Deep within Arindal’s lore, our Arin researchers discovered an unprecedented narrative – the history behind Mt. Merope. This magnificent peak stands at 3,588 meters, towering above all of Royaume de Satoshi. In particular, this mountain boasts a rich history and culture and played a key role in the Lootians’ way of life.
Kempe, the King of Gods, and Fagra, the Goddess of Love, revered as two of the most powerful deities in Arindal mythology, hold a central position in the story of Mt. Merope. As documented in the echoes discovered throughout Arindal (previously called Arcadia by the ancient Lootians), Kempe was honored with supremacy for his outstanding leadership among the other gods and across the land. Kempe is renowned for slaying Annuler, the primordial goddess, by splitting her body into several parts, which formed Arindal. Fagra was celebrated for her divine femininity and wisdom, which earned her standing through her guardianship and nurturing of the world.
As revealed in the scrolls, divine beings often sought a deeper connection with nature and greater control over the world through meditation. One fateful day, Kempe and Fagra, driven by a quest for enlightenment, chose to venture to Mt. Merope to meditate and commune with nature. This practice symbolizes their unique relationship with Arindal. Their meditation atop Mt. Merope wasn’t just a quiet retreat. It was a journey into the heart of the universe, an effort to understand life’s deepest mysteries. They were looking for guidance, for knowledge that could help them take care of the world in the best possible way.
Their choice to meditate on Mt. Merope is particularly intriguing. Echoes discovered in the Royaume de Satoshi hint at a prophetic vision seen by Fagra, where the summit of Mt. Merope shone as a beacon of tranquility. This vision, coupled with Mt. Merope’s unparalleled vantage point from where they could watch over Arindal, solidified their decision to make this majestic peak their tranquil retreat. Nestled between the icy white peaks of the Kingdom of Xbysl and the gilded ruggedness of Royaume de Satoshi, Mt. Merope provided a serene meditation refuge, its peace sharply juxtaposed with the vivid aesthetics flanking it. This breathtaking view symbolized the unity of seemingly opposite realms, a harmonious coexistence that reinforces the essence of meditation — balance.
They marked this mountain as their divine sanctuary, inviting Lootians from all corners of the world to come and pay homage to them, seek their guidance, and receive their blessings. Kempe, in particular, guided knights from various parts of the land who wished to protect their realms or villages. Fagra played a vital role in guiding women in their marital homes, teaching them to emulate her in beauty, divinity, and kindness. With unwavering faith, numerous families fervently sought her blessings, recognizing her profound ability to infuse their households with the boundless gifts of love and peace.
It was a place of relaxation and healing, said to cure those suffering from debilitating illnesses. The breathtaking scenery, coupled with the presence of the divine gods, was sworn by many to supposedly heal mental and physical illnesses and help restore peace, calmness, and happiness.
The mountain was christened ‘Merope,’ a name brimming with profound symbolism. In the ancient Arcadian language, ‘Merope’ was a blend of three key elements of the core beliefs of the inhabitants living in the villages surrounding the mountain’s base: ‘Mer,’ meaning peace; ‘O,’ representing love; and ‘Pe,’ standing for protection. These inhabitants were not ordinary Lootians. They were akin to Earth’s monks, leading lives of austerity and spirituality. Their existence centered around these principles of peace, love, and protection, which they believed held the universe together. Therefore, giving the mountain the name ‘Merope’ was a meaningful tribute to these deeply cherished beliefs, which echoed the very values revered by the gods themselves. The naming of the mountain ‘Merope’ provided a bridge between the mundane and the divine, a cooperative act where the Lootians and Gods united, bestowing the mountain with profound spiritual importance.
Over the years, the mountain’s reputation as a divine residence attracted Lootians from far and wide. They ascended the summit seeking counsel and solace, transforming Mt. Merope into a revered pilgrimage site.
Today, Mt. Merope’s towering presence serves as a timeless testament to the divine legacy of Kempe and Fagra. Despite the gods’ absence, their ethereal presence is palpable, carried in the whispers of the wind and the rhythmic pulsations of the mountain itself. The story of Mt. Merope is a testament to the endurance of Lootian faith and the power of nature, reminding us that even as the world around us changes, the stories of the past endure.
Recently, LX1 deployed drones to survey the mountain terrain. These drones have discovered fascinating carvings etched into the mountain’s rocky surfaces. On deciphering these scrolls, it was revealed that they were the testaments of the Lootians who would journey to this location to seek blessings from the gods. A significant number of these visitors were young women struggling with infertility. Their fervent hope was that Fagra would bless them with the precious gift of childbearing.