yerelden

Yerelden is a fictional archipelago and sovereign region used in fantasy literature and role-playing settings. It appears across multiple works, with variations in geography and governance, but is commonly depicted as a temperate maritime society.

The name Yerelden is said to derive from the Yereldish words yer, meaning land, and elden, meaning people (in some versions). The archipelago comprises about 60 islands, with a rugged coastline, dense conifer forests on the larger islands, and fjord-like inlets. The capital is Neral, located on the largest island; the climate is temperate maritime, with mild winters and cool summers.

Traditionally a loose federation of island principalities, Yerelden unified under a constitutional monarchy in the 18th century; the current monarch acts as head of state with an elected parliament, and a prime minister serves as head of government. The region maintains a policy of maritime trade, environmental stewardship, and regional cultural alliances.

Population is around 1.2 million, with Yereldish as the official language alongside regional tongues such as Sular. The society includes urban centers and rural communities, and emphasizes education and coastal resilience. The economy relies on fishing, shipbuilding, tourism, and renewable-energy production, with ports serving as key nodes for domestic and external trade.

Cultural life emphasizes festivals linked to the sea and seasons, craftsmanship, and literature. Architecture favors timber-framed houses and stone maritime structures. Notable landmarks often cited in the fiction include the Glass Spires, the Lighthouse of Aelar, and the Verdant Gate, all of which appear in various narratives and game settings.