Kerykeion

The official exterior concept of the Kerykeion, also known as The Heimdallr.

The Kerykeion (ケリュケイオン, Keryukeion^?, The Heimdallr), also known as Airship Kerykeion, is a transport airship in Tales of the Rays. It is the Sellund's fastest sailing airship. It is possible to sail at high speed with the use of the chiral particles as power. It can draw particles directly from the atmosphere to keep airborne without refueling—continuous sailing without replenishment is also possible by directly incorporating chiral particles in the air as power. The Kerykeion had been originally been developed in opposition to the negative use of the Magic Mirror Weapons, or Mirrage Weapons, as it relies on using natural energy fuels, and not creating any pollutant anima.

The internal view of the Kerykeion.

The Kerykeion is said to be powered by a core which runs on natural energy fuels powered by the chiral molecules. It is later that Ickx Neve, Mileena Weiss and the other party members acquire the ship for their usages, and often use it to travel the world of Tir Na Nog. A self-educated and knowledgeable mechanical engineer called Garows Outsorrow helps in the repairs of the ships engine when used by the member of the party.

The Kerykeion functions like many of the other flying airship used in the Tales of series. This can be seen of both the overall structure, as well as the infrastructure of the ships, comparable to that of the airship used in Tales of Graces during the party's trip to the planet of Fodra and other locations.

Etymology

The Kerykeion (from Greek κηρύκειον kērukeion) means "herald's staff". It is the staff carried by Hermes Trismegistus in Greco-Egyptian mythology and Hermes in Greek mythology. It is also known as Caduceus. The same staff was also borne by heralds in general, for example by Iris, the messenger of Hera. It is a short staff entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings. In Roman iconography, it was often depicted being carried in the left hand of Mercury, the messenger of the gods, guide of the dead and protector of merchants, shepherds, gamblers, liars, and thieves.

In Norse mythology, a source inspiration for Tales of the Rays, Heimdallr is a god who possesses the resounding horn Gjallarhorn, owns the golden-maned horse Gulltoppr, has gold teeth, and is the son of Nine Mothers. Heimdallr is attested as possessing foreknowledge, keen eyesight and hearing, is described as "the whitest of the gods" and keeps watch for the onset of Ragnarök while drinking fine mead in his dwelling Himinbjörg, located where the burning rainbow bridge Bifröst meets heaven. Heimdallr is said to be the originator of social classes among humanity and once regained Freyja's treasured possession Brísingamen while doing battle in the shape of a seal with Loki. Heimdallr and Loki are foretold to kill one another during the events of Ragnarök.