OVA's Lore: Shrine Maiden Education

Happy September! I can't believe summer is coming to an end. I can't say I'm upset, though; I love Fall. I'm tired of the heat and all the bugs lol. Anyway, I've written more lore for shrine maidens and am adding to my collection. There is also a new sketch in here!

*Please note this information is not official and is my headcanon within the Breath of the Wild era.

Education

Girls may take the aptitude test for Shrine Maiden training after turning 13. The test is held in the fourth month of every other year by the High Council within the temple. This assessment evaluates physical, magical, and spiritual capabilities by entering one of the Ancient Shrines. Those who pass may enroll in Shrine Maiden training classes. If one is deemed unsuitable for Shrine Maiden, she is given several other career paths that are more applicable. These jobs are essential to keep the organization functioning. All girls who take the test participate in the New Beginnings ceremony a week later. This is a commemoration of the girls’ courage and a celebration of their new adventure. 

Classes start three days after the ceremony; Held 5 days a week from 9 am to 2 pm. Four courses are taken, all an hour each day with an hour break between the first and last two. This routine continues for the first three years of training. Classes that are taken include:

• Year One:

  • Etiquette and protocols

  • Calendar dates and rituals

  • Weapon aptitude and basic forms

  • Magic aptitude and basic forms

• Year Two:

  • Ritual practices and observation

  • Intermediate weapon forms

  • Intermediate magic forms

  • Sustainability I

• Year Three:

  • Advanced weapon forms

  • Advanced magic forms

  • Sustainability II

  • Sustainability III

    
    

Young Dashi

These classes prepare trainees for their responsibilities and how to survive. This is also the time trainees hone both combat and magical abilities. Everyone enrolled is issued a uniform and training equipment for their teachings. Classes are not held in the first four months of the year.

After completion, students take a voyage through Hyrule for hands-on experience. The journey takes 9 months and is overseen by 8 accomplished teachers. With the help of transference, students will see every region of Hyrule and its diverse culture. Active maidens interact with students through predetermined exercises that test their three years of teaching. Trainees are also allowed free time to explore within a set perimeter. The group travels a region for 3 months before moving on. Korok Forest is reserved for High Priestesses and their apprentices. For safety, the voyage does not include the volcanic territory of the Gorons. Those who wish to be stationed at any of those shrines must spend part of their apprenticeship there. Hyrule Castle is also too dangerous to transverse and is observed from a safe distance near the end of the trip. After returning to Kakariko, students fill out forms for the regions in which they want to fulfill their apprenticeship and are given the last 3 months of the year off.

At the beginning of their fifth year, trainees receive letters containing recommended apprenticeships that are open to them. Sign-up sheets are available for the first month. Students may also elect to have their teachers choose. Staying in Kakariko Village, Hateno Village, or at a Stable are also options. Once a location is assigned students head out to fulfill their apprenticeship within the third month of the year. These teachings will be more tailored to the region an individual would prefer to serve. This is also an opportunity to build relationships with shrine maidens and show oneself as a suitable successor. Trainees will spend the rest of the year under guidance and attend to real-world issues. 

The Fifth Year Graduation is held at the beginning of the year. All stationed students travel back to Kakariko to participate. During this ceremony, young women receive their tattoos; an eye on the forehead. Those who have mastered transference receive teardrop tattoos on their hands and feet. They can now choose from a collection of common attire for shrine maidens. These soon-to-be maidens also complete the crafting of their first weapon. After officially presenting themselves to the High Council and receiving their blessing, students graduate to the title of a shrine maiden.