The Hollow King

Overview:

The Hollow King is one of Asiendal's darkest and most enigmatic myths. It tells the tale of a once-benevolent monarch who sought immortality to protect his kingdom, only to become a cursed and hollowed shell of his former self. Now, the Hollow King wanders the Shadowlands—a desolate, otherworldly realm—forever searching for the souls of the living to fill the void where his heart once beat. This myth serves as a warning against hubris and the perils of tampering with forces beyond mortal comprehension.

The Legend:

The Benevolent Ruler:

Long ago, before the founding of the Asiendalian Kingdom, there was a great King named Erykos Valthanir, known as the Radiant Sovereign. Erykos was beloved by his people for his wisdom, kindness, and strength. His kingdom, nestled in a lush and prosperous valley, was a beacon of light and progress in a time of widespread chaos. Under his rule, no one went hungry, and the arts and sciences flourished.

Yet, Erykos was haunted by a singular fear: death. He believed that his passing would plunge his kingdom into ruin and undo all the good he had achieved. Desperate to protect his people for all eternity, the King turned to forbidden magics and sought the aid of the Obsidian Oracle, an ancient and ominous seer who dwelled in the caverns of the Shadowlands.

The Bargain with Darkness:

The Obsidian Oracle offered Erykos a choice. She revealed the existence of the Shard of Eternity, a powerful relic said to grant eternal life. However, she warned that the relic came with a price: it would preserve his life but consume something essential to his being. Blinded by his desire to safeguard his kingdom, Erykos ignored the warning and sought the shard.

The journey to obtain the Shard of Eternity was fraught with peril. Erykos braved curses, deadly traps, and spectral guardians. When he finally claimed the shard, the artifact glowed with an otherworldly light, and Erykos felt his vitality surge. However, the Oracle's warning came true—his soul was torn from his body, leaving behind an empty husk of immortality. The once-vibrant King became the Hollow King, a being cursed to wander eternity, consumed by an insatiable hunger for the souls of the living.

The Fall of the Kingdom:

As Erykos transformed into the Hollow King, his once-prosperous kingdom fell into despair. The land, once lush and fertile, turned barren. Crops withered, rivers ran dry, and the skies darkened. The King, now a spectral figure cloaked in shadow and hollowed armor, returned to his throne, but his people fled in terror. The Hollow King's presence corrupted everything around him, and his once-golden halls became a crumbling ruin.

The legend says that the Hollow King attempted to restore his humanity by consuming the souls of others, believing that enough life force could fill the void left by his lost soul. His efforts were in vain, as each soul he consumed only deepened his torment, further cementing his eternal curse.

The Hollow King's Domain:

The myth speaks of the Shadowlands, a liminal realm where the Hollow King now resides. This desolate expanse is said to exist between the realms of the living and the dead, a place of perpetual twilight where time and space warp unpredictably.

Key features of the Shadowlands include:

• The Wailing Obelisks: Towering stone monoliths that emit a mournful wail, said to be the cries of the souls the Hollow King has consumed.
• The Black Throne: A decaying and twisted version of the Hollow King’s former throne, surrounded by spectral flames.
• The Labyrinth of Despair: A maze of shifting shadows that traps any who dare to venture into the Shadowlands.
• The Eternal Storm: A never-ending tempest that howls through the Shadowlands, symbolizing the Hollow King's unending torment.

Symbolism and Lessons:

The myth of the Hollow King is rich with allegory and serves as a cautionary tale.

• Hubris and Ambition: The King's tragic fall illustrates the dangers of overreaching and tampering with forces that mortals cannot fully understand or control.
• The Cost of Immortality: The story warns that the pursuit of eternal life often comes at an unbearable price.
• The Consequences of Leadership: The myth underscores the weight of responsibility and how a ruler’s choices can either uplift or destroy their people.

Cultural Impact:

Among the Asiendalians:

The Hollow King is a well-known legend in the Asiendalian Kingdom, often told to children as a warning against selfishness and reckless ambition. The story has inspired countless plays, songs, and works of art, each interpreting the tale in unique ways. It is common for villagers to leave offerings of flowers or candles at crossroads to ward off the Hollow King's influence, particularly during the Eclipse Night, a celestial event said to weaken the boundary between the Shadowlands and the mortal world.

The Grearr:

The Grearr view the Hollow King as a tragic figure, a cautionary example of how even the most advanced knowledge can lead to ruin if used unwisely. They believe the Shadowlands intersect with their own megastructure, Vollon Dottor, though such claims are treated with skepticism.

Legacy and Variations:

Relics of the Hollow King:

Legends tell of relics left behind by the Hollow King, imbued with his dark power. These artifacts, such as the Crown of Shadows or the Blade of the Void, are said to grant great power at a terrible cost. Adventurers and treasure hunters are drawn to the ruins of the Hollow King’s castle, seeking these legendary items.

Prophecies of Redemption:

Some versions of the tale suggest that the Hollow King can be redeemed. It is said that if a pure soul willingly offers themselves to the Hollow King, he will be freed from his curse, and the Shadowlands will dissolve into light. However, no one has ever been brave—or foolish—enough to attempt this.

Modern Interpretation:

The myth of the Hollow King has persisted through the ages, evolving into a symbol of eternal struggle and the weight of choices. It is a favorite tale among bards and scholars, who debate its true meaning and historical origins. Some believe the Hollow King was a real figure, and that the Shadowlands could one day spill into the mortal world, bringing with it the cursed ruler and his hunger for souls.

Even now, the whisper of the Hollow King's name strikes fear and wonder into the hearts of those who hear it. The question remains: is he merely a cautionary legend, or does he still stalk the edges of reality, waiting for the chance to reclaim his lost humanity?