A god of the [[Forgotten Realms]] currently recognized or worshipped as a god in most of [[Faerûn]], supplanting [[Amaunator]], his equivalent from the pantheon of the [[Netherese Empire]]. Lathander (pronounced: /lɑːˈθændɛr/ lah-THÆN-der) was a greater god of [[Faerûn]], with a vast portfolio including birth, renewal, spring and youth, as well as athletics, self-perfection, vitality and creativity. Lathander was symbolized by the rising sun, but rather than being the god of the sun itself, he was the god of dawn, which represented the potential of a new day. A god of hope and beginnings, Lathander's name was invoked at the start of new endeavors, whether sealing a new deal, or setting out on a new journey. After the [[The Spellplague]], some saw the Commander of Creativity as the neutral good aspect of Amaunator but the two were considered separate deities again after [[The Second Sundering]]. ## Controversy In the 14th century, despite the popularity of the Lathanderian faith at the time, the church itself was faced with a ever-growing divide. Daelegoth Orndeir of Elversult began giving sermons that declared Lathander was actually the restored god [[Amaunator]], who would soon reveal his true nature. The became known as the Risen Sun prophecy. Belief in the Risen Sun began to grow increasingly popular and Amaunatori sunlords were regularly offered support by the church. By Ches of the Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR, the influential Tower of Morning in Telpir proclaimed support for the new Risen Sun belief offering it credence by one of the Morninglord's most grand temples. Within months belief of the Risen Sun had spread as far away as [[Sembia]] and clergy of Saerb that did not subscribe to the Risen Sun were exiled from their community. #### Favored sayings of Lathander - "From death, life." - "There is always another dawn." - "In the dawn, beauty reigns, and the way is clearer." #God/OP/DiA/Canon Canon