The Lantern: A Symbol of Wit and Courage
Once upon a time, in the enchanting kingdom of Galadria, there lived a mighty king named Ormund. His reign was peaceful, yet the kingdom was under the single perennial threat of the Alwolfs, malevolent creatures that lurk in the shadows beyond the kingdom's boundaries.
On the day of Ormund’s firstborn, Prince Edvard’s birth, a prophecy was made by the royal seer Agatha 'He who possesses immense wit and courage shall tame the Alwolfs and not the strength of the sword alone.'
Years passed, Edvard manifested great physical strength and sharp wit growing up. Though his body could wield a sword like no other, his mind was his greatest weapon. He was a loving son, a protective brother, and above all, a trustworthy prince.
However, his peaceful existence was disrupted when one day, the Alwolfs attacked Galadria. They wreaked havoc, instilling fear and chaos amongst the people. Equipped with his sword and his keen mind, Edvard instantly took charge. The prince knew that his kingdom’s conventional armies couldn't defeat the beings of shadows merely by force.
He remembered Agatha's prophecy and understood that the solution to control the Alwolfs lay within wit and courage, not physical force. Relying on his intelligence, Edvard decided to seek guidance from the wise hermit living outside the kingdom's bounds.
After days of travel and surviving dire danger, Edvard reached the hermit, Thales. After listening to Edvard’s plea, Thales gave him a mystical lantern, saying, 'The light is not only to illuminate the path but also the darkness within.'
Armed with the lantern, Edvard returned to Galadria. As the night fell, the Alwolfs began to attack again. Holding the lantern high, Edvard walked alone toward the onslaughting creatures. The terrifying howls froze the hearts of those watching, but Edvard pressed forward. His courage was undeterred. Suddenly, light from his lantern started to shine brighter and pierced the Alwolfs, causing them to shriek and disappear.
Edvard, with wit and bravery, turned the Alwolfs, the embodiment of shadow and fear, powerless against the majestic strength of the lantern's light. The kingdom was once again filled with joy, peace, and the purring of life. King Ormund was relieved and proud, and the people hailed their prince’s bravery and wisdom. His victory was not just the triumph of light over dark but also wit and courage over brute strength.
The hermits’ 'lantern' turned out to be symbolic of enlightenment, knowledge, and wisdom. The kingdom then prospered under the leadership of King Edvard and the Alwolfs were never seen again.
The story of Prince Edvard and the Alwolfs was narrated and retold for many generations, signifying that sometimes, facing fear with courage and overcoming challenges requires not just physical strength, but also wit, wisdom, and a spark of light.
From then on, every child in the kingdom grew knowing that the real strength lay in their minds and hearts, and every darkness could be illuminated by wisdom and courage. And, the lantern became the emblem of the kingdom, a symbol of its undying spirit and enduring wisdom.