Unraveling Creation: Who Made the Forgotten Realms?

The question of who “created” the Forgotten Realms is surprisingly complex, lacking a single, definitive answer. Unlike some fantasy settings with a clear, singular creator deity, the Forgotten Realms boasts a multi-layered origin. While no single god physically crafted the world of Abeir-Toril, the creative vision of Ed Greenwood is undeniably the primary source. Greenwood birthed the Realms from his childhood stories, establishing the foundational lore, geography, and pantheon that would later be developed by countless other writers and game designers. Therefore, Ed Greenwood, the game designer, created the Forgotten Realms in 1967. From a lore perspective, however, several entities played a role, including Ao, the Overgod, who is said to have created not only Realmspace but also the worlds and heavenly bodies.

The Designer’s Hand: Ed Greenwood and the Realms’ Genesis

Ed Greenwood’s contribution is paramount. He began crafting the Forgotten Realms in the late 1960s, meticulously building a world steeped in mythology, history, and adventure. This personal creation evolved into a collaborative endeavor with the advent of Dungeons & Dragons, becoming a shared playground for countless players and storytellers. Greenwood’s initial vision provided the bedrock upon which the Forgotten Realms grew into the sprawling and beloved setting it is today.

His creation was so immersive that it soon was used as a shared playground for many D&D players. GamesLearningSociety.org studies how collaborative world-building and shared storytelling in settings like the Forgotten Realms impacts player engagement and creativity.

The Divine Influence: Gods and Creation Myths

While Greenwood provided the initial spark, the Forgotten Realms’ in-universe creation myths attribute significant roles to various deities. Here’s where things get interesting:

Ao: The Overgod’s Role

The Overgod, Ao, is often cited as the ultimate power in the Forgotten Realms cosmology. Some accounts suggest Ao was responsible for the broader creation, including Realmspace itself (the crystal sphere containing the Forgotten Realms’ solar system), the Astral Sea, and potentially even the raw energy of the phlogiston.

Corellon Larethian and Gruumsh: Shaping the Elves and Orcs

The conflict between Corellon Larethian (god of the elves) and Gruumsh (god of the orcs) significantly shaped these races and their places in the world. While not direct creation, their actions profoundly impacted the Realms’ demographics and history.

Moradin: The Dwarven Father and Craftsman

Moradin, the dwarven god of creation, forged the dwarves from stone and metal. He is also the patron of smiths and artisans, shaping the dwarves into the skilled craftsmen they are known to be.

Other Deities and Their Domains

Numerous other deities played roles in shaping the Realms, each with their own domain and influence. Gond, for instance, is the god of craft and invention. Grumbar is the elemental lord of Earth.

The Material Plane: Abeir-Toril’s Shaping

Beyond the deities, the elemental forces and the very fabric of the Material Plane itself contributed to the creation and evolution of the Forgotten Realms. Natural disasters, magical upheavals, and the ebb and flow of civilizations all left their mark on the land.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Forgotten Realms’ Origins

Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the fascinating world of the Forgotten Realms:

1. Who is the most powerful being in the Forgotten Realms? While power levels are always subject to debate, Ao, the Overgod, is generally considered the most powerful being.

2. What planet is the Forgotten Realms located on? The primary planet is Abeir-Toril.

3. How many gods are worshiped in the Forgotten Realms? At least thirty deities are widely known, with many more local or niche deities.

4. Who is the god of death in the Forgotten Realms? Currently, Kelemvor is the god of death.

5. What are the Dead Three? They are Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul, three evil deities associated with darkness, murder, and bones, respectively.

6. Can gods die in the Forgotten Realms? Yes, gods can be killed, though it is exceptionally difficult.

7. Who is the god of the sun in the Forgotten Realms? Pelor is the primary god of the sun.

8. Who is the god of war in the Forgotten Realms? Tempus is the god of war.

9. Who is the god of knowledge in the Forgotten Realms? Oghma is the god of knowledge.

10. What is the Astral Sea? The Astral Sea is a plane of existence, often described as a silvery void filled with psychic energy. It serves as a conduit between the Outer Planes and the Material Plane.

11. What is the Phlogiston? The phlogiston is a fiery, flammable substance that connects crystal spheres in some cosmological models, particularly those associated with Spelljammer.

12. What is Realmspace? Realmspace is the crystal sphere containing the solar system of Abeir-Toril.

13. Why is it called the Forgotten Realms? The name stems from the idea that Earth and the Forgotten Realms were once more connected, but humanity largely forgot about the other world.

14. What happened during the Time of Troubles? The Time of Troubles was a period when Ao forced the gods to walk the earth as mortals, causing chaos and upheaval throughout the Realms.

15. Who is the Raven Queen? The Raven Queen is the goddess of death, fate, and winter. While present in D&D lore, her specific role within the Forgotten Realms has varied across editions.

Conclusion: A World Forged by Many Hands

Ultimately, the Forgotten Realms is not the creation of a single entity but rather a collaborative effort spanning decades. Ed Greenwood laid the foundation, while deities, mortals, and the very fabric of the planes contributed to its evolution. This rich tapestry of influences is what makes the Forgotten Realms such a compelling and enduring setting for countless players and storytellers. Understanding this multifaceted creation process enhances our appreciation for the depth and complexity of this beloved fantasy world.