Ranarim

Ranarim is a term primarily associated with the Malazan Book of the Fallen fantasy series by author Steven Erikson.

The Ranarim are a nomadic people inhabiting the continent of Lether in the Malazan world. They are known for their distinctive physical characteristics, including their tall stature, lean builds, and often, a tribal affiliation with the Letherii Empire, though often in conflict with them.

Historically, the Ranarim have maintained a complex relationship with the Letherii. Some Ranarim tribes are allied with the Letherii, serving as soldiers or providing other forms of support. Others are fiercely independent, resisting Letherii expansion and control, engaging in raids and skirmishes. The Ranarim are often viewed by the Letherii as a source of both manpower and trouble, embodying the untamed wilderness beyond the cities.

Ranarim culture is depicted as centered around family, tradition, and a deep connection to the land. They are skilled hunters and warriors, adapted to the harsh environment of Lether. Their beliefs often involve animistic elements and reverence for natural spirits and forces. Within the Malazan narrative, they are often caught between the powerful forces of empire and the mystical powers that shape the world.

The Ranarim's role within the larger narrative involves themes of cultural clash, resistance to oppression, and the preservation of identity in the face of encroaching civilization. They represent a connection to a more primal, untamed way of life that is threatened by the expansion of more structured societies.