The Myths of the Orcs and Elves
According to the legend of Separation by Spear, Corellon and Gruumsh were twin brothers (though Corellon slightly older) created by a primogenitor deity since lost to history. Some degree of clairvoyance was within this being's purview, and it foresaw a war that would engulf the gods. This forgotten deity believed its sons would be able to turn the tides in their favor, and sacrificed itself so that its children could live.
The truth behind the tale of Gruumsh and Corellon, twin gods born from a forgotten deity, may forever remain shrouded in mystery. Yet, one aspect shines clear: their antithetical natures. Corellon, the elder brother, was said to embody intelligence and light, his grace a reflection of order and beauty. Gruumsh, on the other hand, was born of savagery and darkness, his relentless might a testament to brute force. One fostered creation, the other reveled in destruction. Corellon wielded Arcane Magic with wisdom, while Gruumsh, deemed less intelligent, was gifted with a sliver of prophetic power – a hint of compassion from their creator, perhaps.
While some saw them as divine echoes, their parallels were imperfect. Concepts like "excellence" were associated with Corellon, while "chaos" supposedly clung to Gruumsh. Elves and orcs, fiercely protective of this creation myth, considered delving deeper heretical. Regardless of their origins, a simmering rivalry undeniably existed between the brothers.
Though wary of each other, their animosity hadn't yet escalated into the eternal hatred that defines them. Legends speak of Gruumsh attempting to destroy the elven realm of Arvandor before its creation. Atop a mountain, Corellon, determined to face his brother alone, emerged victorious. Gruumsh's blood scorched the land, leaving a blackened scar that endures to this day. But this wasn't the spark that ignited their unrelenting conflict.
Timeline
The events leading to the legendary clash between Corellon and Gruumsh are shrouded in the mists of time, a tangled web of myths with conflicting interpretations. The fall of the Drow goddess Lolth, the ancient war between order and chaos, and the very creation of elves and orcs – each tale is riddled with variations and retellings. The Feywild, where time flows differently, only received whispers of violence during this period, leaving even The Seldarine, the elven pantheon, with incomplete knowledge. Lolth's role is particularly enigmatic. Some divinations place her aligning with Gruumsh long before the rise of mortal races, possibly fueled by an ancient dalliance with Corellon. Legends say she watched Gruumsh's initial assault on Arvandor with a grudging admiration, though any connection between them had likely frayed. Despite the ambiguity, there's no denying she once aided the One-Eyed God in some capacity. Whether this act marked her descent into evil or simply revealed her true nature remains a mystery. Some even whisper that Lolth's fall was another blow dealt by Gruumsh, a permanent scar upon Corellon. The ancient war itself adds another layer of confusion. Some tales suggest Lolth's betrayal and the devastation of Arvandor awakened the Seldarine to the greater conflicts of the multiverse, drawing them into the fight Gruumsh had already begun. However, elven scholars wrestle with the placement of their ultimate clash within the timeline, since the spilling of Corellon's blood is central to their creation myth. The truth, however, seems bleaker. These gods had likely clashed numerous times before, their battles shaping the very essence of creation, with each spilled drop of divine ichor potentially birthing new races like elves and orcs.The War of Corellon and Gruumsh
As the story was told in every Orc tribe, Gruumsh never stopped fighting during the The Dawn of the Mortal Races Era, never needing to rest or break off to replenish his apparently limitless strength. Corellon and his host entered the fray later, but the elven god's dedication was undeniable, his burning zeal that of a warlord. In this era, a begrudging cooperation emerged between the brothers. Their combined might was necessary to repel the tide of malevolent chaos. Despite this temporary alliance, a dark seed festered within Gruumsh. He harbored a murderous resentment towards Corellon, the Arvandorian champion. Envy gnawed at him. While Corellon, the latecomer, garnered praise as a master of war and magic, Gruumsh felt disrespected. The elven host, with their ethereal beauty and Fey servants, further stoked his ire. He saw the Seldarine and all elfkind as anathema – weak, irritating, undeservedly favored. Some elven scholars believe this was the turning point, the moment Gruumsh's heart first thirsted for Corellon's blood. Others point to a different catalyst for their epic clash. The War subsided, allowing deities to focus on mortal affairs. Corellon, initially dismissive of non-elven races, was swayed by Sehanine. He embraced devotees from other races, bestowing gifts and wisdom. This act, Gruumsh believed, was a blatant overreach. He wouldn't tolerate Corellon's influence spreading in the mortal realm. They had clashed before, but the struggle to claim dominion over creation and the hearts of mortals would be the true spark for their legendary conflict.The Battle's Start
Gruumsh, fueled by glimpses of the future granted by his divine prescience, yearned for a final confrontation with Corellon. He dreamt of the elven god's demise, his body paraded through the Astral Plane as a trophy. In this twisted vision, Gruumsh claimed Corellon's dominion over magic, transforming the mortal world into a brutal battlefield. Elven races would be crushed before they reached maturity, replaced by creations forged in his own savage image. All he needed was the first strike. Gruumsh's plan was simple, brutal, and ultimately flawed. He intended to ambush Corellon, paralyzing him with a divine spear, before draining the Elf god's blood and claiming his power. Gruumsh shamans championed this aggressive approach, painting Corellon as arrogant and deserving of such treatment. However, Gruumsh's shortsightedness and Corellon's own underestimation would seal his fate. While accounts vary on who initiated the battle, both gods knew the clash was inevitable. Corellon, in a desperate attempt to end the war's devastation, invited Gruumsh to his domain for a parley. Though he hoped for good faith negotiations, he wasn't naive. He granted Gruumsh concessions; no elven magic would be used, the battlefield would be open hills rather than elven forests, and he wouldn't banish Gruumsh even if he lost. These were acts of courtesy, but ultimately stemmed from Corellon's unforeseen blind spot – the possibility of defeat. Legends paint a picture of a battle steeped in treachery. Gruumsh, with no intention of parley, marched in with the sole intent of fulfilling his twisted vision. In a shocking act of betrayal, he even stooped to wielding elven magic, collaborating with the very goddess he despised - Lolth. One such boon, so it goes, was a vile spell woven into his weapon, cloaking it in invisibility and lacing its tip with a paralyzing venom. Neither god, it seems, held honor in high esteem. Gruumsh's attempt to lay low his foe backfired, for Corellon's apparent form was an illusion, a potent tapestry woven by Sehanine, the moon goddess. One could argue this wasn't a violation of their agreement, as it wasn't true elven magic, but the point was moot – the battle was a web of deceit.Godswar
The epic clash between Gruumsh and Corellon wasn't an isolated event. It was a spark that ignited a larger conflict known as the Godswar, a brutal confrontation between the Seldarine and their allies against a pantheon of malevolent deities. While the drow goddess Lolth is credited with orchestrating this Celestial war, elven legends paint Gruumsh as the inciting force. They claim he rallied numerous gods under his banner, each eager to crush the Seldarine. One could argue he was the catalyst for the entire conflict. The exact participants in the Godswar remain shrouded in mystery, though estimates suggest hundreds of deities joined the fray. On one side stood the Seldarine, bolstered by gods from a hundred worlds, including protectors of the woodlands, the faerie folk, and even the ancient Fairy Court. Creatures like pixies, sprites, centaurs, fauns, and unicorns fought alongside them. Garl Glittergold, the Gnome god of revelry, surprisingly sided with the Seldarine, much to the dismay of other lawful deities like Bahamut and Moradin, who feared such chaos so soon after the tumultuous The Era of the Draconians. The Godswar raged for what could be described as days for immortals. Every combatant bore the scars of this conflict, both physical and spiritual. Some gods fell, grievously injured, while others simply used the war as an excuse for their own vendettas. It's important to note that Gruumsh's battle with Corellon, though closely linked, was a separate event that transpired before the Godswar fully erupted. The battle between Gruumsh and Corellon defies mortal comprehension. Depending on the storyteller, it was a fleeting skirmish, a week-long war, or a clash of titans that shook the very fabric of existence. The location itself is shrouded in mystery. Some claim it occurred in Arborea, where a single day might stretch longer than a year in the mortal realm. Others whisper it spilled into the Feywild, where time itself is fluid and unpredictable. The battlefield mirrored their contrasting natures. Corellon, swift and agile, led Gruumsh on a desperate chase, protecting fragile mortal realms from the destructive power of their clash. Mountains fractured, chasms opened wide – testaments to their wrath. Initially, the fight was a dance of perfect counterpoints. Gruumsh's relentless strength met Corellon's unmatched agility. His spear, tipped with a vile poison, clashed against Corellon's shimmering blade. Every blow was parried, every strike foiled. But a grim determination burned in Gruumsh's eyes. He pursued Corellon with relentless ferocity, and soon both gods bore the scars of battle. Corellon, despite his superior agility and the legendary power of his blade, Sahandrian, had underestimated Gruumsh's cunning. With a seemingly ordinary axe, Gruumsh shattered Sahandrian. This, however, was yet another deception orchestrated by the scheming Lolth. She had sabotaged the blade's sheath, causing it to appear broken, though the true power of Sahandrian remained.One-Eye
As twilight deepened, shadows became Gruumsh's allies. His relentless strength, fueled by the encroaching darkness, began to overpower Corellon's swift attacks. The orc god pressed his advantage, knowing the elf wouldn't outlast him. Corellon, with a heavy heart, chose retreat. He fought not just for himself, but for the very essence of his people. He sought refuge under a gnarled tree, the moon's harsh light making him an easy target for Gruumsh's pursuit across the open plains. But the true conclusion of this epic battle remains shrouded in myth. The question of what cost Gruumsh victory, and ultimately, his eye, is a source of endless debate. Orcien religion vehemently denies Corellon's role in this injury. Some claim Gruumsh was always one-eyed, a testament to his connection to chaos. Others believe he gouged it out himself, either to sharpen his senses or as a dark offering. The most they concede is that Corellon, in a cowardly act, used some fey trick to escape Gruumsh's wrath.Other Version
Elven accounts of the battle paint a very different picture. Some dismiss it as a minor skirmish that barely inconvenienced Corellon. Others claim victory came swiftly, with Corellon felling Gruumsh with a single, well-placed arrow fired from afar under Sehanine's illusionary veil. These tales often downplay Gruumsh's power, suggesting the arrow merely grazed him and fueled his rage. Elven loremasters propose this was a deliberate warning shot, a reminder that losing an eye would cripple Gruumsh's divine power. While some orcs concede this point, suggesting the threat deterred Gruumsh from directly confronting the Seldarine again, most scoff at the notion. Elven narratives portraying a longer battle typically depict Corellon winning through sheer perseverance, outlasting Gruumsh's relentless strength. However, both elven and orcish myths acknowledge the possibility of outside intervention. Elves often credit Sehanine, claiming she empowered Corellon, provided a distraction with illusions, or even blinded Gruumsh with divine light. Some orcs, on the other hand, point the finger at Lolth, suggesting she used dark magic to paralyze Gruumsh at a critical moment, an act that ultimately led to her exile. The truth, as always, lies somewhere between the myths. Sehanine did intervene near the battle's end, blinding Gruumsh with a burst of divine light when he threatened her. More importantly, she reforged the shattered Sahandrian and returned it to Corellon under the cover of clouds before retreating. Lolth's "assistance" was more of a jealous outburst. She momentarily trapped Gruumsh in a web, not to protect Corellon, but out of spite at his continued existence. Arvandor's defenses would have halted him anyway. The final clash began. Gruumsh, armed with his spear, faced Corellon wielding the reforged Sahandrian. While Gruumsh's strength was unmatched, Corellon's agility proved his advantage. He dodged, parried, and closed the distance despite Gruumsh's attempts to keep him at bay. A blow from the spear's hilt forced Corellon back momentarily, giving Gruumsh time to switch to a dagger and axe. But Sahandrian held firm. Even against two weapons, Corellon's swiftness prevented Gruumsh from landing a decisive blow. Sensing victory within reach, Corellon seized his opportunity. He lunged forward, forcing Gruumsh to block with his arm. In that split second, Gruumsh realized his dagger remained clutched in his other hand. Sahandrian slipped between his arm and chestplate, striking true. Gruumsh's own weapon, driven by Corellon's blade, found its mark – his eye.Retreat
A white-hot inferno erupted in Gruumsh's skull as Sahandrian struck true. His screams echoed across the battlefield, a symphony of pain as he writhed on the ground, clutching the ruined socket of his eye from which a torrent of black ichor poured. Corellon, weary and bloodied, watched with a flicker of uncertainty. Would this end the conflict? Gruumsh, fueled by rage, hurled threats and curses at the elven god. He vowed eternal vengeance, the destruction of everything Corellon held dear. But Corellon, battered and depleted, couldn't discern truth from the ravings of a wounded god. He retreated towards Arvandor, leaving Gruumsh to his fate. The orc god's wounds would heal quickly, but his sight would forever be marred, a constant reminder of his defeat. Fueled by fury, Gruumsh attempted to pursue Corellon, vowing to continue the fight or claim his vengeance if the elf god lay defeated. However, even if Arvandor's defenses hadn't halted him, Lolth's treachery intervened. She ensnared him in a conjured web, a captive fly in her Weaver's trap. Seeing Gruumsh weakened and desperate, Lolth sought to exploit him, but the orc god, consumed by his defeat at her hands, refused to cooperate. Elven myths paint Lolth as a monster even before this encounter, claiming Sehanine thwarted her attempt to approach Corellon, be it for assassination or a desperate plea for forgiveness. Regardless of the truth, Lolth, history forgotten, offered Gruumsh a dubious bargain: healing and the secrets of Corellon's weaknesses. Unsurprisingly, Gruumsh rejected her advances, solidifying their enmity. With Corellon out of reach (whether by strategy or cowardice, depending on who you ask), Gruumsh was left to his own devices. Some say, blinded and enraged, he punched his way through a mountain as he fled to the dark embrace of the underworlds. Blood dripping from his wounds, a harbinger of future horrors, he descended into the earth's depths. The remnants of his eye, oozing into the cracks below, mingled with primordial energies, spawning monstrous creatures. Legends claim a portion of his ichor seeped into the Feywild, supposedly cursing (or blessing) the fomorians with a single, powerful – and eternally painful – eye. The connection to Cyclopes, however, remains nothing more than a whisper in the wind. Both elves and orcs, though demonstrably wrong, believed this epic clash marked the birth of the orc race. As Gruumsh retreated, spewing curses that Corellon would only know unending sorrow, a seed of hatred festered within him. He vowed to create enemies for the Seldarine, his most potent weapon forged from his will, burning rage, and spilled blood. Just as Corellon's blood, infused with Sehanine's tears, nurtured the souls of new elves, so too did orcs arise from Gruumsh's essence. They sprang from the very soil where the adversaries had clashed, a twisted reflection of Corellon's creations. In his darkest hour, Gruumsh unwittingly birthed a race destined to serve him – a living embodiment of his vision of destruction.Birthright
The creation myths of various demihuman (including elves, dwarves, gnomes, and halflings) and human peoples emphasize the importance of a pact made between their gods. These greatest gods shaped the world, and Corellon claims the woodlands, Moradin the mountains, Garl the hills, and Yondalla the meadows. The adaptable humans can thrive wherever they find a foothold. This agreement brings harmony between the gods and their people. Orcien myths, constantly retold by their shamans, contradict this peaceful narrative. They hold to the (ridiculed by many) belief that the gods decided their domains through a lottery system. When Gruumsh's turn arrives, the lots are either gone or the chosen land is already claimed. All the desirable (and even some undesirable) locations are taken. The other gods, according to these myths, laugh and mock the One-Eye, leaving his people without a home. The orcs believe the lots were rigged, condemning them to destitution. Even some elven myths acknowledge a lack of good territories remaining for Gruumsh, despite portraying the gods agreeing on domains. Non-orc legends depict Gruumsh emerging from the Underdark, bringing strife with violence and monstrous creatures. Elves believe his hatred, ignited by the Godswar, prompted the gods to secretly encourage their people to expand beyond their designated borders. Though Gruumsh's divine fury once commanded respect, he feels ostracized and robbed of a place in the world. Initially silent, he raises his spear and unleashes a furious roar. He carves chasms, caves, and wastelands for his followers to inhabit (though some myths suggest he simply claims unwanted caves and dark places for his vengeful plotting). Gruumsh swears his people will claim other lands, declaring total war on the other gods (particularly the Seldarine and Morndinsamman, whose domains he covets). He vows a time will come when the orcs rule the world.Acheron
Gruumsh and his pantheon have never known a permanent home. Some blame his relentless pursuit of unwinnable wars. Prehistory whispers of one to four unknown orc gods disappearing. Theories abound: a rebellion against Gruumsh's tyrannical rule crushed utterly, or perhaps Ilneval, the Crafty Warrior, scheming to undermine and eliminate rivals. Ilneval's machinations might have also demoted other orc gods (possibly some of the same ones) to secure his own power. Regardless, internal conflict seems to have been their undoing, leading to their expulsion from the lawful evil Hells. Cast out, Gruumsh and his followers sought refuge in Acheron, the domain of Maglubiyet. However, both orc and goblinoid forces clashed over a single cube, each claiming victory despite the plane's nature – fallen enemies simply revived the next day. Neither side budged, neither willing to share or explore other options. Centuries passed, a cycle of claiming a single, dismal hill only to lose it again. Even after the cubes separated, the bitter feud between the two powers persisted.Recent Histroy
The problems for the orc gods did not stop in Theras' ancient past. During the Gods War, the travel god Atgeldes was said to have slain at least one demipower, possibly of orcish origin, in Keatian Hinterlands.
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