Mnhei'sahe and Lyrrveoth

Mnhei'sahe is a central concept to Romulan culture. Literally, the words mean "Ruling Passion," though it sometimes is translated as "honor." Mnhei'sahe is much more than a code of honor though. It is what has shaped the lives of the Rihannsu since before the time of their journey from Vulcan to Romulus. To understand a Romulan, to know what drives them, one must understand mnhei'sahe. Though many outsiders often view Romulans as treacherous and without honor, an explanation of mnhei'sahe will quickly reveal that the Rihannsu hold themselves to a much higher standard of honor than any other species.

Mnhei'sahe

Mnhei'sahe covers a broad range of concepts, including honor, loyalty and duty to family. It may seem contradictory at times, especially to humans, as it often required actions that may appear, to outsiders, as dishonorable. As stated in an ancient Romulan saying: "Mnhei'sahe may require you to give the last of your water to your greatest enemy, or that you kill your dearest friend."

The path of mnhei'sahe may be be taken by a Romulan for various reasons, such as to correct a dishonor done to themselves or their parents or to fulfill a promise to a parent or a respected teacher. Once a Romulan has committed themselves to that path, they will not stray, even if it means the loss of their life or the life of a loved one. Nothing can sway them from completing the task that mnhei'sahe demands, even if it requires one to make sacrifices.

Mnhei'sahe transcends love, chain of command and social barriers. It even transcends Empire. Mnhei'sahe though is not an excuse to break laws or social codes. No Romulan would claim the defense of mnhei'sahe to prevent punishment from the authorities. A Romulan who commits treason or another high crime to complete mnhei'sahe will not shrink from their deserved punishment if caught. Mnhei'sahe itself demands such.

Mnhei'sahe does not demand instant action. In fact, it discourages it, as action without thought may lead to errors that harm mnhei'sahe itself. Though mnhei'sahe dictates a course of action, a Romulan will be patient, thinking of the consequences that their actions may bring. They will wait until the time is right to act and plan for that moment.

Lyrrveoth

The concept of lyrrveoth, or duty to family, is vital to mnhei'sahe. A Romulan is respectful to their parents and ancestors. They must care for them, follow their rules, act courteously, maintain family harmony, take care of them when they are ill, and conceal their mistakes. Lyrrveoth, though, is not an excuse to take action on mnhei'sahe, and mnhei'sahe is not an excuse to violate lyrrveoth. Just as a Romulan will not shrink from legal punishment in the course of completing mnhei'sahe, they will also face the consequences of violating lyrrveoth.

Lyrrveoth also extends to one's teachers and mentors, and can be extended even further to include the Empire itself, as the Empire, which represents a Romulan's collective identity, is one's greatest mentor. The actions that humans and other outsiders often consider as dishonorable can typically be explained by mnhei'sahe. Every Romulan has a duty to the Empire, and they will sacrifice almost everything to fulfill that duty.