winter’s bane

winter’s bane FLORA — A grassy plant. Winter’s bane is a heavy grass that grows in areas of wetter climates. Though it may be found year-round, during winter it produces tiny white florets that release light seeds on the wind, creating a flurry similar to that of snow. The stalks and leaves of winter’s bane, which grows in large tufts especially near open water, are used during the festival of → Feilebroc because they self-pollinate during the winter months and foreshadow the coming of spring. Winter’s bane, in all its parts, is deadly if eaten; however, when burned or smoked, it has some medicinal value as well as hallucinogenic properties. Even when burned or smoked, it must be consumed in small doses, or it may cause severe health problems and even death. Winter’s bane has a distinct and pungent odor, even more so when it is burned. The plant figures prominently into the mythology regarding the Priests of → Domen-Shoo, who were said to have perpetual flames of winter’s bane burning in their temples. It is also widely believed that the Priests of Domen-Shoo were driven mad and ultimately sealed themselves in caves beneath their most sacred shrine on the coast of the northernmost island of the → Hundrain in large part due to their ingestion of the plant. In most contemporary uses, burning winters bane is considered cleansing.