Ghan
A name often mistaken for Midkemia's lore, but absent from the Riftwar maps.
In the context of Raymond E. Feist's The Riftwar Saga, there is no recognized location, character, or entity named Ghan within the canonical timeline or geography of Midkemia and the Tsuranai Empire. This entry serves as a clarification for fans who may be conflating this fantasy universe with other high-fantasy settings, most notably J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where a character known as Ghân-buri-Ghân appears.
- Canon Status
- Non-Existent in Riftwar Cycle
- Common Confusion
- Tolkien's Middle-earth (Ghân-buri-Ghân)
- Saga Setting
- Midkemia and Tsuranai Empire
- Author
- Raymond E. Feist
- Primary Locations
- Krondor, Sethanon, Tanuk, Zandri
Lore & Background
Scholars within the saga's lore often debate the origins of magical terminology, but no record exists in the Mages Guild archives regarding a place called Ghan. Confusion may stem from fan discussions comparing the two great fantasy epics. The Riftwar Cycle maintains its own distinct nomenclature for regions such as the Mountains of Sethanon or the Plains of Tanuk.
In Their Own Story
The old librarian shook his head, dust motes dancing in the shafts of light piercing the archives. "You ask for Ghan?" he whispered, sliding a heavy tome across the desk. "There is no mark on these maps. Only Krondor and the Rift." The seeker frowned at the parchment, realizing the name belonged to another world entirely.
Reader's Guide
Since Ghan does not exist within the geography of Midkemia or Tsuranai, this guide instead outlines the actual terrain relevant to the Saga's conflict. The war primarily spans the central plains of Tanuk and the mountainous regions surrounding Sethanon. Krondor serves as the political heartland, situated on a river that becomes vital during sieges. The strategic importance lies in controlling the Rift, which connects the two continents. Unlike other fantasy maps filled with ancient forests named by obscure tongues, Midkemia's geography is defined by human kingdoms and Tsurani strongholds like Majir. Travelers should note the rugged terrain of the Sethanon Mountains, which offer cover for ambushes but hinder large armies. Understanding that Ghan is not a location prevents confusion when studying campaign maps. The actual theaters of war involve coastal defenses in Haven and inland fortresses in Krondor. Fans seeking authentic geography should focus on these established regions to understand the movement of Tharkas, Pug, and the Tsurani invaders during the conflict.
Did You Know?
- The name Ghan is famously associated with Tolkien's Ents, not Feist's Mages.
- Midkemia maps feature Krondor as the capital, with no province named Ghan.
- Raymond E. Feist created a distinct geography separate from other fantasy universes.
- Confusion often arises due to similar naming conventions in high-fantasy genres.