Skull Island

Basics

• Name: Skull Island
• Aliases: None
• Universe/World: King Kong Universe
• Notable Inhabitants: Kong (The Eighth Wonder of the World), various prehistoric and monstrous creatures, native islanders
• Notable Landmarks: Kong's Mountain Lair, The Native Village, The Great Wall
• First Appearance: King Kong (1933)
• Creators: Merian C. Cooper, Edgar Wallace

Snapshot

Silhouetted against the horizon, the ominous form of Skull Mountain rises, its rocky features resembling the deathly visage from which the island takes its name. Skull Island is an enigma, a place where time stood still, populated with creatures long thought extinct. Its dense jungles, fraught with danger at every turn, echo with the mighty roar of Kong, the island's undisputed ruler. The island exudes an air of ancient mystery and primal fear, reminding every trespasser of nature's unchecked dominion.

Background

Skull Island is a remote, uncharted island located somewhere in the vastness of the Indian or Pacific Ocean. Its existence, shrouded in legend and sailor tales, remained largely unknown to the modern world until a film crew led by director Carl Denham landed there in search of the perfect backdrop for his film. What they encountered was beyond their wildest imaginations: a world untouched by time, with creatures from the age of dinosaurs, and at its heart, Kong, a gigantic ape worshiped as a god by the island's native inhabitants.

Characteristics

Skull Island is a juxtaposition of extremes. Its terrains vary from pristine beaches to dense, almost impenetrable jungles filled with vines, massive trees, and swamps. The fauna of the island is a remnant of the prehistoric era, with various monstrous creatures, including dinosaurs. The climate is humid and tropical, contributing to its dense foliage.

The native inhabitants live in fear and reverence of Kong, offering periodic sacrifices to appease him. Their village, protected by a massive wall, represents their attempt to keep the dangers of the island, especially Kong, at bay.

Notable Locations

• Kong's Mountain Lair: The highland home of Kong, offering a panoramic view of the island. This is where he brings Ann Darrow after abducting her.
• The Native Village: A coastal settlement, fortified against the island's dangers with a massive barrier wall and gate.
• The Great Wall: This huge wall divides the native village from the interior, acting as a barrier against Kong and other creatures.

Role in the Narrative

Skull Island serves as the primary setting for much of the action in both King Kong and Son of Kong. In the original King Kong, the film crew's discovery of the island and their subsequent interactions with its inhabitants, especially Kong, set off a chain of tragic events. The island is both alluring and treacherous, a testament to the untamed wild.

Appearances

Skull Island is prominently featured in the original 1933 film King Kong and its sequel, Son of Kong. Its legacy has been extended in various remakes, adaptations, and spin-offs, though the depiction and lore of the island may vary.

Related

• --> Image Gallery: Skull Island Image Gallery
• --> Related Entries: King Kong, Carl Denham, Ann Darrow

Notes

The concept of Skull Island was inspired by Merian C. Cooper's fascination with the unknown and mysterious places of the world. Cooper's vision, combined with the groundbreaking special effects of the 1933 film, immortalized Skull Island in cinematic history, making it one of the most iconic fictional locales in cinema.

References

• Cooper, Merian C., and Schoedsack, Ernest B., directors. King Kong. RKO Radio Pictures, 1933.
• Schoedsack, Ernest B., director. Son of Kong. RKO Radio Pictures, 1933.
• Morton, Ray. King Kong: The History of a Movie Icon from Fay Wray to Peter Jackson. Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, 2005.

Notable additions or modifications

1. "King Kong" (1976)

   • Location: In this version, Skull Island is located in the South Pacific, rich with oil, which is the reason the expedition is sent there.
   • Fauna: Instead of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Kong battles a giant snake.
   • Cultural Shift: The inhabitants of the island are presented differently, with a more modernized appearance.

2. "King Kong" (2005)

   • Expanded Landscape: Director Peter Jackson's iteration of the island has a more diverse landscape with vast valleys, thick jungles, steep cliffs, and ancient ruins.
   • Richer Ecosystem: The island boasts a wider array of creatures, including the Vastatosaurus rex (an evolved T. rex), giant insects, and various other prehistoric beasts.
   • Depiction of Natives: The island's inhabitants are portrayed as more savage and ancient, presenting a starker contrast to the modern world.

3. "Kong: Skull Island" (2017)

   • Setting: The film is set during the aftermath of the Vietnam War in the 1970s.
   • Monarch: The organization Monarch plays a significant role in the expedition to the island, turning the focus from a film crew to a research and military mission.
   • Kong's Role: Kong is portrayed as a guardian of the island rather than just a wild beast. He protects the equilibrium of Skull Island.
   • Skullcrawlers: These are new, formidable antagonists introduced in the film, creatures that Kong protects the island from.
   • Ancient Tribes: The Iwi, a non-verbal tribal community, have a more peaceful and symbiotic relationship with Kong.

4. Skull Island in other media (comics, novels, etc.)

   • The World of Kong: A Natural History of Skull Island (2005): This book provides an in-depth look into the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of Peter Jackson's Skull Island.
   • King Kong: The Island of the Skull (2005): A prequel novel that delves into the island's history and an earlier expedition before the events of the 2005 movie.
   • Comics: Various comic series, including those by BOOM! Studios and Dark Horse Comics, have explored Skull Island's mythology, introducing new creatures and lore.

5. Shared Universe Concept: The idea that Skull Island exists within a larger universe of giant monsters, which is central to Legendary's "MonsterVerse", ties Kong to other kaiju like Godzilla. This interconnectedness leads to the events of "Godzilla vs. Kong" (2021).

The Savage Land

Basics

• Name: Savage Land
• Aliases: None
• Universe/World: Marvel Universe (Earth-616)
• Notable Inhabitants: Ka-Zar, Shanna the She-Devil, Zabu, Sauron, various tribes and prehistoric creatures
• Notable Landmarks: Pangea, The City of the Sun God, The Valley of Geysers, Skull Island, The Land of Mists, The Hidden Lake, The Forbidden Land
• First Appearance: X-Men #10 (1965)
• Creator: Stan Lee (writer), Jack Kirby (artist)

Snapshot

Amidst the icy expanse of Antarctica, the Savage Land stands in stark contrast - a tropical oasis, teeming with life. A relic of a prehistoric era, it is home to dinosaurs, primeval tribes, and a unique blend of wildlife. This forgotten world is a sanctuary of natural wonders, a place where time seemingly stands still, and where modern civilization is but a distant echo. The ever-present lush greenery, the roar of dinosaurs, and the calls of exotic birds fill the air, creating an atmosphere of adventure and mystique.

Background

The Savage Land was artificially created millions of years ago by the alien Nuwali, under the orders of the enigmatic Beyonders. It was designed as a wildlife preserve, a place where Earth's prehistoric life forms could continue to exist unaffected by the passage of time and the evolution of the planet. Over the years, it has seen various inhabitants, from the ancient Atlanteans to the current tribes and settlers. Ka-Zar, also known as Kevin Plunder, and his sabertooth tiger, Zabu, are perhaps the most well-known inhabitants of the Savage Land, acting as its protectors.

Characteristics

The Savage Land's geography is diverse, featuring everything from dense jungles and sprawling grasslands to active volcanoes and flowing rivers. The climate is perpetually tropical, thanks to geothermal vents that keep it warm despite its location within Antarctica. The most striking feature of the Savage Land is its vibrant, prehistoric ecosystem. Dinosaurs and other extinct creatures still roam the land, while the plant life is largely ferns, cycads, and other ancient species. The humans in the Savage Land are mainly from primitive tribes, although there are a few outsiders who have made it their home.

Notable Locations

• Pangea: A subregion featuring various terrains and home to many of the Savage Land's tribes.
• The City of the Sun God: An ancient, abandoned city known for its massive statues.
• The Valley of Geysers: A geologically active area with numerous hot springs and geysers.
• Skull Island: An island known for its dangerous wildlife and mystical secrets.
• The Land of Mists: A swampy area that is home to various reptiles and amphibians.
• The Hidden Lake: A secluded lake with a unique ecosystem.
• The Forbidden Land: An area avoided by many due to its aggressive inhabitants and perilous terrain.

Role in the Narrative

The Savage Land serves as a unique setting for various Marvel storylines, often featuring Ka-Zar and his battles against villains like Sauron. Other Marvel characters, including the X-Men, Spider-Man, and the Avengers, have also ventured into the Savage Land on various adventures, tackling threats that range from supervillains to natural disasters.

Appearances

The Savage Land has appeared in numerous Marvel comic book series, including Ka-Zar, X-Men, Avengers, Spider-Man, and more. It has also been featured in various animated series and video games set in the Marvel Universe.

Notes

The Savage Land's creation was influenced by other "lost world" stories, including Edgar Rice Burroughs' Pellucidar and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World. The Savage Land's enduring popularity in the Marvel Universe is a testament to the appeal of the lost world trope, offering readers a chance to explore a world where prehistoric life still thrives.

References

• Lee, Stan (writer), Kirby, Jack (artist). X-Men #10. Marvel Comics, 1965.
• Various comic issues and story arcs featuring the Savage Land published by Marvel Comics.
• The Marvel Encyclopedia. DK, 2019.

Skartaris

Basics

• Name: Skartaris
• Aliases: None
• Universe/World: DC Universe
• Notable Inhabitants: Travis Morgan (The Warlord), Tara, Deimos, Shakira, and other native tribes and creatures.
• Notable Landmarks: Shamballah (capital city), Therma (Tara's home city), The Fire Mountains, various ancient ruins.
• First Appearance: First Issue Special #8 (1975)
• Creator: Mike Grell

Snapshot

Enveloped in the eternal glow of a sun that never sets, Skartaris is a vast, hollow-world realm situated at Earth's core. A land of sword and sorcery, it boasts a myriad of diverse terrains, ranging from dense, mystical forests and formidable mountains to sprawling deserts. Home to a plethora of creatures, both wondrous and dangerous, and peoples torn from every era of Earth's history, Skartaris is a realm where magic meets the primitive, and ancient warriors coexist with dinosaurs.

Background

After crashing his plane through a hole in the Arctic ice, U.S. Air Force pilot Travis Morgan finds himself in Skartaris. This inner world, far removed from the reality Morgan knew, is influenced by an ever-present sun that hovers in the middle of the sky. In his attempts to navigate this realm, Morgan becomes the Warlord, a fierce warrior and protector of Skartaris. The realm's history is rich, marked by internal strife, power struggles, and the ongoing battle between technology and magic.

Characteristics

Skartaris marries elements of both lost world fantasies and sword-and-sorcery tales. The climate is predominantly warm due to the perpetual sun. Flora and fauna of Skartaris are a wild mix – while prehistoric creatures like dinosaurs roam the land, mystical and magical beasts are also common sights. Culturally, Skartaris is a melting pot, drawing from various Earth periods, which manifests in its weaponry, clothing, and societal structures.

Notable Locations

• Shamballah: Often considered Skartaris's capital, it's the city where Travis Morgan spends a considerable amount of time and where he encounters many of his allies.
• Therma: The home city of Tara, Morgan's lover, and a central location in Skartaris.
• The Fire Mountains: A volcanic range that poses both a threat and a landmark in Skartaris.

Role in the Narrative

Skartaris provides the setting for The Warlord comics by Mike Grell. The land's challenges and the enemies Travis Morgan faces, including the sorcerer Deimos, form the narrative's core. Additionally, the ongoing conflict between those who want to introduce advanced technology to Skartaris and those who prefer to maintain its primitive state is a recurring theme.

Appearances

Skartaris is central to Mike Grell's The Warlord series and has made appearances in other DC comics. The realm has crossed over with other DC characters, and its influence has seeped into larger DC Universe storylines.

Notes

Skartaris is an homage to the "hollow Earth" theory and tales of hidden lands, reminiscent of works like Edgar Rice Burroughs' Pellucidar. Over the years, its lore has expanded, encompassing various facets of fantasy, from epic battles and romance to political intrigue and the enduring clash between magic and technology.

References

• Grell, Mike. The Warlord. DC Comics, starting from 1975.
• Various The Warlord comic issues and story arcs published by DC Comics.
• DC Comics Encyclopedia: All-New Edition. DK, 2016.

The Subterranean World of "The Coming Race" (Vril)

 

The Subterranean World of "The Coming Race"

Basics

• Name: The Subterranean World (Unnamed in the novel)
• Aliases: None
• Universe/World: Edward Bulwer-Lytton's "The Coming Race"
• Notable Inhabitants: The Vril-ya
• Notable Landmarks: Central city, underground lakes, vril-powered machinery
• First Appearance: "The Coming Race" (1871)
• Creator: Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Snapshot

Deep beneath the Earth's crust lies a realm of enigma and wonder: a vast underground world, illuminated by a surreal ambient light and populated by the Vril-ya, a superior and advanced humanoid race. This luminous subterranean expanse, dotted with grand cities and surrounded by untamed wildernesses, operates using the power of "vril," a mysterious and potent energy source that can both heal and destroy.

Background

In "The Coming Race," an unnamed narrator discovers a vast subterranean world after venturing into a mine. This underground realm is inhabited by the Vril-ya, descendants of the Atlanteans who sought refuge below the Earth's surface to escape a global deluge. Over the millennia, the Vril-ya evolved and developed advanced technologies powered by vril, a universal energy force they can harness and manipulate. It's both a tool and a weapon, and they believe it to be the essence of divinity. The Vril-ya society is hierarchical, peaceful, and sophisticated, with the potential to ascend to the surface world when they deem it necessary.

Characteristics

The subterranean environment of "The Coming Race" is a marvel. Illuminated by an unknown light source, it supports both sprawling cities and diverse ecosystems. The world feels otherworldly, with flora and fauna adapted to underground life. The Vril-ya have used vril to shape this environment, crafting architecture and infrastructure that reflects their advanced state of evolution and their harmonious relationship with the energy of vril.

Notable Locations

• Central City: The heart of the Vril-ya civilization, filled with grand structures and public spaces.
• Underground Lakes: Massive bodies of water that nourish the ecosystems of the subterranean world.
• Vril-powered Machinery Locations: Areas where the potent vril energy is harnessed and put to various uses, from healing to construction.

Role in the Narrative

The subterranean world serves as the primary setting of "The Coming Race." The narrator's exploration of this realm and his interactions with the Vril-ya form the core of the narrative. As he learns about the Vril-ya's history, culture, and the power of vril, he realizes the potential threat they pose to the surface world due to their superior capabilities.

Appearances

The subterranean world is unique to "The Coming Race" and hasn't appeared outside of Edward Bulwer-Lytton's novel. However, the concept of vril has influenced other works and spawned various myths and conspiracy theories.

Notes

"The Coming Race" and its concept of vril had a significant cultural impact. The idea of vril inspired various esoteric and occult groups in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some even believed in the real existence of subterranean vril-powered civilizations. The novel is an early example of science fiction, blending social commentary, speculative concepts, and adventure narrative.

References

• Bulwer-Lytton, Edward. The Coming Race. 1871.
• Godwin, Joscelyn. Arktos: The Polar Myth in Science, Symbolism, and Nazi Survival. Adventures Unlimited Press, 1996.
• McCully, C.B. Edward Bulwer-Lytton: The Fiction of New Regions. University of Georgia Press, 1976.

Hunter-Gatherer Classes

Elders

ith the wisdom of many moons. Your tales echo in the crackling warmth of the fire, your counsel guiding the tribe through uncertainties. You are the keepers of tradition, the links to the ancestors, the bearers of ancient knowledge. In your sunset years, you might find your spirit beckoned towards greater mysteries, your wisdom deepened by the tides of time. As your physical vigor fades, your spiritual insights may illuminate paths for those who follow.

Traditional Indian "Classes" (Castes)

Brahmins: Sacred Scholars

Your lineage is intertwined with wisdom and spirituality, the guardians of religious tradition, your existence bound to the divine. Your life is a harmonious dance of rites and rituals, a song whose rhythm echoes in the heart of the cosmos. You've been trusted with profound knowledge, the keepers of sacred texts, and the interpreters of life's eternal enigmas. Often revered, sometimes resented, your scholarly pursuits and spiritual ministrations remain your guiding star. On the journey of understanding, you may discover a desire to foster harmony and unity or develop a yearning to challenge the status quo.

Hoddmímis Holt (Alternate History Location, Riveting World)

Timeline

• 14th Century: A group of Vikings, fleeing from the Black Death, land on Jan Mayen Island. They develop a unique variant of the Norse religion.
• 1850s: The Viking colony on Jan Mayen Island is rediscovered.