Swirling Mist Isle - Beliefs and Legends

The Golden MerPony

Actually existed a long time ago in the distant past, but her legend has probably been embroidered over time. She was a pure gold hex Mer, body, hair and eyes, and had a beautiful singing and speaking voice. She was said to have magical abilities, and became ruler of the island ponies. She was a good and strong leader, and reigned over a long period of prosperity on the island. To this day, the MerPonies often call upon her spirit to aid them in times of difficulty, and a golden temple was built in her honour, which contains a statue of her, made from pure gold.

The Golden MerPony lived a few hundred years ago on the Swirling Mist Isles, she is a legendary figure on this island for her bravery, kindness and wisdom, and the locals see her as a Goddess who spent time with them in mortal form to guide them in the right way to live.

The Temple is indeed golden in colour although not made from solid gold but from a yellow quartzite which has golden flecks in it and glints majestically in the misty sunlight. It has several towers and stained glass windows, depicting scenes from the life of the Golden Mer. Visitors are always amazed at how large the building is inside, as from the outside it looks rather small. This is because it backs onto a cliff and the rear of the temple is hewn into the sandstone rock. It is rumoured that there is a secret passage which leads from the Temple through the rock and on beyond, but this isn't known for sure. The members of the Order of the Golden Mer are sworn to secrecy about such things. As one enters the Temple's main doors, one sees sunlight streaming in the stained glass windows that are placed high up the towers, falling upon the tiers of stone benches that lie in on the left near a central pool of clear water. This in turn encloses a small central island where the altar is. On this altar the diminuitive, pure golden statue of the Golden Mer used to reside, but since it was stolen some months previously, the space for it remains empty. A narrow stone path leads across the water to the altar, used only by the temple staff.

Off this first room to the right is a second, dominated by a large quartzite pillar, named the Pillar of Contemplation, which is one of the holiest objects in the faith of the Golden Mer because it was the pillar beneath which Krysanthe was found as a foal, wrapped in a blanket woven with magic, and where she returned to die many years later. The pillar has an open area around it to allow worshippers to mingle. A few bunches of colourful flowers are placed at its base. Further outwards around the room are a few stone benches, to allow visitors to sit in quiet contemplation. On the far wall hangs the plaque of the Jac Treaty of Unity. This plaque is a record of the agreement forged by Krysanthe between the Jac'Uzzi and Jac'Spa tribes of Merponies to live in peace. Sunlight filters in through the stained glass windows, the roof is arched high overhead so that one can see right up to the highest point of the central tower.

The office for the head Druid Veronica is found just off the Pillar room, tucked into the corner of the Temple. Beyond the Central Altar room lies a room specially for making offerings to the Golden Merpony. A large golden statue of her is here too, only this is not made of solid gold. Many flowers, fruits and other offerings are laid at its base, for the living or for those who have passed to the Celestial Sea, which is what the Mers of this Isle call Heaven. Toward the rear of the Temple can be found the Golden Naming room for the naming ceremonies which all foals aged around 12 yrs undergo.

A staircase which allows access to higher levels of the Temple is also tucked away at the rear of the temple. Beside these is an extensive Archive of documents relating to the history of the Isle and the Golden Mer. There is also a creche for foals and a pool so that their parents can enjoy the services whilst keeping their noisy offspring entertained.

All these rooms have stained glass windows, providing a continuity of design through the structure. The floors are made of stone and hence the Temple always feels cool no matter how hot it is outdoors.

Floor plan of the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple by night

Classes and Ranks of the Order of the Golden Mer