The Fabled Village of Alken🔊

Once upon a time, in a land far far away, lay the beautiful and calm Village of Alken. The village was tucked away neatly amidst layers of lush green forests and whispering valleys. The villagers lived a simple life deep in the arms of nature. They were content with what they had and were appreciative of the natural beauty surrounding their village, making the Village of Alken impeccably beautiful, both in sight and spirit.

The uniqueness in their existence came from their interdependence – as a collective entity living with togetherness. Their bond was held firm by a recurring ritual that kept the village's spirit alive. Every year, the villagers would come together for a grand feast prepared by everyone. This event, dubbed 'The Gathering', was infused with joy that had no parallels. They cooked, they ate, they sang, and they danced until the moon bid goodbye.

Stories narrate that the founder of the village, Old Alken, imbued an ancient relic, called the 'Ekko', with his soul and declared it to be the village's guardian spirit. This relic was kept in dainty care by the village chieftain, and it was believed that should the Ekko ever be lost, so would the village’s harmony and unity.

One day, a mighty giant, bedazzled by the enthralling beauty of the Ekko, stole it from Alken. The village immediately plummeted into despair. The birds ceased their song, the river ran disturbed, and the villagers watched in horror as their village began to lose its color.

And so, the village chieftain sent out the most virile and brave of their tribe, a young boy named Hagan, on a quest to retrieve the Ekko. Hagan had been a shepherd, often seen guiding his flock with a sense of fearlessness that convinced the chieftain of his worthiness. As he embarked upon his journey, the villagers’ hopeful eyes followed him, praying for his triumph.

The journey was arduous and full of peril. Hagan encountered many a dangerous creature, weathered storms, and hunger pains. Still, his spirit remained untarnished. His heart echoed the hopes and prayers of his village, and this resonance guided him through the most relentless hardships.

After months of struggles, Hagan reached the giant's lair nestled on a lonely mountain. The giant was fearsome, oozing a grotesque aura of power. Yet, Hagan stood tall, unflinching, gazing into the giant's eyes. As the giant bellowed at Hagan, he mustered the courage to speak with composure.

'I come bearing no ill will but to request the return of our Ekko, our village's soul,' he reached out his hands, his deep brown eyes imploring, 'Without it, our village loses its spirit.'

The giant, amused, laughed aloud but in his eyes, was a glint of unexpected wisdom. He studied Hagan in great detail and finally broke his silence. 'Humans are peculiar creatures indeed. You value things with no inherent power but the one you bestow upon them. I will give you your Ekko, for it means nothing to me.'

With the Ekko safe in his hands, Hagan returned to his village. The moment he stepped into Alken, the entire village erupted in joy. The birds started singing again, the trees swayed in glee, the river returned to its serenity, and most importantly, the village regained its color. They celebrated 'The Gathering' the very next day, and its joy was unparalleled.

Hagan was hailed as a hero, not for his courage but for the love and devotion he had for his home. The Village of Alken, to this day, uninterruptedly conducts their annual 'Gathering', narrating the legend of Hagan and the mighty giant. Year after year, the tale resonates in the echoing valleys as a living testament to unity, bravery and the intrinsic power of symbolic valuations.