The Worldbuilder's Masterpiece

"The Worldbuilder's Masterpiece" is a fable that tells of the world's creation. Most people know it as a myth, but it serves as an introduction to many of the gods and their respective roles. However, some priesthoods actively discourage its telling, valuing truth and honesty above the benefits of having a memorable story for children to learn.

Summary

The myth tells the story of Insushinak the Worldbuilder, the god of craft and creation, creating the world from the four elements. He called on Lahurati, Goddess of Earth, to give the world form and stability. On Nahuntte, god of Fire, to give the world light and warmth. On Irisha, deity of Water, to give the world fluidity and motion. And on Khumban, god of Air, to give the world breath and life.
But things did not go as expected. The elements merged, and became a maw of chaos. And from this chaos was born Raseph, god of Darkness. Raseph and his nature brought disorder to the world, bringing ruin to each attempt Insushinak made. Six times he tried, and six times, his masterpiece fell to ruin.
Insushinak turned to Kirrisi, the Divine Mother, for advice. She suggested Insushinak accept the chaos, give Raseph his place among the others. And so, Insushinak called on Raseph to give the world mystery and change. Raseph acceded. And so, working together, the gods tried again, creating the world on their seventh attempt.

Variations & Mutation

The most common variation of the story comes from the reign of the First Empire, demonizing Raseph and elevating Narundi, the creator of the first Anchor before her ascension, to the level of the other gods.
Its narrative states that Raseph wove his chaos into the very fabric of the world, not to break it apart as he had before, but to doom all who lived upon it to misery and death. And in turn, Kirrisi and Insushinak lent their aid to Narundi, who created the Prima Ancora, granting people shelter from the chaos of Raseph and hope for a better future.
This variation has become less popular in the days since the First Empire. While Raseph is hardly a popular god, his role in society has become more accepted - change is inevitable, and sometimes even beneficial - and the narrative of betrayal has an unpleasant connotation: if even the gods cannot cooperate, how can mere mortals be expected to do so?

Cultural Reception

Versions of "The Worldbuilder's Masterpiece" have been found in most cultures that worship the gods found therein, including those from the Wildlands, though their prevalence varies widely. Most cultures regard it as a myth, recognizing that each of the gods mentioned were once mortals who walked the land in ages past, though a few take it seriously, and others abhor it as a misleading lie.