The Arrows That Shaped a Village

The myth of Arrowfalls tells the tale of a small village beset by war and hardship. According to legend, as their enemies closed in, the gods themselves intervened, raining down arrows upon the village. These arrows served a dual purpose: they armed the brave with divine weapons while striking down those deemed unworthy. Empowered by the gods’ intervention, the villagers rose against their foes and emerged victorious. The event came to symbolise both divine favour and mortal resilience, and the name “Arrowfalls” was bestowed upon the village in honour of this miraculous event.

The myth likely stems from events during the War of the Mor’dari, a dark chapter in Thammundra’s history. At the time, the region now known as Thane was called Thalru’nal and was primarily an agrarian province. Its fertile plains were essential to sustaining dragon fire-ravaged regions in the west that could no longer grow crops. However, this strategic importance made it a target for the Mor’dari, who sought to disrupt supply lines and weaken Thammundra’s resistance.   The turning point came when a small Mor’dari legion launched a surprise attack to sever Thalru’nal’s lifeline to the west. The farmers of the region, though poorly armed, were vigilant and spotted the Mor’dari approaching across the plains. Without mountains or forests to conceal their enemies, the people of Thalru’nal had the advantage of preparation. Arming themselves with what they had—farming tools, bows, and sheer determination—they held the line against the invaders. Their defence was so fierce that they managed to repel the Mor’dari long enough for a squadron of dragon riders from Kil’Dorei to arrive and obliterate the enemy force.   This act of heroism was celebrated throughout Thammundra. The people of Thalru’nal were hailed as symbols of resilience and unity, their courage compared to legendary warriors of old. Over time, the factual details of the battle likely merged with mythological embellishments, leading to the creation of the Arrowfalls legend.

The myth of Arrowfalls spread widely throughout Arailia during the Draconic Age, after it was written rather than carried via word of mouth. The myth was carried by merchants, soldiers, and scholars who encountered the tale in Thalru’nal (now Thane). Its message of divine intervention and mortal resilience resonated deeply, making it common knowledge across Arailia and Vesyria. Though the myth is most beloved in Thane, where it remains a cornerstone of the region’s cultural identity, its influence can be felt throughout the kingdom. Villages and towns outside Thane often incorporate elements of the story into their own local lore, adapting it to reflect their struggles and triumphs.   In more remote areas of Arailia, the myth is sometimes seen as a cautionary tale, warning that divine favour must be earned through vigilance and unity. While in Vesyria, where myths often intertwine with their Sun Goddess Hestina, the story is sometimes recast as an act of divine will, with the arrows attributed to the goddess herself.

Like all oral traditions, the myth of Arrowfalls has evolved with each retelling. In its earliest forms, the arrows were seen as simple gifts from the gods to arm the villagers. Over time, storytellers began adding moral undertones, portraying the gods as selectively arming the worthy and striking down the unworthy, introducing themes of divine judgment. This mutation likely arose from more devout communities seeking to align the myth with their spiritual beliefs.   In some versions, the arrows are said to have been forged from starlight, glowing with celestial power, while others describe them as burning with dragonfire. Some interpretations even suggest that the arrows granted supernatural strength or insight to those who wielded them. These variations reflect the storytellers’ attempts to heighten the myth’s drama and relevance to different audiences.

In Thane, the myth is a source of immense pride and unity, symbolising the resilience and courage of its people. The annual Festival of Arrows, held in Arrowfalls, celebrates this legacy with symbolic reenactments and feasts. For Thane’s farmers and villagers, the story reinforces their connection to the land and their role in Arailia’s history.   In Odraria, the myth is often regarded as a testament to the enduring strength of Thammundra’s provinces. Scholars in the Academy study it as a reflection of the Fire Age’s struggles, examining its ties to historical events. The Kil’Doreians, proud of their dragon riders’ role in the story, include the myth in their ballads, emphasising the heroic arrival of their forces.   In Vesyria, the myth has been adapted to include Hestina’s influence, with the arrows seen as her divine gift to the mortals of Thalru’nal. It is sometimes used as a moral lesson, teaching that only through faith and unity can the blessings of the divine be received.

The myth of Arrowfalls has inspired countless written works, from epic poems to instructional texts. One of the most famous is “The Song of Thalru’nal,” an epic that recounts the battle against the Mor’dari and the arrival of the divine arrows. This text is studied in the Academy as a foundational piece of Arailian literature.   Additionally, farmers’ almanacs in Thane include references to the myth, using the imagery of falling arrows to signify vigilance and preparation during harvest seasons. Historical records often blur the lines between fact and myth, blending the story of the Mor’dari battle with divine intervention.

The myth has profoundly influenced the art of Arailia. Tapestries and murals depicting the raining arrows and the villagers standing defiant against the Mor’dari are common in Thane’s halls and temples. In Kil’Dorei, statues of dragon riders descending upon the battlefield pay homage to the region’s role in the story.   Songs such as “The Ballad of Arrowfalls” are performed during festivals and market days, keeping the legend alive through music. Paintings and carvings of the golden arrows and the triumphant villagers can also be found in inns and community halls, serving as reminders of Thane’s storied past.   The most striking artistic representation is found in the Festival of Arrows, where villagers release glowing arrows into the sky at dusk, recreating the divine rain described in the myth. This act of remembrance ties the region’s identity firmly to its legendary history.