The Lost Civilization: Constellations

Deep in the night, illustrious patterns illuminate the sky above the Lost Civilization

Tune into the Monstercat Instinct Vol. 6 playlist and immerse yourself into the world of lore while you take a walk under the shimmering symbols in the night sky to explore the constellations.

The lore of the Lost Civilization extends to the heavens in Instinct Vol. 6! 

The Lost Civilization tells of wondrous constellations best visible from the island’s cold, mountainous region. Though stargazing is an activity engaged in all across the island, the picturesque landscape paints the perfect backdrop for a restful evening of storytelling. 

There have been ten constellations recognized by the Lost Civilization. Delineated in their history books and passed down over generations, each constellation has a magnificent story behind it. They go a little something like this.

MOUNTAIN MONOLITH

Many years ago, during the island’s formative stages, a blizzard worse than anything in living memory tore through the mountain range. For miles, all anyone could see was a frenzied flurry of blinding snow and ice.

Banding together, those of the mountain made sure that there was enough food and shelter for themselves and their neighbors. As the night wore on, however, it became clear that some had been lost in the storm. They began to sing a slow, mournful refrain—a song to remember and honour the fallen.

Soon, some realized another voice had joined. The voice, like the howling wind, like the storm above, added to the mournful chorus. 

To this day, their chorus can still be heard during the worst of storms. It emanates from the place where a beacon now stands, leading lost travelers to safety through the passing of the storm.

JUNGLE MONOLITH

One day, the trees of the jungle were having an argument. They were determined to find the strongest tree. The first said, “I am the strongest because my trunk is wider than any other. My bark has many uses and no wind can shake me.”

“No, I am the strongest,” said a towering Teak. “My leaves stretch the furthest. I provide shade for the animals and protect the forest floor.”

A nearby Mango scoffed, “You’re both wrong. The animals eat from me and spread my seeds far and wide. I am the strongest because I am always regrowing.”

For days and days, the trees argued, disturbing flora and fauna alike until a young Sapling spoke up.

“Surely the Banyan is the strongest. They are the biggest and the oldest.”

This gave the other trees pause.

“True, their trunk is wide and strong,” the first admitted.

“And their leaves stretch far,” said the second.

“But they have no fruit to share as I do,” objected Mango. “I have more to offer the forest!”

The Banyan tree, old and weary, finally spoke. “I am wide and my leaves are full, but that does not make me strong. And though I have no fruit, I still have much to share, for my roots stretch far across this jungle, from its rivers to its trees. I am strong because you are all strong, and you are strong with me.”

CANYON MONOLITH

Much like a sunflower, creatures of the Canyon longed for the sun. Perhaps it was because they felt so minute due to the skyscraping walls that surrounded them at all times. Perhaps they simply enjoyed the warmth. Whatever the reason, it was not uncommon to see the creatures of the land stand tall, rising to their fullest heights. 

In fact, it was not unusual for different combinations of natural features and creatures to work together to achieve this goal. A tree growing from a crack in a rock face or nest built on a precarious perch, collaborations aided in their goal of always aiming for the sun.

DESERT MONOLITH

There once lived two brothers. The first, tall and lean, was highly regarded for his agility and dexterity; his brother, stocky and well-built, was renowned for his strength. One day, the two boys decided to have a competition. Both were known for their skill with rock and stone, so they decided to compete to make the best sculpture. The first brother began by making intricate carvings in the natural stone formations while his brother used his strength to stack boulders on top of each other. As the sculptures grew more and more complex, they also grew to an exponential height.

Unbeknownst to them, their structure began to lean towards one another until it became impossible to separate the two. Large slabs of rock blended seamlessly into delicate designs and, from them, a single beautiful carved monument stood, immortalizing the harmonization of their different styles.

THE EYE

The ancient ones’ greatest quality to have endured the test of time is their curiosity. Their unquenchable thirst for knowledge led generations of explorers and philosophers on their journeys for truth.

When following in the footsteps of ancient explorers before them, travelers use the simplest tools of navigation at their disposal: their own eyes and those above them.

For the stars above have captured our fates and our histories, and a shining Eye above us all will lead those willing to search for their own. When the call goes out, one only needs to look to find the right path.

LYNX

One night, as the Moon looked down upon the Earth, she realized how truly far she was. She could not interact with the creatures below and, though her connection to the Sea was strong, she was cut off from the beings on land. As a result, she created the Lynx to be her conduit below.

Though at first glance a creature of flesh and blood, the eyes of the Lynx belie their heritage, freezing any and all in its sight with flashes of otherworldly insight, often reflecting back the lives of its target through a prism lens.

KING FISHER

Once upon a time, the Sky fell madly in love with the Sea, and the Sea loved the Sky just as dearly. For many years they were inseparable, and from their love, many natural phenomena were birthed including the Wind and the Waves.

As the world grew older, their happiness was interrupted by the birth of the Horizon, stretching across the world, threatening the connection of Sea and Sky.

Desperate to give his love a final gift, the Sea fashioned a creature as beautiful as those found in its depths: a bird with the plumage to match the blues and greens of both his love and himself. He asked the Wind to carry the King Fisher into the Sky moments before the Sea and his love were separated by the Horizon forever.

SNAKE

One day, Snake was stretched out on a rock sunning. Up above, she watched as the clouds passed slowly and the carrion birds rode the air, dipping and diving towards their prey.

“I wish I could fly,” Snake said to herself. “To feel myself among the wind and sky.”

“I can help with that,” a voice said from a nearby Vulture who had landed just above on a pointed outcropping. “I can take you as far and as high as you’d like.”

Now Snake was a dreamer, but she was also clever and knew what the Vulture was truly after. “Meet me on this rock tomorrow,” she told the Vulture, “and take me as high as you can.”

The Vulture agreed and the next day swooped down for their meal, completely unaware that the clever Snake had left only her shed skin to be found. And while Snake still looked to the sky, she was content to live her life on the Earth.

SCORPION

In the days long past, back when the Earth was new and the Sky hung low enough to touch, Scorpion had no tail. Why would he? His shell was sturdy enough to protect him from the heat and dirt of the desert, and his many legs made him quicker than those who would ever try to catch him. For many years Scorpion reigned as the hardiest creature of the desert.

However, as time passed, and the Sky was forced further and further away, newer creatures began to roam Scorpion’s trail. It was no longer enough to be quick or tough. He needed a new advantage.

Taking inspiration from the cactus, Scorpion began to carry a stinger, always on guard for potential dangers. Always poised for a sudden attack, and ready to adapt to the new world.

CRAB

It was known amongst all creatures of the sea that no one loved to fool around more than Crab. From hiding beneath the sand for some unsuspecting creature to get the pinch to tricking young Sea Turtles astray, if there was a prank to pull, Crab was already scheming how to pull it off.

Unfortunately, not everyone appreciated Crab’s brand of humor. Especially not the parents of the poor lost Sea Turtles. One day, as Crab was busy planning his next trick, a pair of Sea Turtles got to work on their own. Carefully they laid a trap for Crab. With a bit of driftwood and the help of High Tide, the Sea Turtles watched as Crab was swiftly carried far out to sea, knowing it would be some time before he returned to their beach.

Reach for the Lost Civilization’s constellations with the new Instinct Vol. 6 line