TALES OF ALETHRION - Episode 01: The First Hero

The Tales of Alethrion proloque "The First Hero" is about Alethrion, whom the land is named after, and a lovely backpacker girl called Amerath. They are the original creators of the map which we see later in The Reward, carried by Vito and Wilhelm. It is the first tale that takes place long before many of the other episodes in the series which we hope to get funded through Kickstarter.
Support us and get exclusive content from the creators behind the channel
/ talesofalethrion
Tales of Alethrion RPG Board Game + Miniatures Set! Preorder here:
bit.ly/3cWUZVF
Card game, Artbooks and more! Check out our other merch here:
www.talesofale...
If you like Tale of Alethrion then remember to subscribe! / talesofalethrion
If you choose to follow this youtube channel we would like to invite you to follow the process of making the epic animated series Tales of Alethrion.
Stay tuned for more adventures!
High Fives!
Director Mikkel Mainz
Website:
Skjaldcreative.com
Instagram: @TalesofAlethrion
Facebook:
/ talesofalethrion
Twitter:
/ alethrion
Tumblr:
/ talesofalethrion
Fan Art Tumblr:
/ rewardart
Music by:
Mathias Valiant
/ hanvaliant
Skjald is a creative house created by Mikkel Mainz. He is the director of the animated Tales of Alethrion series and was one of the original founders of Sun Creature. Skjald’s goal is to make great storytelling experiences for the following community and audience through original 2D film projects, graphic novels, roleplaying books, illustrations and KZbin videos.
Skjald is the Scandinavian word for "bard", a storyteller in the Viking era and Middle Ages that traveled from town to town inspiring the listening crowds through stories about epic lords and ladies, about gods, love and other extraordinary things in life.

[@ethansalthouse8660]

The moment you realise both the other heroes got all the way to the mirror _and just looked at it_. Wow, gotta love these vids.

[@tracysmith2999]

Ethan Salthouse I just thought that.

[@nyotamwuaji6484]

The real treasure was the bond of friendship, forged in the heart of their trials along the way

[@namvo3013]

I think walking through the mirror manifest the true nature of people who look at it. The duo did many good deeds so they see themselves as heroes

[@Dundere_de_Duke]

What other heroes? I don't get it...

[@totoisayal5045]

​@@Dundere_de_Dukedude you have to watch the rest of the series, that's what the comment is referring to, you probably have already considering your comment was four days ago but yeah

[@pinkdogroslyn8832]

I like how the redemption of this character isn’t seeing his love one last time or living, or even making things right, it’s just him conquering his lust for money.

[@namvo3013]

He realized if the demon of greed escape, the world and the woman he loved will be in danger

[@TheRhetoricGamer]

The final fight has so many amazing, subtle metaphors and storytelling elements. Like how the greed monster became less and less like Alethrion each time he threw away his treasure. Like how it was totally Alethrion's choice to confront his greed. The monster was not hostile towards him until he attacked it.

[@ThePsh07]

I like how his eyebrows and mustache literally create an “X” on his face.

[@glasshalf3839]

This is all life. The hyperbola that is aligned in all magnetic creation. The mark of a creating creator.

[@art_noodle1]

It's a really good character design

[@Vangolten]

In the end Alethrion set his trap, Awaiting the one whose greed equaled his own. For that person can be surrounded with treasures, And see only the chest cradled by the king on his throne.

[@jamesklark6562]

Even Big Bad Monster Bashers need to pay rent. He showed he was clearly running low on funds as their relationship started to feel like a drag.

[@beans3553]

Nice job, there.

[@brovusmarillian3303]

pretty mych but nearly everyone did not bother to touch that mirror.

[@Komod0_arg.8.0]

Thats envy not greed

[@Resters52_official]

@@Komod0_arg.8.0 it's still greed, he's saying that they are surrounded by treasures, but they still want more, that's greed.

[@darkollie77]

dont u hate it when the big bad evil was inside u all along. more importantly this animation and design and sound and this whole project......amazing!! what an impact

[@TalesofAlethrion]

The evil inside could have been small but then growing over the years depending on your choices! - and thank you ! You have my epic gratitude! Glad to have you here :)

[@SamGreen]

Well this may just be the best thing I've ever watched. This is Animation done right!

[@TalesofAlethrion]

Sam Green Thank you so much and thanks again for backing the project ;)

[@lawleious6166]

12:08 Tank Boy 7:30 Vito and Wilheim birth reference 11:00 Shovel Knight 6:28 Tits 0:00 to 22:37 Amazing Video that should be getting a full series and should be given multiple awards Just some things I saw while watching this.

[@Twistingguy]

The strongest warrior is not the one who can defeat many others, but the one who can defeat himself.

[@totallybonkers9872]

Isn't that a paradox in a way? If he defeat himself, he also loses to himself because both combatants are him. I'm assuming you meant it figuratively, in that he defeats his own demons in his mind or his faults, but even then, those faults aren't him or at least they aren't fully him, just a part of him. I don't know. I might be overthinking it.

[@magnusm4]

@@totallybonkers9872 Isn't the ultimate victory not to defeat an opponent, but walk away from a confrontation without having to fight?

[@totallybonkers9872]

@@magnusm4 Perhaps. Depends on one's goal. A victory is simply the gratification of accomplishing a goal. So, if your goal is to win a fight, a victory would be considered winning that fight. If your goal is to diffuse a hostile situation, a victory would be preventing a fight from breaking out. Of course, that's just my take on it and considering my age and experience, I might be very off.

[@totallybonkers9872]

Note: the actual definition of victory is "an act of defeating an enemy or opponent in a battle, game, or other competition."

[@totallybonkers9872]

@Jeremiah Bullfrog Thanks for the reassurance! It means alot!

[@Krimr01234]

Coming back to this six years later and god it’s still so good

[@TalesofAlethrion]

Thanks champ! Then check out the newest episode Daughter's Revenge - and did you see Wilhem's Curse and Travelling Deity?

[@Krimr01234]

@@TalesofAlethrion I just finished up rewatching this one and plan to watch a bunch of the content on the channel. I didn’t remember it being so sad so I gotta wait for the tears to stop before I watch more ahah. Thanks for being one of the inspirations for me to get my BFA and pursue art.

[@glasshalf3839]

Concepts are great, except they are all flaw and no substance.

[@tVt2000]

7 years now

[@Thesamurai1999]

@@glasshalf3839 You can’t expect a full movie from a single animator.

[@Ohbowz]

Holy shit this was great!!

[@TalesofAlethrion]

Bowz Awesome Thank you SO much. We hope that we get to make the series :)

[@Ohbowz]

Sun Creature Studio Well you have my support. I'll keep pledging to your kickstarters. I love that this is becoming a series. I love the DnD style world you've created, the storytelling, and the animation is inspiring!

[@SamGreen]

Bowz Sun Creature Studio blown away.

[@ITZPAKTLI]

All this time since i first watched these animations and it still inspires me to this day. Thank you so much everyone for blessing our very existence with every last one of these awe-inspiring tales. The charm is still so very potent, i can feel the love put into these projects ;u;

[@TruthWielder]

WOW! This is a story unlike the vast majority out there. Archetypal characters, immortal themes, sincere emotions, real human connection...this series has it all. I will do everything I can to make this happen.

[@Sakura-Magika]

this is just the best work. i've never seen more world building, characterization, and wonderful storytelling done in such a short time, and with so little having been said. this and the reward are are true masterpieces.

[@madisondohmen5881]

this is such a great film

[@skorpanio]

3:00 Everybody gangsta until this guy shows up in your recommended.

[@9365fall]

The X is a reference to Alethrion's face

[@Geneforson]

David Sedkethran good eye

[@JonnyWafflez]

David Sedkethran I think Alethrion's face is a reference to an X.

[@JonnyWafflez]

***** I think I saw a comment from the creators saying that Alethrion's eyebrows and mustache were supposed to look like an X. What I said wasn't just my opinion.

[@TalesofAlethrion]

At 7:30 in the smoke there is a reference to Vito and Wilhelm being born. If you look really closely.

[@katlynnperez7965]

wut?

[@DaWasklyWabbit]

+katlynn perez I mean, i see the lady in the smoke i think. It's still pretty vague though. Also did Bruhn leave behind the map as well or was he just being a klutz?

[@TalesofAlethrion]

+Dwaine Stevenson His story is very different. It would be a shame to give away if he also comes to the mirror or not, but notice how he has been in all the episodes so far. The animated comic will also be released really soon where you see how he is connected to Tira and Mira. Yeah, the compositing is hiding smoke Vito and Wilhelm too much. I'll upload a work in process animation file screenshot and upload it to tumblr: Check it out here: www.tumblr.com/blog/suncreaturestudio

[@TalesofAlethrion]

+Dwaine Stevenson His story is very different. It would be a shame to give away if he also comes to the mirror or not, but notice how he has been in all the episodes so far. The animated comic will also be released really soon where you see how he is connected to Tira and Mira. Yeah, the compositing is hiding smoke Vito and Wilhelm too much. I just uploaded a work in process animation file screenshot to tumblr where it shows. Check it out here: www.tumblr.com/blog/suncreaturestudio

[@TalesofAlethrion]

+Dwaine Stevenson His story is very different. It would be a shame to give away if he also comes to the mirror or not, but notice how he has been in all the episodes so far. The animated comic will also be released really soon where you see how he is connected to Tira and Mira. Yeah, the compositing is hiding smoke Vito and Wilhelm too much. I just uploaded a work in process animation file screenshot to tumblr where it shows. Check it out here: www.tumblr.com/blog/suncreaturestudio

[@saintsr0w1]

Nothing short of greatness. The fact that you can change mood in such a short time but yet establish great characters and sincerity is amazing. This rivals Miyazaki in terms of artistic direction, originality, score, characters, everything. I hope to see so much more from you in the future.

[@mathiaswinum]

Gamer Masterrace That is a very big compliment. We are so happy you liked it :---)))

[@manoftruth0935]

"A treasure taken loses its glow. A treasure shared, shines forever more." -David Cappadoccia

[@craxnor]

Without a single word your story has captured our hearts. Alethrion in the end. You were not the monster.

[@MrSupernaturalLife]

This is one of my favorite KZbin videos! I can't wait for this series to become famous! The animation is lovely, the humor is good, the characters are incredibly interesting and the lore is amazing!

[@TalesofAlethrion]

+Adopt MEOW Thank you so much for the great words!

[@andros.1833]

Its great but it still aint famous

[@DudeInABlazer]

I absolutely loved their older video "The Reward," I'm so glad they're keeping up with it because there was so much potential there.

[@Squidika_]

Shovel Knight and Tankmen easter eggs in here! haha! not sure if there were more, but awesome none the less.

[@Mayeur000Donz]

I kinda wish we found out what happened to the woman afterwards. Where did she end up?

[@TalesofAlethrion]

She will get an episode of her own coming out this summer :) so you will find out!

[@Mayeur000Donz]

Sun Creature Studio Ah, so their Kickstarter paid off? I was a little worried that it wasn't successful, looking at how many views this video's got.

[@emelylucerne2175]

+Mayeur000Donz It made enough for two more episodes. I think they're planning on funding the rest in some other way, or maybe with a new kickstarter once the episodes are done.

[@BoneViolyn]

thanks man she is most likely m favorite charachter i wanted to know more about her.

[@alexq2411]

Mayeur000Donz being hit on in a village by a man who would become a master wizard with his sword and shield wielding companion

[@Imfromjamaicaman]

Such a beautiful story, the music was great, comedic moment felt so natural and got me laughing like I'm crazy. You guys are amazing. This video tells so many things without even a single word on it. It didn't even feel like a 20 minute video, because I enjoyed it sooooo much. Definitely worth the wait!

[@TalesofAlethrion]

Imfromjamaicaman This means a lot. Sometimes good things takes time and is worth the wait. We really appreciate you guys waited and were so supporting the whole way through. Thanks!

[@mathiaswinum]

Imfromjamaicaman you are so kind... HIGH FIVE !!!

[@Imfromjamaicaman]

mathias winum *Unleashthemostepichighfive Btw, if "The First Hero" refers to Alethrion, then the first villain was also him, huh? At least part of him

[@mathiaswinum]

hehe.. yaeh,, he is kind of a mercenary. definately not the good kind of hero.

[@mathiaswinum]

Imfromjamaicaman Soundtrack Available for purchase... WIIIIIIIiiiiiiii..... www.cdbaby.com/cd/hanvaliantproductions3 enjoy

[@Twisted_Logic]

Had to refresh myself in preparation for episode 8. Still absolutely superb. Just as good as I remember! This series is so special and I'm glad the team is still committed to this world y'all have created after all these years

[@Renew3D-Art]

I love how Amerath is literally the only thing preventing Alethrion from becoming a full blown villain. Although she couldn't keep him like that forever.

[@AJBergmanProduction]

I keep going back to 3:20 to rewatch the club scene. I laugh, then I remember what happens and I cry. All in, what, a minute? Can't say enough good things about this video, it's easily my fav 2 characters!!

[@TalesofAlethrion]

AJ Bergman Thank you!

[@Nevario1]

This was an amazing animated adventure. I couldn't stop watching it from start to finish!

[@artistgamergal]

Absolutely amazing!!! The backgrounds are gorgeous, the animation is so lively, and the effects add such a polished touch. Very beautiful!

[@TalesofAlethrion]

ArtistGamerGal Thank you so much. We feared that the darker story would through some off, but we are happy to hear that you enjoyed the work we made for this new tale.

[@Vezon2121]

This is probably one of the greatest pieces of Art ever created. Even 8 years later very few things come even close to how amazing this is.

[@GryKarcianeDlaDzieci]

This is so beautiful! I cannot express my feelings what I just saw! The animation is amazing, story deep and touching! Congratulations to you all!!!

[@benglaser1345]

I love the way you do a close-up of the hero's face and put a bunch of detail and work into it.

[@Zedrinbot]

10:58, I saw the Shovel Knight :Y This is so cool. Is each story gonna be in the same realm but otherwise mostly separate from the others, save for using the same map?

[@Jonadiah13]

Zedrin Also Nathan Drake from Uncharted :PAlso, I follow you on Deviantart, I like your animations!

[@pigeon767ikwak8]

Zedrin i think i saw the newgrounds tank driver at 12:06

[@Zedrinbot]

Luis Pinero I thought that's who that was! Nice subtle little references like these are what I live for.

[@ConcernedCalcium]

Zedrin Who's the bull then, yet another famous character who made a cameo And we don't know of ?

[@pigeon767ikwak8]

enginearman3000 idk m8

[@penvangg]

I really like that metaphor at 14:40, where his reflection represents his greed, and "his greed 'tore' them apart"...love to see more!!!

[@jomarabelguilas3945]

Why was this suddenly recommended to me?

[@jakubruszczyk2053]

because boobies

[@Selvokaz]

yeah same, suddenly in my feed.

[@blessedevelyn339]

You're a greedy person

[@patriousthefallenknight3185]

because youtube has its head up its own ass

[@desperateartist]

because you're special

[@YorkJonhson]

I always return to this every now and then. Truly beautiful piece of animation and creative storytelling.

[@IlTestaRotta]

Simply amazing: animation, style, music, story! It's a MUST to support and see!

[@mathiaswinum]

IlTestaRotta THANXXXXXX

[@joeairheart331]

IlTestaRotta Thank you! Glad you like the music! :-)

[@IlTestaRotta]

Joe Airheart​ sure! ;)

[@dude7803]

it's good to see this studio is still going after all this time. I wish you guys all the success in the world!

[@walteracevedo5105]

Animation and Music is so well done. Also I liked the Shovel Knight (10:56) and Newgrounds Mascot (12:07) easter eggs you put in. Very Nice.

[@TalesofAlethrion]

Walter Acevedo Thanks a lot!

[@mathiaswinum]

Walter Acevedo thankyou so much Walter... cheers

[@joeairheart331]

Walter Acevedo Thanks! Glad you like the music! It was a blast to make it! :-)

[@weedokush420]

I watched this so many time, one day I forgot title and for almost two years couldn’t find it 😢 today is a good day! It’s good to be back, to my fav animation on YT! Now I’m gonna watch all news I missed! You rules! ❤

[@saveachip9463]

At the end the chest is practically empty, so I believe it to be a representation of the crushing weight of his sins holding him down Instead, just a thought tho

[@llewtree3013]

You have to the talent to tell a story that is light hearted and humours and yet retain a dark story, a talent shared only by the great story tellers

[@otakon17]

Damn...that was awesome but kind of bittersweet too.

[@TalesofAlethrion]

otakon17 Yes, tragic love story... But now we know that there is a captured evil greedy Alethrion monster in the Treasure Chests of Holding!

[@kittykittyey]

Sun Creature Studio so exited to know who will defeat it! :D it has to be a heroe even more powerfull than Alethrion :0 difficult to imagine such a guy 80

[@otakon17]

kittykittyey Considering Alethrion bested a whole host of deities to get there and it still in the end killed him...holy crap it's gonna be an amazing end.

[@ClumzorZ]

otakon17 I don't know if those were deities or aspects of other people that went through the mirror. Like the mirror filtered out Alethrion's evil half..and it had the glowing rune above its head sort of like the others.

[@otakon17]

ClumzorZ Huh...that's a good point. Well they were pretty damn powerful if the Dark Alehtrion was any indication.

[@salvus608]

I love this story that, without breaking excessively with the conventional makes a small crack. It brings strength, rhythm and inspiration. Some characters for nothing flat, very human with such a simple script

[@thefrancix9316]

oww poor shovel knight... he was just chilling with his friends :C

[@pinjimin7696]

Still coming back to watch this every few months for the last 6 years. One of the best stories I've ever watched.

[@Ironwill_Games]

An astonishing animation short my any means possible! Amazing work that I hope will continue! Great job and congratulations to all the team! :D

[@TalesofAlethrion]

Nelson Teixeira Thank you so much ! It means so much to the all team to read such graet comment ! I hope we will be able to make more ! High Five !

[@joeairheart331]

Nelson Teixeira a big thanks from the musicteam! Glad you enjoyed it! :-)

[@antoyno]

Wonderful. Not only the animation was excellent but also the story. As a writer, this is one of the best endings that I've seen in my life. You have a brilliant mind, magnificent work!

[@Altronza]

"Did you do it?" "Yes..." "What did it cost you?" "Everything." this is the quote that fits this tale better than most.

[@emelylucerne2175]

The synergy that is created from the combination of the soundtrack and animation is incredible. Stellar storytelling.

[@Zeurel]

Absolutely Stellar

[@tylergriffith8695]

Just want to thank you for also making the travel Oregon ads! They are definitely just as beautiful as this!

[@Terra_Stara]

Wow i remember watching this as a kid in high school and now as an adult it feels completely different. More of a story about growing as an individual than what it felt like loss and being a hero because of it. Well it can be both of those things, art is weird like that.

[@thatoneguy2740]

only positive things can be said about this baby of pure meaning and treasure among all art and life

[@vals9838]

Truth is said that "We only start appreciating things after losing them"

[@marc5137]

I always notice the secret wilhelm screams. those never get old XD

[@sniper0986]

5years and I still watch this every time

[@HarrytheDee]

10:55 Shovel Knight!

[@HarrytheDee]

Approved by Sun Creature Studio!

[@harrymakongwa1147]

Harry

[@next_lvl_]

I'm rewatching this again....

[@annikarasmussen9383]

4:04 my fav moment :D

[@Dominik-ms1vn]

Imgur Sent me here! And Im Glad they did!!

[@TwillyZXY]

Dominik B What a coincidence huh?

[@Dominik-ms1vn]

HA HOWDY THERE XD

[@panaotispanaotis2712]

This guy makes Mr. Krabs seem like a philanthropist.

[@LostGeburah]

among the various episodes THIS remains my favourite and by a lot.

[@veronicaryan9050]

This totally recalls Darkmoor RPG to me! And that's awesome, guys. A really gorgeous movie, it's so sad and epic...

[@sakurastar2]

"He who fights monsters should see to it that he himself does not become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you."

[@etheriondesigns]

When Batman gazed into the abyss, the abyss looked away.

[@dutton1865]

Its crazy how theres no talking and it still better than alot of shows on right now

[@toniconge7003]

Wow that was really cool!

[@TalesofAlethrion]

Tony Kong Thank you so much for nice word ! You can support the project by sharing our Kickstarter campaign to continue to make more episodes of The Reward - Tales of Alethrion, you can check here the campaign kck.st/1Es7y5E Thanks a lot ! It means a lot for us ! HIgh Five !

[@toniconge7003]

Ooohh awesome!

[@cinnabar4074]

This animated short never gets old

[@moose5660]

Those detailed stills always get me

[@bronkula]

I'm so happy right now. You guys don't even know.

[@michelleong2762]

Love it! Amazing story and animation! I got such chills at the ending. Really can't wait to see more!

[@happymicrobe8123]

Oh nooo, it is like in horror movies with the very bad turnaround in the last szene! *rolling on the floor, eyes covered* >.< I was so hooked in the story and the characters! So well done!

[@botlotbot]

I remember watching this 4 years ago when it first came out, I love that I could experience the same feeling of astonishment I felt then in the present.

[@CraigOrangeSoda]

Shovel Knight at 10:56 LMAO

[@TalesofAlethrion]

Kristoffer Morato Haha, Yep, There he is - awesome as usual. Knocked out

[@denzlhechanova6382]

The plot runs good with the song "King Nothing"

[@MrBulldozer1000]

6:06, why do i have a feeling that the girl is a reference to the plant girl from wakfu?

[@TTHStuff]

green hair, brown skin?

[@MrBulldozer1000]

yeah, feel like it but im not sure.

[@abstractpoet8977]

A true hero conquers his own monsters.

[@dangilmore7291]

Fantastic - so glad to have been a part of this!

[@viccky9694]

funny how 22 minuts of animation can be better then moste cartoons/animes of today combined.

[@SrSeed]

Amazing visuals, amazing story, amazing soundtrack. Amazing video.

[@Petemeister22]

This is amazing, the storytelling is brilliant!

[@joshwalla7]

I get a sense that there is gonna be some kinda 7 deadly sins character types, the first guy was for sure greed, the guy at the end was without a doubt vanity. That would be cool to see all the heroes die at the hands of that monster then have one crazy fight with a pure hero, or something. I think when he went through that mirror it purified him somehow, so if that is the case other heroes can be purified and maybe the girl is able to save him and revive him with some kind of holy grail situation. This was great look forward to future episodes.

[@GavinDragon]

i wish you could put this on tv this style of animation and everything i love it i absolutely do and i think there needs to be more

[@t.h.mcelroy6597]

If I could like these videos a thousand times I would. You are outstanding, my friends!

[@CometX-ing]

He killed Shovel Knight.

[@АндрейАляска-г3щ]

Великолепно! Изумительно! Волшебно!!! Спасибо.

[@potatokilr7789]

Who would have thought that one of the most saddening stories didn’t need any dialogue

[@loganlin5009]

Omg I'm so glad I found you guys again, you were my childhood!

[@Treforce]

12:00 is that ... tankmen? from newgrounds.com?

[@TalesofAlethrion]

Treforce Yes :)

[@TheDarkPatito]

Sun Creature Studio and shovel knight at 10:56 ?

[@zecloroxdrinker5895]

This is a truly beautiful animation.

[@MrBaffaCake]

Man, you guys make some wonderful stuff. c:

[@augieford1574]

This is the best animation I've Seen in a long time

[@chrysaor3476]

I think him trying to close the chest was symbolism for him trying to get rid of his greed on love for money and the monster represented his greed

[@Mother_boards]

He killed Shovel Knight! That bastard! Men mere seriøst, bravo! Dette er en fantastisk animations film, og i har virkelig gjort det godt! Jeg kan kun håbe og drømme om at blive halvt så talentfuld some nogen af jer en skønne dag. Fortsæt det gode arbejde!

[@travisknight204]

I knew as soon as they met how it was going to end but loved it from start to finish

[@BishopHavel]

Awww...why'd you have to go and kill Shovel Knight? XD Awesome work. I loved this.

[@jasperg9076]

Its been 8 years, How I miss watching this ❤

[@SexuaLobster]

vvveeeeerrry nice

[@Darkgun231]

SexuaLobster To see your approval on a project must be a rush, like winning the lottery. Despite the fact that all praise towards this amazing animation will now pale in comparison, I must admit that I too find this to be very nice.

[@DastardlyDistaste]

Darkgun231 I thought at first that your comment was sarcasm, but then I realized whose comment you were replying to.

[@nyotamwuaji6484]

Holy crap! You have given your Walrus of Approval!

[@trebot9292266]

How did I miss this comment. Now I know for sure this is quality content.

[@mistermonstr699]

LOL SHOVEL KNIGHT!

[@nimajneb4156]

Dr. nightshade holy crap YES

[@drawgeta8647]

Dr. nightshade I saw him to he's at 11:00