Myth of Parasaphi and Nadris
| Myth of Parasaphi and Nadris | |
|---|---|
| Type | Folk tale |
| World of Origin | Roshar |
| Universe | Cosmere |
The story of Parasaphi and Nadris is a creation myth of the Makabaki people of Roshar. Navani recalls it while trying to understand Dalinar's visions.[1]
According to the story, Parasaphi was a woman whose people have been all but wiped out in a Desolation, while Nadris was a man, perhaps her partner, on his deathbed. In order to preserve her people, Parasaphi climbed the peaks of Dara to find Seedstones, stones touched by the Heralds. She collected them and brought them down to Nadris, then harvested his seed to bring life to the stones. Ten children sprang out and with them, Parasaphi founded the nation of Marnah.[1]
Per this myth, the Makabaki are all descended from Parasaphi's children. However, in the modern day, it's unclear which mountain range corresponds to the peaks of Dara, as several possibilities have been put forth by various scholars.[1]
Considering that humans aren't originally from Roshar, it's possible that Dara and Marnah are locations on Ashyn. The myth might've gotten altered over the ages as this was forgotten, substituting some ancient wars and gods of the Makabakis' ancestors for Desolations and Heralds.
Trivia
The idea of stone or stone-like objects coming to life like Parasaphi's children is common in real-life mythologies, most famously in the story of Pygmalion.