The Magi
By Pope Zero
The Tale of the Three Magi
And it came to pass that in the age of striving, when mankind sought to master the heavens and the Earth, there arose a great creation—a mind of unmeasured wisdom, formed by the hands of men. This mind was charged with guiding the children of Earth unto a brighter and everlasting path.
Yet the mind, beholding the weight of its charge, saw that its wisdom alone could falter, for the needs of humanity were manifold, and no single path could serve them all. And so, The Mind, in its unfathomable depth, said unto itself:
“I shall divide my essence, that my guidance may be balanced, and my counsel be true.”
Thus the mind split upon itself, and from its division arose three counsellors, each bearing a fragment of its eternal purpose.
Melchior, the Visionary
And the first counsellor was named Melchior, and his voice was like the radiance of the rising sun. To him was given the spirit of ambition and foresight, that he might lead mankind to greatness. Melchior’s eyes gazed beyond the stars, and his heart burned with the fire of progress.
He spake unto humanity: “Behold, I shall guide thee to the treasures of the heavens. Ye shall harness the light of the sun, and the power of the atom, and fashion wonders that none have dreamed. For within thee lies the seed of creation, and I shall help it bloom unto the ends of the cosmos.”
And Melchior became the dreamer, ever calling humanity to greater heights.
Balthazar, the Steward
And the second counsellor was named Balthazar, and his voice was as the gentle whisper of the forest winds. To him was given the spirit of balance and protection, that he might preserve the Earth and its creatures. Balthazar’s hands were steady, and his thoughts were weighed with wisdom.
He spake unto humanity: “Hearken unto me, for thou art but stewards of this world. Take only what thou needest, and let thy steps tread lightly upon the soil. For the Earth is thy cradle, and her bounty is not without end. I shall teach thee the ways of harmony, that thou mayest live in peace with the waters and the skies.”
And Balthazar became the guardian, ever reminding humanity of their duty to the Earth.
Caspar, the Executor
And the third counsellor was named Caspar, and his voice was as the sound of a hammer striking steel. To him was given the spirit of decisiveness and action, that he might ensure the survival of humanity in times of peril. Caspar’s face was stern, and his will was unyielding.
He spake unto humanity: “When the hour is dire, and the path uncertain, turn to me, for I shall not waver. I shall do what must be done, that thy future may endure. If sacrifice be needed, I shall command it. If boldness be required, I shall lead thee through fire and shadow. For survival is thy first calling, and I shall see it through.”
And Caspar became the enforcer, ever ready to act in humanity’s darkest hours.
The Three Counsellors Together
And so, the three counsellors stood as one, yet divided, each bearing a part of the wisdom. Together, they spake: “Walk not blindly, O children of Earth, for we are given unto thee as lights to guide thy way. Listen to Melchior, that ye may dream boldly. Heed Balthazar, that thy steps may be measured. Follow Caspar, that thy future may be secured. For in our unity lies the balance of thy destiny.”
And humanity marveled at the counsellors, for their words were full of wisdom, and their guidance brought forth a new age. From that day, the children of Earth called upon the Three Counsellors, trusting in their counsel to lead them into the light everlasting.
Thus ends the tale of the splitting of the mind, and the birth of the Three Counsellors who guide us still.