How the Afisi Came To Be

Summary

This ancient fisi legend tells how the first afisi were created when a god died and hyenas feasted on her remains. They gained the strength and wisdom of the god, along with a portion of her magic. After this, they began to walk upright as the gods did, and speak to each other with words. Their bodies changed to be more like the body of the god, with hands that could grasp and hold things.

Historical Basis

Although Corth has not yet advanced far enough to develop a solid theory of evolution, it is reasonably likely that afisi did evolve from hyenas.

Spread

This legend is widely known among the fisi clans of Notia and is regularly told as a tale to children.

Cultural Reception

Because of this tale's implication that all afisi are distantly descended from hyenas, fisi culture treats living hyenas—called makolo, or "ancestors"—with great respect, as if they were family members. Packs of hyenas follow fisi hunting parties, knowing that they will be allowed to share in the feast that follows a successful hunt.

In Art

Artwork depicting the birth of the afisi rarely, if ever, shows the god herself in anything more than partial form. Typically, she will be represented by a single massive bone on which hyenas are gnawing, with the rest of the corpse implied to be beyond the scope of the drawing.

Date of Setting

Second Age

Related Species