Kandanar Kelan Theyyam

Meladath Chakki, a landlady in Kunnaru, discovers a baby boy in Poonkumbam forest. She names him Kelan and raises him as her own. Kelan matures into a brave and industrious young man, turning the fields of Kunnaru fertile. His mother tasks him with replicating this success in Wayanadu. 

Kelan takes his bows and arrows and sets off, not without enjoying some toddy first. Once in Wayanadu, he begins clearing the forest for farming by setting fires. He leaves a single gooseberry tree standing, unaware that two snakes, Kali and Karali, inhabit it. Attempting to clear the fourth jungle, he sets a fire that grows uncontrollable. Trapped, he climbs the gooseberry tree, only to be bitten by the snakes. All three fall into the fire and perish. 

Vayanattu Kulavan, a warrior deity, comes across the scene. With a touch of his bow, he revives Kelan, renaming him Kandanar Kelan and bestowing upon him a seat of honour and weapons. The subsequent theyyam performance narrates this story. Kandanar Kelan runs through fire, dressed in silk and metal anklets. His chest bears the drawing of the two snakes as a tribute to his fiery past.