Eden
The Shepherd
As the snows of winter melt and fade, it is Eden who shepherds in a time of rain and light, which calls forth the sprawling meadows of vibrant flowers that his region was once known for. Spring's arrival symbolizes the onset of new life, the transition from one generation to the next, and new beginnings. Fittingly, Eden was a patron of innocence and youth, of childish naivety and wonder. As such, Eden was often depicted as a young boy holding a shepherd's crook in one hand and a wooden shield either adorned or made of flowers in the other. His skin was commonly carved or painted to have a wooden texture with flowers growing directly from his skin and around the base of his horns. Despite claiming protection as his domain and being a master of Abjuration, Eden was prone to pranks, mischief, and trickery, sporting a grin that was both inviting and slightly devious.
Madargyo, The Winged Serpents of Idyllis
Long ago, when the world was young, a single Aetheria tree marked the location where Idyllis would come to be. Within the tree, a winged serpent lived and refused to leave. When Eden arrived, the serpent hissed and snapped, driving the Spring Spirit's people away.
Eden resolved to drive the serpent away, but once in its den, he hesitated. For the serpent was coiled around eggs, most broken and shattered; only one intact. Eden recalled the fires of his own mother and took pity upon the serpent. With wards to defend himself, Eden allowed the serpent to strike and bite until she had exhausted herself.
Eden offered an accord. If the serpent permit his people to settle here, her offspring would know his protection; her children would be honored and revered companions, elevated and extoled. Having witnessed the power of Eden's wards, the serpent agreed. Over time, the serpent – the first Madargyo – became a companion of Eden and the symbol of Idyllis. Many believe that when the first Madargyo passed, she gifted her form to Eden so he might soar through the skies alongside her offspring for as long as Spring existed.
Divine Domains
Life, Fertility, Spring, Children, Youth, Innocence, Protection, Flowers, Rain.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
The Emerald gemstone, a shield made of flowers or wooden shield adorned with flowers, the Madargyo (winged serpent)
Tenets of Faith
Protected, Not Stifled – A budding flower will wither and die if you smother it, depriving it of the space, light, and freedom it needs to grow. Yet a flower left unattended and unguarded may fall victim to blight. There is freedom within well-placed walls that offer safety, but do not restrict that which youth needs to prosper, learn, and grow. Seek to guide and protect without destroying freedom and childish wonder.
Divine Classification
Spirit of the Land
Current Status
Healing
Current Location
Children
Pronouns
He/Him/His
Aligned Organization
Madargyo, the Winged Serpents of Idyllis
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