Afterword
The Master of Ragnarok is getting a manga version! Congratulations!!
Chany-san will be the lead artist, and it should start releasing on the Comic HJ Bunko website this winter. You can check the HJ Bunko official website for more details.
I’m so thrilled at the prospect of seeing Yuuto and the gang do their stuff on the pages of a manga!
And on that note, hello again, it’s Seiichi Takayama.
It wasn’t out of celebration for the manga version or anything, but this volume was published on a two-month schedule.
My pace in writing the beginning to the middle was faster than ever before, and I thought, “Hey at this rate, I can do this bi-monthly. Ha ha ha!” And when I said that, it actually happened.
...It killed me.
Don’t ever make promises you can’t keep, folks.
I worked my hardest, of course, but this time, the great Yukisan-sensei really worked hard as well. Truly, thank you so very much.
Next time, I’m definitely going to go back to releasing the new volume in three or four months, though. Yeah.
...And that’s all of the topics I have to use in an afterword.
Back during my previous series, Ore to Kanojo no Zettai Ryouiki, writing afterwords wasn’t any problem at all, but now that I’m on my thirteenth published book, there’s really nothing left to write about here, is there...
And still they tell me I have to do four whole pages. Hmm, this is a problem.
Well I really don’t have anything suitable to talk about, so I’ll just fill the space with something from my personal life.
As touched on briefly in volume 5, good old Takayama here has a daughter.
Back when she was two, this and that happened, and I got divorced, and I’ve been a single father for the past eight years. This November, when this volume goes to print, she’ll be turning ten years old.
She hasn’t had any serious illnesses, and I’m really relieved to have seen her safely to this big milestone in her life.
Ahh, but still, Japan is really tough for single fathers. Frankly, I think it’s even harder on us than it is for single mothers.
I mean, for starters, there’s that “If you’re a man, you have to work lots of overtime” office culture!! It’s a real-world problem when local nursery schools only go until around six or seven p.m., and childcare during the evening hours is really expensive.
Yet, in your standard business management setting, there are a lot more men than women, and the men there are from an older generation where the culture is that men should work long hours outside the home and women should do childcare. They’re pretty ignorant of what it’s like to really try and raise a child.
When I’d be looking in the ads for job openings through Hello Work (the Japanese government’s Employment Service Center), trying to find jobs that would let me come home at a reasonable hour, they were all ads recruiting women, and there weren’t really any that were for men.
So, anyway, right now there’s a thing for financial assistance for single-father families, but back when I needed it, there was only assistance for single-mother families. (The former was finally adopted into practice after I started making income from publishing light novels, so I never even got to appreciate those benefits!)
Well, I was really in a bind then, and I felt backed into a corner, and I thought, “Well at this point, all I can do is become a light novel author.” And that’s how I wound up winning the fifth Novel Japan Award.
And when I told that story to an acquaintance of mind, they said I was weird. That the idea of becoming an author coming to my mind in the first place was weird.
Yeah, well, but, it means I can work from home, and manage my schedule better. For single fathers who have a limited time budget, there really aren’t that many options, don’t you think? And thanks to that choice, now my lifestyle is a lot more secure.
All I want to do is keep working hard at this job until my daughter turns twenty and reaches adulthood.
All right, that’s filled up my page count, so now I’d like to move on to thanks and acknowledgments.
To my editor, thank you as always! This time around, I don’t really have to apologize about anything, right? To the great Yukisan-sensei-sama, please accept my humble apologies for forcing you to go along with this ridiculous schedule. And once again, thank you very much for everything!
My sincere thanks goes out to all of the many other people involved in the production of this volume, who gave everything they have to make it happen.
And most of all, to you readers who are holding this book in your hands right now, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Starting next volume is one of the story’s biggest turning points, the xxxxxx xxx arc.
Now then, I wish you all the best, and hope to see you again soon.
Seiichi Takayama
Bonus Glossary — Volume 6
Here is a list of the Old Norse titles and terms which appear in Master of Ragnarok Volume 6. In the original Japanese text, they often appear as a descriptive term or phrase in Japanese, with the corresponding Old Norse name in superscript, or furigana. For instance, Sigrún’s title first 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 there is also a commonly used alternative spelling without Norse letters, that has been included in parentheses; for example, Mánagarmr (Managarm).
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.”
Alþiófr (Althjof): “Jester of a Thousand Illusions,” Hveðrungr’s rune. Like Felicia’s rune Skírnir, it grants all-around enhancement, but it also grants a supernatural talent for stealing techniques from others. In Norse mythology, Alþiófr is the name of a Dwarf, and the name carries the meaning “Great Thief.”
ásmegin (asmegin): A term referring to the divine energy or power that flows through an Einherjar when using magic or runic abilities. In Norse mythology, it more directly refers to a god’s superhuman or divine strength.
Angrboða (Angrboda): The goddess worshipped in Iárnviðr and said to be the guardian deity of the Wolf Clan. In Norse mythology, she is one of a race of “giants” known as the jötnar (singular jötunn), and is the mother of the monstrous wolf Fenrir.
Annarr: An insulting nickname given to Yuuto during his first month in Yggdrasil. In the language of Yggdrasil, it means “stranger” or “foreigner.” In Norse mythology, Annarr is the second husband of the goddess of night Nótt and the grandfather of the thunder god Þórr. It is thought that the name in actual Old Norse carried the meaning “The Other” or “Another.”
Bifröst Basin (Bifrost, Bivrost): The fertile area of land between two of the three mountain ranges of Yggdrasil, it is the home of the Claw and Wolf Clans, and contains some territory of the Horn, Hoof, and Lightning Clans, as well. 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 SteinÞórr. 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.
Élivágar River (Elivagar): A river that, in volume 2, forms the border between the territories of the Wolf Clan and the Lightning Clan, and is the site of the decisive battle of their war: The Battle of Élivágar River. It’s a tributary river flowing from the Þrúðvangr Mountains into the larger Körmt River. In Norse mythology, Élivágar (meaning “Ice-Waves”) refers to a number of frozen rivers flowing through the primordial void before the beginning of the world.
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 that is similar to Valhalla, ruled over by the goddess Freyja.
galdr: A type of magic spell practiced in Yggdrasil, where power is woven into music to create various magical effects. Also spelled galldr (plural galdrar), it is a pagan rite with historical roots reaching back to at least as early as the Iron Age.
garmr: A giant species of wolf native to the Himinbjörg Mountains, and one of the apex predators of the world of Yggdrasil. In Norse mythology, Garmr is the name of a huge hound (sometimes depicted as a wolf) guarding the gates to Hel, one of the realms of the dead.
Gimlé (Gimle, Gimli): A city and surrounding region in southwest Wolf Clan territory. It used to belong to the Horn Clan, but Yuuto’s forces seized it from them during their most recent war. In Norse mythology, Gimlé is a heavenly place where the survivors of Ragnarök are said to dwell. It is described as a beautiful hall or palace on a mountain.
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 seiðr magic 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.
Gnipahellir: Fort Gnipahellir is the fortress stronghold about two days’ march east of Iárnviðr. It watches over the Gnipahellir region, on the eastern edge of Wolf Clan territory bordering the Claw Clan. In Norse mythology, it is the name of a cave where a hellhound called Garmr guards the gates to Hel, one of the realms of the dead.
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.
Grímnir (Grimnir): “The Masked Lord,” an alias of the Panther Clan patriarch, Hveðrungr. In Norse mythology, Grímnir is one of the names the god Odin uses to disguise himself in the eponymous poem Grímnismál. The name in Old Norse means “masked” or “guised.”
Hati: “Devourer of the Moon,” the rune which grants Sigrun 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.
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.
Holy Ásgarðr Empire: See Ásgarðr.
hörgr (horgr): A sanctuary or an altar, such as the one at the top of the sacred tower Hliðskjálf.
Hræsvelgr (Hraesvelgr): “Provoker of Winds,” Albertina’s rune. It grants her several abilities related to controlling wind in a localized area. In Norse mythology, Hræsvelgr is a giant who, having taken the form of a great eagle, sits at the northern edge of the world and flaps his wings to produce mighty winds.
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.
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.
Ingfróði: “The Lord Of Plenty,” an alias of the late Hoof Clan patriarch Yngvi, based on his conquering vast tracts of fertile land. Appears to be an original term, made by combining “Ing” and “Fróði.” Ing is derived from the name Yngvi. Many kings of Danish myth and legend are named Fróði, which means “wise.” Both of these names are thought to be references to the god Freyr.
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 forged several legendary items for the gods.
Jarl: House Jarl is one of the “Three Great Houses” of Yggdrasil, the most powerful families in the empire who are all closely related to the royal line. Rífa first identifies herself to Yuuto as being from House Jarl. In Norse mythology, Jarl is one of the three sons of a god named Ríg, and he is the one who becomes the progenitor of the noble families of Scandinavia.
Járnglófi (Jarnglofi): “Iron Gauntlet,” the alias of Þjálfi, the third-ranked general of the Lightning Clan and right hand to SteinÞórr. In Norse mythology, the Járnglófi (also called Járngreipr) are iron gloves worn by the god Þórr which allow him to handle his mighty hammer Mjǫlnir.
Jörmungandr (Jormungand): The name given to the overwhelming torrent of floodwater used by Yuuto and the Wolf Clan to defeat SteinÞórr and the Lightning Clan during their decisive battle in Volume 2. In Norse mythology, Jörmungandr is a serpent which grew so incredibly large it could encircle the world of Miðgarðr, leading to it being called the “World Serpent.”
Körmt River (Kormt): One of two rivers running through the Bifröst Basin and most of the clan territories within it. The other is the Örmt River. In mythology, they are the names of two rivers the god Þórr (Thor) wades through every day to visit Yggdrasil.
Læðingr (Leyding): One of the seiðr magics Rífa uses, it has the ability to restrict the bodily movements of its targets. In Norse mythology, it’s one of the three fetters used to bind the great wolf Fenrir, and its name means roughly “binding of leather.” Incidentally, the second mythical binding is Drómi (Dromi), and the third is Gleipnir.
Mánagarmr (Managarm): “The Strongest Silver Wolf,” Sigrun’s title, is given only to the fiercest, most skilled warrior of the Wolf Clan. In mythology, this is also another name for the wolf Hati.
Megingjörð (Megingjord, Megin Gjord): “Belt of Strength,” one of the two runes wielded by the Lightning Clan patriarch SteinÞórr. It grants him superhuman strength and agility. In Norse mythology, the Megingjörð is indeed the “Belt of Strength” owned by the god Þórr, doubling his divine might when worn.
Miðgarðr (Midgard): A northern region of Yggdrasil beyond the Himinbjörg Mountains. It is the realm of humans in Norse mythology, commonly known as Midgard.
Mjǫlnir (Mjolnir): “The Shatterer,” one of the two runes wielded by the Lightning Clan patriarch SteinÞórr. It only grants a single ability, which focuses all of the divine energy of the rune into destructive force when SteinÞórr attacks, enough to shatter almost anything he strikes. In Norse mythology, Mjǫlnir is the legendary dwarven-forged hammer belonging to the god Þórr.
Múspell Special Forces Unit (Muspell): Múspell Unit for short. The name given to a force of elite soldiers led by Sigrún. They deploy as armed cavalry under her command in wartime, and also function as an elite palace guard in the Wolf Clan capital. The name is 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 along the route between the cities of Sylgr and Myrkviðr. 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.
Örmt River (Ormt): See Körmt River.
Ragnarök (Ragnarok): Also referred to as “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): “Secret arts,” a subset of runic magic. seiðr is a type of magic spell much harder and more complicated to perform than a galldr, but capable of more 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.
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.
Tanais River: A river mentioned as a landmark in volume 6. This river is also mentioned in Snorri Sturluson’s mythological Ynglinga saga; east of it lies the realm known as “Asaland,” or Ásgarðr.
Tanngnjóstr (Tanngiost): “The Teeth-Grinder,” the rune belonging to Röskva. In Norse mythology, it’s the name of one of two goats belonging to the god Þórr, and appears in the same story as two siblings named Þjálfi and Röskva, who become Þórr’s servants. The other goat is Tanngrísnir.
Tanngrísnir (Tanngrisnir): “The Snarler,” the rune belonging to Þjálfi. In Norse mythology, Tanngrísnir is one of a pair of goats who pull the chariot of the god Þórr. The goats are regularly cooked and eaten by the god, only to be resurrected the next day by his magical hammer.
Valaskjálf Palace (Valaskjalf): The palace of the Divine Emperor, located in the imperial capital Glaðsheimr. In 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.
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 mythology, it is one of the Nine Worlds and is home to a group of gods known as the Vanir.
Veðrfölnir (Vedrfolnir): “Silencer of Winds,” Kristina’s rune. It grants her wind-related powers such as erasing her presence and canceling out wind currents. In Norse mythology, Veðrfölnir is the name of a hawk residing at the very top of the World Tree, perched on the head of a giant eagle.
þjóðann (theodann, thiudans): In the world of Yggdrasil, this is the title of the ruler of the Holy Ásgarðr Empire, meaning “Divine Emperor/Empress.” Historically, it’s a Norse translation of the Visigothic word þiudans, which roughly means “ruler/king.”
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.
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