The mythos of the 'Ru :

Traitorous creature of Light, I banish you to darkness, to live your days in shadow, inspiring only fear and loathing. No longer the giver of light and life, you shall become Death itself, living off the life’s blood of those you sought to save.
-- the curse of Ereshkigal

The Prologue That Wasn't

The starting point for the 'Ru mythos was the Sumerian legend of Inanna's descent into the Underworld. I wanted something different than the usual Egyptian or Greek origins, and while aspects of the descent myth (and the personna of Inanna herself) echo throughout the mythology of every ancient culture, I wanted to base my world-building as close to the source as possible. Ancient Sumer (4000-3000 BC) was as far back as I could trace this myth.

The link below is for the original prologue to Return of the Light (no longer in the book). For anyone curious enough, it will provide a better insight into the world of the 'Ru.

Link to original Prologue

"And so it has come to pass, that one mistake will force the death of an era, and the birth of a race."
-- the Goddess Inanna