Symbols of Hergom

The Four Colours

Red

Red represents the blood of the Wolgos, symbolizing both their vitality and the sacrifices made over the past two hundred years. It stands as a reminder of the life force that courses through the Wolgos people, as well as the deep scars left by the conflicts that have shaped their history.

Blue

Blue signifies the celestial mandate of the Wolgos, embodying the will of Dlrocha, the divine force that brought them into existence. This colour reflects their sacred purpose and the spiritual authority bestowed upon them, reminding the Wolgos of their higher calling and the divine guidance that shapes their destiny.

Orange

Orange captures the dual nature of prosperity and the harsh realities of existence. On one hand, it symbolizes the harvest, sunlight, and the prosperity that sustains the Wolgos people. On the other hand, it serves as a reminder of the punishing pain and injury the sun can cause, reflecting the celestial power that can both nurture and test them.

Green

Green represents creation and the bounty of the natural world, a gift from Dlrocha to the Wolgos. It signifies the abundance of life, the flourishing of their environment, and the divine generosity that sustains their existence. Green is a reminder of the preciousness of creation and the responsibility the Wolgos have to rule it.

The White Hand, Golden Flame and Red Guardian

White hand, Golden Flame and red Guardian as seen in the Coat of Arms of Hergom

White Hand

The White Hand stands as a powerful emblem of the Wolgos people, a symbol that gained prominence after their arrival in Kupeya following the Second Wolgos Trek. This hand iconography is steeped in cultural significance, representing both the Wolgos’ resilience and their claim to their new homeland. According to tradition, the White Hand commemorates a semi-mythical event in which a young Wolgos man became the first to disembark from the evacuation ships, setting foot on the shores of Kupeya. It is said that he was the first to touch a towering monolith that stood by the beach, symbolizing the Wolgos' connection to and ownership of this new homeland.

While the story is a cornerstone of Wolgos identity, its historical accuracy is shrouded in mystery. The event is imbued with a deep sense of mysticism, and there are no definitive records identifying the first Wolgos to set foot in Kupeya, nor any clear account of who was the initial disembarker from the evacuation fleet. Despite these uncertainties, the legend persists, and the White Hand has become more than just a symbol of arrival; it is a symbol of their dominion and belief in their own superiority.

Golden Flame

The Golden Flame, often depicted alongside the Dlrochsteg symbol, is a recurring motif in Wolgos iconography. Although not officially recognized as a religious symbol of Dlroch'veldr, it has been widely embraced by the Wolgos people. The Golden Flame represents their fervent faith and is seen by many as a divine affirmation of their celestial stewardship over creation. This symbol, rich in spiritual significance, has become deeply ingrained in the cultural identity of the Wolgos, symbolizing both their religious devotion and their perceived divine mandate.

The Golden Flame is ubiquitous within Wolgos communities, appearing in various forms of art, architecture, and even daily life. However, its meaning can be more complex outside these communities, particularly in regions with a history of conflict involving the Wolgos. In some of these foreign lands, the symbol has taken on a darker connotation, being regarded as a hate symbol due to its association with past hostilities. For instance, during both Coalition Wars, it was not uncommon for prisoners of war to be branded with the Golden Flame, a practice that has left a lasting scar on the collective memory of those nations.

Red Guardian

The Red Guardian, known as H’ghes, is a revered religious symbol within Wolgos culture, embodying the essence of life, fertility, and the hope for growth. This symbol is frequently invoked in prayers and rituals, particularly as a beacon of hope for the birth of new Wolgos children and the flourishing of their communities. Over time, H’ghes has evolved to represent more than just fertility; it has come to symbolize the Wolgos’ indomitable spirit, their relentless drive to survive, and their ability to rise anew even after the devastating losses suffered in past wars.

In the face of these profound losses, where entire generations were nearly wiped out, the Red Guardian has become a powerful emblem of resurgence and renewal. For the Wolgos, H’ghes is not merely a symbol of biological fertility, but a broader representation of their cultural and spiritual rebirth. It serves as a reminder of their enduring resilience, the continuity of their lineage, and their unwavering commitment to ensuring the survival and prosperity of their people, no matter the adversities they have faced.

Flag of Hergom

Flag of Hergom

The Wolgos flag is a powerful emblem that incorporates four significant colors—red, cobalt blue, orange, and forest green—alongside three revered symbols: the White Hand, the Golden Flame, and the Red Guardian, all set against a black field with radiating yellow rays. Each element of the flag is imbued with deep meaning, reflecting the history, culture, and beliefs of the Wolgos people.

The black field symbolizes the void of darkness from which the Wolgos people emerged, a metaphor for their rise from the abyss of destruction and adversity. It represents the primordial chaos and the unknown from which they were born, underscoring their journey from a state of despair to one of strength and unity.

The radiating yellow rays signify the might and power of the Wolgos people and their tribes. These rays emanate from the center of the flag, symbolizing the spreading influence and vitality of the Wolgos as they rise to prominence, their collective strength piercing through the darkness.

At the heart of the flag is the White Hand, surrounded by a silver ring. The White Hand is a symbol of the Wolgos themselves, representing their claim to their homeland and their enduring resilience. The addition of the silver ring around the hand serves as a representation of the celestial ring—the dust ring around Gotha, which is visible as a silver arc across much of the planet. This celestial ring is a reminder of the divine connection between the Wolgos and the cosmos, signifying their belief in a higher mandate that guides their destiny.

The Golden Flame is also prominently featured, symbolizing the Wolgos' ardent faith and their celestial mandate. This flame embodies both the warmth of prosperity and the harsh lessons of power, reminding the Wolgos of their spiritual duty and the balance required to wield their influence responsibly.

Finally, the Red Guardian represents life and fertility, standing as a testament to the Wolgos' relentless survival and the renewal of their people despite the great losses they have endured. This symbol reinforces their commitment to protecting and nurturing the next generations, ensuring the continuity of their lineage.

Stoldavian Blackberry plants

Common Stoldavian Blackberry plant

The Stoldiavian blackberry plant, commonly found across northern Altaia, holds deep symbolic significance for the Wolgos people. It serves as a potent allegory for the relationship between Wolgos men and women and their respective roles and purposes within society. The plant's pernicious, robust, and lacerating qualities are seen as distinctly masculine, symbolizing the role of Wolgos men as protectors—strong, resilient, and fierce. These attributes reflect the expectation that men should defend their people with tenacity and vigor.

Conversely, the plant’s delicate white flowers and nutritious fruits are considered feminine, embodying the ability to nurture and sustain life. The fruits, with their rich, red juice, symbolize the blood that women shed in the service of perpetuating life, highlighting the sacrifices made in childbirth and the ongoing cycle of life. The white flowers, meanwhile, are seen as a representation of Wolgos beauty and purity, underscoring the revered qualities of women within the culture.

The death of Whrosklowos Ghruxhuorsunus, one of the most powerful Wolgos men in history, from an infection caused by a blackberry thorn scratch has further entrenched the plant in Wolgos mythology. This incident transformed the blackberry into a symbol of the limits of power and the inherent dangers of overreaching ambition. Despite Ghruxhuorsunus's immense strength and influence, he was brought low by something as seemingly insignificant as a thorn, which has led the plant to be seen as a reminder of the humbling power of fate and the will of the Wolgos people. To many, it serves as a cautionary tale: no matter how mighty one may become, even the smallest forces can bring about their downfall, especially if they lose sight of the balance and humility required to lead.