Stänglar

Stänglar are ceremonial wooden staffs associated with the fictional Northmark tradition, appearing in Nordic-inspired folklore and contemporary fantasy literature. They function as symbols of authority and instruments in ritual and ceremonial contexts, carried by heralds, stewards, or chieftains during processions and public rites. In many depictions, stänglar are treated as conduits of legitimacy, their possession passing along lines of office or lineage.

Etymologically, the term is presented in sources as deriving from a Norse-influenced root related to stänger or stång, meaning a pole or staff, with the plural form stänglar. The name is commonly used within the imagined culture to distinguish these staffs from ordinary walking sticks or agricultural staffs.

Design and construction typically emphasize material and artistry. Stänglar are described as long, around 1.2 to 1.8 meters, carved from ash, oak, or other hardwoods. They often feature a carved head or finial, sometimes depicting animals, mythic symbols, or runic motifs. Metal inlays, painted bands, or fabric ribbons may adorn the shaft, and some versions include detachable banners or tassels used in specific ceremonies.

Function and symbolism are central to their role. Beyond mere props, stänglar signify authority, governance, and communal memory. They may be used to mark boundaries, certify proclamations, or accompany sacred acts. In modern fantasy settings, they may also appear as focal objects in rituals of renewal or oath-taking, sometimes with fictional properties attributed to them.

See also: Scepter, Staff, Crozier, Runic inscription.