Highland Belter Ulagan

Among the twelve animal candidates in Emperor Yu's search for the most capable assistant, Ox possessed the greatest physical strength. It was his imposing presence that led a warrior tribe in the human world to welcome who they believed was a powerful new member into their fold. The chieftain bestowed the name Ulagan upon him, hoping he would live up to his namesake of "worldly man". Unfortunately, Ulagan had no interest in hunting or war. He preferred to spend his days strumming his yatga, feeling the mountainous breeze tousle his braids. His love for music was equal only to his love of food and drink, and it was on one such night of revelry that his peaceable mood was shattered by brash youth with too much fire in their bellies. The brawny bard rose from his seat and slammed his instrument upon the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust. In several earth-shaking strums, the air seemed to vibrate as Ulagan belted out the epic of the gods. So mighty was his performance that everyone present was shocked into silence, and the fighting ceased immediately. Most impressive of all was the sheer passion and power behind every note his baritone voice carried to the four winds. After a riveting few hours, Ulagan hefted his impressive instrument back on his broad shoulders, surveyed the silence with a satisfied snort, and retired to his tent. Since then, word spread to every clan on the highlands of this mighty minstrel. No longer did anyone grief him on his apparent laziness. When it came down to it, the man could temper fires and foster unity—not with brute strength, but with the plucked bellow of a hundred oxen.