Culture of Aedeland

OUTDATED BY A CENTURY

The culture of Aedeland encompasses the social, artistic, and political practices, as well as the traditions, languages, and cuisine of the people of Aedeland, a nation in the Aldsegian Empire. The culture is shaped by its unique historical evolution, geography, and the interactions of various ethnic groups within its territory.

Language

The official language of Aedeland is Aldsegja (lit. "the Old Speech"), from which the Aldsay ethnic group derives its name. Aldsegja is most closely related to dialects of Grünnhalvüy in southern Cykeria but is intelligible by most Aldsegian peoples, who consider it a more formal way of speaking. It is also recognizable to speakers of Hallish Wortsproke and Stoldish to varying degrees. The modern dialect spoken by most in Aedeland is Aedelish.

Common greetings in Aldsegja include "Heill ok süæll" (lit. "happy and healthy"), which may be shortened to "Heill" or informally "Hei." Another greeting is "Güðan dag, morgin, aptan" (lit. "good day, morning, afternoon") or "Gott kveld, güða nütt" (lit. "good evening, good night"). For farewells, "Far vel" (lit. "well passage or journey") or "Üb viðrjüa" (lit. "until we see again") are used.

The Arts

Aedeland is not widely known for its visual arts, as Aedelish religion discourages attachment to the material world. However, literature plays a significant role in cultural expression.

Literature

The Ritningar Trü (religious scriptures of the Aedelish faith) and several historical sagas form the core of Aedeland's literary tradition. The Ritningar Trü is a collection of ancient books, including the Aedelish creation narrative, legendary epics, ethnographies, poetic and philosophical works, and prophecies. The Farmaürsagas document the Aldsegian sea raids and the foundation of various Aldsegian states. The Ælsturük Saga is considered the founding epic of Aedeland and is widely celebrated.

Visual Arts

Aedeland's visual arts were limited before the conquest of Achilleio and were primarily imitations of Eastern Stoldavic fashions. The arrival of Eastern Anarian artistic styles significantly influenced Aedelish art. Notable sculptures like Ávanger and His Sons, The Winged Valkyrie Sigr, and The Nornir are housed at the Rükes Museum in Ålesund.

Architecture

Early examples of Aedelish architecture date from the Greater Stoldavic Empire. Notable examples include Fornsigsala, one of the largest and most complete keeps from that era in Stoldavia. Many civic buildings in Aedeland are modeled on classical Western Anarian motifs.

Music

Aedeland inherited the Anarian classical traditions of the 75th century. Aedelish compositions are known for their epic quality, often described as cataclysmic, with crescendos of thumping drums and large orchestras. The national pageant, held every five years at Alltingetfelt in Ålesund, is well known for its outdoor music performances.

Print

Aedelish newsprint has high readership with many hundreds of local serial publications. The official paper of record is Ærilys in Ærilar.

Museums, Libraries, and Galleries

Ålesund is home to the Rükes Museum, operated by the Aulüb Society for the public's benefit. The Norn at Ærilar serves as the national library of Aedeland.

Science and Technology

Aedeland has a reputation for improving upon the ideas of others. Aulüb University is considered the leading Aedelish scientific research center.

Religion

Aedeland has no state religion, although over 95% of Aedelanders identify as followers of the Faith (Salvede Trü), a monotheistic religion emphasizing the individual's relationship with an omnipotent creator. Two main denominations exist: the Transcendentalists and the Materialists.

Entertainment

Entertainment in Aedeland is characteristically local, rural, and amateur. Traveling storytellers known as sküalds are the most common form of entertainment. Outdoor pursuits, such as hunting and fishing, are also popular, alongside more obscene forms of entertainment like blood sports and public punishments.

Sport

Field games and lawn sports are popular throughout Aedeland. Kubb and Knattleikr are common games, with variations that reflect regional occupations. Wrestling, with its three varieties—Glima, Rüsbryting, and Water Wrestling—is the most popular sport.

Education

Young children of both sexes are taught by adolescent female relatives until the age of 11 or 12. Boys are then instructed in a communal dormitory by their paternal grandfathers, while girls continue domestic education until marriage.

Community

The kin group (Ætt), comprising approximately three thousand members, is the fundamental unit of Aedelish society. Each Ætt is a polis led by a council of elders known as the Ættüeingi. The Ættsrett is the ancestral land held by the Ætt in allodium, serving as the political, economic, and social hub of the community.

Cuisine

Aedelish cuisine varies between northern and southern palates. The north emphasizes preserved foods, such as cured, smoked, dried, and fermented dishes, while the south enjoys fresh meats and a greater variety of fruits and vegetables.

Etiquette

Aedelish culture demands strict social etiquette, particularly concerning interactions between men and women and respect for elders.

Naming Convention

Aedelish names generally follow a pattern of a familiar name followed by the kin group name, reflecting the individual's heritage and familial ties.

Modes of Address

Titles in Aedeland are often derived from historical elective nobility and are now largely honorific and associated with elected positions.