Arcane League of Legends – Welcome to our ultimate guide on the Emmy-winning animated series Arcane, set in the League of Legends universe1. For over a decade, Runeterra has captured the hearts of gamers and storytellers. Arcane now takes us on an exciting journey through its diverse regions and iconic characters1.
We’ll explore the lore and stories of Ionia, Noxus, Demacia, Mount Targon, Shurima, Freljord, Bandle City, Bilgewater, and the Shadow Isles. Each place has its own culture, challenges, and legendary figures2.
Get ready to dive into the rich world of Arcane and see how it connects to the League of Legends universe1. Let’s explore the fascinating world of Arcane: League of Legends together!
The Regions of Runeterra
Ionia: The First Lands
Ionia is known as the “First Lands” for its magical and living essence3. The people of Ionia live in harmony with the land, and the land with them4. This peaceful place was once attacked by Noxus 10 years ago, causing division among the Ionians3. Ionia is home to humans, the Vastaya (part human, part animal), and the playful Yordles3.
Noxus: The Land of Might
Noxus is a land of might, vision, and guile. It’s a free nation where citizens can show their skills for the nation’s improvement4. 10 years ago, Noxus was ruled by Boram Darkwill, who wanted to live forever and find immortality3. He invaded Ionia, thinking magic there could help him live longer345.
Demacia: The Anti-Magic Kingdom
Demacia is an ancient kingdom fighting against magic’s dangers. Long ago, the Rune Wars caused chaos, with magical relics like World Runes threatening to destroy Runeterra6. To escape this, brave humans used magical-absorbing trees to build Demacia. This place became a safe haven from magic’s harm.
In Demacia, magic is deeply mistrusted, shaping its society and culture6. The kingdom is divided, with nobles controlling commoners. Mages face suspicion, often facing exile or death for their magical abilities6. This fear of magic has grown, making Demacia wary of outsiders.
Demacia’s strict anti-magic stance has led to problems7. About 15 years ago, a mage named Sylas escaped prison and started a mage rebellion8. This has increased tensions in Demacia, as it struggles to keep its anti-magic beliefs despite growing unrest.
Yet, Demacia remains a key player in Runeterra8. Its skilled soldiers and use of petricite make it strong against magic users6. As Demacia faces challenges, its future and magic’s place in Runeterra are uncertain.
| Demacia Themed Illustrations | Number |
|---|---|
| Legends of Runeterra | 88 |
| “Visions of Demacia” | 85 |
| “Stand With Sylas” | 817 |
| “Before Dawn” | 89 |
| Lux Comic issue 1-5 | 812 |
| “The Unshackled” | 86 |
Demacia’s strong anti-magic stance makes it both a hope and a fear for Runeterra’s people6. As it deals with its anti-magic policies, the world waits to see Demacia’s future.
Mount Targon: The Peak of Ambition
Mount Targon rises high above Runeterra, calling to those with big dreams9. This mountain, born from the elements, has seen empires rise and fall. Its tough weather and fierce beasts test even the toughest adventurers9.
For those brave enough, Mount Targon offers a chance at divine power and becoming an Aspect Host, a god’s mortal champion10. Champions like Zoe, Pantheon, Taric, Leona, and Diana have been chosen by the Aspects, changing their lives forever10.
Other powerful beings live on the mountain too, like Nasus, Azir, and Renekton, and the champion Xerath, who misused power and caused a great fall10. Even a Celestial goddess lives in a simple cabin, watching over the mountain’s challenges and victories9.
Those who make it to the top can gain great power from the Aspects. But, the journey is full of dangers, like harsh weather, fierce beasts, and the Darkin, trapped in their weapons10.
Mount Targon’s challenge draws many, from Vastaya to humans, and even Riot’s 180 million monthly players worldwide11. Its story inspires and captivates, showing the power of ambition and the spirit of those who aim high9.
| Aspect Host Champions | God-Warriors or Sunborn Champions | Baccai Champions | Darkin Champions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoe | Nasus | Xerath | Aatrox |
| Pantheon | Azir | Varus | |
| Taric | Renekton | Nafiri | |
| Leona | Kayn (Rhaast) | ||
| Diana |
The Darkin were trapped by mortal mages, ending their destruction10. Xerath’s misuse of power led to Shurima’s downfall and the loss of its Ascended protectors10911.
arcane league of legends: The Rise and Fall of Shurima
Shurima was once a powerful empire in the vast desert, filled with ancient power and Ascended warriors12. But, the Voidborn, twisted monsters, threatened this empire13. To fight them, the Celestials gave Shurima the Sun Disk, which could turn people into gods12.
The Ascended warriors fought against the Void and won. But, their power was too much for them. Over time, some turned to dark magic, becoming the immortal Darkin12.
A slave, feeling wronged, used the Sun Disk to become a being of pure energy and magic13. This event, known as Azir’s failed Ascension, happened in 2000 BN13. It led to the freedom of Ixtal and Oshra Va’Zaun in the same year13. The Nether Blade of Horok was also used to kill a thousand traitors during the empire’s decline, from 2500 BN to 2000 BN13.
The fall of Shurima had big effects, leaving the empire in ruins12. The surviving Ascended fought each other, starting the Great Darkin War from 2000 BN to 550 BN14. This war left a deep mark, with the Darkin seeking their bodies and threatening the world12.
Today, Shurima’s story warns us about the dangers of power and corruption12. The Rune Wars from 25 BN to 3 BN14 and efforts to revive the Sun Disc show its lasting impact on Runeterra.
The Harsh Lands of Freljord
In the frozen tundra of Runeterra, the harsh lands of Freljord have shaped a resilient people15. This ancient realm, over 9,000 years old1516, is torn apart by a three-way civil war16. Different tribes fight for power in this unforgiving land16.
The Three Sisters, Avarosa, Serylda, and Lissandra, have changed Freljord’s history15. Their rise and conflicts have shaped their people’s future15. The True Iceborn, able to endure the cold without clothes or fire15, have added to the region’s complex politics15.
Freljord’s story isn’t just about fighting. It’s also about a valuable resource called True Ice16. This powerful material draws in tribes and Void gods15 from beneath the Howling Abyss15. Lissandra’s quest for immortality has brought her into a pact with these gods15. The Avarosans and Winter’s Claw tribes fight over this valuable resource16.
Tribes of the Freljord
The Freljord is home to three tribes, each with its own culture and goals:
- The Avarosans, led by Queen Ashe, aim for unity and peace16.
- The Winter’s Claw, under Sejuani, are known for their raids and pillaging16.
- The Frostguard, ruled by Lissandra, have made a pact with the Void gods for survival1516.
The struggle between tribes keeps Freljord’s future uncertain. The region’s warriors are key to its future16. Freljord’s harsh nature shows the strength needed to survive there17.
15Riot Games, “The History of the Freljord,” League of Legends, accessed May 11, 2023, https://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_GB/region/freljord/16. Fandom, “Freljord,” League of Legends Wiki, accessed May 11, 2023, https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Freljord17. AO3, “Freljord Stories,” Archive of Our Own, accessed May 11, 2023, https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Freljord%20(League%20of%20Legends)/works.
Bandle City: The Home of Yordles
Bandle City is a magical place where the Yordles live. It’s a world unlike any other in Runeterra18. The Yordles, including the famous professor Heimerdinger, live in a special area within the spirit realm18. They have built a network of gates to move between this spirit realm and the world of Runeterra18.
You can’t just find Bandle City by accident; it’s linked to Runeterra through secret gates19. These gates open only under certain conditions, making it hard for outsiders to get in19. If you do get to Bandle City, you might see things in a new light, with brighter colors and more vivid senses18.
The Yordles love to dress in styles from different parts of Runeterra18. At the center of Bandle City is the Bandle Tree, a huge tree that reaches the sky19. Yordles use special gestures and symbols to move around Bandle City, a place that’s still a mystery to most19.
Even though Bandle City is full of magic, it’s also very private, with little pictures or stories about it19. People who say they’ve been there tell many different stories, keeping its true nature a secret18.
Bandle City’s magic touches many parts of Runeterra, as seen in big events across the land20. Yordles from Bandle City have helped Demacia and Piltover in battles and also worked against Zaun20. The city’s government, led by a mayor, has also been part of League Disputes, ranking high among factions2018.
The magical world of Bandle City and its Yordles still fascinate everyone in Runeterra and League of Legends fans201819. From its magical gates to the amazing Bandle Tree, this place is a mystery waiting to be explored.
Bilgewater: The Land of Thieves and Beasts
Bilgewater lies in the Blue Flame Isles, a place where thieves, beasts, and21 pirates live freely. This tropical area21 started as a small outpost but now is a hub of crime. It has no government, rules, or moral limits.
People in Bilgewater believe in many21 gods, including Akana Spirits, Celestials, and21 eldritch horrors. Gangplank and Miss Fortune, famous21 gang bosses, rule the city’s21 areas. They aim for their own goals and dreams.
The city’s economy is based on21 piracy, hunting sea monsters, and trading21 parts from strange creatures. Fishermen21, bounty hunters, and those trying to leave their past find a home here. They all look for wealth and power.
The21 buildings in Bilgewater show its strength and flexibility. They are made from old masonry and ship parts. In the crowded21 areas, there are many chances to make money. You can find outlawed22 technology or get the support of local crime bosses if you dare.
Bilgewater is a place for22 new starts. People come here to escape trouble, debt, or danger22. But, the city’s21 dangerous waters21, Wharf Rats, and21 other scary creatures can be a big risk.
In Bilgewater, you’ll find the21 Black Market Grottos and the21 Slaughter Docks. It’s a mix of21 different things, pulling in those who want to22 make their mark. They’re willing to risk everything for riches and power212223.
The Shadow Isles: The Land of Death
Once known as the Blessed Isles, this archipelago was a place of healing and rejuvenation. The magical Waters of Life could restore even the most grievous wounds24. But a tragic event turned this paradise into the cursed Shadow Isles. Now, it’s shrouded in the eerie Black Mist and tainted by dark sorcery24.
The Black Mist
The story of the Shadow Isles’ fall into darkness starts with a Ruined King from afar. He came seeking the Waters of Life to heal his dying queen24. But it was too late, and in grief, he ordered his knights to kill the isles’ people24. His queen, brought back by the Waters, killed him, causing a magical explosion that created the Black Mist24.
This dark mist now covers the Shadow Isles, carrying the souls of the dead24. It’s a place of horror, filled with undead creatures that attack the living24. The Ruined King, with no memory of his death, will do anything to revive his queen, causing more chaos24.
The story of the Blessed Isles turning into the Shadow Isles has inspired many champions in League of Legends, like Elise and Gwen24.
The Shadow Isles have also inspired many artists at Riot Games, with works by Sixmorevodka Studio and others25.
The Ruined King character was deeply connected to the Shadow Isles’ lore, with designs exploring his link to Yorick but ultimately going another way26.
Now, the Shadow Isles are a land of death, showing how fragile even sacred places can be. The Black Mist spreads, threatening Runeterra, as the Ruined King’s quest for his queen brings more horrors242526.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our guide to the world of27 Arcane and the vast27 League of Legends universe, we hope you feel more connected and knowledgeable. The show has explored complex themes like trauma, identity, and magic politics27. It also brought us some of the most thrilling action scenes out there28.
The series made a big splash with its debut, earning high praise and awards like a Primetime Emmy and an Annie Award28. Now, we’re excited for Arcane season 2 in November 202429. We can’t wait to see more of the27 queer representation and27 deep character connections.
Our adventure through27 runeterra27, lore, and27 characters of Arcane has been amazing. We’re thrilled to see what the future holds for the League of Legends universe29. With the creators planning a specific ending and more stories to tell29, we’re in for more exciting tales that will pull us deeper into this magical world.
Source Links
- https://medium.com/@jackson.haime/league-of-legends-arcane-locations-79c2c55b14e6
- https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/arcane-every-league-of-legends-character
- https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Region_(Legends_of_Runeterra)
- https://www.oneesports.gg/league-of-legends/arcane-runeterra-regions/
- https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Runeterra
- https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Demacia
- https://www.reddit.com/r/loreofleague/comments/17ibq3z/arcane_become_canon_mean_riot_have_a_second/
- https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Mageseekers
- https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Rune_Wars
- https://www.unrankedsmurfs.com/blog/ascension-lol
- https://www.riotgames.com/en/news/calling-the-shot-the-next-five-years-at-riot-games
- https://www.reddit.com/r/loreofleague/comments/11g3q34/the_rise_and_fall_of_the_ascended_a_look_into_the/
- https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Fall_of_Shurima
- https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Shurima
- https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Founding_of_the_Freljord
- https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Freljord
- https://www.wattpad.com/stories/freljord
- https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Bandle_City
- https://theriotmmo.com/resources/media/regions-of-runeterra/bandle-city-images/
- https://leaguefactions.fandom.com/wiki/Bandle_City
- https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Bilgewater_Bay
- https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Bilgewater
- https://www.gmbinder.com/share/-MAA83ZvYm1tTpNzAUfA
- https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Shadow_Isles
- https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Shadow_Isles_(Legends_of_Runeterra)
- https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/league-of-legends-yorick-rework-2
- https://www.thegamer.com/arcane-act-3-review/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arcane_(TV_series)
- https://screenrant.com/arcane-season-2-final-ending-future-league-of-legends/
