Impeeriumi

Impeeriumi refers to a fictional empire featured in the Finnish fantasy novel series *The Eternal Guardians* (*Aikojen vartijat*) by author Jarkko Sipilä. The series, published between 2010 and 2013, blends elements of high fantasy, political intrigue, and historical fiction, set in a world inspired by medieval Europe and Finnish folklore.

The empire is a vast, centralized power that dominates much of the known world, ruled by a hereditary monarchy. Its capital, known as the Imperial City, is a fortified metropolis symbolizing the empire’s wealth, military strength, and cultural influence. The empire’s government operates through a complex hierarchy, including the emperor, noble houses, and a bureaucracy that enforces laws and taxes across its territories. Military might is a cornerstone of its authority, with a standing army and elite units like the Imperial Guard.

The empire’s society is stratified, with the nobility holding most political and economic power, while commoners, peasants, and merchants form the working class. Religion also plays a significant role, with the Imperial Church—an official state religion—promoting loyalty to the emperor and the empire’s divine mandate. The empire’s expansionist policies have led to conflicts with neighboring kingdoms, including the Free Cities and the Kingdom of Valtia, which often resist its dominance.

Themes in the series explore imperialism, power struggles, and the moral ambiguities of governance. The empire’s internal dynamics, such as succession crises and rebellions, drive much of the plot, reflecting broader tensions between tradition and change. While powerful, the empire is not without flaws, and its stability is frequently tested by external threats and internal dissent.

Impeeriumi serves as a backdrop for the series’ central characters, who navigate its political landscape, often clashing with or opposing its institutions. The empire’s portrayal is nuanced, depicting both its grandeur and its oppressive nature, making it a central yet complex element of the narrative.