Gilean, the Keeper of All Knowledge
Introduction
In the world of Dragonlance, where gods battle for control over mortal souls, Gilean stands apart, neither seeking dominion nor conquest. Known as the Sage of the Gods, the Gray Voyager, and the Keeper of the Tobril, Gilean is the god of knowledge, balance, and the preservation of wisdom.
As the leader of the Gods of Neutrality, Gilean does not fight for good or evil—he fights to preserve truth and the sanctity of free will. He watches over the accumulation, protection, and spread of knowledge, believing that all beings must be free to shape their own destinies, unclouded by lies or divine interference.
Origins and Role Among the Gods
Gilean was created by the High God to serve as the keeper of the Tobril, a divine tome that contains the blueprint of all creation. Unlike the Gods of Light, who seek order and righteousness, or the Gods of Darkness, who crave dominion, Gilean believes that the world must be allowed to unfold as written, without bias or interference.
He does not rule as a lawgiver or inspire as a warrior—instead, he records, observes, and safeguards the truth of history. He values knowledge above all, believing that truth, once known, will guide mortals to their own conclusions.
Domains and Influence
Gilean is the god of:
- Knowledge and Learning – The patron of scholars, scribes, and historians.
- Balance and Free Will – Ensuring that neither good nor evil dominates the world.
- Truth and Preservation – Guarding history from corruption and distortion.
- Libraries and Records – Protecting written knowledge from being lost or destroyed.
His influence is strongest among librarians, sages, philosophers, historians, and those who seek enlightenment through knowledge.
Gilean’s Followers and Their Ways
Gilean’s followers do not seek power, wealth, or control—they seek truth, wisdom, and the balance of knowledge. They believe that no truth should be hidden, and no mind should be enslaved by ignorance.
His followers include:
- Scholars and Scribes – Those who dedicate their lives to recording history and seeking knowledge.
- Librarians and Archivists – Guardians of books, scrolls, and sacred texts.
- Philosophers and Thinkers – Those who contemplate the mysteries of existence.
- Mediators and Judges – Those who ensure fair decisions based on logic and truth.
To serve Gilean is to seek truth in all things, to guard knowledge from corruption, and to respect free will above all else.
Symbols and Worship
Gilean is often depicted as a wise, bearded man in gray robes, holding an enormous book—the Tobril—filled with the knowledge of all creation. Sometimes, he appears as a faceless, robed figure, symbolizing the impartial nature of truth.
His sacred symbols include:
- An open book – Representing wisdom and the preservation of knowledge.
- A gray circle – Symbolizing balance and neutrality.
- An unfurled scroll – A sign of history’s unfolding truth.
Temples to Gilean are libraries, archives, and scriptoriums, where his followers study, preserve, and teach the knowledge of the past and present.
Worship and Rituals
Gilean’s worship is not about prayer, but about the pursuit of knowledge. His followers do not kneel before altars—they read, write, and study.
Key rituals include:
- The Rite of the Scribe – A dedication ceremony where new followers take an oath to preserve and protect knowledge.
- The Chronicle of Ages – An ongoing effort to record history without bias or alteration.
- The Silent Reflection – A period of meditation, where followers contemplate the balance of knowledge and free will.
Gilean does not demand worship or loyalty—he only asks that truth be preserved and shared.
Allies and Rivals Among the Gods
As the leader of the Gods of Neutrality, Gilean aligns most closely with:
- Zivilyn, the god of wisdom, who shares his love for enlightenment.
- Lunitari, the goddess of neutral magic, who values knowledge for its own sake.
- Chislev, the goddess of nature, who embodies the natural order of balance.
However, he stands in opposition to:
- Takhisis, the Queen of Darkness, who seeks to enslave knowledge and twist it to serve her will.
- Hiddukel, the god of lies, who corrupts truth for his own gain.
- Paladine, the god of law, who seeks to impose order, which Gilean sees as an interference with free will.
Gilean does not hate or love any god—he exists above their conflicts, ensuring that history unfolds as it was meant to.
Gilean in Legends and Stories
The Sealed Tome
One of the most famous tales of Gilean tells of a time when a greedy king demanded to see the secrets of the Tobril. Gilean refused, explaining that some knowledge must be earned, not given. The king, in his arrogance, tried to force the book open—but as soon as he touched it, his mind shattered, overwhelmed by the infinite truths contained within.
This tale teaches that wisdom cannot be taken—it must be sought with patience and understanding.
The Lost Library
Another legend speaks of a hidden library, built by Gilean’s followers, containing every book ever written. It is said that those who truly seek knowledge may find their way there, but only if their heart is pure and their mind is free of bias.
Some claim that Gilean himself watches over this library, ensuring that no knowledge is ever truly lost.