The Gathering

This page originates from The Gathering page on Lost Girl

The Gathering is a coming-of-age ceremony where young Fae choose their allegiance to either the Light or Dark.

Old ceremony
In ancient times when the Fae were more of a warrior culture, The Gathering was a trial by combat. Young Fae would face off consecutively against two specifically chosen Under Fae in a fight to the death. The Fae is permitted to use both weapons and their own abilities in battle.

The battle would be presided over by a representative from both the Light and Dark, with an entourage from both sides present to watch the proceedings. The first battle is of physical combat and the second is of mental confrontation.

Upon their victory, the young Fae would declare their allegiance to their chosen side.

Current ceremony
While the details are unknown it is explained in several episodes that Fae are trained for The Gathering as soon as they are old enough. During the ceremony the Fae's family are normally in attendance, and generally a Fae child will choose the side of their family, though there have been times when the reverse has occurred. Liam Kavanaugh describes the current ceremony as being like a "Fae bar mitzvah" and the young Fae has a party and gets gifts. In the vast majority of cases, The Gathering and The Dawning would be separated by centuries, and certainly decades.

Character arc
Bo is forced to go though The Gathering without the proper training most young Fae receive. Her observation on the matter was, "I wasn't expecting 'Thunderdome'."

Appearances

 * 1.01 It's a Fae, Fae, Fae, Fae World
 * 1.09 Fae Day (mentioned only)