Norvigs

Norvigs are a fictional ethnic group conceived for a world-building setting. They populate the northern coastal and highland regions of the continent of Nordmark in the fantasy world of Eldoria. The Norvigs live in fishing villages along rocky shores and in sheltered upland communities connected by seasonal trails. They are known for seamanship, woodcraft, and a strong clan-based social structure.

Name and language: The exonym Norvig is used by outsiders; the people refer to themselves as Narvígr in their own tongue. Narvígr belongs to the Northwind language family and includes several dialects. Literacy is historically preserved through carved runes, ritual songs, and communal storytelling.

History: Norvigs emerged as distinct communities during the early Iron Age and gradually coalesced into a loose confederation by medieval times. They traded with inland kingdoms and coastal city-states, while resisting larger empire-style conquests. In the present era they participate in a regional federation that coordinates defense, infrastructure, and long-distance trade.

Culture: Society centers on kinship clans led by elders, with land rights and marriage arrangements governed by customary law. The Frosttide festival marks the return of longer days and features ship-launching ceremonies, storytelling, and craft fairs. Music uses reed pipes and skin drums, and traditional dress combines wool, leather, and copper ornaments.

Economy: Primary activities include cod and herring fisheries, boat-building, piloting, and timber extraction from upland forests. They engage in barter and a regional currency based on shells and metal ingots for long-distance exchanges.

Notable Norvigs: figures such as Chief Sigrid of the Northmark clan and poet Lyr Farwind appear in Norvig lore.