Mythos of the Old Gods of Vikholm

The Pantheon of Vikholm

During the First Age, for 800 years, the diverse clans and tribes of Vikholm lived in peace, worshipping a pantheon of powerful animal deities. These gods, known as the Old Gods, shaped the land and the lives of their followers through their divine influence. The Old Gods were:

• Korrak, the Great Bear: Paragon of the Bears and Bearkin, god of Earth, Strength, and Authority.
• Morgarl, the Starwing Owl: God of Wisdom, the Night, and Guidance.
• Lyria, the Moon Wolf: All-mother of Wolves and Werewolves.
• Fenrarn, the Frost Wolf: The wild god of Winter, Natural Destruction, and Ferocity.
• Elarra, the Celestial Stag: God of Light, Grace, and Protection.
• Pyrix, the Dawn Fox: God of Fire, Adaptation, and Cunning.

The people of Vikholm worshipped these gods through rituals, festivals, and daily prayers, deeply intertwined with the natural world and the changing seasons. They revered the gods' influence over their lives and feared the wrath of Fenrarn, whose winter storms and natural disasters were reminders of nature's untamed power.

The First Age: Harmony and Divine Influence

Throughout the First Age, the Old Gods were actively involved in the lives of their followers. The clans and tribes of Vikholm lived in relative harmony, guided by the wisdom of Morgarl, protected by the strength of Korrak, and nurtured by the grace of Elarra. They honored Lyria, the nurturing all-mother, and Pyrix, the cunning guide of adaptation and survival.

The people witnessed the gods' effects on the land with each passing season. Festivals celebrated the blessings of the gods, such as the Festival of the Great Bear for Korrak, the Night of Wisdom for Morgarl, and the Moonlit Hunt for Lyria. However, they also respected the harsh winters brought by Fenrarn, understanding that destruction was a necessary part of the natural cycle.

The Warning and the Coming of the Evergreen Queen

In the year 856, a mysterious being appeared before the people of Vikholm, warning them of an impending invasion from the north, from the land of Kalamar. Though many dismissed this warning, those who believed rallied their kin and fortified the capital city, Vikstorm. The leader of this movement became revered as the Evergreen Queen, a figure of hope and resilience.

The Evergreen Queen's leadership during the invasion left a lasting legacy, and she became a symbol of unity and resistance. Under her guidance, the people of Vikholm stood against the threat from the north, and the Old Gods remained firmly in the hearts of their followers.

The Second Age: The Rise of the Silver Dominion

In the dawn of the Second Age, a mystical shift began to weave its way through the land of Vikholm. The Old Gods, whose names had once been whispered with reverence and awe, began to fade into the shadows as new influences permeated the region. By the year 40 of this age, the Silver Dominion emerged from the western lands, led by the enigmatic Silver Prince, whose divine rule promised prosperity and power.

Pilgrims from the Silver Dominion journeyed to Vikholm, their hearts set on converting the native people to their newfound faith. However, the resilient inhabitants of Vikholm clung to their ancient traditions, worshipping the Old Gods and pledging their allegiance to the Evergreen Queen, guardian of the sacred groves and protector of the natural world.

Decades later, the Silver Dominion returned, not with mere pilgrims, but with the formidable archangels of the Silver Prince. These celestial beings, shimmering with divine light, led the Dominion's forces in a series of conflicts that would reshape the destiny of Vikholm. The tales of these battles are as varied as the stars, each account shrouded in mystery and legend, but they all mark the beginning of the Old Gods' decline.

The Fall of the Old Gods

Korrak, the Great Bear

Korrak was revered as the indomitable guardian of the Ironbane Mountains. His immense form, covered in fur as tough as stone, stood as a formidable barrier against any who dared to traverse the rugged peaks. His roar echoed through the valleys, a sound that struck fear into the hearts of invaders and inspired courage in the native warriors.

The legends speak of a monumental clash between Korrak and the archangel Amit. Amit, an ethereal being of radiant light and divine power, descended from the heavens to challenge the great bear. The battle raged for days, shaking the very foundations of the mountains. It is said that the earth split and the skies darkened as they exchanged blows. In the end, Amit triumphed, but at a great cost. The once resplendent archangel was forever altered, his luminous wings marred and his spirit burdened by the fierce struggle. Amit's victory was pyrrhic, leaving him a shadow of his former self, haunted by the memory of the mighty Korrak.

Morgarl, the Starwing Owl

Morgarl was a silent sentinel of the night, her eyes reflecting the wisdom of the stars. She watched over the forests and the Evergreen Queen with an ever-vigilant gaze, her presence a symbol of foresight and protection. During the tumultuous period of the Silver Dominion's rise, Morgarl vanished, leaving behind an air of mystery and sorrow.

Despite her disappearance, the people of Vikholm believe that Morgarl's essence persists within all owls. Whenever an owl's call pierces the night, it is said that Morgarl's spirit is near, silently watching over the land and the Evergreen Queen. This belief provides solace to the people, a reminder that the Old Gods still watch over them from the shadows.

Lyria, the Moon Wolf

Lyria was a creature of the night, her silver fur gleaming under the light of the moon Drekk. As the celestial conflict unfolded, Lyria chose to make a desperate leap to the moon, escaping the wrath of the archangels. Her departure was a poignant moment, marking the loss of a cherished guardian of the night.

Even in her absence, Lyria's legacy endures. Wild wolves and werewolves still howl at the moon in her honor, their cries echoing through the forests and mountains. These howls are seen as a tribute to Lyria, a call to the moon that signifies her lasting influence and the hope that she may one day return.

Elarra, the Celestial Stag

Elarra, the Celestial Stag, was a majestic figure whose antlers seemed to touch the sky. His grace and beauty were unparalleled, and he was a symbol of purity and nobility. During the upheaval brought by the Silver Dominion, Elarra embarked on a southern journey, forever chasing the elusive sun.

Legends tell of Elarra's travels influencing the Druids of the Riverwoods of Rivermond, particularly in the barony of Bellmond. Here, noble families bear stag sigils on their crests, a testament to the stag's enduring legacy. The presence of these sigils is seen as a blessing, a reminder of Elarra's journey and the hope that his grace continues to inspire the people.

Pyrix, the Dawn Fox

Pyrix was a creature of fiery spirit, his fur shimmering like the morning sun. He was a symbol of renewal and the promise of a new day. However, his fate was sealed in a tragic encounter with the archangel Tytan. The battle between them was swift and fierce, ending with Pyrix's fiery spirit being extinguished.

Though Pyrix is no more, his tales are still told around campfires, his legend a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the Old Gods. The flickering flames of the fires are said to be a homage to Pyrix, a small but enduring light in the darkness.

Fenrarn, the Frost Wolf

Fenrarn remains a spectral presence in Vikholm, his icy breath a chilling omen. Unlike the other Old Gods, Fenrarn was not vanquished but lingers as a ghostly harbinger of change. His material appearance is feared as a sign that the land is in dire need of renewal, a forewarning of coming hardships and the necessity for rebirth.

Fenrarn's presence is a reminder that even in the face of divine conflict and change, the spirit of the Old Gods endures. He is a symbol of resilience and the ever-present cycle of death and rebirth that governs the natural world. His ghostly figure roaming the land serves as a silent guardian, watching over Vikholm and awaiting the time when renewal is necessary.

The Evergreen Queen's Lament

In the heart of the ancient forests, the Evergreen Queen mourned the fading influence of her divine allies. Yet, she remained steadfast, a beacon of hope and resilience for the people of Vikholm. As the Silver Dominion's influence spread, the Queen and her followers held onto the belief that the Old Gods would one day return, their power renewed and their spirits unbroken.

A New Era Dawns

Thus, the Second Age marked both an end and a beginning—a time when the old ways were challenged, but not forgotten. The tales of the Old Gods, the battles fought, and the sacrifices made are woven into the very fabric of Vikholm, a testament to a land where legends live on, waiting for the day when the balance might be restored, and the Old Gods might rise again.

The Fourth Age: The Evergreen Queen's Death and the Return to Old Ways

In the Fourth Age, the mysterious death of the Evergreen Queen led to the establishment of a temporary court until the next Evergreen Queen revealed herself. This event has caused many commonfolk to see it as a sign of the end times, leading them to return to the worship of the Old Gods, hoping for guidance and protection in uncertain times.

The old gods, though less active, still hold a place in the hearts and traditions of the people of Vikholm. Their legacy continues to shape the culture and beliefs of this resilient land, as the people look to the past for strength and wisdom in the face of new challenges.