We were both surprised and intrigued when we stumbled upon fragmented tales from various cultures about a mysterious bird absent from any textbook. Yet, it seems to exist.
Listen closely
No one knows how. No one knows from where. But myths from different peoples converge on one point: the enigmatic Sha Bird always appears in the most challenging times, nesting in a field near humans to lay its stone eggs. Its nest, too, is made of stones—not just any stones, but burning ones. When the time comes to lay eggs, the Sha Bird's nest ignites. And it doesn't just burn; it burns in such a way that the entire world around it calms, quarrels are forgotten, and even enemies become friends. Demons retreat, unable to influence the land under the Sha Bird's sway or the people dwelling upon it. People regain their senses, and peace reigns over this land for many years.
Here are four distinct yet closely related stories:
1. The Santaran Tale
An ancient myth speaks of a battle that never occurred. The armies of two warring brothers prepared for a decisive clash. All night they readied themselves, and at dawn, they charged at each other like two ocean waves. Then, a flame erupted between them, in which both brothers saw their common ancestors—their father and mother. They halted their armies and approached the mysterious fire. It was the nest of the enigmatic bird, burning without being consumed, as it calmly laid its eggs. The brothers touched the burning stones, remembered their true kinship, and let go of their grievances.
That day, no one perished, and all celebrated peace!
The mysterious burning stones from the Sha Bird's nest are now used by wandering sages. As long as a sage holds a Sha Bird's stone, they are safe, their home is always with them, and their ancestors guide them.
2. The Aranean Myth
Mother of Phoenixes
When it comes to the Phoenix, everyone knows it has the ability to self-ignite and resurrect from the ashes. But few ponder its original origin. According to Aranean mythology, phoenixes are hatched in the burning nest of a mysterious bird, in whose presence people begin to see the essence of things and lay down their weapons.
3. The Kimmorians
One of the most treasured Kimmorian artifacts was a stone from the Sha Bird's nest. Igniting this stone granted the bearer immediate protection and a connection to home and ancestors. It was believed that the invincible Askold and his close companions drew their strength from such stones.
4. The Dravychi Legend
The Dravychi considered themselves direct descendants of the orphans Velen and Targ, who, as young children, wandered in search of home and sustenance. When they were on the brink of despair, they saw a strange light. Approaching, they found a burning nest with a majestic bird within. She fed and warmed the children. They grew up in her nest, learning everything. When the time came to leave, the bird gave them stones from her nest. As long as these stones burned, Velen and Targ were protected, and fortune favored them. They founded their city nearby and named their tribe the Dravychi.
5. Firebird
From Russian folklore we also know about the mysterious Firebird, which came to our world from the faraway kingdom. Apparently knowing about its magical properties, the characters of Russian fairy tales tried to catch it or at least get its feather. But only the most simple and artless hero succeeded.
The past is forgotten. But in some cultures, elders still believe that as long as a Sha stone burns in their home, peace and safety prevail. The steady flame of the stone prevents evil spirits from causing mischief, and ancestors watch over their descendants through this flame, supporting them.
The past is forgotten too quickly. We had to imagine and invent much of this story. But this legend beautifully encapsulates the meanings we imbue in our creations.
"Burn Sha"—and pass the flame onward! For our world needs it so much right now!