Grisha are people who have seemingly magical abilities, but let’s get one thing straight: it’s not magic. The Grisha practice ‘Small Science’, which is the art of manipulating matter in its most basic form. Their powers are an extension of the world around them, and their abilities are divided into three orders: Materialki, Etherealki, and Corporalki.  

Also known as the Order of Fabrikators, the Materialki are Grisha whose power concentrates on the matter of composite materials (textiles, glass, chemicals, and metal). This Order, although all referred to Fabrikators, is separated into Durasts and Alkemi. Durasts manipulate solid materials, like steel and glass, while Alkemi specialize in poisons and explosive powders.  

Also known as the Order of Summoners, the Etherealki are Grish whose power comes from the ability to manipulate natural elements. This Order is divided into Squallers, Inferni, and Tidemakers. Squallers can summon and manipulate air pressure, creating storms and gusts. Although it seems they create fire, Inferni summon flammable gases and require a flint to ignite a spark. Tidemakers control the temperature to summon and manipulate water.

Also known as the Order of the Living Dead, the Corporalki are Grisha whose power stems from and focuses on the human body. This Order is initially separated into Heartrenders and Healers. Healers can manipulate matter of the human body to heal wounds and injuries. Heartrenders manipulate the human body as well, but to cause harm, most often stopping another human’s heart. Heartrenders are the most feared Grisha, and most valued in the Second Army.

While the First Army, also known as the King’s Army, is made up of non-Grisha humans, the Second Army is comprised of Grisha and are led by the Darkling (referred to as General Kirigan and the Black General in the Netflix show).  To the two armies ’ irritation, they work together to protect Ravkas borders from Fjerdans (North of Ravka) and the Shu (South of Ravka), but the antagonism between the groups is ever mounting. The First Army is wary of the Grisha’s powers and is resentful for their superior treatment, while the Second Army looks down on the non-Grisha, also called the otkazat’sya (‘the abandoned’), for being ordinary.

‘What if darkness was a place?’ The Shadow Fold, also called ‘the Unsea’, is a long band of shadow and darkness, that cut Ravka into Eastern and Western sides. Although many try to cross it, most commonly on a Sandskiff, not all reach the other side due to the residents of the fold, the blood-curdling monsters that feast on human flesh: Volcra.