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'''Merrik Jenlek''' is the Divine Father of the universe of [[Lethurèa]], the co-Creator of all spirit children within it, and one of the oldest and most revered [[Divines]] in the [[Yonder Realm]]. He is the eternal consort of [[Meera Jenlek]], with whom he conceived countless spirits, established the [[Kingdoms of It'slémwé]], and shaped the universal laws governing justice, love, and transformation. He is not to be confused with [[Merik Teslek]], a mortal valorèin and prophesied Hero of Lethurèa.
{{Divine
|name=Merrik Jenlek
|oed=m eh r ih k  j eh n l eh k
|image=Blank_character.jpg
|epithet=The Father, Divine Father, Creator of Lethurèa, Father of Spirits
|appearance=A humanoid male with one deep blue and one blue-hazel eye, long braided platinum hair, a bushy red beard, long pointed ears, and robes of unfathomable white linen. One pectoral is exposed and he is cloaked in celestial flame.
|creation=Born a mortal to [[Jovan]] and [[Asarea]], ascended to Divinity
|home_universe=Unknown (preceding Lethurèa)
|spouse=[[Meera Jenlek]]
|role=Father of Lethurèa, co-Creator of spirits, Divine Judge, Protector of Law
|domain=Fatherhood, Judgment, Heroism, Moral Law
|universe1=[[Lethurèa]]
|universe2=
|universe3=
|symbols=Celestial flame encircling a crystal sphere of deep blue and gold
|notable_acts=Creation of [[Lethurèa]], establishment of the [[Kingdoms of It'slémwé]], creation of the [[Elements of It'slémwé]], selection of the [[First-Flames]] and [[Chosen Hero and Heroine]], banishment of transgressors to [[Gozog'nok]] and [[Kôl'nok]]
|manifestation_method=A serene voice heard by all; appears in visions robed in flame
|servants=[[Naa'ôna]], [[Deity (Lethurèa)]], [[Minor Deity (Lethurèa)]]
|mother=[[Asarea]]
|father=[[Jovan]]
|sibling1=[[Jovanah]]
|sibling2=
|sibling3=
|offspring1=All spirits of [[Lethurèa]]
|offspring2=
|offspring3=
}}
== Overview ==

Merrik Jenlek is the embodiment of Divine Fatherhood, Judgment, Heroism, and Paternal Support. His voice is heard by all beings when he speaks, not through thunderous force, but with tranquil omnipresence. Though he is stern and just, he possesses a perfect and unwavering love for his spouse, his children, and all sentient beings created through the Rights of Divine Creation.

He resides in the [[Yonder Realm]] alongside Meera Jenlek and other ancient Divines. Though his essence permeates all creation, his first and truest love remains the universe of [[Lethurèa]], which he crafted as an immortal home for his spirit children. His form, clad in celestial flame and robes of unblemished white linen, is often described in visions and divine art as awe-inspiring and glorious.

== Appearance ==

In his true form, Merrik appears as a radiant humanoid male with one deep blue eye and one blue-hazel eye, long braided platinum hair, a bushy red beard, and elongated pointed ears. He wears robes so white that mortals describe them as “infathomable,” often exposing one pectoral in classical [[Valorèin]] and [[Sherok]] artistic renderings. His cloak is woven of celestial flames that never burn, yet shine with the purity of divine will.

== Origin and Mortal Past ==

Unlike some Divines who were formed wholly within the Yonder Realm, Merrik was once a mortal spirit, born to [[Jovan]] and [[Asarea]]—two ancient Divines. During his mortal incarnation, he lived a full life before his ascension, wherein he was granted the power and authority to form universes and father spirits. His mortal ancestry is still honored by many who trace their lineage to the Jenlek family, including [[Torrek Jenlek]] and [[Kiirsten Jenlek]], who were later uplifted into Divinity themselves.

== Divine Role and Dominion ==

Merrik Jenlek is the lawgiver of [[Lethurèa]], its architect and moral compass. He shares this authority with Meera Jenlek, forming the binary axis of divine parentage. While she commands the emotional, healing, and nurturing aspects of Divinity, Merrik governs order, truth, law, protection, and righteous intervention. He is the ultimate judge of souls, determining the paths of the righteous and the fallen.

His primary domain includes:

Fatherhood and Moral Law

Judgment and Redemption

The Binding of Spirit and Will

Universal Creation and Structure

== Sacred Acts and Myths ==

Merrik created the universe of [[Lethurèa]] after ascending to godhood—though the time of its conception is beyond mortal reckoning. His most sacred and renowned acts include:

Establishing the [[Elements of It'slémwé]], sacred divine materials granted to the worthy.

Bestowing the [[Kingdoms of It'slémwé]], ten ascending realms of spiritual merit.

Calling forth the [[Naa'ôna]], divine spirits who carry his light to the universes.

Choosing the [[First-Flames]]—[[Merek Tetorak]] and [[Myhhra Tetorak]]—and later the [[Chosen Hero and Heroine]], [[Merik Teslek]] and [[Mèra Ûrlek Teslek]], to battle evil.

== Servants and Worship ==

Pilgrims who reach the [[Sacred Circles]] may be admitted into the Pillar of Light, where they are transformed into [[Minor Deity (Lethurèa)|Minor Deities]] upon receiving a single [[Element of It'slémwé]]. Those destined from birth—such as the [[First-Flames]]—may receive all Elements and ascend to full [[Deity (Lethurèa)|Divinity]].

Merrik is worshipped in countless temples throughout [[Lethurèa]], especially by fathers, judges, and those seeking wisdom. The righteous slain—those who die defending the innocent or protecting the [[Free Species]]—are said to be welcomed by Merrik himself into [[Alendil]], the Tenth Kingdom of It'slémwé, also known as the Halls of Endless Splendor.

== Redemption and Judgment ==

Merrik allows for redemption of the soul, but does not tolerate corruption without consequence. The condemned are judged as follows:

Major transgressors (e.g. murderers, violators of the innocent) are cast into [[Gozog'nok]] until Judgement Day.

Lesser transgressors (e.g. liars, thieves) dwell in [[Kôl'nok]], the lowest Kingdom of It'slémwé.

Those with remorse, and with the witness of others, may ascend before final judgment.

== Symbols and Artifacts ==

Merrik's divine symbol is the celestial flame encircling a crystal sphere of deep blue and gold. His tears, when shed, fall as [[Ore of It'slémwé]], a sacred metal used to forge weapons of light and justice. He grants such ore to those he deems worthy through the Naa'ôna, and it is considered an honor above all others.

== Relationship to Meera Jenlek ==

Merrik and [[Meera Jenlek]] are eternal and indivisible partners. Their love is the highest exemplar of divine harmony, and they never speak or act in disagreement. In sacred art, they are often portrayed nude yet robed in flame, embracing as the creators of all sentient life.

== Legacy ==

The influence of Merrik Jenlek transcends his own creations. He is revered across universes as the divine masculine principle, a source of justice tempered with love, and an unyielding light against the shadows of the fallen.
[[Category:Divines]]
[[Category:Lethurèa universe]]