Mythical Folk and Magical Worlds

In the story of Mythic Summer a lot of research was done on the myths and legends found all over the world. While looking for the various magical people and animals that different cultures believed to exist, many themes kept popping up that helped to shape this story.

One such idea is that of the figure that served as a protector or guardian of animals. Creatures would gather around them, forgetting all aggression and fear in their presence. An important role for these people would be to act as a mediator between humans and animals. An example of this is the being known as Desana, a dwarf found in the amazon with the magical ability to change into various animals. Any human hunters in search of game would need to get his permission first before any animal could be harmed. It was from beings such as Desana that the idea of the Shepherds came about.

Another constant theme was that of the hidden world found just beyond the view of humans. These places would be the true home of many magical people and animals and would exist right alongside the world of Earth. The paths to reach these magical lands would usually be kept secret to only those that lived there, but stories of humans discovering these worlds by accident happened on occasion. In Irish lore, the Sidhe were rumored to live in an invisible world that coexisted with our own world. Occasionally visiting the Earth, they would always find their way back to their own hidden home. The world of Meurum–the home to all magical people and animals in Mythic Summer–came to be because of stories like this.

Water Lily Jaguar and Arkan Sonney

The shy and sensitive Arkan Sonney and the stoic and bold Water Lily Jaguar couldn’t be more different, but both of these animals have proven themselves willing to help Callum and the kids on their big adventure to rescue the captured mythical creatures.

The little pig from the Isle of Man is just full of surprises. Arkan Sonney is able to change size at will and has the unique ability to bring good luck to those aroud her. This normally small creature has long white hairs all over her body with bright red ears and eyes. The kids find out quickly enough that the Arkan Sonney is a little on the timid side, but she is always willing to help out, especially when Sophie is the one asking. Even when she does run or hide, she can usually be coaxed back with the phrase, "I wonder who’ll help me eat this?"

Water Lily Jaguar is a mysterious cat from the area of Central America. Rumored to be something of a protector deity, he looks like a regular jaguar save for his larger than average size and the water lily growing on top of his head. Water Lily Jaguar is at home in the water, able to stay underwater for long periods or even run on top of it. He has been helping Callum the entire time ever since he first began this quest to rescue the animals. While he is wary around humans, he has shown incredible patience around the kids like when Shiloh asks him to pose for a drawing. Usually though, he is found at the bottom of a pool of water, sleeping the day away.

Hugo Soares and Maxine Devereux

"Love your life" is the motto of Hugo Soares and Maxine Devereux, parents of the ever energetic Bree. These two documentary film makers are true to those words, traveling the world to make their popular nature series, Big World, and loving every minute of it. They met in Brazil when Maxine was trying to get footage for her very first film and needed the help of the outgoing forest guide, Hugo. Their mutual love of animals and adventure has helped make some incredibly popular documentaries and the two have been together ever since.

Bree used to go with her parents, but after what can only be called the "Elephant Incident" they decided she needed a more stable living arrangement. Luckily, Maxine’s best friend, Cassidy Talbot and family were willing to share their home to not just Bree, but the parents as well. Now with a home base in Wales, Colorado, Maxine and Hugo have a place to return to after their months of filming and with the construction of a small film editing building in the backyard, they can comfortably put the finishing touches on their projects.

Upon hearing about Bree’s summer job, they were both extremely excited. While they were proud to see their daughter wanting to work with animals like they do, they were more pleased with the idea of Bree taking on more responsibility, hopefully a sign that she is finally starting to control that enthusiasm of hers. Until they’re done filming their current documentary, Hugo and Maxine remain content to hear Bree’s constant updates about her own animal adventures...at least the ones Bree can tell them about.

Samson and Cassidy Talbot

Meet Samson and Cassidy Talbot, the parents of Sophie and Shiloh. They run what has become known as the Talbot Compound, a place where people and horses alike can be taught the fine art of horse riding. Samson has been around horses all his life and couldn’t think of anything he’d rather do than train them and the people who ride them. Cassidy runs the onsite veterinary clinic and isn’t afraid to stare down any horse foolish enough to test her patience.

Cassidy is best friends with Bree’s mom, Maxine, from their days in college. When Bree’s parents asked if she could stay with them while they filmed their documentaries, she went a step further and asked if the whole family would like to move in with them. Samson took some convincing on his part, but when he realized it meant they could afford a much bigger compound, he soon changed his mind.

When the girls asked about getting a summer job taking care of animals, Samson was all for it, making the case that he had a job of his own when he was their age. Cassidy was a little more reluctant, but she agreed as long as she be allowed to take over in case of an emergency. Of course, they both still expect the kids to help out around the compound, especially when Samson has a difficult horse that only Sophie’s special way with animals can handle. They’ve been quite impressed with how well they’ve been dealing with their new responsibilities, even more so when they noticed their son, Shiloh, helping out, too.  Then again, they might be more worried than impressed if they fully understood all of the kids' responsibilities this summer.

Just a Bunch of Feathers

For the kids, part of their job is to learn how to work with these amazing mythical creatures and no one has it harder than Shiloh. Being a partner to a young dragon like Arrow certainly has its’ drawbacks. Whether it’s cleaning up after him, keeping him fed, or trying to break him of his peculiar dragon habits, Shiloh has a busy summer ahead of him.

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"Arrow, don’t do it," whispered Shiloh. He slowly crept up to the young dragon and reached out to touch him. With a hand on Arrow’s wing, Shiloh did his best to keep his voice calm. "It’s just a bunch of feathers. Only feathers."

The dragon paid no attention to Shiloh, instead focusing on the yellow and black bird in front of him. A low, happy growl rumbled in his throat and his eyes shone excitedly.

"Leave her alone, Arrow. You can’t have her feathers." Shiloh stood in front of the dragon, trying to block the Ercinee from Arrow’s view. The dragon kept craning his neck over Shiloh, pushing against the boy insistently. As Shiloh wedged his body up against Arrow to hold him back, he looked at the Ercinee and said, "Stop glowing already. It drives him crazy."

As if surprised, the Ercinee flapped her wings and squawked shrilly, her feathers glowing even brighter. Arrow immediately took notice and quickly knocked Shiloh to the side to pursue his object of obsession. In an instant, the bird took flight and the young dragon was off after her.

"Arrow! Get back here!" Shiloh started to run, but stopped and shouted behind him. "A little help would be nice!"

"Can’t, ‘Loh! Staring contest with Jaculus!" Bree was on the ground, facing the winged snake.

"And I’m the judge," added Sophie.

"And Sophie’s the judge! Deal with it!"

"Ugh..." Shiloh glared for a moment, but turned back to join the chase. "Don’t make me get the squirt bottle!"

Ercinee and Veo

Here are two more animals that will certainly prove useful to the kids on their various missions this summer. Hopefully, Sophie, Bree and Shiloh will take the time get to know these mythical creatures and all their quirks.

The crane-like Ercinee was rumored to live in the Hercynian Forest, located in the area of Germany. This bird had the ability to glow extremely bright due to the magical nature of her feathers. With her light yellow and black feathers and strong legs and beak, this bird was an impressive sight. A vain bird, the Ercinee is always seeking attention and compliments, especially when it comes to her feathers. Unfortunately for her, those feathers also draw the unwanted attention of a young dragon who just loves shiny things.

With sightings in Indonesia, the Veo is a large creature very similar to a pangolin, complete with thick scales and a lengthy tail. While his long tongue and thick claws are useful, it’s his unique ability to roll up into a giant ball that proves most helpful to the kids. The Veo is a nocturnal creature and needs some coaxing to get going during daylight hours. He generally likes to stick to himself, but seems to get along with the Haetae. Is generally annoyed with Bree’s constant attempts to ride him like a horse.

Save the Mishypishy

Finding the keystones is just the first half of any mission for Bree, Sophie and Shiloh. Once they do get their hands on it, a spell is activated which summons the rogue Shepherd himself, Faelan, in an elemental form. After a cryptic message to the humans attempting to free the captured creatures, the fake Faelan makes a final effort to stop the rescue. In this scene, Sophie and the Farasi Bahari run into a stone Faelan as they try to release the Mishipeshu.

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"You sure you don’t need help?" asked Sophie. She held the keystone tightly in her hands as she watched her brother and best friend hold on to the thrashing lake creatures.

"Nem Rola! We have this! Save the Mishypishy!" shouted Bree. She had a tight grasp on the aquatic animal’s back as it tried to buck her off.

"It’s the Mishipeshu!" screamed a panicking Shiloh. "Just hurry up, Sophie!"

"Alright. Let’s go, Farasi." With a light kick of her feet, Sophie nudged the emerald horse forward, but he didn’t budge. Instead, Farasi reared back in surprise as the ground underneath their feet began to tremble. "Steady, boy!"

From the rocky lake bottom, a human-like form emerged, quickly taking the familiar shape of Faelan. In a gravelly voice, the stone figure said, "Well done, humans. You have taken the keystone. But understand this." The fake Faelan turned around and kneeled to the ground. "Some creatures won’t be so happy to see humans." In a flash, two palms struck the ground and a burst of magical energy surged forward, forcing a huge, algae covered rock to quickly appear.

"The Mishipeshu! We found it, Farasi!" Sophie’s joy was short-lived, though, as she took a good look at the stone. The algae was growing at an alarming rate, covering the entire surface. There was no telling now where the keystone would fit.