Lore:Akha

Akha is a Khajiiti deity mentioned in some Pre-ri'Datta traditions, who was also known as the First Cat, the Pathfinder, and the One Unmourned. Early in his existence, Akha explored the heavens and his trails became the "Many Paths", forming myriad kingdoms. As he was also the favored son of Ahnurr, he followed his father's advice to find love and mated across the corners of the world with beings from distant lands, including the Winged Serpent of the East, the Dune Queen of the West, and the Mother Mammoth of the North, resulting in numerous wayward children. However, he vanished after heading south and was never seen again. Alkosh appeared in his place and warned of the things Akha had made along the Many Paths, keeping a faithful watch over his children, "for they are both terrible and kind".

Among the offspring of Akha, Alkhan is the most well-known. As the immortal firstborn son of Akha, he yearns for his princely crown, born of a demon of fire and shadow.

A pre-ri'Datta text The Bladesongs of Boethra recounts the story of Boethra, who recalls Akha exiling her to the Many Paths. However, new writings after Rid-Thar-ri'Datta's reforms do not mention Akha, along with Alkosh, Alkhan, and all the Children of Akh in that context. Amidst this confusion, Boethra questioned her identity as the Daughter of Blades, wondering if it had all been a long dream of someone she never knew.

NotesEdit

• 1.

  The Wandering Spirits recounts the tale of Akha, who fathered offspring with the Winged Serpent, Mother Mammoth, and Dune Queen. Upon Akha's vanishing in the South, Alkosh "was granted rule over the myriad kingdoms of Akha along the Many Paths", and would watch over Akha's children. However, they rebelled against Alkosh, only for Khenarthi to restore him afterward. Together, they now oversee them. The term "wayward children of Alkosh" was used by Clan Mother Tadali, a leader of a temple dedicated to Khenarthi, to describe dragons. Moreover, the dragon Nahfahlaar referred to Alkosh as his father.

• Alkosh is also given the sobriquet "First Cat".
• In the Dunmeri myth From Exile to Exodus, there is mention of Azura's spell, the song, which includes the name of Akha among others: "UR DRA AMATHRA! FU ROZ ISA MAL AKHA."