In the beginning, before Moonkin and before Humans, there were giants. The Serpent of Water, the Dragon of Fire, the Wyrm of Earth, and the Amphiptere of Air. These were the four elements of the world.
The Serpent of Water and the Dragon of Fire had a contentious and brutal relationship. Between them they invented the concept of Strife, of War. But, between their brawls, they had passion. Together they birthed a new element, an element called koioka. (In English, this translates to “the space between Water and Fire.”)
Koioka is what we often call “the body;” it is the flesh that we wear and the substance that makes us move and function. This was the fifth element of the world.
The Wyrm of Earth and Amphiptere of Air had a close kinship. They were fond of each other and their expected child. Together they invented the concept of Virtue, of Love. They built the realms in preparation of their babe, an element called akoki. (“the space between Earth and Air”).
Akoki is the spirit; it is the memory, the thoughts, and the emotions. This was the sixth element of the world.
Koioka and Akoki were inspired by their forefathers. Together they birthed Moonkin and Humans. They gave their children the Strife of Koioka’s making and Virtue of Akoki’s. It was important for the children to have both.
As Night took a breath of air, I asked, “Why did they give us strife? What benefit could there be to that?”
Night leaned forward a bit. “Because lineage is important.”
I frowned. “Why?”
Night shrugged. “Lineage is just memory. It’s important to remember the past. The good and the bad.”
Very good origin myth. The idea that strife is part of our memory is really powerful.