A stranger from afar arrived on our planet some fifteen centuries ago. The alien being left unusual markings, teachings, and insights for the generations to ponder over. The records speak true and thus.
On a windless morning over a grey meadow, a pillar of glaring light descended like a fallen star from the heavens. The celestial branch led from up high to down below. And on the roots of this blinding tree, there was a curious artifact. A metal house constructed out of an unbreakable alloy, with pieces of tungsten and copper mixed between.
The far fellow reached the ground softly and began to look around, as if in awe of our marvelous homestead. Truly, such a sight must be rare even in the neverending reach of the cosmos. As brilliant as the scenery must be, the foreign one seemed to observe the inhabitants more.
A few dignitaries came from surrounding nations to parlay with this foul beast of hell, for that was what they thought him to be. In time, they realized he meant no harm and was in fact quite friendly. He took their rudimentary tools and built magnificent spectacles, inscribing on such works his unique tongue.
That's where the tale ends, quite abruptly all things considered. Later records state that the people who came to know him feared and revered him deeply. For the enigmatic machines he brought into existence were things never previously dreamed of. The writing on the walls of such constructs caused future descendants to grow mad with perplexity. What could these symbols mean?
They must indeed contain some sort of teaching, art, or mystic might. Entire dynasties were formed to formulate these queer words into legible print. Could this mean 'they' or 'cloud'? The answers were never easy coming, but slowly, the peoples of the world began to understand.
At last! Here we stand triumphant. Over a millennium and a half of persistent effort led to this very moment. We have translated the scriptures! Let us see what the first words are.
I sure do hope my insurance covers this.