Path To Nowhere

This novel draws inspiration from a diverse array of mythologies and legends spanning cultures and eras. The following is an overview of several mythological frameworks that are referenced throughout the story. This aims to provide context for the mythological elements within the novel. Please note that while we strive for accuracy and respect, some creative liberties may be taken to enhance the narrative with the creation of some mythos and the addition of modern mythos.

The Lovecraftian mythos, created by H.P. Lovecraft explores cosmic horror and ancient, powerful entities. Central figures include Cthulhu, Nyarlathotep, and Azathoth. These beings exist beyond human comprehension and often embody existential dread and madness. Yoruba mythology from Nigeria features deities known as Orishas, including Olodumare (the supreme god), Ogun (the god of iron), and Shango (the god of thunder). Their tales involve complex interactions with humanity and each other, often explaining natural phenomena and cultural traditions. Similarly, Igbo mythology, also from Nigeria, includes deities like Chukwu (the creator god), Ala (the goddess of fertility), and Amadioha (the god of thunder and justice). Stories often revolve around moral lessons and the relationship between humans and the divine.

Various tribes in Kenya have unique mythologies. The Kikuyu believe in a creator god named Ngai, who resides on Mount Kenya. Their myths often explain the origins of their people and the natural world. Zulu mythology from South Africa includes the sky god Unkulunkulu, who created humanity. Their tales often involve themes of creation, moral values, and the afterlife. The Akan people of Ghana have a rich mythology featuring gods like Nyame (the sky god) and Anansi (the trickster spider). Anansi stories, particularly, are well known for their wit and moral lessons. Ancient Egyptian mythology is renowned for its pantheon of gods, such as Ra (the sun god), Osiris (the god of the afterlife), and Isis (the goddess of magic). Their myths are closely tied to the Nile River and the afterlife. Berber mythology from North Africa includes tales of deities and spirits, like Amun (a creator god) and Anzar (a rain god). Their myths often focus on natural elements and tribal traditions.

Norse mythology is rich with gods, giants, and epic tales. Odin, Thor, and Loki are central figures. The Prose Edda and Poetic Edda are primary sources, detailing events like Ragnarök, the end of the world. Greek mythology features a pantheon of gods led by Zeus. Other notable gods include Hera, Poseidon, and Athena. Epic stories such as the Iliad and the Odyssey chronicle the exploits of gods and heroes. Roman mythology, heavily influenced by Greek myths, includes gods like Jupiter (Zeus), Mars (Ares), and Venus (Aphrodite). They also have unique tales, such as the founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus. Celtic mythology includes the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of gods and heroes. Key figures include Dagda, Lugh, and Morrigan. Their myths are often tied to natural cycles and heroic deeds.

Finnish mythology is primarily known through the Kalevala, an epic poem. It features gods and heroes like Väinämöinen, Ilmarinen, and Louhi. Their tales often involve creation and the struggle against chaos. Slavic mythology includes gods like Perun (the thunder god) and Veles (the god of the underworld). Their myths often explain natural phenomena and the human condition. Baltic mythology, from Latvia and Lithuania, features deities like Dievas (the sky god) and Laima (the goddess of fate). Their stories are deeply connected to nature and agricultural cycles. Hungarian mythology includes tales of the Turul bird and gods like Isten (the supreme being). Their myths often focus on the origins and history of the Hungarian people.

Etruscan mythology, predating Roman myths, features gods like Tinea (the sky god) and Uni (the goddess of fertility). Their tales have influenced Roman mythology significantly. Hittite mythology from ancient Anatolia includes gods like Tarhunt (the storm god) and Arinna (the sun goddess). Their myths often involve themes of kingship and natural elements. Persian mythology, particularly Zoroastrianism, includes gods like Ahura Mazda (the supreme god) and Angra Mainyu (the destructive spirit). Their myths focus on the duality of good and evil. Mesopotamian mythology from Sumer, Akkad, and Babylon includes gods like Anu (the sky god), Enlil (the god of air), and Inanna (the goddess of love and war). The Epic of Gilgamesh is a key text. Canaanite mythology includes gods like El (the supreme god) and Baal (the storm god). Their myths often explain the natural world and human society.

Hebrew mythology, primarily found in the Old Testament, includes stories of Yahweh (God) and figures like Adam, Eve, and Moses. These tales form the basis of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Pre-Islamic Arabian mythology includes gods like Hubal (a moon god) and Al-Uzza (a goddess of fertility). Their myths were largely oral and centered around natural elements and tribal life. Phoenician mythology includes deities like Melqart (god of the city of Tyre) and Astarte (goddess of fertility). Their myths are closely tied to the sea and trade.

Hindu mythology is vast, including gods like Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). Epic tales like the Mahabharata and Ramayana explore themes of duty, righteousness, and devotion. Buddhist mythology includes stories of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) and various Bodhisattvas. These tales often convey moral lessons and the path to enlightenment. Jain mythology includes tales of Tirthankaras, spiritual teachers who guide followers on the path to liberation. Their stories emphasize non-violence and asceticism. Sikh mythology includes stories of the ten Gurus and the founding of the Khalsa. These tales highlight the principles of equality, justice, and devotion to God.

Chinese mythology includes a vast array of deities, dragons, and legendary figures. The Jade Emperor, Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), and Nuwa are prominent figures. Key texts include the Classic of Mountains and Seas and Journey to the West. Japanese mythology encompasses Shinto beliefs and Buddhist influences. Key deities include Amaterasu (sun goddess), Susanoo (storm god), and Tsukuyomi (moon god). The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki are primary sources of these myths. Korean mythology includes gods like Hwanin (the sky god) and Dangun (the founder of Korea). Their myths often involve themes of creation and heroism. Vietnamese mythology includes gods like Lạc Long Quân (the dragon king) and Âu Cơ (the fairy goddess). Their myths often explain the origins of the Vietnamese people.

Filipino mythology includes deities like Bathala (the creator god) and Mayari (goddess of the moon). Their tales often involve themes of creation and natural phenomena. Thai mythology includes figures like Phra Narai (an incarnation of Vishnu) and Nang Kwak (a goddess of prosperity). Their myths often blend Hindu and Buddhist elements. Indonesian mythology includes gods like Batara Guru (the supreme god) and Dewi Sri (goddess of rice and fertility). Their myths often explain natural phenomena and cultural practices.

Polynesian mythology includes gods like Tangaroa (god of the sea) and Maui (a demigod hero). Their myths often involve themes of creation and the relationship between humans and nature. Maori mythology from New Zealand includes gods like Ranginui (the sky father) and Papatuanuku (the earth mother). Their myths often explain natural phenomena and tribal customs. Hawaiian mythology includes gods like Pele (goddess of volcanoes) and Lono (god of fertility). Their tales often explain natural elements and cultural traditions.

Aboriginal Australian mythology includes the Dreamtime stories, featuring ancestral beings who created the world. These myths are deeply connected to the land and cultural practices. Inuit mythology includes gods like Sedna (goddess of the sea) and Anguta (the father of the sea). Their myths often explain natural phenomena and survival in the Arctic environment. Navajo mythology includes gods like Changing Woman and Coyote. Their myths often involve themes of creation, moral lessons, and the natural world.

Aztec mythology includes gods like Quetzalcoatl (the feathered serpent) and Huitzilopochtli (god of war). Their myths often involve themes of creation, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of time. Maya mythology includes gods like Itzamna (the creator god) and Ix Chel (goddess of the moon). The Popol Vuh is a key text, detailing creation myths and heroic tales. Inca mythology includes gods like Viracocha (the creator god) and Inti (the sun god). Their myths often involve themes of creation and the relationship between the divine and the Inca rulers.

Mapuche mythology from Chile includes gods like Ngenechen (the supreme god) and Pillan (a powerful spirit). Their myths often explain natural phenomena and cultural practices. Guarani mythology from Paraguay includes gods like Tupa (the creator god) and Jasy Jatere (a forest spirit). Their tales often involve themes of creation and moral lessons. Arawak mythology from the Caribbean includes gods like Yocahu (the supreme god) and Atabey (goddess of fertility). Their myths often explain natural elements and cultural practices.

Taino mythology from the Caribbean includes gods like Yucahu (the god of cassava) and Atabey (goddess of freshwater). Their myths often involve themes of creation and agriculture. Carib mythology from the Caribbean includes gods like Makonaima (a creator god) and Kulimina (a goddess of the sea). Their tales often explain natural phenomena and cultural practices. Voodoo (Vodou) from Haiti includes deities known as Loa, such as Papa Legba (the gatekeeper) and Erzulie (goddess of love). Their myths often involve themes of spiritual possession and healing.

Santeria from Cuba includes deities known as Orishas, similar to those in Yoruba mythology. Key figures include Elegua (the trickster) and Oshun (goddess of love and rivers). Their tales often explain natural phenomena and cultural practices. Candomblé from Brazil includes deities known as Orixas, similar to those in Yoruba mythology. Key figures include Oxala (the creator god) and Iemanja (goddess of the sea). Their myths often involve themes of creation and the natural world.

Mesoamerican mythology, including the Olmec and Zapotec, features gods like the Feathered Serpent and the Rain God. Their myths often involve themes of creation and the relationship between humans and the divine. Andean mythology, including the Moche and Chimu, features gods like Ai Apaec (a creator god) and Si (the moon goddess). Their myths often explain natural phenomena and cultural practices.

Hopi mythology includes gods like Tawa (the sun god) and Spider-Woman (a creator figure). Their myths often involve themes of creation and the relationship between humans and nature. Cherokee mythology includes gods like Unetlanvhi (the creator god) and Kanati (the first man). Their tales often involve themes of creation and moral lessons. Iroquois mythology includes gods like Ha-wen-ne-yu (the Great Spirit) and Ga-oh (the wind god). Their myths often explain natural phenomena and cultural practices. Sioux mythology includes gods like Wakan Tanka (the Great Spirit) and Iktomi (the trickster). Their tales often involve themes of creation and the relationship between humans and nature.

Apache mythology includes gods like Ussen (the creator god) and Coyote (the trickster). Their myths often explain natural elements and cultural practices. Cree mythology includes gods like Wisakechak (the trickster) and Manitok (the Great Spirit). Their myths often involve themes of creation and moral lessons. Ojibwe mythology includes gods like Nanabozho (the trickster) and Gichi Manidoo (the Great Spirit). Their tales often explain natural phenomena and cultural practices. Algonquin mythology includes gods like Gitche Manitou (the Great Spirit) and Nokomis (the earth goddess). Their myths often involve themes of creation and the natural world.

Haida mythology from the Pacific Northwest includes gods like Raven (the trickster) and Ta'xet (god of violent death). Their tales often explain natural elements and cultural practices. Tlingit mythology from Alaska includes gods like Raven (the creator) and Sitka (the earth goddess). Their myths often involve themes of creation and the relationship between humans and nature. Coast Salish mythology from the Pacific Northwest includes gods like Xáls (the transformer) and Thunderbird. Their tales often explain natural phenomena and cultural practices.

This series is a work of fiction. It is not intended to reflect real-life situations, so please avoid interpreting it through the lens of real-world issues.

The story draws inspiration from Bloodborne, Elden Ring, and Dark Souls in general, with influences from Warhammer 40k and various other series. It also serves as an offshoot of my main series, KOTC.

Expect themes of gore, violence, crime, and a protagonist who doesn't conform to the typical "main character" mold. The world-building is deliberately unusual and filled with irregularities, as it exists in my personal fantasy realm.

Additionally, the story contains sensitive topics such as racism, slavery, and other societal issues. While there may be references to harem dynamics, there is no actual harem present.

This is a unique, unconventional fantasy, so please proceed with caution and an open mind.

And lastly there is no system, plot armour, or special gift or ability.