a-Nahr
Summary
a-Nahr is a mythical River, one that is said to the be the centre of creation, a River that, if you swam in its depths, you would learn the truth of, not only the world, but yourself as well.
Historical Basis
It is not just myth. It is fact. a-Nahr is at the centre of al-Ard and is there even still now, at the time of this story. It predates all creatures, and all lands. It made all living things, and everything else in between.
Spread
It isn't known by all. In fact, if Saleh, al Malik, al Ealia hears whispers of it, if he knows that more people are talking about it, that makes him mad. It's thanks to him al-Nahr has been wiped from people's memories. In its place, a different history of their world is put. However, there are still whispers, though they just know how to keep quiet now. Before Inqaa, the myth of al-Nahr wasn't accepted readily by all the lands. Not until they were given proof by Basil al-Azim. Before that, they each had their own version of how the world came to be, how they came to be.
Variations & Mutation
In our time, 200 AA, there are people who know the unequivocal truth, and some who just like to listen to gossip, and spread rumours like its their job. a-Nahr, among those kinds of people, has many different facets. Some spread the rumour that is, unbeknownst to them, the truth. Others add things about how a-Nahr is a gateway to another world, where other creatures roam, other monsters. Some say it leads to a world of more riches one would know what to do with. Some say that, sure, there's a River out there, but it's nothing special. Some say it's actually dangerous. Otherwise, why would the malik keep it secret, if in fact it does exist. Maybe it turns people into the basest form of human, turns them into animals without conscience. Some say it is magic. Others that it will only lead to destruction. But most people don't put much stock into what they deem a fairy tale. Because even if it is out there, well, they're not about to uproot themselves and go look for it. They're happy right where they are, thank you very much.
Cultural Reception
Before Inqaa became the only kingdom with any sort of access to a-Nahr, the rest of the world and the seven other lands all had a different idea as to what al-Nahr meant, and a different interpretation to what It showed them. For some, it showed an importance in spirituality. For others, an importance in selflessness. Some saw one God. Others saw two, or several. Some saw life after death, some saw life after life, while others saw that all that mattered was how they lived, and that death was final.
In Literature
Yes. Many an ode was written to al-Nahr, the Bringer of Life, they called it.
In Art
Paintings were the art of choice, for all who went and basked in the glory of al-Nahr would never see anything as beautiful as It, and Its surrounds. It was heaven on Earth.
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