Ballad of the Snow King

Feats of Eldrin Ylyndar

As the snow softly falls on the first evening of Snowfell, a Bard retrieves a lute and stands tall on a stump near the ever-burning fire in the center of the square. The crowd falls to a hush, waiting for the words that will spill from the lips of the lithe Elf woman wrapped in furs standing before them. Blue floating lights string themselves up behind her, and twinkling snowflakes, most likely the creation of the city's enchantress, begin to fall amongst the crowd. The story that the Bard begins to tell in song is one only heard once a year, but it is the reason that all can stand fearless within the walls of Yllvalion.
The story told is centuries old, about Eldrin Ylyndar and the founding of the Knights of Yggdrasil, of the first winter that brought the Snowfell, and of the hope that was brought by the Ylyndar Clan and the blessing of the Metallic Dragons through the gift of the Gem of Stars and Hope. Those around the fire listen with rapt attention, all in awe of the story that still brings them together more than five thousand years after Eldrin Ylyndar claimed this place for the city of Yllvalion.
The Knights of Yggdrasil stand at the edges of the courtyard, listening more to the story and its meaning than serving as protection. Their teachings and training from the words of the first Ylyndar allow this to be true, but the ballad serves as a reminder of the duty that these Knights hold. It is an ancient tale that remains relevant to all who hear it in the city, a story that continues to be retold at Snowfell.
When the whispy voice of the Bard fades, the silence continues. The retelling marks the end of the first day of Snowfell. Those in the courtyard return to their homes, to the castle, to the inn, all followed by a floating light and one of the shimmering snowflakes of the enchantress. The lights of both will finally fade when Snowfell comes to an end.

Purpose

The purpose of the ballad is the retelling of some of the feats of the founder of the Knights of Yggdrasil, Eldrin Ylyndar. His teachings are the foundation for the Knights and their duties, as well as the hope that keeps the city moving forward when times are tough.

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Ballad of the Snow King

In ancient times, the snow blew cold,
Dark and drifting on the road.
There came a man, a driven man,
To make his home upon this land.
The snow was deep, it shone too bright,
As the dragons glittered down from staggering heights.
With the king’s blessing, and strongest will,
An order was founded, the Knights of Yggdrasil.
They had one job in the frozen North,
To train very hard and know their worth,
To the kingdom large, and forest South,
To protect its children and the forest’s mouth.
Winter came, and silence fell,
The Outposts did not fair so well,
So the driven man came once again,
And fed the land from his own hand.
He was named the King of Snow,
For the discipline and hope he sowed.
Into his Knights and the people far,
So they could survive the winter hard.
The name Ylyndar brought great truth,
His teachings and children brought great fruit,
To the snow-covered city of Yllvalion,
That hopes to last through the eons.
The man of snow and ice has long since fallen,
His teachings now serve as the Knights’ great calling.
The words of wisdom and hope that still ring,
Came from Eldrin, Ylyndar’s king.

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Type

Imagery, Artistic

Medium

Oral Tradition / Word of Mouth

Location

Yllvalion