The King’s Myth is a traditional folktale from Iokeihiko dating back to the Uncrossable Era in the Age of Intikilla. One of the world’s oldest legends, it features prominently in many religious histories and the cultural history of the island.
Synopsis
In Culture
Religious Significance
Synopsis
Although several variations exist, there are some aspects that are common to all versions.
Before the creation of the Simul Motu, a great king (usually hailing from Wahati Orus) wandered the feuding land to search for an end to the terrible conflict. He was able to determine that the five patron gods (sometimes called the old gods) of Iokeihiko needed to be cleansed by a rebirth cycle to remove the ‘Crede stain. He traveled through each territory of Iokeihiko, gaining the knowledge of the villages and settlements within, in order to discover which of the patron gods were tainted and how they might be cured. With this knowledge, he was able to restore the patron gods, but at the cost of his own life. The group who traveled with him on this journey (likely an heir, a group of ratau, and at least one glypher) spread the story of his heroism. From then on, his journey would be re-enacted in a nation-wide festival every few years. It is said that the reacting of this festival helps to keep the various families of the Ka’a’Crede alive by reviving whatever gods may be tainted by them. Failure to follow through with this festival is said to be the cause of the destruction of Wahati Orus by King Gaiagara.
In Culture
The King’s Myth is one of the world’s oldest stories and has thus been used as the inspiration for many more. Notably, the classic novel The Inevitable Fate of All Things is based on the structure of the King’s Myth. There are also parallels to the story in the popular graphic novel The Ornamented Tomb, which includes references made that suggest a more contemporary retelling of the story.
Scientifically, the King’s Myth seems to originate during a period of low ‘Crede activity throughout the planet. The Uncrossable Era is marked by this ‘hibernation’ of Ka’a’Crede, to which no suitable explanation has yet to arise. However, many contemporary historians, biologists, and others attempt to use this myth to try and look for clues as to what could have happened at this juncture.
Religious Significance
According to several world religions, the King’s Myth is a similar story as the smiting of Drepa and Pruci. In Echtoan belief, the actions taken by the king of Wahati Orus (and the peoples of Iokeihiko at the time) created unprecedented change. The ‘powerful magic’ used by these ancient people ultimately shifted the nature of the planet. Much of this is backed by the dark age of Io that followed the destruction of Wahati Orus. Almost no records exist during this time and common features of societal living (gravesites, contemporary housing and tools, etc.) seemed to cease production. Only the strange cyerhonng remain as relics of the period. Many humans interested in ritual magic and the twin worlds believe that this period of time is responsible for the ‘natural barriers’ common among their family.
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