The Domains of Zargash stretch like a sea of ​​stone and sand beneath a merciless sun, where the winds howl like damned spirits. Once home to a majestic civilization whose temples defied the heavens, it now lies like a graveyard of fallen colossi. Buried beneath centuries of dust and silence, these ruins are all that remain of the Zargathai, the lords of the parched earth, whose names have been swallowed by time.

Legends speak of living stones that move when no one is watching, opaque eyes that peer from deep within forgotten caverns. It is said that the Blood Idols, carved from black basalt, still retain the essence of forbidden rites. Many travelers who dared to desecrate the Temples and tombs never returned, and those who did babble madly about the slithering shadows and murmurs in the darkness.

The land is unforgiving, but life persists. Thorns sprout from rocky crevices, their hungry roots seeking what remains of ancient water. Dust-scaled serpents slither stealthily among the ruins, while the storm-carvers—great birds of prey—circle over the bones of fools who braved the desert.

When the warm wind blows, the air smells of dust and mystery.

This volcanic area in the middle of a forest and a large lake remind me of the images of the eruption of the Villarica volcano in 2015, when an area was covered in white rocks, pumice stone.

I was on the Chilean side in Pucon (before) and also on the Argentine side in Villa Pehuenia (after but already "recovered"). This area of ​​Patagonian forest is spectacular.

Cheers

The Story of Hayun Village – The Village on the Bone Mountain

On the rugged shores of the eastern sea, where the winds salt the air and the waves beat relentlessly, stands Hayun Village, a peculiar and solitary village built on a living foundation: a hill composed of shells, bones of sea animals and the remains of daily life. This pile of materials is not only the foundation of the village; it is the story of generations of survival and adaptation.

The Origin of Hayun

It is said that Hayun’s ancestors arrived on these shores centuries ago, guided by a dream of safe land and protection from the beasts of the sea and the marauders of the neighboring lands. Finding solid ground, they began to deposit the remains of their catch – shells of molluscs, fish bones and shells of crustaceans – mixed with bones from hunting and ashes from fires. Over time, these materials, compacted with mortar made of sand and limestone, formed an artificial elevation.

The Building Process

The construction of this structure was not just a byproduct of daily life, but a ritual. Each family, at the end of the day, would take their leftovers to the top of the mound and carefully spread the materials. Larger bones were broken into smaller fragments to fill the gaps, and shells were used to reinforce the edges. Each season, a layer of mortar was applied to protect the structure from wind and rain.

The inhabitants began to build their homes on this raised ground, using timber and sloping roofs to withstand storms. Thus, generation after generation, Hayun grew upward, creating a “mountain” made of past and present life.

Defense and Isolation

Over the years, the elevation gave the village a strategic advantage. Access to the top was restricted to two ladders, easily removable in case of danger. Stories tell of pirates who tried to invade the village, only to find an impassable path and be driven back with spears and nets filled with sharp stones.

Life in Hayun

Today, Hayun is home to just over 160 people, all deeply connected to the structure that sustains them. Small shrines dedicated to sea deities dot the village, many of them made from ancient fragments found on the mountain, such as dolphin skulls and giant seashells.

The inhabitants are proud of their heritage and believe that this sacred elevation that is slowly growing is more than stone and bone; it is a spiritual guardian. On stormy nights, the elders say that they can hear the murmurs of their ancestors mixed with the howling of the wind, protecting them from unseen dangers.

The Rituals of the Living Mountain

Every year, a festival is held to honor the mountain made of shells and bones. During the event, each family offers their best shells and bones to the mountain, in gratitude and in renewal of the protection it offers. A bonfire is lit at the highest point, and chants echo, asking for the seas to be generous and the storms to be merciful.

An Ever-Growing Mountain

Hayun never stops growing. For the villagers, it is both a testament to their past and a reminder of their unbreakable connection to the sea. Each layer added is a new page in the village’s generations-old story, a story that will continue to be written as long as the winds blow and the sea brings sustenance.

Hayun Village Highlights

The Netmaker – Lao Ning: Lao Ning, with calloused fingers and keen eyes, creates the nets that are the basis of the village’s survival. Sitting in his wooden hut, he weaves plant fibers by hand, reinforcing each knot with almost ritualistic precision. His nets are renowned for their durability, and fishermen say that without them, no sea can bear fruit.

The Healer – Mei Yu: Mei Yu, a serene and respected figure, lives in a hut decorated with dried sea plants and jars of ointments. Using local herbs, crushed shells, and fish oil, she heals wounds and treats the village’s illnesses. His knowledge has been passed down through generations, and many believe his hands carry the blessing of sea deities.

The Storyteller – Uncle Shen: Uncle Shen is the heart of the village on stormy nights. Sitting by the communal fire, he tells tales of sea monsters and ancient seafarers, blending fact with mythology. His stories not only entertain, but also teach lessons about courage and respect for the sea.

The Carpenter – Jian Rong: Jian Rong, the village builder, transforms driftwood and driftwood into houses and boats. His skill is vital to the community, and each piece he creates bears his signature: a small wave-shaped carving, symbolizing harmony with the sea.

The Story of Shu Guang Xiong – The Village of Dawn

Situated on a rough sea coast and buffeted by incessant winds, Shu Guang Xiong (The Village of Dawn) is the largest settlement in the domain’s austere northern coastal region. Despite its relative insignificance, the village is a testament to resilience amidst harsh conditions: semi-arid lands, sparse vegetation, and the weight of the ancient Dragon’s curse, which is said to be the cause of the frequent storms that batter the coast.

Geography and Context

The village serves as the main link between the coast and the northern part of the domain. A trade route connects Shu Guang Xiong with lands further north, allowing for the exchange of rare spices, ceramics, and textiles. However, the village relies heavily on manufactured goods brought from the capital and larger cities such as Yun Jiang Cheng and Bai He Xiang. Local livelihoods are sustained by fishing, shellfish gathering, and careful exploration of underground water sources. The neighboring villages of Lanyue and Haiwei share this arid landscape, but none can match Shu Guang Xiong in size or importance.

The Curse of the Dragon and the Serpent of the Misty Seas

It is said that centuries ago, a dragon was killed in an epic duel by an ancient general. With its dying breaths, the dragon cursed the entire region, bringing fierce winds and frequent storms.

However, local fishermen tell another story: from the curse emerged something even more terrifying—a colossal serpent known as Hai Mang (Sea Serpent). As huge as a mountain range, Hai Mang lives hidden in the dark depths of the sea. Its body, covered in bright blue scales, is only seen during the most intense storms, when it emerges from the dense clouds and mist that surround the region.

The locals believe that Hai Mang is the vengeful spirit of the dead dragon, a form reborn to perpetuate its fury. The serpent is blamed for shipwrecks and mysterious disappearances. Superstitious fishermen avoid going out to sea when the sky is covered in low clouds, fearing the creature’s glowing eyes and deafening roar.

The Famous Fengyin Dong Cave

Located in a hilly region between Shu Guang Xiang and Haiwei, this Fengyin Dong, or “Windsong Cave,” is a legendary landmark in the region. The sea winds that pass through the cave create an eerie, melodic sound that many associate with the serpent’s lament. Explorers say that ancient inscriptions on the cave walls tell stories of a sea entity worshipped as a guardian or destroyer.

In addition to its mystique, the cave attracts traders and curious visitors in search of “Dragon Tears,” small crystals said to have magical properties. Some claim that these stones are formed from the scales that Hai Mang lost during his ascents.

Life in this Region

The inhabitants of this area are shaped by the adversity of nature and the dark legends that surround the region; they are long-suffering, strong and deeply superstitious. The wooden houses, reinforced against the incessant winds and storms, shelter families who cling to ancient beliefs to survive.

Along the coast, small shrines dot the roads and beaches, each one a tribute to the sea deities and the feared serpent Hai Mang. These altars are rustic constructions, made from the bones of sea animals, such as whale ribs, the skulls of large fish and giant shells. Amidst these elements hang faded cloth flags, inscribed with prayers and protective symbols.

Offerings to the Gods of the Sea and Hai Mang

Offerings are a common and almost obligatory practice in the villages. Residents place personal items on the altars, such as simple jewelry, precious tools or even food, despite its scarcity. The bones of small animals, set with beads or pieces of metal, are also common, symbolizing sacrifice to the sea beast.

In darker times, when particularly violent storms hit the coast or when boats disappear at sea, desperation leads to human sacrifice. It is said that the village elders, in the name of protecting the rest of the community, secretly choose a villager, usually someone lonely or already seriously ill, to be taken to the beach under the pretext of seeking Hai Mang’s forgiveness. The chosen ones are tied to a rock by the sea during high tide, in the hope that the serpent will accept their lives as payment for its fury.

The Rituals

The rituals, performed before storms or major sea expeditions, are times of unity and awe. The community gathers around the largest altars at dusk, when the sky is tinged with orange and purple colors, reflecting the village’s name, Dawn Village.

Elders lead the ceremonies, chanting guttural chants in an archaic language believed to have been inherited from the region's earliest inhabitants. They light incense and lanterns made from local herbs.