#(ngl I feel kinda bad for Miletos not having its own profile... ^^')

[ideas-on-paper]

Profiles of Jugdral's nations from Fire Emblem: Treasure

It's May 14th, which means it's international FE4 Day - so, happy anniversary to this wonderful game and all its fans! ^^

However, although Genealogy of the Holy War is already 29 years old now, the continent of Jugdral still holds some little-known secrets - some of those can be found hidden in the pages of a book named "Fire Emblem: Treasure" released in 1999, which, true to its name, is an absolute treasure trove of FE4 lore.

In this regard, the country profiles in the book are particularly interesting: Each country of Jugdral (save for Miletos) has a double page dedicated to it, detailing its economics, culture, and political organization.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a full English translation of these country profiles anywhere online - thus, in an effort to preserve these texts, I have decided to revisit my old translation of the country profiles I did during my work on the Inheritors of Jugdral fanzine (of which I was the writing mod) and publish it on Tumblr.

First, however, some notes and disclaimers about this translation:

My knowledge of Japanese is very, very basic - I know the hiragana and katakana syllabaries, I know what a kanji is, I know what a particle is, and I can make out the general structure of a Japanese sentence, but that’s about it. Thus, most of this translation was done with Google Translate and a good chunk of common sense, so I won’t claim it’s 100% accurate.

Nevertheless, I did my best to refine the first iteration of this translation; I won’t say it’s perfect, but it’s certainly a significant improvement over the first version. ^^’ Still, I’m open to feedback, so if any of you knows Japanese and has some suggestions for better phrasing, feel free to share them with me! (I can also provide Japanese transcripts upon request via DM.)

I also added some notes about certain passages and additionally translated the sections about the castles/locations (which I had left out in my first translation as there’s nothing really new in those); the pictures of the pages were taken by me.

Lastly, to avoid confusion among fans, I decided to go with the officially localized names from FE: Heroes. (Although I myself am less than enthusiastic about some of the localization choices.)

And now, with that out of the way, let’s dive right into the captivating world of Jugdral! :-)

The Kingdom of Grannvale

Main industry: Agriculture

Royal family and lineage (holy blood): House Belhalla (St. Heim)

Vertical text: A historic kingdom that reigns as the largest nation on the continent after a bloody dark age[1]

[Nation Overview]

The largest nation on the continent, boasting an ancient history

A powerful country with a rich history, located in the centre of the continent. It’s the birthplace of the nation Gran, and because it was blessed with fertile soil, civilization developed quickly. During the course of its history, the Loptr Cult seized control of it, with the country rising to become the most powerful on the continent.[1] Currently, the nation consists of seven principalities, being ruled by six dukedoms that are subordinate to the Belhalla Royal Family. Thanks to well-planned urban development, public facilities such as sewers have been constructed, and the main roads[2] connecting each city are well-developed. Furthermore, the stately and magnificent architectural style seen in buildings such as the royal residence is characteristic of this country[3] and serves as a model for other nations. Boasting a high progressiveness in politics, culture, and military, it is the center of the continent both literally and figuratively.

[1] In both cases, I’m actually not sure if the text is referring to the past history of Grannvale (the Loptrian Empire) or the Grannvale Empire (in second gen); judging by the text listing the current duchies (at the starting point of the game), I think the former is more likely.

[2] In the past version, I had translated this as “trunk lines” because I thought it was in some way connected to the sewers mentioned before (as in an elaborate sewer system connecting major cities), but after checking again, I think this was most likely a mistranslation.

[3] Another mistake I corrected: I erroneously translated this as Grannvale’s architecture being based on Germany’s in the first version. (Funnily enough though, Kaga stated that Germany was an inspiration for Grannvale. xD)

[The road to turmoil]

In the wake of civil war and expedition, a turbulent era begins

Since its founding, the Kingdom of Grannvale has been governed by six ducal families of holy blood: House Dozel, House Friege, House Velthomer, House Edda, House Yngvi and House Chalphy, with the state of Belhalla, ruled by the heirs to the blood of St. Heim, as their superior. Due to the advanced age of the current king Azmur, political affairs have been entrusted to Prince Kurth in recent years. However, dissatisfied with the princes’ heavy dependence on the trusted Lord Byron, Lord Reptor of House Friege conspired with Lord Lombard of House Dozel to form an anti-prince faction. It begins to reveal itself that the kingdom is not unified. Then, at that time, a clan from Isaach plundered Dahna, an allied city in the Aed Desert, massacring its inhabitants. Prince Kurth decided to send troops to slay the aggressors, and an expeditionary force led by Lord Byron of Chalphy was formed, consisting of many esteemed generals. The kingdom’s defense is left to Lord Arvis of Velthomer, the young commander of the royal guard.[4] However, this dispatch of troops, which seemed harmless at the first glance, would go on to become the catalyst that would significantly change the course of history of all countries on the continent.

[4] Previously, I had translated this as “commander of Velthomer’s royal guard”; however, since Arvis is explicitly stated to be in charge of the Belhalla’s royal guard (and Velthomer isn’t exactly a kingdom by itself), I think this is the likelier translation.

Overview of the Kingdom of Grannvale and its castles

Southwest of the royal capital, Belhalla Castle, Dozel Castle is located right in the center of the country, flanked by vast mountain ranges to the east and west. If you cross the mountains to the east, you will reach Edda Castle, and if you cross the mountains to the west, you will reach Friege Castle. If you head south from Dozel, you will reach Sigurd’s home castle, Chalphy. South of Yngvi Castle, the place where the unrest began, you will also find the adjacent Miletos District, where the four castles Peruluke, Chronos, Rados, and Miletos stand tall. Furthermore, the scorching hot Aed Desert east of Velthomer Castle is also part of the kingdom’s territory; the region has a diverse terrain that surrounds all its major cities, from Aed Castle, to the hot oasis town of Dahna Castle, all the way to Phinora Castle, the latter standing in the desert like a monolith.[5]

[5] The translation gave me a fair bit of trouble here, but I believe what the term “monolithic” in the Japanese text is meant to imply is that Phinora stands right in the middle of the desert - like a monolith.

The Dominion of Agustria

Main industry: Agriculture

Royal family and lineage (holy blood): Agustria[6] (Höðr, the Black Knight)

[6] Interestingly, the profile lists Agustria as the royal house/ruling family, although the actual rulers of Agustria are House Agusti.

Vertical text: A lush country competing to be the continent’s main power, while avoiding conflict with Grannvale and bolstering its national strength

[Nation Overview]

The fertile and vast land forming the breadbasket

Located in the western part of the continent Jugdral, Agustria is a confederation consisting of five small nations. The nation’s main industries are agriculture and forestry, making use of its vast, fertile land, and various grains, primarily wheat, are a valuable source of foreign income. Furthermore, save for the undeveloped northern region which is infested with the Orgahil Pirates, development in the central and southern areas is still on-going, and vast fields and woodlands cover the land, forming a large breadbasket. Most of the population is engaged in agriculture and forestry, and their living standards are relatively high. In addition, quiet forests are scattered all across the country, and the calm coastline spreading in three directions is known as one of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent, attracting many travelers from all over Jugdral who come to visit each year. In recent years, the success of Agustria’s specific state-led agricultural policy has paved the way for extremely productive agriculture. As a result, the country’s national strength has continuously been rising, and in recent years, it has grown into a major power rivaling the Kingdom of Grannvale. Governmental affairs are handled by the royal family of Agusti, who are direct descendants of Höðr, with the Royal House of Nordion[7], House Heirhein, House Mackily and House Infini following their lead; same as in the neighboring country Grannvale, their relationship is based on a lord-vassal principle. Although the nation only has two neighboring countries, one of them is the Kingdom of Grannvale, the other major power vying for continental hegemony, so Agustria has maintained a particularly cautious stance in regard to diplomacy, with a truce being currently in effect. By signing non-aggression pacts with its neighboring countries, the peace in Agustria itself is kept.

[7] Indeed, the text does specify that Nordion is a “royal house/family”, as opposed to the other Agustrian houses. I suppose this is meant to imply that through marriage, House Nordion is related to the royal family of Agusti (which is also how they inherited Höðr’s holy blood).

[The road to turmoil]

Giving up pacifism, embracing imperialism

At present, Agustria is ruled by King Imca of Agusti, who is known for his intelligence and has maintained good relations with neighboring countries, including Grannvale, since his ascension to the throne. However, in recent years, some lords and nobles have become jealous of the mighty Kingdom of Grannvale, and some of them hold ambitions to expand their territory, with an atmosphere of uneasiness beginning to spread through the country. One person worried about this situation was the young king of House Nordion[8], Eldigan. Having inherited the blood of Höðr, the Black Knight, he is able to wield the legendary weapon Mystletainn; he was a fellow student of Lord Sigurd of House Chalphy from Grannvale and Prince Quan of Leonster at the military academy of Belhalla, and they vowed to each other that they would work together to build peace. If Agustria were to invade Grannvale, he would break his own vow. With many thoughts weighing on his heart, he spent his days training the continent’s finest knight order, the Cross Knights, and kept a close eye on the movements of each lord. One day, at almost the same time, two important news came: One was the sudden death of King Imca, and the other was Grannvale’s invasion of Verdane, both of them unexpected. These two pieces of news spread through the country like wildfire. King Chagall, who succeeded King Imca, finally prepared to battle Sigurd’s army.

[8] Going by the text, Eldigan actually holds the title “King of Nordion”, which would mean that while Nordion is a kingdom in its own right, they’re also a vassal state to the Agusti Royal Family. (A real-life example of this would be Richard the Lionheart, Eldigan’s namesake, who was King of England but also Duke of Normandy - and as Duke of Normandy, he was a vassal of the King of France.)

Overview of the Dominion of Agustria and its castles

The Agusti Royal Family that governs over Agustria holds possession of the royal capital, Agusti Castle, as well as Sylvale Castle and Madino Castle in the north. The castles of the other four houses are evenly distributed throughout the country to prevent disputes and maintain order. The island north of Madino Castle belongs to the national territory as well, and because the Bragi Tower is located there, it’s also known as a pilgrimage site; however, at present, the region has become a den for the pirates based at Orgahil Castle.

The Kingdom of Isaach

Main industry: Pastoralism

Royal family and lineage (holy blood): Isaach Royal Family (Od, the Sword Saint)

Vertical text: A country of fierce barbarians[9] maintaining a unique lifestyle and culture in the noble spirit of independence

[9] I was struggling with myself here whether I should keep it like this, because from today’s standpoint, the term “barbarians” is rather… problematic when referring to foreign cultures. Still, it is what is said in the text, and the only other literal translation would be “savage tribes”. (Which I feel is even worse, as that would literally make them “noble savages”.) I get what Kaga is trying to say here (that Isaach’s culture does not abide by what’s considered orthodox in Jugdral), but I would personally use a different word for it; however, none really came to mind for me. (I’m open for suggestions, though!)

[Nation Overview]

The country of nomads shaping its own culture

A remote country located to the east of the Aed Desert, which lies in the center of the continent. The majority of the country is brown wasteland, with gentle hills stretching beyond the horizon. Black eagles soar in the sky, in the dry air that is typical for the highlands, and wild horses gallop across the plains… The Kingdom of Isaach is a country of nomads where such idyllic scenes unfold on a daily basis, and life there is free but also harsh. Its people have traditionally made their living by nomadism, breeding horses, goats, camels, and other livestock in the unforgiving environment. Once, there used to be no definitive state in this land, but after the foundation of the Kingdom of Grannvale, the Royal House of Isaach, descended from the Sword Saint Od, successfully unified the land, and finally, a national system was established. However, some warlike tribes continue to raid and plunder, and national authority has not reached every corner yet.

[The road to turmoil]

One incident of pillaging that changed the fate of a nation

The current king, Mananan, who is also known as the Wise King, has long been concerned with suppressing warlike tribes within the country, but one day, the Patriarch of Ribaut plundered the city of Dahna, which is on amicable terms with Grannvale. When Prince Kurth marched against them in retaliation, Mananan went out personally to apologize to him, but was caught in an internal conspiracy of Grannvale and killed without being heard. When he learned of this, Prince Mallicur decided to fight Grannvale to avenge his father. He entrusted his beloved child, Shannan, to his younger sister Ayra and left for battle, but suffered defeat in the face of the overwhelming difference in forces. At the same time, the legendary weapon Balmung also went missing amidst this war.

Overview of the Kingdom of Isaach and its castles

Close to the eastern sea lies the royal capital, Isaach Castle. From there, heading southwest will take you to Ribaut Castle, while heading north will take you to Ganeishire Castle. If you go further north from Ganeishire along the coast, you will arrive at the quiet village Tirnanog. Visiting Sofala Castle in the inland, on the other hand, will be quite a challenge, as it’s surrounded by mountain ranges.

The Kingdom of Thracia

Main industry: Fishing, Hunting, Mining

Royal family and lineage (holy blood): Thracian Royal Family (Dáinn, the Dragon Knight)

Vertical text: A country of dragonriders that harbors the ideal of a united Thracian peninsula to escape their arduous life

[Nation Overview]

A barren land covered by steep mountains

A country occupying the southern part of the Thracian Peninsula, located in the southwest of the continent. It was founded by the Dragon Knight Dáinn, one of the Twelve Crusaders. Surrounding and running through the country is a mountain range known as “Jugdral’s Ceiling”, consisting of peaks several thousand meters high, so the habitable area is small. Originally, the region was one of the continent’s main volcanic belts, and over the years, it has been exposed to harsh weather, especially storms. As a result, the surface of the mountains has been carved into strange shapes, creating a landscape characteristic of this region. Furthermore, the numerous towering mountains that seem to pierce the sky also serve as a natural fortress to prevent invasions by other countries, being sometimes referred to as “islands on land”. Most people live in small settlements on the mountainsides or in the valleys, living quietly from the little grain they can harvest from the fields. In addition, iron is extracted from mines in exchange for foreign currency, but the amount isn’t large, and since the country doesn’t produce any special commodities, people’s lives are by no means wealthy. Moreover, it has become commonplace in recent years for the knights who should support the country to earn their living as mercenaries for various other nations, and the degree of poverty is only rising. Under these circumstances, the flying dragons that have inhabited the region since ancient times are treasured by the Thracian people as incarnations of deities, and have become a beacon of hope for those forced to live in poverty.

[The road to turmoil]

Taking the first step towards the ambition of unifying the peninsula

Although Travant of the Kingdom of Thracia had the right qualities to be a king and was very popular among his people, the state of his country was extremely poor. Despite various policies, the living standard of the people did not improve, and even the knights who should have been protecting their homeland were forced to make a living as mercenaries for foreign countries. In this situation, Travant repeatedly attempted to invade the wealthy northern Kingdom of Leonster, but each time, he was defeated due to the intervention of the Grannvale army. But he never gave up. More than anything else, the unification of the Thracian Peninsula was Travant’s greatest wish. He wanted to bring back the time when it thrived as a single, prosperous kingdom. Then, in 757, a war instigated by Isaach breaks out. This war brought two benefits for the Kingdom of Thracia: On one hand, a large amount of bounty can be earned by sending mercenaries to various countries. On the other, there was an increased likelihood of a successful attack on the Kingdom of Leonster in the midst of war. Naturally, Travant put even more effort into spying on the Kingdom of Leonster than ever, paying particular attention to their involvement with Sigurd’s army, which had rebelled against Grannvale’s army. One day, he receives news that “Prince Quan of Leonster is leading half of his troops north through the Aed Desert”. A golden opportunity! However, even the great general Travant did not realize that this battle in the desert would later beget tragedy.

Overview of the Kingdom of Thracia and its castles

A long mountain range runs through the center of the country, so to travel to the royal capital Thracia Castle in the south, one must take a long detour from Meath Castle. En route to the royal capital are three castles – Kapathogia, Luthecia, and Grutia – which serve as stopover points during the long journey.

The Kingdom of Leonster

Main industry: Agriculture, Crafts, Fishing

Royal family and lineage (holy blood): Leonster Royal Family (Njörun, the Lance Knight)

Vertical text: A country of abundance maintaining a high living standard where various industries and cultures have developed, contrasting the toiling Kingdom of Thracia

[Nation Overview]

A scenic land blessed with a mild climate

A small country in the Munster District, the northern part of the Thracian Peninsula. Although located on the same peninsula, the country is blessed with a pleasant climate and a vast idyllic countryside, in stark contrast to the Kingdom of Thracia. People’s lives are relatively wealthy, with agriculture and livestock farming in rural areas, shipping and fishing at the coasts, and with small handicrafts, such as pottery woodwork items, being produced in urban areas; the various crafts made using advanced techniques are highly sought after in foreign countries. In terms of culture, influenced by the Kingdom of Grannvale to the west, the castle’s courtyard is opened to the public once a year, with concerts, plays, and other events being held, which is very popular among the people. The country also has strong military ties to Grannvale, and a military alliance has been formed as a countermeasure against Thracia in the south.

[The road to turmoil]

A prince who throws himself into war to save a friend in distress

The existence of the Kingdom of Thracia, located to the country’s south, has long been a cause of fear for the Kingdom of Leonster. The reason for this is that, despite being on the same peninsula, Leonster has been attacked by them many times.[10] With the support of the Kingdom of Grannvale, whom they have a military alliance with, the King of Leonster has defended his country against the repeated attacks. One day, news reach Prince Quan of Leonster that “Sigurd of Chalphy is raising an army”. Upon hearing this, Quan set out with his beloved wife Ethlyn and the knight Finn to join Sigurd’s army, intending to aid his wife’s older brother and his best friend from the times at the Belhalla Military Academy. Thus, the couple and their retainer threw themselves into the war that was beginning to spread across the continent.[10] Later, even after Sigurd’s forces were considered rebels against Grannvale, the King of Leonster believed in his son, becoming enemies with the Kingdom of Grannvale.

[10] In my first translation, I missed not one, but two lines in this section (the ones marked here). All the more, I’m glad that I’m revisiting it now. ^^’

Overview of the Munster District and its castles

In the west of the Munster District, where the four kingdoms of North Thracia are located, is Fort Melgen, which serves as a gateway to travelers coming from the Aed Desert; the central mainland is divided into east and west by a river, with Connacht Castle and Munster Castle on the eastern bank, Ulster Castle on the western bank, and Leonster Castle in the vast countryside, the latter being one of the four kingdoms.

The Kingdom of Verdane

Main industry: Fishing, Hunting

Royal family and lineage (holy blood): Verdane Royal Family (none)

Vertical text: An independent, highly mysterious nation with many legends passed down since ancient times, surrounded by some of the greatest natural beauty on the continent of Jugdral

[Nation Overview]

A lush and barbarian[11] land harboring the largest lake on the continent

Located in the southwestern part of the continent is the Kingdom of Verdane, a land of barbarians[11] surrounded by dense woods. With the largest lake on the continent of Jugdral at its center, the country’s inhabitants live mainly by fishing and hunting. The cape jutting out from the western side of the lake and the surrounding area, known as the Spirit Forest, have been considered sacred ground since ancient times, and there are countless tales of mysterious events taking place there. Aside from this, there are many more myths and legends in the area, and it is said that once every few decades, the entire surface of the lake shines emerald green, which is the time when the giant lord of the lake appears.

[11] For my opinion on the term “barbarian”, see my note in Isaach’s profile above.

[The road to turmoil]

An evil priest leading a nation into war

The kingdom’s ancestor is said to have been either a pirate who was washed up on the shore long ago or a native brigand, but the truth is unknown. Batu, the current king, is a sincere and gentle person who united many clan chiefs; avoiding conflict with Agustria in the north and Grannvale in the east as much as possible, he has maintained peace in Verdane for a long time. He had three sons, but after he lost his eldest to an accident, Batu adopted the son of his eldest, Jamke, as his own. He then gave his second son, Munnir, and his third son, Cimbaeth, castles and land, while keeping Jamke by his side and naming him his successor in place of his eldest son. One day, a mysterious shaman named Sandima appeared, and the kind-hearted King Batu was unknowingly brainwashed by him. Meanwhile, the warlike Munnir and Cimbaeth invaded Grannvale, which was left vulnerable due to the Isaach campaign, committing the outrageous act of kidnapping Lady Edain of Yngvi. The peace that seemed to last forever came to an abrupt end due to the secret schemes of an evil priest.

Overview of the Kingdom of Verdane and its castles

The four castles of the Kingdom of Verdane are built around its central lake. The kingdom borders two major powers, Grannvale and Agustria, with Evans Castle and Verdane Castle, the royal capital, being located near the borders with the respective countries. The two castles in the other, southern half are Marpha - located near the Spirit Forest - and Genoa, overlooking the territory of the Free Cities of Miletos to the east.

The Kingdom of Silesse

Main industry: Fishing, Hunting

Royal family and lineage (holy blood): Silessian Royal Family (Ced, the Wind Messenger)

Vertical text: The country of pegasi that has flourished by following its own path free from foreign intervention, despite its harsh natural environment

[Nation Overview]

An independent nation in the freezing cold with a large glacier zone

A kingdom stretching across the Neumann Peninsula, located at the northernmost end of the continent of Jugdral. It was founded by the Holy Wind Warrior Ced, one of the Twelve Crusaders. Most of the country is covered by icebergs and deep snow, and the magnificent glacial region at the northernmost point has been known as a dwelling of spirits since ancient times. The Silessian Mountains running through the center of the country are a dormant volcanic zone that is no longer active, and combined with the desolate land, the peaks covered in perpetual snow create this country’s characteristic, harsh landscape. Starting with the royal capital of Silesse Castle, the country has five castles in total, the others being Sailane, Zaxon, Tófa, and Lubeck; all of them are built to be extremely robust, designed to withstand harsh snowstorms. People mainly earn their daily bread by small-scale hunting and fishing, in addition to the fur industry; due to the cool climate, agriculture is not practiced very extensively. Moreover, the pegasi endemic to this region, whose main food is a kind of moss that only grows in these mountainous areas, are adored by the people as precious animals, alongside green-eyed reindeer. In addition, during the short summer, one can also see the midnight sun unique to the far north, further enhancing the country’s mystical charm.

[The road to turmoil]

A country divided by struggle over succession to the throne

Since its founding, the country has been ruled by the Silessian Royal Family, who inherited the blood of the Crusader Ced and the wind magic tome “Forseti”. Under the watchful eye of the fearless pegasus knights and wind mages, the same royal family maintained neutrality and peace in the kingdom for a long time, but in the wake of the king’s death[12], a battle for succession to the throne suddenly broke out. In accordance with the late king’s will, Queen Lahna tried to place Prince Lewyn on the throne, but the king’s younger brothers, Duke Daccar and Duke Myos, were dissatisfied with this and began plotting rebellions in multiple locations. Disgusted by that situation, Lewyn left the country and set out on a journey of wandering. Witnessing this, each royal became even more rebellious, and the confusion about the issue of succession to the throne has only intensified.

[12] Google Translate likes to tell me that the king died from illness (which is how I had phrased it in my first translation), but looking at the text, I don’t think it’s explicitly stated? (It says that he died, but the cause is not mentioned.)

Overview of the Kingdom of Silesse and its castles

The Kingdom of Silesse is divided into a glacial region in the north and a grassland region in the south, with a long ridge of snow-capped mountains acting as a border between the two. The royal capital Silesse Castle is located in the south, while one will pass Zaxon Castle and Lubeck Castle on the way to the Aed Desert in the east. In the other, northern half lie the two castles Sailane and Tófa, with several towns and villages scattered in between. The most convenient way to travel between north and south is by making use of the abilities of a pegasus.