Ardghal

> *"We all have a journey that leads to a destined fate. But some of us are brave or curious enough to seek out another path. One that will lead to a fate, quite unknown."*
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One of the most popular deities within the Vetei pantheon is Ardghal. Resembling a three-headed wolf, its origins are unknown. All that is known are the many stories that explain Ardghal's journey from cursed creature to godhood, according to the Vetei.

## Origin

The true origin of Ardghal is unknown or lost. What is known in the stories is that Ardghal was alone from the start. He had no parents or kin to protect or guide him. Exiting a dark cave, he would be fearful of the light and many noises of the forest. Retreating into the darkness of the cave, Ardghall's fate seemed nearly sealed. To become nurtured by the shadows would lead to a twisted and morbid fate. However, as the odd creature started to howl in despair and fear, aid would arrive.

   A small and brave raven would fly into the cavern, curious about what was being scared in the dark. For a while, the raven and Ardghal spoke with each other. The identity of the raven is to this day a mystery, but there are fascinating theories. Such as that the raven was from another pantheon or even culture. Led by this mysterious raven, Ardghal would exit his cave and brave the light. The bright rays of the sun hurt his eyes and nearly forced Ardghall back to seek refuge in the comfort of the darkness. Pressed on by the raven, Ardghal would venture further out. Thus beginning his journey.

## Etmology

The name Ardghal is derived from two elements. The first is 'ard', which means "high" in Yakimara. The second element is 'gal', which can be translated into "valour".

Interestingly, the elements seem a tad foreign within the Yakimara language and that their tone has something vague to it. Various scholars aren't entirely sure to what other language they may refer. There have been theories that point out the Chonobi religion and culture, where the worship of wolves and ravens are pretty standard. Many temples and depictions of Ardghal do even date back from when the interaction between Yakimara and Chonobi culture started to affect each other. This theory may lead and conclude that Ardghal is a deity brought over by Chonobi influence. However, the confusing part is that no deity within the Chonobi pantheon resembles anything like the three-headed wolf. No story regarding such a creature exists either, which has led many opponents of said theory to denounce it.

## Ardghal's Adventures

There are many stories and legends regarding Ardghal. Even to the point that it is hard to understand and make a chronological order out of them. What is, however, particular is that Ardghal started to brave the light of the sun. Leaving what cavern and darkness he may once consider shelter, Ardghal began exploring the land and woods. For a while, the three-headed pup was guided by the raven. Gaining knowledge and instructions on how to survive, the two formed a pair that wouldn't or couldn't be separated. Until the point that the raven explained he needed to return to his kin. This saddened Ardghal, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't coerce the raven to stay. Once more, he was alone and afraid.

### Gráinne and the Blue Chickens

Roaming the lands, he would eventually come across the sight of a small girl with a horde of chickens. This sight confused Ardghal as he had never seen humans or chicken before. Wanting to approach the flock of chickens and the human, Ardghal was briefly spooked by the oddity of the chickens. Their blue feathers and large numbers were intimidating. Upon detecting the large canine, the chickens formed a protective formation around the girl while producing loud noises. Intimidated by this change, Ardghal wanted to run away at first. But the thought of being alone again made him brave his initial fear. Engaging in a conversation with the human, Ardghal learned that her name was Gráinne. From this exchange, Ardghal learned that Gráinne was set out on a quest to bring the blue chickens back to her settlement - so that they could learn more about nature.

Grown curious about learning more, Ardghal decided to travel together with Gráinne and her flock of chickens. The group made an unusual mix and had to prevail over many obstacles - such as fooling a giant with riddles and braving a storm that rained darkness upon the land. In the end, Ardghal and Gráinne made it to the settlement, where the people rejoiced about sighting one of their own safe and sound. But upon seeing the large and odd canine with three heads, the people grew nervous and anxious. Some even grew hostile, but nobody dared to step too close to the wolf to fight it. Before Ardghal could learn or understand what had made the people anxious, they started to voice their concerns. After all, a three-headed wolf didn't belong with them.

Cast out into the woods, Ardghall was once more alone. Angry and vengeful, he wanted to wreak havoc among the people that had cast him out. In the dark of the night, he slipped like a shadow closer to the settlement. His yellow eyes showed a glint of cold anger, all the while closing in on the blue chickens that he had helped escorting once before. But when he could strike and take many of the sleeping chickens, Ardghal decided to leave. For he hadn't forgotten the adventures with Gráinne and her flock, nor the joy of their companionship.

### Ardghal and the Dreamer

Another renowned and favourite legend of Ardghal is his encounter with the 'Dreamer'. Upon roaming the land, he would be alerted by the sound of something snoring. Deciding to track the source down, Ardghal came across a colossal racoon sleeping. While no stranger to racoons, as he had to hunt and eat some now and then, the sleeping racoon in front of him was way too big. Curious to learn why the massive racoon was sleeping in the open, Ardghal tried to wake it up. His first few attempts ended all in complete failure as the racoon continued to snore away. After a few more shots, Ardghal managed to wake the snoring racoon. The exchange that followed would be Ardghal's possible first experience with a deity. Namely, Caoimhe.

Surprised and confused, Ardghal asked many questions. Caoimhe was willing to answer most but several times told the three-headed wolf that he wouldn't understand answers to specific questions, such as where he was from.  Caoimhe further explained that Ardghal had to continue his path and not be afraid simply. This answer only sparked confusion with the three-headed wolf, who wondered what course he had to take. There were many paths in the forest that all could lead somewhere else. How was he supposed to know what direction he should take? Caoimhe didn't seem that much interested to explain further or answer, to yawn loud and long. Only to state that he had to seek out the Spring of Knowledge to figure out what direction he had to take. Afterwards, Caoimhe fell into a deep sleep, leaving Ardghal with nothing but half-answers and more questions.

WIP~