The Ayen'ol

Summary

Thousands of years ago, winters were much harsher in Badiseta. Every winter seemed longer and harsher than the previous. When winters became as long as 100 years, the people cried out for help. Shortly after, a young woman came from over the Alrizon mountains. Though she looked like the people of the plateau, she was dressed in elaborate robes of vivid colors. She named herself the Ayen'ol, never saying where she was from.
She worked with the growers, tearing small portions from her robes to plant in the fields. She worked with the ranchers, giving portions of her robes to the animals so they could stay warm. She traveled across Badiseta, reassuring the people that winter would not last much longer in Badiseta.
Many noticed, but did not mention her diminished stature as she worked. Her robes were less splendid, tattered from her charity.
One year after her appearance, now frail and nearly nude, she promised the people of Badiseta that winter would end. She made her way to Tardh'an, so she could look upon the sun as it rose over the world. Many were too afraid to approach her, but those who watched from a mile away saw her step into the breaking sun, her robes enveloping the orb. When the light shone down fully upon Badiseta, the snows melted away and the crops sprouted up into enormous fields.
No harsh winters have found their way into Badiseta since. Many still thank the Ayen'ol for the life she gave the plateau.

In Literature

Though they are less frequent now, many poets in Badiseta often use the imagery of the Ayen'ol when writing about renewal and sacrifice. The most famous and often recited poem is The Shriveled Trees, by Uynab. Published 230 years ago, it is a longform poem of the trials faced by a farmer suffering from dying crops.

In Art

Every new year's day, children are dressed in elaborate costumes resembling the Ayen'ol. The quilted sheets used as the base of the costume are then displayed in homes for the year, in honor of the being's sacrifice.