Haelsingar
Of all human ethnicities, the Haelsingar are perhaps the most controversial.
To many, they are synonymous with sexism, their social position of men likened to that of slaves, and as a people overall viewed as backward and narrow-minded in their behavior. Nevertheless, the female warriors of the Haelsingar are considered exceptional fighters and are sought-after mercenaries. But how can it be that a culture is perceived so differently by outsiders? And are the rumors about this female-dominated society really all true? We aim to shed some light on the matter.
Origins
According to the Haelsingar themselves, their people were created at the dawn of the Fourth Age by Karas, the god of war, a claim dismissed by many scholars as mythological, yet one that aligns strikingly well with the martial culture and unrelenting spirit of the Haelsingar. Whether divine in origin or shaped by centuries of hardship, the Haelsingar possess a fierce identity rooted in conflict, survival, and the reverence of strength.
Their ancestral homeland lies in Borendal, a vast expanse of rugged taiga and frozen tundra in northern Mirintha. Life in Borendal is harsh. The soil is poor, the winters brutal, and the resources scarce. It is a land that does not forgive weakness, and those who survive its trials emerge hardened by necessity. Over generations, this unforgiving environment has shaped the Haelsingar into a people of endurance, tenacity, and pragmatic resolve. Their cultural values that are discipline, honor in battle, and loyalty to one's kin, reflect the demands of the land that birthed them.
Beginnings
The early history of the Haelsingar was marked not by peace, but by civil conflict. The first decades of their existence were spent in near-constant warfare, as scattered tribes clashed violently over access to the few forested regions scattered throughout Borendal’s icy expanse. These wooded areas offered critical resources like shelter, fuel, and game, and were therefore of immense strategic importance.
This unending struggle led to devastating losses, particularly among the male population. Compounded by an unexplained decline in the birth rate of male children, the imbalance forced a radical transformation in Haelsingar society. Women began to train as warriors, not merely to defend their homes, but to lead raids, command forces, and engage in battle with the same ruthlessness as any man. Over time, they became the primary defenders and leaders of their people.
Jord Eklund and her husband Lars Haelvig
In the year 106 of the Fourth Age, a woman named Jord Eklund rose to power in the Tosos tribe, becoming the first woman to be formally recognized as Johtaja, or tribal leader. Her success as a commander and political figure paved the way for a broader societal shift. Over the following decades, the matriarchal structure solidified across other tribes, as more women assumed leadership roles. At first they did so out of necessity, and eventually out of cultural tradition.
Expansion
After more than two centuries of internal strife, the various Haelsingar tribes began to see the value in unity. In the year 213, the major tribes entered into a loose confederation, aimed primarily at ending the destructive cycle of territorial wars that had long plagued them. This new alliance, though fragile at times, marked a turning point in Haelsingar history. With internal borders now respected and a shared vision emerging, the Haelsingar turned their gaze outward.
From 214 to 308, the confederation launched a series of military campaigns to the south, targeting the lands of the Willenberg Republic. These campaigns were characterized by swift raids, calculated offensives, and a level of discipline that caught many of their enemies off guard. Over time, the Haelsingar succeeded in conquering and occupying vast stretches of territory, gaining not only land but access to warmer climates, trade routes, and new resources.
These southern campaigns also had cultural consequences. As the Haelsingar expanded, they began to encounter—and subjugate—other peoples. The captured men from conquered territories were often integrated into Haelsingar society, albeit in clearly defined and subordinate roles. These early conquests helped solidify the gender dynamics that now define Haelsingar culture, as the female-led warbands brought home both prisoners and prestige.
Expansion of the Haelsingar tribes
Geographic Distribution
The borders between the Willenberg Republic and the territories of the Haelsingar tribes have remained unchanged since the ceasefire agreed upon in the year 308. Outside these regions, Haelsingar warriors can occasionally be found working as mercenaries or seeking glory and honor in battle before returning home, often with the intent of claiming high religious or political positions. Some of these few travelers are also in search of a suitable man to impregnate them before they return. Men, on the other hand, are rarely seen beyond the borders. In exceptional cases, a warrior might be accompanied by her husband, but such instances are rare, as the risks involved are generally considered too high.
Biology and Physiology
Appearance
The anatomy of Haelsingar women and men is similar to that of other humans.
However, their physical build deviates somewhat from the usual standard. Haelsingar women are generally taller than the average human woman, and stronger as well. Most of them can easily match the strength of an average human man, with some being as powerful as particularly strong men.
Despite this, they are by no means women who could easily be mistaken for men; they are clearly and distinctly female in appearance. Haelsingar men, by contrast, are typically smaller, rarely growing taller than 1.7 meters, and are overall more slender and physically less robust than the average man. The reason behind this seemingly reversed physiology remains a mystery to both biologists and medical scholars.
The Haelsingar are known for their fair complexion. Even with prolonged exposure to the sun, their skin rarely tans beyond what most other cultures would simply consider a healthy glow.
The most common eye color among the Haelsingar by far is blue. The spectrum ranges from radiant ice blue to blue-gray to a deep, rich navy blue. Well over half of the population shares this eye color. Green eyes are also relatively common, and here too, various shades and tones can be found. The rarest color by far is brown. While light hazel may occasionally occur, the dark brown often seen among the Hayato or Qataban is virtually nonexistent, except in rare cases where the father was a captured Willenberg man with that particular eye color.
Snapshot
Origin: United Tribes of Haelsing
Language: Concordian, Haelsing
Life span: 80 years
Height: 160 - 190 cm
Weight: 50 - 140 kg
Skin:
Eyes:
Hair:
If there is one hair color most strongly associated with the Haelsingar, it is undoubtedly blond.
Everything from platinum and golden blond to ash blond can be found among them, with a general tendency toward lighter shades.
Red hair is also disproportionately common within the population, while brown is rare and, when it does occur, usually appears only in lighter tones.
Dark brown hair is often a sign that the father was not a native Haelsingar, and black hair is virtually nonexistent among them.
Reproductive Biology
There is nothing unusual about Haelsingar reproduction in itself. They reproduce just like all humans and most humanoid species in Mirintha. What is exceptional, however, is their low birth rate of male children. Only three out of ten children are born male. To this day, science does not know how this came to be, as at the beginning of the Fourth Age, their birth rate was still comparable to that of other human ethnic groups.
Society
To outsiders, the social structure of the Haelsingar often seems strange. At first glance, it seems to the layman as if men are being oppressed and have no rights at all. In reality, however, men are highly valued. Even though their rights are certainly very limited compared to other cultures, they are cared for and protected by their women (see also Insights into the Haelsingar society by Lars Helvig). The few men that currently exist among the Haelsingar are too valuable for their women to carelessly handle their lives. Therefore, it is rarely heard that a male Haelsingar tries to escape from this life. One could argue that it would have been sufficient to exempt men from military service. Originally, this was the case, but over the decades and centuries it developed more and more in a direction where men are subordinate to women in all areas of life.
To speak of the Haelsingar is to speak of winter made flesh, so beautiful, unyielding, and perilous to those who think them tame. Their women rule not just by strength, but by the unshakable belief that it is their right to do so. I’ve seen men follow them like loyal hounds and others flee in fear, unsure whether they’d be bedded or broken. Approach them with respect, or not at all.
The entire society of the Haelsingar has evolved into a matriarchal organization. Women today occupy all positions in the fields of politics, military, and education, as well as the priesthood. The individual tribes decide freely about which professions men can possibly pursue. During the expansion period of the Haelsingar, it was common to kill enemy women and kidnap men. These men were integrated into society through conditioning, if possible. For this purpose, the men are introduced to their new, submissive role in society through a punishment / reward system (see also Insights into the Haelsingar society by Lars Helvig). Those who vehemently resisted integration were kept alive solely for reproduction.
Extreme cases
In the tribes of Kodingda far in the North, the basic social structure of the Haelsingar is lived out more extremely. Here, men basically have no jobs at all and are hardly allowed to move freely without their women. Reports even suggest that these men are led on a leash when they are not in their own home.
Government
As the only nation in Mirintha, the Haelsingar have no common government. The 15 city-states are all ruled by a Johtaja. Depending on the size of the tribe, several advisors assist her. These are usually three or five experienced warriors of different age groups. Together they take care of the tribe's concerns, with the word of the Johtaja carrying twice as much weight. Approximately every 2.5 months, the Johtaja meet in the capital Trelvik for a council meeting. At these gatherings, topics that affect all tribes equally are discussed. With the introduction of the tribal confederation, a non-aggression pact was also concluded between the individual tribes.
Interspecies relations
The Haelsingar view most other peoples as weaker. This perception especially applies to their southern neighbors from the Willenberg Republic, who were the target of raids for decades. The greatest respect is given to the Kadal, Vajoperi, and Seramkerdil, all of whom are seen as nearly equal due to their martial nature. Sexual relationships between the Haelsingar and these peoples are rare, however, as their views on dominance are too different.
The Valoperi and Augalai are considered too soft, often arrogant, and are generally not seen as suitable partners. The same applies to the Tilki and Bukitkerdil. The Haelsingar maintain a more neutral attitude toward the Hayato and Qataban, both of whom are respected and most commonly chosen for reproductive purposes. There are no known cases of children born from unions with non-human partners, which likely reflects the cultural attitude of Haelsingar society toward such relationships.
Family
Within the family, the woman is the head. She alone decides on all family matters. Whether she seeks her husband's opinion is up to her. The supreme duty of a man is to satisfy his wife. In addition, he takes care of the upbringing of the children and the household. Girls and boys are raised the same in the first few years, even though girls are given preference over a brother in case of doubt. The exception to this is the handling of weapons, which is reserved for girls. Training with weapons begins at the age of ten. In the absence of the mother, from this year onwards, the daughter is in charge at home. The woman decides whether her husband is allowed to have a job. She is also free to lend her husband to another woman, be it for reproduction or just for pleasure. Often enough, a man is also married to several women. Of course, he must then equally fulfill all his duties to all women.
Two Haelsing girls at training
Culture
The culture of the Haelsingar is deeply shaped by their harsh environment and unique social dynamics. Their clothing, diet, and daily customs reflect a blend of practicality and tradition, designed to withstand the challenges of life in the northern taiga and tundra. From the durable furs and leathers that protect them against the cold to the hearty, protein-rich meals that sustain their warrior lifestyle, every aspect of Haelsingar culture speaks to resilience and adaptability. Beyond mere survival, their cultural expressions with their rituals, art, and social practices reveal a people proud of their heritage and fiercely loyal to their clans.
Ceremony of manhood
At the age of 18, every male Haelsingar undergoes the so-called Ceremony of Manhood, marking the transition from boy to man. It is a public affirmation of the young man's role in Haelsingar social structure, showing to everyone that he is aware of his submissive position and his future purpose within the society.
For this ceremony, a makeshift hut is set up in the middle of as large a square as possible. This hut is constructed so that the women of the village or city to observe the ceremony without the participants inside the hut being able to see them. The ceremony begins with the boy being thoroughly washed by two virgin women. This represents the washing away of his immaturity and individual ego, preparing him for a life of duty and submission. Once this ritual cleansing has taken place, the boy swears an oath before the high priestess. In this oath, he vows to accept his role as a man with all its consequences, to always obey women, and to put the satisfaction of the woman first in his life. This oath is seen not as a humiliation, but as a noble act of devotion and purpose.
As soon as this oath has been taken, the final part begins, in which the boy has to prove his manhood. Here, one to three women previously chosen by the mother may share the bed with the young man. It should be mentioned that the practices performed here are by no means limited to a bed as a place of execution. Accordingly, the hut is also equipped with various fixtures that allow for alternative execution. Far from being seen as exploitative or taboo within their culture, this aspect of the ritual is understood as essential training. In a society where male children are rare and valued more for service than authority, a man's worth is largely measured by his ability to please, and obey. The women instruct the inexperienced young men in the art of female satisfaction. The more steadfast the young men prove to be, the more skillfully they manage, and the more willingly they serve the women, the higher their standing in society.
It is said that some initiates remain in this final phase for hours, demonstrating not only physical stamina but emotional devotion. Those who excel may earn reputations that follow them for life. Some are even chosen later as husbands by a Johtaja, the female chieftains of the clans, elevating their social status significantly.
Clothing
To withstand the mostly cold temperatures of their homeland and the harsh everyday life, the Haelsingar rely on clothing made from robust materials such as linen, wool, leather, and fur. Their clothing is designed for practicality. Therefore, they hardly bother to process the raw materials finely through elaborate processes.
However, they take special care when making their armors. Armors of the Haelsingar are considered the second best armors throughout Mirintha, although they are significantly more affordable than the masterpieces of the Kerdil. The classic armor of the Haelsingar is designed to offer maximum protection without restricting flexibility too much. Therefore, the Haelsingar prefer armors made of hardened leather. Occasionally, a chain mail can also be found underneath. However, a Haelsingar warrior would find plate armor, like that of the Kerdil, both restrictive and dishonorable. The skill of the warrior makes such armor unnecessary, and whoever wears it is obviously not good enough in combat.
A typical set of armor and weapons of a Haelsingar warrior
Diet
The diet of the Haelsingar is largely limited to foods that they can produce or hunt themselves. Fish, game, and meat from goats, cattle, sheep, and pigs form the basis. This is supplemented by simple vegetables such as carrots, leeks, onions, cabbage, or potatoes. In everyday life, hearty stews or soups are usually served. Grilled meat with steamed vegetables is also on the menu. Sweet dishes are hardly found in typical Haelsingar cuisine. However, the Haelsingar know various types of beer and mead, while wine is rarely used, as the climate is hardly suitable for growing grapes.
Belief
Like all cultures in Mirintha, the Haelsingar acknowledge the existence of all ten gods within the divine sphere of Vaelora. However, they show distinct favoritism in their worship. Chief among their deities is Karas, the god of war, who embodies the values central to Haelsingar society: strength, resilience, discipline, and martial prowess. According to Haelsingar belief, their people were personally forged by Karas at the dawn of the Fourth Age, shaped from the iron will of the north and tempered in battle. His influence is omnipresent, from the training grounds to the tribal halls, and nearly every village, no matter how remote, has at least a shrine dedicated to him.
A close second in reverence is Kära, the goddess of love and sexuality. While this may appear contradictory at first glance, Kära's teachings are deeply intertwined with Haelsingar customs surrounding relationships, fertility, and gender roles. Temples devoted to her can be found primarily in larger settlements and cities, often acting as both centers of worship and places of education in emotional and physical intimacy. The interplay between the worship of Karas and Kära reflects the Haelsingar belief that war and desire are both forms of sacred struggle. Temples of Kära are distinctive in that they employ the most attractive and enduring men as symbols of physical perfection and devotion. These men are considered living offerings, both honored and objectified, reflecting the Haelsingar reversal of traditional gender norms. Temples to other gods, such as Mirtis or Taide, are typically housed in shared community sanctuaries and receive more generalized devotion.
Clergy
All members of the Haelsingar clergy are women, reinforcing the matriarchal structure of their society. Each temple is led by a High Priestess, who oversees rituals, initiations, and theological matters. In temples of Karas, the High Priestess must be at least 35 years old and have a proven record as a warrior. Since full-scale warfare has become rare in recent generations, these qualifications are most often fulfilled through beast-hunting expeditions, ceremonial duels, or competitive tournaments that test both martial skill and tactical acumen.
In contrast, temples devoted to Kära do not require the High Priestess to be a skilled fighter. Instead, she must be an expert in the arts of love, persuasion, and emotional insight, guiding women in matters of desire, relationships, and spiritual fulfillment. In both cases, the High Priestess is seen as a conduit between mortal women and the divine will of the goddess or god she serves.
Rituals
Unlike the other cultures, the Haelsingar have special rituals in their worship of Karas. This ritual is performed before they go into battle or go hunting, to ask for protection and success. The preparation process begins on the evening before the battle or hunt. Each warrior fasts and meditates to clear her mind and prepare for the upcoming event. They clean their weapons and hunting gear in a consecrated river to free them from any previous defeats or failures.
On the day of the ritual, all women gather in the middle of the village. The high priestess leads the ritual. She begins with a call to Karas, asking for his protection and guidance. Then they perform a ritual dance that symbolizes their readiness for battle and their determination. They paint their bodies with symbols that represent strength and courage. After the dance, they drink from a communal chalice filled with a special potion. This potion symbolizes the blood of Karas and is supposed to give them his strength and courage. The ritual ends with a communal prayer and song directed towards the sky to call the presence of Karas and ask for his blessing. After the ritual, the warriors are ready to go into battle or go hunting, strengthened by their faith and unity.
Comments
Author's Notes
I'm really glad you took the time to dive into the world of Mirintha. If there's something you especially enjoyed, whether it's a detail, an idea, or simply the atmosphere of a text, I'd love to hear about it! I'm just as interested if something felt unclear to you, if you felt like information was missing, or if something didn’t quite make sense.
Mirintha is a fantasy world I'm creating specifically for a tabletop role-playing game. The articles are meant to help players find their footing in the world, connect with it, and experience it as something alive. I try not to overwhelm anyone with unnecessary information, but instead focus on what's relevant for the game.
As long as your feedback is polite and makes sense, I'm open to anything, whether it's praise, constructive criticism, or questions. Thanks for reading and helping shape Mirintha with your perspective!
Rewritten for May-be 2025
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