Grýttonic Mythology
Grýttonic Mythology is a body of myths, stories, and legends belonging to the Grýttonic concerning supernatural creatures, stories of potentially fictional heroes of the past, and general superstitious practices. These beliefs are mostly irreligious, and the Catholic faith coexists with the idea of supernatural creatures, namely that of vampires, elves, fairies, and dragons. There is no proven sightings of these beasts. The state condemns these beliefs as superstition and promotion is illegal.
Background
Existence
The belief of the existence of the supernatural creatures is not dogmatic for the people of Grýttlund, but rather a societal expectation that no one rejects. There is no proof that any of these species exist, outside of folklore tales and medieval European sources. There is a natural hierarchy in these creatures, which mainly places the vampires above all creatures in matters of power.
Vampires
Description and attributes
Grýttonic vampires (Wampirawed[s]) are usually reported as thin, with the occasional report of a muscular physique, with very pale and stone-cold skin. The common belief of sharp teeth, used to pierce a human's skin, is not commonly thought of when imagining Grýttonic vampires, as the concealment of the proof of their existence is of paramount importance. They are imagined to live amongst the common people, rarely - if ever - biting a human to feed as to keep their incognito identity. They feed mostly on the blood of animals. They are reported to be visible in mirrors, and also to easily survive in sunlight, but appearing in direct sunlight would reveal their identity by making their skin very crystalised and glittery, along with giving them large amounts of pain. They are said to maintain several eye colours at different times, and also to never age. They have been known to have superhuman strength and speed. It is possible, but extremely rare, for a male vampire to impregnate a female human with what is known as a Halfbreed (Wampanneþ). These pregnancies often result in near, or genuine death, for the human mother, along with a great loss of weight, sickness, and cannot be birthed through the birth canal, but must be done via Caesarean Section.
Creation of Vampires
The creation of a vampire is done through the biting of a human, by a vampire, who injects venom in to the blood stream. If the stream of venom is constant, the human will die, and not become a vampire, as they passed away before the venom could use the blood stream to get to the heart. This happens often, as it is extremely difficult and near impossible for a vampire to stop biting. If the vampire does manage to stop, the venom quickly moves to the heart by using the blood stream. Once at the heart, it coats it in the venom and stops the blood stream, in effect killing the person. However, the heart still pumps, but pumping venom around instead of blood. This, in effect, keeps the new vampire alive, but does not actually keep them genuinely alive, as there blood no longer pumps (hence why they are cold).
Identifying Vampires
Vampires are difficult to identify explicitly, due to their secretive and secluded nature. They do not expose themselves in situations where they might be revealed as one, such as only appearing on overcast days or at night, or not leaving the confines of their estate. Facially and physically, they will be human but without any blemishes, such as pimples or love bites (due to the necessity of blood for these to happen).
Destroying Vampires
Due to their undead nature, a vampire can not simply be killed as a human would. There are three ways that are widely held as methods for extermination of a vampire, although it is nigh-on impossible for a mortal to kill such a species. The primary way is decapitation, followed by burning. Decapitation will render the vampire essentially "dead", but they can reconstruct themselves. This is why they are burnt, stopping the reconstruction. The second, and most widely renowned (although near enough impossible method) is a stake through the heart of a vampire. This is near enough impossible, as a vampire would never practice this due to the danger for themselves, and a human does not have the force to put it through the heart alone, and would need a mallet at the least. The final, and least popularly believed method, is to bite them as a human. This is widely believed as highly dangerous for the human, as one may accidentally consume venom after drawing away, and also it leaves the vampire with the easy chance to bite the human, transforming them.
Elves
Description and attributes
Grýttonic elves (Ælfnoþ[s]) are humanoid creatures that seem generally to have be thought as beings with magical powers and supernatural beauty, ambivalent towards everyday people and capable of either helping or hindering them. They are normally small, never extending above a mere few feet, with pointy ears and white freckles. They are usually pale and enticing. They are commonly known to live in small communities, and practice a form of magic deep in the woods. They sing Elf Song (Ælfleod), placing magical spells on their visitors, with either good or bad fortune.
Interaction with humans
Elves are known to do favours for humans who treat them well. It is a Gryttonic custom to leave homemade bread, once a month, for the elves, and in return the house has the nighttime protection of the Elvish clan who took the bread. This protects the home from any wicked spells, or any demons. However, if your bread is bad and causes the death of a female elf, you are supposedly cursed for 7 years and 70 days, and can only break the curse by doubly offering bread. Female elves die easily from bad bread, as they lose their radiant beauty and commit suicide.