Bel Shanaar
Bel Shanaar the Navigator or the Explorer was the 2nd Phoenix King of the High Elves. [1a]
His reign lasted from -4419 to -2749 IC. [1a]
Bel Shanaar is noted as being both an outstanding sailor [2a] but also a skilled warrior in his Chariot, Silver Wind. [2b]
History
He and his charioteer gained a formidable reputation in the wars against the Daemons in Silver Wind, becoming known as the Wind Riders. [2b]
The death of Aenarion and the confinement of Caledor Dragontamer on the Isle of the Dead left the elves leaderless and although the dead kings children were discovered alive, hidden by the Treeman Oakheart and his people after their mother was killed. Yvraine was quickly confirmed as Everqueen and many thought that Malekith should be the next Phoenix King. The young prince confirmed his wish to rule for and on behalf of the elves but would accept the ruling of the council gathered to decide the issue. [1a]
The Prince of Tiranoc, Bel Shanaar was agreed to be the best candidate being both a proven warrior and diplomat, although Morathi screamed and raged, only being calmed by her son. The new king spent the next few centuries both rebuilding Ulthuan and begining to explore the rest of the world, establishing colonies in Lustria, the New World and what would later become known as the Old World. [1a]
Bel Shanaar vsited all the new colonies and even travelled to meet the Dwarf king Snorri Whitebeard at Karaz-a-Karak, swearing an Oath of Friendship between the two races. However as the centuries passed, the Cult of Pleasure arose in Ulthuan which the Pheonix King eventually grew more and more concerned. When Malekith returned from his long voyages he took charge of the war against the cult, even imprisoning his mother and stating that the corruption had reached the highest levels. [1a]
As Nagarythe rose in rebellion, Bel Shanar called a council of war but to everyones horror, Malekith now claimed that the Phoenix King had been a cultist and that he had taken poison before he could be interrogated. [1a]
His bloody death heralded in an era of war and torment. [1a]
Notable Events of Bel Shanaar's reign
N.B. All dates are Imperial Calendar equivalents.
Date | Events | Sources |
ca. -4419 | Bel Shanaar is coronated following Aenarion's death and the end of the Coming of Chaos. A great period of rebuilding starts, in which many of the sacked and ruined Elf cities are rebuilt. | [1a] |
ca. -4164 | The first Elven colonies are built in the New World. Malekith defends Athel Toralien from Orc Warlord Gritok Redfang and wins. | [1b] |
ca. -4119 | Dwarf High King Snorri Whitebeard is befriended by Malekith. Elves and Dwarfs drive the remaining forces of chaos back into the Chaos Wastes. | [1b] |
ca. -3419 | In Nagarythe the Cult of Pleasure takes hold. It seeps across all of Ulthuan. | [1b] |
ca. -2839 | Bel Shanaar journeys to Karaz-a-Karak to pledge eternal friendship between the Elves and Dwarfs. Malekith remains as ambassador. | [1b] |
ca. -2789 | Malekith wanders the world in search for Magical Artefacts of Elder Times. | [1b] |
ca. -2775 | In the ruined city of Vorshgar, Malekith finds the Circlet of Iron. | [1b] |
ca. -2774 | On his return to Ulthuan, Malekith denounces his mother Morathi as a worshiper of Slaanesh. The whole Cult of Pleasure is revealed as a Cult of Slaanesh. | [1b] |
ca. -2749 | Bel Shanaar is assassinated after the massacre at the Shrine of Asuryan. Malekith tries to walk into the Sacred Flame but is burned and horribly mutilated. | [1a] |
Gallery
The rulers of the High Elves | |
Phoenix Kings | Aenarion - Bel Shanaar - Caledor I - Caledor II - Caradryel - Tethlis - Bel-Korhadris - Aethis - Morvael - Bel-Hathor - Finubar |
Everqueens | Astarielle - Yvraine - Alarielle |
Sources