Fantasy Friday is my own feature, posted every other Friday. It’s pretty self-explanatory: I do a feature on something to do with the genre. Sometimes it will be a book recommendation, sometimes showcasing a book or series I’ve loved and other times it might be a discussion post. You’re more than welcome to join in with this feature, let me know if you make your own Fantasy Friday post!
Today I want to talk about: fantasy holiday destinations.
This is a subject I have covered in the past, but it’s also one I can expand upon – there is an endless number of fantasy worlds out there to visit, after all! Last time we visited Middle-earth, Hogsmeade and Westeros.
Thedas, from the Dragon Age series
- Climate: Variable. Temperate in places like Kirkwall and Denerim, arid desert in the Anderfels, a warm climate in Antiva which contributes to the wine trade, whereas the climate in Orlais is very mixed.
- People: Humans, descended from several different tribes; elves, who are often treated as second-class citizens and sometimes slaves, those that break free from human civilisation and live a nomadic lifestyle are known as the Dalish; dwarves, who are normally only found underground, those who venture above are known as ‘surface dwarves’ and are often disowned by their family for this; the Qunari, a terrifying horned humanoid race who religious teachings mean more to them than anything. And beware the darkspawn – humanoid creatures who have been a major threat to the people of Thedas for thousands of years.
- Language: Ander (Anderfels), Antivan (Antiva), the ‘Common Tongue’ (Ferelden), dwarven dialects, Elvish language (much is lost but they still use some words and phrases), Qunlat (Qunari), Orlesian (Orlais), Tevene (Tevinter Imperium)
- Notable landmarks/places to visit: Well first of all, feel free to visit my castle in Ferelden. Denerim, the capital city of Ferelden, is a busy place with a lot of trade. Val Royeaux, in Orlais, is renowned for its beauty, and it is also home to the Andrastian Chantry. Within the Free Marches, you’ll find Kirkwall, home to the legendary champion Hawke. The Korcari Wilds to the south of Thedas provide a challenge for any intrepid adventurer – watch out for that sneaky Witch of the Wilds! Or for those who like a bit of history, the Tevinter Imperium is one of the oldest countries in Thedas – but I wouldn’t advise going there if you are in any way magically inclined. Bad idea.
Ankh-Morpork, from the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett
- Climate: A temperate zone, but next to the most polluted river in the Discworld. It is equidistant from both the tropics and frozen wastelands.
- People: A large population of roughly one million people, including fifty thousand dwarves. The people of Ankh-Morpork are rather… eccentric. There is also a large number of witches and wizards residing in the city, thanks to the Unseen University.
- Language: There appears to be a common tongue in Ankh-Morpork, but there are a few other languages, mostly demonstrated by Rincewind: Trob, Sumtri, Black Oroogu, Chimerian and Vanglemesht.
- Notable landmarks/places to visit: The Unseen University, with its eight hundred foot tower, is certainly a sight to see. And why not take a tour of the library, given by the university’s very own Librarian? It’s only five bananas each! Be careful when venturing around The Shades, the slum of Ankh-Morpork… lots of shifty characters around there. And if you like history, why not visit the Dwarf Bread Museum?
Rinn Reads 