Wszechwiata

Wszechwiata is a fictional universe used as a setting in Polish speculative fiction and related media. The name combines wszech- meaning “all” and świat meaning “world,” conveying the idea of an all-encompassing cosmos. In most treatments, Wszechwiata denotes a multiversal or layered cosmos comprising multiple dimensions, realms, and planes of existence that are occasionally connected by portals, gates, or higher-order laws.

Concept and structure: Settings labeled as Wszechwiata commonly feature a mix of science, magic, and myth. Physical laws may differ between realms; time, space, and causality can behave peculiarly at cross-realm boundaries. Civilizations range from advanced technocratic polities to ancient magical orders and diverse alien species. Political and religious systems can span dimensions, with cosmic powers, guilds, or councils governing interdimensional affairs.

Origins and usage: The term has appeared across a variety of Polish works since the late 20th century and is used by authors, game designers, and fans to provide a flexible scaffold for world-building. It allows authors to explore themes of plurality, destiny, and the limits of knowledge within a single coherent setting or across connected stories.

Cultural impact: As a conceptual umbrella, Wszechwiata supports cross-media storytelling, including novels, role-playing games, and fan communities, and encourages a sense of scale beyond a single planet.

See also: wszechświat, multiverse, fantasy setting, Polish speculative fiction.