These ashes, residing in the Urn, were said to have been carried in a sacred pilgrimage to A'Helone, as it was the only place that seemed suited to hold Andraste's Ashes. They are said to cure any disease or disability, making the lame dance and the blind see. They are revered as well as highly sought for, especially in the time of the White Plague.
Andraste was a prophet sent by the god Tyr, the god of justice* several hundred years ago. Freeing herself from slavery, she travelled Oskia to preach about Tyr. They fell in love with each other, and Andraste eventually married the god and continued to preach in his name while fighting against dissenters with both blade and words, amassing an army to fight those against Tyr. The people were unbelieving, thinking she was a heretic by claiming she was married to the god. Capturing her, Andraste was burned at the stake for her 'sins', with an onlooker taking mercy on her and thrusting a sword in her heart to end her misery. This is why, to Andrastians, the sword is a symbol of mercy. After her death, an unknown person gathered her ashes and brought them to A'Helone for protection, forming a group to act as guards for them.
*Tyr is the god of justice, lawful good, domain of war, the symbol is scales resting on a warhammer. Leader of the Triad, portrayed as blind with bloodied bandages covering his eyes and missing his right hand, giving him the nickname 'The Maimed God'. Usually shown as powerful and a burly man with a bearded face.
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