Culture, History and Legend
Abarat’s Braid
There is a famous folktale in Braided Shore that tells the story of the warrior Abarat and her braid.
Abarat was born to an impoverished family and made a vow to the Winds, the Sefra, and her ancestors that, until she had defeated the very concept of hunger, she would not cut her braid. Through her tireless work to feed the hungry, Abarat’s braid had one day grown so long that it trailed behind her, and her own body had wasted away, neglected as it was in favour of everyone else’s needs. Utterly fatigued, she lay down in a glade to rest.
Moved by Abarat’s ceaseless selflessness, the Winds, or the Sefra, or her ancestors – depending on the version of the tale – cut off her braid for her and planted it in the forest. Each hair from the braid grew into berry bushes, edible roots, and fruit trees so filling that one apple could feed three grown people.
Abarat’s braid is a famous tale and is, as such, often referenced by folk in Braided Shore, not seldom as a cautionary tale to warn children about what happens if their hair grows uncontrollably long.
