Capressa, the Weeping Maiden

While Capressa became a goddess in her own right during the Second Age, there are rare mentions of her in First Age writings that have survived. From these fragments, it is believed by most scholars and historians that Capressa started life as a mortal that later ascended to godhood.   Myths of Capressa make her out to be a soldier and daughter of the High Race known as the Oranssi. Rising to the rank of general in the armies of the Chromatic Empire, during the Great War she cast aside her weapons and armor and exhorted her former comrades to lay down their arms and let the Empire fall. She was taken captive and brought in front of the Emperor, who without emotion ordered her tortured to death for her treason.   It is said that Capressa endured the agonies of torture without complaint until the Karhu, who fought for the Empire, took pity upon her and offered to kill her swiftly, without pain. Knowing the Emperor would punish them for even this small mercy, she refused their offer. Impressed with her willingness to sacrifice herself for them, the Karhu defected from the Empire to the Army of Light, which helped tilt the balance of the war in favor of Clea and her allies. Whether that particular act prompted her ascent to godhood is unknown.   There is a legend that at some point, Capressa married Timmorn the Hunter, but that their marriage did not last, as Timmorn accused her of betraying his trust and abandoned her. The fragmentary myth does not specify what caused Timmorn to feel betrayed, or when the marriage occurred, but most scholars believe that if it is a true myth, Capressa must have married Timmorn while still in the service to the Chromatic Empire. Capressa is often called “Timmorn’s widow,” based on his abandonment of the marriage.   Since the Second Age, Capressa has been actively known as the protector of small animals, those that do not hunt other animals for food.  This would put her in direct conflict with her supposed husband Timmorn, who as god of the hunt stalks and kills those animals she attempts to protect.