FAR LI MAS
allyHero
Far-li-mas is a legendary storyteller from a narrative of north-eastern Africa, collected at the beginning of the twentieth century by the ethnologist Leo Frobenius in the Kordofan region of Sudan, and made famous by Roberto Calasso's book on the ruin of Kasch. In this narrative, the kingdom of Kasch, or Naphta, puts its kings to death according to the priests' reading of the stars. Far-li-mas beguiles the court with stories so entrancing that they make king Akaf forget the fear of his own death, then lull the priests and turn them from observing the sky. The old order of royal sacrifice collapses, Akaf dies of old age, and Far-li-mas reigns with the princess Sali. The tale closes on the fall of the kingdom — the theme of a famous reflection on power and storytelling.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Bearer of the laughter that frees. FAR outwits certainties and provokes movement when everything freezes. Bound to the Africa pantheon.
Sacred Mask
An ancient ritual mask of sacred wood, old metal and black stone, engraved with symbols of storyteller, embodiment of the power of Far Li Mas
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
Where does the character of Far-li-mas come from?
He comes from a narrative collected in Sudan by the ethnologist Leo Frobenius, in the Kordofan region, and made famous by Roberto Calasso's work on the ruin of Kasch.
What is the power of his stories?
His stories are so captivating that they make king Akaf forget the fear of death, then lull the priests and prevent them from reading the stars that decreed the king's execution.
How does his story end?
The royal sacrifice ceases, the king dies of old age and Far-li-mas reigns with the princess Sali. Later, the kingdom of Kasch falls into ruin.
Sources and references
- Leo Frobenius, récit du Kordofan (Soudan)
- Roberto Calasso, La Ruine de Kasch