Selûne, a prominent deity in the Forgotten Realms universe, is the goddess of the moon, stars, navigation, and lycanthropes. Often revered by sailors, wanderers, and those seeking guidance during the night, she represents the power and mystery of the celestial moon. Selûne is not just a figure of light, but also a symbol of balance, as she has a complex and often adversarial relationship with her twin sister, Shar, the goddess of darkness. The mythological stories of Selûne reflect both the beauty of the moon and the conflict between light and dark forces.
Her influence extends far beyond just the Forgotten Realms and Dungeons & Dragons games. She plays a vital role in the lives of adventurers, especially those embarking on journeys or seeking protection against the forces of evil.
Key Points:
- Selûne governs over moonlight, stars, and the tides.
- She is revered for her roles in guiding lost travelers and aiding lycanthropes.
- Selûne is often in conflict with her twin sister Shar, creating a dynamic of balance between light and dark.
Who Is Selûne in the Forgotten Realms?
Selûne is one of the oldest and most revered deities in the Forgotten Realms pantheon. As the goddess of the moon, she embodies both the nurturing and protective forces associated with the moon’s light, as well as its ever-changing phases. In many ways, Selûne is a figure of constant transformation, her mood shifting with the phases of the moon itself. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman with silver hair, radiating light.
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, she is also closely associated with sailors, navigators, and those on journeys. Her guidance is sought by those traveling at night, especially on the seas where the stars and moon are crucial for navigation. Selûne’s sphere of influence is vast, and she is seen as a protector of those who are lost or in need of guidance.
Her connection to the moon also makes her the goddess of lycanthropes. While she is seen as a protector of good-aligned lycanthropes, she has little patience for those who embrace evil through their transformation. This duality of the moon, as both a source of light and a dark mirror, is what defines Selûne’s nature.
How Does Selûne’s Power Affect the World?
Selûne’s power is vast and encompasses several important aspects of life in the Forgotten Realms. As the goddess of the moon and stars, she influences the tides of the oceans, affects the cycles of the night, and even impacts the behavior of lycanthropes. Her magic also affects the environment, particularly in places where the light of the moon is especially important for rituals and ceremonies.
Selûne is often seen as a benevolent goddess, offering protection to those who need it during the night. This could mean guiding lost travelers, providing clarity in times of confusion, or offering strength to those who are enduring hardships. Her connection to the moon and stars makes her an essential deity for many who rely on these celestial bodies for guidance in their daily lives.
The Symbolism Behind Selûne’s Appearance
The appearance of Selûne is symbolic in itself, as it represents the ever-changing phases of the moon. She is often depicted as a radiant figure, with a soft glow around her. Her form is elegant and ethereal, embodying both beauty and power. Artists frequently depict her in flowing robes, with her hair shining silver or blue, reflecting the light of the moon. Her form may change depending on which phase of the moon is represented—sometimes she is depicted as a young maiden, while other times, she is seen as an older, wise woman.
These variations in her appearance reflect the shifting nature of the moon itself, as it passes through its phases. This adaptability in form also symbolizes Selûne’s ability to be both nurturing and powerful, protective yet distant.
How Does Selûne’s Relationship with Shar Influence Her Lore?
Selûne’s twin sister, Shar, is the goddess of darkness, loss, and grief. The two are eternal opposites, often locked in conflict, with their opposing forces creating a dynamic tension between light and dark. While Selûne embodies the moon’s light, Shar represents its shadow. The rivalry between these two goddesses is not just a tale of opposition; it is also one of balance. Together, they represent the two halves of the celestial and natural world, with their ever-present battle playing a major role in shaping the cosmos.
In the Forgotten Realms mythology, Selûne and Shar were once united, but after a great betrayal, they became bitter enemies. This tension is not just about personal conflict, but also about the struggle for control over the forces of the universe.
| Goddess | Domain | Key Attributes |
| Selûne | Moon, Stars, Navigation, Lycanthropes | Light, Protection, Guidance |
| Shar | Darkness, Loss, Night | Shadow, Control, Grief |
This rivalry influences much of the history and cosmology of the Forgotten Realms, as their conflict echoes through time and space, with Selûne’s light always striving to push back the darkness that Shar embodies.
How Do Followers Worship Selûne?
The worship of Selûne is widespread throughout the world of Faerûn, especially among sailors, wanderers, and those seeking her guidance. Many temples dedicated to Selûne are located near the sea or in areas where the moon’s light is especially important for navigation. Priests and priestesses of Selûne are often seen as healers, guides, and protectors, offering blessings to those who are lost or in need of protection during the night.
Selûne’s followers engage in many rituals and ceremonies that honor the moon, especially during the full moon when her power is strongest. These ceremonies can include offerings of silver, moonstones, and prayers for guidance. Her followers also believe that by seeking her guidance, they can find clarity in times of darkness.
Note: Many adventurers rely on the wisdom and protection of Selûne during their quests, especially those who travel at night or through dangerous terrain.
How Is Selûne Represented in Dungeons & Dragons?
In the Dungeons & Dragons world, Selûne is a chaotic good deity, with a particular focus on the domains of Knowledge, Life, and Twilight. Her influence is seen in many aspects of the game, especially in campaigns that involve navigation, exploration, and celestial events. Players often choose to worship Selûne when creating characters that have a connection to the moon, stars, or the tides.
In gameplay, Selûne’s blessings can offer various advantages, such as protection from darkness or the ability to navigate through difficult terrain. Clerics and paladins of Selûne might also have spells that allow them to call upon the light of the moon for healing or protection.
| Character Type | Alignment | Domains | Power |
| Selûnite Cleric | Chaotic Good | Knowledge, Life, Twilight | Healing, Protection, Guidance |
| Lycanthrope | Neutral Good | Lycanthropy, Protection | Control over transformation |
Conclusion
Selûne stands as one of the most complex and fascinating deities in the Forgotten Realms universe. She is a goddess of light, guiding those in darkness, but also a symbol of balance through her eternal struggle with her twin sister, Shar. Selûne’s influence stretches far beyond just her followers—her impact is felt by adventurers, sailors, and those navigating the challenges of the night. Whether in the light of the moon or the shadows of the night, Selûne offers protection, guidance, and wisdom to all who seek her aid.
FAQ’s
- What is Selûne the goddess of?
Selûne is the goddess of the moon, stars, navigation, and lycanthropes. She is also a protector of travelers and those lost in the dark.
- How does Selûne’s power affect the world?
Selûne controls the moon, tides, and influences the behavior of lycanthropes. Her power is particularly felt during the night.
- What is the relationship between Selûne and Shar?
Selûne and Shar are twin sisters, each representing opposing forces—Selûne embodies light, while Shar embodies darkness. They are eternal enemies.
- How do followers worship Selûne?
Followers of Selûne worship her through rituals and prayers, particularly during the full moon. They seek her guidance, protection, and blessings.
- Is Selûne associated with lycanthropes?
Yes, Selûne is the goddess of lycanthropes and is known to protect good-aligned ones while having no love for evil lycanthropes.
- What role does Selûne play in Dungeons & Dragons?
In Dungeons & Dragons, Selûne is a chaotic good deity, associated with Knowledge, Life, and Twilight. Her followers receive blessings of protection and guidance, especially at night.
