Akhmat's Music Box

The myth of "Akhmat's Music Box" is a tale told to children and preached in temples dedicated to the god or the Isturian Pantheon. It tells the story of how Akhmat, master of crafts and art, gave an enchanted music box to an Isturian woman.

Summary

In the vibrant heart of the ancient city of Livoth, where art and culture flourished under the watchful eyes of the gods, there existed a captivating legend about a mystical artifact—a music box crafted by the deity of craft and art, Akhmat, capable of lulling any soul into a deep and peaceful slumber.
Akhmat, known for their creativity and benevolence, had once bestowed many gifts upon the mortals. They worked together for many centuries before they forged a technological marvel, a music box, as a token of peace and rest for the weary souls of the city.
In Livoth lived a gifted musician named Alta. Her melodies enchanted all who heard them, yet she longed for a deeper connection to her art. Alta had heard whispers of the music box, and her curiosity grew into an obsession. She believed that by understanding the divine technology, she could create music that transcended the earthly realm.
Driven by her desire, Alta embarked on a quest to uncover the secrets of the god’s music box. She sought the wisdom of elders and delved into ancient texts, piecing together clues to its whereabouts. Her journey led her to the sacred temple where Akhmat would occasionally walk among mortals.
One night, as Alta played her music beneath in the echoing halls of the temple, Akhmat appeared, made of brilliant light, and asked, "Child of Livoth, why do you seek the secrets of the divine?"
Alta, her heart pounding with awe, replied, "I wish to create music that brings peace and joy to all. I believe that understanding your divine creation will help me fulfill this dream." Moved by her sincerity, Akhmat decided to grant her a chance. "Very well, you may possess the music box, but its power must be used with wisdom and compassion. But remember, the music is a gift. Use it to heal, not to control."
With the gods’ blessing, Alta received the music box. She returned to Livoth, where her performances now transcended the mundane, bringing tranquility to those who listened. Her music became legendary, not because of the magic within the box, but due to the love and wisdom she poured into every note.
Alta’s tale became a cherished story in Livoth—a lesson in humility and the responsible use of power. The music box, a divine gift, was never just an artifact; it was a reminder that true artistry lies in the harmony between the heart and the divine.
In the end, Alta realized that the greatest music came not from understanding the god’s technology, but from embracing the divine spark within her own soul. And so, the legend of the music box lived on, a symbol of the enduring bond between gods and mortals, and the music that connects them.

Historical Basis

This event is widely believed to have occurred, though there are a number of points which do not add up. One is that there is no recorded city called "Livoth", though it is named correctly and cities have been known to rise and fall into obscurity over the course of centuries. Another is that the invention of the music box is a well-recorded event and one only recently documented in the last few hundred years.
Despite this, the people of Isturoth are steadfast in their beliefs in the generosity and goodness of Akhmat and Alta, inspiring generations of bards and tinkerers.

Variations & Mutation

There are versions of the myth that have a different ending. The more pious followers of Akhmat and the gods in general, speak of Alta misusing the god's gifts for selfish reasons. She uses the music box to put masses to sleep, who never wake again. The gifts eventually consume her, and she either throws the music box into a volcano, breaking the spell, or is destroyed by it herself. Either way, the message is clear: divine gifts are no small thing and mortal beings are not to be trusted with them.

In Art

Countless musicians, artists, tinsmiths and creators give homage to Akhmat for their inspiration. This story is one of the most cherished by those individuals, giving them hope that, one day, Akhmat might appear to them and hand them a divine gift. This, of course, ignores the fact that the message is that true inspiration comes from within, the creator, not the instrument.