Hylaea

First Appearance and Context

Hylaea is invoked as "our mother" in the Hylaean Anathem, the choral piece sung during the daily rite at Provener within the Mynster. In that liturgical narrative, Hylaea is said to have brought the Light of her father Cnoüs.

Description and Role

Within the liturgy’s mythic framework, Hylaea is one of two daughters of Cnoüs (the other being Deät). The music divides into interwoven lines representing Hylaea and her sister, following a passage that symbolizes the dawning of Light in the mind of Cnoüs. Hylaea’s name is attached to the Anathem itself, which exists in many composed versions that share common words and structure but differ musically. In avout speech, "mother Hylaea" can function as a shorthand when referring to abstractions.

Usage in Avout Discourse

During a lesson on Iconographies, an avout noted that some outsiders may grow hostile when conversation turns to abstractions—"anything that comes to us from our mother Hylaea." This usage shows that the epithet is not limited to liturgy but also appears in everyday discussion as a way of pointing to abstract matters.

Relationships and Functions

• Parent: Cnoüs, from whom Hylaea is said to bring the Light.
• Sibling: Deät, the other daughter named alongside Hylaea in the mythic narrative.
• Ritual context: Central figure named in the Hylaean Anathem performed at Provener inside the Mynster.

Current Status

Hylaea is a mythic/liturgical figure rather than a living person within the narrative. She is referenced in song and ritual that remain in active use within the mathic community.