The Origins of Mortal Magic: A Reassessment of Historical Paradigms

Abstract:
This thesis seeks to challenge the prevailing assumption that magic was first introduced to mortals by the elves. Through an extensive review of ancient literature, analysis of historical tapestries, and discussions with the venerable golden dragon Gonthrax, new evidence has emerged that positions dragons as the original bearers of magical knowledge among mortal beings. This discovery not only redefines our understanding of magical history but also exposes the deliberate obfuscation by high elves to maintain their perceived superiority.
Introduction:
Conventional wisdom, largely perpetuated by elven scholars, holds that humans, gnomes, halflings, and other mortal races acquired their magical abilities from the elves. High elves, in particular, have encouraged this belief to bolster their status as the premier magical beings. The elves themselves claim that their magical prowess was a divine gift from the gods. However, an examination of ancient texts and artifacts reveals a far more complex and intriguing origin of magic among mortals.
Findings:
In our initial research phase, Eleazar Pyrewolf and I examined numerous ancient manuscripts and inscriptions. Contrary to popular belief, these documents indicate that some civilizations acquired magical knowledge contemporaneously with the elves, or in certain cases, even before them. This revelation prompted a deeper investigation into the origins of magic, leading to groundbreaking discoveries about the role of dragons.
Dragons as the First Mortals with Magic:
The Evidence from Tapestries:
During our research, we uncovered a series of ancient tapestries hidden in a secluded vault beneath the ruins of an ancient giant stronghold. These tapestries vividly depict the transmission of magical knowledge from dragons to giants and the subsequent schism between chromatic and metallic dragons. The artistry of these tapestries is unparalleled, capturing pivotal moments such as the dragons' initial unity, the gift of magic to giants, and the divine intervention that transformed chromatic dragons into metallic ones. These visual records provide compelling evidence supporting the theory that dragons were the first mortals to wield magic.
Discussions with Gonthrax:
Further strengthening our findings, I had the honor of conversing with Gonthrax, an ancient and wise golden dragon. Gonthrax shared invaluable insights, recounting the history of dragonkind and their early interactions with the gods. According to Gonthrax, before dragons imparted magical knowledge to the giants, they existed as a unified race with no distinction between metallic and chromatic varieties. During the divine conflict over Aranath, many chromatic dragons chose not to ally with the gods who championed chaos and destruction. Instead, they sought the favor of the more benevolent deities.
In response, these benevolent gods endowed the dragons with new powers to aid in their struggle against evil. The chief god of the dwarves granted them metallic characteristics, transforming them from chromatic to metallic dragons. Concurrently, the god of magic enhanced their inherent magical abilities, making them more powerful than ever before. Thus, dragons emerged as the first mortals to wield magic.
To counterbalance this newfound power, the malevolent gods conferred magical abilities and other significant powers upon the remaining chromatic dragons. This divine intervention ensured that both factions of dragons possessed formidable magical capabilities, shaping the course of their history and their interactions with other mortal races.
Conclusion:
This thesis demonstrates that dragons, not elves, were the initial mortals to master magic. This crucial revision of magical history not only provides a more accurate understanding of our past but also challenges the narratives perpetuated by high elven society. It is imperative that scholars and historians alike recognize the true origins of mortal magic and the pivotal role played by dragons in its dissemination.
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Arcanist Glim Timbers