Grand Transition

The Great Transition is a ritual of the Wingmaiden Tribe, marking the change-over between Razorwhip babies to care for.

History
The Great Transition is detailed in the episode, "Ruff Transition" when a baby Razorwhip - Wingnut - chooses Ruffnut to bond with. She does not take to baby care very easily, even with the help of Tuffnut and the guidance of Atali. Ultimately, Wingnut and Ruffnut bond during a battle with the Dragon Hunters. However, they must part ways because Wingnut needed to stay with his siblings on Wingmaiden Island, and Ruffnut needed to return with the Dragon Riders.

Significance
The Wingmaidens have been charged with caring for Razorwhips by the Goddess Freya, according to legend. This entails caring for and protecting the babies, as they are extremely vulnerable. As one generation of babies grow strong, they return to live with the other Razorwhips and the Wingmaidens take on newborn babies to care for.

Practices
After the previous batch of babies leave the care of the Wingmaidens, a new batch comes in. Often they are from the same nest and are siblings. The hatchlings are gathered in a hatchery. Each eligible Wingmaiden stands to the side with torches as the Wingmaiden leader - Atali - lights each one, possibly signaling rebirth. The babies are released out into the area, and by some unknown mechanism, select one of the waiting women and jump into their arms.

There are a number of exercises each Wingmaiden must go through to care properly for their hatchling charge.