Sea of Sorrows
The treacherous waters separating Midkemia from the Tsurani threat.
In the context of The Riftwar Saga, there is no officially named 'Sea of Sorrows' within Raymond E. Feist's primary canon texts or authoritative maps of Midkemia. This designation is often a fan attribution or confusion referring to the Great Ocean that separates the continent of Midkemia from the Tsurani Empire across the eastern horizon. While the specific name does not appear in *Magician* or subsequent core novels, the body of water itself serves as the critical geographic barrier that defines the conflict's scope.
- Canonical Name
- Great Ocean / Eastern Sea
- Region
- East of Midkemia, West of Tsuranai
- Strategic Role
- Barrier against Tsurani Invasion
- Key Ports
- Krondor, Karanda, Kesh (Midkemia)
- Status
- Navigable but Hazardous
- First Mentioned
- Magician (Implied Geography)
Lore & Background
The strategic importance of this sea cannot be overstated; control of the coastal ports determines who can project power across it. During the Riftwar, the Tsurani established beachheads on Midkemia's coast, turning the shoreline into a war zone. The ocean remains a symbol of isolation for Midkemia, a reminder that they are not alone in the world and that magic can render distance meaningless.
In Their Own Story
Captain Varrin gripped the wheel as the gale whipped rain across his face. The horizon was a blur of grey foam and dark clouds, but he knew what lay beyond the storm. To the east, where no Midkerman ship dared sail without a mage's blessing, the Tsurani fleets waited in silence. He looked down at the water, churning with the memory of ancient battles, wondering if this ocean was truly a barrier or merely a waiting room for the end of days.
Reader's Guide
The geography surrounding this eastern expanse is defined by Midkemia's rugged coastline and the distant shores of Tsuranai. The climate along the western edge of this sea is temperate but prone to violent squalls, particularly near the Rift's location. Culturally, the ocean represents the unknown frontier for Midkemians, instilling both fear and curiosity. It isolates their civilization from the rest of the world, making the Tsurani invasion a shock that shattered their sense of security. Strategically during the war, ports like Krondor and Karanda became vital staging grounds for defense. The sea's depth prevented amphibious landings in many areas, forcing invaders to concentrate on specific weak points, which became the focal points of major battles throughout the saga.
Did You Know?
- The name 'Sea of Sorrows' is not found in official maps or text but is sometimes used by fans to describe the ocean separating Midkemia from Tsuranai.
- The Rift, a magical gateway central to the war, was located on land, bypassing the need for traditional naval dominance across this sea.
- Tsurani ships are described as distinct and advanced compared to human vessels found along these coasts.