skemmdum

Skemmdum is a term used in a fictional worldbuilding project and its related fan communities to describe a social ritual and the token that governs it. It is a constructed concept that appears in role-playing games, fan fiction, and design documents set in a shared imaginary universe. Because Skemmdum is part of a fictional setting, sources are non-scholarly and drawn from fan-created material.

In the imagined world, a Skemmdum refers to both the ritual practice and the small object that initiates it. The token is typically a hand-carved disk or bead, or sometimes a simple wooden pendant, carried by participants. The ritual centers on communal storytelling and memory sharing, with the token acting as a cue that a person may speak.

During a Skemmdum circle, participants take turns holding the token and sharing a memory, anecdote, or piece of lore connected to the community or event being celebrated. The act emphasizes listening and consent; speaking is voluntary when a person holds the token, and passing the token ends a turn. The circle fosters a sense of belonging, while maintaining an inclusive and respectful atmosphere.

Origins and terminology: The name Skemmdum is derived from a constructed language used within the project, with components meaning roughly “memory” and “circle.” The concept first appeared in online worldbuilding forums in the mid-2010s and has since spread to fan-made role-playing modules and short fiction.

Variants and reception: Some communities vary the token’s form or add rules—such as a silent variant where sharing is optional or a formal ritual version that includes a blessing. In-universe analysis treats Skemmdum as social glue; critics note it can place pressure to perform memories in public settings. See also memory circle, storytelling circle, talisman.