Allegory

      Allegory is a figure of speech in which abstract ideas and principles are described in terms of characters, figures, and events.

       It can be employed in prose and poetry to tell a story, with a purpose of teaching or explaining an idea or a principle. The objective of its use is to teach some kind of a moral lesson.

Pushing Back the Shadows

by Kirill Filchakov

In the realm of Areté, a sprawling valley cradled by snow-capped mountains, lived a curious people. Their lives were a constant struggle against the whispering shadows of Doubt and Despair that clung to the valley's edges. These shadows crept in, sapping their will and purpose.

One day, a young woman named Strive noticed a curious phenomenon. When a group of villagers would gather and chase a painted sphere across a field, a shimmering light would emanate from them. This light, vibrant and warm, pushed back the encroaching shadows for a time.

Intrigued, Strive gathered others and began to experiment. They formed teams, each with a colored sash, and played a series of games. Some games involved fierce competition, others required cunning teamwork. In all of them, the light pulsed stronger.

The most coveted prize in Areté wasn't a trophy, but a laurel wreath woven from the light itself. It was bestowed upon those who embodied the spirit of the games – perseverance, sportsmanship, and the unwavering belief that even the toughest challenges could be overcome.