"Ihu'opi & Lohiau"
"Ihu'opi & Lohiau," often referred to as the "Song of the Harpy" or "Tale of the First Harpy," is an etiological legend that claims to explain the origin of the harpy; a cursed creature known for their bewitching voices and insatiable hunger. It tells the story of two lovers, Ihu'opi and Lohiau, who are then tragically separated by the Kiss of Lies, Rheseldar. After being separated, Ihu'opi's grief-stricken song transforms her into the first harpy. Though clearly a very old story, the oldest surviving written account of the tale comes from the early The Palladian Era. The tragic nature of the tale has inspired countless plays, ballads, and operas and it remains an important part of the cultural tapestry of Holos.
Summary
Long ago, a woman1 wandering the woods2 heard a voice so pure and lovely that she was moved to tears. She followed the music until she came upon a clearing where stood a handsome youth3. She too, felt music in her heart and joined his song, creating a harmony that stretched through the heavens. A chord of their song struck the woven threads of Fate and their words became blessed with the will of the Old Magic. Their song caused the forest to bloom and the land to become rich and fertile. Upon hearing such wondrous music, the gods decreed that it was their will that the two be joined forever more in marriage, so that they might bless all of creation with their love.
Yet there was another who heard the lovers' song: Rheseldar, the Kiss of Lies. She became jealous of the lovers and their music. As each of the Heavenly Council offered the couple their wedding gifts, Rheseldar offered them a pair of silver cup filled with sweet wine. The man, nervous on the day of his wedding, drank from the cup immediately. At that moment, a curse fell upon the man and he found that he no longer loved the woman. Unable to sing true, their song became discordant and the man fled into the wood once more.
The woman, whom had not yet drunken of the cup, still felt great love for the man and looked after him for nine moons, crossing seven fields, seven woods, and seven mountains. All the while, she sang her lovesick song and her voice granted her the swiftness of a songbird. At last she found the man once more. He had moved on from her and started a new song filled with a new woman and a new family.
Upon seeing this, the woman's song became filled with grief and sorrow. Her voice cracked and quivered, her throat wailing to the heavens. Endowed by the will of the Old Magic, the land around her fell fallow and barren. The woman's swift wings turned dark as ash and like those of Rheseldar's vultures. Her feet became talons, yearning to rend her own heart so she'd be spared the pain. Her song begged the man to return to her, but the curse of the Dark Empress could not be swayed. And though many others who heard her cries came to her, enchanted and enraptured by her beauty, she felt only bitterness in her soul. And so the first harpy was born, forever calling for their cursed love.
Cultural Reception
The story of Ihu'opi and Lohiau is referenced in many marriage ceremonies, particularly among followers of the Heavenly Council in Nioa and Auloa. It is believed to be bad luck for the groom to drink any wine on the day of his wedding. Following the ceremony, the father of the bride typically presents a wine cup to the groom to show that the marriage ritual has been completed. The groom is further forbidden to take the cup in his hands, instead having to rely on the bride's father. These traditions are often filled a moment of great humor, as the bride's father may jokingly slosh the wine in the groom's face or force him to drink a large amount of wine all at once.
In Art
Many pieces of music and theatre have been inspired by the story of Ihu'opi and Lohiau. The story is considered an archetypical tragedy by most theaters and has spawned countless plays and operas. Perhaps the most famous piece of music is the folk song "Lohiau's Lament." This piece is sung from the perspective of Lohiau after the curse has been lifted and he sees his beloved now transformed into a harpy. Though there are many versions of this song, as it is shared by many cultures, a definitive, professional ballad exists of the song. It is widely considered to be a horrendously difficult musical feat to pull off well and as such, its execution is seen as the mark of a master musician.
Alternate Titles
"Ihu'opi & Lohiau""Tale of the First Harpy"
"The Tragedy of Ihu'opi"
Date of First Recording
Date of Setting
Sometime between the Dawn and Mithril Era
Related Species
Related Locations
Related People
Related Organizations
Comments