By
Havok, of The Court of Dulceria
The concept of Hell, a place of frozen stasis for souls who have become detached from Rhye's magic, has always fascinated me. Where others consider it a punishment, and may use soul detachment as a threat or a discipline tool, I see a beautiful peace instead. Thus, I have chosen to look into our Kingdom's view of Hell with an open mind, teasing out the beauty in what is considered the worst fate in Rhye.
Origins of Hell
Most elves consider Hell to be outside of the Mantle of Magic, and thus outside of
King Mercury and Gods influence. It is an 'other' place, different, that doesn't fit our values. As such, it is believed that Hell has existed prior to Rhye. The origin of it however, is a factless debate in which there seems no end. Some claim that Hell is *godless*, simply a frozen place of nothingness, with no values, no expectations, and no guardian or champion. Other's believe Hell is a failed experiement of God, however this is often considered heresay. However, when you consider the vast ice of the Court of Dulceria, a creation of
King Mercury's, God's affinity for wastelands and ice cannot be underestimated. It is also a common theory for a rival god to have created hell, one unable to make it's own life, and so steals our souls for his own world. While evidenceless, this idea has formed a common roccurance in Rhye's artwork and stories, giving this theorised god a face of evil and maliace. Yet, even if such a god does exists, the idea of evilness is purely a Rhye addition. Surely, a god desperate to create life must have goodness somewhere inside.
Detachment from Magic
The concept of magic is Rhye is synonmous with life, despite the fact that magic in fact is responcible for so much more. From the imposing mountains, to the raging rivers and winds, magic in Rhye is everything. Irrelevant of my pedantry, however, the idea of a Rhye elf being detached from magic is considered an unimaginable sundering of pain, hopelessness, and doom. Considering a case of an elf becoming detached has never been reported, it is perhaps understandable that we assume it to be a negative experience. However, consider this. As our world gets busier, and the changes that those of my generation accept are happening, feelings of being overwhelmed or inadequate are becoming more and more common. Perhaps a break from feeling connected and *obligated* to the kingdom may be considered a welcome fate. As any, who have walked Dulceria's tundra have found, peace and low amition is comforting to the soul.
The method of detachment is unknown. If indeed a rival god has created hell, then perhaps it is by their mantle of magic that our souls are rendered free. This could be a physical or arcane process, or perhaps a spiritual one involving the affiliation of the soul, exasterbated by disenchantment with Rhye or affection for foreign culture. If Hell is merely a previous realm of God, then it suggests a religous process, perhaps God deciding an individual is more suited to the plains of Hell than Rhye. Of course, punishment could still be a possibility, as punishment is currently a relatively unexplored concept in this 'perfect' Kingdom.
Hell in Culture
As with many general concepts across Rhye, Hell has become a symbol that many ficticious attributes have been attached. It appears in many stories, songs, paintings, and even sculptures, as a metaphor for doom and punishment. Specific works on note that capture the spirit of Hell's impact on our culture include 'My Neighbours View of the End of World' By
Jade of the Court of May, 'Penlas' Trial' by Stalla of the Court of May, and the 'Depictions of Morality' series of paintings by Cano of the Court of Dulceria.
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