Kotrïën

In Eltiri tales of the origins of things, Kotrïën was most seen in two contexts: its eggs, or sometimes its feathers, gave birth to iron. Sometimes iron came from the very egg Kotrïën itself was born, but this seemed a later development only heard of in Merientei folklore.

The second connection was in regards to rainbows, formed after rain by the regal bird of prey itself as it flew, enjoying the clear weather. Some connect Kotrïën to the creation of sunny weather as well, though rarely in songs of magic.

Apperance

Kotrïën's wings could reach, tip to tip, well over the width of the sun, and in some tales it could block it entirely with just its own form. Its feathers were of iron, and its flesh of fire. It was never seen in the night, but even under the brighest day it would glow.

Its beak and legs were black as cooled metal, and its eyes sharp and intelligent. Some claimed it had teeth, but others found it ridiculous to think a bird could have any.

Myth & Magic

In Eltiri tradition, and in those of their descendants, Kotrïën was many things. It was a fragment of a whole, born from an egg of black iron, and it was the creator of rainbows and source of metals. It was, the northern people said, the reason why iron melted when brought near flame: it was coming back to life from that cold, dead petrified state. Then when it cooled or was cooled, it would become dormant once more.

Kotrïën could be the offspring of gods or primordial forces, or considered one itself. Though often described as a female due to its ability to lay eggs, in some regions it was referred to as a male. Then again, people argued it would reasonably take two of such birds to creat offspring. Then again, these were gods and spirits from ages before man, and they had no need for such rules.