Creation Myths

by

Finley Vorden

How the world began remains perhaps the most contentious theological question, with each faith maintaining creation stories that conveniently center their patron deities.

All traditions begin with the union of Ilhdeinir and Osnitan as the primal creative force. Their joining created both the physical world and the divine children who would later shape it. This initial creation established fundamental natural laws before specific domains were assigned to younger deities. A particularly vivid version I heard from a priestess in Bairora described Ilhdeinir weaving reality from her own hair while Osnitan breathed life into her creations. When I asked about the practical mechanics of this arrangement, she informed me that “some mysteries transcend mortal understanding,” which I've found is theological shorthand for "I haven't thought about the logical implications of this story."

How the various peoples of Ilhdeinia came into being represents another point of theological divergence. Many races claim special divine parentage or purpose, creating hierarchies that conveniently place their own kind in favored positions.

The Magnithōrans maintain perhaps the most detailed creation account. According to their tradition, Valfǫðr created the Magnithōrans in his image, instilling values of strength and unity. Before returning to the divine realm, he left final teachings inscribed on massive stone walls, fragments of which supposedly remain in ancient mountain strongholds.

Sylvan traditions maintain they emerged directly from Exphīra's first gardens, making them eldest among the mortal races and natural stewards of the world. Ārdans counter with tales of being shaped by Temrūs himself as perfect examples of balanced creation.