Banner Saga Wiki
Explore
Main Page
All Pages
Interactive Maps
navigation
Main page
Community portal
Recent changes
Random page
Admin noticeboard
The Banner Saga 3
Achievements
Characters
Classes
Items
Locations
The Banner Saga 2
Achievements
Characters
Classes
Items
Locations
The Banner Saga
Achievements
Characters
Classes
Items
Locations
More
Buy On Steam
Factions
Banner Saga 1
Banner Saga 2
Gamepedia
Gamepedia support
Report a bad ad
Help Wiki
Contact us
FANDOM
Fan Central
BETA
Games
Anime
Movies
TV
Video
Wikis
Explore Wikis
Community Central
Start a Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Sign In
FANDOM
Explore
Current Wiki
Start a Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Sign In
Sign In
Register
Banner Saga Wiki
715
pages
Explore
Main Page
All Pages
Interactive Maps
navigation
Main page
Community portal
Recent changes
Random page
Admin noticeboard
The Banner Saga 3
Achievements
Characters
Classes
Items
Locations
The Banner Saga 2
Achievements
Characters
Classes
Items
Locations
The Banner Saga
Achievements
Characters
Classes
Items
Locations
More
Buy On Steam
Factions
Banner Saga 1
Banner Saga 2
Gamepedia
Gamepedia support
Report a bad ad
Help Wiki
Contact us
Editing
Lore
(section)
Back to page
Edit
VisualEditor
View history
Talk (5)
Edit Page
Lore
Warning:
You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you
log in
or
create an account
, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.
Anti-spam check. Do
not
fill this in!
==Notable Characters== This section contains information about specific characters, divided according to the race they belong in. There are currently four [[races]]. * [[Varl]] * [[Human]] * [[Dredge]] * [[Horseborn]] Refer to the dedicated articles for specific details. ===Varl=== Horned and bearded giants, hand made by the god [[Hadrborg]]. They are all male, and unable to reproduce. Generally warlike, especially against the Dredge race. ====Arnfinnr==== Second Varl King. He founded [[Grofheim]], the Varl capital in the feet of the [[Two Spears]], moving it from its unofficial location in [[Fastisetr]]. ====Einar==== After the end of the [[Lore#First Great War|first great war]], the Varl chose to separate themselves from humans and form their own kingdom in the lands of the North. Einar was chosen to be their ruler, and so became the first King of the Varl. After leading the Varl on a harsh journey through the snowy, dredge-infested fields of the [[The Wandering Road|Wandering Road]], he founded his kingdom in the crook of the [[Brattabreck Peaks|Brattabreck]] and [[Wyrmscale Mountains|Wyrmscale]] mountain ranges. However, northward expansion was blocked by the Brattabrecks, long thought to mark the edge of the world. When a [[Burra Pass|pass]] through the mountains was discovered across the gorge from [[Einartoft]], Einar built a monumental bridge to cross the gap, thus allowing the Varl to push their borders further to the north. ====Gunr==== He was the first to discover [[Gunr's Heog|the series of low-lying hills in the Wyrmscale foothills]] that look eerily similar to barrows. ====Jorundr==== The fifth Varl King, ruling in [[Grofheim]] during the events of ''The Banner Saga''. * Refer to the [[Jorundr|main article]] for more details. ====Karl==== Notable Varl warrior, connected with [[Strand]] and the nearby regions. He turned against his own kind on the behest of the menders in the [[First Great War]], and would be instrumental in ending it. Later a governor of [[Strand]], he currently rests at the bottom of [[Karlsvat]]. ====Karli==== Not much is known about him, other than that he is a mentor and friend of [[Sigbjorn]], and that he died before the events of the first game. For some reason, any mention of his name greatly agitates [[Sigbjorn]]. ====Kvig==== Known as the ''last one'', Kvig is the youngest Varl, the last one ''made'' by [[Hadrborg]]. As narrated in the second part of ''The Banner Saga'', Kvig survives the sacking of [[Einartoft]] and, together with [[Fasolt]], meets up with the [[Ravens]] caravan. ====Skrymir==== Skrymir, the third Varl King, was known for his obsession with wiping out the dredge. He expanded past [[Grofheim]], founding [[Skrymirstead]], a city in his own name, that soon became abandoned when the frozen land that it was built upon began to crack and splinter. * [[Gunnulf]] claims that his two-handed greatsword was given to him by Skrymir himself, and he entrusted him to guard the King and his belongings. ====Snorri==== He is one of the oldest Varl during the events of ''The Banner Saga'', alongside [[Ubin]] and [[Krumr]]. He was residing in [[Grofheim]] before that city was destroyed by the Dredge during the ongoing Third Great War; it is unknown if he survived. ====The First Warhawk==== Though his name was not directly stated, he was an infamous warlord and veteran of both Great Wars. A mentor to a great number of varl, including [[Sigbjorn]] and possibly [[Gunnulf]], he dreamt of eradicating all of mankind in a continuation of the [[First Great War]]. On his king's behest, he relented, electing to head north and eradicate the dredge instead. ====Throstr==== The fourth Varl King whose reign began during the time of the Second Great War. The dredge had been launching devastating attacks on the realm of the varls, killing them in huge numbers. Thorstr however succeeded in rallying his troops to drive them back, using a shield-like amulet called the "[[Gift of Hadrborg]]", which was said to be able to revive dead varls and had been bequeathed to the race by their creator [[Hadrborg]]. Throstr is known for building the city of [[Blotsbalkr]] in the province of [[Setterlund]], making it the seat of his rule, an act that left the established clans in [[Grofheim]] none too pleased. He died under mysterious circumstances, that have been unanswered to this day. * See also: [[Throstr's Tooth]]. ====Torstein==== A notable varl warrior who fought in the Second Great War, he was known for valuing honor above all else, even when fighting the invading dredge. As such, it was he to whom the relic called the "[[Gift of Hadrborg]]", which was reputed to revive dead varls, was passed on to after Throstr's death. Torstein later made [[Kjallak]], [[Olaf]] and [[Ulfvalgr]] his [[kendr]] and took them under his care. He taught them to survive, read and fight, becoming like a father to them. Kjallak was exiled by him for his dishonorable way, but he forgave Ulfvalgr for raiding on humans, since he did it for the legacy of the varls. Before his death, Torstein bequeathed the Gift of Hadrborg to Olaf and Ulfvalgr. Ulfvalgr however wanted to venture out and earn fame, due to which he suggested splitting the amulet in half. Torstein forbade him, but Ulfvalgr fooled Olaf about it and hid his own half with him. ====Vilmundr==== Vilmundr is a varl warlord who served [[Jorundr]], but whose true loyalties lie with himself. He fought against the [[dredge]] during the Second Great War and often preferred to rely on surprising tactics to deceive them. [[Kjallak]] tried to earn his loyalty in order to become the King of Varls and prepare them for the dredge, whom he believed would invade again. As such, he had the [[Vak'auga]] smuggle him to [[Strand]], and with the help of the [[Menders|mender]] [[Melkorka]] and his men who made varl skeletons move while hiding inside them, fooled him into believing that the [[Gift of Hadrborg]] he had stolen was able to resurrect the dead varls. Kjallak's ruse was however soon exposed to Vilmundr, and the latter was arrested by the City Watch after the downfall of Kjallak and his allies. Knowing that keeping him imprisoned could lead to trouble for Strand, the new Steward [[Eirik]] was forced to release him, but warned him to never return to the city again. ====Yngvar==== A legendary varl hero of the [[Second Great War]], renowned for slaying [[Raze]] and then mysteriously disappearing while he was about to be named [[kendr]] to the Varl King. During the events of ''The Banner Saga'' it is revealed that Yngvar is in fact [[Iver]], the solitary Varl residing in [[Skogr]]. Iver withdrew to that small town out of shame for the way in which he slew Raze, during a snowstorm while she was nursing her baby. ===Human=== First race created by the Loom-mother arch-deity. No special features. In generally good terms with Varl, and hostile to the Dredge. ====Aldis==== Aldis was wife to [[Rook]] and mother to [[Alette]]. The circumstances of her untimely death are not given. ====Aukfrosta==== Aukfrosta is the name given to a small girl found frozen during a [[Events#Lost_Child|random event]] in the first part of ''The Banner Saga''. She has a mysterious understanding of [[Dredge]] ways, like a 'sixth sense' or a connection to them. ====Barði Fetill==== The Barði Fetill are a powerful gang of [[Strand]] and are involved in organizing illegal boxing matches at their underground boxing clubs. ====City Watch of Strand==== The City Watch of [[Strand]] is responsible for guarding the city and fighting crime. The guards are however often distrusted and seen as inefficient by other people, especially due to the corruption in their ranks and the secrecy practiced by some of the larger gangs. It is led by an officer with the rank of "Captain", and is often strained when it comes to resources, especially due the generosity of the [[Governor of Strand]] towards the poor and the peasants. ====Dagny==== Dagny is the adoptive daughter of [[Strand]]'s spymaster Vott and worked at his tailor shop called ''Vott's Consignments''. She however disliked working there due to finding it mundane, as well as due to her inquisitive nature. As such, she was always more excited about carrying messages for him or doing more dangerous work like spying. When [[Eirik]] was trying to take down the triumvirate of gangs who wanted to take over [[Strand]], Vott had her carry messages for Eirik and the Governor's Steward [[Olvir]], in addition to stationing a cart for Eirik's allies after capturing a lieutenant of the gangs at a tournament. Upon the downfall of the triumvirate, Eirik became the new Steward of Strand, and Vott sent her to him in order to help finish his exhausting paperwork, to which Dagny gladly agreed. ====Dreyri Runes==== The Dreyri Runes are a powerful gang of [[Strand]] involved in contract killing. ====Dylan==== Dylan is the Captain of the City Watch of [[Strand]]. He is one of the few people who is implicitly trusted to remain loyal to Strand and knows the truth about [[Eirik]]'s parentage. ====Etil==== Founder of [[Etiltorp]], a renowned weapon smith. ====Fiske==== Fiske was a member of the [[Vak'auga]] and died about two months before the Third Great War, being killed by the escaped [[Runa]] in revenge for him being responsible for the death of [[Leiknir]] at the hands of his bosses, the [[Magnus twins]]. ====Frode==== Frode is a shrewd lumber merchant from [[Boersgard]]. During a visit to [[Strand]] about two months before the Third Great War, he encountered the group of [[Eirik]], [[Olaf]], [[Ulfvalgr]] and [[Stefnir]], who were carrying an injured [[Valgard]] and trying to escape the [[Mársmidr]]. He agreed to grant them protection and take them to the [[Great Hall]], in return for the duties on his goods being waived. ====Geir==== Geir is the bartender of ''Broddi's Mead Hall'' in [[Karlshus]], and works for [[Broddi]]. He usually plays a prank on newcomers to the establishment, by giving them bad quality mead without them noticing. When [[Olaf]] and [[Stefnir]] came to the mead hall, [[Ulfvalgr]] started a bar brawl while pretending to attack the former in order to escape the [[Mársmidr]]. Stefnir tried to steal the establishment's provisions during the fight, and barely escaped being hit by Geir's club before knocking him out with his shield. The building was burnt down by the Mársmidr soon afterwards. ====Gothi==== The "Gothi" are a group of preachers and priests who claim that the gods are still alive, but are not taken seriously by most people. Among the services they carry out is providing lodgings and food to people, in addition to helping the poor. They had a presence in the city of [[Strand]]. ====Governor's Guard==== The "Governor's Guard" is the most elite guard unit protecting the city of [[Strand]]. They are often tasked with carrying out espionage activities against criminals and infiltrating the gangs in the city unlike the City Watch, which is more reliant on methods of force and intimidation. They are directly overseen by the [[Governor of Strand|Governor]]'s Steward and their agents reside at the [[Great Hall]]. ====Helvir==== Helvir was the brother of the current [[Governor of Strand]] and died at the young age of twenty. He fathered a son named [[Nikolas]] with the [[Menders|mender]] [[Melkorka]], though everyone believed that he never had any children until Nikolas revealed his true parentage to [[Eirik]]. ====Hero of Skogr==== This unofficial title refers to either [[Rook]] or [[Alette]], i.e. the character who carried the [[Silver Arrow]] in the fight where [[Bellower]] was defeated and the [[Dredge]] siege of [[Boersgard]] was broken, at the end of the first part of ''The Banner Saga''. * Title sometimes confused with ''Sundr Slayer'', a title used in the second part of ''The Banner Saga'' for the hero that neutralized Bellower: if Rook carried the Silver Arrow then Alette is the Sundr Slayer, and vice-versa. ====Johan==== Johan was the brother of [[Hallvard]] and a member of the [[Mársmidr]] gang in [[Strand]]. He was selected by [[Ottar]] to lead the raiding party into the heart of the kingdom of [[varl]]s, in order to grab one half of the heirloom called the "[[Gift of Hadrborg]]", which was coveted by their gang's leader [[Kjallak]]. Although his men were slain or captured by [[Olaf]], Johan successfully made off with his half of the Gift of Hadrborg and went to [[Halsar]], trying to blackmail his gang into letting his brother back in. Ottar however sent the gang's assassin [[Skoegir]] to slay him and he was killed. ====King of Arberrang==== Ruler of (most) human clans. He resides in [[Arberrang]], one of the largest human settlements and capital to his kingdom. During the events of ''The Banner Saga'', [[King Meinolf]] reigns, with Prince [[Ludin]] being his heir. ====Kollsvein==== Kollsvein was a criminal who led the gang called "Kollsvein's Kin". Their territory was located in the poor [[Strand]] neighborhoods near the city walls. After his gang was decimated by the Governor's Guard shortly before the Third Great War, they were forced to turn to robbery. When [[Olaf]], [[Ulfvalgr]] and [[Stefnir]] tried crossing through their territory, the gang confronted them and tried to force them to pay up. The three however refused and Kollsvein ordered his men to attack. Things soon went sideways for the gang as [[Eirik]], [[Valgard]] and [[Hallvard]] as joined in. After Valgard killed Kollsvein upon Hallvard's suggestion, the rest of the gangsters scattered. ====Kollsvein's Kin==== "Kollsvein's Kin" was a criminal gang in [[Strand]]'s poorer residential areas near the city walls and led by Kollsvein. It was decimated by the Governor's Guard, which had infiltrated its ranks shortly before the Third Great War, and forced to turn to robbery. The gang tried to rob [[Olaf]], [[Ulfvalgr]] and [[Stefnir]] when they came through their territory, leading to an armed fight braking out. [[Eirik]], [[Valgard]] and [[Hallvard]] soon joined the three in fighting them, killing some of their members and Kollsvein himself, while forcing the rest to flee. ====Mender Council==== Resides in [[Manaharr]] and controls the Menders. In the past, most members of the Council were [[Valka]]. During the time of the story of ''The Banner Saga'', [[Juno]], [[Zefr]] and [[Dusi]] are the only known current members of this conclave. ====Ragnar==== Ragnar is the sole legitimate son of the current [[Governor of Strand]] and the Governor-Prince of Strand, being next in line to inherit the throne. He is also the half-brother of [[Eirik]] and cousin to [[Nikolas]]. Unlike his father, Ragnar is lazy and prone to leisure, however he is also quite enthusiastic about the ideals of justice. About a year before the Third Great War, his father had sent him to [[Karlshus]] for inspection of the town's defenses, but his retinue led by Eirik, was ambushed by the [[Aetla Hilmir]]. Ragnar was gravely injured, but was saved due to Eirik's efforts. After the assassination attempt on his life, the governor had him learn sword-fighting, but he repeatedly made excuses to avoid them. ====Rake==== A renowned [[Chieftain]] of [[Hjardarhagi]] that constructed a crossing over the [[Red River]] that still bears his name. ====Sten==== Founder of [[Skogr]]. See also: [[Sten's March]]. ====Strom==== Leader of a large faction that founded a kingdom to the east, during the human civil wars. While the kingdom is no more, the region called [[Stromlund]] still bears his name. He also founded [[Ormsdalr]], close to [[Boersgard]]. Strom's hopes of rich lands in the South-East were drowned in the swamps of [[Swartbog]]. ====Unnarr==== Unnarr is a quirky old man encountered in a [[Events#Quirky|random event]] in the first part of ''The Banner Saga''. If he joins the caravan, he mysteriously disappears after some days, but not before having a beneficial impact on the Caravan. ====Valka==== That is the name by which the strongest of the [[Menders]] were collectively referred to, during the Second Great War against the Dredge. During the time of the story of ''The Banner Saga'', it is unclear if there is any Mender powerful enough to match the Valka of old. The original Valka were the favoured of the [[Loom-mother]] and were taught weaving by her. Eyvind is the leader and most powerful of the Valka during the events of '''The Banner Saga''' series. The male Valka are often prone to unstable behaviour unlike the women. ====Vott==== Vott is the official spymaster of [[Strand]] who collects tips from informants and field agents, without them needing to go directly to the [[Great Hall]]. He also runs a tailor shop called ''Vott's Consignments'' as a cover for his activities. A few years before the Third Great War, Vott adopted a girl named Dagny and raised her as his own. He eventually got her to work at his shop or carry messages for him to others, though she hated doing the former as she found it mundane. While trying to bring down the triumvirate of gangs consisting of the [[Aetla Hilmir]], the [[Mársmidr]] and the [[Vak'auga]], who were trying to take over Strand, [[Eirik]] often went to Vott to tell him about the information he learnt about them, so he could relay it further to Steward [[Olvir]], and also had him arrange supplies for him and his allies. ====Wade==== Wade was the personal assistant of [[Olvir]], the Steward to the [[Governor of Strand]], and died about two months before the Third Great War. He had a habit of addressing all of the Governor's Guardsmen as "lord". While he was bringing provisions for [[Olaf]], [[Stefnir]] and [[Ulfvalgr]], whom [[Eirik]] and [[Valgard]] had saved from the [[Mársmidr]], he was murdered by the [[Aetla Hilmir]], who had infiltrated the [[Great Hall]] to capture Eirik's guests. ===Dredge=== [[Dredge]] are humanoid beings of varied size. Usually clad in darkly-colored stone (or metal) armor. Generally hostile against all other races. They are both male and female, and are able to reproduce. This was kept secret by the few Varl that knew the truth, to make the Dredge more alien and loathsome. They reside beneath the earth and their own name for themselves is akin to "sculptors". ====Baby==== During the events of ''The Banner Saga'' a baby Dredge is found in the arms of its dead mother (a [[Dredge Slag Slinger|Dredge Slinger]]) beside the [[Ingrid]] [[Godstone]]. This leads [[Rook]] to the startling realization that the Dredge aren't just monsters, but also have women and children, just like the humans. [[Iver]] is the only one not shocked and he urges Rook to conceal the discovery from the caravan. The baby can be abandoned to die unless Rook insists they bring it along; in this case, it is adopted by a nursemaid amongst the clanswomen and the caravan is rewarded an [[Vadrun_Silver_Brooch|item]]. ====Bellower==== See [[Bellower|main article]]. ====Eyeless==== See [[Eyeless|main article]]. ====Chime==== Chime was a non-violent female [[Sundr]], described by [[Alfrun]] as a disciple of peace among the dredge. This was received negatively by the other Sundr, as they were more inclined to war. She wanted to ally with other races to fend off the [[Darkness]]. She is said to have been killed in [[Grofheim]] by her own kind when the [[dredge]] emerged from their rocky home. Nothing else is ever mentioned regarding Chime in [[The Banner Saga|The Banner Saga Trilogy]]. ====Raze==== A female Dredge [[Sundr]] of unknown appearance, that was known for continuously razing the fortifications built by the Varl during the [[Second Great War]]. Spouse of [[Bellower]]. She was killed by [[Yngvar]]. ====Ruin==== A female Dredge [[Sundr]] that appears as a boss in the last part of the trilogy and is fought in Chapter 19. She is the sister of Raze according to [[Hakon]]. ====Sundr==== The mightiest of the Dredge champions are called Sundr and enjoy a demi-god status in their culture. They are given nicknames by their opponents: * [[Bellower]] — Male. His mighty roars spread fear and despair to his enemies. * Seethe (unconfirmed) * [[Eyeless]] — A [[Stonesinger]] (possibly female) wearing a stone-plaque as a mask that covers her eyes. * Raze — Female. Destroyer of fortifications and the mate of Bellower. * Ruin — Female. Unknown powers; equipped with a whip-like chain. * Chime — Female. She wanted to pursue a diplomatic path with other races in order to fend off the Darkness. * Walker (unconfirmed) * Seethe (unconfirmed) ====Home==== The home of the Dredge is in [[Valkajokull]] and the Underworld, where they reside in caverns built by them. Like the surface, it also has a Sun, but it is dark and much more powerful than the Sun that gives light to the surface. After [[Juno]] was sentenced to death, [[Eyvind]] used its power to revive her, resulting in it falling to the ground and occurrence of quakes. This also resulted in the releasing of the [[Darkness]] and the half-born [[Serpent]] gestating within it. The Dredge habitat also contains large unknown creatures which are reported to often come to the surface. The menders use the fortresses with the suffix "horn" as a portal to travel to the home of the Dredge. ===Horseborn=== This secretive race is a cross-breed between humans and horses (or ponies). They reside in the far south and come into the story during the second part of ''The Banner Saga''. * See [[Horseborn|main article]] for more details. Named Horseborn characters appearing in the story include: * [[Canary]] (short version of her full name, Cainánóiridhe) * [[Derdriu]] * [[Scathach]] * [[Ro'Ech]] * [[Trìgecánnthàe]] ====Tin==== A Horseborn that supposedly located the source of the [[Ormsa River]].
Summary:
Please note that all contributions to the Banner Saga Wiki are considered to be released under the CC BY-NC-SA
Cancel
Editing help
(opens in new window)
Follow on IG
TikTok
Join Fan Lab