Ðuring (ˈðʊ.rɪŋ)
"If it weren't for the Eyjamaður, the Ðuring would be the most feared raiders on the sea."
The Ðuring are an ethnicity of humans from the Northeastern Region who mostly live in the Volksland part of the Norður Islands. They are known for their fierce independence, their mastery of the seas, and their formidable fighting skills. The Ðuring are part of a group of closely related peoples known as the Inselvolk, along with the Biegen and the Eot peoples.
During the Age of Warlocks, many of the Inselvolk were hired as mercenaries by the various factions on Ynys. Many of these warriors went on to settle there, and small Ðuring communities of they can be found in Creoda, Elmet, and Gewisse. They are not as populous on Ynys as their cousins, though and the majority of Ðurings still live in the Volksland.
Physical Appearance
Ðuring are typically tall and broad-shouldered, with a stocky, muscular build. Their skin is fair and ruddy, and most adults have a weathered look from years spent at sea. They are tall compared to other humans in the Great Ring, with men averaging around six feet, and women an inch or two shorter.
Common Dress & Style
Traditional Ðuring clothing is simple, functional, and designed to withstand harsh conditions. Women often wear long, loose-fitting dresses made of sturdy fabrics like wool or linen, while men typically wear trousers and tunics made of similar materials. Leather boots and fur-trimmed cloaks are also common, particularly during the colder months. Jewelry and accessories are generally simple and functional, such as leather belts or woven bracelets.
Social Structure
The Ðuring are organized into small tribes known as Cynnes, each with its own leader. These leaders are chosen based on their strength, wisdom, and leadership skills. Cynnes often engage in friendly competition with each other, but they also band together when faced with outside threats.
The Cynn chiefs often gather to make decisions that affect them all, but there is no formal hierarchy or ruling council over all Ðurings. However, there is one organization that all Ðuring are connected to, and that is the Saltgild. This ancient order is made up of sailors, fishermen, and others who make their living on the sea. The Saltgild was formed originally by the priestesses of the Brimdohtors, and reverence for the nine sea-goddesses is still at its core. They have a strict code of conduct that emphasizes looking out for one another on the water, although this does not extend to ships outside the Saltgild. The Saltgild also serves as a sort of informal court system, with disputes between members being resolved by a council of priestesses, and it is often considered a neutral arbiter between Cynnes. While membership in the order is not mandatory to sail with the Ðuring, it is highly respected and those who have earned the title of Saltbróðr or Saltsystir are often admired.
Religion & Folklore
The Ðuring worship a pantheon of gods and spirits known as the Vættir, each of whom is associated with a different part of natural world around them. The most important of these deities are the Brimdohtors, the nine goddesses of the seas around the Volksland. The Ðuring believe that the Brimdohtors control the ocean currents and the tides, and that they watch over sailors and fishermen. Each of the Brimdohtors has a lighthouse dedicated to them in the Volksland, and their priestesses are connected to the Order of the Lightkeepers.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Main Article: Inselsprach
The Ðuring speak a dialect of Inselsprach that is strongly influenced by Eyjamannaræða. This dialect is known as Ðuringsprache, and is characterized by its use of strong, guttural sounds.
Foods & Cuisine
The Ðuring rely heavily on seafood for their diet. Fish, shellfish, and seaweed are all commonly eaten, and are often prepared using traditional methods such as smoking or salting. Other common foods include breads made from local grains, soups and stews made with locally-sourced vegetables and meats, and dairy products such as cheese and butter. Mead and ale are also popular drinks, and are often brewed using locally-grown hops and honey.
Feuding Peoples
The Ðuring people have a long-standing rivalry and enmity with the Biegen people of Eg Island). This enmity stems from a series of conflicts that date back to ancient times, when Æthelflæd led the Ðurings. Her feud with Scyld of the Biegen was the stuff of legends, and seeded the conflict that persists today.
Many Ðuring warriors see it as their duty to protect their island home from Biegen aggression, and tales of epic battles between the two tribes are a common topic of conversation around Slesvig's taverns and firesides. The Ðuring often take great pride in their ability to repel Biegen raiding parties and defend their shores from invasion, and this rivalry is seen as a defining aspect of their cultural identity.
Related Articles
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2024. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2023. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
Great article. I love the idea of the Saltgild!
Explore Etrea | March of 31 Tales
Thanks!