Veróth

A Veróth is a sacred tree cultivated by the Kintai of Haradwaith to honour those of their people who undergo Tróthul, the fading. When a Kinta enters the trance that precedes fading, a Veróth is fashioned around them, allowing their spirit to remain bound to the grove they cherished in life. These living memorials serve as spiritual vessels, containing the essence of the faded Kintai and offering comfort to those they leave behind. Veróthi are grown from Sarláshi trees and are tended with great reverence by Kintai grove‑keepers.

History

The Veróthi are central to Kintai beliefs surrounding death, memory, and the fading of the spirit. The Kintai do not travel to Valinor, and the eldest among them often grow weary of the world. In the later years of the Second Age, some began to "fade", entering long trances as their bodies turned to dust. Their spirits, freed from the physical form, became Väiri, wandering wraiths who linger in the lands they loved.

Those who feel a strong bond to a particular grove may choose to undergo Tróthul there. When this occurs, the Kintai fashion a Veróth around the fading body. The resulting tree becomes a living link to the ancestor within, treated with the same reverence that Men give to their entombed dead.

Veróthi require careful tending. Streams feed many of them, but isolated stands must be watered by hand. Grove‑tenders and water‑bearers maintain them, ensuring the spirits within remain at peace.

However, Veróthi can be corrupted. The Pale Blight can twist them, releasing wrathful spirits known as Curthádi. The Ordâkhai have even used the husks of Veróthi in their fortifications; an act the Kintai consider a grave desecration.

The tradition of creating Veróthi dates back to the Tárthai, who chose not to follow Taknûn the Hunter westward and instead remained in the lands they loved. Their descendants continue this practice, maintaining the groves as sacred places of memory and continuity.

Location

Veróthi appear in several Kintai groves and sacred sites, including:

• Arwáth - A grove in Ambarûl where living Veróthi grow among the trees.
• Shonith - A peaceful oasis tended by Elves. Veróthi grow on islands in the central pool and around the water’s edge.
• Vartúlin - A major grove where many Veróthi are maintained. Streams feed most of them, though some stands require manual watering.
• Róthirin - A grove of younger Sarláshi trees. Fresh shoots are gathered here to create new Veróthi. The area is dangerous due to Curthádi spirits.
• Ghât Lor (indirect) - Ordâkhai fortifications in this region sometimes incorporate desecrated Veróthi husks.
• Sul Madásh - The primary Kintai settlement in the region, containing living Veróth trees integrated into the community.