The Thane and the Witch

The Thane and the Witch is a Vrykul myth that tells one of many believed origins of the curse of vampirism, suggesting that the curse began with Helya.

Sometime after Odyn created the Val'kyr and was trapped within the Halls of Valor, a Vrykul Thane grew to resent Odyn. One of his own, either his daughter or wife, was forcibly converted into one of Odyn's Val'kyr. The Thane dedicated the rest of his life to vengeance against the Keeper, beginning a personal war with Odyn. He dabbled in dark magic, twisting runic tradition into necromancy and committing sacrilege against the Keeper's followers and traditions.

Nearing the end of his life and his vengeful campaign, the Thane knew that his spirit would be destined to face Odyn's wrath. To carry on and avoid the inevitable punishment, the Thane turned to the Sea-Witch Helya. He approached her with a request for the power and immortality to carry on his good work and stave off Odyn's judgment.

The two were kindred spirits, sharing hatred for Odyn. The Thane had spent all remaining years of his life spilling the blood of Odyn in the form of his followers, a hunger that could never be sated. Seeing this, Helya granted the Thane his wish; a blessing of immortality that would grant him power he had never dreamed of.

With his wish, however, came a damning bargain. His metaphorical hunger for the blood of Odyn became a literal insatiable hunger for the blood of the living. The blood of the living was the cost for their pact, not only sustaining his now undead form but also serving as an endless blood sacrifice for the Sea-Witch.

Hunger twisted the Thane's perception of his immortal quest, as his hatred for Odyn blurred into a contempt for all. Twisted beyond recognition, the vampiric Thane went on to seclude himself, alone with his endless thirst.