Jötunnheim

**Jötunnheim,** also known as The Ancient Realm, The Mountain's Trunk or the Fatherland is a large region set off to the right in the center of Yggdrasil's branches. It is the home of the Jötunn, tall, extremely strong and powerful men and women, some of whom have affiliations with the elemental forces of the universe. It is bordered to the side by Midgard and above by Vanaheim. Jötunnheim was originally inhabited mostly by the Frost Giants, but after a series of conflicts, kinslayings and civil wars, the other sub-species of Jötunn grew their own power, with the Unelemented **Jötunn** creating the Northern Kingdom of Hauhland. The entire realm is built around a massive mountain range that divides the realm in half, before splitting out into web like patterns in the far eastern bay.

## Geography

Jötunnheim is a large landmass with a tundra-like enviroment. Forests border the coasts the island, and the climate is very rainy. Through the center of the realm is an enormous mountain range known as Risahryggurinn "The Giant's Spine", which is where most of the Jötunn came to live. All five of the highest peaks in the Nine Realms are found here. Much of Jötunnheim is vertical; mountains, cliffs, and deep valleys. The vast majority of settlements cling to these valleys.

## Flora and Fauna

### Flora

A vast number of types of flora are found throughout Jötunnheim. Plants can be found anywhere in Jötunnheim, even in the least hospitable of locations. Flora such as Snowberries and Frost Mirriam are capable of surviving in cold, harsh conditions. There are nine types of Fungi found in Jötunnheim. These can be found in cave networks beneath the surface. Of particular note are Jazbay grapes, originally a rare delicacy, tundra cotton, an alternative clothing fibre to animal skins, and Bleeding Crown, a fungus common to many of Jötunnheim's caverns.

One of the most intriguing plants in Jötunnheim is the Vetrarnóturót plant. Vetrarnóturót typically grows near fungi and water resources, and depends on water and sunlight to survive. This rare plant is light green or crimson and emits a very bright glow, as well as a chiming sound.

### Fauna

A number of animals found in Skyrim are domesticated. These include the dogs, horses, chickens, cows and goats. The horses of Skyrim are hardy and strong, and "make up for endurance what they lack in speed." Horses and horse-drawn carriages are commonly used as methods of transportation. Both being capable of traveling the harsh terrain and climate with ease. More hostile creatures include giant spiders, mammoths, and of course, wild/barbarian groups of Jötunn.

## Government

The entire realm of Jötunnheim is ruled by the High Father, and their consort. Each hold is ruled by a Patriarch/Matriarch. Following the death of Father Ilavith, the High Father was chosen through a Moot of the Patriarchs, which has varied in importance from the ultimate legitimizer of a High Father's rule to a mere ceremonial acknowledgment of the heir apparent. Disagreements over the Moot in the First Era led to the War of Succession, and after that a Moot has only been convened when the current High Father has had no direct heir.

Until the Aesir-Jötunn War, the province was included in the Empire of Asgard. While under this banner, **Jötunnheim** enjoyed military aid from the All-Father's army.

The Vetrarkrónan (Winter Crown) was a symbol of leadership and power of a High Father. It was made out of the teeth and bones of Dragons and was an ancient relic of the Jötunn. It was made for Father Eagmith. The last High Father to wear the crown was King Borgas and the crown was lost during the War of Succession

There are no known laws or legal documents of Skyrim. There were some surveys, censuses and records used by the government, such as the Book of Life, which was a census that kept track of people and livestock in a certain region. The government also kept records of cities' general status and economic production. One such survey was the Survey of the Holdings of Father Gjalund, taken down during the First Era by Slafknir the Scribe, under the rule of Father Gjalund.