Tyrannia in Modern Neopia

     Tyrannian Victory Day continues to mark an important milestone for the descendants of the Tyrannian war. Though their ancestors used their fearsome tusks, thick hides and powerful claws to aid in the defeat of the Monoceraptor and ensuing invasions, today’s Tyrannia paints a different picture. Although still adorned with the prehistoric markers of a time long forgotten, Tyrannia has barely maintained its tough exterior through the ages and it begs the question - what does it mean to be Tyrannian in modern Neopia?

     This is Neostyle reporting on the culture and community of Neopia. And to answer today’s question, we headed to the Tyrannian War Memorial to speak to someone about a very important figure in Tyrannia’s history.

     Waiting just inside the memorial, we see an enthusiastic Desert Kyrii awaiting us, beaming. Her name is Kyrua and although she lives in The Lost Desert now, she is the granddaughter of the historic Tyrammet Elder, Kyruggi. Kyrua agreed to speak to us today about her grandmother’s role in Tyrannia and how she feels it’s shaped and influenced the Tyrannia we know and love today.

     “So what do you think has been the biggest change to Tyrannia since the Tyrannian War ended?” we asked her.

     Kyrua grins and after pausing, explains, “Tyrannia has always been somewhere you feel proud to be a part of. My grandmother was a fierce leader and even though she has retired, she still maintains a very big role in our lives. So, I guess to answer your question, the biggest change in Tyrannia is that we have been able to focus on enjoying our lives and connecting with each other, since the war, instead of having to defend it.”

     Kyrua was born in Tyrannia but her mother was originally from the Lost Desert, where she lives now. But she says her family always stayed very close, and since the discovery of Tyrannia, Neopets from all across the globe have been very adamant about protecting and nurturing the peaceful and idyllic lifestyles of its citizens. We followed up with, “So why do you think it’s important we all celebrate Tyrannian Victory Day today?”

     Kyrua leads us through the War Memorial halls that highlighted the invasions of Tyrannia and the attacks it had faced in exploiting its rich lands and flourishing ecosystem. It paints a grisly image of the challenges Tyrannians had once faced and the uncertainty many felt, but Kyrua says the hardships her ancestors faced are reminders of how grateful and peaceful we need to be today. She had told us many of the residents today don’t remember the war well, and have grown to enjoy a peaceful lifestyle, but that it was important for new and young Neopians in Tyrannia to celebrate the victory too. “It’s all our victory, really.” she adds.

     “I think it’s important we continue to celebrate Tyrannian Victory Day because it helps us to connect with the other lands and Neopets. We might not be the peaceful land we are today, if Neopets from distant places hadn’t stood by us to defend from those invasions and we’re very grateful”.

     Kyrua finally leads us to an impressive portrait in the centre of the memorial. It’s a large painting of Kyruggi, and while Kyrua chuckles that her grandmother ‘totally despised such a tribute’, she is very glad her grandmother was able to be recognised and appreciated for her dedication to Tyrannia.

     “My grandmother was one of six other Elders in Tyrammet, but she was the Grand Elder. She once told me that she became the Grand Elder so she could help guide Tyrannia out of its turbulent history and uncertain future, into a positive and exciting land she knew it was, you know, deep down.”

     Kyrua says Kyruggi now lives on the outskirts of Tyrannia, explaining that while her former-Warrior grandmother loved the bustle of the tribe goings-on in her former days, today Kyruggi enjoys a quiet lifestyle where she can spend more time with her extended family.

     We headed to Kyruggi’s hut to speak to the ex-Elder in person, where we wanted to learn more about her experience and how she shaped Tyrannia’s history. We were still trying to find out more about what it means to be Tyrannian, and who better to ask than the Kyrii who led Tyrannia into the peaceful era it knows today.

     When Neopets speak of Elder Kyruggi, the image that manifests is often one of a brutal, fearsome and even rigid leader with a will of iron. Kyruggi was known for her strong leadership, but she was also known to be a little ‘rough around the edges’. When we arrive at Kyruggi’s modest, but cosy hut, however, we see a much more comforting figure waiting to greet us. Kyruggi is now a grandmother of 5 and a content, active participant in her community still - but in a different way than she once was. Speaking to Kyruggi about her role in Tyrannia’s victory and subsequent modern-day success, she said “[her] greatest and proudest joy was being able to ensure the young Tyrannians grow up not needing to worry about their futures.”

     We sat down with Kyruggi and she showed us photographs and paintings of her children and grandchildren. Kyrua brought out some Soft Tyrannian Cheese and Crackers and a Tyrannian delicacy, Pickled Keno Eggs, for us to enjoy while we talked to Kyruggi.

     Kyruggi told us, “I have been a volunteer for many years now. When I retired as the Elder and my family became my main focus, I realised how important it was that the community of Tyrannia rebuild itself and find out who it wanted to be.”

     This statement was in reference to Tyrannia blossoming into the cornucopia of beautiful wilderness and exotic customs and tradition.

     “Tyrannia is a very old place,” Kyruggi explains, “It is not like other lands of Neopia. It has a strong connection to its citizens feel very bonded to the land.”

     So what does it mean to be Tyrannian in a modern-day Neopia then? What have we learned from speaking to Kyrua and her grandmother, Kyruggi?

     Tyrannia is a land seemingly paused in time. Thousands of Neopets flock to see its unique sights and experience its rich and vibrant community. From its unusual but exciting foods to its adorably fluffy Petpets, Tyrannia is fundamentally a land about community, quality of life and celebrating its tranquil and beautiful surroundings. Some of the best music originates from Tyrannia, alongside one of the fiercest Yooyuball teams to partake in the Altador Cup. This Tyrannia Day, remember to not only celebrate the victories and endurance of the mighty Tyrannian citizens, but to commemorate the peaceful and kind nature that makes this Prehistoric realm remain one of the mightiest and most beloved in Neopia to this day.

     Happy Tyrannian Victory Day!