The Orb of Althea

"The orb was flawless, a shining circle of quartz. It glowed softly, with a pink, rosy hue that spoke of comfort and peace. To look upon Althea's orb was to feel warm and protected, wrapped in the gentle but powerful embrace of the World-Mother herself; to hold it was to hold the world itself and know nothing but unconditional love, a love so strong that centuries could never dim its brilliance." - Deities and Their Symbols, by Ashann Runespire

The orb of Althea is a legendary object said to be the soul anchor of the World-Mother, Althea. It plays a key role in the creation myth of Galactus, as a symbol of Althea's power and the defeat of Brantis, the void.
In most historical records, the orb of Althea is described as a smooth, polished orb of heart quartz. It has a warm pink hue and in some accounts appears to glow from within, even in the darkest of rooms. Its size varies across records, but it is most commonly described as being about six or so inches in diameter, small enough to be held in one hand yet still substantial. Some accounts have described it around the size of an egg, and a very few assert that it is as large as a small boulder - although this is widely agreed to be a creative exaggeration in favor of a more dramatic tale.
The uniting theme across many records of this particular item is that it seems to radiate magic in a way that only soul anchors are able to. Some scholars believe that it actually has ley lines woven between its crystals. Those lucky enough to behold this symbol of power have reported that simply being in its presence improves one's magical control and power. The orb also seems to affect the emotions of those within its aura - many records include a feeling of warmth and safety, a feeling that they could never be hurt or put in danger. Touching the orb is said to fill one with an incredible feeling of love towards and from others.
The orb of Althea has an important role in Galactus's creation myth. It is the center of the World-Mother's power and said to be the very first thing that was created deep in the nothingness before the world was born. This orb is the first of the soul anchors and was used to keep Althea firm against the void. It is also said to be the seed from which the planes of existence grew.
The orb is mentioned quite frequently in the first few centuries after the Era of Creation, whether passed by word of mouth or written in some form. Many of these records are kept within the archives of the Citadel of Silence. However, after around 3500 BV, all mentions of this orb cease. It simply vanishes from history, and soon after becomes a myth. In modern times, it is regarded as simply fiction, an embellishment in ancient stories designed for young folk or those with too much imagination. Some scholars have devoted their entire lives to researching the orb and whether it still exists or existed at all, but none have made any breakthroughs.