History of Gehenna Vol. 1 Ed. 2

History of Gehenna Vol. 1, Cosmology of the Cycle, Ed. 2

Once again we find ourselves returned to the mysteries of creations cosmology. Once again I will try to delve into the answer, or at-least, the answer as I have been able to discover in my journeys and research. I received a few request that I give a brief explanation of who I am. So, I shall attempt to explain a bit. I am Huatli Khan, of the Olmec people. I'm a Gehennan, and have spoken to representatives of all the tribes as well as numerous outsiders in regards to this subject. Alright, that should be enough background on myself and my expertise.

Now, last time I attempted to rush the explanations of who was what and who did what. So, this time I will take a more methodical approach, with the assumption that you will learn more with this approach. I've also worked on my writing a bit, with the belief that if I wrote this new edition as if I was talking to you, giving a lesson, it would help facilitate retentiveness and transparency. If this more personal telling turns out to be less instructive then I shall do away with this style come the next volume, History of Gehenna Vol. 2, Legend of the Warlords, Ed. 1.

To begin we will discuss the cycle, what is the cycle you may ask? Simply put it is the turning of the cosmos in such a way that allows for the continued existence of mortal life upon our world. The cycle begins within the heavens and ends within deepest depths of the ocean, only to renew with the soaring heights once again. Every god, angel, spirit, and person within it is needed to keep the wheel turning.

At the zenith of the cycle lies Jormangand, at the depth of the cycle lies Jormangand, for it is the great serpent that circles the world. That the cycle is most understandable. For the serpent is in charge of ensuring that the souls of the dead are cleansed and begin anew. It does this through eating the souls and digesting them, defecating fresh souls out into the world. He is aided in this by the cursed twin Yama, whom is tasked with tying heavy stones to the souls of sinners so that they may more easily be swallowed and digested within the deeper bowels of the serpent. This allows them to be thoroughly cleansed and returned. Why is Yama tasked with this chore? One clearly not very appealing to such a vain god?

The reason lies within the twin deities of the ocean, Yama and Inki. At the dawn of creation, after the trio of Jiuwheihu, Jormangand, and Quetzalcoatl had tricked the great evil of chaos, Belial, into eternal imprisonment within the moon. Yama and Inki were tasked with shaping the oceans and lands with their bodies. Inki the dutiful and serious god went about this task with gusto, creating the lands and oceans, at the end he lay exhausted and spent. Having made all the simple creatures of the water. Yama, being the cruel god he is, mocked his brother and created the Sirens to show off how much strength he had due to his sloth when it came to the mundane. This ignited jealousy and hatred within Inki who ignited the wars between Earth and Water, deities on both sides battling savagely. Yama was able to in the end bring peace, and in a rage slew his brother.

For this crime the three divines Jormangand, Jiuwheihu, and Quetzalcoatl delegated the chore to Yama. An eternal punishment for the kin-slayer. One my ask why it is we still worship the twin gods, as both committed great evils in their lives. It is simple, while it is easy to remember them for their faults, we are mortal. We must remember them for the good they did and still do, for the cycle. Inki created the oceans and all simple life within, Yama created the Sirrens and brought peace between water and earth deities. For these things we remember them.

We've started with Jormungand because it is necessary now let us look to the triple alliance that helped to shape the world at the beginning. This alliance of elder gods comprise Jormangand, Jiuwheihu, and Quetzalcoatl. For it was they within the void of endless chaos that first began the hard labor of taming chaos and creating the world. They tried again and again, failing each time as Belial tore their work asunder.

The three wondered how they'd ever be able to complete their work? How could they get started if each time they began Belial destroyed it all? It was Quetzalcoatl that finally offered the solution. They were not strong enough to defeat Belial but Quetzalcoatl argued they could trick the chaotic god. They created a hollow prison, thought it appeared to be another attempt at fashioning the world. As they worked they made a show of putting a great deal of effort into it. Well, Belial being the destructive god they were took the bait. Rushing to the moon in order to destroy it as they had destroyed the three great one's work before.

This time was different, however, once they'd reached the moon and began to destroy it, they grew tired and sluggish. It took them some time to realize the moon was barren, a trap, they cursed the three great one's for their treachery. Swearing they'd escape and undo all that they would create. So, it was that the three divines were able to create the world. With Belial trapped within their prison, forced to watch as an order was laid upon the chaos. Yet, forever the mad gods within lash out at their prison and the world. Should the cycle ever falter they will escape and unmake what is.

It is through the efforts of all things that the cycle is protected, yet the three most important parts are the three divines. Jormungand for his efforts at rebirth, Jiuwheihu for her work in warming the world and providing light, and Quetzalcaotl for her efforts in keeping the moon and sun spinning around the world. All in unison are the spokes upon the great wheel of life. We shall focus upon the aids of the great Jiuwheihu now. For her light is to great to handle all problems, as should she come to close to their creation they would scour life from the world.

The first aide is Huitzilipochtli, god of war and the sun. He was born a mortal. His mother the wife of an important chief, to an unknown father. The chief enraged that his wife would give birth to another man's child, collected all his warriors. Four hundred spears he had with him. They marched upon the birthing lodge, intent on slaying the Huitzilipochtli and his mother. Yet, this was not meant to be. As still a newborn Huitzilopochtli channeled the raw power of his magical circuits to slay his enemies and protect his mother. This launched the demi-god into a life of war, death, and destruction, his macuahtl and spear weaved a swath of chaos throughout the world. Yet, it was a righteous chaos, fueled by a rage at those who would slay the innocent women and children. His legend became so great in his time that he rose to the heavens, ascending to godhood as the left spear of Juiwheihu.

The second aide is Xiuhtcuhtli or Huatl, god of volcanoes. A great serpent who fused with the power of eternia's molten core. Becoming a combination of fire and earth. Xiuhtcuhtli role is another of the chaotic divinities, pushed by his appetites and self-indulgent nature. Yet, in this way he strengthens himself for the wars against the enemies of creation, his efforts keep the worlds lands twisting and floating above the nothingness at the center of eternia.

Third is Asena, great wolf of summer. Her role is to ensure that the seasons continue to come and go. Working in tandem with their brother wolf. Saekanis, great wolf of winter, together the twins tug the world along with the sun and moon, each doing their part to keep the cycle going on earth as the cosmic deities keep it going above. Both are imbued with the different elements of summer and winter, one a bringer of life and replenishment, a healer. The other a great destroyer, predator, and warrior. Each has it role based on what they are doing. Asena is protected by the second two aides of Jiuweihu whereas Saekanis is only aided by Ixhel in his nightly realm. Fighting to keep the mad gods abominations at bay.

The last god yet to be covered is the great panther Ixhel. It is they who, along with Saekanis, defend the night realms from the horrors of Belial. Another god of chaos, Ixhel's mightiest act was to cure the undead blight that had afflicted the three great warlords and their peoples. Seeing within them a mighty weapon he could reforge to strike at his enemies. So it was after besting the warlords he laid a debt upon them. Giving them of his flesh so they might return to life, in exchange for an eternal debt levied. The Nagual were born and from that day have been fought to repay the debt-bondage.

The final being of note are the angel Sacheal and the fallen angel, whom I shall simply call the Betrayer. In the ancient past the Betrayer lead a war upon the scales of Jormangand. Scouring the great serpent with scars, yet as he was defeated and fought back by the guardian Sacheal and the gods of the cycle. He smited the lands of the world, slaying the spirits and giving rise to the wraiths which scour our land. Yet, we cannot blame them. They are but poisoned and gone made by the Betrayers actions, through sacrifice was can stabilize these spirit. Yet, we must never forget the Betrayers lust for dominance that lead to the destruction of these lands and the creation of the plaguelands.

With that I shall draw this novel to a close, I hope my collected information has enlightened you somewhat. If you would wish to meet me I live within Huangzhou at the Kissing Swuisarme Tavern. If you've questions and they are not idiotic feel free to seek me out. If you're not prone to travel, send a letter with your inquiries. Look forward to my next book, History of Gehenna Vol. 2, Legend of the Warlords, Ed. 1. In which I will dive deeper into the relationship between the Betrayer, Ixhel, and the Warlords.