Monday, September 17, 2018

Primordials

Connections

  • Ember fought them, as a guardian of the Fangwild
  • Gnash drove the last of them through the Great Crevasse to this place and trapped them there with a giant avalanche
  • Scarlet's nemesis, Baron Von Evilstein emerged from the Lost World at the head of a vast armada of airships and dinosaur-riding ape warriors (these warriors were likely Primordials)

Context

The word "primordial" means existing from the very beginning of time. Anything described as "primordial" was the very first...ever. In Greek mythology, the primordial gods were Gaia and Uranus, as well as their children, the titans. The titan Chronos gave birth to Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hesdia, Hera, and Demeter. In modern fantasy franchises, such as God of War and Dungeons & Dragons, primordials were the first beings and deities of existence.

In the Brawlhalla universe, Primordials are "an ancient race of savage cannibal apes," according to Gnash's lore. They were clearly on earth before humans did, and they almost wiped out all humans until Gnash intervened. The Primordials come up again in Ember's lore, and possibly in Scarlet's. Baron Von Evilstein's army of ape warriors can be assumed to be Primordials, or at least descendants of Primordials, since they emerge with the baron from the "Lost World," where dinosaurs existed as well. Perhaps, as Gnash's lore stated, the Primordials were only trapped by the avalanche, and eventually escaped or carved out a living in the arctic (or antarctic) mountains to eventually live in the Lost World. It is also clear that the Primordials found a connection to the Fangwild, or were close to one, since Ember had a reason to fight them (probably to protect her forest home from the apes). 

Valley of the Never Setting Sun

Connections

  • Gnash drove the last of the Primordials through the Great Crevasse to this place and trapped them there with a giant avalanche

Context

My research hasn't yet discovered any place on earth named with a reference to a "never setting sun." That phrase, however, as well as the mention of avalanches suggests proximity to the Arctic or Antarctic circles, locations where the sun never sets in certain parts of the year.

Great Crevasse

Connections

Context

Where this Great Crevasse is located is uncertain. Since Gnash likely lived during or close to the Ice Age, this giant earthen rift could have been anywhere, and the world could have changed over the eons since. Mention of an avalanche and "never setting sun" suggests proximity to the Arctic or Antarctic circles.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Lance Starchampion

Connections

  • Fleet was ended by Artemis; waited for "the usual monologue" from her about her diabolical plan, but then his entire fleet was just gone
  • Beaten by Lord Vraxx at laser sword dueling (and "everything else"); Vraxx allowed Lance to live to witness his final victory

Context

I'm guessing Lance Starchampion was inspired, at least in name, by Luke Skywalker from Star Wars (who was named Luke Starkiller in earlier drafts of the original films). Another parallel to Star Wars is Lord Vraxx's quote in his lore, in which Vraxx braggs about beating Lance in "laser sword dueling," and then allowing him to "witness my final victory," kind of like what the Emporor did to make Luke angry in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

Since the destruction of his fleet warrens a mention in Artemis' lore, we can assume Lance is/was a relatively famous space general. It sounds like Lance Starchampion is the protagonist of his own story, but we currently only know of his failures at the hands of Artemis and Lord Vraxx. Several people have posited online theories since 2016 regarding who Lance is. Such theories are found on Reddit, Steam, and other online forums.

One oft-mentioned theory is that Lance Starchampion is Orion. Based on what I've read from the lore itself, this is rather doubtful. Artemis came into being when Orion's name was spoken. It is likely that moment was when Artemis was born as Mary Washington. Years later, Mary would realize her cosmic powers and try to find Orion, and that adventure included destroying Lance's fleet. If Lance were Orion, her journey would have ended there and Lance would not be alive to talk about his fleet's destruction. Besides, Vraxx beat Lance a laser sword duel. Doesn't sound like Orion to me.

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Roldakk-9

Connections

  • Vraxx's father was Governor-Tyrant of this planet; it was destroyed by Vraxx for harboring his childhood piano teacher, after which Vraxx built his impressive empire through fear, intimidation, brilliant space combat, and fear

Context

It was an ice planet...and it held Vraxx's piano teacher. Wonder what they did wrong...

That's all we know. Perhaps Vraxx's father only ruled this planet, and then Vraxx decided his empire should hold many planets...just not including this one...

It's not clear why the name includes a "9." Perhaps it was the ninth planet in its solar system (revolving around a star named Roldakk?). If that's true, it would make sense that it was an ice planet. It would be similar to the ninth significant orbiting rock in our own solar system, Pluto (the former planet). Although, if this is true and the star's name is Roldakk, it wouldn't make sense that Lord Vraxx destroyed the sun for harboring his childhood piano teacher (unless Zhaktari or other intelligent lifeforms somehow live at or near the star itself). 

Zhaktari

Connections

  • Isaiah figured out that silvered ceramic is the best multi-purpose shell for penetrating various materials, including Zhaktari powershields
  • Mirage hitched a ride on a Zhaktari star cruiser and stole the Scythe of Horus from a one-eyed alien (possibly Vraxx?)
  • Lord Vraxx is a member of the Zhaktari alien race

Context

We can only assume that Zhaktari refers to an alien race to which Vraxx belongs. Although, the fact that Mirage's lore has to specify that she stole something from a "one-eyed alien" after hitching a ride on Zhaktari craft could suggest that Zhaktari and one-eyed aliens are not quite related. However, Vraxx did go to the Zhaktar Academy for Conquest and Subjugation, and his childhood form is referred to as "Zhaktari noblespawn," which is why I'm assuming Vraxx's race is Zhaktari.

It sounds like the Zhaktari are a dictatorial race, since they have a whold academy about conquest (with classes like judging the weak and planetary immolation). It also sounds like the nobility are treated differently as soon as they are born...and that treatment involves a vat. Apart from these facts, we currently have no further insights into the nature and culture of this alien race except what is seen in Isaiah's, Mirage's, and Vraxx's lore. 

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Odin

Connections

  • Some say Gnash was hinting in the heavenly forests of Valhalla before Odin and company arrived
  • Back in the war against the Elves, Kor led the golem charge right to the steps of Odin's palace
  • Valkyries and emissaries of Odin gathered around the crater caused by Orion's arrival; the Sons of Ivaldi, who created Odin's spear, also forged Orion's golden armor
  • At night, while in dragon form, Ragnir sometimes eats Odin's sheep
  • Sidra's pirating exploits in the Asgardian Sea was the last straw for Odin, and he created the Grand Tournament in an attempt to channel the warlike drive of the Valhallans
  • Odin visited Elysium (Zariel's home) and was impressed by, and jealous of, Paladium's mighty celestial host, he sent his Valkyries to raise an army for the end-times; when Paladium heard of Odin's ragtag army of the afterlife, he sent Zariel to investigate

Context

Odin is well known, especially in pop culture, but the Old Norse version of him is rather enigmatic. He is a god of wisdom and war, of rulers and outlaws, and he could be portrayed as an honorable ruler or a battle-hungry warrior-king.

From what I can tell, the Odin in Brawlhalla is a powerful, wise ruler who likes battle, but who also likes his halls to not be trashed by legends' dinner skirmishes. It is interesting to note that within the in-game lore, we see much more evidence for Odin's love of battle and war (getting jealous of Paladium's host, raising an epic army for the end times, etc.) than of his wisdom. 

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Valhalla

Connections

  • Ada is convinced this is all some sort of computer sim, but until she can find a way out, she's playing to win
  • Artemis tried to open a wormhole to Valhalla, but got lost in the vacuum of space; now she's trying to fulfill her destiny during the tournament
  • This place, and the tournament, is claimed by Asuri to be her territory
  • Barraza knows this place is another threat to overcome through violence and will
  • Bödvar felt he'd never be defeated in battle and thus be admitted into Valhalla, so he broke down the doors and let himself in; Valhalla is everything he hoped 
  • Brynn was raised here, and brought several strange heroes (like Asuri, Teros, and Yumiko)
  • Caspian has not slowed his larcenous ways, even here
  • To Cassidy, this place is just like any other frontier boomtown in need of her rough brand of Justice
  • This place is Cross' ultimate loophole in his deal with the demons
  • When Diana was lost between worlds, a Valkyrie found her and led her here; she seethes that such monsters as Mordex and Azoth are allowed here
  • Ember walked from the Fangwild with the first warriors in Asgard among the mighty trees that would become the rafters of Valhalla; she knows there are paths to and from Valhalla from the collapsing Fangwild
  • No one has been in Valhalla longer than Gnash, some say he was hunting these heavenly forests before Odin and company arrived
  • Hattori's demon blood drove her to wander the Twilight Realm until she discovered Valhalla
  • Here, Isaiah still loves to fight, but he has also finally found time for slackline and guitar
  • Jhala takes the glamour of Valhalla in stride
  • Here, some say Jiro is hiding from death, but Wu Shang says he's hiding behind the grand tapestry in the Great Hall as part of the yearly hide-and-seek tournament with Kaya and Caspian
  • At a younger age, Kaya rejoiced in exploring this strange world with her best friend (Brynn)
  • Koji's began "cutting his path to Valhalla" as he slaughtered a demon and his guards
  • Here, Lin Fei hasn't yet told Wu Shang that she was the little girl from back in the day, but she's helped him and other legends refine some of their signature moves
  • Here, Lucien continues to scheme for gold and power
  • Mirage is at home here amongst the strange collection of characters
  • When he arrived here, Mordex was horrified and delighted to discover his true form; this place forms strange alliances, including Mordex with Thatch and Azoth
  • Nix's hunt for 11 missing gods (Queen Nai) led her here; this place is home to all sorts of metaphysical rulebreakers and rogue souls, so Nix saw an opportunity here to turn a nice profit closing a few cosmological cold cases like Bodvar, Cross, maybe even Orion
  • During the Battle of Ixanocala, a Valkyrie offered Queen Nai a place here, which she accepted; here, Queen Nai is a consummate warrior and has grown to love the place
  • Orion joined the feast halls of Valhalla soon after golden armor was made for him
  • No one here feels a greater thirst for victory in the tournament than Sir Roland
  • Since arriving here, Scarlet has been obsessed with the wondrous technology of the gods and is constantly devising new weapons and challenges to add to the tournament
  • Here, Sentinel was restored to the simple strength of his younger days; he's turned his attention to injustice he finds here
  • Here, Teros is indifferent to the rules or intent of the Grand Tournament; nightly visit to the mead hall is heralded by throngs of fleeing Valhallans
  • Out of sheer bloody-mindlessness, Thatch aids in Vraxx's schemes to conquer Valhalla; he sneaks out at night to dig holes, knowing the gods must have buried treasure somewhere
  • Val was surprised to find that Valhalla was a thing, but now she is a work solving it
  • Here, Vraxx's naked ambition and remitting scheming is reassuringly constant
  • Wu Shang still seeks Enlightenment here; he wandered the Astral plane until a Valkyrie led him here; he follows the Way while here, and is delighted to find he can fight without killing
  • Here, Xull knows he should always lead; challenged Scarlet for leadership of the Valhallan Ladies Book Club
  • Zariel entered the tournament here on Paladium's orders to take the measure of Odin’s ragtag army of the afterlife 

Context

The word "Valhalla" comes from the Old Norse Valhöll, meaning "hall of the fallen." In Norse mythology, it is truly a warrior's paradise. They have the finest food and mead, are waited on by the Valkyries, and any wounds they sustain in battles or fights are healed by the next day. Like in the Brawlhalla universe, the Odin of Norse mythology wanted only the finest warriors to be selected to reside in Valhalla, mainly to help him when Ragnarok happens (especially against the wolf Fenrir). I suspect this could be the primary criteria for choosing who lives in Valhalla, as opposed to Freya's plains of Folkvangr.

The legendary warriors who live in Valhalla are called einherjar (ayne-HAIR-yar), meaning "those who fight alone." This would be the term assigned to the legends we know and love in Brawlhalla. They don't really fight alone, though, so some believe the word comes from an older root that means "those who belong to an army." Odin is fated to fight Fenrir at Ragnarok, along with his army of einherjar. Unfortunately, the myths say they are doomed to fail in their battle. Hopefully, that's not the case in the Brawlhalla universe (then again, there are Queen Nai's beliefs about Asgard falling...).

Monday, August 27, 2018

Folkvangr

Connections

  • The firey comet that was Orion crashed into the fields of Folkvangr, making a smoking crater

Context

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone who dies in battle are admitted into Valhalla. Only half of them are. The other half go to Folkvangr, or "Field of the People." Freya is in charge of this part of Asgard. Even experts on Norse mythology can't say for sure what the criteria is for being admitted into Valhalla vs. Folkvangr. There is a poem that mentions a woman claiming she'll never eat another meal until she meets Freya, from which one might assume that Freya is considered to have a more open mind about who she admits to her fields.

In any case, this place is clearly characterized by large fields...and now one large crater.

Sons of Ivaldi

Connections

  • Weeks after Orion's arrival to Asgard, they presented a suit of dazzling gold armor to the gods (presumably for Orion to use)
  • Ulgrim is one of the sons of Ivaldi

Context

In Norse mythology, Loki decided it would be funny to cut off the lovely golden hair of Sir, Thor's wife. Of course, this made Thor furious. Loki led Thor to the Svartalfheim (aka Nidavellir) where the Sons of Ivaldi lived to ask them to create new hair, more beautiful than before, for Sif. The dwarfs accomplished the task, and also created Skidbladnir (a ship given to Frey that could be folded up to fit in a pocket and always had favorable winds) and Gugnir (Odin's deadly spear).

After that, the story you read in Ulgrim's lore about "upstart Dwarven smiths" is quite consistent with known Norse mythology. After dealing withthe Sons of Ivaldi, Loki decided to stay and have fun with some other dwarfs. He claimed these dwarfs (named Brokkr and Sindri) couldn't make three new objects as great as those made by the Sons of Ivaldi. Of course, these two dwarfs were up for the challenge. Loki even bet his own head against their skill.

Not wanting to lose, Loki changed into an insect and kept stinging the dwarfs as they worked, causing them to make mistakes. Despite these efforts, the gods were impressed by what the brothers created: Gullinbursti, the golden-bristled boar who could run faster than horses through earth, sea, and sky; Draupnir, a golden ring that created eight more duplicates of itself every ninth night; and the famous Mjollnir, the hammer that always came back, but the handle was a bit short due to Loki's stinging (thus Ulgrim's remark that "the handle is the only part of hammer crafting that takes any real skill anyway").

Of course, these three gifts were accepted gladly by the gods (Frey took the boar, Odin the ring, and Thor the hammer). Loki got out of losing his head, however, when he pointed out that he never offered his neck, just his head. The dwarfs then sewed his mouth shut and went on their way.

Asgard

Connections

  • As Orion's reputation grows in the arena, Artemis wonders if Asgard might be too infected to save
  • Azoth is happy to retire here, but gets summoned away again and again
  • Children are rare among the immortals here; Brynn grew up in every corner of this place; Asgard is a vast society, and some don't see Brynn as a "true" Asgardian
  • In a war against the Elves, the victorious Asgardians took the Elves' sentient golems (including Kor) for menial labor; Asgardians were unaware that the golems are sentient, and hold secret fighting tournaments among themselves; Asgardian symbol of justice is on Kor's hammer
  • Volkov dedicated his first Asgardian cup to Lin Fei
  • Orion arrived here in a blazing trail of smoke; he's the only hero seen to leave here from time to time
  • Queen Nai believes Asgardians have a dim understanding of the cycle of creation & destruction; she believes Asgard must be destroyed for the world to be renewed and for her gods to rule again
  • Ragnir came here to bring Ember back because the Fangwild is collapsing; soars over Asgard at night in dragon form
  • Sentinel has seen that there are those in Asgard that need protection and justice
  • Sidra is the Terror of the Asgardian Sea
  • Ulgrim is one of the Sons of Ivaldi, the original master craftsmen of Asgard

Context

In Norse mythology, Asgard is one of the Nine Worlds. Specifically, Asgard is home to the tribe of gods called the Aesir (the other tribe is called the Vanir). The name comes from Old Norse Ásgarðr, meaning "Enclosure of the Aesir." It may seem like "Asgard" and "Valhalla" are used interchangeably sometimes in the lore, but the distinction is that Asgard refers to the entire land or "World" (like a whole country), and Valhalla is a city within Asgard. Odin and his wife Frigg are the King and Queen of Asgard. The way to get to Asgard from Midgard (the normal world as we know it) is across Bifrost, the rainbow bridge, where Heimdall stands guard.

Valkyries

Connections

  • Brynn is half Valkyrie (daughter of Valkyrie Hypernia)
  • Bödvar felt doomed to never be taken by the Valkyries to Valhalla because he could never manage to be defeated in battle
  • A Valkyrie found Diana lost between worlds, and offered her a place in Valhalla
  • When Orion arrived by comet, A Valkyrie raced behind, as if to try and stop the fireball from crashing into Folkvangr; Valkyries gathered with emissaries of Odin around Orion's crater; Valkyries stop by Orion's chambers to ask if he wants to "you know, hang out or whatever, no big deal"
  • During the Battle of Ixanocala, a Valkyrie offered Queen Nai a place in Valhalla
  • Wu Shang wandered the astral plane until a Valkyrie led him to Valhalla
  • Valkyries could see that Yumiko was a centuries-old fox spirit in disguise; a Valkyrie (likely Brynn) appeared before Yumiko and brought her to Valhalla in the final moments of Yumiko's battle against Ukionna

Context

The name comes from the Old Norse valkyrja, which means "chooser of the slain/fallen" (consistent with the title of Brynn's lore page: "Chooser of the Slain, Slayer of the Chosen"). In popular culture, valkyries are a host of female warriors that would choose who was worthy of admittance into Valhalla. However, mythology also states that they possess magic powers that allow them to literally choose who is slain in battle, making them much more terrifying. This power hasn't been demonstrated in the Brawlhalla universe, because their role in the lore seems to be primarily as heralds for Odin, looking for warriors to add to his army. 

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Utah

Connections

  • Bloody Cal Johnson bragged from prison that this state had been forced to call in the great Marshal Cassidy just to bring him down

Context

Cassidy would have been 20 years old at the time of Bloody Cal Johnson's prison brag, which makes the year 1847 or 1848. This marks another slight temporal difference compared to our world because before Utah became a state in 1896, it was the Utah Territory...starting in 1850. Before that, it was pert of an unorganized territory. Along with present-day Utah, the Utah Territory covered most of present-day Nevada, and snippets of present-day Colorado and Wyoming.

There was actually some dispute over what the state of Utah would be called. the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the time (sometimes referred to as the Mormon pioneers) made a proposal in 1849 for the State of Deseret, which would have been much larger than what the Utah Territory became. This ambitious proposal led to Congress' counter proposal (and enactment) of the creation of the Utah Territory.

It is unlikely that Blue Mammoth Games considered these intricate timeline details when creating Cassidy's lore. If the wanted poster was dated just a few years later, it would work perfectly with real world history. But, I'm satisfied with allowing for these time differences for a world that is confirmed to have vampires, magic, and werewolves.

So when Bloody Cal talked about Utah, he was likely talking about the territory, assuming we can accept territory being created a few years early in this fantastical version of Earth. 

Nebraska

Connections

  • Offered $5,000 for the capture (or death) of Cassidy in 1853, the poster (the best document we currently have about Cassidy) describes Cassidy's appearance, age, crimes, known companions, and describes her as "Armed and extremely dangerous"

Context

There is a slight temporal anomaly here. The Nebraska poster is dated 1853, but the Nebraska Territory didn't become officially organized and incorporated until 1854 with the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Of course, that's not to say that the land, towns, and people didn't exist beforehand. In 1854, however, it became official. The territory at the time covered parts of present-day Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, the Dakotas, and of course Nebraska.

The territory wasn't officially a "slave state," but there was the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. This is why Cassidy was in trouble for harboring a fugitive slave (also, those other charges like dereliction of duty, aiding a criminal, and attempted murder were serious enough for a wanted poster anyway). There was already the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 which ordered that runaway slaves must be returned to their owners. The 1850 act strengthened this law by enforcing a fine of about $1,000 at the time on law officials who didn't arrest a runaway slave, and that would include Cassidy. Maybe this fine was included in the $5,000 reward, which would mean that her other alleged crimes were worth $4,000?


Tuesday, August 21, 2018

President Lincoln

Connections

  • Begged Cassidy to track down the Bloodfang Rangers, a company of Confederate Vampires

Context

Abraham Lincoln is one of the most well-known and analyzed US presidents to date. It is very easy to find information about this memorable figure. For the purposes of this blog, I'll mention that his brief presidency lasted from 1861 to 1865, so Cassidy could have been anywhere between 34 and 38 years of age. If this was when Cassidy came out of hiding and back into law enforcement, she would have been a wanted criminal (at least according to Nebraska) for a decade or more, since a wanted poster has her age listed as 25. 

Wild Zeb

Connections

  • Captured by 15-year-old Cassidy, insisted his gun jammed and the sun was in his eyes

Context

An outlaw Cassidy captured before her prime, in 1842 or 1843. The name "Zeb" could be short for "Zebulon," which is a name from the Bible (one of the twelve tribes of Israel). Not too surprising, since many Christian parents in  nineteenth century America would use biblical names for their children. The closest connection I've found between "Wild Zeb" and the real world is a couple of characters named Zebulon in the 1962 film, How the West Was Won. Neither Zebulon become outlaws, as far as I can tell. Other than that, we can only say that Wild Zeb led a gang of outlaws and they didn't feel great about being captured by a teenage Cassidy. 

Bloody Cal Johnson

Connections

  • While in prison, bragged that Utah was forced to call in the great Marshal Cassidy just to bring him down

Context

Bloody Cal Johnson's bragging happened when Cassidy was 20 (five years after 15-year-old Cassidy captured Wild Zeb), which puts the year of this event at 1847 or 1848. The only notable Cal Johnson I found in this time period was a businessman and former slave from Knoxville, Tennessee, who specialized in the horse races. Besides, he was born in 1844. Too young, and not really an outlaw.

Then I found William T. Anderson, aka "Bloody Bill" Anderson. Seems he was born in 1840, so the timeline still doesn't match, but unless I can find a closer connection, I'm willing to let the timeline be flexible (besides, the lore has Nebraska sounding official one year early). "Bloody Bill" fought with the Confederates in the Civil War, and got in trouble with the law several times, including when he joined the Quantrill's Raiders in a Kansas robbery. Anderson was intercepted and captured by the US Marshals at that time. This is the best connection I've found so far to Bloody Cal Johnson. It could be that Blue Mammoth Games made up this character, though that reference to Utah has me suspicious (no connection between "Bloody Bill" and Utah has been found). 

Bloodfang Rangers

Connections

Context

Confederate vampires!? Where on earth did this come from? This is probably a nod to Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. It is a novel by Seth Grahame-Smith (author of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies) that got a film adaptation in 2012. The interesting connection is that in this alternate history, those who purchase slaves are vampires who buy them not for labor, but for food. This revelation leads Lincoln to be more proactive in ending slavery and thus, the vampire's access to easy victims.

No specific references to a group called "Bloodfang Rangers" seem to exist elsewhere, so I can only assume that this was an active group of vampires from the South that gave Lincoln so much trouble that he needed Cassidy's help to track them down.

Twenty-Foot Lumberjack

Connections

Context

This must be a reference to one of the most well-known figures American tall tales, Paul Bunyan. He is always described to be a very large man who literally shaped the landscape of the Midwest, to say nothing of his contribution to the lumberjack industry at the time. He is also said to have a pet ox named Babe the Blue Ox. The earliest known recorded reference to Paul Bunyan is in a 1904 editorial in the Duluth News Tribune, a newspaper based in Minnesota.

Paul's noted accomplishments (as told in many children's books and TV shows) include, but are not limited to, the following:


  • Getting lost in a Minnesota blizzard, creating the state's 10,000 lakes with his footprints
  • Carving out the Grand Canyon by dragging his axe behind him
  • Creating Mount Hood by filling his campfire with stones
  • Digging out the Missouri River
  • Building Pikes Peak

These accomplishments stretch even into the west coast, so it would be no surprise that Cassidy would run into Paul and Babe as she's been at the very least to the areas between Utah and the Nebraska Territory.

Cherokee Ghost

Connections

Context

Mention of a "Cherokee ghost" likely references one of the Nunnehi (sometimes spelled "Nûñnë’hï"). The name "Nunnehi" means "people who live forever," or literally translated, "people who live anywhere." They are a spirit race of immortal people that look and act just like other Cherokee people. There are many stories among the Cherokee about how the Nunnehi would sometimes show up to warn or to protect, or sometimes just to enjoy some nice music and dancing. 

The Nunnehi are a friendly people, especially to the Cherokee. The story is told that in 1838, just days before the Cherokee removal from their lands (part of the Trail of Tears), several of the Nunnehi came to warn them of an impending catastrophe. Some of the Cherokee followed the Nunnehi into the mountains, while others chose to stay. Those who left were never seen again, dwelling forever with the friendly Nunnehi. 

We can't know for sure if Cassidy herself is Cherokee (it's possible, with her brown hair and brown eyes, maybe half Cherokee?), but regardless, it seems one member of the Nunnehi met and befriended Cassidy sometime before 1853. The Nunnehi only appear when they want to be seen, so who knows what got this particular "ghost" interested in befriending Cassidy?

Monday, August 20, 2018

Boots (Cougar)

Connections

  • One of Cassidy's unlikely friends, "the meanest horse in the West"

Context

Many things are said of Pecos Bill, and one of those things is that he sometimes rides a cougar instead of a horse. Maybe Boots is the same cougar that was ridden by Pecos Bill and Cassidy! Legends say that Pecos Bill was born soon after Cassidy, in the 1830s, though the first legends of Pecos Bill didn't appear until 1917. Then again, in an earth that includes Confederate vampires, perhaps Cassidy and Pecos go way back?

I haven't yet found any legend about a giant cougar. Although, the name "boots" is interesting because there is a shoe and boots manufacturer called "Cougar," with stores in the US and Canada. 

Underground Railroad

Connections

  • Cassidy became a member, which led to her becoming a wanted fugitive in Nebraska, 1853

Context

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret tunnels and safe houses used by African-American slaves and to escape to the free regions of the northern states and Canada. The term "Underground Railroad" was also used to describe the group of abolitionists who assisted the slaves in their journeys north.

It seems Cassidy was caught aiding the Underground Railroad by the authorities in Nebraska. My research showed only one applicable route. It went up the Missouri-Kansas border, then turned northeast at Nebraska City up towards Iowa City and Chicago.

The Nebraska wanted poster also accused Cassidy of "harboring a Fugitive Slave." This seems to imply that Cassidy also kept a slave hidden in one of the safe houses. I haven't yet discovered if there is a historical significance to the slave she assisted. Although, it seems 1853 was a year in which support rapidly grew for the Underground Railroad. 

Friday, August 17, 2018

Fire Giant King

Connections

Context

This is perhaps a reference to Surtr (literally "black" or "the swarthy one"). He normally guards the borders of his home, Muspelheim, the realm of fire. He has a major role in Ragnarok. That is, he will take his flaming sword and lead the "sons of Muspelheim" to battle against the gods. He will confront the god Freyr (aka "Frey," brother of Freya), the two of them will slay each other in battle, and Surtr's flames will scorch the earth before it is buried in the sea.

Although there are volcanoes in Scandinavia, the fact that the lore states the fire giant king being trapped in his own volcano suggests his confrontation with Bödvar took place in Muspelheim itself. Loki would have to do a bit of work to collect the trapped Surtr before Ragnarok could begin. 

Giant Wars

Connections

Context

Though named "giants" today, in Old Norse terms, they were called "devourers" (Old Norse jötnar, singular jötunn). Thus, the world of giants—or world of devouers—is called Jötunheim. These Old Norse giants weren't necessarily huge in size, but were often grotesque in appearance.

When talking about the jötnar, we're actually referring to creatures related to the gods, since both gods and the devourers can be called giants in the Old Norse sense, but at different ends of a cosmic scale. The gods represent the law-abiding, orderly side, while the devourers represent chaos and anarchy. Such a sharp contrast between otherwise more similar people would certainly spark wars between Jötunheim and Asgard, with Midgard caught in the middle of these opposing forces. Each side (gods and devourers) is needed to keep a balance between order and chaos, creation and destruction.

Heimdall

Connections

  • Defied, insulted, and (presumably) had his own beer taken once by Bödvar

Context

In Norse mythology, as well as in Marvel's comics, Heimdall is essentially the gatekeeper for Asgard. He lives at the top of Bifrost, a rainbow bridge that leads to Asgard. He owns a golden-maned horse named Gulltoppr. He also has a horn named Gjallarhorn, which he uses to alert Asgard of intruders. Like Thor and Loki, he is also a son of Odin. When Loki storms Bifrost with an army of giants, Heimdall will sound his horn, signalling the beginning of Ragnarok. It is also foretold that Loki and Heimdall, polar opposites in their loyalty to Odin and Asgard, will slay each other in the cataclysmic event.

But for now, we can assume Heimdall is enjoying some high-quality mead (or beer) in his home in the sky cliffs of Vahlalla. He is known to be gifted with foreknowledge and very keen senses. All that apparently didn't help prepare him for Bödvar's dramatic entrance into the warrior's heaven.

White Dragon Sorcerer

Connections

Context

There doesn't seem to be a direct parallel to Norse mythology, although there are a few prominent dragons and accounts of sorcery. This page will be updated as more information is discovered. 

Grothnar

Connections

  • Bödvar's brother, defeated by his brother in a seven-day battle

Context

A search for the name "Grothnar" has so far only yielded online gamer usernames and the occasional orc or half-orc named Grothnar. I also haven't as yet found a Norse-based story of a man that fought with a bear. This page sill be updated as more information is found. 

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Skandia

Connections

Context

Bödvar's "Skandian people" likely refers simply to Scandinavian people, since "Skandia" (or "Scandia") was once used to refer to the region of Scandinavia. Although, the name "Scandia" seems to stem from "Scania," which once referred to just the southern-most tip of present-day Sweden, which was under Danish control during the Viking Age. So, it's possible that Bödvar's tribe or people were specific to that region. Or, Skandia here could refer to a Swedish finance and investments company. Up to you (maybe these people were really good finance managers!).

Hel (Goddess)

Connections

  • Bödvar led his Skandian people against her
  • After Diana held the damned at bay for eleven days, the Goddess Hel herself found her and ejected the troublemaker

Context

This would undoubtedly be the Norse goddess Hel, who rules Helheim as its queen. Most surviving Norse legends don't talk about Hel very much (except as the antagonist in the tale of the death of the god Baldr). She is indifferent at best and harsh and cruel at her worst. She is the daughter of Loki and the giantess Angrboda. Her relation to Loki makes her a sister to the wolf Fenrir and the giant serpant Jormungand.

It's not clear if Hel can be called a witch in Norse mythology. The only connection I've found between Hel and witchcraft is that the etymology behind her name can be traced back to words that meant "sorceress." "magic," and "rune." So, the Hel of the Brawlhalla universe is likely the same as the one from our Norse myths, but perhaps with more magical abilities.