méiltä

Méiltá is a fictional creature from the folklore of the Skalden people, a nomadic group said to inhabit the desolate plains of the northern continent. Descriptions of méiltá vary, but they are generally depicted as large, quadrupedal beings with thick, shaggy fur that blends into their surroundings. Their most distinctive feature is their bioluminescent horns, which emit a soft, pulsing light, particularly noticeable during the twilight hours.

Legends suggest that méiltá are solitary and elusive, rarely encountered by humans. Their diet is believed to consist of hardy, subterranean roots and fungi, which they unearth with their powerful claws. The purpose of their glowing horns is a subject of much speculation. Some Skalden tales claim the light is used for communication with other méiltá over long distances, while others believe it serves to attract or disorient prey, though their herbivorous nature makes the latter unlikely.

The Skalden people hold a cautious respect for the méiltá. They are not typically considered dangerous, but their sheer size and the unsettling glow of their horns can inspire fear in the unprepared. Encounters are often interpreted as omens, though whether good or bad depends on the context of the sighting and the individual's beliefs. Some stories associate méiltá with guidance, appearing to lost travelers in the wilderness, while others see them as harbingers of harsh winters. Artifacts depicting méiltá, often carved from bone or polished stone, are found in ancient Skalden burial sites.