Rhtüübi

Rhtüübi is a traditional communal ceremony from the fictional Lantern Isles, combining oral storytelling, choral singing, and dance to preserve collective memory, historical events, and seasonal knowledge. The term is used to refer to both the performance itself and the body of narratives that accompany it.

The name Rhtüübi derives from the fictional Rhtüübi language, with components meaning "to gather" and "voices." The spelling with umlauts reflects a particular phonology in that language.

The practice is described as dating back several centuries, with earliest references in maritime trade chronicles. It evolved from early harvest rites and negotiation ceremonies, later formalizing into a recurring event tied to the lunar cycle and fishing season.

A Rhtüübi performance typically involves a lead storyteller, a chorus, and a small ensemble of percussion and wind instruments. The event unfolds in three phases: invocation to ancestors, narrative retelling of collective milestones, and a blessing ritual. Performers use mnemonic devices, hand signals, and choreographed movements to cue sections and preserve memory across generations.

Rhtüübi serves educational, ceremonial, and social functions, teaching youth about genealogy, navigation routes, weather lore, and conflict resolution. While the core structure is consistent, regional variants exist in repertoire, language usage, and dress. Some communities emphasize ascetic simplicity; others incorporate ornate costumes.

In modern depictions within the Lantern Isles, Rhtüübi is showcased at cultural festivals and in community centers. Ethnomusicologists study its motifs and transmission, and informal schools offer training in storytelling and performance. Recordings and reconstructions aim to preserve endangered variants.