The Grishaverse Nations

One of the main appeals of the Grishaverse and its wide selection of books is getting to learn the in-depth lore and worldbuilding surrounding our protagonists’ journeys. The first nation you get a look into through the Shadow and Bone trilogy and that you get to visit again for King of Scars is, of course, Ravka.

Considered home by many highly prevalent and beloved characters such as Alina Starkov, the Darkling, Nikolai Lantsov, and more, it is a nation with a lot of history and is where quite a few notable events have taken place. Curious to learn more about its culture, past struggles, and significant cities? This blog has got you covered!

Real Life Influence

While the books take place in a fictional world that comes with its own unique intricacies and stories, a cool part of the worldbuilding is that it does take inspiration from various existing places in our own world! Ravka, in particular, is inspired by Imperial Russia from the 1800s period. This can be seen in how certain architecture is described, through various words mentioned within the specific language, as well as in the customs we see characters partaking in.

Ravkan Traditions

One of the most prominent aspects of this nation’s culture we come to learn of is its religion, worshiping a set of Saints. As it is a country with a complex history, citizens found comfort praying to these Saints, leading to a population that is high in its level of superstition. Leigh Bardugo has been quoted saying this religion is more closely related to Slavic paganism in terms of real life connection.

Russia’s influence can be seen in many aspects of the country’s inspiration, from the matching weather tendencies, to the way the language is structured (many of the names mentioned throughout the series can be traced to real Russian names, for those that are into etymology), to its numerous celebrations like Butter Week (also known as Maslenitsa). Whether you’re a history buff or simply like to learn about rich developed fantasy lore, there is much to explore within this country of the Grishaverse alone!

Figures and Cities of Note

With how important of a role Ravka plays in the series across several books and in the show, there are quite a few noteworthy spots and people associated with the nation that come up frequently. Whether embroiled in trouble and war or hosting illustrious banquets, it’s a country that makes sure you don’t forget your experience reading about it!

Ravkan Royal Family

Ever since Yaromir the Determined united what were originally provinces to become the whole country we know today, the nation was ruled by the Lantsovs. By the time of the first main series, Alexander III was the king in charge, a ruler who was not very well-known for taking care of all his subjects equally. The royal family’s continuous disregard for the lower classes while they lived an infamously lavish lifestyle didn’t exactly aid with the country’s existing struggles, something which his successor Nikolai Lantsov sought to rectify in the King of Scars duology.

The Fold

Notoriously created by the Black Heretic around 400 years before the first book of the Shadow and Bone trilogy, the Shadow Fold or “Unsea” ran from the northern to the southern border and separated West and East Ravka. With this space being filled with monsters known as volcra that no one but a sun summoner could fend off, it made traveling between these ends of the nation quite difficult. With East Ravka containing Os Kervo, aka the main trading port by the True Sea, this made the economy take a large hit. The trilogy centers around Alina attempting to ensure this threat within their own land is dealt with while also fighting numerous other forces.

And speaking of…

Alina Starkov

Orphan, soldier, summoner, and saint, Alina is the main character we follow in the Shadow and Bone trilogy as she fights to save her homeland. Discovered to be the first ever sun summoner in book one, she becomes a beacon of hope for Ravka during a dark time when the country had been sinking lower and lower in the midst of the other thriving nations surrounding them. She was named “Sol Koroleva” or Sun Queen, and despite never ruling over the country directly, is one of the most prominent figures to have come out of it.

Os Alta

Known as the capital, it serves as the most important political and cultural city, not only home to the nation’s wealthiest families but also where the famous Grand and Little Palaces can be found. The Grand Palace is where the royal family lives while the Little Palace serves as the Second Army’s residence as well as a training area for grisha. We’re first introduced to this area when Alina is brought here by the Darkling upon the discovery of her uniquely powerful abilities and these buildings in particular become pivotal in future book events.

That's it (for now)!

We loved getting to fill you in on all things Ravka, and hope we'll only get more Ravkan content from the Grishaverse to share with you in future! Stay tuned as well for future posts delving into the wonderful other nations throughout the Grishaverse.

You can also keep an eye on the WoGV Blog and our social media for regular future updates about the site, its development, and the Grishaverse more broadly. Stay tuned!

Now to ask you: What's your favourite thing about Ravka? Let us know in the comments!

Until next time!