The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

In the Forest of Burzee, a council of Immortals convenes. The Great Ak recounts the life of a human baby named Claus and argues that granting him immortality would be a deed worthy of the Immortals. The retelling sets the stage for Claus's eventual legend as Santa Claus.

The Great Ak discovers an infant in the snowy woods on the forest's border and decides to raise him. He entrusts the baby to the lioness Shiegra to care for him. This act begins Claus's journey from forest-born child to a life of helping others.

Necile, a Wood Nymph, steals Claus from Shiegra and presents him to the Great Ak, asking permission to raise the child. She argues that a human child can be cherished within the Forest. The Great Ak agrees, and Shiegra remains nearby to protect them.

Necile names the infant Claus, marking the beginning of his identity within the forest community. The name will follow him as he grows into a figure of universal good.

As Claus grows into a young man, the Great Ak takes him to witness the mortal world and its suffering. Claus learns that he must live there and strive to make it better, carrying responsibility beyond the forest. This revelation seeds his later mission of bringing joy to children.

Claus leaves the forest and settles in a workshop in the Laughing Valley of Hohaho. He is joined by Shiegra and Tingler, a Sound Imp, and begins crafting toys to bring happiness to a nearby village. His early creations lay the groundwork for his lifelong gift-giving.

A group of forest helpers—Ryls, Knooks, and Wood Nymphs—assist Claus in making and delivering toys. They boost his ability to spread joy and reinforce the magic of gift-giving. Their presence expands Claus's influence beyond the immediate forest.

The Awgwas, led by King Awgwa, resent Claus's impact on children and warn him to stop. When Claus ignores the warning, they kidnap him, forcing him to seek aid from the Knooks. The forest friends help him escape, marking a turning point in the conflict.

The Awgwas continue to ambush Claus and his helpers, stealing the toys they have crafted. Claus attempts to carry on, sometimes traveling at night with or without aid, but is repeatedly attacked. The thefts intensify the need for help from his forest allies.

The Great Ak confronts King Awgwa and demands that the interference end. A war erupts between the Immortals and the Awgwas, with monstrous allies joining the fight. The Immortals prevail, and the Awgwas are driven back, allowing Claus to resume his mission.

To lift the heavy sleigh, Peter Knook suggests hitching reindeer from the Forest. Claus travels across the Laughing Valley with Tingler and Shiegra, delivering toys as the sleigh leaps like flying. He enters homes through chimneys, fills stockings, and is celebrated by the family as Saint Claus.

Claus learns he cannot rely on limitless time, since reindeer can be used only once a year. Peter Knook retrieves the toys that the Awgwas previously stole, ensuring Claus has gifts for the upcoming Christmas Eve. This rescue operation solidifies the annual cycle of giving.

As Claus nears the end of his life, his friends remember him by decorating a tree every year. The tradition keeps his memory and mission alive in the hearts of children. The annual tree becomes a symbol of enduring joy and generosity.

The council unanimously votes to grant Claus the Mantle of Immortality. With this blessing, he becomes Santa Claus, delivering gifts to children every Christmas Eve. The legend endures, and his benevolent mission continues through the ages.