The Atganga

The Atganga is the legendary event in which the Gates of Hell opened on the elven island of Heitir. During the opening, thousands of undead aswell as other creatures from the underworld, crawled up from the hole in the ground, and flooded the elves. The entire island was turned into a wasteland, before the armies of hell invaded the rest of Magnis Togna, and overran many elven settlements.

Summary

It is said, that when the High Elven Kingdom captured Gradrun, making them controllers of all of Magnis Togna, the gods held an emergency meeting. They claimed that should the elves be allowed to keep rulling, this would be the end. Nothing more would happen, only a thriving civilisation of immortal beings that controlled the entire world. The father of the humans, Cahn, aswell as the father of the dwarves, Huborn, claimed that this could not be allowed to happen. Their people were enslaved, and would never amount to anything else. The god of chaos, Kijun, agreed, as did the god of the underworld, Gaswar. The majority of the gods were neutral in the debate, apart from Kefikaa, mother of the elves, whose creations had made her incredibly proud. Nevertheless, the moment Gaswar joined the side of Cahn and Huborn, the remaining gods took their side aswell. Anything else would lead to a civil war, between thegodly armies, and the armies of hell, accompanied by 4 gods. 
They debated for many years over what to do, until Kijun proposed that Gaswar would be allowed to unleash his army on the elves. Once all elves were killed, they would return to hell, and allow the world to prosper ones more. Unknown to the rest of the gods, Kijun and Gaswar were allies, wanting Gaswar to control Magnis Togna so that he could finally challenge the gods properly. Kefikaa was outraged, even more when the gods agreed to the plan. She abandoned the other gods, and went to Magnis Togna to warn them. Unfortunatelly she went to Thiva, and the news could not reach Heifir in time, before the island was destroyed. During the war she assisted the elves in the fight. After a long time, after half of the world had been invaded, the elves were about to fall. Any last resistance was weakening, and more dead just came, aswell as other evil creatures. But aided by Kefikaa, a united force of all species closed the gate. 
The gods were satisfied. Despite failing, Gaswar has weakened the elves, and in the next few years the divine ones saw the collapse of the empire. Nevertheless they had realised that Gaswar and Kijun had worked against them, and thus Kijun was banished to wander the earth, while Gaswar was exiled to hell for all eternity. Cahn and Huborn were dissatisfied with the loss of lives in their creations, but happy that they now had a chance to rule aswell. An alliance was formed between the two, aswell as their children.

It is claimed, that one day when one kingdom rules Magnis Togna again, the gods shall repeat this doom, to control the world.

Historical Basis

Records show that around 3800 AE, the elven empire did indeed collapse. Whether this is due to the Atganga, or just natural events, is not known. Furthermore, many bones date back to this time, all having died in battle. In the bones coming from years prior, not many elves are found. From 3900-3800 however, they make up the majority of casualties. 
The majority of the world's knowledge was lost in the collapse of Heitir, another key part in the legend of Atganga. After this, the world entered a scientific dark age, and nothing is written down. Not until 2901 AE does the first record of the Atganga arrive. This is written by the elven king Terenia, on his death bed (died from an arrow injury). He claims that his father fought in the war, and would often tell him of it. He also grew up in a world full of people telling stories of the doom. Furthermore he goes as far as claiming that he met Kefikaa at one point. 
The only way to truly confirm the legend would be if someone travelled to either Rodinia or Thromeus and had it confirmed by the elves themselves. Until then, religious people will keep holding onto the truth of the story, while others will claim its made up.

Spread

The myth has spread to every corner of the world, and is widely believed as true. The legend is widely debated at the center of the world, the capital of knowledge, Kunnusta on Margeria. They have yet to come up with an answer, and it frustrates the scholars immensely that they cant find an answer.
At one point in 461 AM, the scholar Olstaen went south-west towards Thromeus seeking the elves. He never returned, but did arrive at the Sprudian outpost just north of Thromeus. They advised him not to go, but he decided not to listen. It is not known whether he somehow didn't arrive, or perhaps killed. There is also the possibility that him and the crew simply didn't want to leave, possibly bewitched.

Cultural Reception

The Atganga has affected the species differently. The humans and dwarves are grateful that their fathers stood up for them, and allowed them a destiny of their own. They worship Cahn and Huborn as saviours. Meanwhile on the other side, the elves felt betrayed by the gods. They had done nothing other than being succesful, and were punished for it. They now worship Kefikaa as the only goddess. Many of the other creatures have no significant feelings on the whole episode. The orcs felt a bit left out, because their father Moakan, didn't stand on Cahn's side from the beginning. But since then there life hasn't really been improved. They had a short era of greatness before they were enslaved by the humans. Today in 1455 they are free, but hated and without rights.

Date of First Recording

2901 AE

Date of Setting

3878 AE

Related Organizations

• High Elven Kingdom