The Myth of the Wolves

Posted on By Anne Winchell
News, Writing

This myth, available on this website only, explores the relationship between the wolves and people of Tamarud after the wolves feel threatened in their abilities and territory. Stories of jealousy are common in Tamarudian mythology, and this serves as an explanation of the split between the vasha wolves of the south and the anova wolves of the north.

This myth is the foundation for many aspects of life on Tamarud, especially the reason why the southern vasha wolves are willing to help people in their territory while the northern anova wolves seek to hunt and destroy any human who crosses their path. It serves as a warning to those in the north to avoid the forests and always be on the lookout for softly padding feet and howls in the moonlight.

Read the myth here!

The Myth of The Wolves

Note: Hover over terms in white for a definition! There is also a song inspired by this myth at the end.

In the time before the phoenix first spread its wings, the world lay divided among the creatures of Tamarud and all lived in harmony. The cycle of life and death continued in peace. Soon, the goddess Lahara wanted more from her world. She approached the Spider Queen and the Eagle King. Together, they created the first phoenix, an immortal creature who defied the balance of her world. Although the phoenix was Lahara’s favorite, she smiled upon all and favored them with plentiful resources and a pleasant climate.

The wolves, treasured by Lahara, were gifted with language and intelligence unmatched. But the wolves were neglected, and soon Lahara created a people to worship the phoenix, giving these new people language and intelligence rivaling the wolves. The wolves were offended, for those were their defining features.

Long years passed, and soon Lahara’s attention waned. She turned to other matters, and the wolves saw their chance. They began plotting their revenge.

The wolves infiltrated the human city of Madi Nahr. In the darkness of night and with their cunning, they came upon Queen Zeinab, who led the hirim and ruled over the bashira in worship of the phoenix. Between her and the wolves stood six mara tayerna, the phoenix guardians. Before their shock could even begin, the wolves disabled them. They approached the queen, and she lifted a hand.

“Please,” she said. “I do not seek conflict with grand creatures such as yourselves. Are we not so alike and wise that we cannot live in peace?”

Wolf King Aldhib snarled, his red-brown coat bristling. “We have not lived in peace. You steal our prey.”

Wolf Queen Dhiba snarled, her snow-white coat ruffling. “We have never lived in peace. You live in our territory.”

At that, Queen Zeinab thought long and hard. “Perhaps it would be best if we lived apart. You thrive in all sorts of climates, and we hirim and bashira do not. I offer you the far north and the far south. The prey will be yours, and we will never intrude.”

The wolves considered.

“We will come back with an answer,” Wolf Queen Dhiba said.

The wolves retreated.

For long nights, the wolves discussed the offer. Wolf Queen Dhiba suggested that the hirim was honest and would honor the agreement. Wolf King Aldhib insisted that she was lying. No agreement was reached, and the wolves split into two packs.

Wolf Queen Dhiba and her pack of snow-white wolves infiltrated the human city of Madi Nahr. In the darkness of night and with their cunning, they came upon Queen Zeinab. Between her and the wolves stood twelve mara tayerna, for their guard had increased. Before their shock could even begin, the wolves circled them. They approached the queen, and she lifted a hand.

“Please,” she said. “I do not wish a conflict.”

Queen Zeinab thanked her and was relieved, because she had no desire to be enemies with the wolves. Wolf Queen Dhiba took her wolves to the south, and they have cooperated with humans ever since, guarding their territory and giving aid to any hirim or bashira who intrude.

For long nights, Wolf King Aldhib discussed his options with his pack. He doubted the hirim was honest and didn’t think she would honor the agreement. His pack agreed, and a decision was made.

Wolf King Aldhib and his pack of red-brown wolves infiltrated the human city of Madi Nahr. In the darkness of night and with their cunning, they came upon Queen Zeinab. Between her an the wolves stood six mara tayerna, for they thought the threat was gone. Before their shock could even begin, the wolves slaughtered them. They approached the queen, and she lifted a hand.

“Please,” she said. “Spare me and my people.”

Wolf King Aldhib snarled. “We will never spare you.”

Then, with a swiftness that stunned the wolves, two phoenixes appeared at Queen Zeinab’s side and ignited into balls of flame. The wolves howled and were driven back. Nothing they did could break that fiery protection.

The Queen of the Deer said to Lahara, “It is far too hot for my young.”

Furious, the wolves retreated to the north, away from the phoenixes and the people who worshipped them. Their territory extends across the north and overlaps with several cities. While they dare not attack the cities themselves, they target anyone who enters their territory, and they always seek vengeance against the people who drove them from their home.

The End

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Lyrics and art by ChatGPT. Music by Suno. Arranged by Anne Winchell.

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Published December 15th, 2022!

Knight of the Dragon is a fantasy novel about a young woman who recently lost her father after becoming a dragon knight, losing his love as well. As she works with Ari to help Tahirah kill the Emperor, she struggles to come to terms with her new identity. Eventually, though, she must become a dragon knight.

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