Evan the Bull
He was a man of immense stature and girth, rippling with sinew from long hours in the fields. As a man, he verily could have challenged the fabled Baraki of old in strength, if not in grace. Despite his bulk, those who knew him spoke of his mild temperament, and his gentle attitude. To the Empire, he was steadfast and loyal, though a conscript from his native Lindon, and the men of Rhuma owe him the deepest debt.
Summary
Evan was a farmhand in the land of Lindon, before the fall of the Rhumnarian Empire, when he was conscripted to serve in an auxiliary force along the border between Rhumnaria and Saxonia. He was taller than even most Saxons, with limbs like tree trunks and a chest like a bull; however, he was well-mannered and soft-spoken, slow to anger and quick to friendship. In all the battles he fought, he dominated the field, wielding a massive battleaxe in one hand, which would take a normal man two to wield, and a great shield in his other. Unfortunately, he could not be in every battlefield at once, and the Saxons marched upon the city of Rhuma in great numbers, supported by Südhlanders and even mercenaries from Zahar and Lindon. Evan arrived in his auxiliary force alongside a legion of Rhumni soldiers, two days into the siege, and the city was already burning, and close to falling. He and his comrades charged into the Saxon lines to make for the city, and were able to clear a way in and enter, but orders from his officers were to begin evacuating, as more reinforcements for the invaders were en route. Civilians were escorted out of the city without much impediment, but many legionnaires were caught trapped in the city as Saxon reinforcements stormed the gates. Evan, alone, plunged into the city, and, two by two, three by three, even four by four, carried the encircled men out, sustaining grievous wounds. It is said he finally fell, outside the city, from more than one-hundred arrows in his body; by that time, he had pulled more than fifty men from the burning city under a heavy volley of arrows, using his own bulk to shield the men he rescued. In the Saxon account, a scouting party of Saxons approached the survivors, and one recognized Evan as one who had spared his life in battle, and ordered his men to let the survivors flee, and to bring the body of the Bull back to Sack for an honorable burial.
Historical Basis
There was a man, described in the personal diaries of various Rhumnarian soldiers during the last years of the Empire, who fits the description of the titular Evan. Some families living in Borealum, Dareina, and Rhäumnaria stick to a tale passed from their forefathers that Evan the Bull saved them at the siege of Rhuma.
Spread
The legend is well known to the people of Rhumnarian descent, as many soldiers who survived the siege of Rhuma were saved by Evan's deeds. In Lindon, it is known, for Evan himself was a Lindish auxiliary conscript in the Rhumnarian military. It is known also to the Saxons, as his prowess in battle was well-documented by those who faced him, and his alleged grave rests outside their capitol of Sack.
Variations & Mutation
Some variations describe him as a bear, rather than a bull, and some others describe him like one of the Ursuch, which are bear-like reptiles that inhabit the deep South of Anglëa. All variations, however, describe his actions in a similar manner, with a few discrepancies concerning how many men he saved. One variation says he was able to drink seven barrels of the heaviest ale without showing it.
Cultural Reception
Those who trace their lines from Rhumnaria view him as a great savior to their people. Lindons view him as a great pride to their own people. Saxons view Evan the Bull as a worthy and respectable foe, and claim he is buried in the same graveyard as their first king.
In Literature
Due to this myth, the name "Evan" and many similar names, took on a connotation of strength, honor, and respect. Books that compile records of the man, and poems and songs regarding the deeds of the Bull are common Rhumnarian and Lindish literature.
In Art
Throughout Borealum and Rhäumnaria, there are many works of art depicting Evan the Bull, especially in the context of the Siege of Rhuma.
Date of First Recording
Year 1000 of the Age of Silence, in the diaries of Rhumnarian soldiers.
Date of Setting
Circa 1000 in the Age of Silence
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