The Demigod, Aboye

The myth of Aboye is a Foundation Tale, one of the key stories which form the basis of the Trinity Cult. 
Aboye is the most famous demigod of myth, though not the only one. In the Trinity Cult, it is well accepted that the gods do not have offspring (or at least mortal offspring). To declare oneself the son of, say, Floree is akin to blasphemy. So, demigods are created and Aboye is one of these.

Summary

Although animals had now been created, the monsters of the past still roamed the land. Dragons ate animals who wandered from their villages and the reptiles invaded villages and consumed all inside. The animals were not yet organised enough to fight such threats effectively, and they were de-moralised by their defeats. Ram looked down at this disaster and resolved to help them fight back. An orphan cheetah was noticed by Ram, called Aboye. Ram reached down and blessed him, rising him up as a demi-god of Mithadism.
Ram granted Aboye incredible speed (from which it is said all cheetahs gain their speed) and the ability to fly. He also gifted him a magical spear called Heartseeker – it was so sharp it could pierce the unbreakable hides of the reptiles and dragons, and strong enough to be pulled out again intact. Armed with these gifts, Aboye set out across the continent, taking part in many adventures. He also taught the animals to fight and regain their confidence. Ultimately, he was hailed as king of Ardhi, his homeland. However, the current Sultan of Ardhi was not pleased by this turn of events and so, after offering Aboye sanctuary during a rough storm, he tied him down to ensure he was unable to fly or run away. Then he thrust Heartseeker into the hero’s heart, killing him. Ram saw all of this and was disgusted. He brought Aboye up the heavens, immortalised as a star, and visited a plague of monsters onto the king’s palace by placing a delicious treat in his bed. The monster’s descended on the palace in great numbers and the king was ripped apart as he tried to reach Heartseeker. The spear itself was lost many years ago in Ardhi, after being held by the supporters of Aboye until around 500 AF.

Historical Basis

Certainly a spear called Heartseeker is recorded to have existed. It appears in historical documents, both accounts and records of weapons owned by kings and lords. Whilst great power is always attributed towards it, none of these records actually demonstrate any special properties. Magical weapons do exist in the Great Realm and scholars do not deny their existence, but in the case of Heartseeker, no special properties were ever verified. In any case, it has long since been lost which prevents any modern examination. 
The position of Aboye is less clear - scholars speculate that he may have been a great warrior, maybe even a wyrdian using blessings to enhance his physical stature. As a product of the gods is strongly contested by scholars, though the theologians of the Chapel are clear in their support of the legend.

Cultural Reception

The animals of Ardhi are strongly associated with Aboye and take great pride in him having come from Ardhi. That said, he is a popular figure amongst all animals. Amongst the peasantry he is seen as a figure who protected and guided them in times of need. Amongst the nobility, he is a figure to emulate and hope to be as strong as. In any case, Aboye is well revered and respected for his abilities even in modern times. Those who enact similar betrayals to those faced by Aboye are condemned.

In Literature

As the template for warriors, Aboye appears in all manner of stories or is invoked for strength in a key moment. The stories he is referenced in are too numerous to count, but he also makes physical appearance. In the mythic comedy, "The Divine Journey" the protagonists, Lawrence and Gerry encounter Aboye at the height of his power whilst travelling through Ardhi and nearly cause him to lose Heartseeker with their incompetence.

Date of First Recording

c.207 BF

Date of Setting

Ardhi