Lethean, Goddess of Oblivion and Destruction, and the Final War
by Tarnos
Some of the ideas here may contradict those of my previous paper, however, as I stated in my previous paper, these opinions are subject to change pending new or more accurate information. The same is true with this document.
I will begin this paper by correcting any false assumptions that I made in my first paper. In "The Higher Gods and the Pillars of Destruction" I stated that the Pillars of Destruction where magical devices of destruction created by Necromancers during a war. I would like to correct this. While I still hold that the pillars are magical devices of destruction, I do not think that they were created by the Necromancers. These objects are not meant to be used in wars, but to end reality. I also stated that Aristotle was at war with the Lethean. While this is true, the war being fought is not a direct war, but rather, a cold war of hope. This idea may confuse some of you so I will elaborate a little later in the paper. In my first paper I also indirectly stated that Lethean was an active goddess. She is not. I will explain this latter also.
After my first paper was released many of you pointed out that there are only 16 gods in the Aether and the creator. Since no one has ever heard of Lethean she must not exist. If we go back we will realize that there was a point in time when there were only 13 gods in the Aether. Belphagore, Kylamane, and Herastia are rather young, compared with Set or Vishnu. I doubt anyone would dare say that these gods do not exist. Yet, at one point they were unknown. To this some might argue that yes they were unknown, however, they made themselves known, why does Lethean not do likewise? This a valid question, but one that can only relate to a lower god. The reason that lower gods seek to increase their flock is in preparation for the final war. The role of the higher gods is different. Aristotle is the creator, he did his part. Lethean is the destroyer, she has yet to do her part. Just as Aristotle created everything without followers, because he had not created people yet. So to does Lethean not need followers to destroy reality. Why does Lethean not try to destroy reality, if that is her role? She can do nothing at the moment, because our world is in perfect natural harmony, we are protected from her wrath. To this statement clerics might say, how do you know that the world is in perfect natural harmony? Simple, if both sides, good and evil, are waiting for the final war when will they begin? When one side is weaker, for only a fool would attack a foe knowing full well that the chances of losing or winning are the same for both of them. If the world is in harmony, how does that protect us from Lethean? It protects us in that she knows that Aristotle's creation is perfect. Everyone has the ability to chose their own ethos, or have an equal chance of being allotted an ethos. What many people fail to realize is that the final war will not only end the struggle in the Aether, it will destroy the natural harmony of everything. How do we measure good or evil? By what the gods dictate. How do the gods decide what is good? By seeing which actions are most beneficial to the majority of the people for most of the time. No one can argue that if there was no crime we would be better off. For if we knew that no one would commit any offence against us, large or small, we could all have a better social system. After the war ends what will happen? A new set of good gods and evil gods will be established from the winning side. Thus creating a false ethos. Let us assume that the good side wins. The traditional evil has been destroyed, yet, the means of evaluating evil still exists. Vishnu might claim that Herastia is now an evil god for inventions can be used to inflict harm. So another war will emerge within the winning side. Even then it will not end. When two gods remain, each is pushing their platform of belief above the other god. Eventually these last gods will fight until there is only one god left. So, where does Lethean come in? She enters after the first part of war has ended, if there is a winning side. Just because the gods fight does not mean that it is the final war. They might have several mock wars until the real one. After the final war has ended, seeing that Aristotle's creation is lopsided, either too good or too evil, she will release her power from the Pillars of Destruction, engulfing everything that has been. If the gods of the Aether know that Lethean will destroy them and all of reality, why do they fight? Because they must. Every god must fight as hard as they can to try to put their platform above the others so that no one will cheat. Imagine what would happen if the gods agreed to only use 50% of their power, what do you think will happen? Gethsemane would break his promise, take as much power as he can, and then attack the other gods. He is the god of deceit after all. Although the gods are superior to us, the fate of reality ultimately lays upon our shoulders. For a god gains strength through his flock, if everyone suddenly turned good or evil, the balance will be tipped, the war will begin and Lethean will let slip her anger. This is why the war between the higher gods is a war of hope. Lethean hopes that we will be foolish in our decision, while Aristotle hopes that we will not. This is also the reason why some might worship her. Those that worship Chronos believe that events are predestined, therefor, it would be quite easy for a group to believe that instead of Chronos finding a way to free us from fate, Lethean will ultimately destroy everything. A doomsday sect if you will. When taken in this context, they are not worshiping nothing, but rather, the inevitable, as they see it. Perhaps, in their own way, trying to bring about the end faster by their actions. So what happens to the higher gods once reality has been destroyed? Who knows, maybe they will start anew. Maybe, tired of the stress of looking over a world, they will just play a good old game of chess.
