BOOK OF CREATION.
CHAPTER EIGHT: GWINEVA.
(1) Maeva, one time wife of Dadam, found refuge among people of Ardis where she gave birth to Gwineva the Cuckoo child, but as the child grew it was seen that she had red hair. Though all knew there were fair-haired and dark-haired people, none had ever seen anyone with red hair. Also, Strange maladies had manifested in Ardis for which the strangers were blamed; therefore, because of these things, Maeva and her child were driven out. They came to a pool near the border of Krowkasis and built a habitation of reeds, living there for many years. However, Maeva was killed by a wild beast and Gwineva was left alone, but she learned much from familiars who came to her, and so she became a sorceress.
(2) Time went by and the half-folk called Yoslings began to gather around her habitation and they thought she was a goddess and worshipped her. As her fame spread, word came to Herthew concerning the strange woman, so he sent men to find out about her and report. Gwineva knew about Herthew, but he did not know who she was or that any child of Maeva lived. When Herthew heard the report he was intrigued and sent men to escort her to him, and she came at his request. They brought her into his presence wearing a cloak of feathers and a garment
of doeskin, her hair unbraided like that of other women, falling outside the cloak almost to her knees. He was amazed at the cascade of red hair and his heart was stirred by her beauty.
(3) Herthew gave Gwineva a bower and attendants, but she preferred to be attended by Yoslings whom the people about Herthew despised. They gossiped about the strange woman, for it was seen that Yosling men freely entered her bower, yet her bearing was modest and maidenly, the Yoslings showing her every form of respect. It was the season of fruitfulness and when Herthew went to the gathering place he took Gwineva with him, but the Yoslings could not be taken there. So they remained behind, but the people removed them. When they
arrived at the gathering place and Gwidon saw Gwineva, he was startled, for he had seen such a woman in the darkened waters; but he welcomed her and was surprised at her wisdom and skill at sorcery. When the time came for Gwidon to prophesy and all who came to hear him were gathered about, they became apprehensive, for his coming forth was delayed and the moon began to disappear, eaten away by the blackness of the night. Then, when they started to jostle and flee there was a great shout and Gwidon appeared; as he did, a great fire sprang
up on either side of him. The people remained, for each was rooted to the place where he stood. Gwidon spoke at length, telling them that the night sky sign heralded a new era. That as the moon grew again in brightness, so should their race wax strong and virile, spreading wide across the face of the Earth, driving lesser races before them. That a son of Herthew would lead their sons out of Krowkasis, and his sons and their sons would continue westwardly, towards Hesperis, meaning Land of Spirits. That there they would meet their final
destiny. He told them that there would be a great bloodletting, when brother would fight with brother and father with son, but that this would be the planting of the centre pole around which the framework for the structure of their race would be woven. He said, "I shall go before the vanguard in spirit".
(4) Later, Herthew asked Gwidon to cast the omensticks and read the ashes, as he wished to know things concerning Gwineva. This Gwidon did, telling him that she was his fatemate, one destined to be his wife; that she was indeed a true maiden and he would not be foreridden. He said, "She acts as she does through innocence and not through brashness". But what Gwidon told Herthew was no more than a grain in the grainsack among all that which he knew and saw.
(5) When Herthew returned to his homesite he paid court to Gwineva and asked her to marry him, and this she consented to do after one year. The people, hearing what was intended, were displeased and murmured against the marriage, saying it was unseemingly for their king to marry a sorceress and one strange in so many ways. Also, there was a custom forbidding the intermingling of blood, but there was no doubt as to what she was, some thinking she was one who could be acceptable.
(6) Gwineva was not the bloodkin of Herthew, so as the marriage would not be incestuous Gwineva decided she would say nothing of their relationship, for she was in love with him and love is ever ready to make excuses.
(7) Yet, despite her knowledge and wisdom her heart was full of fears because of her background, but she displayed none of her anxieties. She did not feel at ease among the people, but never asked that the Yoslings be allowed back. She tried to become acceptable by ministering to the sick with simples and remedies, but the more she cured and healed the more people feared her, and fearing they shunned her, except they were in dire need of her help.
(8) However, Herthew remained firm in his resolve to marry, though many advised that if he simply took Gwineva as a concubine or as something less than a wife, it would be more acceptable. They said, "None would object if she were treated as a woman with no standing, mate but do not marry, for marriage would grant her undue status, and is marriage so necessary? Does a wise man buy the pie whereof he can freely eat at any time?" Such sayings enraged Herthew, for he knew Gwineva to be a woman reserved for marriage, and this he tried to tell the people, but they laughed, saying, "She has bewitched you, put her to the test". But he replied, "This is unworthy, for it displays doubt and distrust; a virgin is a virgin, whether named so by horn or wand and remains so whatever the conjectures of carnal-minded men who are more familiar with women of lesser repute". Yet
whether the marriage bar applied was still a thing of doubt in the minds of many, for none knew the lineage of Gwineva, nor did she enlighten anyone, though it was customary to recite this at the betrothal. But Herthew and Gwineva remained unbetrothed, though the forthcoming marriage was made known.
(9) Now, the nephews and kin of Idalvar nurtured seeds of discord among the people and because it was a time of peace, when the skills of a warchief were not needed, many heeded their words. So it developed that there were those for Herthew and those against him. Then Herthew said to the people, "Let this not be something to cut people apart, but something which can be decided at the next folkfeast".
(10) The seed sowing time had passed, but it was not yet harvest-tide and the young men held spear-throwing contests and tested each other in many manly skills. At such times, seated on a platform against the palisade, Herthew gave judgement and awarded merits. Inside the palisade was a walkway and places from which great stones could be hurled, and from one such place came a murderous weapon which cut down through Herthew's head to pierce the shoulder of his shield arm, striking him to the ground. Immediately there was a great tumult and
confusion, fighting broke out and men died, but Herthew was carried to safety in the bower of Gwineva. There he was protected by his retainers, but within the palisade all was taken over by those hostile to Herthew. Before the cowardly blow, those for Herthew had been more numerous and powerful, but after he was so sorely wounded they were less, and of these many were inclined to waver, for such is the nature of man. But to contrast with the frail reeds who wavered those who remained loyal were resolute, for this too is the nature of man. Now, when Gwineva and the wise men attended to Herthew they saw that while the shield arm had been injured it was not unfeeling, for it grasped the hand of Gwineva, but this the sword arm could not do, though it was uninjured. Therefore, they knew the slaughter-bent weapon had been charmed and no woman could remove such enchantment, nor could the wise men, for they were imblooded. In the days that followed, the enchantment caused demons to enter through the wound and take up their abode, so Herthew was tormented and his body wracked before subsiding into the quietness which precedes death. The demons had abused Gwineva and called her foul names and cried out in loud voices against people, so that they should abandon their king. The place where Herthew lay was near the lakeside and in the lake was an island called Inskris, meaning Isle of the Dead, where those about to die were taken, as well as the dead, before being consigned to the waters. For the people believed that those given into the lake went straight into awareness in the Otherworld, while anyone buried on land was only half aware upon arrival and remained half awake and half asleep for many years. So those loyal to Herthew carried him down to the boats and accompanied him and Gwineva to the Isle and they were not molested, for none interfered with those mourning the dead. On the isle were priests and nine holy maidens who attended to the rites while other women ministered to the newly dead, but Herthew was dead, though halfway across the threshold.
(11) When Herthew arrived he was placed in the hospice house where Gwineva attended to him. Gwidon opened Herthew's skull where it had been cleft and let out the demon which had taken up habitation there, and he brewed powerful potions which removed the enchantment. When, after many days, he departed, Herthew was no longer at the door of death, though weak and in many ways like a baby.
(12) While Herthew lay so sorely stricken, the kinsfolk of Idalvar were disputing among themselves, and this led to fighting and battles. But none came near the isle to harm Herthew, because it was a sacred place and gave him sanctuary. When it came to the time of the folkfeast there was a great battle at the gathering place and Gwidon was slain. There came a day when Herthew, though still not whole, could move about and then he and Gwineva departed with those who remained with them. They were married before leaving their isle of sanctuary. They fled to a place afar off where, as the years went by, Herthew became whole again and Gwineva gave birth to sons and daughters. It was a good place, fertile and well watered and so they prospered. But there came a time of drought when the waters dried up and their flocks died. So Herthew sent men to Krowkasis and these came
back saying that there, too, the land was stricken and the people distressed. He also sent others to the West and they returned saying that there the land was not stricken, but the people would not accept them except with spears.
(13) Herthew then sent men back to Krowkasis to tell the people there of the plenty which lay to the West and they came back with a warband led by Itilis, and many people followed. Herthew could no longer bear weapons and his sons were as yet young and unblooded. Therefore, he gave his two sons who were of sufficient age into the keeping of Ithilis, so they might learn the art of war, and they followed him loyally, becoming men of valour in the conflict which ensued. Many people left Krowkasis and settled in the land lying to the West, and Herthew and Gwineva also settled there.
(14) Time passed and Herthew became renowned for his wisdom, and Ithilis king of Arania, honoured him with lands and servants. Herthew's two sons, who had followed the king and were twins, married the king's two eldest daughters who were also twins. This caused problems, for the king, though having three wives, was sonless, therefore the twin sons of Herthew became his heirs. The king was perplexed, for the two men could not rule together and both were of equal standing in his eyes. Yet it was the king's duty to nominate his heir and proclaim
him to the people so there should be no division after his death. Therefore, Ithilis consulted Herthew as to how the judgement should be made, and Herthew said, "Let fate decree who shall be king".
(15) In Arania the people gathered four times a year for the folk feasts. At such times it was customary for new laws to be proclaimed, judgements given and all contentious issues settled. So before the next folk feast Herthew prepared a manmade stone from sand, clay and other things, and while it was still soft he set the hilt of his great sword, Dislana the Bitterbiter, into it and when the stone was hardened Dislana was fast. The sword-implanted stone was then set down near the place where the king gave judgement. Around it was drawn a wide circle bisected across.
(16) On the day when the people were first assembled to hear his words, Ithilis told them of his perplexity over the problem concerning the twin sons of Herthew and his daughters, he said, "So the people are not divided and the kingdom rent by strife, it is well this matter be settled now. Therefore, I am setting a fair test involving no men other than these two whom I hold equally dear. Whichsoever of them shall remove their father's great weapon from this stone, so he frees it and grasps the hilt, shall become my lawful heir, with the other being to him as a
younger brother. They will each try in turn during the duration of the fall of a feather, the first trier being he who casts his bracelet over the blade. Then each of Herthew's sons was placed in a spot where the bisecting line joined the circle, so they stood opposite each other, and each had three bracelets. They threw until one encircled the blade with his bracelet.
(17) Then this one tried to withdraw the weapon with his hand but could not, because of the sharpness. The other tried by placing his two palms on each side of the blade, then pressing them together while lifting, but he could not move it either. The first one tried again, copying what had just been done more powerfully, so the stone almost lifted off the ground, but the sword did not leave the stone. Then the other approached the stone, but this time he put his hands under the edges of the stone, so he could lift it in his arms and he dashed it down over a
rock which was nearby, so it broke asunder. He then picked Dislana up by the hilt and brandished it over his head. The people acclaimed him while his brother grasped his arms in congratulations. Thus, by wisdom was the problem overcome.
Commentary.
This is the last chapter of the Book of Creation. (Chapter 1.) We've seen the original beginning or Creation. (Before the seed and the plant came Life, before this who knows and ultimately back to Yahuah (Father). The unmanifested is the Absolute because until it is there's only the Creator.) (2.) Then came man. There were two different groups of men or mankind. These were the children of Yah and the children of Man. (The first paragraph here describes the children of earth. Not a pretty sight is it? Yahuah had made them to be the difference or joining point between the spirit world and the natural.) (3.) There was then a destruction and re-creation. (It is known, and the story comes down from ancient times, that there was not one creation but two, a creation and a re-creation. The Destroyer came as a bright star frightful to behold. It belched forth stenchful breath with a tail of smoke and shrill trumpeting. Men stricken with terror went mad. (4.) So, the Earth, only true Altar of Yah, had offered up a sacrifice of life and sorrow to atone for the sins of mankind. Man had not sinned in deed but in the things he had failed to do. Man suffers not only for what he does but for what he fails to do. He is not chastised for making mistakes but for failing to recognise and rectify them.) After the cataclysm we are told about the Affliction of Yah. (He has prepared the Earth ‘for the sake of man and the correction of his ways’ and ‘not for his pleasure but as a place of instruction and training.’ This is the Earth’s purpose. The ‘Children of Yah’ struggle harder and are more disciplined. Even so, ‘The Star’ still comes to them too. So He judges us. A cataclysm beyond human understanding. For they knew not that Yah had done this. Man needs to understand it wasn't done wilfully but for the sake of man and the correction of his ways.) (5.) ’In The Beginning’ teaches us that as the top creation in Nature, man is subject to different things. (These are ‘fate and destiny ‘ as well as ‘sowing and reaping.’ They were coerced into doing ‘that which is forbidden and unforgivable’ but Yah is always waiting, man has only to look up.) (6.) Maeva , Lewid & Dadam the principle antagonists in the fall from grace headed in different directions with disease coming in. (The Children of Yah and of Man gradually took on different identities as the time of conscience came in. Some took to making buildings with cities emerging. The first writings also were written.) (7.) Herthew, the son of Dadam, came to prominence in a time when men concerned themselves more with the beginnings of their race. (He was still young when expelled from The Garden. They came to Krowkasis, cradle land of our race and encamped in a valley. With them were retainers and flocks.)
Into this Maeva settled in Ardis (part of or on the border of the Caucasus Mountains) with the people there and gave birth to Gwineva. Gwineva’s father was Abremenid who was from Namtenigal so presumably was part Yosling. The red hair colour not seen before probably came from the same root. Strange maladies appeared among those they settled with who blamed and threw them out. Where they went Maeva was killed by a wild beast. ‘Familiars’ (likely an animal-shaped spirit or minor demon) from whom she learned came to her and she became a sorceress.
The Yoslings started to find and gathered with, even worshipping her. Her fame spread. Herthew heard of her. He sent for her and she came. When she arrived he was stirred by her beauty. Nothing good, however, comes from a sorceress. We will learn that in the rest of the chapter.
He made a bower with attendants but she preferred Yoslings around her. The people muttered and talked about her. They despised Yoslings. They went together to Gwidon at the gathering place. Almost immediately things started happening acting out differently to normal. No doubt a manifestation in the spirit realm. As such, a new era was being born with the moon regaining its brightness being a part of it. They (as a people) were going to spread about the Earth becoming strong and virile. A son of Herthew would take them West from Krowkasis towards Hesperis (or Hesperus), meaning Land of Spirits. Here they would find their final destiny. Hesperis is Venus also known as the Evening Star which would appear in the west in the evening hence the strange event. From the Caucasus Mountains we find Spain due west, Egypt to the south west and Britain to the north west. Which place was it? My first thought was Egypt. From the Book of Creation it appears to be the case that the Egyptian motherland is the Caucasus. Later on, though, in the Celtic books of The Kolbrin, in the Book of Origins, it states that the Flood Tale came to Britain by the Wildland Cultivators (immigrants), ‘from the Motherland, Krowkasis.’ So those from the Caucasus came to both Egypt & Britain. Roman Scholz's dating of approximately 9,500 years ago is interesting. At some time after 10,500 BC the Earth suffered cataclysmic events. This might have forced survivors to migrate.
Gwidon cast the omensticks at Herthew’s asking. Gwineva was to be his ‘fatemate.’ (Another word for wife.) ‘She acts as she does through innocence and not through brashness.’ But for Gwidon this was just a grain in the grainsack of all he knew. Don't we all feel like this sometimes? We know far more but for one reason or another don't say it.
So Herthew asked her to marry which she agreed to but after a year. The people murmured. Wrong for a king to marry a sorceress, it's intermingling of blood, etc. Gwineva wasn't the same bloodkin as him. She did, however, love him. My understanding is that Yah intended this. He works in the lives of everyone to bring forth his plans. In Isaiah 19 for our times we read: (Verses 19-25.) “In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the Lord at its border. It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a saviour and defender, and he will rescue them. So the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the Lord. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the Lord and keep them. The Lord will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the Lord, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them. In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance. ”
Despite her fears and background she didn't invite the Yoslings back and ministered to the sick with simples and remedies. This made the people fear even more and shun her but they were desperately in need of what she brought.
Herthew remained determined to marry her though many suggested her to be a concubine or some lesser status. These sayings enraged him. He knew her to be reserved for marriage. ‘This is unworthy, for it displays doubt and distrust; a virgin is a virgin, whether named so by horn or wand and remains so whatever the conjectures of carnal-minded men who are more familiar with women of lesser repute.’
The kin of Idalvar sowed discord. It was a time of peace so many agreed with them so sides developed for and against him. So Herthew said: "Let this not be something to cut people apart, but something which can be decided at the next folk feast".
Somewhere in between seed sowing and harvesting there was a time of spear-throwing and other manly skills among the young men. Herthew sat along the palisade on a platform awarding merits. From this palisade a spear was thrown at him piercing his head down to the shoulder and fell to the ground. He was carried to safety in Gwineva’s bower and protected by retainers. Outside, those against him gained strength, many died and those for him vanished into the shadows. Those, however, who were loyal were also resolute such is the nature of Man. Gwineva and the wise men attended to him. While the shield arm was injured it could hold her hand. The spear arm while not injured didn't have the same strength. From this they knew the weapon had been charmed and no woman could remove such enchantment. Neither could men because they were imblooded. Demons tormented his body and he fell into the quietness which precedes death. He was taken by boat on the lake to an isle called Inskris, meaning Isle of the Dead. There priests and nine holy maidens ministered the last rites.
In the hospice, Gwidon opened Herthew’s skull, removed the demon that had taken up home and with brewed powerful potions removed the enchantment. After Gwidon left, though weak, Herthew was no longer at death’s door.
The time of the folk feast arrived. The kinsfolk of Idalvar were already warring amongst themselves. At the gathering place a great battle started with Gwidon slain. (His purpose seemingly past?) Herthew though still weak could move, married Gwineva and with the few who remained fled to a distant land. In time he became whole again. Gwineva gave birth to sons and daughters. The place they arrived at was well watered and fertile. However, in a time of drought some were sent back to Krowkasis and indeed it was the same there too. Others were sent West and found them not stricken. The people there wouldn't accept except with spears.
Herthew sent people back to Krowkasis. Ithilis came with a war band and many others followed. Their two sons (Herthew & Gwineva) who were of sufficient age were given into the hand of Ithilis to be trained for battle. All of them went to the place further West and settled there.
Ithilis honoured Herthew with land and servants because of his wisdom. The two sons given into Ithilis’ hand were twins and married the king's two eldest daughters who were also twins. The king had no sons so these became his heirs but which should rule? So he asked Herthew who said, ‘let fate decree who shall be king.’
The time of a folk feast (four times a year) was coming around in Arania. New laws would be announced and judgments given. Herthew’s sword Dislana the Bitterbiter was set in a man made mixture and set fast.
Ithilis announced that the one who pulled out the sword would be his rightful heir. The two sons were placed in a spot where the bisecting line joined the circle, so they stood opposite each other. Note that it probably looked like the Cross which our Saviour and MessiYah died on. (Revelation 2:12.) “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of Him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.” The sword is a weapon in our hand for good and authority. Also, He is our sword. Look also at verses 16-17: “Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” We are His heirs. He will give us a stone (implied by the sword being in one) with a new name on. Don't lose your stone (or salvation). The one who casts one of his three bracelet over the sword first had first chance to remove it.
The first one tried to pull out with his hand but it was too sharp. The other stepped up and placed his palms on either side and tried lifting but this didn't work. The first one stepped forward again trying the same thing but only lifted it off the ground. The second one tried again but instead put his hands under the edges of the stone, so he could lift it in his arms and he dashed it down over a
rock which was nearby, so it broke asunder. Then he lifted up the sword and brandished above his head. His brother grasped his arms in congratulations. So the problem was overcome by wisdom.
What have we learned from this last chapter of the Book of Creation? Lots of demons appeared and made their presence known. The debate as to where they came from is no nearer an answer though I'm sure the action is somewhere in what we've read in the Book of Creation. It would appear that the move to the West is to what we now know as Egypt. Ithilis came too but it was the sons of Herthew who really brought them. So Krowkasis is the Egyptian motherland better known to us as the Caucasus Mountains. Where did they come from to the Caucasus’ though. Is this where they came to from The Garden? In chapter 6 it says, after departing from Lewid, that they ‘turned southward towards the mountain.’ Seems like this is where it’s being referred too. There’s much more to talk about in the Book of Gleanings. For now we have finished with the Book of Creation. Thanks for reading.
Gwineva, however, offers a different interpretation of Truth against the world and/or the conduct of life. In spite of her background from among the Yoslings she learns at each step. In chapter 6 we learn about the behaviour of Dadam, Maeva & Lewis who basically all went against what should be done doing there own thing and infecting both the Children of Man and of Yah but here we have Yah (the Father) showing us a better way. (As I have been going on about, we do the things we shouldn’t and the things we should we don’t.) Her character can be seen in this chapter. Thus:
‘At his request she came to Herthew.’ ‘They gossiped about the strange woman, for it was seen that Yosling men freely entered her bower, yet her bearing was modest and maidenly, the Yoslings showing her every form of respect.’ ‘When… Gwidon saw Gwineva, he was startled, for he had seen such a woman in the darkened waters; but he welcomed her and was surprised at her wisdom and skill at sorcery.’ ‘Later, Herthew asked Gwidon to cast the omensticks and read the ashes, as he wished to know things concerning Gwineva. This Gwidon did, telling him that she was his fatemate, one destined to be his wife; that she was indeed a true maiden and he would not be foreridden. He said, "She acts as she does through innocence and not through brashness.” ‘ ‘When Herthew returned to his homesite he paid court to Gwineva and asked her to marry him, and this she consented to do after one year.’ ‘Gwineva was not the bloodkin of Herthew, so as the marriage would not be incestuous Gwineva decided she would say nothing of their relationship, for she was in love with him and love is ever ready to make excuses.’ ‘Yet, despite her knowledge and wisdom her heart was full of fears because of her background, but she displayed none of her anxieties. She did not feel at ease among the people, but never asked that the Yoslings be allowed back. She tried to become acceptable by ministering to the sick with simples and remedies, but the more she cured and healed the more people feared her, and fearing they shunned her, except they were in dire need of her help.’ ‘Herthew was carried to safety in the bower of Gwineva.’ ‘When Herthew arrived he was placed in the hospice house where Gwineva attended to him.’ ‘There came a day when Herthew, though still not whole, could move about and then he and Gwineva departed with those who remained with them. They were married before leaving their isle of sanctuary. They fled to a place afar off where, as the years went by, Herthew became whole again and Gwineva gave birth to sons and daughters.’ ‘Many people left Krowkasis and settled in the land lying to the West, and Herthew and Gwineva also settled there.’ In short, isn’t she like us when we behave ourselves.