The Genesis of the Elves and the Loss of Lady Lorthr'ten

Summary

Dierdrethaa Lorthr’ten, a primal being, fell in love with another being known as Iane, goddess of beginnings. The two knew happiness until one day Iane’s sister, Termina the goddess of endings, viewed the relationship as dangerous for the stability of the world and exiled Lady Lorthr’ten. In her exile, she came to an island in the forbidden sea. It had the thickest forest in all the world. She ventured out into its deep woods and foraged for the most beautiful flowers she could find. Upon returning to the shore, she had a basket of dozens of flowers, all unique and beautiful. She saw great potential, shaped each of the flowers in her own image. Creating the first elves. She instructed them to live together and lift each other up wherever possible. She left, but kept a watchful eye over them and watched as they struggled and stumbled, capable of geat good and great harm at the same time. She mourned their mistakes, and celebrated their successes. Eventually, some even left the island and strode out into the world to befriend, or conquer, others. One day, a great power rose from the west. Its shadow engulfed all it touched and it turned its gaze to the island. Lady Lorthr’ten became fearful for her children and went to confront this rising power. When she arrived, she was horrified to find her children had sought revenge on Termina. Vindicated in her distrust for Lady Lorthr’ten, Termina rallied a great army to destroy her and her children. Lady Lorthr’ten begged them to instead imprison her and let her children remain on Perradin. Termina was moved by her love, and agreed. She imprisoned her in a magical gem for all eternity. Her children heralded her as their hero, and named their society after her, enduring to this day.

Historical Basis

This myth has been told and retold since time immemorial across all continents where elves exist. The origins of it are not known as it predates written language. However, most scholars agree that there is some basis in fact in the myth in that the oldest examples of Elven presence exist on the island of Lorthr'ten. The archaeological record then radiates outward from the island suggesting a gradual spread to Pillarin, Plentius, and eventually Sinderlan. There is also evidence of great battles being fought in southern Pillarin,  northern Plentius, and Lorthr'ten which are believed to date thousands of years before the First Free City. Due to increasing ambiguity in the myth, further speculation on its historical basis are conjecture at best. Most Elves do not take it for historical fact, but more allegorical in nature.

Variations & Mutation

Most variations include differing opinions on why Termina chose to oppose Iane and Lady Lorthr'ten's union, varying from jealousy to a long-held grudge. However, the most deviant variation came from an obscure telling recorded in a book of unknown origin found in the Eladrin Trendek's home. It adds the following to the basic structure of the myth: 

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But something went wrong. The magic didn’t work properly. Rather than just be imprisoned, the magic instead transformed Lady Lorthr’ten into a horrifying monster. Her new nature allowed her to easily escape into the world without Termina or Iane ever knowing. She is said to still roam the wilderness of Perradin, forever cursed to spend her immortal existence utterly alone.

In Literature

The myth has been adapted, retold, and reinvented many thousands of times over the millenia. Elven and non-Elven culture alike are captured by its tragedy. One of the most famous plays by renowned playwright Faustus Kellodon of Dustedmanc is titled The Tragedy of Lady Lorthr'ten.  It incorporates aspects of many of the most famous poems and songs on the subject and synthesizes them into a four-hour long epic which routinely sells out when performed. It has been a celebrated defacto telling since its creation in 6785 FFC.

In Art

Art depicting the capture and imprisonment of Lady Lorthr'ten is omnipresent in most of Elven culture. It is often depicted as an Elven woman in a pillar of light which bends and twists toward a large depiction of a stone. 
Additionally, the motif of various flowers representing the different Elven clans is another very present motif in heraldry and art.