The Maiden of Balagos
The Maiden of Balagos tells the story of the first maiden to sacrifice herself to Balagos.
Summary
The Maiden of Balagos tells the story of the first maiden to sacrifice herself to Balagos. It sings of Anippe and how she stood in between her village and The Volcanic Dragon himself.
As Balagos descended from the clouds above, Anippe dropped to her feet and begged for him to spare her village. It was the first time Balagos paused, dropping to the ground instead of lighting it aflame. Anippe offered herself in return for her village.
Balagos took her in his claws and she was never seen again nor was Balagos for many years. When he did, it was to appear in the skies above another village. He burned the ground around it but left it unburnt. It was then the Serekh of Balagos approached the village, followed by the Nomarch of Arrapha, and informed them that Balagos would spare the village if a maiden was sacrificed in his name. Now, so long as a maiden is sacrified every year, as Anippe was so long ago, Balagos will not destroy anymore towns.
Historical Basis
The myth is a mostly accurate story of a historical event. Balagos did indeed set upon Harin, Anippe's hometown, and Anippe did sacrifice herself to sate Balagos' wrath; however, the event took place decades ago and only a few alive still remember the event in question.
Spread
The song is a common one to be sung in Nahyz, a favourite in Arrapha especially.
Variations & Mutation
Some sing of the song and speak of how Anippe was burnt to cinder and melted into a pool of lava by Balagos on the spot instead of her being spirited away. Still others, say Balagos fell in love with Anippe and transformed her into a dragon so they could spend eternity together.
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