Draugrgjá (ˈdrɑuɣr̩cauː)

"For those the grave cannot bind" - section of the runic carvings around placed at the opening of the Draugrgjá

Deep in the mountains of Eyju, there is a rift in a ground that is surrounded by rows of carved runes. The stones around the opening are hot to the touch, and the fumes that emit from the hole burn the eyes and lungs, causing coughing and tears after only a few seconds of exposure. Strange sounds can be heard in the depths, as if rocks had voices and could curse the sky. The runes are etched deep into the stone with harsh lines. They serve as an epitaph for those who have been consigned to the depths, in hopes that they will not rise again - the Draugr.

A Draugr rises when someone who was particularly evil in life dies. Their spirit is rejected by the Vættir, and cannot find any rest beyond the living world. Instead, they return to their body, forcing it back into animation by force of will. These bodies bear the marks of death upon them - they are black and bloated with rot, and a foul stench rises from their corrupted flesh. They are also inhumanly strong and durable, and extremely difficult to destroy. The ancient Eyjamaður knew of the Draugr, and engraved the runes around the Draugrgjá in order to create a lasting prison for these monsters. When someone dies who the community suspects may rise as a Draugr, they bring the corpse to the Draugrgjá and hurl it down into the darkness. Sometimes they are too late, and a Draugr arises before the body can be imprisoned - in these instances, they will cast whatever remains of the corpse after it has been defeated into the rift.

Every year, master stonecarvers visit the Draugrgjá to inspect and maintain the runes around the opening. The runes undergo an unnatural weathering and frequently need to be etched deeper into the stone. It is believed that if even a single line of the runes is broken, the imprisoned Draugr may be able to escape the rift to ravage the land.

Type

Gorge / Rift

Location under

Eyju

Geographic Details

Location: Northeastern Region
Latitude: 64.41 degrees North
Longitude: 39.5 degrees East