I was under impression that after performing the Arming of Orlanth, Heler was (eventually) attacked by Ui and turned into crystal. However, a small part of him escaped to become Ereltharol, who protected Voriof and fought alongside Vinga to defend the people while Elmal defended Orlanth's stead, growing weaker and weaker. Eventually, Ereltharol was slain by Urain, went to the Underworld to join the deities facing the Devil, and returned with Orlanth.
One might say that there is an interesting difference between Elmal the steadfast, relatively stationary defender and Ereltharol/Heler the roving protector. That and Elmal is supposed to be a honourable, "clean" warrior, I believe (though obviously not without guile!), while Ereltharol/Heler is known to be "brutal by Heortling standards" - and arguably Helamakt is not much nicer!
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> Isn't there also a more prosaic rivalry over who gets to be Orlanth's favourite/closest ally, to which the elemental conflict between fire and water brings an added frisson? Moreover surely their acknowledgment of Orlanth's leadership and their desire to serve him are important factors in keeping their rivalry within manageable limits. The tension is real, but other forces keep it in check.
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> Elmal has an important myth about how he looked after the 'home front' whilst Orlanth was on the Lightbringers' Quest.
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> What did Heler do during the Lightbringers' Quest?
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> Richard Hayes
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> ________________________________
> From: Jeff <richaje_at_...>
> To: WorldofGlorantha_at_yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Friday, 1 June 2012, 8:33
> Subject: Re: Heler Initiation Ritual
>
> > > Also, is there a mythic reason for the hostility
> > > between Heler and Elmal outside of the wooing of
> > > Esrola?
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> Yes. Elmal is Fire and Heler is Water. There's always tension between those two forces, just as the sun burns away the rain clouds or the rain drowns a warm sunny day.
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> Jeff
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