Exploring The Uniqueness of Yordles In Runeterra From “League Of Legends” (2009)

“League of Legends” (2009) is one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games and is played by many different demographics and skill levels. (( Spezzy. “How Many People Play League of Legends? – UPDATED 2020.” LeagueFeed, 28 Oct. 2020. Accessed 28 May 2023. )) Among the standout characters in the game, the Yordle champions hold a prominent place, capturing attention with their diminutive size in contrast to other species and their charming appearances.

Despite their small and cute appearance, Yordle champions possess great skills and talents, proving that size doesn’t matter. Yorldes can be described as a “race of spirits who generally take the appearance of mammalian bipeds.” (( “Yordle.” League of Legends Wiki. 2023. Accessed 17 May 2023. ))

In the expansive lore and unpredictable world of Runeterra, Yordles such as Teemo, Veigar, and Heimerdinger wield significant influence.  Although they mostly reside in Bandle City, some of them have ventured out to live in other regions. Recognizing the Yordles, both within the game and through the lore, is imperative as it amplifies their unique personalities and motivations, elevating the overall narrative and gameplay experience.

Runeterra, The Land Of Champions

Riot Games, the developer of the game, inputs a story behind each champion and often updates and expands on the world of Runeterra through lore updates or revisions. They also create short stories, comic issues, and even television series. Similar to Earth, there are political and societal variations across different regions. Runeterra, with its array of exciting elements, is a realm filled with incredible champions and rich lore, making fantasy come to life.

Whether it be the drama between the brutal and dark empire of Noxus and the noble and bright kingdom of Demacia or new secret realms accidentally being discovered, the intricate details keep fans invested. There are a variety of different species and demographics to explore besides humans, including Yordles! Overall, all of the champions in “League of Legends” reside throughout the continents of Runeterra and have their own distinct personalities and abilities.

The Allure of Bandle City

Hidden from the rest of Runeterra (how to get there and where it is exactly is unknown except for Yordles), Bandle City is located somewhere in the spirit realm. It is a comfortable and peaceful cottage-like home for Yorldes. Unlike many other regions in the material realm, their government is rather simple because they have a self-appointed mayor who does not have any significant political power over the city.

The landmark of the city is the Bandle Tree which towers over the horizon. Some Yordles see the tree as

“a beacon of hope and friendship while others see an ominous, riddle-filled monolith.”

(( “The Bandle Tree (Legends of Runeterra).” League of Legends Wiki. Accessed 28 May 2023. ))

On the other hand, the Yordle city is a different and mystifying experience for non-Yordles that stumble upon there because every sensation is heightened and logic is often defied for them. For instance, the flavors of foods and drinks linger on tastebuds for years and the sun is eternally radiant. (( “Bandle City.” League of Legends Wiki. Accessed 29 May 2023. ))

Although it seems heavenly, mortals who make it out have aged significantly, if they even make it out at all. As a result, Bandle City is portrayed as a mysterious region despite its dreamlike ambiance, as the stories told by those who have experienced it are often inconsistent. All the playable champions of Bandle City include Corki, Lulu, Rumble, Teemo, Tristiana, Veigar, and Yuumi (who is a cat, but her owner was a Yordle enchantress.) Several of them even venture out of Bandle City into other regions of Runetterra.

Runeterra’s Yordles

Teemo, Veigar, Lulu, and Heimerdinger are Yordles that hold significant importance in the world of Runeterra. Despite their distinctive abilities and roles in the game, their backgrounds and stories add depth to their characters, something many people do not know or often overlook. Certainly, there are additional Yordles apart from them, but these particular ones have intriguing backgrounds outside of their standard in-game character.

Teemo

Many people who play “League of Legends” experienced the struggle of having Teemo as their opponent because of his lingering “poison” abilities. The mushrooms he is able to place throughout the map are invisible until you get a specific trinket for it– or if you step on them. Additionally, he can also be invisible himself if he stays idle for a certain amount of time. (Fun, right?)

But, in Runettera, Teemo is more than a rodent-looking pain. In Bandle City, he is considered a legend among his brothers and sisters even though there is something sinister behind his charm and sweetness. (( “Teemo: The Swift Scout.” Riot Games. Accessed 28 May 2023. ))

Teemo is known to turn deadly serious once combat begins and that led him to his recruitment in the Scouts of Mothership, one of the city’s most distinguished Special Forces units. So, he is definitely not to be messed with despite his friendly appearance. His signature weapon is a blowgun equipped with a rare ajunta poison he personally gathers from the jungles of Kumungu which he takes around him on his solo missions (which most Yordles do not endure well), but he is highly efficient. (( “Teemo – Liquipedia League of Legends Wiki.” Liquipedia.net. Accessed 28 May 2023. ))

However, even Teemo experiences moments of solitude, and it is during those times that he forms a friendship with Tristana, a fellow member of the Special Forces unit. (( “Teemo: The Swift Scout.” Riot Games. Accessed 28 May 2023. )) Although he may be perceived as simple and irritating in the game, he possesses exceptional scouting skills with a distinct proficiency in poison-based abilities and is widely recognized in Bandle City.

Despite his sinister nature, it is worth noting that he values the friendships he has formed and displays genuine affection toward them.

Veigar

In the game, Veigar, known as “The Tiny Master of Evil”, is one of the most sinister and powerful Yordle magicians. His ultimate ability is best recognized as one that has the potential to “one shot” or kill enemy champions with just one click. However, one might ponder the origins of his malevolence, considering his association with Bandle City.

It is not uncommon for Yordles to venture out into the mortal world on their own and Veigar was no exception. He was eager to learn more about ancient celestial magic and joined an order of mages in the Noxii territories.

Unfortunately, warlord Mordekaiser and his armies were on a conquest to rule the lands and executed anyone who stood in their way, including mages that were “useless” to him. But he spared Veigar, as he saw something in him, and put him in a fortress with no escape, forcing him to use his magic for evil purposes. (( “Veigar.” League of Legends Wiki. Accessed 28 May 2023. ))

Over time, after his isolation and seeing all the outcomes of his evil magic, he, unfortunately, lost his sanity. When an opportunity to escape arose, orchestrated by Mordekaiser’s followers, Veigar left but then became ruthlessly evil himself. Contrary to popular belief, Veigar is not inherently evil. Instead, he was a curious and bold Yordle magician who, sadly, encountered tremendous perils beyond the borders of his home.

Lulu

Lulu is most known for her support abilities in the game and her fairy companion, Pix, that follows around her. One of her famed abilities is when she polymorphs a champion into an innocent creature– making them unable to attack back. (( Mukherjee, Rishov “Vergil. “Lulu Receives Highly Awaited Nerf to Her Polymorph Ability in League of Legends’ PBE for Patch 12.18 Cycle.” Www.sportskeeda.com, 14 Sept. 2022. Accessed 29 May 2023.‌ ))

Her home is Bandle City, but when she met Pix, it led her to the Glade along with transforming her walking stick into a mystical staff. The Glade was a place of “raw primordial magic” and Lulu was the first to stumble upon such a secret and hidden place. (( “Lulu: The Fae Sorceress.” Riot Games. Accessed 28 May 2023. ))

During her time in the Glade, her magic powers seem to be heightened and everything from her hyperactive imagination was able to come to life. She enjoyed it so much that she forgot about anything else. (( “The Glade.” League of Legends Wiki. Accessed 29 May 2023. )) When she finally got out of the seeming trance, she left with some of the new powers that stayed intact. However, she soon felt the urge to return to the Glade, but did not know where it was; Pix did not know either, or maybe she did not want her to return. . . yet.

However, Lulu was not defeated and traveled in whichever direction she desired, whether it was a peaceful or much more dangerous route. From making creatures fall asleep instantly and making rivalries weapons’ into flowers, to making small things large or the opposite, she is always optimistic and amused.

Her abilities in the game showcase her powers fairly well, but, it does not showcase her sense of adventure and optimism in a vast and uncertain universe. Maybe we can all learn from her.

Heimerdinger

In the game, Heimerdinger is known for his little turrets and witty comments, but he has a much larger role than one would assume. Residing in Piltover, Cecil B. Heimerdinger, known as just Heimerdinger, is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant minds there. He is a highly respected scientist and inventor, sharing his theories and knowledge with those who desire it.

In the Netflix animated series Arcane (2021-), many fans have gained greater insight into Heimerdinger’s personality and role in the vibrant and well-established city of Piltover. He is a dean, professor, and scientist, and was the head of the Council (the first scientist to hold that position for decades) until he got voted out due to unfortunate circumstances.

Despite possessing intelligence and a profound fascination with both science and magic, Heimerdinger frequently cautions others about their potential dangers. Additionally, Heimerdinger is recognized as one of Piltover’s founders and a key contributor to the founding of Piltover University; there is even a grand statue of him in front of the prestigious school. (( “Heimerdinger/Arcane.” League of Legends Wiki. Accessed 29 May 2023. ))

Heimindinger ironically lost his seat in the Council because of a former student, Jayce, who was so eager to combine magic and science together, despite Heimerdinger’s warnings and experience, that he swayed others into defending it because of the recent attacks on the city. (( Messner, Steven. “Arcane Episode 2 Recap: Jayce, Viktor, and Caitlyn’s Origin Stories Revealed.” PC Gamer, 7 Nov. 2021. )) Overall, in Arcane, Heimerdinger’s portrayal deviates from his quirky appearance and behavior in the game, shedding light on his unique ideologies regarding science and magic.

He holds a strong belief in conducting thorough studies and exercising caution before introducing groundbreaking and transformative inventions to the public, despite their potential for greatness. The series showcases his wisdom and knowledge for being alive for so long and perhaps Heimerdinger is much older in the series compared to the one people see in the game.

Yorlde Power!

Within the vast and unpredictable realm of Runeterra, the presence and impact of Yordles like Teemo, Veigar, Lulu, and Heimerdinger cannot be underestimated especially being from Bandle City, a mystifying and magical place in the spirit realm.

While Bandle City is the home of Yordles, certain Yordles have ventured beyond its borders to explore new horizons, establish themselves in various regions, or both. By acknowledging the lore and impact of the Yordles, both within the game and throughout the narratives, we can enhance the gameplay and have a more fulfilling fan experience.