The Valley of the Yenkara

Regarded as a mere fairy tale, the Valley of the Yenkara is said to be the home of the mythical Yenkara, peaceful beasts spoken of in childhood fables and legends. According to the tales, the Valley of the Yenkara is a paradise on earth, a surreal valley filled with lush tropical plants and flowing streams of crystal-clear water, surrounded by spirelike mountains. Here herds of peace-loving Yenkara dwell in safety and tranquility, free from natural predators.

Such talk of giant beasts and paradises at the end of the world are considered mere childrens' stories. If such a spot on earth did exist, however, it would be located under a brilliant blue star in the northern skies. As the tales tell, one could follow that star straight to the Yenkara Valley — placing the mythical valley somewhere in the far northeast, if a geographic location had to be chosen for it.

No creditable explorer has ever seen the Valley of the Yenkara, or believes that it actually exists. One hunter by the name of McNee insists that the Yenkara Valley does exist, and that the strange creatures called Yenkara are real. However, Mr. McNee is a prison inmate currently undergoing psychiatric therapy, thereby seriously invalidating his wild claims — and leaving the Yenkara, once more, to the realm of mythology.

Left: Shrouded in the mist, a family of the mythical Yenkara.