The Legend of the Solitude Star🔊

In the land of Astraland, there was a tradition as old as time itself; that one who can see and communicate with the celestial bodies was ordained to be the Wisest. This story is about a youngster named Orion who taught his people the power of humility, perseverance, and unity.

One radiant summer evening, Orion, a shepherd's son, noticed a star shining brighter than others. Being inquisitive, Orion waved at the star, surprisingly, it blinked back. Astounded, Orion smiled and named the star; he called it "Solitude Star.” Every night, Orion would try to communicate with the Star, whose bright blink in return fascinated him.

Orion's interactions with the Solitude Star didn’t go unnoticed. An ancient, fearsome entity called Vulpecula became envious. Vulpecula projected himself into the sky, an almost match for the Solitude Star's radiance, and announced, 'I am the celestial king! Prove your wisdom, or else face my wrath, Orion!'

Orion was startled but brave enough to accept the challenge. He knew the celestial language well, but he was too humble to claim wisdom. Vulpecula gracefully floated in the sky while Orion thought about his words carefully.

Looking up to the sky, Orion said, 'Oh great Vulpecula, I am but a shepherd’s son. I am not a Wisest, but I promise to do my best. If I fail, I surrender myself to your wrath.’

Vulpecula agreed and put forth three puzzles to solve. 'First, bring me a flower that never dies. Next, play a song that never ends. Lastly, show the power of unity to me.'

Orion set out on his quest, seeking wisdom from the elder villagers, storytelling travelers, and ancient books. A year passed. Eventually, he found a magical fern whose seeds had the power to bloom flowers instantly and even reproduced before wilting. Boasting perpetual life, this was the Flower that never died.

Orion returned and gifted the magical fern to Vulpecula. The impressed entity nodded and asked about the second puzzle. Orion thought for a moment before taking out his flute made from celestial wood. As he played a pleasant tune, the Solitude Star danced and produced a rhythm of its own. The symphony of stars joined and the whole sky echoed with their music, creating the song that never ended.

Vulpecula was satisfied. He then awaited the demonstration of unity power. For this, Orion bagged a handful of the magical fern seeds and scattered them around the village. Overnight, the earth turned green with undying flowers blooming.

The next day, Orion gathered the villagers. He suggested that if they could work collectively as the flowers did, they could turn Astraland into a fertile paradise and never worry about famine. The villagers agreed and pledged unity.

Witnessing the villagers working unitedly, their faces full of glee, love, and unity, Vulpecula stood stunned. He admired Orion, a mere shepherd’s son who hadn’t deemed himself the Wisest but was indeed the Wisest as he solved all the cosmic puzzles posed.

Realizing his vanity, Vulpecula disappeared to never return, but not before he honored Orion as 'The Guardian of Astraland.' Thenceforth, the villagers of Astraland lived in peace and prosperity. Their unity still remembered as the 'Power of Astraland.'

To this day, every summer evening, the Solitude Star shines the brightest. It twinkles the powerful story of unity and humbleness of the shepherd's son called Orion, the Wisest and Guardian of Astraland.

Remember, even if one does not think of oneself as wise, solving problems with humility, perseverance, and calling upon unity can surprise even the most fearsome entities of the Universe.