The apology of eggs

In the fragmented world of Bellyem, eggs symbolize both the origin and the enigma of creation. Various cultures weave legends around them, imbued with mysticism, seeing in their fragile shell the promise of renewal or the threat of an unfathomable mystery.

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History

The origins of The Egg of Wonders are lost in the mists of the earliest ages, said to have been laid by The Spider of the Cosmic Web, weaver of the threads of fate. It is said to contain the first spark, the source of all life and all mystery, a fragment of divine light mixed with the shadows of the void. Around this mythical artifact have formed the traditions related to eggs in all cultures of Bellyem: bearers of luck, receptacles of promises, or catalysts of curses. Each egg is perceived as an echo of this primordial relic, holding in its shell the hopes, fears, and memory of a cosmos in fragile balance.

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Royal Heritage

In the circles of the sacred bloodlines, the eggs of royal families stand as ultimate symbols of power and legitimacy. Forged in pure gold or finely wrought silver, enriched with sparkling gemstones, they carry within them the echo of centuries. Each egg is engraved with verses from the Hymn of the Light, sanctifying its bearer, and adorned with the family emblem, irrefutable proof of a divine lineage tracing back to Adam himself. These artifacts are not mere relics: they designate the heirs and are passed down at the moment of the succession rite, conferring authority and blessing to the one who receives them. They embody the continuity and purity of bloodlines under the eternal light.

Under every shell lies a promise.

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Traditions

Cuisine

In the lands of Chrystemis, a singular tradition endures: the soft-boiled egg, a symbol of simplicity and renewal. The humblest eat it with bread, while the wealthier adorn its tender surface with lumpfish roe, salmon, or, in golden palaces, sturgeon. These marine pearls, echoes of the rich belly of Aenigma, add a touch of luxury to this daily rite, making each meal a quiet tribute to creation and the cycle of life.

In Ynopherys, the pomegranate is honored as the plant reincarnation of The Egg. Its scarlet seeds, numerous and enclosed in a protective flesh, evoke the promise of life hidden within chaos. Some revere it as a living relic, symbolizing fertility and rebirth, while others see it as a cursed fruit, its abundance recalling the scattering of lost souls from the Phantasmagoniem.

In Tyrinthius, the 100-year-old eggs, wrapped in ash and clay, are much more than ceremonial dishes: they are the guardians of an ancient alchemical tradition. Each egg is designed to endure time, maturing until the white becomes translucent amber and the yolk a creamy paste. It is whispered that these eggs, served at solemn banquets, contain the memories of ages past. The sages of Tyrinthius proclaim that by tasting them, one brushes against the eternal cycle of decay and resilience, a tribute to the Egg of Wonders and the secrets it still holds.

In the cold regions of Klaes, fertilized eggs containing an unborn chick are consumed. It is said they contain raw vitality, a fragment of life in the making. These dishes, often considered taboo, are prized by those seeking to escape the weight of years. The energy of the unhatched chick, still suspended between promise and fall, imbues the body of the consumer, offering a fleeting glow of youth. Yet, many whisper that this feast hastens decline as much as it delays its appearance.

Good Luck Charms

Jewelry shaped like eggs is considered a talisman of prosperity and protection, symbols of a perfect balance between fragility and renewal. Crafted by artisans with ancestral knowledge, their creation demands extreme precision, with each meticulous detail evoking the promise of a blessed future. These amulets, often adorned with precious stones or hand-engraved patterns, are passed down as sacred heirlooms or exchanged for exorbitant prices, becoming both objects of superstition and fascination. It is said that wearing such an egg not only attracts fortune but also the benevolent gaze of others.

In modest communities, offering semi-precious stones to a woman is a gesture laden with meaning, rooted in ancient beliefs. These gems, often soft hues like rose quartz or carnelian, are thought to foster fertility and bless homes with prosperous offspring. These stone eggs are passed from mother to daughter as protective relics. They may also serve as part of a dowry. This deeply rooted tradition reflects the hope and spirituality of the working classes, where faith in invisible forces continues to guide daily rites.