Realm

Portuguese empire 1800

Bavaria in the German Reich (1871)

Realm refers to a kingdom or domain over which a king, queen, or ruler has control, governance, or influence. In a broader sense, the term can also denote a field or domain of activity, interest, or knowledge. The concept of a realm has been significant in various contexts, including politics, history, fantasy literature, and computer science, particularly in the area of virtual reality and online gaming.

Definition and Usage

In its most traditional sense, a realm is synonymous with a kingdom or a sovereign state under a monarch. However, the term has evolved to encompass any area or sphere of activity or interest. For example, in fantasy literature, realms are often depicted as unique worlds or dimensions with their own rules, inhabitants, and landscapes. In computer science, especially in the context of virtual reality and online gaming, a realm can refer to a virtual world or server that players inhabit and interact within.

Historical Context

Historically, the concept of a realm has been central to the governance and organization of societies. In medieval Europe, realms were often synonymous with the territories ruled by monarchs. The governance of these realms was characterized by a feudal system where the monarch had ultimate authority, but local governance was often delegated to nobles or lords.

Fantasy Literature

In fantasy literature, realms are often used as settings for epic narratives. These realms are typically characterized by their own sets of rules, magic systems, and species. Notable examples include the Middle-earth of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and the Seven Kingdoms of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. Fantasy realms often serve as a backdrop for the exploration of themes such as good versus evil, heroism, and the quest for power.

Computer Science and Online Gaming

In the realm of computer science and online gaming, a realm refers to a server or instance that hosts a virtual world. Players choose realms based on geographic location, language, or play style preferences. Each realm has its own community and economy, making the choice of realm an important decision for players. Popular examples include the realms in World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV.

See Also

• Kingdom
• Virtual reality
• Fantasy world
• Server (computing)
• Online game

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