Rotunda

First Appearance and Context

The Rotunda is a prominent chamber along the Hylaean Way inside the Unarian Math at the Concent of Saunt Edhar. Visitors emerge into this bright, open space from a darker fossil gallery during guided tours, especially when the gates are open at Apert.

Roles/Actions and Affiliations

• Serves as the Hylaean Way’s centerpiece hall for tours, anchoring the narrative about Cnous and his daughters. A double‑life‑size marble of Cnous dominates the room, flanked by companion statues of Hylaea and Deat.
• Functions as a teaching space: guides recount the differing interpretations associated with Hylaea and Deat. Two exits—one near each daughter—mark the symbolic fork, with one door leading further along the Hylaean Way.
• During openings, it draws pilgrims and onlookers; some identified as Deolaters leave candles and tokens at Deat’s pedestal.

Relationships

• Location within complex: part of the Hylaean Way circuit in the Unarian Math, which itself belongs to the Concent of Saunt Edhar.
• Artistic ensemble: the three sculptures (Cnous at center, Hylaea and Deat as companions) are arranged to frame the room’s thematic focus and its paired exits.

Descriptions/Characteristics

• Architecture: a domed, circular hall with an oculus at the apex shaped like an isosceles triangle that throws a defined beam of sunlight into the space.
• Sculpture and layout: the central Cnous figure reclines against tree roots atop a high pedestal, stylus in hand with measuring tools at his feet; Hylaea stands unveiled, pointing upward, while Deat kneels cloaked and turned toward the light. The three form a large isosceles triangle within the room.
• Wayfinding: two clearly marked doors stand near the companion statues—one leading outside, the other continuing the Hylaean Way sequence.

Current Status/Location

Active and accessible during Apert as part of the Hylaean Way tour route within the Unarian Math. The hall remains a major draw for visitors and tour groups and continues to host the sculptures at its center.