Myth of the Labyrinth

Written for WA Summer Camp 2021 - Prompt 8

Myth: Share a myth about a mountain, lake, cave or other landmark

The Labyrinth in [Rukbat] didn't always exist, however, it has been there for such a long time that only tales of its creation remain. It is now impossible to separate what is myth from what is fact, and fact is people tend to believe everything about the Labyrinth.

Summary

One day, one could see the [Shams Desert] clearly from just about any place in the settlement of [Rukbat], the next, people awoke to great humongous walls blocking such view. On a specific part of the wall, an arch formed the entrance, like a portal without its door. Over the portal, a plaque inscribed with the ancient language shone as a beacon taunting the people to seek out its centre.
At first, some tried exploring the new addition to the settlement, but none ever came back. Every day, another of those studying the inscriptions on the wall would be swayed by temptation and enter the portal. Not long after one entered the Labyrinth would noises be heard. Stones grinding, the walls moving and taking new shapes, paths would change and another became trapped inside.
Still, they would persist in trying to understand it. Fewer and fewer people kept living close to the great walls of the Labyrinth until, finally, one returned. They would repeat over and over a sinister song, a song that told of unseen treasures, untapped power. They were treated and made to rest, but it was already too late, their soul had no strength left and took their own life instead of being made to remember their days inside the Labyrinth.
Sometimes, a sweet and silky voice could be heard echoing from the Labyrinth tempting others to reach its centre. The male voice is said to be like that of a far gone ruler, plagued by Torment, wanting company for its eternal rest.

Historical Basis

Although impossible to verify, the appearance of the Labyrinth occurred around the time a powerful and gifted Rukbat ruler succumbed to an unknown disease. He was treated with Dream Turn, but was one of those whose treatment resulted in an unexpected scenario. Nothing concrete survived from that time besides the Labyrinth, so it became known as the their cursed heritage.

Spread

Other Ram know about the Labyrinth in [Rukbat] and go out of their way to avoid it when in the city, well aware of how dangerous is the heritage of a Dream Turn gone wrong. Those from farther lands simply think of it as a magical construct, completely disavowing the myth.

Variations & Mutation

Some say the labyrinth was created by a great ruler of Rukbat to contain a Calamity and that the song some still hear is an attempt at enchanting someone to free it from its confines.

Cultural Reception

It is interesting to notice that despite the controversy surrounding the Labyrinth's origins, it is still regarded as a blessing of the Moon.

In Art

Some artisans and weavers like to depict the Labyrinth as intricate patterns, leaving a place of honour and notice to add a piece honouring the Moon to represent the centre of the Labyrinth. Jewellery of intricate patterns of wired metals is also reminiscent of it.

Related Ethnicities

• Ram

Related Locations

• The Labyrinth