"When the stormclouds come and the land gets dark, close the door and stay inside. When there is a knock at the door, do not answer. When there is a sound at the window, do not look.
He who comes in the dark is out, a dark figure shrouded in thorny vines of the darkest black. He carries a candle that fascinates children who see it. Do not look or you will be under his thrall and follow him back into the woods. He calls out in a soothing voice asking if you want to live without fear. Do not listen."
The Myth
There are regional variations of the story but the core elements remain the same. When the clouds block out the light, a being - a
fae walks from the
Wildwind Woods into the village and calls the children with light and song. The children enchanted by him follow as he leaves the town and returns to the forest, never to be seen again.
Origins
The myth began in one of several small villages near the
Wildwind Woods but which one of them is unknown. There have been many reports of sightings of He-Who-Comes-in-the-Dark over the years but no evidence has been recorded, just sightings by people out in the darkness of storms. It is believed that this myth originated when a child got lost in the
forest during a storm and was never found.
Given the unique nature of the
fae within the
Wildwind Woods and their affinity for fire, it is likely that a
fae creature resembling He-Who-Comes-in-the-Dark does exist.
Stub Article
This article is just a stub for now and will be expanded upon later.
Old Article
This article was written in the past and does not meet my current standards for any number of article quality, layout, or content.
In-Progress Article
This article is being worked on, perhaps not at this very moment, but it is being worked on.
Keep Them Safe
The people of
Grara tell many stories to their children to keep them out of danger. This story is no different. While some people may be true believers in He-Who-Comes-in-the-Dark, most who tell the story just want their children to avoid getting lost or injured in the darkness when the storms come.
In the Rain
One regional variant of the story has He-Who-Comes-in-the-Dark finding children caught outside in the rain and offering to keep them warm and dry with the light of his candle. This version of the character is a lot less creepy in appearance than the others but just as dangerous - if not more.
Intro quote is really well done and I was naturally reading it in my head with the tone of a Tale. I also enjoyed the doubt that remain on the reality of the Myth, or if all made up about a lesson from one lost child.