“His mote of light, his sacred lantern, sits within the sun and lights all things before us.”

Birthed when he tore himself free of the black womb of nothingness, he wandered through the dark with little more than a lantern holding the mote of his own Light. He is the First of the Divine, and he wandered for an age, gathering his siblings at his side. Finally, he forged into existence the Sun, with a thought, a breath, and the word. 

From his Forge in the heart of the Sun, he began to create the world as it is, shaping it from a ball of clay. At first it was hot and of ill temper, and he was displeased with his creation. He was about to bring his hammer down upon the world and shatter it into nothingness, but Ghesheya looked upon it and wept for joy at such a creation. The world cooled, the depths were filled, and Marath stayed his hammer.

Since she revealed herself as the Second Divine, his partner was long the Pale Lady, Narunae. As the night sky was without color, she gave him a lock of her hair, from which he fashioned a brush that painted the sky. Unfortunately, after a terrible battle against the great wrath known as Khalbolge, which was only defeated by a thousand spears piercing its hide, she chose to banish herself to the night sky, so that she might protect the realm while Marath slumbers. Only when the sun is eclipsed do they meet again, for a brief kiss, before they renew their vigilance. 

He is often seen as a bringer of knowledge and wisdom, as his lantern casts aside shadows of doubt and ignorance. 

Appearance

He is but a simple man, wearing simple clothing. When he traveled through the darkness, he wore nothing more than a loincloth and carried his lantern before him. In later depictions, as he toiled at his forge, he is depicted as wearing a leather apron and holding a glowing hammer.

One unusual depiction of him that crops up shows him with four eyes of blazing fire, holding aloft a spear of silver and flame. In such depictions, he is often referred to as Marath-Dur, the fires of vengeance.

His symbol is a lantern, framed by the rays of the sun.

Followers

Marath is followed by many and is praised for his divine light. 

The Lantern Bearers are a faction of his clergy that wear robes of orange and yellow. At dusk, they will often go forth and light lanterns throughout a town, ensuring that there is enough light for people to see their way through the darkness. 

Common Practices

Many of his followers will greet the rising sun by going outside and raising both hands to the sky in greetings to Marath. 

During eclipses, his followers will celebrate by banging on drums, or make any other noise as he kisses Narunae once again.