The Shadeling - Son of Darkness

The Shadeling is a mythological figure that is mainly found in Solian theology, but also directly or indirectly referenced in other Samarian and Osianic religions. In all of those myths, the shadeling is described as a harbinger of chaos and destruction that will push the world into times of great troubles that will eventualy culminate in the end of the world and its people.

Summary

In Solianism, the shadeling is described as a young male Shadowmage, usualy between the ages of around 16 to 22 years old, who will, after a calm and peaceful childhood, suffer a traumatic event that will make them turn away from Saol's light and towards Uxal's influence. Their dark powers will grow to overpower that of any other mages in the world, so much so that Uxal will reveal himself to him and they will strike an alliance to liberate Uxal from its celestial prison. The ending of the Solian version of the story is missing, but in the rare texts that talk about the missing tablet, some say the Shadeling is successful, and describes the world being ripped appart and the Shadeling ruling over its ashes, while Uxal and Saol are left to battle each other for eternity. Other texts instead say that another mythological figure, The Lightbringer will be reborn and caste him and Uxal back into eternal darkness, saving the world.

Spread

Similar myths to the shadeling can be found in almost every religion in the world. People in Osian, Samaria and Enaskia who follow First Age religions all believe in a variation of this myth. However, something of note is that more recent cultures and religions, particulary those who sprung up after The Long Winter do not contain a version of that myth or really anything that resembles the Shadeling myth.

Variations & Mutation

Despite the large diversity of origins points for these similar myths, most do not diverge much from one another, especialy while describing the Shadeling's powers and influence. However, various details and especialy the endings do diverge a lot. Some myths have a good ending, where the evil is vanquished by a force of good, but in other variation, the chaos or darkness wins, which usualy results in the destruction of the world.

Date of Setting

In the Future

Name Variations
The figure bores many other names other than the Shadeling, like: 

• The Shrouded One
• The Harbinger of Darkness
• The Dragon of Chaos
• The Prince of Darkness.