Ljossalfheim: A Brief Primer

This will likely be the first in a series of discussions on Ljossalfheim, the Ljossalfar, and their practices and politics.

The Ljossalfar (known in their own tongue as the Leifallen (lay-FALL-ehn), or “Bright Green Ones”) were Vanir (or Eshnahai) who split following the First Vanic Civil War. From the people I’ve spoken with who were from that time, they felt that the land had been tainted or poisoned by the actions of others, and that the natural beauty of the land and the people was fading because of it. They struck out on their own, and built their own kingdom to the southwest of Vanaheim, which outsiders know as Ljossalfheim.

Much of Ljossalfar society was built upon the bones of the Vanic Civil War. To return to the natural rhythm of things, they stripped themselves away from the animal tribes of the Vanir and instated the Seasonal Courts. All Ljossalfar belong to one of these four courts, which are kingdoms within themselves. This too came directly from the Vanic Civil War- to prevent another coup that would destroy the royal family, there are instead four royal families that rule in their particular season. The current seasonal rulers are styled as King and Queen, while the others are styled as Prince and Princess. As of the time of this writing, the current King and Queen of Ljossalfheim are the King and Queen of Winter. When Spring comes, they will step down, and the Prince and Princess of Spring will step up to rule.

Another interesting facet of Ljossalfar society is the Grand Game. Ljossalfar society reads as very medieval/feudal in structure, based around an ideology of “A place for everything, and everything in its place.” Intricate Wyrd-laced politics are part and parcel of this. I will probably need a whole separate post to discuss the Grand Game, but suffice to say it is very similar to the things you see in Game of Thrones.

The weather in Ljossalfheim depends on which Court you are visiting, and which Court is currently ruling. Each Seasonal Court typically has idealized weather for that particular season, with it being warmer or cooler than average depending on the ruling Court. The weather is controlled by magic, and glamour is a huge part of what makes Ljossalfheim what it is.

The religious calendar is very similar to the Vanic calendar- eight major holidays on the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarters- with other festivities and observances in between.