Morhid

Morhid is an ancient dragon featured in many legends on the continent of Jord.

Summary

Across Jord, Morhid is attributed to several ancient historic and geological events. The gender of the dragon varies by story and region, but for the sake of consistency will be referred to as "she" unless a story specifically identifies the dragon otherwise.
Master of Storms Morhid is said to have been so powerful that she could alter the weather or climate of entire regions. In some stories, this was used to either help ancient Dwarves through hardships; easing droughts, making winters more mild, or ending even the worst storms. In other instances the dragon brought destruction by inducing such calamities. The geothermal activity of the continent, even into the present, is sometimes claimed to be a byproduct of her living deep below the ground of Jord.
Continent Breaker The dragon is thought to have separated Inner and Outer Jord by creating the great bay that even today bears its name. Some tales say this was a benevolent act to protect early Dwarves from terrible creatures. Alternatively, when the dragon is described as evil, the separation of Jord is claimed to have been the great dragon's attempt to isolate and protect its lair.
Heroes' Bane or Benefactor Ancient heroes of early Dwarven history are said to have been aided by Morhid while in need of assistance in their quests for glory, or made names for themselves by slaying the scaled monster to rid the land of tyranny.
Knowledge Keeper When seen in a good light, early Dwarvish civilization, mining, and stone working are also said to have been guided or taught by the dragon. In darker tales, it was said that Morhid hoarded knowledge that had to be earned or taken by heroes.

Spread

The myths relating to Morhid have been passed through countless generations in the Dwarven homeland and each region has its own variation of tales related to the dragon. As such, the myth is common knowledge across the realm. Told to children in the form of fables, researched by academics, and discussed by fans of Dwarvish literature.

Variations & Mutation

Most differences between tales were based around what type of dragon Morhid is said to be, which changes depending on the region in which you ask. Across multiple tales, Morhid is claimed to be a black, blue, iron, mercury, silver, steel, or even sapphire dragon. In some cases even the gender of Morhid seems to vary. Despite how many of these stories of Morhid contradict each other, no version is considered to be more or less accurate, nor is there any tale that is considered to be "definitive" over another. Strangely, all are considered to be true. Even in the case of children's fables, a story may be told of an evil Morhid and then be followed by a helpful and kindly version. This way of thinking has propagated and reinforced the idea among many that she was perhaps a mentally unstable mercury dragon.

Cultural Reception

Regardless of her supposed good or bad deeds, Morhid is considered incredibly important to the Dwarves of Jord for serving as a foundation in much of their history and culture. Dragon related motifs are common decorations on many of their goods, furnishings, and clothing.