Ro'Gathmu

Ro'Gathmu is the Aran'akto of hunting. He is the husband of Mazakyel as well as the father of Tontekon and the first generation of land creatures. He is considered a patron for hunters and land animals alike, being the subject of folk tales where he saves the lives of both.

## Myths

### The First Human on Land

Ro'Gathmu was among the first batch of humans, an intelligent species created in the gods' image by Klakelaya. Sources disagree on whether or not he was the first human perfected. Regardless, he lived in Klakelaya's underwater coral reef with the rest of humanity. He displayed a sense of curiosity and determination that differed from other humans. He wondered what life was like above water, particularly on land where his creator was not allowed. One day, he snuck away from the group and made his way for Kentotra's shoreline.

TBC

### Ro'Gathmu's Trophies

Ro'Gathmu's Trophies is a series of folk tales detailing how Ro'Gathmu received each of the three animal trophies that adorn his outfit. Each of these stories is meant to teach new and aspiring hunters about the code of conduct when handling quarry and what could happen if they disrespect nature's creatures. They were also used as fables for young children before Zeala entered the pantheon.

His fox hood came from a juvenile fox that a hunter once killed, prompting the fox's mother to chase the hunter down. Once Ro'Gathmu swooped in to calm the mother fox, he scolded the hunter for killing a young animal that has not had the chance to procreate or otherwise live to its potential. The hunter gave him the juvenile fox's skin as compensation.

His eagle wing cape came from two eagles that a hunter shot down in self-defense, forcing Ro'Gathmu to come defuse an angry flock of eagles. After teaching the hunter not to resort to the most violent methods in conflict, she gave him the wings of the deceased eagles as thanks.

His wolf tail came from an emaciated wolf he found. The wolf had been caught in a trap for days as the hunter responsible for catching it decided to let it starve, forcing Ro'Gathmu to put it out of its misery. When Ro'Gathmu tracked down the hunter and reprimanded him for using such a cruel killing method, the hunter gave him the wolf's tail as an apology to nature.

## Worship

Ro'Gathmu received the most praise from Kentotran hunters. He was often prayed to for safe travels and healthy quarry. After every successful catch, the hunter would pray to him and Mazakyel, thanking them for the dead animal's life. Among the common people, he was mostly prayed to alongside Mazakyel before meals, receiving thanks for each meal consumed. He was also revered as a folk hero who would come to the aid of those lost or endangered in the wilderness. Young children would make games out of the stories their parents told, dreaming of becoming as brave and strong as him when they grew older.

Ro'Gathmu's existence as the first Aran'akto not only gained him more notoriety, but it also set a new standard for humanity as a whole. As is implied by the mythology, any human could become immortal and attain great power if they caught the gods' attention. They did not have to be great heroes, but only virtuous and well-intentioned people ever willingly received immortality in the mythos.

## Trivia

* Despite him learning to breathe air when he arose from the sea, depictions of Ro'Gathmu retained the gills on his neck. Sources never stated whether he was still able to breathe underwater.
* It was said that Mazakyel often called Ro'Gathmu "Rocky," a nickname he only allowed her to use.
* Though he was never said to have had a favorite amongst his animal children, there existed rumors that he wrestled with bears for combat training.