The Fall of Two Brothers

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ke3Q_OuX9GrQ_79NO3OjpI3cghldxdv5hJdKQ-UJK7M/edit?usp=sharing

Summary

A group of gods gathered to govern the new world. It was at that point nothing but a dark, lawless land, populated by shadow creatures. Each god, nearing the end of their lives, sacrificed themselves to create the sun and everything else. However, two stayed behind. They were brothers, and both in love with one woman: a shadow woman from a deep valley. The shadow woman played them against each other, driving them to fight over her. One defeated the other, and she chose the victor. And she corrupted him, dragging him down into the swamps and poisoning my mind with lies. Eventually, she died, but the brother stayed, a twisted, evil shadow with only the power to do to the innocent what the shadow woman did to him. The defeated brother, seeing this, knew he had to protect the other gods' new creations and creatures from his shadow brother, and turned himself into a tree. His roots stretched throughout the valley, channeling the pure energy of elves (that he also created) to protect and seal in the valley, to keep the Darkness from spreading.

Historical Basis

Tsicar started this version of events to humanize himself, rather than come off as a truly evil figure. The royal family invented the shadow woman as a way of keeping women out of positions of power.

Spread

This legend was passed down orally and recorded in the early days of the human constitutional monarchy. In recent years it has been buried in the Castle library, but was studied by Princess Celeste.

Variations & Mutation

Different species emphasize different aspects of the creation and of the shadow woman's brainwashing of the deceived to reflect their values. The version told above is the version told by humans, emphasizing their values of farming, selflessness, and themselves.

Cultural Reception

King Oaken didn't exactly broadcast this story, but it was told in early society-- King Oaken was worshiped. As society developed and prospered in Cresare, they stopped caring. Now the forest is only a footnote in history.

In Art

A mural of the Two Brothers stands behind the throne of Cresare, but was walled over after awhile.

Date of Setting

At the Beginning of Time