The Heroes' Prophecy

I still remember those nights sitting by the fire with the other kids as our mothers told stories and legends to the whole village. It was a tradition that mom would perform The Heroes' Story, probably because everyone knew that I was to be one of the next "heroes". The prophecy is still ingrained in my memory after all these years:

"Every 500 years, a great darkness will give birth to a great light. In the face of towering evil, the eight demigods of old will rise again to save the kingdom."

I can still see the flames setting her in a golden glow like the heroes basking in holy light. I can still smell the smoke curling up like the smoldering ash of ancient defeated villains. I can still envision her graceful shadow gliding across the cliff wall, much like I believed I would stand before the kingdom in divine victory. Even after the fire descended into embers and the crowds returned home, I'd still be sitting near the coals, dreaming of the moment I would rise and save everyone from darkness. I was excited; I was hopeful.
But now I'm not so excited. The fires are now burning crimson, lapping up the blood spattered across the streets. The columns of smoke are burning my lungs, the reek of scorched skin and hair clinging to my body. I can see my shadow on the castle rubble, a grotesque and deformed version of my mother's slender silhouette. This time, the fires aren't dead and the people aren't home; now, they're all screaming, roaring, mixing in a horrific dance of pain and terror.
I still remember those nights sitting by the fire. I was ready to be one of the great heroes. But now I'm wondering if I was the great evil this whole time.

-Marin, Hero of Water

Summary

The Heroes' Prophecy was created in the wake of the War of the People in Isar. Legend goes that eight rebels, one representing each standard magic group (water, fire, earth, air, plant, animal, light, shadow) contacted Tempis, the god of season, change, and revolution, seeking aid in overthrowing then corrupt King Abner. He agreed to give them increased magical ability at the cost of their souls continuing to be reincarnated after death to continue protecting the world from "evil". The heroes agreed to these terms, and with their new power were able to destroy King Abner's forces and lead the way for the Age of Light. While the heroes succumbed to their wounds shortly after victory, the God appeared before the heroes' followers and proclaimed the following:
The Wheels of Time shall circle round/ And reshake the castle walls./ Five Hundred Year's wait brings heroes bound To lead the way as darkness falls.
Since then, a search begins for these reincarnates across the land every 500 years. These reincarnates are trained by the best mentors in the land to stop whatever threatens the kingdom and its people.

Historical Basis

The Heroes' Prophecy's origins is completely based in historical events. Multiple written accounts exist from the time of the prophecy's creation, as well as oral stories passed down families related to the original followers. Each reincarnate is also born with a scar running along their sternum, supposedly from the ritual done to imbue them with the God's power. While most agree that the events of the prophecy are true, small pockets of the population (particularly regularly oppressed minorities) believe that the prophecy is a lie promoted by the kingdom's leaders as a means of further population control.

Spread

The prophecy is well known by nearly all of Isar, with the only exceptions being communities whose origins came from another kingdom after 0 AL. Some neighboring kingdoms are aware of the prophecy, but see it more as a story. This prophecy is often taught as a part of historical education, with special reverence in regions predominantly populated by Manus or Wyran peoples.

Variations & Mutation

Years of oration and generational changes have warped the original words and meanings; Earlier language in the prophecy translate better to "powerful beings" rather than "demigods" and "revolution" in the kingdom rather than "salvation" of it; however, rising religious influence in the government and society as a whole has led to the prophecy being retold with a stronger religious context. Those supportive of the kingdom's rulers and governmental system often interpret and spread the prophecy as a sign that the kingdom is "all-good" and must be protected by evil magics; however, minorities and downtrodden populations are more likely to cling to the original language in belief that the heroes will bring about social revolution.

Cultural Reception

Because the result of the War of the People was predominantly positive for everyone, most cultures in the land believe in the goodness of the prophecy and the heroes. The prophecy is particularly important to the Manus peoples and Wyran people. The Manus revere the heroes for their supposed upholding of social order and moral use of power, while the Wyran seek the heroes for their special connection to the gods. Each culture in Isar may disagree with what's important in the prophecy, but most have faith that the heroes will create a better kingdom (even if the idea of what's "better" isn't unanimous)

In Literature

The Heroes' Prophecy is the most popular subject for poems and stories. Fairytales and children's tales borrow themes of change and service from the prophecy, and multiple intellectual texts analyze the different facets and iterations of the prophecy's realizations. Much of the themes and virtues spread by Isar's literature have their foundation in the prophecy and legend.

In Art

Most religious art in Isar depict the prophecy or retell the story visually. Its importance has made the prophecy a core part of classical art, music, and writing; however, the increasingly globalized state of Acrin has brought Isar more art unrelated to the prophecy

Date of First Recording

The 1st of Nihim, 0 AL (Diary of a Follower)

Date of Setting

The Zenith of Nihim, 0 AL