Enlightenment of Myth
Enlightenment of Myth is a hefty volume comprising a detailed analysis of almost every creature on the continent before the Age of Light. While no longer used as a biology text, as most of the creatures within have since gone extinct, it is nevertheless an incredibly precious resource, describing creatures that have since vanished, almost without a trace. Biology, history and literary scholars alike love studying the Enlightenment, as the insights it gives into pre-light creatures, literary conventions, and historic mentions are far superior to any other surviving text.
History
Written and compiled by arguably the greatest explorer in the history of Mynaedes, Eimhe Eusyne. Travelled the known world, and much of the unknown, chronicling the creatures therein. Many she found and documented were considered only myth, or to have magical properities. Careful study determined the vast majority did not possess magical properities; those that did were listed alongside other, more effective methods of getting the desired outcome.
During the 1000s Yon, it was considered the most complete biology text every created, and was used in temples for teaching for hundreds of years. During the 1500-700s AL, after a similar quest to document all living creatures on the continent, it was discovered that many of the species listed in the Enlightenment no longer existed. As the list of extinct creatures grew longer, the Conclave decided to remove the Enlightenment from the House of Atlas curriculum as teaching material, and instead re-categorize it as historic. The new book, Illumination of Lore, replaced Enlightenment in 1687 AL. Illumination was the subject of some derision, as it obviously hoped to ride the coattails of its beloved predessor with its painfully similar title. Many of the House of Atlas bemoaned its inferiority to Enlightenment. Illumination itself isn't a bad work, it lacks the inherent passion and attention to detail of Enlightenment.
Enlightenment of Myth is not only considered a significant historical, literary and biologic marvel, it's also famed as a work of art in its own right. Whlie the illustrations have lost much of their color over the millenia, the beauty and care with which their were drawn is immediately apparent. Enlightenment was the crowning acheivement and life's work of Eimhe Eusyne, and due to its beauty and detail has long been
a sacred text for the Earthen and the Circle. It is considered a sort of hymn-book to Anwo and Seren for the wonderous creatures and biomes they created.
Significance
Very significant. Esteemed by all four Houses of the Circle of Stone, and also by many in the Children of Earth. Beloved as a historic, literary, biologic and artistic marvel.
Item type
Book / Document
Creation Date
1173 Yon
Current Location
Current Holder
Creator
Owning Organization
Rarity
Very rare. Only a few copies of this book exist, most are kept in the libraries of Circle temples.
Raw materials & Components
Original copies (of which only one or two exist) were written on a hardier version of pampas paper, and bound in the leather of one of the creatures described in the book: the targus lizard (targusen netuphines). Known for its tough, waxy skin, targus leather was perfect for "outdoor" books, books that could be taken outside and used without fear of damaging them. Ideal for researchers, explorers, and scientists using reference books.
