Hertel of Hasä

Hertel of Hasä (Myrish: Hertel av Hasä; c. 1208—1272), born as Hertel Vool but known more commonly by the  Hertel, was a Myrish merchant, explorer, and writer from the Kingdom of Pärhula who traveled throughout East Alutra, the Abayadi, Kasare, Skephon, and Harad along parts of the Pan-Alutran Trade Route from 1229 to 1255. He is the author of The Marvelous Travels of Hertel, c. 1330, which documents his exploration in detail from beginning to end. His writings allowed for the spread of knowledge amongst Eastern Alutrans of the culture, landscapes, and traditions of the Abayadi, Harad, Kasare, and other similarly foreign places, including the grand and wealthy Haksars and several of their tributary territories, the Alerans, Asidama, and more.

Born to his parents Aliis and Oüeg, Hertel was born on a boat to a merchant family operating out of the Port of Hasä. Hertel learned of the merchant trade from his father Oüeg, who himself frequently sailed the Locufaric Coast. Spending many of his days on the dock, Hertel learned how to read and write trading manuscripts in a time where literacy was a rare trait among his class. His literacy eventually landed him in front of the viscount of Pärhula, who commissioned the young trader to map and document trade routes beyond the Salian Sea. Hertel and his brothers would go on to round the Duomoan corridor and enter the Abayadi Sea, where they would abandon their ship in Threazari and continue their exploration on foot along a large portion of the Pan-Alutran Trade Route, documenting many things which had never been seen before by Eastern Alutrans. In Agarad, Hertel was ordered to deliver commands to a Jarader contingent by a nobleman in the Kingdom of Kakere. Hertel went on to visit a variety of destinations in Kasare and Skephon, where he was kidnapped by pirates and sent to a remote island in Asidama. He eventually made it back to Pärhula after being rescued by a fisherman and granted a ship by the supposed King of Asidama.

Hertel's works were originally released as he had written them, but they received no initial attention. Now married, Hertel lived on to become a wealthy merchant with three children. Hertel died in 1272 and was buried at the Arve Breland Temple in Hasä, survived by his child Liveri Vool who refined and edited his works into The Marvelous Travels of Hertel as they are known today. Though Hertel was not the first East Alutran to visit the reaches of Harad and Kasare, he was the first to document it in thorough detail. His book influenced and inspired many explorers after him, including some of the most notable explorers of all time such as Finian Lecos and many other such travelers. His legacy continues to be felt, with certain Hertelian cartographic and literary influence still prominent in present times.

Early life
Hertel was born in the Port of Hasä in 1208 to his mother, Aliis Vool, and his father, Oüeg Vool. His family was a merchant family, and operated out of the highly prosperous port for the Kingdom of Pärhula. His father commanded a ship out of Hasä; however, trade in the region was declining rapidly due to a high amount of instability regarding Salian expansion and their own respective civil war. Additionally, the city-states of Gladomyr were also in a particular state of disarray following the death of viscount Alman of Denkev, which plunged both the Kingdom of Denkev and its many vassal states into a succession crisis. With trade between the city-states being crucial to the health of trade in the region, it proved a substantial challenge to merchants of the era. Born during the midst of this, Hertel's family saw hardship during his upbringing. In 1209 and 1212, Hertel's parents had two more children, Sivert and Arne Vool respectively.

Not much of Hertel's life is known from before the age of 15, but it can be assumed that Hertel grew up and worked on the dock, primarily unloading and loading cargo onto trade ships. Hertel's time reading words on cargo containers and loading instructions allowed him to slowly learn to read and write—a skill uncommon amongst the lower class. His other education was also excellent, learning mercantile subjects including foreign currency, appraising, excellent seamanship, and the handling of cargo ships. His reading and writing abilities soon helped him climb the ranks at the dock, and by the age of 15 he was in charge of the loading and unloading process on the east wing of the port. Managerial positions soon opened up for the young Hertel, and at the age of 19, he got his first —the Bech.

His ability to write also garnered the attention of those outside of the merchant industry, including the viscount Stolė. Worried about the instability of trade for the kingdom, Stolė had long been searching for a talented merchant and salesman who was also literate to search for new potential trade routes beyond the Salian Sea.

In 1228, Hertel was received by Stolė who offered 12,000 münt for locating new trade potentials abroad and documenting them in detail. Hertel was quick to accept the offer, hoping that the earnings would be able to save his family, not knowing just how long the venture would last. He would soon begin preparing both himself and the Bech for the expedition, but realized that he could not do it on his own, and would need a crew. Instead of paying extra for a crew, his brothers, just 17 and 20, instead volunteered for the journey to cut costs.

In 1229, Hertel and his two brothers would leave the Port of Hasä on their expedition.



Alutra
Setting off from Hasä, the mission was to go southwards through the Salian Sea and down the East Alutran seaboard. Packing only around two months' worth of provisions, Hertel planned to live off the land during periodic stops along the seaboard. Documentation in Hertel's journal while still in Eastern Alutra is sparse. Hertel remarked on Damsey Island in Ordrey during his passing which had been embroiled in a conquest from Salia at the time of his visitation. Hertel stopped once more in East Alutra at the settlement of Mirèio in the Aquizi-Martic Union, modern Martland, where he would trade with the locals at the small port and refill the Bech with supplies.

Hertel would continue to sail within view of the coast southwest towards the Duomoan Corridor in order to access the Abayadi Sea—a region which he knew had superb trade potential—which was only beginning to be exploited by the Eastern Alutrans. Hertel would spot the Rock of Duomo, an isolated cliff face used by East Alutrans to identify the beginning of the Duomoan territory, nearly 2 months after the three had set off from Hasä. Hertel ordered the boat to dock at a nearby village to confirm, where he would trade briefly with the locals. After setting off from the village, Hertel would continue to sail close to the coast, partially due to the risk of running aground into s which lay further out to sea. Hertel also knew the trade potential of the region, and documented it thoroughly—remarking on particular areas of interest where larger ports could be constructed.

During his rounding of Duomo, Hertel also began focusing on documenting not just the trade potential of certain regions, but the culture and customs of the people as well. It was in Duomo that Hertel became aware of the Haksar and h'Ejrad, which the region had been converted to not long before. Duomo, which was a tributary state of Haksarad, allowed Hertel to gain insight into the prosperity of the Haksars and their trade, which Hertel now wanted to know more of. As Hertel predicted, trade on the strait was plentiful. Hertel noted the presence of Haksars, Ventorans, Salians, and even several Myrs who lived off the strait. After stopping at 6 different ports on the corridor, Hertel and his brothers would round the cape and enter the Abayadi Sea. The brothers would next stop several times on the island of Duomoisland before continuing on to the north, aiming for the supposed Varadia.

Upon initially entering the Abayadi, Hertel immediately noted the rough seas and extreme weather. This would become brutally obvious around two weeks after setting off towards Varadia when the Bech become caught up in a spot of particularly harsh storm. Hertel wrote:

"'The ocean, once serene and placid, transformed into a seething cauldron of malevolence, its towering waves crashing upon our frail craft, seeking to swallow us whole. 'Twas as if the elements themselves had forsaken us, for the rain fell with such ferocity that it stung the flesh like a thousand arrows. Lightning rent the heavens, illuminating the churning abyss beneath our keel, revealing the true terror that lay beneath. Thunder roared with a voice so deafening that even the most resolute souls trembled with fear.'"

The winds soon blew the Bech off its course, redirecting it towards the northwest, and intense waves caused the destruction of some of the Bech's cargo from extreme rocking. Fearing the boat would capsize, Hertel ordered his brothers to begin throwing heavy cargo overboard or away from the back of the ship in order to lighten the weight on the boat. The cargo included many of the food and gold reserves onboard, but Hertel deemed it necessary for the crew's survival. Between then and dusk, the strong winds pushed the Bech well beyond the distance it would have otherwise traveled. Between flashes of lightning, the crew saw the edges of cliffs on the horizon. Hertel ordered the raising of the sails in order to reach the land quicker, having stowed them earlier in order to slow the ship down. Immediately after raising the sails however, lightning struck the Bech and obliterated the mast, injuring Sivert. Eventually however, the Bech reached a natural harbor where Hertel would dock the ship. By the time the three had woken up the next morning, the Bech had already taken considerable water.

With the Bech being seriously damaged, Hertel resolved to salvage what they could from the boat and walk on foot along the coastline in search of a nearby settlement, still unknowing of the location which they crashed. Sivert's wounds were bound using palm leaves and brush grass. After a day of walking, the three came upon a settlement at last, discovering that they had landed in the Kingdom of Threazari. Still without ship and being unable to carry much, the three bartered for three horses, which they would use henceforth on the expedition.

Now traveling along the inland Pan-Alutran Trade Route, Hertel and his brothers traveled along the Threazari coast and then south through the Tilargi Mountains and into the Duchy of Watan, Ventora. Hertel traveled through Queluz and then along the coast through Portomura and Parné before heading northwards into Alhadas and then across the border into in the Kingdom of Ventora, which happened to be in the midst of the Kleolaikos-Ventoran wars. Hertel noted the patriotism amongst the Ventoran citizens. He traveled southwards into Lora before cutting across the central region of Ventora towards Ascara, where the men were initially refused entrance in fear of the brothers being spies for the Kleolaikos; however, after proving their nationality and expedition, were let into the city. He would then cross the Lávar and traverse into the Tagar region of East Tagaraš. Hugging the coast of the Gulf of Eshar, Hertel continued into Teniqars, where he sought further directions towards Haksarad. Guided to the west, Hertel continued, where he briefly entered modern-day Velorenkya and then finally reaching mainland Haksarad near the Harrat Mountains.

Harad
The journey through the Harrat Mountains was a perilous one. Hertel, unfamiliar with the terrain and struggling to forage amongst the sparse vegetation, soon became lost within the valleys. Threatened with potential fatal, the three were in a desperate position. Luckily, the men happened upon an isolated hamlet within the valley. Hertel was received by the confused locals, but struggled to convey their mission and destination. Using the very limited Manuak that Hertel had managed to acquire, Hertel managed to convey that the men were East Alutran and were attempting to reach Jaliyah.

Seeming to understand, a shepherd known as Kasrim agreed to guide the men through the Harrat Mountains and towards the Haksar capital; however, Sivert refused to accompany the the shepherd, insisting he would find his own way. Indeed, tensions between the three brothers was anything but good. In fact, for several weeks, Sivert had refused to speak to his older brother Hertel after a disagreement regarding rations. After a drawn-out argument, Hertel allowed Sivert to continue by himself, while he, Arne, and Kasrim retrace their steps and trust the guidance of the shepherd. Sivert and Hertel agreed to meet in Jaliyah. With the knowledge of the shepherd Kasrim, the three men managed to live off of the sparse vegetation in the valleys. Kasrim would prove to be extremely competent in the geography of Haksarad, and the three men had soon surpassed the worst of the Harrat Mountains, emerging onto the foothills of the opposite end and reaching the Sea of Dasir. Making their way along the northern coast of the sea, the three finally reached the city of Jaliyah, with Hertel describing the city as follows:

"'As I entered the city's threshold, my senses were enraptured by a symphony of sights and sounds. It was obvious that the sight of a foreign traveler was nothing but normal. The bustling marketplaces, vibrant and teeming with life, unfolded like a tapestry woven from a thousand hues. Merchants, draped in silken robes, hawked their wares with persuasive charm, enticing passersby with gleaming jewels, fragrant spices, and the silken threads of far-off lands. Through labyrinthine alleyways, we wandered, my senses intoxicated by the melange of aromas that permeated the air. The heady scent of frankincense and myrrh mingled with the tantalizing aroma of cardamom and saffron, drawing me into hidden alcoves and secret gardens where whispered tales unfolded.'"

From Jaliyah, Hertel was told of Agarad and Aliqah. Along with the shepherd Kasrim, Hertel and Arne set off once more to the west across the northern coast of the Sea of Dasir after Sivert failed to arrive in Jaliyah within 2 months. The three continued to hug the coast of the Sea of Dasir and, by chance, reunited with Sivert on the western coast of the Dasir. Reunited, the four men crossed the Hibrag Mountains and into the desert of Agarad. Guided by locals, Hertel and his men traversed along the Mishrawad River towards the capital Aliqah, both following the river on horseback and eventually riding the river on a canoe. This region would become the most in-depth region covered in Hertel's documentation, with 31 different entries being written on the river. In one instance during their trip, Hertel and his men joined a caravan of traveling merchants whom they crossed paths with. Unfortunately, the party was soon attacked by bandits, who used the cover of a sandstorm to ambush them. Hertel and his men managed to fight and escape through a nearby hamlet, but many members of the caravan were killed or enslaved. Indeed, the tight valleys of the Hibrag Mountains were historically a dangerous place for merchants, as the valleys proved an easy place to ambush.

Upon reaching the walls of the capital, the four men were refused entry. With the help of an exiled city guard, however, the men managed to sneak into the city; however, word of the foreigners quickly spread across the city, eventually reach the Agar nobleman Mana ha-Dardaki. Fascinated by the travelers, ha-Dardaki requested the men to be found and brought to his palace immediately. Hertel and his men were soon enough found by the city's guard and ha-Dardaki's appeal was fulfilled. Fearing enslavement, Hertel, now knowledgeable in Manuak, pleaded to the nobleman to be let free; however, ha-Dardaki instead tasked the four men to deliver urgent orders to an Agar Jarader contingent in the city of Iròiyè in the Kingdom of Kakere, modern day Alero. Hertel was to be granted a ship, and a convoy of 24 other Agar cogs were to accompany them. Hertel was fascinated by the Agar ships, writing:

"'The Alutran cog, a stout and sturdy craft, bore the hallmarks of strength and resilience. With its robust construction and broad-beamed frame, it possessed a formidable presence upon the waves. Clad in the armor of wooden planks, it withstood the onslaught of tempestuous gales and turbulent seas, a steadfast bulwark amidst the roiling deep. Yet, when I beheld the Aksorian cog ship, its elegant silhouette, graced with lofty masts and silken sails, evoked a sense of ethereal grace. The fine craftsmanship exhibited in every inch of its design bespoke a meticulous attention to detail, a testament to the wisdom of the artisans who birthed such marvels.'"

Unfortunately, the 5-month journey across the Ajo Sea proved to be a perilous one—of the two hundred people in the convoy, only 48 had survived (including the entirety of Hertel and his men). At last, however, Hertel made contact with the city of Kozhi on the Kozhi Peninsula. Recuperated, the remaining convoy set off once more, landing briefly in Takaije before finally arriving in Iròiyè.

Kasare
Once the four men arrived in Iròiyè, a critical juncture was reached in the expedition led by Hertel. He successfully delivered the message he carried to the Agar contingent, albeit amidst escalating tensions between him and his brothers. Prior to their arrival, the quartet had heard rumors of a potential alternative route, one that bypassed the perilous Horn of Kasare, and instead offered a path that would take them around the continent and back towards their homeland of Alutra. However, Hertel, displaying caution and concern for their safety, vehemently opposed this treacherous journey. Hertel advocated for an alternative plan that involved crossing the vast expanse of the Aleran desert towards a supposed sea on the opposite end. He aimed to reach a fabled Golden City located on the opposite end, where he believed they could procure another ship. However, his brothers adamantly disagreed, dismissing his proposal and casting both Hertel and Kasrim off the ship, effectively stranding them. Left with no choice, the two brothers found themselves in a precarious situation, far from home and unfamiliar with the surrounding region.

Desperate to find a means to continue their journey, Hertel and Kasrim sought assistance at the port in Iròiyè. Sadly, their hopes of securing immediate passage on a ship were dashed. Nonetheless, their perseverance led them to encounter a glimmer of hope in the form of valuable information. They were provided with directions to the legendary "golden city" located at the far end of the landmass. To sustain themselves and gather the necessary resources for their next move, Hertel worked diligently in a porcelain shop on the port of Iròiyè for a period spanning two years, valued for his skill in appraising and foreign currency. The toil and dedication invested in this pursuit enabled him to amass some monetary funds, a vital prerequisite for their upcoming endeavors. Finally equipped with the means to progress, the determined duo embarked on a grueling journey across the daunting Kasaran desert, relying on the resilience of their trusty camel companions.

Their path was not without hardships, as they encountered numerous challenges along the way. Bandit attacks loomed as constant threats, necessitating their perpetual vigilance. Nevertheless, Hertel and Kasrim persisted, taking respite periodically at hamlets and oases that dotted their arduous route. Their steadfast determination gradually brought them closer to their destination, the shores of the Banubia Sea, near the present-day location of Ndireyo. It was at this juncture that Hertel's unwavering spirit encountered a stroke of fortune.

He successfully secured a ship and enlisted a capable crew to navigate the vessel back towards their homeland of Hasä. However, Hertel found himself in an unfamiliar predicament, entirely dependent on the expertise and guidance of his crew and the enslaved individuals onboard. In this uncertain voyage, Hertel had to place his trust in the collective wisdom of those around him, as he lacked the knowledge of their precise location and the navigational skills to chart a course back home.

Skephon
Following their eventful voyage across the Banubia Sea, Hertel and his crew made a strategic stop at the trade city of Namdala, situated within the Okandani Kingdom along the Gagalalo Peninsula. This stop provided the explorers with an opportunity to replenish their supplies and engage in trade with the local merchants frequenting the bustling port. Continuing their journey, the intrepid adventurers arrived at Dawgu Island, a remote landmass. However, their presence on the island was nearly disrupted when they narrowly escaped plundering marauders. Skillful navigation allowed Hertel and his crew to evade their would-be assailants, prompting them to depart from the Sea of Banubia and venture into open waters.

As their vessel sailed onward, Hertel's curiosity led them to another notable stopover at Dayan, a coastal state that offered insights into local customs and traditions. This visit allowed the crew to replenish their provisions and engage with the inhabitants of the enclave. Undeterred by the challenges encountered, Hertel and his steadfast crew skillfully navigated their vessel along the westernmost point of the Gosphöd Peninsula, passing by Mitruhmoer, undertaking a detour around the Jechhêr Sea. Unfortunately, shortly after stopping at their first stop within Mitruhmoer, Hertel fell severely ill with an unknown ailment after making contact with the locals.

Despite his deteriorating condition, Hertel continued his journey, following the Mudruvese coast. However, his frailty and weakened state posed significant challenges. Nonetheless, Hertel continued, and was soon approaching the Ornyenka-Sthulista Strait, a crucial passageway leading to the final stretch on his long-awaited return to Hasä. A week after passing through however, fate dealt a cruel blow. While seeking provisions on a small uninhabited island approximately one kilometer off the coast, Hertel's ship was raided by pirates. The marauders, originating from Asidama, seized the vessel, leaving Hertel stranded on the desolate isle with only his writings—concealed under his briefs.

Alone and with his health rapidly declining, Hertel faced the grim reality of his situation. Believing his final moments were at hand, he recorded his thoughts and reflections in his logs. Miraculously, a compassionate Dama fisherman discovered Hertel on the island, near death. The fisherman transported Hertel to his village, where he received care and gradually regained his strength. News of Hertel's survival spread throughout the region, eventually reaching an individual who Hertel believed to be the King of Asidama. Recognizing Hertel's indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication, the monarch provided him with a new ship and a capable crew, facilitating his journey back home.

With renewed determination, Hertel set sail once again, guided by the expertise of his crew and the lessons learned throughout his arduous expedition. Navigating the vast and treacherous waters, he finally arrived in Hasä in 1255, 26 years after embarking on his ambitious quest. Hertel's return marked the culmination of an extraordinary odyssey, embodying the courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit of exploration that defined him as a prominent figure of his time.

Return and death
Hertel's return was only to limited fanfare. Many had forgotten his quest, and the viscount who commissioned his skills had long since died. Hertel did receive his payment of 12,000 münt, and had his remaining treasures attained during his journey converted into gold and münt. The earnings had made Hertel extremely wealthy, and he quickly rose along the social ladder in a time where Myrs were infrequently above the lowermost classes. Sharing his wealth amongst his surviving family members, Hertel lived a prosperous post-expedition life, living out his later-life still as a merchant. Hertel married a woman named Vera and had 3 children—Liveri, Maj-Gun, and Svea Vool.

Though prosperous, Hertel was still haunted by the fact that his brothers had not yet found their way back. Hertel, knowing that his brothers had likely perished whilst trying to round the Horn of Kasare, refused to release his journal to the general public, and only shared his findings of productive trade routes with the viscount and other merchants. For many years, Hertel was only known for this, even though his wife Vera had appealed to Hertel to release his journal for many years.

In 1271, Hertel was confined to bed, due to severe illness. On 19 July 1272, despite doctors' efforts to cure him, Hertel was now on his deathbed. His wife and his three children were appointed by him as s. In his will, he divided up the rest of his assets, including several properties, among individuals, religious institutions, and every guild and fraternity to which he belonged, including to his two brothers Sivert and Arne, even though they had not been seen since the division in the Kingdom of Kakere. He also wrote off multiple debts including 300 münt that his sister-in-law owed him, and others for the temple. The exact date of Hertel's death cannot be determined, but according to some scholars it was between the sunsets of 1 and 2 September 1272.

Fate of Sivert, Arne, and Kasrim
Neither Sivert, Arne, or Kasrim, were ever documented again following their final mentionings in Hertel's journal. Multiple theories regarding their fates exist, especially for the brothers Sivert and Arne. Four main theories for the fates of the brothers exist and are as follows: Equal amounts of evidence or lack of evidence supports all of the leading 4 theories. Experts agree that, due to the treacherousness of the journey, it is doubtful that the brothers could have made it beyond Kasare and into Skephon or beyond. A boat log from Masabea, Poroma, mentions two light-skinned travelers aboard an Agar cog passing by around the time that the brothers would have passed; however this could have just as easily been Agars or Haksars completely unrelated to Sivert and Arne. More outlandish theories for the two brothers suggest that they survived and sailed the journey across the Locufaric and into Tiridinia. Another theory states that the brothers successfully made it back to Pärhula, but lived a secretive life away from any historical records.
 * Sivert and Arne, less experienced in seamanship than Hertel, became embroiled in a severe storm which led to the sinking of the Agar ship and their deaths.
 * Sivert and Arne realized how difficult of a journey the rounding of the Horn would be, and abandoned the ship at some point along the way, either dying soon after or living the remainder of their lives where their boat was abandoned.
 * Sivert and Arne were attacked by bandits, taking the two brothers and either killing them or selling them into slavery.
 * The brothers successfully managed to round the Horn of Kasare, but either became lost or abandoned their ship shortly after.

Kasrim's fate has much less animosity surrounding it. Captured by Dama pirates, the shepherd was either killed or sold into slavery. Some theories suggest Kasrim may have been spared from slavery due to his ethnic background, but these reasons are debatable.

The Marvelous Travels of Hertel
Hertel's journal was first released to the public one year after his death in 1273, though the texts initially gained barely any public traction due to Hertel's sometimes unintelligible handwriting. Hertel's son, Liveri, went on to take Hertel's original manuscripts and thoroughly update them, releasing the first iteration of The Marvelous Travels of Hertel in 1330. In contemporary times, A total of about 128 editions of the novel in various languages are known to exist, written at numerous points between 1330 and present day. Before the availability of, errors were frequently made during copying and translating, so there are many differences between the various copies, leading to the questionable authenticity of numerous parts of his novel.

The first edition of The Marvelous Travels of Hertel was in a heavily regional dialect of Common Myrish—the predecessor to modern Myrish. A second edition can be found in Old Eduran and a third in Tretuish. Salian, Ordrish, Lathadun, Ecoralian, and Renesian editions would be released in the following decades and centuries, with the Myrish edition also receiving frequent updates from both the Vool family lineage and other enthusiasts.

The novel would first gain widespread international attention at the advent of the printing press, where copies of the novel were frequently printed and sent all across Alutra. The detailed and sometimes fantastical stories by Hertel made the writings extremely popular among East Alutrans in a time where travel to anywhere beyond Duomo was a foreign concept. The places documented by Hertel were frequently places not yet explored by East Alutrans, including many of the places west of the Hibrag Mountains in Haksarad. Though word of the Agar existed in the reaches of East Alutra, knowledge of the people were sparse amongst a plurality of the populace.

More contemporary editions of The Marvelous Travels of Hertel have been attempted to be as faithful to the original editions of Hertel's journal as possible, including footnotes on the debated authenticity or omissions in some sections.

Omissions and inconsistencies
In the aftermath of the wide dissemination of his novel chronicling his remarkable journey, The Marvelous Travels of Hertel came under scrutiny by experts, revealing a series of omissions and inconsistencies throughout the multiple entries of the novel. One notable omission in Hertel's narrative pertains to the inconsistencies that arise which relates to Hertel's descriptions of geographical landmarks and locations. While Hertel's vivid portrayal of his surroundings paints a captivating picture, some experts have noted discrepancies between his accounts and established cartographic records. These inconsistencies cast doubt on the precision and accuracy of Hertel's spatial recollections. It is plausible that the passage of time, the challenges of navigation, and the limitations of mapping techniques during the era could have contributed to these discrepancies. However, experts still approach Hertel's geographical depictions with a critical lens.

Another omission is the relationship between Hertel and Kasrim. While the novel depicts Kasrim as a shepherd who willingly accompanied Hertel and his brothers along the journey, it is also likely that Kasrim was enlisted as a servant for Hertel, either by force or with pay. The original manuscripts by Hertel notably lack a solid reasoning for Kasrim's accompaniment with the men, leading some historians with the conclusion that Kasrim did not volunteer willingly to the expedition. If true, these details were likely omitted due to the potential immorality of having a foreign servant—traditional Myrish customs forbidding servants of a different tongue who may not be able to understand their responsibilities.

Some experts also doubt the authenticity of Hertel's visit with Agar nobleman Mana ha-Dardaki. Historical Agar manuscripts never mention any visitation by Hertel or any of his brothers, even though the same manuscripts document many other visitations. It's possible that Hertel had only heard of the nobleman ha-Dardaki and wished to add a reasoning for his journey towards the Kingdom of Kakere. It is also likely that the Agar scribes simply did not mention Hertel due to the fact that they were not on official business in the capital.

By far the most infamous inconsistency in Hertel's writings is his meeting with the supposed king of Asidama. The region in which Hertel was stranded, the far south, was nowhere near the capital Yan, even though Hertel's writings make the meeting out to have taken place nearby. While some claim that this was the purposeful work of Hertel to make his journey seem more "heroic" than otherwise, it is indeed more likely that Hertel mistook a regional noble for the king of Asidama due to the language barrier. Hertel may have seen the decorated man and his palace and assumed the man to be uppermost royal in the island nation.

There are many other details in Hertel's writings that are still hotly debated to this day, including the true reasoning for Hertel and his brothers' split, Hertel's journey across the Kasaran Desert, and numerous of his rest points along the way. The claim that Hertel's writings are far more fantastical than the reality would legitimately be can be found on occasion, but there are an equal amount of arguments that prove the authenticity of Hertel's writings.

Legacy
The legacy of Hertel, the intrepid explorer and author, extends far beyond his lifetime, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of exploration and literature. Despite the potential limitations of his narrative, Hertel's writings continue to captivate audiences and have served as a source of inspiration for numerous generations. Hertel's vivid and imaginative account of his journey influenced many others, including additional famous explorers of different eras, including Finian Lecos and other travelers. His work, have had a lasting impact on the field of exploration itself.

His account served as a catalyst for subsequent expeditions and inspired a new wave of adventurers to embark on daring quests to uncover the secrets of unexplored regions. His travels continue to serve as a guiding light for those who seek to push the boundaries of human exploration. Beyond exploration, Hertel's literary contributions have left an indelible imprint on the world of literature. His memoir, though potentially embellished or incomplete, offered readers a glimpse into the trials and triumphs of an individual navigating unfamiliar landscapes. His ability to weave together compelling narratives with vivid descriptions of his surroundings and emotions continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike.

Furthermore, Hertel's legacy extends to the realms of historical research and cultural studies. While his writings may have raised questions about accuracy and perspective, they nonetheless provide valuable insights into the social, cultural, and geographical landscapes of the era. Scholars and researchers continue to mine Hertel's accounts for glimpses into the past, shedding light on the diverse societies, trade routes, and interactions that characterized the regions he explored.

Hertel is widely popular in his homeland of Gladomyr, and his burial place is a national monument. Every year on September 1, memorializing his death date, the city of Denkev holds the De Reisendes Festival, literally "Festival of the Travelers", in celebration of his and the other many Myrish explorers' travels.

Film

 * Journey of the Unknown: Hertel of Hasä (1925)
 * Uncharted Horizons: The Legendary Expedition of Hertel (1936)
 * Tales from Distant Shores: The Epic Voyage of Hertel (1947)
 * Beyond the Golden City: Hertel's Odyssey (1948)
 * Hertel of Hasä (1959)
 * Hertel of Hasä (1970)
 * Echoes of Exploration: The Hertel Chronicles (1981)
 * In the Wake of Hertel: A Journey of Redemption (1992)
 * The Uncharted Path: Hertel (2004)
 * Hertel (2021)

Literature
The travels of Hertel of Hasä are fictionalized in a number of pieces of literature, such as:


 * Kona Bremond's Hertel of Hasä (1921)
 * Faraway Cities (1972), in which Hertel appears as a pivotal character.
 * The Wanderer (1984), in which Hertel is a main character