This is one of our oldest legends. We now know the yatzal is a real creature, so it must have been around since at least the start of our people. We cherish it greatly and are protective of them.
The Aizuni elves have old tales passed down through each generation. Stories of a mystical sea creature have given the people hope and sailors protection for thousands of years. Scholars are unsure if the myth arose first, or if it was tailored around early sightings of the yatzal.
In either scenario, the yatzal is seen as a deity.
An Elusive Protector
Most Aizuni have never seen a yatzal. It is considered the highest blessing and a good luck omen to do so. Sailors adorn their ships with its imagery. There are accounts of boats lost at sea or stuck in a storm who returned safely after a yatzal appeared.
Aizuni elders possess holy garments made from the scales and feathers of a yatzal. It's a protected species and they were made from a specimen that died of natural causes. They take great care of the garments to prevent breakdown. These are worn during ceremonies related to sailing like the
travel blessing.
The yatzal is a beautiful creature. I was honored to see one as a young child. I've faced few hardships since then. I make sure to pay my respects to them on a regular basis through prayer and celebration.
This creature is a child of our culture's two creation deities. We believe they were sent to this realm to watch over us in their absence. Its features are a mix of said deities.
I was gifted a feather during my childhood encounter. I still have it to this day. it was turned into a necklace that I wear during ceremonies. — An Aizuni elder.
I love how this tradition complements the rarity of the species and treats it with sanctity.