Hirene Marsh

You may be looking for the great tree Hirene, from which the Marsh takes its name.

The Hirene Marsh is a large lowland swamp location that has flooded over in various parts due to its sunken status and the heavy rain that pelts Gilneas. In the center of the marsh lays the Great Tree, Hirene, from which the marsh takes its name. Placed at a small rise within the droop of the marsh, the tree towers above many of the others but the location of its growth has caused it to be hard to find. Rushing water and countless other swampland trees dot the marsh, resulting in it being quite difficult to traverse on foot. As a result, despite towering over the other trees, the Great Tree is not an effective landmark by sight.

Under the Great Tree is where the Wicker Clan known as The Thorned once made their dwelling. Following the death of the first Wicker King in the War of Thorns, the clan disbanded and scattered to the winds. In their wake, the Thornwind Clan rose from the ashes of their predecessors to continue their ways. Since then, knowledge of the Great Tree became rather limited and few bothered to traverse the marsh as not only was it tricky terrain, the word of Wickers prowling the marsh typically led travelers away. As a result, despite the Thornwind's rather peaceful nature, they enjoyed centuries of undisturbed worship under the tree.

As of the Second Range Rebellion, Hirene Marsh has been moved from the Barony of the Oak into the Earldom of the Gale. The Thornwind have sworn a blood oath to the people of The Reach as well as the Blades of Greymane, making it a popular pilgrimage location for Old Ways followers. The ancient, Yim'nir, has also chosen to make his home within the marsh at the Great Tree in order to rejuvenate his strength following the demise of Ca'ries.