esinduv

Esinduv is a term used in the ethnographic description of the imagined archipelago of Liravan to denote a yearly ritual of communal memory sharing. The practice is usually performed after the autumn harvest, during a night of communal gathering. Central to esinduv is oral storytelling; participants take turns recounting memories linked to family lines, local landmarks, ships, harvests, and songs. Elders typically open with a set of founding myths, after which members from different generations contribute verses or anecdotes. The ritual often features symbolic objects such as carved tokens and circular mats; music, clapping, and chanting accompany the memory exchanges. The structure emphasizes continuity, with each memory tying into a larger narrative of communal identity.

Etymology: from the Esindi language, esin- meaning "together" and duv meaning "memory" or "remembering." Regional pronunciations vary, but the core meaning remains constant.

Functions and significance: esinduv serves to transmit intergenerational knowledge—navigation routes, weather lore, agricultural practices, and local laws—while reinforcing cooperative norms and social hierarchy. It is also a social event that strengthens kinship ties and collective belonging.

Variations and modern context: in some depictions, esinduv is adapted for public performances or tourism, but most communities preserve a version viewed as essential to cultural continuity. In scholarly writing, it is cited as an example of oral-intangible heritage in a fictional setting.