Krieg
| Krieg | |
|---|---|
| File:TECT God of War.jpg Artist depiction of Krieg. | |
| Angel of War & Generalship. | |
| Symbol | Giant red shield, volcanoes, infernos. |
| Parent(s) | Erde |
| Siblings | Himmel, Hölle, Meer, and Natur. |
| Children | Sieg, Schlacht, Ermorden, the Commoner White Wolf. |
| Translation | Krieg comes from the German word for War and Warfare. It is pronounced in both German and English as [Cree-g]. It was used so much that Commoners interpreted it as a deity as well as the meaning for war, from which the Angel was conceived. |
| Affiliation | Engel Generation, Big Four. |
| Abode | Mount Krieg |
| Mantra | "Crushing hammer, piercing spear, feel my burning wrath - so saith the Angel of war!" |
| Weapon | The Sturm War Hammer, Feurig Battle Spear, Eisen Wand Shield, and glorious holy flames of righteousness. |
| Consort | Natur (rape) and others. |
Krieg [Cree-g] (literally translated as "War" in english) is the Commoner Angel of War, often associated with military valor, volcanoes, fire, and generalship; Krieg is not to be mistaken for Schlacht, the Angel of Battle and son to Krieg. As the Angel of War, Krieg is the Commoner personification of warfare and military strategy, the physical valor necessary for success in war, and military affairs in Commoner Mythology; some depictions go further and describe Krieg as an Angel of rage and destruction, a trait more well known among his offspring. Krieg was the last born child from Erde, joining his other siblings who eventually became known as the "Big Four", or the four deities born from Erde who's power trumps all others - the Big Four would then give birth to the Engel Generation of Commoner deities.
Popularized throughout history thanks to warfare, worship, and modern media, Krieg is among the most well known godly figures in TECT Mythology. The earliest mentioning of Krieg dates back to the Royal Civilization, where prayer and offerings would bring favor to those Krieg sided with. Although well respected for military valor, Krieg was despised for bringing conflict to the world and ensuring war was never extinguished on Earth - this included starting new conflicts when old wars ended. Krieg became a widely worshiped deity after the Commoner Empire was established in 1,500BCE; shrines and worshipers increased as the Empire waged war after war to expand its borders. During TECT's golden age of colonization (roughly between 1700-1900), Krieg was also well worshiped in hopes the Angel would bring the Empire victory in its colonial wars. In modern times, Krieg is often worshiped as an Angel of victory; believers pray for victory in things like competitions, sports, and personal achievement because "attaining victory in (insert sport) is like war!" Historically and mythologically speaking, Krieg blurs the line between a godly warrior and a General who brings the suffering of war onto others. Tales of Krieg empowering armies to achieve great victories are used as inspiration for warriors old and new - stories that tell of Krieg's wrath, however, taint what would be Commoner Mythology's greatest military officer. Among the darker deeds by Krieg include mass-murder, genocide, destruction on an enormous scale, and the slaughtering of countless innocent civilians. What isn't in question, however, is Krieg's influence and power in Commoner Mythology. With strength so mighty, Krieg levels entire cities and continents; a holy inferno fueled by rage, Krieg's pure white flame can scorch the entire world if enraged enough. Krieg's power is so feared that common lore states that whenever the ground shakes after thunder, Krieg has smashed his enemy into dust with his war hammer, giving birth to the Commoner saying "Krieg's Wrath, Earth Smashed."
Krieg is often the subject of disagreement when he is referred to as being the fifth child of Erde. Although he is the fifth born child, many do not consider him a "big four" child since they were born before Krieg and for very different reasons/purposes; most modern experts and followers include him in the group and typically align him as the fifth of the Big Four, he symbolized Erde's greed and blood thirst that was so powerful that it manifested into an entirely new deity. Krieg is symbolized as the bringer of conflict and the master of warfare; he is said to be both physically powerful and a military genius. Also amongst his attributes, the element of fire is well known to be wielded by Krieg; it is often interpreted as a sign of destruction, as in the burning of entire cities, that Krieg began to be associated with fire. Krieg is often characterized as an eight foot tall man in mortal form and the size of a small skyscraper while in his godly form (like all of his generation); he is detailed as being fully dressed in glowing golden battle armor with a ragged red cape and red tailed helmet. Krieg is often told to posses many weapons; his main weapon, the Sturm (Thunder) War Hammer is almost longer then he is and has a dual headed end. It delivers such powerful blows that the ground shakes and the sky is filled with echoing thunder. His other weapon, the Feurig Battle Spear, is a mid length battle spear infused with intense fiery heat that is used to scorch his enemies from within when thrown or stabbed; it's said to be so hot that it becomes glowing red with intense heat, burning his opponent even without a direct hit. Krieg's shield, the Eisen Wand (Iron Wall) shield, is used for defense but is also used as an offensive weapon.
Ancient Commoners wrote entire volumes based on Krieg; down to his weapons and personality, many authors had simply added onto the original myth of a tall hansom golden armored warrior that thirst for conflict. Historians will often explain this large fascination on the fact that ancient Commoners were largely a warrior civilization; the battlefield and its soldiers were often the source of inspiration for many mythological writers. Krieg is often split from his earlier image to his later image; his earlier image was more raw and had more myth to it, while his newer image had more to do with his battle stats. Historians will however combine the two as one entire entity.
History & Origin
Krieg was born from Erde as the final child of the original Engel Generation; being born last, he is commonly debated as being the fifth wheel in the "Big Four" ranking. Regardless of his birth; he was of equal power and influence as were his siblings, though more powerful usually then Erde's later children. Krieg was born when Erde, in hopes to create a child who both understood humans and represent human nature, used parts of his own body and soul to give birth to Krieg. Erde was more then surprised when Krieg emerged from a large fireball fully dressed in his golden armor and wielding his war hammer.
Krieg, the fifth wheel once born, was despised by his siblings; his father felt disappointment and angst for creating such a deity. Many scholars will argue that Erde felt disappointment in humanity as they were represented by a god of war and not one of peace. Since his birth, Krieg influenced every conflict since that humanity has fought, even to the point that he started wars for the sake of fighting. Taking interest in the Royal Civilization, Krieg admired their fighting spirit and drive for power. As the god of war he would bless the soldiers in combat and would often disguise himself to join the ranks; artwork based on the Maximus Forelis' military campaign were later seen to have hidden key mythological figures, such as Krieg, where the author added them in unnoticeable spots or with clever painting styles.
During the Commoner Civil War, Krieg took with both sides in the beginning; he blessed both sides with perks and gave favor to those he saw best waging war. After Maximus Forelis' invasion deep into enemy territory, Krieg took interest in the Forelis brothers -- particularly Antony Forelis. Krieg was said to have personally appeared to Antony after his second battle -- giving him personal favor and blessing him. Krieg also gave him a golden war spear, which appears in some literature after Antony was said to have met with Krieg. Krieg would later appear before Maximus, giving him the same blessing and a gift -- a golden sword; it is also written that Krieg fought alongside both brothers as he influenced the Empire's war path even after the war for establishment had been won. Many scholars will thank Krieg because they believe Krieg's influence allowed TECT to become the power it is today. Krieg has since been said to influence TECT through blessing its military and granting protection to it. Krieg is so popular in the Commoner military that there are places of worship for the Angel on many bases; there has also been countless military technologies that have been named after him.
Consorts & Children
According to accounts, Krieg has mostly bore children from animal life and mortal women. As the Angel of greed, Krieg is known for his lust for power and control; he particularly favors young women (usually between the ages of thirteen and twenty-six). Among his exploits in lust, Krieg has laid with a bull, a horse, a buffalo, a wolf, and even cougars. His luck in not impregnating many of his consorts amazes both gods and Commoners alike; giving rise to the phrase "Krieg's Luck" when referring to pregnancy (not to be mistaken when used for warfare; also, its more then poetic/moral fall). Krieg is the father of plenty of children however and of varying species of life. The White Wolf of TECT is actually said to be the result of a night of lust between Krieg and the mythical dog women Harriet; the two would create a new species of wolf that was said to be the size of small elephants. Today's white wolf species, however larger then average they are for wolf species, are still not near the size they are described as in mythical lore.
Krieg has also birthed Angels and Heroes alike. Krieg's first Angel child, Schlacht, Angle of Battle and Rage (often called Demonism), was born from the rape of Natur, who only gave birth because she loves all life regardless of the foundation. Krieg rapped his older sister once more later on and she gave birth to Ermorden, Angle of the act of Manslaughter, Terror, and Murder. These two often accompanied Krieg on the battlefield, his first born acting as his weapon master strategist and his second son acting as a front line homicide machine (not very ironic considering his name). Sieg, who is often said to be either the first or last child born into godhood, is said to be amongst the most powerful of Krieg's offspring. His egotistical wrath and unmatched heavenly abilities resembled that of the wrath from heaven. Sieg is the only Angel born from Krieg who acts on his own accord; often very independent from his father.
Heroes were also born from affairs (and other tricks) with mortals as demigods; Krieg has birthed many demigods but few ever made it to the level of Hero, or demigod of great achievement and power. Such Heroes were Matthias the Swordsmen, Dieter of the Spear, and Marcel the Unmovable. Krieg is also the father of the great beast hunter Klaus Schwartz, a demigod who achieved godhood by hunting and killing mythical beasts (amongst other challenges).
Attributes & Epithets
Krieg is often characterized with the results of warfare around the world. As the god of war, Krieg is attributed to the act of warfare and the consequences that follow; victory or not, death and suffering after conflict are usually blamed on Krieg; Krieg is the personification of warfare and war violence, even so, his children are often the worst of offenders in terms of war violence. Translated into English, Krieg literally means "warfare"; it is also linked to the terms "to fight", "Conflict", and "Bane". Historians often characterize the word Krieg as, "The act of war, fighting, conflict, and bane. To literally fight can be said to "Wage Krieg against another" or "Suffer my burning Bane". But Commoners for centuries have used and characterized this word as both to wage war and to personify warfare to Krieg, the Commoner god of war." The children of Krieg were often mistaken for Krieg for their actions. Although Krieg is responsible for war and its results; Krieg's children represent aspects of war that Krieg is responsible for. Ermorden was of the violence of war and Schlacht was for the representation of battle; as examples, these two represented aspects of warfare that Krieg causes but not directly.
Krieg is often linked to wolves because of their strength, loyalty, and because he is the father of the White Wolf species of wolves. Flames and fire are also part of Krieg's personification; often personifying the revenge, bane, and pure rage that is linked to him. These flames were often depicted as being controlled by emotion rather then skill and displayed his humanistic tendencies to feel rage and pure anger. Fighting and other conflicts (such as war) is the main feature of Krieg's personality; he enjoys both causing and waging war -- he also toke/takes pleasure in assisting one side or the other during times of war. As the Angel of greed, Krieg was often greedy when it came to anything. When he fought he fought to win absolutely; as a lover, he raped and took the pleasure for himself, and as a living creature he burned or destroyed anything that crossed him without so much a second thought. The cold nature of Krieg was often described as greedy, but that greed led to many things such as anger and destruction. These many aspects to the Commoner god of war have made scholars believe in the fact that Krieg is the chief representative of the human element and the true representation of human greed as well as human wrath.
Hymns
Alphonse Hymn, "Wrath of the War God" Epic (12th Century BCE)
"Fire and wrath, may you heed his call, the Angel of War howls in bloody rage. Hungry for war, quick to draw, may Sturm shake the earth and Feurig scorch its victims and Eisen Wand hold thy foe. Shine of gold and flame, rage or thirst, may the war god strike with bloody echo. Master of the horse, wielder of any weapon, commander of flames of war, bringer of destruction and terror, conqueror of the land, planter of war and harvester of battle, of the golden armor and red cloth, blood be his drink and war his food; he is Krieg, Angel of war and he thirsts for the challenges of battle. Absolute thirst for great conflict, he takes anyone and everyone on; he strikes with the hammer and aims with his spear, he scorches with his flames and commands the wolves who prowl the earth and conquers whatever, or whoever, he wishes. He is the Angel of war, fear his strength, his hammer, his spear, and his flames, above all, fear his bloody rage filled wrath."
Fredrick II Hymn, "Plague of War" Epic (10th Century BCE)(Based on the fall of the ancient city of Hillbard)
"Fire and rubble, death and plague. Follow he by the strings of fate, bows and swords drawn, horses stampede and spears drawn. Bodies spread about, gashed and stabbed, burned and maimed, and limbs separated. Homes ablaze and buildings destroyed, rubble and fallen, the taller the harder the crumble. Hillbards armies fallen, soldiers dead, prisoners executed and tortured, Hillbard's gates thrown open. Hillbard is ablaze, its people and armies dead, and land taken; Commoner greed and warpath lead them be. Krieg the war Angel lead them be."
Other Accounts
Krieg has been displayed throughout Commoner history, myth, and historical accounts. Krieg, being an important figure in accounts to warfare -- he is mentioned countless times in ancient stories as non-fiction appearances as well as modern writings that either display him or analogy to him. Krieg is mentioned much in the Commoner Civil War and other conflicts, past or present. He is also present in other important topics throughout Commoner history.
Commoner Civil War
Krieg, during the Commoner Civil War, was heavily pressured by Himmel and an assortment of allies to join the side of the Royal Civilization (not Maximus and his Commoner Empire); Himmel and others disliked the new turn of politics and sided with the old ways -- utterly afraid of changing tides which threatened followers and (what they thought) threatened mortal life altogether. Krieg, however, had grown interested in the Forelis brothers and admired their strength and resolve; he also hated the idea of siding with them, seeing them doing nothing more than a stale dog pile. What's more, Krieg wanted the challenge and the pleasure of conquering lands, which he saw doing better under the Commoners. Krieg eventually declared his favor for the Commoners, stating to his opponents that he "favored the mortal man Maximus and Antony. They have the stomach for battle that none of you dare desire and my flames speak for them. Let there be a Commoner Empire!"
Krieg later personally (according to writing accounts) fought on the Commoner side; he was said to have hidden amongst Commoner troops disguised as one of them (shape-shifting); He took fight to the enemy with his hammer which stood out heavily. Erde had declared that no god shall fight in battle with or for humans, even if they had toned down their efforts. Krieg obliged but still heavily supported the Commoners by providing blessings and other favors. His siblings and other Angels, angered and frustrated at both Krieg and their inefficiency to winning the war. Himmel, and other minor Angels, ambushed Krieg away from the fighting in order to pressure him from further support to the Commoners. Surrounded, he is said to have laughed and gave a bloody howl that frightened even the oldest amongst the Angels. He pulled his war hammer from his shoulder and dared them to force him. Fearing a fight, the minor Angels backed off but Himmel stood his ground. The resulting fight shook the earth, blackened the sky, and burned forests down; mountains were crushed and many life forms died. Both were evenly matched but Himmel eventually backed off, being considerably weakened compared to Krieg who was covered in blood gave a wicked smile, he was more than satisfied with the fight. Still hungry for conflict after his big fight, Krieg chased and hunted down one of the allies using his wolves; Luftzug, the Angel of Wind and the Breeze, was his unfortunate victim. Krieg beat him so vigorously that the winds turned chilly cold months causing wind chill; Krieg displayed his victim, barely alive, on the tallest mountain for Himmel to see.
This story (according to scholars) displays the war god's mighty strength and blood crazed personality. "Through a massive beating, covered in golden blood, and heavily injured even for an immortal -- Krieg was able to hold off Himmel and a group of minor gods. Even after, Krieg hunted down Luftzug and nearly killed the immortal -- who stood little chance against the older and much more powerful god. It should never be forgotten that Krieg's strength is mighty and his hunger bottomless."
Commoner Involvement in the Ceti Civil War, 1940-80's
During the 1960's, TECT moved interest to the Ceti continent in order to win influence and land; the end dream was another, more profitable colony in the Cornellian region that was all of Ceti. Commoner forces first made landfall in eastern Ceti (modern Arbites Materia) with support from the New Ceti Party. Areas such as western Ceti (modern Adiron), came under attack influentially by Commoner forces as time passed; all with the intention of making he entire continent a Commoner colony. Using modern equipment, military forces, and foreign influence -- the Commoners set garrison to the Tau City, the scene of the largest fighting in the Commoner influenced portion of the conflict. The Commoner garrison was eventually forced to leave the country after a major battle with the Adir Mountain Council, which forced the Commoners into a strategic disadvantage.
Krieg played a part in fighting during the time Commoners took foot in the country. Krieg blessed Commoner troops and personally bombed (using his spear) opponents; Krieg brought the destruction and war to most of Ceti, leaving the affects of war behind. He lost interest, mainly because this was a political and diplomatic issue, he still blessed Commoner troops and played havoc when possible on native forces. When time came that blessing was not enough, Commoners were in a deep struggle to hold Tau City; through personal involvement and blessings, he along with the Commoners forced back the Cetans. Although he won the fight, strategically he could not win; he looked at the situation and bit his lip; the final straw was the loss of Tau City International Airport. Krieg was said to have whispered in the Commoner commander to retreat from the city. Although he won the battle, Krieg lost the war; he was so angry that he made a promise. "Soon or later -- I shall come back. You shall hear my thunder and feel my burning wrath. Fear for the day that I and my children return -- Commoners be willing too shall come. Do not swing thy pinky at me mortals for you do not wish to earn the wrath of the Angel of War." (Christopher Hamper "The Ceti Event" Epic)