: Goddess Of Magic In Forgotten Realms & 7 Sisters
Is magic merely a tool, something to be wielded and then discarded, or is it something far more profound? Mystra, the Lady of Mysteries, the goddess of magic, holds the answer, and her influence has shaped the very fabric of the realms.
In the 8th century of Dale Reckoning, a powerful sorceress named Elu, blessed by Mystra, bore seven daughters. These sisters, collectively known as the Seven Sisters, were all inherently strong spellcasters, their powers a direct result of Mystra's presence at their conception and birth. Each served the goddess in her own unique way, forming a crucial aspect of Mystra's complex influence. Mystra's symbol, a visual representation of her power, is a ring of seven stars surrounding a rising red mist, spiraling upwards toward the heavens. This imagery encapsulates the awe-inspiring nature of magic and the unseen forces that govern it.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mystra (also known as the Lady of Mysteries) |
| Title | Goddess of Magic |
| Alignment | Lawful Neutral |
| Plane of Origin | Nirvana |
| Domains | Magic, Knowledge |
| Symbol | A ring of seven stars surrounding a rising red mist, spiraling to the heavens, Also, a circle of nine stars encircling a flowing red mist |
| Associated Deities | Azuth (God of Wizards), Selune (Goddess of the Moon), Shar (Goddess of Darkness) |
| Followers | Spellcasters, academics, and those interested in the pursuit and understanding of magic |
| Key Beliefs | The importance of the Weave, the ethical use of magic, the acquisition and dissemination of magical knowledge, and tolerance of different magical practices |
| Incarnations | Mystryl (predecessor), Mystra I, Mystra II (current) |
| Major Role | Overseeing the Weave, enabling spellcasting, and regulating the use of magic in Faern and other realms |
| Notable Events | Successive incarnations and sacrifices to protect the Weave from destruction, teaching the first spellcasters, influencing key events in Toril's history. |
| Related concept | The Weave |
| Other | The Seven Sisters, the Magister, the Church of Mystra |
Reference Website: Forgotten Realms Wiki - Mystra
The question of whether magic is a simple implement or something more is at the heart of Mystras domain. Is it a hammer, picked up and put down at will, or is it a fundamental aspect of reality, a force to be understood and respected? Mystra, as the deity of magic, stands as the embodiment of the latter. She is not merely a wielder of spells but the guardian of the Weave, the conduit that allows spellcasters to tap into the raw energy of magic, safely channeling it for their use. She is the force that makes spellcasting possible in Faern and the vast expanse of Realmspace.
Mystra's influence extends far beyond the practical applications of magic. She is the deity of the possibilities that magic can bring about, making her one of the most powerful entities within Toril. Her actions have shaped the very nature of the world, influencing everything from the evolution of races to the rise and fall of civilizations. Her presence is felt in the grandest of historical events, as well as the smallest, everyday uses of magic.
The symbols associated with Mystra reflect her multifaceted nature. The circle of seven stars may represent her daughters, the Seven Sisters, a powerful group intrinsically linked to her power. The more modern symbol, with nine stars, is more obscure, but both are still in use, reflecting the reverence of Mystra and the acceptance of differing views in their faith. This acceptance allows those of Mystra's faith to honor the past as well as embracing change.
The Church of Mystra, also known as the Church of Mysteries, is the primary religious organization dedicated to the worship and service of the goddess. The church fosters a culture of tolerance and encourages its members to learn from the past, embracing both ancient and modern symbology. In the temple of Raven's Bluff, the seven-star sigil is the symbol chosen to represent the temple. The church of Mystra typically does not employ idols like statues of the goddess, but has no commandments against it. Tolerance is very important in our faith as we believe we may only press forward by learning about the past.
Mystra's role in the history of the Forgotten Realms is profound. She has been through at least three incarnations: Mystryl, the first and chaotic neutral incarnation, who sacrificed herself to protect the Weave from Karsus's Folly; Mystra I; and Mystra II. Mystra, the second incarnation of the goddess of magic, is the current deity. The first Mystra, Mystryl, was born from a violent blending of the essences of the sister goddesses Selne and Shar. Her sacrifice was a pivotal event, safeguarding the delicate balance of magic and ensuring its continued existence.
Mystra's influence extends even to the personal stories of individuals. In the tale of the hero Elminster, she played a direct role, utilizing him to restore her power by retrieving the inner magic of powerful wizards. Similarly, her actions have had significant effects on figures such as Malik and Kelemvor, directly influencing their destinies. Mystra's presence is felt in the lives of all those who wield magic or interact with it.
The Magister, a champion of Mystra, was devoted to spreading the use and teaching of magic. They encourage its use, and promoting its availability and utility. The task of the Magister was a lonely office, frequently challenged by those seeking to seize it for themselves.
The weave is the conduit that enables mortal spell casters and magical crafters to safely access the raw force that is magic. Mystra oversees the weave and spreads arcane knowledge to mortal spellcasters. Her clerics preserve ancient lore and protect bastions of magical energy. Tolerance is very important in their faith as they believe they may only press forward by learning about the past.
The goddess possessed a bear guarding a cache of Mystras magic items. To prevent Mystra from interfering with Maliks quest, Cyric manipulated Mystra into attacking Mask, and she was temporarily interred within Helm's prison. After Mystra was released, she visited Kelemvor in his newly formed crystal spire in the city of the dead. Mystra came to witness the dramatic change that Kelemvor had undergone.
Mystras influence is woven into the very fabric of the Forgotten Realms, a testament to her power, wisdom, and enduring legacy. May the blessings of Mystra be upon you.
