Ramm the Loyal
Once long ago, there was a small country, Kothos, nestled next to a bigger one Traton. Though a was small, it's king was a wise tactician who could rally his troops like no other. But, alas the king was mortal, and like all mortals, he died leaving the kingdom to his young daughter. The new queen was kind and generous but inexperienced and so very young. A fact that the ruler of Traton knew and within moments of the old king breathing his last sent their massive army upon Kothos like a tide. The guards tasked with keeping Kothos safe, however, were brave and skilled men who had sworn to keep the queen and their kingdom safe.
Five times the wave of Traton soldiers crashed against the Kothan soldiers and five times they were repelled. On the sixth day, Traton's superior numbers made the difference, and they broke through Kothan's line of defense. Like ants they swarmed in, beating back and killing the noble defenders until they were at the palace's gates. All that stood between them and the young queen was the grizzled captain of the guard, Ramm, and thirty men. All of these men stood side by side, the walls surrounding the palace pressed against their backs, not one inch of the walls unguarded, with the captain himself directly in front of the gates. Out of respect for the men they'd been fighting, the Traton captain offered to let the men live if they handed over the queen. In response, Ramm gutted the captain with his spear and told the remaining soldiers he would die before he betrayed his queen.
Aena, the goddess of victory, had been watching the battle and found herself inspired by Ramm and his soldiers' commitment even in the face of certain death and bestowed her blessing upon them. With this blessing, Ramm and his men were faster, stronger and more durable than their opponents and despite being outnumbered 10-to-1 were able to not only hold the line but beat back the invaders.
Summary
A soldier shows loyalty towards his queen even in the face of certain death and is greatly rewarded for it.
Historical Basis
There were no kingdoms with the names Traton and Kothan but, there are records of smaller nations repelling the armies of larger ones using superior tactics and because of advantages given by weather, climate, or terrain.
Spread
This particular myth is pretty common knowledge in Nefis and the rest of the world, though the names tend to vary from nation to nation.
Variations & Mutation
In Aryia, the myth has been altered to make it so Gautier Oweyn takes the place of Ramm and he is defending the then-fledgling nation of Aryia.
The number of the invading nation's army also tends to fluctuate greatly sometimes swelling to where the final battle is 100 or more invaders for every one defender.
There are also a number of versions where Ramm is a woman named Rasa and the young queen is a young king being defended by either Raam or Rasa.
Cultural Reception
In Nefis and a number of other countries, the people uses this tale to reinforce their value in loyalty. In contrast Aryia and a few other countries use their alterations of this story to add to the legend of great warriors and rulers from their past.
In Literature
This story is found in a number of written sources and is a frequent tale told by bards and entertainers to children, though with much more theatrics.
In Art
There are paintings and tapestries depicting Ramm/Rasa standing in front of a gate surrounded by what looks like an ocean of enemy soldiers. There are also statues of Ramm/Rasa either holding a spear at the ready or thrusting with a spear.
Date of First Recording
Unknown
Date of Setting
Unknown
Related People
Really well written article! I'd love to see some more links to other aspects of your world within the text so I can explore further :D