Kot'baval Ceremony

Most societies celebrate in their arts the heroes and monumental events in their history.

The Klingons are no exception, and have an extremely rich heritage to commemorate.

 The bat'leth is known as the 'sword of honor'. 

Legend has it that Kahless forged the first bat'leth about 1500 years ago from a lock of his hair, which he dropped in the lava of the Kri'stak Volcano and then cooled in the lake of Lursor before twisting it into a blade.

Klingon history didn't really begin till the year 625, this is when Kahless the Unforgettable united the people of Qo'noS by defeating Molor.  During this battle Kahless bestowed upon all future generations the principles of honor by which every Klingon aspires to live. 

Klingons have many festivals but the one that stands out from the others is "Kot'baval", this annual event celebrates the great fight between Kahless and Molor in which Kahless killed Molor in the field of battle, thereby setting all future Klingons  free from his Tyranny.

The most colourful of  all the festivals held throughout the Klingon Empire, to be seen in all its glory, it is a must to attend the festival on the Klingon home world of Qo'noS: it is a day of celebration and joy in every town and village on the planet, retelling in song and story the events of that magnificent day that changed the klingon race forever. 

Even in the far flung Klingon settlements throughout galaxy the day is celebrated as a glorious holiday.

Many villages town squares are transformed into a rich tapestry of colour, smells and sounds reminiscent of an ancient time.  The square becomes a medieval Klingon world.  Stores are decorated with banners and all types of colourful artifacts. There is amusements on the streets, fire dancers, jugglers and singers.

But the ritual is the centerpiece of the festival, this takes place in the centre of the square, where Klingon street opera performs historical events in a way only a true Klingon could relish; two warriors sing loudly as they engage in mock combat, accompanied by street musicians who are playing instruments called 'In which are stuck by the fist and palm to create a reverberating sound that can be deafening.

The two performers are clad in colourful robes, patterned after ancient garb of Kahless' time; they thrust and parry with their bat'leth swords which have bells attached to their frames that jingle with every movement.

Molors Challenge:

As part of the Kot'baval ceremony Klingons who a true of heart can challenge the Tyrant Molor to single combat

The two Klingons voices fill the square with song as they battle.  Finally the larger of the two fells his opponent and call out as he rattles his bat'leth over his head in victory.  This is the Tyrant Molor, he is so strong no one can stand against him.  The fallen Klingon looks over at the gathered crowd and cries out in a plaintive voice, "Nok'tar be'got, hosh'ar te'not?"  He is asking if anyone will have the courage to battle Molor.

Taking up his bat'leth sword, Worf prepares to engage the performer playing Molor in mock conflict.

The challenger may fight well, but in the end all who try to defeat Molor are defeated

There will always be someone in the gathering to accept the challenge by singing out "Ki'rock Molor, Ki'rok!". this call mainly comes from a young warrior who will leap into the square, take up the bat'leth from the fallen performer, shouting, "Ni'tokor bak'to!" as he faces Molor.  One after another takes up the challenge, but Molor still remains undefeated.

The mock combat between the performers playing Kahless and Molor is staged using the Klingon martial art know as Mok'bara.

After several battles Molor still stands, from the crowd the is movement and a cheer goes up as the crowd parts to allow the first performer to return.  He has changed his costume and wears a distinctive headdress that indicates he is now portraying Kahless.  "Nok'til Kahless, Molor gik'tal!" he sings out defiantly, his voice carrying across the square.  The two Klingons  move towards each other as the crowd roars out their approval.  Kahless sings out that he would rather die than live under Molor's rule. While the two fight and sing the crowd is hushed as they watch with rapt attention as the battle unfolds.  They (the crowd) imagine that this is how it must have been centuries ago when the real Kahless fought for and won freedom for all Klingons.  Finally in climactic moment Kahless defeats Molor with a killing blow, the crowd screams in admiration.  Indeed, this has been a good day.

Wearing the ceremonial headdress of Kahless, the performer returns to the battle and ultimately defeats the evil warlord Molor.

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This page was lasted updated: 06-Mar-2006