Objects usually play a secondary role in history, and are at best a tool in the right hands. Sometimes, however, certain items develop a history of their own and reach fame no lower than many characters. That is the case with the Crown of the East, about which I will tell you today. It began in the early days of our people…
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Twelve Islands, early Era I
The origins of the Crown, even though vaguely described by old writing, are largely surrounded by mystery. What is certain is that it was created for Hasan Bantar, a famous military commander of what would become the Admiralate. However, it is not known when exactly it was created, or which craftsman is responsible for it. In any case, it was an exceptionally ornamented battle helmet, ordered by the general himself in order to become clearly distinguishable from his own soldiers and other commanders. He used it until the end of his work.
After Hasan died, his helmet was forgotten by most, and would lie somewhere in the military facilities for over three centuries, only sometimes assessed by one of the commanders. It was in the year 502 of the First Era that this changed. Admiral Gonner Laetar discovered the artifact while inspecting the military training camp in the capital of the country. He decided it could not simply remain hidden, as he deemed it very valuable. And so, he named it Crown of Honor and decided to grant it to an experienced commander, Hontem Farra, and bestow upon him the title of Honorable Commander. The title would then be passed by the Admiral from one general to another, along with the helmet that symbolized the honor. That is, until one Honorable Commander broke the chain…
Twelve Islands and Revenith, years 56-58 of Era II
And that one is well known: it was none other than General Nyther. After the unfortunate incident and being banished for life, he decided to at least keep the helmet. The Admiral was against it, but failed to keep guard and Nyther departed towards the unknown with the Crown in his hands. After the Arrival, he did not use it much during the war, as he did not want to invoke negative connotations in Rayoh’s men. However, once the fighting was over and Nyther became the first Emperor, he decided to return to using the helmet as the symbol of his power. In order to indicate the change in the situation and his own title, he ordered two Southerner craftsmen to reshape and redecorate the item. He also gave it a new name – Crown of the East. It was later used by Rayoh and numerous other Emperors, until early Era III, when the incumbent ruler decided to put it in the palace museum due to fear of excessive deterioration, and replaced it with a more usual crown.
The Crown of the East has gone through many events, and its way was almost as long as the one our people took in order to arrive where they are now. Despite not being used for a long time, it still has a place in people’s consciousness. This is the end of this lecture, thank you.
Aedilër 