Glorantha, created by Greg Stafford in the late 1960s, is a world unparalleled in its depth and intricacy. What began as a setting for Stafford’s personal fantasy writing evolved into one of the most influential worlds in fantasy literature and role-playing games. Glorantha has a history that spans over five decades, enriched through various role-playing games, novels, and supplementary materials, with RuneQuest being the most famous among them. The world’s mythos is so detailed that it includes its own languages, calendars, and social customs, creating a truly immersive experience.
One of the defining features of Glorantha is its Bronze Age setting. Unlike the typical medieval-inspired fantasy worlds, Glorantha draws inspiration from ancient civilizations like Sumer, Mycenae, and the Hittites. This influences not only the technological level but also the societal structures and conflicts within the world. The lack of iron, which is rare and often magical, forces societies to rely on bronze, obsidian, and other materials, adding a layer of authenticity to the world’s ancient feel.
The Mythic Structure of Glorantha
The Creation Myth
The creation myth of Glorantha is one of the most detailed in fantasy literature. It begins with the Primal Age, a time of chaos where the elemental forces of Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Darkness existed in an unformed, raw state. These elements were personified by ancient deities, known as the Elder Gods, who shaped the world through their conflicts and alliances.
A critical event in the creation myth is the Dawn, marking the end of the Great Darkness—a catastrophic period caused by the death of the Sun God, Yelm. This era of despair saw the rise of Chaos, a force that threatened to unravel the world. The Great Compromise, an agreement among the gods to bind themselves to the world’s fate, was forged to prevent total destruction. This pact established the cyclical nature of time in Glorantha, where the gods withdrew from direct intervention, leaving the mortals to navigate the world under their influence.
The Great Compromise also explains the cyclical nature of time in Glorantha, with the world continually cycling through periods of order and chaos. This cyclical view of time is reflected in the Gloranthan calendar, which consists of five seasons—Sea Season, Fire Season, Earth Season, Dark Season, and Storm Season—each representing different elemental influences.
The Runes and their Significance
Runes in Glorantha are more than just symbols; they are the fundamental forces of the universe. Each rune represents a different aspect of reality, from the elemental (Air, Earth, Fire, Water) to the powers of Law, Disorder, Harmony, and Chaos. These runes are not just abstract concepts; they are tangible forces that can be harnessed by mortals through worship and magic.
For example, the Air Rune is associated with Orlanth, the storm god and king of the gods in many cultures, symbolizing freedom, movement, and the power of the storm. Orlanth’s cult teaches that the Air Rune embodies the breath of life and the storm’s fury, and his worshippers invoke it to gain powers such as flight, control over winds, and the ability to call down lightning in battle.
In contrast, the Earth Rune is linked to the goddess Ernalda, representing fertility, stability, and the nurturing aspects of the earth. The Earth Rune is central to the agricultural practices of many Gloranthan cultures, with Ernalda’s cult providing blessings for crops, ensuring the fertility of the land, and even teaching the secrets of geomancy, the magic of shaping and communicating with the earth.
The runes also play a crucial role in the magic systems of Glorantha. Rune magic is a powerful force, allowing priests and shamans to channel the powers of their gods directly. For example, a worshipper of Humakt, the god of death and war, might use the Death Rune to sever the soul from the body, ensuring that a slain enemy cannot be resurrected.
The Pantheon of Glorantha
Major Deities and Their Roles
Glorantha’s pantheon is vast, with deities governing every aspect of existence. Orlanth, the storm god, is perhaps the most prominent figure, revered as the king of the gods in many cultures, particularly among the Orlanthi people. Orlanth’s myths depict him as a heroic figure who challenges the old order, defeats the forces of Chaos, and brings order to the world. His worshippers, who form the backbone of many societies in Dragon Pass and surrounding regions, model their lives on his ideals of bravery, honor, and resistance against tyranny.
Ernalda, the Earth Goddess, is another central deity. She is not only the wife of Orlanth but also the mother of many other gods, making her a vital figure in the pantheon. Her myths emphasize her role as the sustainer of life, the source of fertility, and the protector of the land. In many cultures, Ernalda is worshipped by agricultural communities, who depend on her blessings for their survival. Rituals to Ernalda often involve planting festivals, harvest celebrations, and fertility rites, which are believed to ensure the prosperity of the people and the land.
Yelm, the Sun God, is a figure of authority and order. His myths often contrast with those of Orlanth, reflecting the tension between the old order represented by Yelm and the new order championed by Orlanth. Yelm’s journey through the Underworld, where he dies and is reborn each day, is one of the most important stories in Gloranthan mythology. This myth not only explains the cycle of day and night but also serves as a metaphor for the eternal struggle between life and death, light and darkness.
Other significant deities include Humakt, the god of death and war, who is worshipped by warriors seeking to hone their martial skills and uphold the strict code of honor associated with death. Humakt’s followers are often feared and respected as they wield the power to sever the ties between life and death.
The Cults and Religious Practices
In Glorantha, cults are the primary means through which mortals interact with the divine. Each cult is dedicated to a specific deity and offers its members access to divine magic, guidance, and protection. These cults are more than just religious institutions; they are social and political entities that wield significant power in Gloranthan society.
For example, the Orlanthi culture is deeply intertwined with the worship of Orlanth and his associated deities. The Orlanthi are a warrior society, and their cults reflect this, with rituals that emphasize martial prowess, personal honor, and the protection of the community. The initiation rites for young Orlanthi men often involve dangerous quests or trials of combat, which serve to prove their worthiness to join the ranks of Orlanth’s warriors.
In contrast, the Lunar Empire, which worships the Red Goddess, is known for its complex and often controversial religious practices. The Lunars embrace chaos and change, seeing them as necessary forces for progress and growth. The Red Goddess herself is a complex figure, embodying the dualities of creation and destruction, order and chaos. Her cult teaches that by embracing chaos, one can transcend the limitations of the mortal world and achieve a higher state of being.
The tension between these cults is a driving force in Gloranthan history. The conflict between the Orlanthi and the Lunars, for instance, is not just a political struggle but also a cosmic battle between the forces of order and chaos, tradition and innovation. This conflict plays out on both the mortal and divine levels, with heroes and gods alike taking sides in the struggle.
Mythic Cycles and Historical Influence
The Hero Wars
The Hero Wars are among the most significant events in Gloranthan history. These wars are a series of cataclysmic battles that occur during the Third Age, involving heroes who transcend their mortal limits to engage in epic struggles that reshape the world. The Hero Wars are not just physical conflicts but also mythic battles, where the participants enter the Hero Plane—a realm where myths are real and where heroes can rewrite the stories that define reality.
One of the central figures in the Hero Wars is Argrath, a mortal who rises from humble beginnings to become a key player in the struggle against the Lunar Empire. Argrath’s journey is emblematic of the Hero Wars, as he undertakes a series of mythic quests that lead him to confront gods, dragons, and the forces of chaos. His actions ultimately alter the balance of power in Glorantha, bringing about a new era.
Another pivotal figure is Harrek the Berserk, a fearsome warrior whose brutal exploits during the Hero Wars make him both feared and revered. Harrek’s mastery of the Bear Rune, which gives him immense strength and ferocity, allows him to lead a band of pirates on a campaign of conquest that spans the world. His legend grows as he defeats gods and mortals alike, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
The Sacred Time and Mythic Reenactment
Sacred Time is a unique period in the Gloranthan calendar, occurring at the end of each year. It is a time when the barriers between the mundane world and the mythic realms are thin, allowing mortals to interact with the gods and participate in the re-enactment of ancient myths. These re-enactments are not merely symbolic; they are believed to be essential for the continuation of the world. The myths relived during Sacred Time restore the cosmic balance, ensuring that the forces of chaos remain in check and that the world can be renewed for another year.
Communities across Glorantha engage in these rituals, with each culture re-enacting different myths that are central to their identity. For example, the Orlanthi people re-enact the myth of Orlanth’s journey into the Underworld, a tale that symbolizes the struggle against darkness and the triumph of light. During this ritual, community leaders take on the roles of Orlanth and other gods, re-living the battles, sacrifices, and triumphs that define their mythology.
In the Lunar Empire, Sacred Time rituals are centered around the Red Goddess and her ascent to divinity. These ceremonies involve elaborate processions, offerings, and the re-enactment of her battle against the forces of chaos. The Lunars believe that by re-enacting the Red Goddess’s apotheosis, they can draw upon her power to protect the empire and ensure its prosperity.
These rituals are not static; they evolve over time, with new myths emerging and old ones being reinterpreted. This dynamic nature of Sacred Time reflects the living quality of Gloranthan mythology, where myths are not just stories of the past but living truths that shape the present and future.
The World of Glorantha: A Living Myth
Geography and Mythical Locations
Glorantha’s geography is deeply intertwined with its mythology, making the physical landscape of the world a reflection of its mythic past. Dragon Pass, for instance, is one of the most storied regions in Glorantha. It is a land of ancient power, where the conflicts between gods, dragons, and mortals have left indelible marks on the landscape. The region is named for the great dragons that once ruled the area, and their influence is still felt in the land’s unpredictable nature and the mystical energies that pervade it.
Another key location is Prax, a harsh and unforgiving desert that is home to nomadic tribes who worship the Storm Bull, a god of war and resistance against chaos. The Praxians’ way of life is shaped by their environment, and their myths reflect the constant struggle for survival in a land that offers little mercy. The sacred place of Pavis, an ancient ruined city in Prax, serves as a center for these tribes, where they come to honor their gods and engage in ritual combat.
The Lunar Empire, with its capital at Glamour, is another example of how geography and mythology are intertwined. The city of Glamour is built around the site where the Red Goddess ascended to divinity, and its architecture reflects her chaotic and transformative power. The empire itself is seen as a manifestation of the Red Goddess’s influence, spreading her worship and the principles of change and chaos across the world. The empire’s expansion is often depicted as a mythic quest, with the Lunars portraying themselves as the chosen people destined to bring enlightenment to the world.
The Holy Country, a land ruled by the god-king Belintar, is another region where mythology and geography merge. The Holy Country is divided into six distinct regions, each ruled by a different elemental god, and each region’s geography reflects the nature of its ruling deity. For example, Esrolia, the Earth region, is known for its fertile lands and strong matriarchal society, while Caladraland, the Fire region, is dominated by volcanic activity and is home to the fire-worshipping Caladran people.
Myth and Everyday Life
In Glorantha, mythology is not just a collection of stories from the past; it is a living force that shapes the everyday lives of its inhabitants. The gods are deeply involved in the affairs of the world, and their influence can be seen in everything from the changing of the seasons to the outcome of battles. For the people of Glorantha, the myths of their gods provide explanations for natural phenomena, moral guidance, and a sense of identity and purpose.
For instance, farmers across Glorantha pray to Ernalda, the Earth Goddess, for a bountiful harvest. The myth of Ernalda’s marriage to Orlanth, which symbolizes the union of earth and sky, is re-enacted in agricultural rituals to ensure the fertility of the land. These rituals often involve planting seeds in sacred patterns, offering sacrifices, and invoking the gods through song and dance.
Warriors, on the other hand, look to gods like Humakt, the god of death and war, for strength and protection. Before going into battle, warriors will often perform rituals that re-enact Humakt’s severance of ties with life, symbolizing their readiness to face death in combat. These rituals can include the sharpening of swords in sacred patterns, the recitation of oaths of honor, and the donning of armor that has been blessed by the priests of Humakt.
In cities like Nochet, the largest city in Glorantha, the influence of mythology is seen in the organization of society itself. The city is ruled by a council of priestesses of Ernalda, and its laws are based on the goddess’s teachings. Festivals in Nochet, such as the Festival of Ernalda, are major civic events that draw participants from across the region, reinforcing social bonds and the collective identity of the people.
Even in daily commerce, mythology plays a role. Merchants might seek the blessings of Issaries, the god of trade and communication, before embarking on a journey. They may follow specific routes that are said to be under the protection of Issaries, avoiding paths associated with gods or spirits of misfortune. Trade negotiations often include offerings to Issaries, and successful deals are seen as a sign of the god’s favor.
The Evolution of Gloranthan Mythology
Glorantha’s mythology has evolved significantly since its inception, expanding from the pages of tabletop role-playing games to a wide range of media. The original RuneQuest game, released in 1978, was groundbreaking in its use of Gloranthan mythology, offering players a richly detailed world where the actions of their characters could have mythic significance. The game’s mechanics, particularly its magic system based on the runes and cults of Glorantha, set it apart from other fantasy role-playing games of the time.
Over the years, Glorantha has expanded into novels, comics, and video games, each of which has added new layers to the mythology. The Prince of Sartar webcomic, for instance, has brought the Hero Wars to life in a visually engaging format, allowing readers to explore the myths and legends of Glorantha through the eyes of its characters. The comic delves into the complexities of Gloranthan society, the conflicts between its cultures, and the personal journeys of its heroes.
Video games like King of Dragon Pass and Six Ages have introduced Glorantha to a broader audience, allowing players to interact with its mythology in a more direct and personal way. In these games, players take on the role of clan leaders, making decisions that affect not only their people but also the mythic landscape of Glorantha. The games’ mechanics, which involve managing resources, forging alliances, and leading hero quests, are deeply rooted in Gloranthan mythology, making each playthrough a unique exploration of the world.
The Guide to Glorantha, published in 2014, represents one of the most comprehensive explorations of the world and its mythology. This two-volume set provides an in-depth look at the history, geography, and cultures of Glorantha, drawing on decades of development to create a definitive reference for fans and newcomers alike. The guide includes detailed maps, timelines, and descriptions of the various pantheons and their myths, offering a wealth of material for both gaming and scholarly exploration.
Modern interpretations of Gloranthan mythology continue to evolve, with new publications and adaptations offering fresh perspectives on the world and its stories. The Glorantha Sourcebook, for instance, provides a more focused look at key aspects of the world, such as the myths of the gods, the nature of magic, and the role of heroes in Gloranthan society. This sourcebook is designed to be accessible to both longtime fans and those new to the setting, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring Glorantha.
Recent adaptations have also explored the more nuanced aspects of Gloranthan mythology. For example, the portrayal of the Lunar Empire in recent works has shifted from a monolithic evil empire to a more complex society with its own virtues and vices. The Red Goddess, once depicted as a chaotic and destructive force, is now often portrayed as a symbol of transformation and renewal, challenging traditional notions of order and stability.
These modern interpretations reflect the dynamic nature of Gloranthan mythology, where stories are constantly being reinterpreted and reimagined. This allows the mythology to remain relevant and engaging for new generations of fans, while also offering fresh insights to those who have been exploring the world for years.
