[tlhIngan Hol] Klingon Word of the Day: 'aQvoH

[Steven Boozer]

Klingon Word of the Day for Thursday, November 28, 2019

Klingon word: 'aQvoH
Part of speech: noun
Definition: act of watching over a fallen warrior's body
Source: qep'a' 24  [2010]
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  In 2373, Worf and Chief O'Brien performed the *ak'voh* for crewman Enrique Muniz, who had died in combat with the Jem'Hadar. (DS9 "The Ship")

  Ancient Klingon tradition wherein, after a warrior had died in battle, his comrades stayed with the body to keep away predators, an act which allowed the spirit to leave the body when it was ready for the long journey to Sto-Vo-Kor. (Cf. http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Ak%27voh  )

  "... Ak'voh rite, a mournful song intended to keep predators, both physical and spiritual from devouring young DaqS's spirit before it could safely reach Sto-Vo-Kor." (Michael A. Martin & Andy Mangels' "Excelsior: Forged in Fire" [2007])

(Lieven, 1/02/2018):  I just re-watched episode 2 of Discovery, and indeed, T'kuvma explained why they recovered their dead warriors: He explains that when a warrior dies while sleeping, he is just flesh and bones, but a warrior who dies in battle deserves his final honorable treatment.

SEE ALSO:
lom 		corpse (n)
SonchIy 	Sonchi ceremony (n)
Heghbat	ritual suicide (n)
Heghtay	death ritual (n)

--
Voragh
Ca'Non Master of the Klingons