Alusna

Alusna is a fictional location appearing in the fantasy novel "The Dragonbone Chair" by Tad Williams. It is the primary setting for the early part of the story and serves as the ancestral home of the Osten Ard kingdom. Alusna is characterized by its stark, windswept landscape, dotted with small villages and the imposing castle of the High King. The region is known for its hardy inhabitants, who are accustomed to the harsh climate and the ever-present threat of the Sithi, an ancient and powerful race. The central event in Alusna that drives the plot is the brutal invasion by the Voi People, who seek to conquer the kingdom and claim its lands. This invasion leads to the destruction of many settlements and the scattering of the kingdom's people, forcing the protagonist, Simon, to flee and embark on a perilous journey. Alusna represents a lost golden age for the humans of Osten Ard, a time before the widespread conflict and suffering that marks the later parts of the saga. Its fate is a key element in the narrative, highlighting the fragility of peace and the devastating consequences of war. The descriptions of Alusna evoke a sense of ancient history and a deep connection to the land, underscoring its importance as a cultural and political heartland before its fall.