Ghost of the Twilight Pear

Sweet is easy enough, it's the blue I can't get. Tried breeding yellow and green, but ended up with mostly yellow and sometimes green. Never blue. Haven't even started with the insides. Alchemist has some concoctions, pour it over the roots and see what happens, but they're costly. Worth it if it frees the city. Tired of dealing with ghosts and smelling those seers. If the twilight pear grew once, it can grow again.
— Qiampian farmer's journal

History

The twilight pear is a Qiampian mythological offering to the region's patron deity, Melahr. The pear has a silvery-blue skin and a lighter blue inside, and is famously difficult to cultivate. Being able to get a tree to produce the fruit demonstrated a care of the land that could only be accomplished by an entire community working together. To offer such a fruit proved that the people were taking care of the god's gifts. According to the myth, failing to provide this offering is what caused the city of Su-mehr Qiamp to become haunted by ghosts. The original author of this legend is no longer known, and several different versions were created over the centuries. What's commonly told today is an amalgamation of several, though certain families may have their own variations. It's unknown how much has been lost or twisted over time. A simplified version of the tale is commonly told to children to encourage them to ask for help on tasks when needed, rather than leaving them unfinished or taking shortcuts.

Trivia

Some versions of this myth suggest there were two deities: the time god is the protective older sibling of the river god. The pear was an offering to the river god, and when it wasn't provided, the time god granted the curse. Pears remain a common offering at shrines and temples built to honor Melahr.

The Legend

God's Gift

Long ago, the Mehr River oft flooded without warning, destroying crops, homes, and lives. The people of Su-mehr Qiamp tried numerable solutions, but they all failed in the face of the river's will. They prayed to Melahr for help and were answered: Melahr couldn't prevent flooding, as that was caused by other gods, but It could bend the flow of river and time to create the flood season. Melahr provided the people of Su-mehr Qiamp knowledge to manage the floods. In exchange, the people were to offer a single twilight pear at the end of every season, to prove that they were making the best use possible of their god's gift.

God's Curse

For many years, they followed the advice of their god and thrived. However, they eventually grew complacent. They skipped steps they believed weren't necessary or changed the instructions to better suit their whims. They produced fewer and smaller pears, until one year, not a single twilight pear tree survived the season, leaving them with no offering. Upset with their neglect, Melahr cursed their city. No longer would time flow correctly. Their past, present, and future would mingle together like a river stopped by a dam. The living would be haunted by ghosts of lost pasts and uncertain futures. Only if they could again offer a twilight pear would the curse be lifted.

People's Hope

With the passing of many generations, none know if the legend is true. No living soul has seen so much as a ghost of a twilight pear, though the city remains haunted by it. If the fruit ever existed, it's long extinct. Yet some have hope that if they tend to the land well enough, manage the god-given floods, and support their communities, perhaps they'll one day be blessed with a new tree. Until then, all they can do is learn to live in the world they created.

- Melahr - The patron deity of the region is one of rivers and time. It's oft depicted as an endless serpent with three eyes.

- Seer - Seers are the only Qiampian residents who are trained and equipped to deal with the restless spirits that haunt the city.

- Flooding of the Mehr - Whether the legend is true or not, the river does flood and dry in an annual cycle aligned with the passage of the moons.

Entry for Worldbuilding Summer Camp 2025

Answering: "A myth about a legendary food or drink"

Visit Those2Nerds's Competition Page Check all other answers to this prompt Competition Homepage

All work is copyright Rin Garnett 2025, all rights reserved. Background image by Dawn Hudson with edits by Rin Garnett. This is a short-term project for Summer Camp 2025. If you're interested in more of my work, check out wow that's a lot of stars.

Cover image: by Rin Garnett using assets from Karen Arnold and Maria Gandolfo

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Comments

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Councilor of the Inner Sanctum Serukis

Jul 4, 2025 14:09 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Great myth. I wonder if anyone will ever succeed in growing the pears again. I want to try a blue pear.

Emy x
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Grandmaster Those2Nerds

Jul 4, 2025 22:59 by Rin Garnett

Right?? There isn't enough blue food in the world!

⭐ Cause problems in wow that's a lot of stars
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⛱️ Vacation with ghosts in Su-mehr Qiamp

Councilor of the Inner Sanctum Mochimanoban

Jul 9, 2025 23:04 by Mochi

If I were the god, I too would've been *very* upset if the people of the city hadn't produced a single pear. How badly do you have to fumble to achieve that!? I really hope they're able to grow a twilight pear!

I hope you have a great day! Explore the endless planets brimming with life of the Yonderverse! Go after creatures, discover new places, and learn about the people you find along the way. Come prep for Summer Camp with me!

Grandmaster Those2Nerds

Jul 10, 2025 15:28 by Rin Garnett

Gods have certainly done worse in response to lesser transgressions!

⭐ Cause problems in wow that's a lot of stars
✏️ Take a WA unofficial survey
⛱️ Vacation with ghosts in Su-mehr Qiamp

Ghost of the Twilight Pear

History

Trivia

The Legend

God's Gift

God's Curse

People's Hope

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Entry for Worldbuilding Summer Camp 2025

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