Volcano Bear

General introduction

The story of the Volcano Bear is a popular cautionary tale told in Madini. It is connected to the Mukebahari Mountain, Eranas biggest volcano, which is a source of fear to the superstitious Madini people. This fear is not without reason, since the volcano has led to the destruction of many of Madini's former coastal cities, as for example Kasabandri, which is now often only referred to as Dorma Umsumu - 'the sunken city' or 'city under water'.

The volcano is still active and is known for the impressive sounds it produces. This has led the Madini to believe, that there is a giant bear living in the volcanoes belly. This belief is underlined by some actual bears living on the volcanic islands as well, as observed by some Madini fishermen.

The story

You know what they say. Up north, the big water houses a big mountain housing a big beast. You can see it from afar, right? Its breath rising above the mountain top. You can feel it from afar, right? Its footsteps making the ground tremble even here at times. You can hear it from afar, right? The growling, the groaning as it prowls. They, the wretched ones by the sea, have also seen its children. Cursed they are, those who saw the beasts children, cursed as the children themselves. Bears stalking the foot of the mountain, birthed by her in the fiery mountains belly. Birthed by the Volcano Bear.

- common saying about the Mukebahari mountain by the Madini

Background

After the Mukebahari mountain erupted for the first time and the actual volcanic island was formed, the sea, once a vital part of Madini society for trade, fishing and foraging became a cursed place. The impressive, black volcano towering over the blue sea, often colouring the sunset and sunrise in dramatic colours as well as the rumbling noises the mountain is emanating have led the Madini to believe it is cursed. Especially the latter has led to the belief, that a giant bear has made the mountain its den. Bears, being ferocious predators are generally a source of fear for the Madini and with local fishermen speaking of sightings of bears on the Mukebahari Mountains shore line, it seemed only natural, that these creatures were birthed by a monstrous mother living inside the mountain, giving her existence away with her growling and snarling.

The Madini shun the Mukebahari bay ever since the catastrophic eruption, safe for those ostracised and marginalised. The tale of the Volcano Bear serves as a warning to all those who consider themselves honest and decent to keep clear off the cursed sea.