The Magri (Ap. "Land-folk") were the dominant ethnicity of humans living in the realm of Mag in the Utter South of Middle-earth. They were well-suited to warm, tropical climates. Most preferred living in the highlands, wetlands, urban areas, or the edge of the jungle.
The Magri were a tribal people of the Utter South, where they inhabited the lands of Mag and Tûmag. They were not a unified people but consisted of a great number of often estranged and divided clans or tribes. Even the division between their two home countries was not so much a political one than one between "Land" ("Mag") and "wooded land" ("Tûmag"). Most lived along the coasts or riverine valleys, and apart from fishing and boat-building, violent sea-raids made up much of their quite war-like culture. Their reputation for loyalty, honor, and chivalry however also made them quite popular as mercenaries, and it was not uncommon to meet entire clans or tribes far off their original homelands in service of one or more local potentates. Luckily inner tribal struggles always kept them from uniting against a common enemy and becoming a notable power by themselves.
They were a superstitious folk and worshiped a number of tribal Idols, including Roh'lô, spirit of darkness and souls; Alâv, spirit of fire and light; Kutamaryi, spirit of winds and waters; and Ardri, spirit of earth and plants. These however seemed to show little similarities with any the Valar, and had sometimes been guessed to have been rather based on ancient demons.
They spoke "Magrin", a dialect of the more common Apysaic family.
Ethnic origins[]
The Usakani-forefathaers came from Narne stock in later Bûlkhyades, sailing to what woukd later be known as Ûsakan in huge, primitive ships. In the years between S.A. 610-40, six of the tribes living in southern Ûsakan migrated southward into the wilds which would later become Mag and Tûmag. The "Mag" were the three tribes that lived west of the river Rusek.
Being Narne, they were distantly related to the Apysani and the Mûmakani. Some showed signs of Númenórean blood in their veins, although such traits were uncommon in the Third Age.
Political structure[]
The three tribes of Magri (Usij, Gamikis, and Mudug) were ruled by six clan leaders. For each tribe, the greatest warrior or charismatic diplomat was chosen as the Woraka (Ma. "Father"). His wife (or girlfriend) became the Nurake (Ma. "Mother"]. If the Woraka had no female at his side, a Nurake was chosen by the tribe in the same manner as he was. The Woraka and Nurake made all of the political decisions for their tribe, and also led religious affairs. The two leaders were elected by the clan every ten years.
Social structure[]
Life in Mag varied from region to region. The three tribes traded and interacted with each other throughout the year, but only lightly. The tribal boundaries of the prior few hundred years were beginning to disappear as the Mag were becoming more and more sophisticated. Even so, the three tribal areas were populated mostly by the tribes that had always been there. The Usij lived, in their greater numbers, in Durkandig. The Gamikis preferred the northern regions of the Ugab Mag. Rakal, Thega, Hosis, and Okavango were cities with large populations of Gamikis. The beaches and the southern Ugab Mag were home to the Mudug tribe, who were often sailors and fishermen. The larger cities, forests, and northern regions of Mag were populated by a mixture of the tribes, and other races such as the Tûmag and the Black Númenóreans. In the beginning of “Winter” all three came together on the southern shore to have a great festival, the Osderaga. Of the many activities, trading was the most exercised.
The Mag rejected Númenórean culture, unlike their Tûmag neighbors. The Mag remained culturally close to their older ways, accepting new ones only when it was beneficial. They admired the Númenóreans for their knowledge of warcraft and architecture, and therefore assimilated them, but they scorned much of the other Númenórean ways. The Mag remained strong and sure of themselves, even when held in the light of the somewhat more economically successful Tûmag.
Slavery was common, especially in the cities, where the market for foreign slaves was a growing trade.
Military structure[]
The Mag were a somewhat war-like race. At the age of ten, many Magri were formally trained with the Adka, a long handled, two-handed mace. They usually received training with scimitars, short bows, and spears as well. Those associated with the Sedêre may have had experience in the field of martial arts.
Each tribe had its own muster of approximately 6000 men. In times of great need the three tribes could unite and fight together.
Currency[]
The Mag “minted” their own currency, although all of it had to be sent to Tûmag, where it was inspected and marked by the royal treasury. Most of the coins were made of jade; the rest were of silver and Electrum.
Appearance[]
Average build and height, the Mag were a hardy people. Their skin was dark brown, and their hair was black or brown and curly. Like their proto-Ûsakani ancestors, the Mag were almost never bearded. Grey, brown, or hazel eyes were the most common. The men and women of Mag were fond of stretching their earlobes, using pieces of wood to make larger and larger the holes that were made in the ears at the age of five. It was considered attractive to have very large holes in one's ears, which were often decorated with earrings. Clothing normally consisted of light pants and boots. Shirts, when worn, were made of silk or other loose, soft material. The Mag were fond of bright colors and tried to make use of as many as possible.
Housing[]
Finely made wooden huts dotted the shores of the Southern Seas, while round rock houses dominated the hills and highlands. Larger wooden huts were found near the forests. Most homes had many windows and were built low to the ground, sometimes half-way in lt. Mag kitchens were separate from the house. They resembled gazebos with a large fire-pit within.
Many architectural concepts were taken from the Númenórean colonists in the Second Age. Large manors, castles, and bridges were either built by the descendants of the Númenóreans or by the Mag architects whose designs were adapted from the works of the Edain of the West.
Diet[]
Mag diets consisted of a myriad of meats, spices, fish, and liquor. The Mudug tribe lived along the coasts of southern Mag, so their meals were made mostly of shellfish, crab, fish, and sea-weed. The two northern tribes hunted deer, turtles, and birds that were native to their area. Many fruits found their way onto the dinner plate as well.
A large beetle called the Tajeg was considered a delicacy among the Mag. It was fried in a spicy broth and sliced along the belly for easy access to its soft meat.
The Omgegi were never eaten, for they were sacred to both the Mag and Tûmag.
Worship[]
Mag religion revolved around a variety of nature gods. The most revered was Namur, the god of the sky (Manwë). The master of the wilderness, Audaj (Oromë), was also popular.
Temples were built for each god, as a way to "communicate" with him or her. Huge, elaborate structures were found all over Mag. Most were erected away from cities, in the mountains, hills, and jungles.
Every year the people of Mag made a journey to the temple of their chosen god and make offerings. This was a very formal occasion and was not taken lightly by the Mag.
Magri of note or renown[]
Ca. Third Age 1640-1650
Men: Aellitat, Legate of Indûr Alginda of the Gamikis Cynolis of the Mudug Admiral Gashal Queen (Tamska) Hanan Kadamb of the Gamikis Kaluthur the Pirate Ko (Queen's page) Logajan of the Usij Obral of the Mudug Pothek (Chief of Modune) Rakija, Priestess of the Hurthaz Princess Sendla T'Del of the Usij
Elves: Vâl-Gark
Other: Athum the Elf-Demon Bloodbark the Ent Greyroot the Ent Jovkuar the Demon Windcatcher the Ent