The Coku and Kythyk’jun the Mountain-Leaper (KAI-thick-JUN)
This myth is usually told in conjunction with the origin of the Earthborn Star of Iyr and the founding of the erstwhile Coku Stead (and by association, potentially Pel-dohest). It is of faun origin.
"Long ago, when the mountains were sharp as a drake's fangs and the winds just as ferocious, Kythyk'jun -- a man so monstrous one stead alone could not contain his violence and greed and progeny -- came to the land of Iyr. He hunted in the ravines and danced through the clouds, sometimes so large as to rival a stormhead and others so small as to hide among the sprites, and his laughter like lightning, earthslides the echo of his warcry. The devilry he wrought were his children and his soldiers, and together they flayed the land and frightened the people of the valley, stealing children from their cradles and impaling the hapless with joyful abandon. Gripped by their fear, they barely left their homes. Their crops failed, their livestock ran feral, weeds grew roots so deep and thick that gates and doors were sealed shut. "But what can we do?" they cried. "Kythyk'jun leaps from mountain to mountain; he slips through keyholes; he drinks the lakes and feasts on an acorn. We cannot defeat him." Then one night, five bright lights rose from the mountains surrounding the valley. The people watched from their clouded windows as in unison, the lights joined together high in the sky and formed a great star. For eight days and eight nights the star hung there, growing brighter and brighter. At the end of the eighth night the star divided once more into five lights and sailed down into the land, both in and beyond the valley. Each light entered a person and found home there, and they were compelled to bring the steads through the mountains, through their fear, into the valley to come together. The people became known as the Coku Stead. The five then lead the Coku to confront Kythyk'jun: they broke down their sealed doors, took up arms, banished their fear, and stood behind the five as the monstrous one led his progeny in a charge down from the heavens. The five gave a warcry of their own, and the Coku joined battle. There they slew Kythyk'jun and his kin, ending the devilry in the mountains. The five of the star were named the Earthborn Star for this decisive victory, and they agreed for the stead to part but remain in the valley to watch over it."
Historical Basis
There are indeed historical records from the period of an unusually large stead named the Coku in the Dohest Valley, with most being near the current location of Pel-dohest. Additionally, there are historical records from "Haaros sages" that report witnessing five lights in the east that lasted for eight days and nights.
Variations & Mutation
Variation typically comes in the form taken by Kythyk'jun himself -- some style him as a faun, others a demon, others a sprite. Some even give him traits of a drake. Depending on the teller, sometimes one or more of the Star may be named, particularly if the teller would like to draw a genealogical link.
Cultural Reception
As well as a founding myth, the Earthborn Star typically lean on it in ceremonial occasions relating to their duties as keepers of the country, regardless of whether they themselves are faun. This aside, most fauns and Iyrans especially use it as a moral tale representing how collective activity and using one's individual strengths can conquer even the greatest odds -- in this sense, the variable form of Kythyk'jun means he can represent any enemy, tribulation, or obstacle.
In Art
The image -- or supposed image -- of Kythyk'jun is often embossed on the face of a hammer or chisel base so that he may continue to be defeated with every blow.
Date of Setting
c.300-450AC
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