The separation of the world, Esus and Tarwos 

In the ages’ before the world became three, and when forests grew from horizon to horizon, the world was inhabited by the first people. Together, these two tended its groves, filled with purpose and spurred by companionship. But in the end, they knew that as long as their time together was, which itself was immeasurable, one of their lives was as fleeting as the washing waves or rushing rains.

During the long summer days, Esus and Tarwos tended the world and its groves; and during the dark winters, they rested with their family in the sky, who would keep them company from above. However, one summer, the winter arrived, but no family could be seen. The sky was darker than they had ever seen. After travelling the deep dark forests for days and seeing no sky, they decided they would take a closer look. Climbing as high up into the canopy as possible, they reached for the sky, but instead of the cool night's air, they felt twisting branches. They had not kept all the trees as they should.

Quickly they followed the branches back to the source of the growth, and there, at the centre of it all, was a tree they instantly knew to be Drus, the World Tree. Having not encountered a tree so large or so sacred, they meditated at the base under its broad boughs for many cycles. Whilst meditating here, they learned many things, such as the true form of the world and what was to come.

When they returned to this world, they realised that the forest suffered greatly without the sun or the night sky. But surely the growth of Drus was a good thing? How could they decide whether the forest was worth more than the World Tree?

Finally, the wisest of the companions spoke. “Esus, I see you struggle. On the one hand, it is clear that Drus is a magnificent thing, but to allow the whole forest to suffer for the growth of one, even as great as they? It goes against our charge.”

“But Tarwos, how can I harm one such as Drus? What of my hands? Will I not be sullied by this action?” Esus queried.

“Yes, this action will leave a mark on you. So take up your axe for one final swing after the deed to make good your act. Free my soul from my body, and allow me to rejuvenate the forest. For I am as fleeting as the washing waves or rushing rains, and just as the moon waxes and wanes, so shall I, old friend.”

“If it must be. I shall see you again, my stalwart friend.”

And with this, Esus cleared Drus, separating the canopy from its trunk above, and its roots from the trunk below, creating the world in three as we know it now. As this happened, the light returned, and cycles resumed, but the dry forest stagnated and froze, and growth had halted. Then, following the final solemn swing of Esus’ axe, spirit poured from Tarwos’ titanic body, and life sprung forth, more vibrant for love held between friends and the sacrifice given. The gift given flowed freely and fast, and soon it flooded the world and filled the earth deeply. Then, after filling the soil, it pooled in that space left below Esus’ final cut of Drus, welling below the great tree and joining together this world and that new world below.

Now that the land had been rejuvenated, the forest sprang back to life. For between these two, they held the secrets and sustenance they needed, all the food, medicine and fibre to thrive in the world, and now too shall those who inhabit this new middle world, Bitus, as the spirit of abundance, given freely, from Tarwos turned the world into a paradise.

As the final longing tear of Esus hit the ground, Esus noticed three cranes wading together in the waters, which all caught a glowing thing each. Then, with the fast beating of their wings, they flew to the west and dipped by the horizon. Soon after, from below the horizon, a silver body, perfect in all ways, rose and danced in the night sky. And just as the sphere waxed and waned in the sky before Him, Esus knew that his old companion was there to keep Him company on nights long and lonely.