The Leviathan

The Beast of the Southern Sea

Summary

Tale has it, that beyond the Mandarin Isles in the endless open waters of the southern sea sleeps a great beast. The beast is said to be able to cause rolling thunderstorms, tidal waves, and sink ships with a single movement of its massive tail. The creature is said to sleep in the waters between four small islands. Legend says that if the creature is ever disturbed, offerings of magic must be made to the creature at four altars on the islands.
While no islands are mapped in this region, some insist they exist just out of reach. The largest of the four islands is, according to myth, inhabited by a tribe of men who wear wooden masks and make offerings to the beast yearly and it is said that so long as the beast is given tithings, it will not harm your vessel in the open sea.
There are also said to live three elemental titans on the three uninhabited islands. While the titans live in harmony, it is told that if they are disturbed they will become violent and disturb the beast that sleeps below. The beast will try to quell the fighting but alone his might will fail and the earth will turn to ash in the titan's wake.

Historical Basis

While the stories of titans and sea monsters have never been confirmed, claims of islands south with tribes matching the description of the tribe in the story exist. Many scholars believe that this story is likely a tribal legend that was told to a stranded sailor at some point who spread it after returning home.

Spread

The legend first gained popularity along the southern coastline but has since spread as far as the Janaga kingdoms to the east.

Variations & Mutation

The race of the tribe often changes based on who tells the story, most races inserting themselves in place of the tribe and some placing other races in and portraying the tribe as lesser in some way. Some versions of the story also portray the leviathan as a strictly benevolent being who exists to guard the titans, keeping them from ripping the world apart.

Cultural Reception

The story resonates with sailors and their families, some going as far as to throw a coin into the water as soon as they leave port to ensure the beast will not sink their ship in high seas. Otherwise, it's mostly told as a scary story around campfires in the common era.