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#architecture #city #giant #grave #jarl #kingdom #monument #norse #north #settlement #south #tree #viking #village #west
Published: 2015-01-18 17:03:59 +0000 UTC; Views: 1430; Favourites: 21; Downloads: 0
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Description
So I wanted something visual that showed the differences in architecture in the various regions of the northmen. I spent alot of time on the actual architecture itself but didn't feel like it was necessary to paint it super pretty as these are just examples. The architecture isn't divided strictly by any borders, but gradually transform as you go further in any given direction. These are all examples of mid-sized settlements, although they continue beyond the borders of the paintings.I don't know when the map will be done but hopefully soon so I can give you some context.
South and Central regions:
The architecture in the south and central regions is very much influenced by the availability of wood and the frequently visiting merchants from south of Odin's Gate (the landmark where the norse Jarls' power end and the Southern Kingdoms begin). The buildings are much taller, and more decorative than the other parts. Stone is something only seen in foundations or burial monuments. The mild winters and warm summers allow for much more creativity to take place. It is also influenced by the typical "square box with a triangle roof" image of a house that is common in the Southern Kingdoms. Most settlements are built around the Jarl's or Chiefttain's house and warden tree. The warden tree is a tree that protects either it's owner or it's area of influence from supernatural harm. Damaging the central warden tree in a settlement is punishable by death. Vaettir (Wights: Vaettir Concepts ) sometimes inhabit the hollow parts of these trees as well.
North and mountain regions:
Form over function. The architecture here is very archaic and only serves as a place to hide from the harsh cold. Little to none decorational elements here can be found, except for some religious and protective items.
Here more than anywhere else the likeness with the architecture of the Jötnar (Giants) can be seen. The doorways of monolithic rocks and all-stone houses is evidence of the close relationship the northmen once had with the giants. As barely any trees grow here, monoliths (top right) are raised as protective measures against the supernatural (usually 3, 5 or 7 in a circle). Much like the south, damaging or toppling these monuments is punishable by death.
North and West:
In the north and west (but not nearly as far north as i talked about above) the architecture is a blend of the former two. Cold winters and warm summers calls for function but form isn't entirely sacrificed. You can still find watchtowers and decently sized longhouses here. However they often blend in with nature much more than in the south. Houses built into the hills and roofs covered in moss. From the right angle you probably won't see half of the houses in a settlement like this. The protection against the supernatural varies in these regions. So both monoliths and warden trees can be seen. As these regions aren't too influenced by either giants or southerlings, one could say that this is the most pure northern architecture. But as with anything, there are many arguments that can be made against that statement.