The Legend of the Firebird

An ancient Namerian tale with a ring of truth, this legend is the oldest and most well known in all of the Namerian kingdoms, though it is the most popular in Taliesin. During the War of the Enemy, this legend would be proven true, with the Firebird being represented by Lothiriel and Leonard Kelwyn.

Summary

The legend tells of a day when the Enemy has risen, and taken over much of the worlds. Amid this time of darkness, there is a gleam of hope: a pair of twin beings, a brother and a sister, who have the power to defeat him. Their power stems from the circumstances of their birth, as they must be the children of one of the three most powerful Namers and a powerful noble from a different Namerian kingdom. According to the legend, these twins must rally the weary armies of the world and lead them into battle against the Enemy to bring on a new age, either one of peace and prosperity, or one of destruction and chaos. The legend is left unfinished, perhaps deliberately.

Historical Basis

Until the War of the Enemy ends, there is no proof of the legend; however, the war reveals Lothiriel and Leonard Kelwyn of Taliesin to be the prophesied Firebird described in the tale. The War of the Firebird, many years later, proves the legend to be true, as all the events it describes come to pass then.

Spread

The tale is known throughout the Namerian kingdoms, and is the most widespread tale there. It is not known outside of that world.

Variations & Mutation

Another version exist where the Firebird is a single person, propagated by a jealous Queen Maeveen. Some also invent their own endings to the tale, leading to some confusion about how it actually ends.

Cultural Reception

Unlike the other tales told amongst the Namerians, it appeared to have no basis in fact until the War of the Enemy, and as such is more popular than any other. Many wonder if the myth is a prophecy (it is), and if they are the subject of it, making it a speculative topic. After it is revealed to be true, the legend will develop and further intensify until the exact details are difficult to find--much to Lothiriel's irritation.

In Literature

On occasion, a writer will try to create an ending for the tale but inevitably will fail. After the War of the Enemy, multiple epics will be written based off the myth and the actual history.