Hjall and the Well of Youth

Summary

Hjall, a sorcerer who wasn't from The Ander Vale came into Old Havenwood speaking of destiny and living forever. He said that with the proper ritual and magic he could create a Well of Youth that could bring life to everyone, and the Havinites would be the first immortals. The people loved him and agreed to help, and they built the well. However, it's said that the moment someone drank from the well, a radius of death emitted from the well that never stopped growing and consuming everything in its path.

Historical Basis

Hjall Vord was a real person who studied in a far off lands. There are many records of his failures in trying to do two things: create an obedient, youthful army. After his failure in Havenwood, he vanished off the face of the planet, never to be seen again.

Spread

This legend is commonly spoken around The Ander Vale as a cautionary tale for wanting youth at the price of the land. In Havenwood, it's regarded as a historical event that actually happened.

Variations & Mutation

Some places call it a Fountain, Chalice, Gyser, or Waterfall of Youth.

Cultural Reception

To the Havinites, this is a part of their history. Despite the fact they keep insisting that it's a real fountain and the Line of Decay is connected to it, other parts of The Ander Vale refuse to take it seriously. They'd rather not know why something works than believe the legend.

In Literature

The Well of Youth has been written in many fantasy stories, often omitting the death radius that sorrounds it.

In Art

There are many depicitons of The Well of Youth and Hjall performing his magic on it. Almost all upper class houses have a painting of it as a warning not to want for a lost youth.

Date of First Recording

It was recorded in the Age of Dawn.

Date of Setting

The Age of Dawn, the first recorded age in The Ander Vale.

Related Ethnicities