Utgardic
Most historical scholars believe that the Utgard people broke away from the Gothic tribes during the Elder Days. The Utgard tribes ventured north, crossing through the Emerald Run, the Cragmaw Heights, and eventually settling in and around the Northern Mountains. They're a strong hardy people who existed on the fringes of society, their culture mixing with that of giants, goliaths, dwarves, and orcs. There are many among the Utgard tribes who have some descent from these races.
Throughout their history, the Utgard people have had their own autonomous tribes, as well as coming under the rule and overlordship of different kingdoms, nations, and empires. They have a bloody history as they are sturdy, stout, strong, and fiercely independent. Nowadays, the Utgard people exist within the Empire of Alacher and the Kingdom of Rewen. They reside in the more northern reaches of these kingdoms, near their ancestral home of the Utgard Wilds. There, they have a comfortable rural and semi-nomadic existence.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Alfhild, Arnbjorg, Ase, Aslog, Astrid, Birghild, Bodil, Brenna, Brynhild, Dagmar, Drifa, Eerika, Eira, Gudrun, Gunhild, Gunvor, Helga, Hertha, Hilde, Hillevi, Ingrid, Iona, Jarngerd, Jorunn, Kari, Kenna, Magnhild, Nanna, Olga, Ragna, Ragnhild, Ranveing, Runa, Saga, Sigfrid, Signe, Sigrid, Sigrunn, Solveig, Svanhild, Thora, Torborg, Torunn, Tove, Unn, Valgerd, Vigdis, Ylva, Yngvild
Masculine names
Agni, Anvindr, Arvid, Asger, Asmund, Bjarte, Bjorg, Bjorn, Bragi, Brandr, Brynjar, Egil, Einar, Erland, Fiske, Folkvar, Fritjof, Frode, Gier, Halli, Halvar, Harald, Hemming, Hjalmar, Hjortr, Hring, Ingimarr, Ivar, Kjetil, Knud, Kvelduf, Leif, Liufr, Manning, Oddr, Olin, Onem, Ormr, Osvald, Ove, Rannulfr, Sigurd, Skari, Snorri, Sten, Stigandr, Stigr, Styrbjorn, Sven, Torsten, Trygve, Ulf, Vali, Vidar
Family names
The Utgardic people have a patrilineal, and matrilineal naming tradition. This is to distinguish who they are related to in terms of who their mother or father was. Males usually have "-son" at the end of their family names to show that they are the son of their mother or father; while females have "-dottir" at the end of their family names to show that they are someone's daughter.
Agnarsson, Arnulfrsson, Authgrimsson, Bergsson, Bergdottir, Brodirsson, Eirikdottir, Ermundsson, Erlingdottir, Eyvindottir, Gnupasson, Gunbjorndottir, Guthrumdottir, Haraldottir, Hildirsson, Hosvirsson, Hroarsson, Ingidottir, Ingridottir, Karisson, Kollsson, Leifsson, Njalsson, Oddleifdottir, Ragnvaldottir, Styrsson, Sveinsson, Thorketilsson, Torstendottir, Unnulfsson
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Most scholars believe that the Utgard spoke the same language as their Gothic kin before they broke away. Over time, their dialect became more distinct and evolved through their interactions with other races in the Northern Mountains. Through this, the Utgardic language was born. There are similar words between the Gothic & Utgardic languages, but overall, a native Gothic speaker would either need a translator, or learn the language to understand what an Utgard tribesman or woman is saying.
Culture and cultural heritage
The Utgard pride themselves as strong and capable warriors. This is something they share with their Gothic cousins, and retained it even more into the future. They're entire culture is based around survival and warfare as they must constantly fight to survive the harsh lands where they live. Tribes have done battle with each other and others over the millennia for territory, blood feuds, and resources. Everyone is assigned a job within the tribe based on their skill in what they can do. This is to ensure maximum efficiency and the tribe's survival. Despite this, everyone is trained as a warrior, and can fight if the need arises.
Traditionally, Utgard men and women had similar roles to their Gothic kin. Men were leading members of society while women influenced in the background, and were regarded as peace keepers. This all changed when the Utgard split away, venturing towards the Northern Mountains. There, they came across an interacted with other races such as dwarves, giants, orcs, and goliaths. They were most impressed with the goliaths. Seeing how the goliaths worked efficiently in distributing roles based on skill, and not gender, the Utgard people adopted this practice which greatly enhanced their survivability in the Northern Mountains, and the region that would become the Utgard Wilds--the place and people named after Utgard, an old giant king.
Family and relationships are a core part of Utgard culture. One must show loyalty to their family and tribe above all else. Tribes are organized by many different families coming together in cooperation to create a single political, economic, and military unit. Intermarrying between tribes is quite common, and some even band together to form even larger tribes. Their loyalty lies not only with the tribe, but the leader of the tribe who is a Jarl. Jarls serve for life, their rule is absolute, but they're held in check by centuries old morals and traditions. The position of Jarl is not a hereditary one, as when one jarl dies a new one is elected. The vote for jarl is carried out by all adults within a tribe, and majority rules. If there is a tie, the two contestants may hold another vote, or go through trial by combat. The fight may be specified as a duel to the death, or until the other yields. Usually it is a duel to the death, to eliminate any possible future strife.
Jarls are also the leading religious figure within the tribe. The Utgardic culture has no established religion, and worshipped a multitude of gods. The worship of these gods has either fallen out of practice, or their worship has passed on into the Canonical or Old Ones Pantheon. Jarls carry out religious ceremonies, duties, and anything else that involves the gods. In terms of crime & punishment, jarls also serve as judiciary figures. Depending on the crime or offense, two parties may make their plea in front of the jarl, and the jarl decides what decision they think is fair or best. In the case of more serious crimes, the accused is brought before the jarl who pleads their case along with the claimant. The jarl and a group of any able bodied member of the tribe listen to the cases brought forth, and vote on who they think is innocent or guilty. This is also a case of majority rules, and the jarl must pass the majority sentence no matter their feelings on the subject. If the accused is found guilty they are either banished as outlaws, executed, or given a trial by combat if they demand it. In terms of banished, they are physically branded as one who now exists outside the law, and can be killed on the spot by any tribe or person who sees them.
Common Dress code
Men typically wear long sleeved shirts with trousers. They may also wear other layers such as a waist long jacket, along with a fur coat or cape. Some Utgard men wear fur caps, though it isn't required or traditional. Women wear long sleeved shirts and dresses, or trousers. Married women typically cover their hair. Women also carry around for cloaks. Utgard clothing is all based around practicality in keeping themselves warm in the harsh north.
Coming of Age Rites
At the age of 13, Utgard children are seen as entering early adulthood. This is the age when they begin their training to fight and become warriors, as well as the times when their skills are tested to see what kind of job, will help them best benefit the tribe.
Funerary and Memorial customs
When someone passes away, a gathering is held for the person where their body is prepared for their journey into the next life. The jarl usually presides over this meeting, carrying out the customs and funeral rites. A pit is dug where the person is either buried or burned along with their belongings. Once the person is laid in the ground with their affects, the jarl will conduct a ceremony in which they recount the life and deeds of the deceased. Once that is done, the pit is filled, unmarked, and abandoned. The Utgard do this so no one disturbs the dead. They believe the dead should be left alone and can be remembered/live on through the memories of their family.
Common Taboos
Betrayal of one's family or tribe is seen as one of the most heinous things a person can do, as honor is highly venerated. If the betrayal is found to be true, the traitor can either be executed or branded as an outlaw, and then exiled from the tribe. Murder, theft, and infidelity are also huge taboos within Utgard society. Theft being seen as a lowly offense that can tarnish someone's honor. Relationships help form a bedrock within Utgard culture. Even though Utgard youth have several sexual partners before they're in a serious relationship, or married, they must demonstrate and show their devotion to the person they intend on spending the rest of their lives with. With infidelity they not only wrong their partner, but tarnish their honor, and they become ostracized by society. Murder without just cause is seen as the ultimate sin, and usually results in death.
Historical figures
- Alfdis Storm-Runner
- Havi Ice-Blade
- Olaf the Red
- Asmund Rock-Breaker
- Gundobad
Ideals
Gender Ideals
Like their Gothic cousins, the Utgard are exceptionally known for their gender equality. Probably even more so. In their ancient history, women and men shared more traditional roles like their Gothic cousins. Men were seen as leaders and warriors, while women took care of the home, influencing society behind the scenes. As the Utgard tribes interacted with goliaths, and other races, this view began to change.
This change began to develop and was more clearly seen during the First Era, through the Utgard tribes interactions with the dwarf kingdom of Veithurgard, the elven Thaloran Empire, and others. There is no clear distinction of gender roles within Utgard society. If someone is good at something then they do it. There are many records and archaeological evidence of Utgard women and men leading tribes, and fighting side by side.
Courtship Ideals
Like their Gothic cousins, relationships are highly valued within their society. Utgard youth are known to be sexually promiscuous, having multiple partners before they're ready to settle down. This goes for both males and females. When one is serious about the other person they make it known, and if the other person is interested, then they will make it known as well. Courtship is solely in the hands of the potential husband and wife. Parents are not allowed to interfere with the process. When both parties are ready, a dowry price or gift is presented to the wife and her family by the groom.
Relationship Ideals
Equality is a big thing within Utgardic Culture. Both men and women are seen as equal partners in a relationship. They believe one's needs and concerns should heard, met, and understood. They heavily emphasize communicating with one another, and being direct in addressing their issues. Beating around the bush is seen as infantile. They believe it takes both parties to make said relationship work, and if someone isn't contributing like they should then the other person will end the relationship if nothing changes.
Major organizations
Utgard Tribes:
- Silent Ash Tribe
- Salty Bear Tribe
- Free Finger Tribe
- Blessed Storm Tribe
- Star Bison Tribe
- White Shark Tribe
- Hidden Moon Tribe
- Grim Snake Tribe
- Broken Dragon Tribe
- Cold Bone Tribe
- Alacher
- Rewen
- Veithurgard (extinct)
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