The Legend of Lost Comb of Queen Layarna

Old stories tell of a decorative comb worn by the ancient, legendary Queen Layarna of Eltari, which is rumored to be imbued with the immortal spirit of the queen. Long lost to the ages, the comb is said to be able to grant whoever wears it the charisma, cunning and battle prowess of the queen. Some believe that when the comb is discovered again, it will herald the coming of a second age of Eltari, when the old kingdom will knit itself back together and move into a new era of prosperity.

Historical Basis

There is historical evidence of the comb's existence and many details of its appearance and the circumstances of its creation and use have survived over the ages. Additionally, the historical record of the comb ends around the time of the queen's death with many different theories existing as to what happened to it.

Variations & Mutation

Some version of this story claim that the comb was not infused with the spirit of Queen Layarna by accident, but that it was intentionally created to serve as a phylactery as a way for the queen to ensure she would retain some measure of control over her kingdom and successors. This version of the story is particularly popular outside of the Eltari community, where emphasis is often placed on the idea that the ancient queen was a powerful sorceress and that her magic was the key to her success.
Additionally, some version of the story include information about what happened to the comb after the death of the queen. The details vary widely, from it being in a sunken pirate vessel to it having been melted down and reshaped into a sword, but none of them can be traced back further than hundreds of years after the initial disappearance.

Cultural Reception

Though dismissed by most as simply an old story, there are those among the Eltari who wholeheartedly believe it and look forward to the day when the reappearance of the comb will usher in a second age of the Eltari Kingdom.