Athena's Library Building / Landmark in The Elysium Archipelago | World Anvil

Athena's Library

A massive library that contains knowledge from the beginning of the written word, it was crafted to allow others to pass the time reading, researching and understanding the world around them. The library is permanently illuminated by Aether, allowing all to read different forms of handwriting and manuscript. There are also verbal oracles that recall speeches and the like in each smaller section of the library.

Purpose / Function

To provide millennia of information to seekers of knowledge.

Denizens

The only people who stay within the library are the bookkeepers, sometimes called Athenites by those who admire or ridicule their dedication to a life of bookkeeping.

Architecture

There are rows upon rows of reinforced towers of wood and stone that keep every single tome in place. Bursts of sunlight and moonlight are allowed through carved openings in the white stone that make up the castle that, intermingling with the naturally-occurring Aether, create a serene environment for any reader or researcher. Though some believe that the amount of books in the library are endless, those who work there to organize every bit of information. But mostly, it is wall to wall with books, tomes and journals ranging as far back as Sumeria.

History

The library itself existed along with the rest of the kingdom shortly after its creation but it was the religious followers of Apollo City and the exiled islanders of previous settlements who truly made this a functioning library. After hearing how Artemis's influence were keeping the unworthy from permanently settling in kingdom grounds, they became fervent believers, nearly monk-like, in an attempt to assume responsibility for expanding this place of knowledge. Whether their prayers were heard or not, the animals refused to attack this group of pseudo-clergymen, instead allowing for them to be the official keepers of knowledge for the kingdom. After years of tidying up the library, they act in conjunction with the animals to ensure that anyone who wants to enter the kingdom in search of knowledge does so with an earnest heart.

Tourism

There are researchers, engineers and scientists who are able to access the library for research purposes as long as they agree to two simple rules: Be quiet and return every book removed to its original place.
Type
Library
Parent Location