The Moon and the Tide
Summary
Umos tricked Lautan and took his prized treasure, an enormous pearl, and placed it in the night sky as the moon. Lautan, in his rage, threatened to flood the world in order to regain his treasure. None of the gods could halt his rage save for Merav, whose voice sang into the depths and soothed him. Lautan and Merav grew to love one another and together they made many beautiful creatures of the waters, the greatest among them the whales who inherited Lautan's strength and Merav's song, and sing in the deeps when his lover is away to keep him calm. But this did not cause Lautan to forget Umos' actions and each night when the moon rises into the sky, the waters of the world rise in response, an act of bitterness and a grim reminder of the past.
Historical Basis
Ancient historical records claim a great flood that washed away several great cities and covered much of the world.
Spread
It is widely known to those of Harental who worship Umos, Merav or Lautan. It is also a popular tale among sailors.
Variations & Mutation
Umos followers claim that Lautan's treasure was taken fairly, won in a game of wits and riddles with the bitter god of the sea, and that all Umos wanted was to light the sky.
Lautanites claim that Umos stole Lautan's most prized possession and claimed innocence for his treachery which the other gods believed, and that Lautan was justified in his actions.
Merav followers make no claim whether their goddess has spoken the truth of either story.
In Art
Whales are common depictions in art of Lautan and there have been many who have recreated stylized paintings and murals of the great flood and the theft of the moon.
Telling / Prose
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