What is Earth Called in the Forgotten Realms?
The straightforward answer is: Earth is not explicitly named or directly referenced within the established lore of the Forgotten Realms setting for Dungeons & Dragons. While the Forgotten Realms exists within the broader multiverse of D&D, and Earth is considered one of the many worlds of the Material Plane, there is no canonical name given to Earth in the context of the Forgotten Realms. Instead, Earth is considered separate from the world of Abeir-Toril, which is the planet where the Forgotten Realms takes place.
While this might seem surprising, this separation is intentional. It allows the creators of the Forgotten Realms setting to build a unique and immersive fantasy world, free from the constraints of our own world’s history and geography. However, the connection between Earth and other planes of existence in the D&D cosmology does mean it is within the same multiverse, just not an explicitly named location in Forgotten Realms.
Understanding the D&D Multiverse
To fully grasp why Earth is not a major player in the Forgotten Realms, it’s important to understand the D&D multiverse concept.
The Material Plane
Earth is one of many worlds within the Material Plane, a central plane of existence in D&D cosmology where physical reality is paramount. The Material Plane is where most mundane existence happens, including both Earth and Abeir-Toril, home to the Forgotten Realms.
Connections and Isolation
Earth, as a world within the Material Plane, has a unique characteristic: its weak connections to the Astral Plane and the Ethereal Plane. These planes act as bridges between worlds, but Earth’s links to them are limited to just a few points. This isolation makes it less likely for creatures or magic from other planes to directly impact Earth or vice-versa. Earth is also quite distant from the Inner Planes and has minimal connections to the Outer Planes, where gods and other powerful entities reside.
The Forgotten Realms’ Unique Cosmology
The Forgotten Realms exist within their own system, centered on the planet Abeir-Toril. This system is known as Realmspace, which is situated within a crystal sphere. It’s home to eight planets, each distinct, and this system revolves around the sun, sometimes referred to as Sol, but is also known as Lizu Sapa by the Kukalatu people. This system is separated from other systems by phlogiston, a highly flammable semi-gaseous substance. This clear boundary further emphasizes the separation between Toril and other worlds, including Earth.
Earth as a Concept, Not a Location
While Earth isn’t a named location within the Forgotten Realms, it exists within the overall D&D cosmology. It’s a separate world on the Material Plane, but it’s not a common destination or origin point in Forgotten Realms stories. This ensures that the focus remains on the rich history, intricate political landscape, and unique magical systems of Faerûn (the primary continent of the Forgotten Realms) and the rest of Abeir-Toril.
However, a concept that has been discussed in lore is that of the planar traveler. There is a possibility that someone could theoretically travel from Earth to Toril.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Earth and the Forgotten Realms, as well as other related topics:
1. What is Abeir-Toril?
Abeir-Toril is the name of the Earth-like planet that serves as the primary setting for the Forgotten Realms. It consists of multiple continents, including Faerûn, and has its own unique history, cultures, and pantheon of gods.
2. Is the Forgotten Realms Earth?
No, the Forgotten Realms is not set on Earth. It takes place on a separate fictional planet called Abeir-Toril which is often simply referred to as Toril. While it is an Earth-like planet with many real-world influences, it is a completely fictional setting.
3. What is Faerûn?
Faerûn is the main continent on Toril and is the primary setting for most adventures within the Forgotten Realms. It’s a land of diverse landscapes, populated by various races, and ruled by many different kingdoms and factions.
4. What is the sun in Forgotten Realms called?
The sun of Realmspace is sometimes called Sol, but is also known as Lizu Sapa by the Kukalatu people. It is the source of light and heat for the eight planets within Realmspace.
5. What is the moon in Forgotten Realms called?
The moon in the Forgotten Realms is called Selûne, also known as Leira to its inhabitants. It is the only natural moon of Toril and Abeir and is easily seen in the night sky.
6. Are there other planets in the Forgotten Realms?
Yes, the Forgotten Realms are part of a solar system called Realmspace, which contains eight planets. Each planet has unique characteristics and potential for exploration.
7. What are the main seas in the Forgotten Realms?
Some of the main seas in the Forgotten Realms include the Sea of Fallen Stars, Sea of Swords, Sea of Moving Ice, and Dragon Reach.
8. Is Greyhawk part of the Forgotten Realms?
No, the World of Greyhawk is a separate campaign setting within the D&D multiverse. It takes place on a different planet called Oerth, while the Forgotten Realms takes place on Toril.
9. Who is the Overgod of the Forgotten Realms?
Ao is the only known Overgod within the Forgotten Realms, overseeing all deities and primordials of the worlds of Abeir and Toril.
10. Who is the Goddess of Magic in the Forgotten Realms?
Mystra is the goddess of magic in the Forgotten Realms. She is also known as the Mistress of Magic and Mother of Mysteries, guiding the Weave of magic that envelops the world.
11. Who is the Storm God in the Forgotten Realms?
Talos, also known as Kozah in ancient times, is the deity of storms and destruction within the Forgotten Realms.
12. Who is the Ice Queen in the Forgotten Realms?
Iyraclea, also known as the Ice Queen, was a powerful cleric and exarch of Auril the Frostmaiden, living within the Great Glacier.
13. Who is the god of winter in the Forgotten Realms?
Auril, also known as the Cold Goddess, the Frostmaiden, Icedawn, and the Queen of Air and Darkness, is the deity of winter and cold in the Forgotten Realms.
14. What is the Corpse Star in the Forgotten Realms?
Zhudun, also known as the Corpse Star, is an Elder Evil from the Far Realm that appears as a star-like entity in the sky, unlike regular stars, as it wavers and dances.
15. Has anyone from the Forgotten Realms visited Earth?
While not explicit in the main canon, the archmage Elminster is known to have visited Earth on several occasions to learn about its ecology and societies. This connection suggests that while Earth is not a core part of the Forgotten Realms setting, it is acknowledged as a separate world within the broader D&D multiverse and has had crossover.