Kanon (カノン), sometimes spelled Kannon, is one of the countries of Lodoss. Since it is the southeasternmost country in Lodoss, it is often used as a way to get to the dark island of Marmo. In the Grey Witch novel, Kanon is conquered and afterward occupied by the Marmo empire. Parn and Deedlit help liberate Kanon alongside Prince Reona and the Kanon Free Army.
Overview[]
The kingdom[]
The kingdom of Kanon is second only to the kingdom of Alania, when it comes to kingdoms with the longest histories in Lodoss. The country is located in the southeast portion of the island. It is the closest of the kingdoms to the Dark Island of Marmo, off the Kanon’s southern coast. Forty percent of the land is covered with forests, which is why the kingdom is also called the "Green Kingdom" (緑の王国, Midori no ōkoku). Kanon has prospered mainly due to its agriculture and livestock farming. The kingdom also had a long history of commerce and industry. The wines from Kanon are regarded as delicacies by the aristocracy of Lodoss. However, the Marmo invasion thwarted these long traditions, when they occupied the country. Kanon uses a wheat and a sword motif for their coat of arms.
Social system[]
Before the War of Heroes, Kanon stood alongside Alania as the two most respectable aristocracies in Lodoss. They were close allies and marriages between the two kingdoms was commonplace. The rich forests and agricultural resources of Kanon helped to develop its commerce and industry. But in the shadow of prosperity, corruption was widespread throughout the country. When the Marmo first occupied the kingdom during the War of Heroes, hordes of goblins and kobolds invaded the lands. What was worse however, was their oppression under the governance of the lords dispatched from Marmo. Many among Kanon’s aristocracy wanted to maintain their lifestyles and their property. For this reason they are willing to be subservient to their overlords.
History[]
Foundation[]
After the collapse of the Ancient Kingdom of Kastuul, a number of small countries emerged in the south east of Lodoss. However, due to the rich and fertile land there was almost no conflict between the inhabitants of the region. They chose to coexist peacefully, avoiding the exhaustion of warfare. However, the kingdom of Elvec (エルベク, Erubeku), the predecessor to the Holy Kingdom of Valis, was soon founded, who were an expansionist nation. It was due to these circumstances that the kingdom of Kanon was established in the 229th year of the New Royal Calendar. That same year the city of Kanon, the capital, was seized by the Elvec army, led by King Ezor I (エゾールⅠ, Ezōru Ⅰ). Elvec had already taken control of the Moss region and looked well on the way to conquering Lodoss island. However, the kingdom of Elvec was destroyed due to numerous rebellions, and the kingdom of Kanon remained. The royal family of Kanon grew to have close ties with the royal family of Alania, which was the adjacent kingdom to the north, and it wasn’t uncommon for marriages between the two. Furthermore, they were on friendly terms with Valis, to the west, and so, the Holy Kingdom didn’t try to expand its borders. Thus, the kingdom survived. However, in 510 NRC, Kanon was invaded by the Marmo empire, who aimed to conquer the entire island of Lodoss, and the kingdom didn’t receive any support from their allies.
Year 473[]
Kanon controls the south eastern section of the island. It is east of the Moss region, where the demons first appeared, which is located in the south western part of Lodoss. Still, the devastation caused by the demons would inevitably come to the land, and the inhabitants of Kanon were afraid that the shadow of the demon could attack at any time. Under these circumstances, the Kanon nobles, like in Alania, exposed their powerlessness, incompetence, and stupidity to the invading demons. Originally, the Knights of Kanon acted as shields that protected the people and a sword that defeated the demons. However, the knights who should have rushed to the escort of the royal aristocrats and fight against the demons, weren’t even allowed to participate. Furthermore, the lord of the port town of Rood was replaced by a demon. Rumours developed into a situation where a riot occurred. It was said that the lord's staff rebelled against the king. In the midst of such turmoil the Hundred Heroes could be said to have been the only real demons in Kanon. In some cases, a low-ranking aristocrat abandoned his position and stood up claiming to be one of Lodoss’ saviours. However, this was also nearing the end of the War of the Demon King. By the time they arrived, only fake thugs were rampant, and in the same way as Alania, the lord even acted to eliminate the presence of the Hundred Heroes.
Year 510[]
Kanon followed the most tragic fate of all the kingdoms of Lodoss during and after the War of Heroes. The kingdom was conquered by the Marmo Empire at the beginning of the great conflict, and it continued to be occupied even after the war ended. Immediately after the invasion, the residents of Kanon were frequently subjected to theft and murder, from their Marmo oppressors. However, the Marmo were focused on the war, and their ruler, Emperor Beld, had a disciplined military. It would be when the dark forces that survived after the War of Heroes concluded, and returned to Kanon, that the true terror would commence. Full scale looting was commonplace by the knights and dark elves. Even the once lords of Kanon had no rights, low ranking sprites of the empire, such as goblins had a higher status than them. High ranking officers of the Marmo army would be dispatched to Kanon and rule the people as governors, and unreasonable demands for tax were made by the empire, the governors were also exploiting the people and lining their own pockets.The days of living in fear and pain continue for those who live in Kanon.
Years 512-515[]
The occupation of Marmo in the kingdom of Kanon continued for many years after the war. However, there were many aristocrats and knights who’d escaped because they could not bear the rule of the empire. They formed a resistance movement along with the common civilians and used guerrilla tactics, ambushing the Marmo army's transport unit, and picking off the evil creatures stationed as guards. The resistance continued to show further willingness to resist Marmo by attacking their fortresses.
In the 515th year of the New Royal Calendar the third prince Reona, the legitimate successor to the throne, returned to Kanon. The resistance movement gathered under him and the "Kanon Free Army" was formed. With this development a ray of hope has appeared in the hearts of the people of Kanon.
Year 525[]
Ashram resurfaced after ten years and became the governor of Kanon. Under his rule living conditions began to improve. The people of Kanon were beginning to be treated on par with the Marmo. Through Ashram’s policies Kanon was finally becoming more like a regular territory of an empire. However, the Kanon Free Army, under Reona, with aid from the kingdoms of Valis and Flaim (who were fighting against Marmo when the War of the Destroyer’s Resurrection broke out) continued the resistance movement until the Marmo were defeated and Kanon was released from their oppression.
Locations[]
Kanon (city)[]
Kanon is said to have the most famous castle in Lodoss, Shining Hill. The royal capital shares its name with the country. It is a kingdom with rich forests and fertile lands. The Nazar Mountains (ナザール山脈, Nazāru sanmyaku), in the northernmost part of Kanon, act as a natural bastion.
Royal castle Shining Hill[]
Shining Hill (シャイニング・ヒル, Shainingu hiru), the royal castle of Kanon, was said to have been the most magnificent castle in Lodoss. The castle, along with the city streets were built exclusively from whitestone, giving the capital a graceful appearance. However, it is by no means a robust citadel. The castle was damaged at the start of the War of Heroes by the meteor strike summoned by the Grey Witch, Karla, and stained black. It was said that Shining Hill was an easy stronghold to capture by the army of Marmo.
Rood[]
Rood (ルード, Rūdo), a port city, is the second largest city in the kingdom of Kanon. On clear days Marmo island can be viewed in the distance from the shore. Rood is also a citadel, it’s defensive power even surpasses Kanon. In fact in the War of Heroes, Rood fared better than the royal capital against Marmo’s invasion.
Additional Information[]
Elves[]
Many common elves settled in the woodlands of the kingdom of Kanon. However, most of them were slaughtered by the dark elves in the War of Heroes. Almost no elves have been confirmed to reside in the land of Kanon after the War of Heroes.
People[]
Individuals who are from or have sworn allegiance to Kanon include:
- Ethan
- Euc
- Reona
- Leaf, Leaf is stated to be from Kanon in the Deedlit's Tale novel.
- Lothair
- Shiris, Shiris is formerly a minor noble of Kanon, the daughter of Count Weimar la Casa.
Gallery[]