The Legend of the Purple Duck

 A Short Lesson in Ancient Mythological History

A long, long time ago, in Erebor — the lonely, mountainous land of dragons — a magnificent golden egg was discovered. No tale reveals from what glorious creature the egg was laid, yet all knew it held power beyond this world. The dragons, guardians of treasure, watched over it with jealous care.

News of the egg spread when the magical pythons of Delphi consulted their oracle, Pythia. She revealed that within the golden shell lay the source of riches, happiness, and freedom. Slithering into Erebor, the pythons stole the egg at great cost, and though many perished, one python returned victorious.

Their triumph was short-lived. Warriors from Elysium heard whispers of the egg and seized it after a fierce battle. For centuries, joy filled their island — until the Vikings of Valhalla, restless in conquest, carried it away. With the egg as their talisman, they raided the British Isles, but there they met King Arthur and his noble court. Though defeated, the Vikings were spared, and Arthur claimed the egg for Camelot. There it rested in peace, blessing the land for generations.

But all treasures wander. One spring morning, children mistook the egg for a ball and lost it to a rushing stream. It drifted to the sea, where the Kraken of Atlantis seized it. Desiring to be the sole ruler of the deep, the monster crushed the egg and from its shell burst forth a being unlike any other: The mighty Purple Duck.

For centuries he wandered the world, seeking his true home, until at last he found it at Liberty Common School. There, each year, students strive for the joy, wisdom, and freedom he carries within.

Yet even legends face peril. In March of 2025, shadows crept across Liberty as the Purple Duck was stolen away. The culprits were the Sherwood Archers — merry thieves who believed they could claim his blessings for themselves and justify their deed by promising to share them with the poor. Cloaked in green and cunning, they spirited him away into the wilds, their laughter echoing through the forest as the Liberty community mourned his absence.

Despair spread. The Orders searched far and wide, tracing rumors and whispers. Some claimed to have seen him bound in a clearing, surrounded by hooded bandits. Others swore he had been carried deep into Sherwood Forest, where no map could guide the way. Order Director Deitrick and Assistant Director Kepley poured over maps and devised plans, but hope seemed dim — until an Elven Princess from Rivendell appeared.

She spoke of her people, the Elves of Rivendell, keepers of ancient wisdom. They had been listening, communicating with the Purple Duck in silence, for only the wisest can use telepathy across worlds. They had counseled him not to escape by force, but to teach. “Show them virtue,” they urged. “Show them justice is not won by theft, but by self-mastery and service. Speak with patience, and their hearts will turn.”

And so, the Purple Duck, strengthened by the counsel of the Elves, taught the Archers night after night. He spoke of temperance, fortitude, and true justice, weaving lessons as strong as the forest winds. The Archers, once proud and defiant, felt their hearts pierced by wisdom older than their bows. At last, they bowed their heads, confessing their folly. Ashamed yet grateful, they returned the Purple Duck home, not as captors but as disciples.

When the Purple Duck came back, he had evolved, no longer only a guardian but also a sage. In gratitude for his allies, he decreed the creation of two noble Orders: Rivendell, honoring the Elves who guided him, and Sherwood, honoring the Archers who learned virtue through his teaching.

Thus, the Purple Duck dwells now at Liberty Common Junior High School, where the Order System thrives under his watchful gaze. From him flow all the victories, joys, and lessons, and his legend continues to shape all who seek wisdom, truth, and the pursuit of the good.