What God Created the Forgotten Realms?
The Forgotten Realms is a fictional world created by Ed Greenwood, an American author, and game designer. The world was initially designed as a setting for Greenwood’s childhood stories and later became a central part of the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) fantasy role-playing game. While Ed Greenwood is often credited as the creator of the Forgotten Realms, there is a mythological entity that played a crucial role in shaping the world: Ao, the Overgod.
Ao: The Overgod
In the Forgotten Realms setting, Ao is the Overgod, a deity responsible for the creation of the world and all its contents. According to myth, Ao is the first deity and the creator of all other gods and goddesses. Ao is often referred to as the "Overgod" because of his immense power and authority over the entire multiverse. As the creator of the world, Ao is responsible for shaping the lands, oceans, and skies, as well as creating the first living beings to inhabit the world.
The Creation of the Forgotten Realms
According to the myth of the Forgotten Realms, Ao created the world in a vast expanse of nothingness, known as the Astral Sea. From the Astral Sea, Ao formed the first gods and goddesses, known as the Prime Deities. These Prime Deities went on to create their own domains, shaping the world into the vast and varied landscapes we know today. The Prime Deities are responsible for the creation of the natural world, including the mountains, forests, and oceans.
The Gods of the Forgotten Realms
In the Forgotten Realms, there are many gods and goddesses, each with their own domains and followers. Some of the most powerful and well-known gods include:
- Ao: The Overgod, responsible for the creation of the world and all its contents.
- Deneir: The Lord of Readings and Research, patron of bards and inventors.
- Oghma: The Lord of Knowledge, patron of wizards and sages.
- Mystra: The Lady of Magic, patron of sorcerers and wizards.
- Bane: The Lord of Darkness, patron of assassins and dark warriors.
- Bhaal: The Lord of Murder, patron of killers and assassins.
- Myrkul: The Lord of Bones, patron of death and the undead.
The Dark Gods
The Dark Gods, also known as the Dead Three, are a group of three powerful deities who were once revered as gods, but were cast out of the pantheon and became twisted and malevolent. These gods include:
- Bane: The Lord of Darkness, patron of assassins and dark warriors.
- Bhaal: The Lord of Murder, patron of killers and assassins.
- Myrkul: The Lord of Bones, patron of death and the undead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Ed Greenwood is often credited as the creator of the Forgotten Realms, Ao, the Overgod, played a crucial role in shaping the world and its mythology. The Forgotten Realms is a rich and vibrant world, full of gods, goddesses, and mortals, all vying for power and influence. Whether you’re a fan of the D&D game or simply a lover of fantasy and adventure, the Forgotten Realms is a world that is sure to captivate and inspire.