The Six Great Predators

This piece was part of one of Mianmo's working journals, labeled: "From the Cottar." Given its rhythms, and its distinctly oral nature, it is likely that this was dictated directly to her, and it never found its way into one of her own works. Here we see a glimpse of what was important to pass on among the lower class of the pastoral Heortlings: direct information on how to avoid being eaten by the predators of Kerofinela, and how to protect your flock of sheep from the same (as sheep were a distinctly lower-class animal to herd; the more affluent carls herded cattle and yoked them to the plow).

However, it's important to note what this, too, omits: there is no reference here to the wolves that we know haunted the highlands of Sartar at the time, Telmori or otherwise, and neither is there reference to the Praxian saber-toothed lion, or to the Lesser Esrolian Tiger, or to the roving packs of scavenging dinosaurs that were a menace to travelers skirting northwestern Sartar. Rather, this hexapartite list serves as an introduction to the elements that formed the backbone of Heortling cosmology, each one attached to a certain creature which displays characteristics of the element. Little wonder, then, that Mianmo felt this was worth noting down.

(Translator's note: while predatory bats may seem laughable, the crag bats of Dagori Inkarth are widely attested as being both large enough to carry enlo riders and ravenous enough to eat sheep, not to mention the humans who looked after them. While scholarship is uncertain whether they ever spread to the Quivini, don't get so lost in the Lunar allegory here that you write off what was possibly a very real fear. For more on this, this translator recommends the paper "BATS ARE BUGS: Third Age Chiropterology and the Politics of Darkness.")

    Let me tell you of the six great predators, my son. Listen well, for they are the greatest threat to you and your flock. They are all lying in wait beyond that door. If you are careless, they will surely devour you.

    Beware of the tunnels and caverns that lie beneath the grass, my son. There lurks wicked Centipede, the first great predator. In hungry Darkness, she lies in wait. She will use her spittle to ensnare you and her pincers to pull you apart. Should you or your sheep fall into her grasp, use the torch I gave you. For Centipede cannot abide fire, and she will slink back to the Darkness that birthed her.

    Beware of the rivers and lakes, my son. For there waits patient Crocodile, the second great predator. They will lie by the shore, like a fallen log or moss-covered stone, till you get too close. Then will they lunge, seizing you fast and dragging you down to their watery lair. Should you or your sheep be seized in Crocodile’s jaws, use the knife I gave you. For Crocodile is lazy, and they do not wish for a fight.

    Beware the tall grass, my son. For there sleeping is mighty Serpent, the third great predator. She will sun herself there and should you tread on her, she will bite you with her deadly fangs, which are sharp as swords and twice as deadly. Should you or your sheep disturb her slumber, use the crook I gave you. For Serpent seeks only to sleep and does not need to be harmed.

    Beware the noonday sky, my son. For there soars haughty Sun Hawk, the fourth great predator. He will fly above, seeking his prey, and with spear-like beak and arrowhead talons, he will swoop down upon you and carry you off. Should you or your sheep become the prey Sun Hawk seeks, use the sling I gave you. For Sun Hawk hates the Earth and will be repulsed by its touch.

    Beware the shadows of dusk, my son. For there stalks cunning Shadow Cat, the fifth great predator. He will hunt from the shadows and pounce on you from behind. He will eat you with his teeth and claws sharp as lightning. Should you or your sheep be attacked by Shadow Cat, use the cudgel I gave you. For Shadow Cat is cowardly, and will flee at the threat of a beating.

    Beware the Moon, my son. For there hides the most evil Bat, the last great predator. Do not listen to her lies, for she does not wish to be your friend. She will swoop down upon you and seek to swallow your very soul. Should you or your sheep be threatened by the Bat, use all I gave you to fight back against her. Kill the Bat, for she is merciless and deserves no mercy in return.

    Remember my words, my son. Keep the sheep and yourself safe, for your mother is making the most wonderful stew, and you would be a fool to miss it.