The song of young Belaroth

The song of young Belaroth is a fairly recent but quite popular song which dramatizes the events surrounding the death of the witch of Albanmarch. It was written soon after the events by the court bard at Cunaris.

Summary

In the tale Ethan Belaroth grows up the favoured son of the Duke. He is handsome and good, fair and just. Yet at night he is tempted by a foul witch who conspires to usurp his inheritance through trickery. During the nights she visits him the witch offers the young lord gifts in exchange for favours. Ethan turns down the gifts through various polite excuses, as he does not wish to offend the witch. The first night the witch offers Ethan marriage to any woman he might desire. Yet he pleas that he is already betrothed to a great lady of the realm. The second night the witch offers him gold. Ethan responds that as a filial son offers of money ought be addressed to his father. On the third night the witch offers arcane power. Here Ethan says that he is already being taught the divine arts and that no man should master both. The witch leaves frustrated, swearing that in seven moons she will return with a gift he cannot refuse.
What the witch does not suspect is that Ethan through clever wordplay and seemingly innocent questions has deduced the location of the witch's hiding place. During the Summer Sun Celebration (the longest day of the year) he leads a retinue of knights into the Albanmarsh and confronts the witch. There he slays her with the Fury of Belaroth, before returning home in triumph.

Historical Basis

It is well known that among his many heroic deeds, Ethan Belaroth did indeed slay the witch of the Albanmarch. However, the rest of the story is likely fiction, as the details of the events are rarely discussed by the ducal family.

Spread

The tale is popular throughout southern and central Ciello. It has also been performed in many Alliance cities, especially when dignitaries from the ducal court arrives there. It is something of a propaganda piece for the duke's cause, and has done much to boost the prestige of House Belaroth.

In Art

A painting of the climactic scene - where Ethan slays the witch - hangs in the great hall at Castle Treori in Cunaris.

Date of First Recording

1008

Date of Setting

1007 - 1008 IC