Erebonian Folklore/Volume 2

Considering the size and history of the Erebonian Empire, it should come as no surprise that it has a wealth of folklore, perhaps more than any other nation on the continent.
 * -|English= Volume 2

This is the second in a series of three books that will introduce a small number of the legends and traditions in Erebonia.

It is my wish that this series will stimulate new interest in the rich history and mythology of this great nation.

[Unicorn]

Sacred creatures, pure white in color, with a single horn that is said to be capable of curing any illness. Legends state that only virgin maidens are able to touch one, and as such, it has been adopted as the symbol of St. Astraia Girls' Academy.

[Gnome]

Granted the people of old the knowledge of steel. A staple of ancient legends, giving heroes the weapons they need to overcome the trials ahead of them.

[Witch]

Practitioners of witchcraft and black magic who are said to live among us. Various legends regarding their nature remain all over the continent, and both good and evil witches supposedly exist.

[Vampires]

Vampires are powerful fiends said to suck the blood of humans. There are many tales that exist regarding them, with some stating that they turn to ash in sunlight and others suggesting they have no reflections, but all concur that they have significant enough power to be known as 'the king of fiends.'

-J. Arendt
 * -|Japanese= 『中巻』

旧き伝統を持つエレボニアは、その版図の広さもあって、他国と比較にならないほどの多くの民間伝承が残っている. この中巻を含めた全三冊では、それらの伝承・伝説のほんの一 部を項目別に紹介する. 民俗学的に極めて豊かな土壌を持つエレボニアの、新たな魅力・息吹を感じ取っていただければ幸いである. 【一角獣】 旧き伝承に出てくる、長い一角を持つ純白の聖獣で、その角にはあらゆる病を遠ざける力がある言われている. 穢れなき処女#4Rおとめ#だけが触れられるとされ、帝都の聖アストライア女学院のシンボルにもなっている. 【地精】 太古の時代、人に「鋼」の知恵を授けたと伝えられる精霊. 伝説に登場する英雄たちは、必ずと言っていいほど地精が鍛えた「武具」を授かり、試練を乗り越えている. 【魔女】 古の妖術を受け継ぎながら郷に紛れ込んでいるという存在. 大陸各地に伝承があるが、帝国で伝えられる伝承も様々で、悪しき魔女もいれば、善き魔女もいるという. 【吸血鬼】 人の血を啜ると伝えられる強大な魔物. 陽光を浴びると灰になる、鏡に映らないなど、様々な伝承があるが「魔物たちの王」と言われるほどの強大な力を持っているのは共通している. Ｊ・アーレント