Legend of Safraxburg

Summary

The town of Safraxburg was once a peace town under the rule of a benevolent lord.  Unfortunately the lord died suddenly and rather young leaving his son in charge of the people's welfare. The son grew to be an avid hunter and disliked having his hunting interrupted by what he considered the petty problems of the people. One day an new knight appeared in court.  He became the young lord's chief hunting companion and was soon his most trusted advisor.  This knight was whispering dark ideas into the young lord's ear, for the knight was truly a Vilderavn.  Eventually the young lord believed the whispers.  He decided that the ultimate hunting challenge would be to hunt people, so he began hunting his own peasants. The villagers cried out to Magesus, Forest King. Magesus heard the people.  He told the peasantry to flee.  Then swallowed up the entire town, turning it's lord and his family into stone.  The Vilderavn, as his punishment, was tied to the land and set to guard it for Magesus.

Historical Basis

There is a petrified town at the bottom of a deep pit that the people call the Pit of Curses.

Spread

The tale is a common childhood story in the kingdom of Grossens.  Outside the kingdom only the priests of Magesus, Forest King and his followers are familiar with the tale.

Variations & Mutation

Some versions of the myth claim that the Vilderavn killed the original lord.  Others claim that the young son killed his father opening himself up to the Vilderavn's influence.  There is even an obscure version that claims that the original lord was actually unkind and his peasants killed him thus attracting the attention of the Vilderavn.

In Literature

The priests of Magesus have several sermons about the dangers of making yourself susceptible to the influence of Vilderavn based upon this myth and of course the tale is recorded in the Tomes of the Thicket.

In Art

The Sanctum of Forests, the largest church devoted to Magesus, Forest King, contains a large five panel altar screen and the second panel is a depiction of Magesus sheltering the peasants of Safraxburg as their lord turns to stone.

Date of First Recording

circa -5500

Date of Setting

-6632