Experiencing literature in Second Life can take various forms and a great amount of time. Many Sims dedicated to giving readers the opportunity to explore the settings of their favorite reads tend to be too ambitious in scope. That mistake has not been made with Splendour Lyonesse, a series of Sims dedicated to recreating the fictitious homeland of Aravis from C.S. Lewis’ "The Horse and His boy."

Second Life and real life fantasy author Tristan Meriman/Glen Manewell, along with fellow Narnia fans Tascha Klees and Lois Allen, have created a beautiful land for the purpose of “enjoying beauty, both of nature and human construction, and to enjoy good company in peaceful surroundings.” According to Meriman, “the name LYONESSE was chosen in an attempt to capture the ancient, old world, mythological, mystical, honourable, moral and mysterious penchant of people who have desiderata for such imagery and lost, forgotten ages.”

Beginning at Calavar, the visitor encounters one of Meriman’s poetry pieces entitled Azmara surrounded by a Moorish themed sim complete with colorful mosaic textures, marble statuary and long outdoor reflecting pools. As an ode to "The Chronicles of Narnia," Calavar transitions easily into Splendour Lyonesse through the presence of a beautiful castle on the mountain with a ghostly Aslan the lion standing guard at the front entry. If you explore the Calavar area carefully, you will also discover four small thrones awaiting the Pevensie children. The Sim then continues into the residential areas of Logres, followed by the shops of Pendragon. All of these connected areas flow beautifully by incorporating fantasy elements alongside art consistent with ancient Roman, Moroccan, and Egyptian motifs.

The Splendour Lyonesse group of Sims is PG rated and open to the public. Tristan and his fellow creators welcome guests and groups wishing to meet in this beautiful setting. Besides several intimate meeting spaces for groups of about twelve, there is a nice size Greek/Roman amphitheatre that holds about sixty. The castle is lavishly decorated and perfect for a ball or formal dinner. Be sure to take time to explore in the Pendragon area complete with large port and ancient ship. Don’t limit your explorations to above water only. Pendragon offers many underwater ruins and magical elements including an underwater version of Stonehenge.

Splendour Lyonesse 213, 105, 26 (PG) - Calavar