Editing Fjorden

== Geography and Ecology ==

Fjorden and its client states lie on the continent of [[Sycla]], in fact, they encompass the vast majority of Sycla, with the only other state being [[Arelon]].{{map ref|Sycla}} Among these states Fjorden is by far the largest.{{map ref|Sycla}}

=== Fjorden ===

Fjorden lies along the shore of the [[Sea of Fjorden]], Fjorden doesn’t seem to control many large islands. To the west, Fjorden is bordered by the [[Dathreki Mountains]] (or Atad, as they are known to the Arelenes).{{map ref|Arelon}} At least two large rivers run through Fjorden.{{map ref|Sycla}} Fjorden has a cold climate. It sometimes gets so cold in the winter that trees freeze and explode.{{book ref|Elantris|14}}

The [[Aberteen]] is a flower found and favoured in Fjorden.{{glossary ref|Elantris|A}} The [[Sea of Fjorden]], which Fjorden lies next to, contains many species of fish. One such species is the [[kike]].{{glossary ref|Elantris|K}}

=== Fjordell Empire ===

The Fjordell Empire has very diverse geography. [[Hraggen]] contains a large mountain range while [[Hrovell]] is bordered to the south by mountains. All the southern nations in the Fjordell empire are bordered by a large desert. Svorden has control over a large group of islands to the west of the peninsula.{{map ref|Sycla}}

=== Notable cities ===

* [[Widor]] - The capital city of Fjorden. The Wyrn resides in a palace called the Zigareth in Widor.{{map ref|Sycla}}

* [[Seraven]] - The most important city in [[Svorden]]. Seraven is an important harbour, being located on the [[Sea of Fjorden]]. It is also the northernmost point in the entire Fjordell empire.{{map ref|Sycla}}

* [[Fellavoo]] - A city in the north of [[Duladel]]. It is located close to both [[Arelon]] and Fjorden?{{map ref|Sycla}}

* [[HaiKo]] - A city located in the north of [[JinDo]]. Haiko is built against the shore of the same river as Widor.{{map ref|Sycla}}

* [[Gmordsom]] - The largest city in Hraggen.{{map ref|Sycla}}

* [[Velf]] - An important city in Geant. Velf is located at the mouth of an important river.{{map ref|Sycla}}

== Government ==

=== Theocracy ===

Fjorden is a theocracy. It’s state religion is [[Shu-Dereth]].{{book ref|elantris|3}}

Fjorden seems to be ruled by [[Wyrn (title)|Wyrn]].{{book ref|Elantris|3}} The Fjordell empire isn’t a true empire, rather it is a collection of nations united by their belief in a single religion, Shu-Dereth. Each of these nations has their own rulers, although all of them are Derethi.{{book ref|Elantris|9}}{{map ref|Sycla}} Shu-Dereth teaches that Wyrn is the highest priest, prophet and Jaddeth’s chosen. Due to this the Derethi obey his every command, which means that he essentially rules the Empire.{{book ref|Elantris|3}} The Fjordell priests have a very tight grip on the Derethi nations, no king rules east of the Dathreki Mountains unless he has professed allegiance to Shu-Dereth, and the most desirable and lucrative governmental positions always fall to those who were diligent in their worship of Jaddeth.{{book ref|Elantris|9}}

The [[skaze]], [[Splinter]]s of [[Dominion]], also have a direct influence on Fjordell politics.{{book ref|elantris|3}}{{wob ref|4641}}

==== Territories ====

While Fjorden itself doesn’t directly rule over other territories, the Fjordell Empire consists of many different kingdoms.{{map ref|Sycla}}

* [[Svorden]] - A kingdom in the eastern part of the Fjordell empire, it is considered to be the cultural epicentre of the east.{{book ref|Elantris|9}}{{map ref|Sycla}}

* [[Hrovell]] - A nation in the rural southeast of the Fjordell Empire.{{glossary ref|Elantris|H}}{{map ref|Sycla}}

* [[Geant]] - A nation in the east of the Fjordell Empire, it’s people have become almost indistinguishable from the Fjordell.{{map ref|Sycla}}{{glossary ref|Elantris|S}}

* [[Hraggen]] - A nation in the Fjordell Empire. It is located to the south of Fjorden.{{map ref|Sycla}}

* [[Jaador]] - A nation in the southern part of the empire, they are ethnically [[JinDo]], although much of their culture has been replaced by the Fjordell.{{map ref|Sycla}}

* [[Jindo]] - A nation in the Fjordell empire.{{map ref|Sycla}} When the Fjordell began expanding the JinDo, preferring peace to fighting, outwardly converted to [[Shu-Dereth]] and joined the Empire.{{book ref|Elantris|14}}

* [[Duladel]] - A kingdom in the west of the empire, they joined the Fjordell empire after a bloody revolution, which ended with the foundation of a pro Fjordell monarchy.{{map ref|Sycla}}

=== The Wyrns ===

==== Political significance ====

Fjorden is ruled by a [[Wyrn (title)|Wyrn]]. It appears that the Wyrn can do whatever he wishes inside Fjorden. Wyrn doesn’t directly rule the other Derethi kingdoms however, instead of this he holds significant influence in them. Wyrn can command the Fjordell monasteries, including [[Dakhor]], to carry out certain tasks for him.{{book ref|Elantris|57}}

The Wyrns live in the Zigareth, a palace located in the Fjordell city of [[Widor]].{{glossary ref|Elantris|Z}} Because of this it can be assumed that Widor functions as the Fjordell capital.

==== Religious significance ====

The title Wyrn is also the title of the highest priest in the Derethi religion.{{Glossary ref|Elantris|W}} It is believed that only Wyrn is holy enough to commune directly with [[Jaddeth]].{{book ref|Elantris|8}} This, combined with the strict Derethi chain of command, makes each Derethi serve Wyrn. Because of his position as Jaddeth’s prophet Wyrn holds great influence within all the Derethi nations.{{book ref|Elantris|3}}

Wyrn is also the [[Shu-Dereth#Organization & Hierarchy|hroden]] of many important priests, such as the Gyorns.{{book ref|Elantris|12}}

==== Titles ====

The Wyrns have numerous titles, known titles are: Emperor of Fjorden, Prophet of Shu-Dereth, Ruler of Jaddeth’s holy kingdom and Regent of all Creation.{{map ref|Sycla}} This last title refers to their state of rulership until Jaddeth rises from his throne.{{Glossary ref|Elantris|W}} Some priests also refer to him as their master.{{book ref|Elantris|12}}

=== Foreign Policy and International Relationships ===

==== Arelon ====

The Fjordell have bad relations with the Arelene people.{{book ref|Elantris|3}} This is mainly because of the difference in religion, the Arelenes worship both [[Shu-Korath|Domi]] and the [[Elantrians]], which makes the Fjordell see them as pagans. Besides that the Fjordell have repeatedly attempted to conquer Arelon, with little to no succes, which contributes a great deal to their hatred of Arelon.{{book ref|Elantris|7}}

Ten years after the [[Reod]] Wyrn sent some of his fiercest warrior monks, the monks from the Dakhor monastery, to invade Arelon and slaughter the Arelene people. He got them into Arelon without anyone noticing, and at Wyrn’s command, they began slaughtering the Arelenes, both nobles and commoners alike.{{book ref|Elantris|58}} This invasion was eventually stopped, but it significantly worsened the relations between the Fjordell and the Arelenes.{{book ref|Elantris|62}}

==== Teod ====

{{sidequote

|The day Teod fell beneath Fjorden's glory would be a joyous day indeed.

|Hrathen

|side=right|Size=300px

}}

The Fjordell also have antagonistic relations with the [[Teod|Teo]].{{book ref|Elantris|6}} The Fjordell view the Teo as their archenemies and historical rivals. Many Fjordell also assume that there is no hope for the Teo. This isn’t actually Derethi doctrine however, instead it is a simple justification that infused Fjorden's historical enemies with theological hatred.{{book ref|Elantris|6}}

Ten years after the [[Reod]] the Fjordell began invading Teod, sailing straight to [[Teoras]].{{book ref|Elantris|62}} This invasion was stopped however as [[Elantris (city)|Elantris]] was restored and an army of [[Elantrians]] arrived at Teoras.{{book ref|Elantris|62}} The invasion significantly worsened the relations between the Teo and the Fjordell.

==== The Rose Empire ====

The Fjordell view the people of the Rose Empire as barbarians, calling them the Rose barbarians.{{map ref|Sycla}} It seems that they don’t interact much with these peoples. Svorden is known to have diplomatic relations with the Rose Empire, although in recent years these relations have become somewhat strained.{{tes ref|12}} There is a Gyorn, who essentially functions as an ambassador, stationed in the [[Imperial Seat]].{{tes ref|98}}

== Military ==

==== Armies ====

Fjorden itself only has a basic defence force, the other nations in the Fjordell empire have far larger armies however. Due to the strict Derethi chain of command these armies are also under Wyrn’s command.

{{sidequote

|side=right|size=300px

These militaries will crush entire civilizations for their Wyrn.{{book ref|Elantris|3}} Their conquests are also quickly soldified by the arrival of Derethi priests, who strive to convert the entire population to Shu-Dereth.{{book ref|Elantris|21}} The Fjordell believe that with all mankind united under Wyrn's rule, Jaddeth could rise from His throne beneath the earth and reign in glorious majesty upon the world.{{book ref|Elantris|3}} This is one of the reasons for their conquests. The Fjordell also have multiple bandit groups under their control. Ten years after the Reod these bandits were operating in Arelon.{{book ref|Elantris|6}}

==== Warrior Priests ====

The conventional armies are augmented by Derethi priests. Derethi priests are trained in the monasteries of Fjorden, where they are required to undergo vigorous physical training. This makes all Derethi priests excellent warriors.{{book ref|Elantris|31}} Besides that, this training makes the priests into a capable force for Wyrn to use in his conquests.{{book ref|Elantris|57}}

==== Equipment and Weaponry ====

Fjordell soldiers likely use small and light spears that can be thrown.{{book ref|Elantris|6}} The common soldiers wear steel armour, most of them also carry swords. Derethi warrior monks wear red surcoats over their armour.{{book ref|Elantris|60}}

==== Navy ====

They are also wealthy enough to have a huge navy, large enough that they could beat Teod by sheer numbers.{{book ref|Elantris|47}} Most of these ships come from [[Svorden]]. Fjorden itself lacks any real maritime strength.{{glossary ref|elantris|S}}{{book ref|elantris|20}}

=== People ===

Fjordell tend to have dark black hair and be very wide of build. Fjordell are also notably tall, some Fjordell can even rival the Teo when it comes to height.{{glossary ref|Elantris|F}}

==== Sports and Games ====

The Fjordell also spar using dueling blades. For these sparring matches they use a special type of sword called a [[Syre]].{{glossary ref|Elantris|S}} The Fjordell also presumably play a [[Svorden|Svordish]] game called [[Leky stick]].

==== Social structure ====

The Fjordell have a very strict social structure.{{book ref|Elantris|8}} The people are expected to obey the commands of their superiors, who obey others and so forth, until the chain reaches Wyrn, who is the only man allowed to serve Jaddeth directly. Fjordell will do anything to rise in ranks — ambition is the one emotion Jaddeth would accept as readily as devotion.{{book ref|Elantris|3}}{{book ref|Elantris|21}}

==== Foods and drinks ====

The Fjordell drink Garha, a caffeine rich drink.{{glossary ref|Elantris|G}} They probably eat [[kike]], as it is found in the [[Sea of Fjorden]].{{glossary ref|Elantris|K}}

=== Language ===

Their language is called Fjordell; according to their doctrine, it's Jaddeth's own chosen tongue, and thus holy, while other languages are considered profane.{{book ref|Elantris|12}} The native Fjordell accent is thick and melodic.{{book ref|Elantris|5}}

The language prefers guttural sounds. ‘U’ sounds, ‘F’ sounds, ‘H’ sounds, and ‘G’ sounds. It has a ‘Y’ sound in the form of a ‘J,’ and placed emphasis on the ‘Hr’ combination. From this language come names like Dilaf, Jaddeth (pronounced yah-death,) and Sycla.{{url ref|url=https://brandonsanderson.com/books/elantris/elantris/languages-of-elantris/|text=Languages of Elantris|site=brandonsanderson.com}} The Fjordell use Hruggath as an obscene oath in Fjordell this oath is often used with 'Ja,' the shortened, vulgar word for Jaddeth.{{Glossary ref|Elantris|H}}

=== Religion ===

Fjorden's religion is the [[Shu-Dereth]], founded by Dereth. Shu-Dereth interprets Keseg’s teachings to mean that all men must be united beneath the rule of one nation. Dereth taught that once all men bow before a single monarch, proving their unified nature, their god would come to live amongst them.{{book ref|elantris|9}} Said god is [[Jaddeth]]; only one man can serve him directly.{{book ref|elantris|8}}

=== Economy ===

Fjorden is a rich country. It has strong trade with Teod and Arelon, as well as all of its current territories. It is wealthy enough to use money to control foreign politics, like the support from [[Telrii]] in Arelon.{{book ref|Elantris|15}} It is also infamously known for capitalizing on other nations' chaos.{{book ref|Elantris|43}}

The Fjordell gold coin is called Wyrning.{{glossary ref|Elantris|W}} It is stamped with the profile of the Wyrn.{{book ref|elantris|15}} The Fjordell make good wine, they also export these wines to other nations such as Arelon.{{book ref|Elantris|11}}

=== Invested Art ===

The Fjordell have figured out their own way to access the [[Dor]]. They do this via an art called [[Dakhor]]. This art is known only to the Derethi priests of the Dakhor Monastery. It causes their bones to grow harder and twist into what are thought to be Fjordell symbols.{{book ref|Elantris|63}} These symbols grant the Dakhor priests various powers, most of them battle related.

== History ==

For centuries, the Fjordell working class lived and died under a feudal system that treated them worse than farm animals. They did not rebel, as they were raised to it, and to them, the feudal system was the only system.{{book ref|Elantris|8}}

The original state reigning over Fjorden was the Old Empire, also known as the First Empire. Over three hundred years ago, it nearly conquered all of Opelon—only Arelon, with the help of Elantrian magic, stood against it. Eventually, the Old Empire fell because of administrative problems—it conquered more than it could hold.{{glossary ref|Elantris|F}}

About three hundred years ago, Wyrn Wulfden the First converted to the Derethi religion, and within a generation all of Fjorden had done likewise. Thus, Fjorden was reborn -- this time, as a theocracy. For the next three hundred years, the Wyrns have been blatantly altering their country’s own histories and literature to make it seem as if the empire has always been a manifestation of divine purpose. Poetry and lives of kings were all rewritten to remove any outdated references - after all, they couldn't have it sounding like their greatest historical king was a pagan.{{book ref|Elantris|43}}

Over the past three centuries, the Wyrns have used their new theocratic power to expand and spread, conquering numerous surrounding states by the means of religious conversion. By the time of the [[Reod]], the Wyrns were more powerful than even at the height of the Old Empire's power.{{book ref|Elantris|5}}

After the Reod and the subsequent fall of Elantris, Fjorden started pushing the boundaries of its influence again, this time instigating the collapse of the [[Duladel]] Republic. {{book ref|Elantris|8}} This was successful, albeit bloody, and after Duladel's fall, Fjorden once more set its sights on [[Arelon]], as well as their ally, [[Teod]].{{book ref|elantris|3}}

They began by sending [[Hrathen]] to attempt to convert Arelon to [[Shu-Dereth]], and thus make it submit to Fjorden. Should this prove impossible within three months, Fjorden would send armies to destroy every living being in Arelon's cities.{{book ref|Elantris|3}} They also lent financial support to [[Telrii]], an Arelene follower of Shu-Derethi who wanted to take the Arelene throne, and sank King [[Iadon]]'s merchant fleets.{{book ref|elantris|15}}

In Teod, in turn, they forced king [[Eventeo]] to convert under threat of invasion, and removed the Teod ambassadors in Arelon.{{book ref|elantris|18}} Finally, they threatened to kill Eventeo's daughter, [[Sarene]].

Their plans fell through when [[Elantris (city)|Elantris]] was restored, and the Elantrians recovered their power. During the restoration, the Fjordell were cast out of Arelon,{{book ref|Elantris|62}} and later out of Teod as well.{{book ref|Elantris|63}}