Verlon

Verlon is the the green moon and the smaller of Nov Matar's two natural satellites. It's a symbol of rebirth, new life and hope and is also seen as holy to those who worship the Archenlord. But the verdant moon wasn't always in the sky, many say. It is said that in the days before the Kindred walked Nov Matar, there was only the white moon in the sky. Illume was its guardian and it shone every night, never waning. But after Iarax struck Illume down, the moon went dark and things would never be the same. The Son put the Sword of First Light in Illume's hand and took her back to the White Moon. The sword sustained her for the time being. In the meantime the Archenlord built for her a place of healing, the Verdant Moon. There Illume healed from her wound. But the wound would not fully heal until all the works of Iarax's malice are erased and a new world is forged. So every month she leaves the white moon for the green and the white moon wanes. But then, her strength renewed, she returns to her home on the white moon and it waxes once again.

Summary

This legend is heavily vested in the Battle of the Ancients wherein Illume fights her brother Dargon and defeats him, only to be struck down by Iarax. It states that the white moon waxes and wanes because Illume's power waxes and wanes due to the injury and that the green moon was created as a place of healing for Illume that she goes to when her power wanes.

Historical Basis

There is no evidence to suggest that the white moon hasn't always waxed and waned and that the green moon is recent.

Spread

This legend is pretty widespread on Nov Matar, though it exists in many variations. There are many in Nov Matar who shun myths and legends, though, and to these the story is only a legend and not important.

Variations & Mutation

The biggest variation in this myth is where the teller changes the gender of one or both combatants, Illume and Dargon. Predominantly patriarchal societies have a hard time with such a central legendary figure being female and they often make her male in the telling. Some even make Dargon female so to turn the story into a warning against the wiles of women.

Cultural Reception

In the west the worshipers of the Archenlord hold the green moon as holy. Some think the souls of the faithful get to live on the green moon. The green moon is part of religious iconography as is the image of Illume. Those who serve Iarax disdain anything reminding them of the Archenlord's general among the Faithful Ancients, and love to desecrate things that hold her image.

In Literature

The Battle of the Ancients is certainly the most retold story that doesn't involve mortals. In some cultures its like the Illiad and is sung of by bards and singers in long epic fashion.

In Art

The Verdant Moon is commonly found in artwork. Many like to show a waxing green moon in jewelry or tapestries.

by Dwayne Trawick

Date of First Recording

This legend was first recorded by the prophet Melaqaun Daux at the Temple of the South Wind in the year 117 AS (-?)

Date of Setting

Before recorded history.

Related People

• Iarax