The tirnenn are an enigmatic tree-like race native to Ardenweald. They are the eldest of the Fae Court—quiet, thoughtful, and generally friendly unless outsiders threaten their groves. Although they are slow to action as well as anger, they are terrible to behold in battle as they are capable of shaping the land and flora around their enemies with startling speed.[1] The tirnenn are responsible for much of the maintenance and crafting work in Ardenweald, such as creating root archways by sticking their arms into the soil and forcing roots out of the ground. They are mostly silent, hard-working, and secretive, and remain more in the background than the other, more active Night Fae races.[2]
The tirnenn are somehow related to the great trees of Ardenweald, though they are so old and strange that even other Night Fae do not know exactly how. The tirnenn can hear the trees speak to them in song and melody.[3] They consider themselves kin to the trees, and were among the first to grow when the Winter Queen created Ardenweald, and built the groves.[4] Their home is Tirna Scithe.[5]
Every passing moment is a chance to grow. I am growing impatient.
Notes[]
Concept art refers to the tirnenn as Ardenweald tree folk.[6]
One of their farewell quotes is a reference to the song "Colors of the Wind" from Disney's Pocahontas.
The name "tirnenn" is likely a combination of the Irish phrase tir na (land of) and the suffix -án (can be used to denote a person), for a possible combined meaning of "land's people".