The Emelan Universe, also known as Circle Universe, is the setting of two quartets and three stand-alones by Tamora Pierce. As the country of Emelan is the main backdrop for most of the books, it is dubbed the Emelanese Universe. "Circle Universe" refers to the titles of the first two quartets. This is much like the Tortallan Universe—as Tortall is the main setting for most of the books in that universe as well.
Books[]
Published[]
Listed by publication date.
- The Circle of Magic quartet (set almost entirely in Emelan)
- Sandry's Book (set almost exclusively in Emelan, except for the beginning)
- Tris's Book
- Daja's Book
- Briar's Book
- The Circle Opens quartet
- Magic Steps (set in Emelan)
- Street Magic (set in Chammur)
- Cold Fire (set in Namorn)
- Shatterglass (set in Tharios)
- Standalones/The Circle Reforged
- The Will of the Empress (set in Namorn)
- Melting Stones (set on the Battle Islands)
- Battle Magic (set in Yanjing and Gyongxe)
Upcoming and planned[]
Note: Pierce is now working on a trilogy about Numair Salmalín of the Tortallan Universe, and Scholastic — the publisher and rights holder that has say over further books in the Emelan Universe — seems uninterested in further books,[1] so it is unlikely that the following books will be published anytime soon.
- A book about Trisana Chandler at the University of Lightsbridge
- A book about Sandrilene fa Toren that is centralized on the politics of Emelan
Major characters[]
Protagonists[]
- Sandrilene fa Toren
- Trisana Chandler
- Daja Kisubo
- Briar Moss
- Rosethorn
- Lark
- Niklaren Goldeye
- Frostpine
- Evumeimei Dingzai
Secondary characters[]
Antagonists[]
- Nurhar and Alzena Dihanur
- Berenene dor Ocmore
- Enahar and Pauha
- Aymery Glassfire
- Bennat Ladradun
- The Ghost
Events[]
Circle of Magic[]
- Smallpox Epidemic in Hatar
- Earthquake of 1035
- Sinking of Third Ship Kisubo
- Pirate Attack of 1035
- Forest Fire of 1035
- Blue Pox
Circle Opens[]
- Serial murders in Summersea
- Serial murders in Chammur
- Gang warfare in Chammur
- Arson attacks of 1039
- Serial murders in Tharios
Countries of the universe[]
Natural formations[]
- The Pebbled Sea
- The Syth
- Lake Glaise
- Battle Islands
- Nambar Island
- Nidra Island
- Battle Islands
- Dupon Island
- Pajun Island
- Yagan Island
- Ragat Island
- Derran Island
- Hajur Island
- Bight of Fire[2]
See also[]
Real life connections[]
Geographically speaking, the Pebbled Sea is based on the Mediterranean. Emelan specifically is geographically corresponds to Greece, as both are located in the east of the region, are peninsulas, and are somewhat similarly shaped—they also share the same climate. The new continents to the west are likely based on the Americas. The Battle Islands may be Crete due to its volcanic activity and proximity to Emelan.
Most of the cultures around the Pebbled Sea as well as many to the west are based on the Middle East. Emelan also has some Greek characteristics with Baklawa being part of their cuisine.
Namorn is heavily based on Russian and Scandinavian culture.
Yanjing is based on the cultures of ancient China, Japan, and Mongolia. Linguistically, it is based on Chinese. It is also noted for its miniature trees, which comes from Penjing. They are also excellent silk-workers, and Sandry even admires their weavers for their skill with silk.
Gyongxe is based on Tibet, as the mountains have very high altitudes and are sacred.
Tharios is based on ancient Athens. It is a democracy and the only monotheistic culture, and their one god may be based on "The One" of Platonism. Their caste system is based on the Japanese feudal hierarchy, with the Yaskedasi being based on Geisha and the Prathmun on the Burakumin. The belief in spiritual pollution and cleanliness mirrors that of the Shinto religion.
The Living Circle religion seems to based on Buddhism, and their gods seem to be Shinto-based as they are nature deities.
Notes and references[]
- ↑ http://www.tamora-pierce.net/series-extra/circle-continuity-notes/ as of 2021 Jan 13
- ↑ Briar's Book, Ch. 6 (pg. 94; Scholastic paperback)