De Surgente Cadenteque Alicornuum
De Surgente Cadenteque Alicornuum
High in Canterlot Castle, inside the personal chambers of Princess Celestia, Twilight Sparkle and her mentor were each engaging in their own activities. Celestia was attending to various matters of state, while the purple unicorn was reading one of the Princess' personal tomes.
The tome was about the culture of Equestria almost 15 centuries ago. The information was fairly interesting, and Twilight uncovered interesting facts about ancient Equestria, such as weapons, holidays, and nuptial traditions. But one section left her particularly puzzled.
On a single page, right in the chapter of the book detailing the various pony races, one single paragraph was devoted to the "Alicorn".
The Alicorns are the fourth race of ponykind, hailing from an unknown locale. All information is speculation at best and pure fantasy as worst. In fact, this scholar struggles to even consider them as a separate race altogether, being that only one example is known to me; Princess Celestia herself. Historical correlations and archeological evidence is scarce, which has led most to believe that the Alicorn, like the Princess herself, is a divine being; a God in pony form.
Already the book was proven wrong, for two more alicorns had come to light long after this book was written. Even so, Twilight could not ignore the burning curiosity in her mind; what were the alicorns?
Celestia looked up from her work and noticed the look on Twilight's face. "Is something bothering you?"
"Well yes...I just read in this book about alicorns...I have a few questions, if it's alright with you?"
"Why certainly. Ask me anything. I suppose I can take a break from this paperwork."
Twilight stood up and trotted to the royal desk. "Where did the Alicorns come from? What happened to them? Why are there so few? What even is an Alicorn?"
Celestia smiled in her motherly fashion. Walking over and laying one of her massive wings over Twilight, the Princess leaned down to her student. "Sit down Twilight; it is a long tale. For to understand the Alicorns, one must understand the order of the Cosmos..."
Now, Twilight, we must first go back to the beginning, when time had no meaning. The formless void was all that was, or rather, all that wasn't. There was no light and darkness, no good or evil, no earth or sky. But what came forth, perhaps from another plane of existence more glorious than anything mortal eyes could ever behold, was the Omnipotent One
I speak of a being whom has been called many names. To some it is God; to others it is the Eternal Parent. For our purposes here, my most faithful student, a special name will do. This name is in a language that is spoken no longer; it was ancient when I was young! This being, whence the entire natural world came, is named in that tongue "Lórian Vysht".
Lórian Vysht? I have never heard of such a being. Princess, are you saying there is some kind of spirit that rules everything?
Its name means "Greatest Glory". And yes, Twilight. Everything, from the very sand on the shores, to the leaves on the trees, was conceived, directly or indirectly, by Lórian.
So...you're not a goddess? A divine being? There isn't a pantheon of you who rule the universe?
Frankly, I'm surprised everypony thinks this. Twilight, you think because of my longevity and great power I am divine. Lórian is the only divinity that was, is, and shall always be.
That is a bit difficult to accept, to be honest. I can clearly see you and your power, but this "Lórian"...
Do not trust your senses. They can deceive you. How can you know something is not there if you cannot perceive it? Lórian cannot be seen, nor heard, nor felt. It is a sad truth that ponies reject such faith in favor of me, calling me "God" and worshipping the ground I walk on. But we have deviated enough. Back to the story.
Lórian first created its realm: the holiest and most blessed place in all the Universe; Heaven or "Vanciróa". Here, its servants first awoke. The Hands of Lórian, named the "Crióa", were given their first task. A great world was formed infinitely underneath Heaven, lifeless and barren. The Crióa, beings of indeterminate size and shape, descended to the Earth and sculpted its mighty features.
The great basins were filled by the first rains, and grasses were sowed on the plains. Tall trees grew from what was once desert, and cool springs welled up in lush glades. In time, animals populated the various lands of Earth. But the animals were chaotic, and needed shepherds to tend to them.
Seeing this, Lórian itself created its second children. The ponies were to inherit the world, and care for its land and creatures. But many of the Crióa resented this, believing the world belonged to them. The brightest of them all, the first Crióïn, who bore the name Dylansil, turned against Lórian. He incited many other Crióa to follow his example, and they attempted to dethrone their master.
Hereafter known as the Faithless, they rebelled, and tried to throw down their own creator. But Lórian's power is absolute, and they were all smitten down to Earth. Dylansil was cast down the harshest, and fell so hard that the very world shook, and to its deepest depths a massive pit was formed. The Faithful Crióa broke this pit from the world, and placed it far below, sealing the First Evil within.
Dylansil was then known as Dyan the Chaotic, a name that means "Disorderly". His mind was cursed to desire chaos and destruction, to worsen his punishment. The powerful Crióïn Tarasdro was given guardianship over this pit, Tartarus, and was assisted by her pet Cerberus. It was from then on that evil existed in creation, and ponies became vulnerable to it. The pit was there to contain the wicked until the Final Song, and all inside was obliterated.
This is fascinating, but um where is the part about the Alicorns?
We shall get to that.
In time, the ponies of the world spread far and wide, populating a great many lands. Lórian had created three distinct races, each with their own role to play. The Sun and Moon placed in the sky by its Hands were moved by the unicorns. The rains and snows were brought by the pegasi. And the ground was tilled by the earth ponies.
Harmony was prevalent, binding the three races together in friendship. They lived and worked with each other, creating a peaceful and prosperous world. But such times could not last.
Dyan managed to project his essence upon the world. Even though his true form and power remained locked away in Tartarus, he could still influence ponies for his dark purposes. And so began the War of Chaos.
Brother and sister were turned against each other. Law had no meaning. Violence was widespread. Ponies wanted nothing more than to harm their fellow pony. Corrupted by his evil power, the ponies of the world looked as if they would descend into eternal disharmony.
But there were those who remained faithful and just. Pledging their lives to save the world, the Crióa told those ponies the location of Dyan's great fortress far to the west. Sailing in mighty ships, the Faithful Ponies embarked on this dangerous mission. A hundred years of bitter warfare would pass before the fortress fell.
Why did the War last so long?
There are many strange creatures in the world that can speak and think. But they are all mostly the making of a Crióïn. Dyan, however, created terrible beasts to fight alongside the discorded ponies. The Dragons, the Minotaurs, the Hydras.
What about Diamond Dogs?
Diamond Dogs...filthy, greedy mongrels...er...yes them too. But none of these creatures were inherently evil. Just pawns of Dyan. Anyway...
Thousands, if not millions, perished in the War. But it was over. Lórian created six special artifacts to end Dyan once and for all.
The Elements of Harmony!
They were given to six strong and fearless pony leaders, who in turn used their power to destroy the last remnant of Crióïn form from Dyan. Rendered a mere wraith in Hell, the creature became known as "Discord the Draconequus."
What?!
That's correct, I'm afraid. Discord was the First Evil, though his greatest powers are long gone. And when you encountered him, his power was greatly reduced from when I faced him. In turn he was far less potent then than during the War of Chaos.
And so ended the Elder Days. The corrupted ponies were released from their bonds, but the faithful were granted a reward from the Crióa; a new home.
An island was raised from the sea, where the faithful could live. But they were changed. The ponies were granted all the characteristics of all the other races; the horn, wing, and strength. They were made taller and fairer, easily dwarfing other "lesser" ponies. And their lives were extended to the combined years of the three races. Three centuries an inhabitant of this island could walk the Earth, until death finally took them.
Thus was born the Alicorn.
The island was called "Alícor", or land of the Triple-Kin. On this island the Alicorns built great cities and monuments. It is said the wealth of the land was unmatched, and the fields yielded a great many times more than those across the sea. The mountains and hills were filled with gold and iron. The forests would grow back as the trees were felled.
The Alicorns chose one of their own to rule them. Dyavilir, the Vanquisher of Discord, commanded the Element of Magic. He became the first King of Alícor. The other Elements were given to him, and he reigned justly for some one-hundred and fifty years. Upon his passing, his son became King, and so on and so forth.
During the Time of Kings, Alícor built mighty ships of sturdy wood and began to sail the seas. They landed in their old home. You know the tale of the Founding of Equestria. But a very important part often omitted is the coming of the Alicorns. Explorers disembarking from their vessels found the three leaders of the tribes on the verge of warring, and showed them the meaning of Harmony and Friendship.
In time Equestria grew into a prosperous nation, under the reigns of the Kings and Queens descended from the Unicorn Royal Family.
And this is where you come in, right?
Oh no, Twilight. I am not in this story.
The Alicorns however, did not stay. They left Equestria, leaving behind memories of tall sea-gods with great strength and power, whose return the Equestrians eagerly awaited. It is perhaps here that the myth of Alicorn divinity first arose.
Returning to their home, the Alicorns told the King about the ponies of the other lands. They sent gifts to Equestria as a sign of goodwill. In time, a special relationship was between Alícor and Equestria; more so than the other pony nation. Millennia passed and the Alicorns grew in such strength and technical prowess so as to rival the Crióa themselves. Dwelling in Vanciróa, the Crióa could not be reached by any means the Alicorns possessed.
But King Ferelor ardently desired to meet the Crióa and battle them to prove who were the greater of Lórian's creations. He thought that because ponies were given Dominion of the World, and Alicorns rule over ponies, Heaven was a prize righteously deserved in life for him as well.
Did the Alicorns ascend into Heaven? Did you stay behind to rule Equestria?
I am not in this story, remember?
Utilizing the Elements of Harmony, Ferelor used the extent of all the magic the Alicorns had and built a mighty sea on which they could sail to heaven. This sea was straight up, and kept in place by the magic of the Elements. But such use of them was a gross abuse of their power.
Constructing giant ships of metal, the Alicorn soldiers and their King sailed up this "Celestial Path", intent on entering Heaven and conquering it. But there were those of Alícor who knew this act was the ultimate crime of hubris, and denounced it. In recognition of their piety, the Crióa told them to build their own ships and leave Alícor. A calamity was coming.
For upon sailing a great many weeks, the Alicorn armada still saw no sign of Heaven. But they did see a blinding light. The light revealed itself to be Lórian's essence, and for the first time the Word of God was heard by mortals.
"I am the Lord of All Things, who knows all things and from whom no secrets are hid. You seek passage into my own Kingdom, with intentions of War. No such sufferings shall happen in the most blessed of places. For your arrogance, I revoke all fruits my Hands granted to your race."
Lórian broke the Path, and sent the many ships falling down to Alícor. Around the island, great quakes shook the cities. The ground beneath the sea cracked open, and the water rose to the height of mountains. The waves crashed upon the land, reducing the once majestic towers of Alícor to rubble. The Alicorns were swept to sea and drowned, and the entirety of the island sank beneath the ocean, and fractured at the bottom. The saddest night of the Alicorns had destroyed their home.
The exiles landed in Equestria, escaping the Destruction of Alícor. Solárindil, who led the refugees, had stolen the Elements and brought them to safety. He was a descendant of Dyavilir through his younger son. Being of a lesser branch of the royal family, he was named the leader of the Alicorns in exile. Their fortunes changed when the Equestrians saw the homeless Alicorns; they welcomed them with open forelimbs.
The line of the Unicorn Kings had died out, and Equestria lacked a ruler. Solárindil humbly accepted the nomination to the throne. Under his reign the Alicorns rebuilt their lives, hoping to again prosper. They built Canterlot Castle and adopted the language of the Equestrians, though still retained their Alicorn names.
However, while Equestria itself grew in strength and wealth, the Alicorns' glory was over. They were doomed to fade away. There were so few after the fall, and Alicorns bear children very infrequently. We live so long, and very few foals die in their infancy, that our birthrate was very low, even before the Diaspora. Centuries passed and the Alicorns slowly, but surely, declined in number as they interbred with the other ponies, mixing their blood.
It did not help things that Discord's servants returned, and embarked on a campaign to exterminate the last light of Alícor. Hundreds more died, and the terrible wars between the ponies and Discord's creatures left the Kingdom in ruins. The last Alicorn King was killed, and his heir presumed dead.
So began the Dark Ages. There was no kingdom, no united country for the ponies. Petty chieftains and princes ruled the land in the south, but the north was empty. It was here in isolation and anonymity that the pure-blooded Alicorns, so sparse and few, wished to dwell until the last light of their race was gone, while Discord's followers wished to revive their dead leader. My race's time has passed, and the Dominion of the World falls to the Unicorn, Pegasus, and Earth Pony.
So...are you the last of the Alicorns? You, Luna, and Cadance?
Cadance is not an Alicorn, though her appearance suggests otherwise. But she does have far more Alicorn blood than most other ponies do. And do not worry; her years and those of your brother will be similar. And perhaps he and you, so powerful in magic, have the blood of Alícor as well.
"There remain Alicorns across the country. They prefer to be left alone, and will not go out of their way to be noticed. When I took the throne, I had hoped it would renew our strength. But our redemption cannot restore what we had lost."
"I'm so sorry to hear that Princess."
Celestia dropped her somber expression. "It is of little importance now. I hope that answered your questions."
"It did, Princess. But now I have so many more. Like when did you become Princess? How did you defeat Discord? Are you a pure-blooded Alicorn? Why have you lived so much longer than three hundred years?"
The white ruler smiled. "Your curiosity is most endearing, and I would love to answer all of your questions. But I’m afraid I cannot do that now; I have work to finish. I've had long enough of a break, as have you." Celestia returned to her desk, and placed her reading glasses back on.
Twilight in turn went back to her book, with half a mind to change that paragraph she had read earlier. Disappointed from not being able to hear another story, she glanced up from the book and noticed an object she had either not seen before or had not paid any mind to.
"What is this?" The purple unicorn asked, levitating a sheathed sword. Its pommel was well polished and inlaid with various precious stones and gold. The entire hilt was adorned and gilded, and the scabbard was of fine make.
Celestia took off her glasses and rose up. Taking the sword with her magic, she looked at it in a sentimental fashion, examining its every detail. After several moments passed, she faced Twilight.
"Eónadin, the Sword of Light and Darkness, the bane of all evil. It was crafted long ago out of the finest steel ever smelted. Its blade will never dull nor rust. I...I have not drawn this sword in anger for five centuries."
She pulled the sword from its scabbard and held it up to her face, gazing at her reflection in its blade. "Oh if it could talk, it would speak volumes of its exploits. Many Alicorns have wielded it, starting with Dyavilir, for whom the blade was forged. It has served me well..." She began to perform exercises with the sword, swerving it around and gracefully slashing and stabbing.
Twilight looked a bit surprised that Celestia had such an intimate affection for an inanimate object. "How did it come to you?"
The Princess realized her student was in the room, and sheathed the sword again. Placing it on her desk, she turned back to Twilight. "You have read many histories regarding me. But do not believe them. Twilight, it is high time you learned of my past; my story. But that, my most faithful student, is a tale for another time."
The End
