The Lost Magic Harp

The Lost Magic Harp is a very old artifact that disappeared many centuries ago.  It's music is said to have had magical properties.  It was highly sought after by many people, and was even stolen several times.  One day, it disappeared from its display pedestal in some forgotten noble's mansion, and was never seen or heard from again.

Summary

There are many legends about the Lost Magic Harp. Most of them can't even agree on what it does and what makes it magic. Some legends say its music entrances its listeners, binding them to the will of whoever plays it. Others say it speaks the truth. Others, that it will grant wishes, or will answer any question. Still others, that it enhances abilities. Some say all it can do is play itself. Whatever it does, it hasn't been seen in many years. And like its powers, there are many theories for its disappearance. Some say it was stolen by giants or ogres. Others, that the gods grew jealous and took it for themselves, or felt mortals didn't deserve its magic and took it away. Some say the harp hid itself and is waiting for someone worthy to find it.

Historical Basis

The Magic Harp does, in fact, exist, although many people believe it's just a myth. It turns out that most legends about the Harp are actually correct about the nature of its magic, at least in part. All of the magical feats attributed to it are only part of the full breadth of its abilities. It was stolen many years ago by a lord of the giants. He was a hoarder of magical objects and strange items. He also ate people, an unfortunate habit carried on by his descendants. To this day, the harp still resides in the giant's castle, at the top of an immense beanstalk.

Spread

Various versions of this legend are known by most people in the lands of Torandielle. The Harp is so old and has been lost for so long, that the stories about it have spread throughout the world much like folklore in our world. One person may know one version, another person may know a different version. In the end, the Legend of the Lost Magic Harp is well-known throughout the world.

Variations & Mutation

The legend varies in regards to the nature of its magic, the cause of its disappearance, and even whether or not it truly existed. Some legends say it was stolen by giants, taken by the gods out of jealousy or punishment, that it hid itself, or that it was simply lost. The belief about the nature of its magic vary from being able to control people's minds, to predict the future, to simply playing itself. Some of the stories are even correct, in that it was stolen by giants, and just about all of the magical feats any legend tells about are abilities it possesses. The legend has been simplified or embellished over the years, until no one really knows what the original story was.

Cultural Reception

Most people have at least heard of the Lost Magic Harp. The legends differ from kingdom to kingdom. Even though most people know about it, the legends have been around for so long, they've entered a folklore state, where it doesn't really impact most people's lives, if they believe it exists at all. It's become a pretty story to tell to children, or around a campfire. There may be a few wide-eyed dreamers every generation or so who want to make a name for themselves by going out and finding the fabled Harp, but they all end in failure, and the poor adventurer comes home sadder and wiser. Assuming they come home at all, what with the giants guarding the treasure.

In Literature

There are works of literature, such as books, poems, and sometimes even plays, with the Magic Harp as the Macguffin of the story. A dashing hero or heroine embarks on an epic quest to find the Lost Harp, overcomes many challenges along the way, probably falls in love, and returns triumphant, Harp in hand, to fame and glory. Or sometimes the story is about them failing miserably and learning a lesson about believing in silly children's stories and letting their ambition get away from them.

In Art

The Lost Magic Harp can be found in the artwork of Torandielle, but more so in the fanciful works, rather than anything serious, since most people don't take the legend seriously.

Date of First Recording

The year 3342

Date of Setting

The year 2230