The Epic of Ishara

The Epic of Ishara (IH-shah-ruh) is the first known epic story written down. It recounts the deeds of the mythical hero, Ishara, who leads humanity across the seas on a magical winged beast, and founds the city of Sray. The people of Sray, especially its regents, claim to be of Ishara's lineage, and the story is of central importance to their cultural and ethnic identity.

Historical Basis

Later historians do find good evidence that Sray is the oldest city in Nerasia, and that people first arrived in Nerasia near its ancient settlement. The exact circumstances of human arrival in Nerasia, however, is a point of serious contention among various religions who tell conflicting stories about how humans first appeared on the continent.
Some peoples, such as the Mashendians, maintain that the gods created humans and planted them in Nerasia. Others, such as the Pavrathians, insist that the origin of humanity happened in another world, located across the impassable eastern sea.
Little archaeological evidence is found, up through the early Nautical Age, that can confirm either narrative.

Date of First Recording

Circa 2200 EA

Date of Setting

Circa 0 EA