from Zariste’s Concise Guide to World Religions

Long ago, back in the Age of Gods when gods walked amongst their followers, in the far, far north lived a powerful elvish lady with hair the color of icicles in a snow cave and eyes the color of the sky above the tundra. Every winter, the arctic elf left her palace of ice and snow to travel the frozen world and became known as Lady Winter.

On her travels, Lady Winter delighted boys and girls by creating living creatures of ice and snow to enjoy for the rest of winter. Many years, Lady Winter would take orphans or children unloved by their families back to her palace at the end of winter. She would kiss them to grant them protection from the cold in her land then gave them a duty for the rest of their days, like arranging pieces of ice or tending snow creatures.

One winter, Lady Winter collected a girl with wheat-colored hair and green eyes, who unbeknownst to Lady Winter was not an ordinary girl but a manifestation of the Goddess. After kissing the girl, Lady Winter told her to gather all the snow bees, the living snowflakes throughout Lady Winter’s land.

To Lady Winter’s surprise, the girl gathered all the snow bees, but unlike other children, it only took the girl a day rather than a lifetime. So Lady Winter gave the girl a second task: lead the snow bees to the farthest ice garden. Again, the girl completed her task in a day. Lady Winter gave the girl a third task: train the snow bees to ice skate. This too the girl accomplished in a day.

Lady Winter asked, “How could you finish your tasks so swiftly, girl? What duty can I find you to last the rest of your days?”

“I already have a duty,” the girl replied before transforming into her true form. “I am the Goddess, and I control the cycle of life and hold dominion over land.”

Lady Winter eyed the Goddess. “And why have you come to my realm disguised as a child?”

The Goddess beamed. “I am searching for four worthy ladies to embody the seasons. Gifting hope and love to children amid the darkness of winter is worthy indeed.”

Lady Winter inclined her head. “I thank you for your kind words, but my purpose is already fixed, and I cannot accept another.”

“Your purpose would remain the same, only expanded to include all of life. And if you become my winter queen, you shall be eternal. Think how many more children you would help over your infinite lifespan.” The Goddess swirled a hand to create a mirror of light. “Take a look.”

Lady Winter peered into the glowing mirror. “So I see.” She drew a deep breath. “Very well, I accept your offer.”

The Goddess drew back her hands until the glowing mirror grew into a door. “Then step into the light to be reborn as the Winter Queen.”

Lady Winter stepped into the glowing door and disappeared along with the light. Naught was seen of her until the following winter solstice. At the darkest of the longest night, a blinding light appeared in the heart of the Goddess’s Great Temple in Oress, and the Winter Queen emerged.

Her expression exultant, the Winter Queen genuflected to the Goddess then handed her a butterfly of ice and light. “A gift for you, my goddess.”

The Goddess smiled at the beautiful creation fluttering in her palm. “Thank you, daughter. I shall treasure it always.” She raised her voice to address her priests, “Henceforth, the winter solstice shall be known as Longnight and shall celebrate new beginnings and the gifts of hope and love.”

And so, the Winter Queen came into being. Like in her past life, she travels the frozen world, but now she gifts all with hope and love. Although on occasion, she still transports unwanted children back to her palace at the end of winter and gives them a home for the rest of their days.