Afterword
Editor: “We’ve received a project proposal to do a drama CD. Would you like to accept it?”
Taka: “Oooh, ‘mixed media’! We’re finally getting into that cross-platform multimedia stuff! Yes, yes I’ll accept. Of course I’ll accept the proposal!”
Editor: “Right. I see. Then please write up a draft of the script.”
Taka: “Huh?”
And, on that note...
It’s been decided we’ll be doing a drama CD!! And it turns out that yours truly Takayama will be writing the script for it.
And this was almost right after I’d finally talked them into letting me have a publication schedule of four months for volume 5 (at least, that’s the plan), because of how difficult my schedule has become.
Damn it, it was Zhuge Liang’s (my editor’s) trap all along!
That said, having the voice actors breathe life into the characters I created makes me incredibly happy. I want to do the best job I can.
Hello. My usual greeting is a little late this time, but this is Seiichi Takayama. It’s been a while.
......
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Crap, I’ve already run out of things to talk about! Ummm, there are some things I could write, but all of them would be rather inappropriate to write here, if you know what I mean.
And so, without spoiling anything, here’s my preview for the next volume.
Going by the classic narrative structure of “introduction, development, twist, conclusion,” volumes 1-3 of this series would be the “introduction” arc, and starting with this volume, we’ve moved into the “development” part.
Up until now, there was more of an emphasis on “acceleration,” on ramping up the speed of the plot to keep up the story’s momentum. But starting here, I’m planning on dropping the speed a bit and focusing a bit more on the characters and their daily lives in the next volume.
Well, of course that’s nothing more than a plan... (Back during my last series, I told them I’d be doing a collection of short stories and sending them the plots, and then partway through, I put in a request to change the plot completely and turned it into a long-form story. So, I’ve got a prior on my record there.)
The only reason I’ve been able to do that sort of thing and keep moving forward is thanks to you, my honored readers. After all, this is a business that runs on sales numbers at the end of the day. I hope you’ll continue to give me your support and encouragement. And if you find my works interesting, I’d love it if you’ll help spread the word. (Laugh.)
Topics... topics... what else? There really isn’t anything. Four pages is so long...
All right then, I’ll talk about what music I listen to when I’m writing. (Only when I’m writing in a general sense, not when I’m actually writing writing. If I listen to music with lyrics while I’m writing, I can’t concentrate.)
When I’m driving or taking breaks, I listen to the type of music that I feel matches the image of what I’m working on, or that helps me expand upon that image.
During my last work, Ore to Kanojo no Zettai Ryouiki, I listened to a lot of songs with female vocals. One of my favorites was “Closing” from the visual novel White Album 2.
After switching over to working on The Master of Ragnarok, I’ve been listening to a lot more songs with male vocals. And pretty hot-blooded songs, at that. (Laugh.) Recently it’s been a lot of Kamen Rider series stuff, though I already liked listening to that to begin with.
“Break the Chain” and “Super Nova” from Kamen Rider Kiva are two of my particular favorites. I listened to “cod-E ~E no angou~” from Kamen Rider W a lot, as well.
These books have cute harem genre cover art, and really it is a harem series, so why did I end up listening to such overly manly songs, I wonder? It’s a mystery.
...And don’t respond with, “You did it on purpose!”
All right, that filled up the page count, so now I’ll move on to the words of thanks.
To my editor. With the trouble that happened this time around, and after what happened last volume as well, I have caused you so much trouble and extra work. I am truly sorry for that. I am also so grateful to you! Counting my previous work Ore to Kanojo no Zettai Ryouiki, this makes five consecutive light novel volumes where I start the afterword with a back-and-forth between the two of us, but using you for this sort of gag is an expression of how much affection and gratitude I have for you. No, seriously! All flattery aside, I’ve been blessed with a really wonderful editor.
Yukisan-sensei. Thank you so much for the amazing illustration work you did this time, as well! Thank you for the winter outfit designs for Rún and Felicia. They’re cute!
I offer my sincere thanks to the people in sales, proofreading, printing, distribution, and at the bookstores, and everyone involved in the production of this volume. And most of all, my thanks to you readers who are holding this book in your hands right now.
Now then, I wish you all the best, and hope to see you in volume 5.
Seiichi Takayama
Bonus Glossary
Here is a list of the Old Norse titles and terms which appear in The Master of Ragnarok volume 4. In the original Japanese text, they sometimes appear as a descriptive term or phrase in Japanese, with the corresponding Old Norse name in superscript, or furigana. For instance, Sigrún’s title appears as the Japanese phrase “Strongest Silver Wolf,” and the furigana above notes that this should be read as “Mánagarmr.”
A helpful guide to the pronunciation of Norse vowels and consonants can be found at public websites such as wikibooks (https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Old_Norse/Grammar/Alphabet_and_Pronunciation). In cases where the term has a commonly used alternative spelling without Norse letters, that has been included, for example Þórr (Thor).
Álfheimr (Alfheim): A western region of Yggdrasil and home to the Hoof Clan. In mythology, Álfheimr is one of the Nine Worlds and means “Home of the Elves.”
álfkipfer: Otherwise known as “elven copper,” álfkipfer is the mysterious and possibly magical material that is used in objects such as the sacred mirror which summoned Yuuto to the world of Yggdrasil. This seems to be a wholly original term, combining the Norse “Álf” with the German “kupfer.”
Alsviðr (Alsvid): “The Horse that Responds to its Rider,” the rune of the Claw Clan warrior Mundilfäri. Its main ability is to grant its user increased strength, proportional to the user’s personal or emotional connection to the enemy. In Norse mythology, Alsviðr (name meaning “quick”) is one of two horses pulling the chariot containing the sun across the sky.
Alþiófr (Althjof): “Jester of a Thousand Illusions,” Loptr’s rune. Like Felicia’s rune Skírnir, it grants all-around enhancement and a wide variety of abilities. In Norse mythology, Alþiófr is the name of a dwarf, and the name carries the meaning “Great Thief.”
Ásgarðr (Asgard): The Holy Ásgarðr Empire is officially the ruling power over all of Yggdrasil, and Ásgarðr also refers to the region in the center of the continent under its direct control and governance. In Norse mythology, it is the realm of Odin and the faction of gods known as the Æsir (Aesir).
ásmegin (asmegin): A term referring to the divine energy or power that flows through an Einherjar when using his or her runic abilities. In Norse mythology, it more directly refers to a god’s superhuman or divine strength.
barr: A unit of measurement in Yggdrasil, equivalent to the weight of 60 bygg (see below). Yuuto determines this to be about 500 metric grams. In mythology, the terms of barr, bygg and vaxt appear in the Poetic Edda in a poem called Alvíssmál, as various names for barley used in different realms. Barr is the name used by the Æsir gods, meaning “grain” or “corn.”
bygg: A unit of measurement in Yggdrasil equivalent to the weight of 180 grains of barley. In the Poetic Edda, bygg is the name humans use for grain, being the Old Norse word for barley.
Bifröst Basin (Bifrost, Bivrost): The fertile area of land between two of the three mountain ranges of Yggdrasil, containing the territories of the Claw, Wolf, Horn, Hoof, and Thunder clans. It is a major trade route. In Norse mythology, Bifröst is the name of the rainbow bridge connecting the human realm to the realm of the gods.
Bilskírnir (Bilskirnir): The capital city of the Lightning Clan. In Norse mythology, Bilskírnir is the name of the great hall where the god Þórr (Thor) resides, in the realm of Ásgarðr.
Dólgþrasir (Dolgthrasir): “The Battle-Hungry Tiger,” alias of the Lightning Clan patriarch Steinðórr. In Norse mythology, Dólgþrasir is a dwarven name which roughly means “snorting with rage at the enemy” or “eager for battle.”
Einherjar: Said to be humans chosen by the gods, they are people who possess a magical rune somewhere on their body which grants enhanced abilities or mystical powers. In Norse mythology, Einherjar are the chosen souls of brave warriors, taken to Valhalla after death where they feast and fight until the end of days, Ragnarök.
Fimbulvetr (Fimbulwinter): One of Sigyn’s seiðr magics, it is a spell which can free its targets from all fear, turning them into terrifying berserkers. In Norse mythology, Fimbulvetr is a terribly long, harsh winter preceding the events of Ragnarök.
Fólkvangr (Folkvang): The capital of the Horn Clan. Like the Wolf Clan capital Iárnviðr, it is located next to the Körmt River. In Norse mythology, Fólkvangr is a plane of the afterlife similar to Valhalla, ruled over by the goddess Freyja.
Fylgja: One of Sigyn’s seiðr magics, it is a spell which allows the user to take on someone else’s misfortune. In Norse mythology, a fylgja is a type of spirit that accompanies a person and is attached to their fate. They are often portrayed as appearing in animal form and reflecting the soul or nature of the person in question.
galldr: A type of magic spell practiced in Yggdrasil, where power is woven into music to create various magical effects. Also spelled galdr (plural galdrar), it is a pagan rite with historical roots reaching back to at least as early as the Iron Age.
Glaðsheimr (Gladsheim): The capital of the Holy Empire of Ásgarðr. It is part of the realm of the gods in Norse mythology, said to be where the hall of Valhalla is located.
Gleipnir: One of Felicia’s abilities granted by the rune Skírnir, Gleipnir is a spell with the power to capture and bind that which has “alien” qualities. Gleipnir appears in Norse mythology as a magical chain forged by the dwarves in order to bind and seal the wolf Fenrir.
goði (gothi): An official imperial priest who provides over sacred rituals such as the Chalice Ceremony, and a representative of the authority of the Divine Emperor in clan territories. Historically, a goði (also spelled gothi) was a priest and chieftain during the Viking Age.
Gullveig: “The Golden Hero,” an alias of the deceased previous Horn Clan patriarch, Hrungnir. It is also the name of a seiðr magic he had mastered, which promotes a bountiful harvest. He was called Gullveig by his people in appreciation for the prosperity he brought them. In Norse mythology, Gullveig is the name of a mysterious and powerful sorceress and völva, who is burned to death three times by the Æsir gods but is reborn each time.
Hamingja: One of Sigyn’s seiðr magic spells, it allows her to give her own luck to someone else. Hamingja is one word for “luck” in Old Norse, and in mythology, was a type of guardian angel spirit for a person or family line, that granted them good fortune and happiness.
Hati: “Devourer of the Moon,” the rune which grants Sigrún the ferocity and senses of a wolf, as well as extraordinary skill in combat. Hati also appears in Norse mythology as the wolf Hati Hróðvitnisson, the child of Hróðvitnir (Fenrir). Hati is destined to devour the moon during Ragnarök, and is known by the alternate name Mánagarmr.
Helheim: A southern region of Yggdrasil, far to the south of the Lightning Clan territory. In Norse Mythology, Helheim is one of the Nine Realms, a land of the dead deep underground also called Hel. It thus shares the same name as the goddess Hel who rules over that realm.
Himinbjörg Mountains (Himinbjorg): One of the two mountain ranges that border the Bifröst Basin. Known in Norse mythology as the place where the god Heimdallr keeps watch.
Hliðskjálf (Hlidskjalf): The name of the sacred tower in Iárnviðr housing the divine mirror, where Yuuto first arrived in Yggdrasil. Several other major cities in Yggdrasil also have sacred towers referred to as Hliðskjálf. In Norse mythology, it is the name of the high seat of the god Odin, a place from which all realms can be seen.
hörgr (horgr): A sanctuary or an altar, such as the one at the top of the sacred tower Hliðskjálf.
Hrímfaxi (Hrimfaxi): “Frostmane,” Váli’s rune. In Norse mythology, Hrímfaxi is the horse belonging to Nótt, the goddess of night, and its name also means “frost mane” in this case.
Hróðvitnir (Hrothvitnir): “The Infamous Wolf,” a second name earned by Yuuto after rumors spread of the Tragedy at Van (see Vánagandr below). In Norse mythology, this is one of the names of the monstrous wolf Fenrir. Fenrir is foretold to play a large role in Ragnarök.
Iárnviðr (Iarnvid, Jarnvid): The capital of the Wolf Clan, located on the eastern side of the Bifröst Basin. It is also often spelled as Járnviðr and roughly means “Iron-wood.” It appears in Norse mythology as a forest east of Miðgarðr that is home to trolls and giant wolves.
Ívaldi (Ivaldi): “The Birther of Blades,” Ingrid’s rune of blacksmithing. Ívaldi is also the name of a dwarven blacksmith in Norse mythology whose sons forge several legendary items for the gods.
Körmt River (Kormt): One of two rivers running through the Bifröst Basin and most of the clan territories within it. It is the southern river, and the northern one is the Örmt River. In mythology, they are the names of two rivers the god Thor wades through every day to visit Yggdrasil.
Laegjarn: The nickname for Yuuto’s model of smartphone, the LGN09. This word also appears in Norse mythology as a magical chest with nine locks containing the magic weapon Lævatein.
Mánagarmr (Managarm): “The Strongest Silver Wolf,” Sigrún’s title, given only to the fiercest, most skilled warrior of the Wolf Clan. In mythology, this is also another name for the wolf Hati.
Miðgarðr (Midgard): A northern region of Yggdrasil beyond the Himinbjörg Mountains. It is the realm of humans in Norse mythology, commonly known as Midgard.
Mótsognir (Motsognir): The workshop and smithy of the Wolf Clan, headed by Ingrid. Mótsognir is also the name of the “Father of the Dwarves” in some Norse legends.
Múspell unit (Muspell): The name given to Sigrún’s elite cavalry unit. It’s a shortened form of Múspellsheimr (commonly spelled Muspelheim), one of the Nine Worlds in Norse mythology.
Myrkviðr (Myrkvid, Myrkwood): A walled Horn Clan city on the western edge of their territory. In Old Norse, the name means roughly “Dark Woods,” and derivatives of this name are found throughout mythology and history as the naming convention for a dark and dense forest region.
Náströnd (Nastrond): A region of the northwest Horn Clan territory, wet marshland stretching between the cities of Myrkviðr and Sylgr. In mythology, it’s a place deep in Helheim where the dark dragon Níðhǫggr lives, chewing on corpses. The name means “Shore of Corpses” in Old Norse.
Níðhǫggr (Nidhogg): “The Sneering Slaughter,” alias of Skáviðr of the Wolf Clan. In Norse mythology, Níðhǫggr is an evil dragon or serpent who gnaws at the roots of the World Tree, Yggdrasil.
Nóatún (Noatun): The capital city of the Hoof Clan. In Norse mythology, Nóatún is mentioned as the abode of the Vanir god Njörðr (Njord), a god of fertility and seafaring travel.
Örmt River (Ormt): One of two large rivers running through the Bifröst Basin. It is the northern river branch. See Körmt River above.
Ragnarök (Ragnarok): Used in the original Japanese text with the phrase “The End Times,” it is a great disaster told of in a prophecy which has been passed down in secret since the time of the first divine emperor. In Norse mythology, Ragnarök is a series of fateful events culminating in a great war, and the destruction and rebirth of the world.
seiðr (seidr): A subset of runic abilities known as “secret arts,” a seiðr is a type of magic much harder and more complicated to perform, but capable of powerful results. Felicia’s Gleipnir is one example. Historically, seiðr was a type of sorcery practiced in Old Norse society during the Late Scandinavian Iron Age, and makes frequent appearances in mythology.
Skírnir (Skirnir): “The Expressionless Servant,” Skírnir is Felicia’s rune which grants her a wide variety of abilities, from enhanced reflexes and proficiency with weapons to the ability to weave magic spells. In mythology Skírnir is the servant of the god Freyr.
Surtsey Volcano: Also known as Mount Surtsey, it’s an active volcano located to the southeast of Iárnviðr in the Þrúðvangr Mountains. The area at the base of Mount Surtsey is known for its hot springs. In the real world, Surtsey is the name of an island off the southern coast of Iceland, its name meaning “Surt’s Island” in Icelandic. It’s named for Surtr, a giant in Norse mythology who wields a flaming sword.
Svaðilfari (Svadilfari): “The Unlucky Traveler,” Sigyn’s rune. She can use its power to cast magics that affect fortune and misfortune. In Norse mythology, Svaðilfari is the name of a magical stallion that helped build a defensive wall around Valhalla, and later fathered the legendary horse Sleipnir.
Sylgr: A walled Horn Clan city east of Myrkviðr. In mythology, it’s the name of one of the rivers emerging from a wellspring called Hvergelmir, in the icy realm of Niflheimr.
Valaskjálf Palace (Valaskjalf): The palace of the Divine Emperor, located in the imperial capital Glaðsheimr. In Norse mythology, it is one of the great halls of the god Odin.
Valhalla: A plane of the afterlife, it is the destination of brave souls who fall in battle. In Norse mythology, Valhalla is ruled over by the god Odin.
Van: A town that was once part of Claw Clan territory, it is said to have been burned to the ground and its citizens killed by the Wolf Clan. In Old Norse, “Ván” can also mean “hope.”
Vánagandr (Vanagand): “The Tragedy at Van,” this is the name by which characters in Yggdrasil refer to the destruction of the town of Van and the massacre of its citizens. In Norse mythology, it is also one of the many names of the monstrous wolf, Fenrir.
Vanaheimr (Vanaheim): A region of Yggdrasil south of the Bifröst Basin along the western coast of the continent, beginning south of the Körmt River. In Norse mythology, it is one of the Nine Worlds and is home to a group of gods known as the Vanir.
vaxt: A primitive school in Yggdrasil also called a “House of Tablets,” that teaches reading, writing, and arithmetic. In the Poetic Edda, vaxt is the word used by the Vanir gods for barley, meaning “growth” in Old Norse. The phrase “house of tablets” isn’t Norse in origin, and instead originally comes from the Sumerian word for a scribal school, eduba/edubba.
Völva (Volva, volva): A völva is a type of female shaman or seer in Norse religions. In Norse mythology, they are said to possess powers of prophecy that even the gods rely upon. In this series, “Völva” is the name of a specific seer who gave a prophecy predicting a disaster to befall the Holy Ásgarðr Empire. See Ragnarök above.
Þrúðvangr Mountains (Thrudvang): One of the three great mountain ranges forming what is known as the “Roof of Yggdrasil,” the Þrúðvangr Mountains form the southern border of the Bifröst Basin, and the eastern border of the Vanaheimr region. In Norse mythology, Þrúðvangr is the name of the area of Ásgarðr where the god Þórr resides in his great hall, Bilskírnir.
Þrymheimr Mountains (Thrymheim): One of the three great mountain ranges forming the “Roof of Yggdrasil,” the Þrymheimr Mountains lie to the east of the Himinbjörg Mountains. In Norse Mythology, Þrymheimr is a location in Jötunheimr, the realm of the giants, home to a giant named Þjazi (Thiazi) who famously kidnapped the goddess of youth, Iðunn (Idun).
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