Book of Teeth
the Libo Poem
The
Parasoza
is the definitive book of
Vopa, but there exists a secondary text that discusses cosmology and
emphasizes different idols called the Omono, which contains the Book
of Teeth.
The Book of Teeth is a 1,204 line poem that tells the story of
wormstone
from the perspective of
Vesi, the world. As
Azatara, god of the other world , sinks their teeth into Vesi before they
broke apart, Vesi sings of the nature of change, the source of pain
and suffering in the world, and the desire to adventure into the
unknown.
The poem ends as Azatara disappears, leaving their teeth behind, and
Vesi vows to meet it again while their skin already begins to heal
itself over the scars.
Purpose
The Book of Teeth is a meditation on life that resonates with many
people. It is one of the primary texts for those who practice
Libo. Passages are read aloud or recited in prayers.
Historical Details
Background
Sumiga
wrote the Parasoza after receiving visions from Pemija, the
great moon . The work lays out the basic cosmology of the Yalisi
world and chronicles the fight between Azatara and Vesi in great
detail.
The Book of Teeth arrived years after the original Parasoza
started to disseminate to people outside of the priesthood
itself. Many understand it to be a direct response to the
Parasoza.
History
The exact origins of the Book of Teeth are unknown. Modern
scholars believe it to be adapted piecemeal from various
heretical oral traditions. The poem is made up of different
sections and some are radically different from each other,
suggesting multiple authors.
Public Reaction
The Vopa majority in the Yalisi Empire believe the Book of Teeth
to be propaganda for a losing side. Their primary goddess
Pemija
is devoted to change and mutation. Vesi advocates for stillness
and being present with one's current self in the Book of Teeth,
so while the Book is formally introduced in public education, it
is framed purely as a historical document rather than a
religious one.