An Introduction Guide To The Mysterious World Of "Arthdal Chronicles” In 5 Points

Here is an introductory guide to the drama "Arthdal Chronicles” with basic information about its world and terms.

Laure, Kpopmap Editor
4 min to read · Published : Jun 5, 2019 · Updated : Mar 10, 2023

An Introduction Guide To The Mysterious World Of "Arthdal Chronicles” In 5 Points

tvN

The long-awaited drama “Arthdal Chronicles” just started and it is a hot topic in the K-Drama international fans community.

Song JoongKi, Kim JiWon, Jang DongGun, and Kim OkVin are the main actors. It tells the stories of various heroes writing different legends of the mystical and ancient country of ArthdaI. For more information, posters, and teaser, you can check our cast and summary here.

It is the first ancient times fantasy drama of Korea. The drama has a reference to the mystical city of GoJoseon (2333 BCE-108 BCE) named Asadal.

The fantastical and mysterious world of this drama can be difficult at first, especially if you start the drama at its half. Here is an introductory guide to the drama and basic information about its world.

Note that the translation of the Korean terms -which were specially made for the drama- diverges between the drama's translators.

1- The World

tvN

Arth 아스

Arth also translated as Aseu.

It is an (imaginary) continent where the story takes place.

Arthdal 아스달

The first city of the world of Arth. Around the city, there are various tribes living.

tvN

Iark 이아르크

It is an unknown place down the Great Black Cliff (대흑벽).

tvN

You have to cross the Sea of Tears (눈물의 바다) after the Great Black Cliff to arrive in Iark.

tvN

2- 3 Races

tvN

There are 3 races in this world. They can be distinguished by the color of their lips.

Saram 사람

Saram also translated as People.

At the difference of the Neantal and Igeuteu, they don't dream. Sarams are different from humans.

Their blood is red.

Neantal 뇌안탈

Neantal also translated as Noeantal. The name was made out of Neanderthal.

They speak another language, are stronger than Saram and can see in the dark. They have special skills close to wildlife. They don't have the concept of "land", they are nomads.

Their blood is blue.

tvN

Here are the main Neantals of the drama.

tvN

Igeuteu 이그트

Igeuteu also translated as Igutu and Igt.

They are born from Neantal and Saram. They have all the specificity of both races.

Their blood is purple.

tvN

3- 3 Saram's Tribes

tvN

In the Saram race, there are 3 big tribes. They killed a huge part of the Neantals and with what they call The Great Hunt, they are killing the surviving Neantals. They have tribal meetings to discuss issues between them.

Saenyeok Tribe 새녘족

They have the greatest power. They are in charge of farming and military power. They are the tribe with the most people.

Saenyeok tribe includes the Daekan (대칸) (also translated as Daecan) unit.

Here are the main characters from the Saenyeok tribe of the drama.

tvN

Huinsan Tribe 횐산족

They are also translated as The White Mountain Tribe.

They maintain the order among the 3 tribes. They are in charge of the temple with the Head Priest of Arthdal named Asa Ron. They do premortem ceremonies.

Here are the main characters from the Huinsan tribe of the drama.