Melchiorre's Sacrifice

Hear of the sacrifice made in your name by Melchiorre, the brave king!

-Melchiorre the Brave, Eulalia fom Serra

The tale of King Melchiorre's death during the Naleedic-Calan War is, perhaps, the most well-known story in the Kingdom of Litticala. While he was not a noteworthy monarch in life, Melchiorre's death during the Siege of Coromare elevated him to the status of a hero.

Summary

During the last year of the Naleedic-Calan War, the capital city of Coromare came under siege. Many Coromarans had fled the city weeks prior for the safety of the southeastern provinces, but there were just as many who remained. Fearing for the lives of his people, King Melchiorre sheltered his subjects in the palace as the Naleedite army breached the city walls and seized control of the River Cando.
For four days, the Naleedite army assaulted the palace. Litticala suffered heavy losses as they awaited reinforcements from the south. On the dawn of the fifth day, King Melchiorre bid his family farewell and took up his sword to join his soldiers in defending his people from the invading Naleedites. Moved by the sight of their king fighting by their side, the Calan army rallied and began to drive the enemy back.
The king put himself between his people and the enemy blades, and took every wound meant for a Calan soldier. Despite his grievous wounds, the king did not falter and continued to fight until the last of the Naleedites was defeated or driven away. Only when his people were safe did Melchiorre lay down his sword and succumb to his wounds.

Historical Basis

Contemporary records confirm Melchiorre's participation and death during the Siege of Coromare. The extent of his participation and the timeline of events have been called into question by scholars. It is likely that Melchiorre fell before the battle at the palace was ended, and he was not the only Calan to die that morning. The loss of life during the siege of the palace was so great that few soldiers saw the battle from beginning to end and lived to speak of it. As a result, the finer details of Melchiorre's role in the batttle have largely been lost to time.
Frequently left out of the telling of the tale is the arrival of Calan reinforcements from the south on the morning that Melchiorre died. These fresh soldiers helped to end the battle at the palace gates and push the Naleedites back across the River Cando. The Siege of Coromare continued for several days more before the Naleedite army was finally driven out and away from the capital.

Variations & Mutation

Celestialist retellings of Melchiorre's Sacrifice say that the king was God-Touched. Some say he had the gifts of one of the little gods, while others argue that he was possessed and guided by Maresol herself. Regardless of the source of his power, Melchiorre is said to have blinded the Naleedites with the light of the morning sun, creating an advantage for the Calan army.

In Literature

Fight as he fought, to defend Coromare from those who would harm her
Sing of his sacrifice, speak of his deeds, so the world will remember

-Melchiorre the Brave, Eulalia fom Serra

Eulalia fom Serra (138GE-208GE), one of the many Coromarans who took shelter in the palace, watched the battle from an upper window and witnessed the king's final moments from afar. Later, she would compose the poem Melchiorre the Brave to commemorate the king's sacrifice. It was immediately popular among Calan soldiers, who took to reciting it before battle in hopes of inspiring courage.

In Art

Melchiorre's Sacrifice is a common subject for art in Litticala. There are countless statues erected in memory of King Melchiorre throughout the kingdom, with ten in the city of Coromare alone. Many Celestial temples have a tapestry depicting the dying king in the embrace of Maresol.

Date of Setting

34 River Moon, 164 GE

Related Locations

• Fort Melchiorre
• Palace District

Related People

• King Melchiorre

Related Organizations

• Kingdom of Litticala
• Naleedite Confederacy