Júuinge

júuinge is a term used in worldbuilding and speculative fiction to describe a traditional communal storytelling ritual. In the imagined cultures where it appears, júuinge denotes the act of weaving individual memories into a shared narrative, performed aloud in a group setting.

Etymology and sense: The word is presented as originating from the fictional Axtari language, with the first syllable stressed. In this context, júuinge combines concepts of memory, weaving, and voice, conveying both creation and transmission of history.

Practice: A júuinge session typically gathers six to twenty participants around a central fire or drum circle. A lead storyteller or choirmaster guides the flow, with participants taking turns to recount events, embellish them, or respond in chorus. The performance is often punctuated by percussion and rhythmic chants; durations range from half an hour to several hours.

Cultural role: Within its fictional setting, júuinge functions as social memory, disciplinary ritual, and communal entertainment. It reinforces kinship ties, asserts communal identity during harvests or solstice rites, and is the subject of scholarly debate within the world’s universities about memory, ethics, and authenticity.

In literature and media: Júuinge appears in the 2019 novel The Tides of Luma and in the indie game Islands of Echo, where proponents emphasize its role in preserving oral history. Critics question modern adaptations and commodification of traditional forms.