The Epic of Orzon

The Epic of Orzon is widely considered one of the greatest works of Lanarian literature. The original version is in the Melzeen language and is notoriously long, with many editions being spread out into fifteen volumes. Most students read a highly abridged version in the Lanarish language, but even this is an intimidating tome.
The plot revolves around a wandering trickster hero named Orzon, whose adventures across Lanaria had been popular legends long before the tale was written down sometime during the Fifth Dynasty.

Summary

The overarching plot of the epic involves the titular hero searching for his lost sword, a family heirloom that he does not dare return home without. His travels carry him around Lanaria, enduring the ravages of nature, bandits, monsters, curses, and other misfortunes. Along the way he meets a variety of characters, many drawn from history or unrelated legends. He conveniently finds himself in the middle of events of historical significance from time to time, as well.
One popular sequence involved Orzon and his friends tricking a hostile village into thinking monsters were invading. After the residents had fled in terror, Orzon was free to search the walled settlement for his sword. Of course he did not find it, and had to beat a hasty retreat when the enraged townsfolk realized his deception. This is typical of how the character used trickery instead of violence whenever possible. He was also known to charm pretty ladies into helping him with various parts of his quest, though never in immoral ways.
After decades of going back and forth across the continent, Orzon realizes that the experiences he has had are more valuable than any sword, and the people he has met along the road are more of a family to him than the one he left behind. He opens an inn in the small town that would later grow into the city of Eralax, marries his true love, and spends the rest of his life regaling travelers with tales of his exploits.

Historical Basis

There is no historical record of a hero named Orzon. This, combined with how unlikely it would be for one Lanarian to survive so many incredible adventures in a single lifetime, makes most scholars conclude that Orzon probably did not exist. The character is most likely an amalgamation of numerous folk heroes from the pre-imperial era.

Cultural Reception

Several motion pictures, wayvision series, and operas have been based on the Epic of Orzon (or at least small portions of it.)

In Art

The Janbaerin Museum of Fine Arts in Shalanera hosts a few paintings that are illustrations from the Epic of Orzon.

Date of First Recording

Circa the Fifth Dynasty

Date of Setting

First Dynasty, approximately year 50 on the Melzeen calendar