Epona’s Stable

Epona’s Stable

Realm of Epona of the Celtic Pantheon

Location: Outlands / Tir na Og

Epona’s Stable, in the realm of Tir na Og, is a sanctum for all things equine, a place where the Horsemaiden’s influence and love for these noble creatures is woven into every blade of grass and every gentle breeze. It’s set in an idyllic, sprawling landscape where the greenest of pastures stretch as far as the eye can see, bordered by ancient, misty forests and clear, babbling streams.

Epona’s Stable refers to the lands but also to the stable blocks, which appear modest from the outside but inside, have as many pens as are needed, and they never need mucking out. Here the human petitioners of Epona care for the horses, grooming, shodding their hooves, feeding them. Only some of the petitioners are human of course; many of Epona’s faithful are reincarnated as horses themselves in their afterlife. Since both horse petitioners and the regular horses are capable of speech, you’ll need another way to tell them apart. The dark is that the petitioners never have riders. Here, the horses are not just animals; they are creatures of legend. Some have manes that flow like liquid silver, others have eyes that hold stars within them, and a few even sport wings, allowing them to soar through the skies of Tir na Og. They communicate not just with neighs and whinnies, but through a language of enchanted songs that resonate in the hearts of those who listen.

The stable itself is a marvel of fey architecture, crafted from living wood and vines that grow and shift like lazy snakes. The roof is thatched with a luminous moss that twinkles gently in the twilight, casting an otherworldly light over the surroundings. The stable itself is a grand structure, large enough to house a legion yet built with a care that speaks of deep reverence for these animals. The walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting horses in all their glory—running wild through fields, carrying warriors into battle, and even dancing among the stars with Epona herself.

The stalls are not mere enclosures, but enchanted groves where each horse resides, surrounded by a halo of soft light. The air is filled with the sweet scent of hay and the comforting sound of horses singing softly to each other. It’s a place of peace and safety, where horses of all breeds, from the mightiest warhorses to the gentlest ponies, live in harmony under Epona’s watchful eye.

But the Stable is more than just a place for horses to rest. It’s a realm where the bond between horse and rider is celebrated and nurtured. There are training fields where riders and their mounts can practice and learn together, forging bonds of trust and mutual respect. The fields are often filled with the sounds of laughter and the soft thudding of hooves, as horses and riders move together in perfect harmony.

Beyond the stable and training fields lie enchanted meadows where the horses roam free, their manes flowing in the wind, embodying the spirit of freedom that Epona cherishes so dearly. The grass underhoof shimmers with a thousand hues of green and gold, changing colors with the mood of the sky. The trees around the stable are ancient, towering beings, their branches twisting into intricate patterns. At night, these fields glow under the light of the moon, creating a scene that seems plucked straight from a dream. And let’s not forget the streams and ponds dotting the landscape, where the horses can quench their thirst and play, their joyful splashes echoing through the air. These waters are said to be blessed by Epona, carrying healing properties and a touch of her own gentle magic.

And in the heart of it all, the statue of Epona is a living testament to the fey’s craftsmanship. It’s a magnificent sculpture that shifts subtly, reflecting the phases of the moon and the seasons, a guardian that watches over her domain with a watchful yet loving gaze.

Source: Jon Winter-Holt, mimir.net