He was once Sol, the god of Joy- tasked with defeating the god of fear when holy war broke out across the realm. But he failed. Fear won, then locked Joy away in the abyss.

After a century of torture, Sol is unleashed from his torment by a desperate girl named Wretch. He finds that his failure has resulted in the world's damnation. Crops are gone. Rivers are dry. Crystals no longer shine. The sacred Sky Stream of souls has turned stagnant. Worst of all, if one dies or feels joy in this realm of ruin, they are turned into horrific, violent beasts.

Wretch has a job for Sol. Guide her and her tribe to the edge of the world, where the soul portals once existed. There, they can end their lives in peace and escape this hellacious existence. Now, the former god of Joy must face a new challenge. What is joy in a world without hope? What is existence without a future? Can he take these beings to salvation after failing them so terribly?

My submission for Tragic Hero.