The history of Runeterra is not merely a tale of warring nations and political intrigue; it is a tapestry woven from the threads of cosmic intervention and primordial emergence. To understand the current state of the world, one must look upward toward the celestial heavens and backward toward the dawn of time. This guide explores the “Alien Heroes”—beings whose origins lie far beyond the terrestrial bounds of Runeterra—and the “Ancestors”—the ancient, god-like entities whose very existence sculpted the mountains, rivers, and cultures of the world we know today.
Celestial Sovereigns: The Architects of the Cosmos
Long before the first civilizations rose in Shurima or the Freljord, entities of unimaginable power drifted through the vacuum of the cosmos. These beings, often referred to as Celestials or Aspects, operate on a scale that dwarfs mortal comprehension. Their interaction with Runeterra has defined the planet’s magical laws and its defense against existential threats like the Void.
Aurelion Sol: The Star Forger
Aurelion Sol is perhaps the most prominent “alien” entity within the lore. He did not originate from Runeterra; rather, he is a cosmic dragon who filled the empty canvas of the universe with celestial wonders. His relationship with Runeterra is one of tragic servitude. Deceived by the early inhabitants of Targon, he was bound by a magical crown that forced his power to serve the Targonians. Aurelion Sol’s lore emphasizes the vastness of the universe and the hubris of mortals who seek to control cosmic forces.
- Origin: The Celestial Realm / Deep Space.
- Primary Contribution: Creation of stars and celestial bodies.
- Current Status: Seeking freedom from the Targonians’ magical leash.
Primordial Spirits: The Ancient Gods of the Freljord
While the Celestials looked down from above, the Freljord was being shaped by the “Old Gods”—the firstborn spirits of the land. These ancestors represent the raw elements of Runeterra: fire, ice, and storm. Their conflicts and creations laid the groundwork for the harsh northern territories and the culture of the tribes that inhabit them.
Ornn: The Fire Below the Mountain
Ornn, the Freljordian demi-god of forging and craftsmanship, is the eldest of his siblings. Unlike other deities who crave worship, Ornn values solitude and hard work. He is credited with creating the foundational structures of the world, including the Hearth-Home. His battle with his brother, Volibear, is a legendary event that reshaped the geography of the Freljord, demonstrating the sheer physical impact these ancestors had on the planet.
| Primordial God | Element / Domain | Key Legendary Feat |
|---|---|---|
| Ornn | Forge and Fire | Forging the world’s most powerful artifacts. |
| Volibear | Storm and War | The creation of the first great storms. | Anivia | Ice and Rebirth | Protecting the Freljord through endless cycles of life. |
The Interstellar Travelers: Soraka and the Cost of Mortality
Not all celestial beings view Runeterra from a distance. Soraka, known as the Starchild, is a prime example of an alien entity who sacrificed her divinity to guide the mortal races. Originally a being of pure celestial energy, she descended to the physical plane because she could not bear to see the suffering of mortals.
The Sacrifice of Divinity
Soraka’s journey is a profound exploration of empathy. By taking on a mortal form, she became subject to the very pain she sought to heal. Her presence on Runeterra is a bridge between the “Outer Realms” and the terrestrial world. Soraka uses the power of the stars to mend wounds, yet every spell she casts takes a toll on her own life force, highlighting the “cost” of cosmic intervention in mortal affairs.
The Wandering Caretaker: Bard and Cosmic Equilibrium
Bard is a celestial vagabond whose origins are shrouded in mystery. Unlike Aurelion Sol, who seeks to create, or Soraka, who seeks to heal, Bard’s primary mission is Equilibrium. He is an extra-dimensional traveler who only appears when the balance of the universe is threatened by artifacts or entities that do not belong in the current timeline.
The Chimes of the Universe
Bard does not communicate through traditional language but through musical tones that resonate with the harmony of the spheres. He is a truly “alien” hero because his motivations are entirely non-human. He may save a village or allow it to fall, depending on what serves the greater cosmic balance. This detachment makes him one of the most enigmatic figures in Runeterra’s history.
The Frozen Legacy: Lissandra and the Frostguard
The history of ancestors is often marred by betrayal and secret pacts. Lissandra, the Ice Witch, represents the dark side of Runeterra’s ancient history. Along with her sisters, Serylda and Avarosa, she ruled the Freljord in its infancy. However, her hunger for power led her to strike a bargain with the Watchers—horrific entities from the Void.
The Burial of the Watchers
To save the world from the very threat she invited, Lissandra was forced to sacrifice her sisters and the ancient “Iceborn” to entomb the Watchers in True Ice. This act of “ancestral sacrifice” created the Howling Abyss. Today, Lissandra spends her eternity maintaining the ice, acting as a secret guardian of the world, albeit one built on a foundation of lies and ancient blood.
Ascended Ancestry: The Rise and Fall of Shuriman Emperors
In the southern deserts, the concept of “ancestors” takes a more structured, imperial form. The Ascended of Shurima were mortals who, through the Sun Disc, were infused with celestial power to become god-warriors. These beings, such as Azir and Nasus, served as the literal and figurative ancestors of the Shuriman empire.
Azir and the Sun Disc
Azir’s story is one of restoration. As an ancient emperor who was betrayed on the day of his Ascension, his return to life marks the revival of an ancestral lineage. The Sun Disc itself is a piece of celestial technology brought to Runeterra, showing how “alien” power was harnessed by “ancestors” to create a civilization that lasted for millennia.
The Prehistoric Yordle: Gnar and the Ancient Ice
Not all ancestors are towering gods or powerful sorcerers. Gnar, the Missing Link, provides a glimpse into the prehistoric life of Runeterra. As an ancient Yordle who was frozen in True Ice during the time of the Watchers, Gnar is a living fossil.
A Bridge to the Primeval Past
Gnar’s existence proves that Yordles have been a part of Runeterra’s ecosystem since the beginning. His ability to transform into “Mega Gnar” suggests that ancient Yordles possessed a raw, primal magic that has since been tempered by time and civilization. He serves as a chaotic reminder of the world’s untamed youth.
Synthesis: How Alien and Ancestral Beings Shape Runeterra
The intersection of alien intervention and ancestral development is what makes Runeterra unique. The Celestials provided the raw materials and the magical framework, while the Ancestors—whether they were Freljordian gods or Shuriman emperors—built the world upon that framework. Modern Runeterra is the result of these two forces colliding, often violently.
From the influence of the Aspects on Targon to the lingering magic of the Old Gods in the Freljord, the past is never truly gone. It lives on in the champions who fight on the Fields of Justice, many of whom are either direct descendants of these ancient lineages or avatars of celestial power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q1: Are the Aspects of Targon considered “Alien” or “Ancestors”?
- The Aspects themselves (the celestial essences) are “Alien” as they originate from the Celestial Realm. However, the hosts they inhabit (like Leona or Diana) are mortals of Runeterra. They represent a fusion of celestial power and terrestrial ancestry.
- Q2: Who is the oldest known entity on Runeterra?
- While Aurelion Sol is older than the planet itself, among the beings tied to the land, Ornn and his siblings (Volibear and Anivia) are among the oldest primordial spirits. The Watchers are also ancient, though they originate from the Void, which predates creation.
- Q3: Why did Soraka leave the celestial realm?
- Soraka descended because she felt a deep compassion for the mortal races of Runeterra. She saw their suffering and potential, choosing to give up her immortality and celestial form to act as a guide and healer on the physical plane.
- Q4: Is Gnar related to modern Yordles like Teemo or Lulu?
- Yes, Gnar is an ancient ancestor of the modern Yordle race. He represents a prehistoric branch of Yordle evolution, possessing much more primal and volatile magic than his modern descendants.
- Q5: What is the relationship between the Sun Disc and the Celestials?
- The Sun Disc was constructed using knowledge gifted to Shurimans by the Aspects of Targon. It was designed to funnel the power of the sun (a celestial body) into mortals to create the Ascended, effectively bridging the gap between human ancestors and alien power.