Category: Exploring Second Life

To the English-speaking world, Bruchtal might not be immediately recognisable when it comes to references to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien – perhaps most notably in The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. However, German aficionados of Tolkien’s mythology will likely immediately recognise it as a reference to Imladris – or Karningul in Westron, the common tongue of Middle Earth. Also known as Rivendell, it is the location of the House of Elrond Half-elven.

Within Second Life, it is the name Sharon Neiro has selected for his utterly stunning personal adaptation of the mythical lands of Eriador (and beyond) within Middle Earth, and which encompasses the Shire and Rivendell.

And when I say stunning, I really do mean exactly that; Tolkien world has oft be reproduced or used as inspiration within Second Life, and as someone with a deep love of all of Tolkien’s work and world-building, I’ve enjoyed many of them down the years.

However, Bruchtal is perhaps the most captivating for its sheer beauty and for the skill and love evident in the way this single Full region has been beautifully sculpted to present two vastly different aspects of Middle Earth separated by many leagues, within a single location whilst allowing both to maintain its own unique identity and offering a sense of genuine journey from one to the other.

Immerse yourself in the magic of Bruchtal, hidden among high mountains, surrounded by deep forests and the gentle sound of mighty waterfalls. Stroll across romantic meadows in the valley, past colourful flower fields and along clear streams. Let your soul unwind to the music of the Elves and find peace beneath ancient trees – or at the riverbanks, embraced by the one you love. Discover the Shire, celebrate with the Hobbits, and enjoy its joyful, romantic charm. Follow the old paths to the Wood Elves, explore their mysterious tree houses, or wander through the deep, enchanted forests.  

– Bruchtal Destination Guide entry

The Landing Point sits on a sky platform high above the region. It offers a choice of destinations – the setting itself, a trip to the J&S and Ink’n’Shape stores and teleports to Pususaari (which I last visited in April 2025) and TheNest: Sunbird (which I also last visited in April 2025).  These are all reached by touching the requisite mirror teleport – which will also require the acceptance of the Sauvagess Experience by Walton Wainwright (the creator of the teleport mirrors), if you have not previously done so.

Touching the mirror for Bruchtal will deliver you to one of the elven halls of Rivendell. This offers information relating to Tolkien’s mythology. For those not familiar with the likes of The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, the board can make for a useful read.

Beyond this hall lies an interpretation of Rivendell which appears to draw particular inspiration from Peter Jackson’s vision for the House of Elrond. It hugs the step sides of the dell within which it lays, trees climbing the steep slopes to either side and waterfalls dropping from on high. With the region surround of high peaks suggesting the lofty heights of the Misty Mountains and the region EEP setting adding a particular beauty to the setting, it is hard not to believe you haven’t been transported to Middle Earth.

Across the dell, and reached via a winding path, a choice of trails wind downwards. One offers the way to the floor of the valley. This is a place of serenity and natural beauty and offering multiple places to sit and pass the time.

The second path continues on down the side of the valley before crossing one of the outward flowing streams and entering The Shire. Here the path winds through a Hobbit village. Whether you opt to see this as Hobbiton itself or not, is up to you; certainly, there is a large Hobbit house on a hill and, below it a field set out for what might be A Long-Expected Party – and towards which a cart and horse is making its way, carrying a certain grey-cloaked wizard…

Beyond the village and the party meadow, the track continues, passing through a pastoral setting and under a stone arch hung with lanterns. As it does so, it takes us further into Middle Earth and to the realm of the Sindarin, the wood elves. Here, among the woods, the great Mallorn trees rise, stairs rising around them to open-sided talans, open for people to visits (as are the Hobbit holes from the village). More places to sit and pass the time can also be found down on the ground and under the shade of the trees.

All of this just scratches the surface of the region – there is much to discover and appreciate. Gandalf, for example, is not the only notable Tolkien character waiting to be found; Galadriel waits (for Frodo?) before her mirror; Elrond stands high up on one of the Talans, whilst his daughter Arwen stands somewhat pensively within Rivendell. Further rounding-out the region is an audio stream featuring arrangements of Howard Shore’s music from the movies, together with pieces by Enya (who, of course, wrote May It Be).

In all, a genuinely engaging, rich setting, beautifully put together and executed – and more than worth spending time exploring.

SLurl Details

• Bruchtal – land of the Elves (Star Light, rated Moderate)

Yoyo Collas is back with another Homestead region design he has called Sunkiss, a late summer / early autumn setting described thus by Yoyo:

Summer has lost its strength, the air is warm, the wind is gentle, the rustling of the leaves announces the change of seasons. Sunkiss offers peace, adventure, and a connection to nature—perfect for those eager to explore.

– Sunkiss About Land description.

Presented as an island with a north-south orientation, the setting features a wide swath of beach to the west, backed by grassy slopes rising to form the backbone to the island their eastern side a rugged line of cliffs dropping back to the open waters.

It’s a simple but effective design, the simplicity of approach making it a welcoming environment with a sense of peace and opportunities for relaxation and sharing.

A single house occupies the setting, sitting with its back to the cliffs towards the island’s north-eastern extent. With a roof insulated by turf and mounting solar panels, it is open to the public and offers a commanding view out over the beach to the west.

An old motorboat sits up on keel blocks alongside of the house, although how it might be safely lowered down the steep slope to the beach below is entirely open to question. Fortunately it appears that when the tide comes in, it does so over a fair amount of the beach – as evidenced by the fishing boat moored to a floating buoy but itself stranded high on the sand as if deposited there by a retreating tide -, so getting the motorboat from the foot of the hill and into the water might not be too hard a job.

The beach extends practically the full length of the island, offering several places to sit as it does so. A houseboat sits mired in the sand at its southern end, again open to the public and perhaps best noted for the cats that appear to have claimed it as their residence. Only one of these feline “owners” appears to be showing some interest in the episode of The Twilight Zone being shown on TV (1961’s It’s a Good Life, which also marked actor Bill Mumy’s second appearance in that series), which is a shame, as it is widely regarded as one of the series best segments.

The main house on the island appears to be an attempt at a degree of self-sufficiency. As well as the solar panels on the roof, energy appears to also be provided by way of a wind turbine located on the island’s southern headland.

This is reached by way of a meandering path-come-trail running along the island’s spine. Along the way, the path passes a semi-rundown barn with further signs of self-sufficiency: chickens watched over by a cockerel, together with goats, while sheep graze on the nearby scrub grass.

The path is not the only route of exploration around and across the island, as it is entirely open to simple wandering. Throughout all of this are many places to sit and pass the time. There’s also a rich soundscape to help bring the setting to life, while birds and small animals add their own touches to the island.

In all – and as one would expect from Yoyo – an engaging visit, rich in detail.

SLurl Details

• Sunkiss (rated Moderate)

Hailing from the UK, Sylvia Sable is the creator of Moonless Designs landscaping, and who demonstrates her creativity and artistry in this regard  through her Full region. Called Fern & Fable, the region is described by Sylvia thus:

Fern & Fable is a public space I rebuild whenever the mood takes me, each time opening a new chapter with its own theme and story. From a fantasy realm, to the dust of an apocalypse.

– Sylvia Sable

For the current iteration, the region presents Bramblewood, a setting which is at its core inspired by the landscape, towns and villages found in northern England, but which it is not unfair to say incorporates influences and aspects far beyond England’s green and pleasant land – if I might use the words of William Blake.

Once upon a time, in the northern reaches of the UK, there were villages bound by stone walls and iron railings, their strength tested by war and time. Cotton mills that once thundered with industry have been re-purposed into gentler spaces, and winding walking trails now weave through fields and hills where locals and visitors find their peace. Here milkmen set bottles by the door before dawn, farms breathe life into the land, and the pub’s hearth glows with welcome at day’s end. Bramblewood is my telling of that story – a Northern UK Village inspired setting where history lingers in every wall and lane.

-Sylvia Sable

The reason I suggest the setting draws – intentionally or otherwise – on other physical world locations is for several reasons.
Take the mountainous region surround for example; whilst the north of England does have the Pennines, the mountains surrounding Bramblewood are perhaps taller and more rugged than might be found along England’s backbone and for me, brought to mind Scotland’s Grampians. Similarly, parts of the built-up area of the setting and some of the low-lying areas perhaps have hints of North America and Europe.

However, this should not be taken as a negative critique of the region’s design; there are practical reasons why some aspects might well suggest places further afield than England’s northern counties. If nothing else, apart from iconic “British” elements such as the old red Post Office telephone boxes and the familiar red columns of Post Office letter (mail) box, thatched cottages, things that are quintessentially “England village” in tone and look are far outnumbered by other items sold through the Marketplace and in-world, thus some mixing is entirely natural. More to the point, the mixing of elements and styles give Bramblewood a further sense of being a special place in time and space.

The setting takes up roughly two-thirds of the region, with an open body of water to the south. The land is further split between a larger and smaller land mass, the latter sitting to the west, a tongue of land connecting it to the larger area. This western area pays homage to the north of England’s heritage as the cradle of the industrial revolution, being the home of large factory / warehouse buildings, the entire area updated as an event space.

The eastern end of the island is home to the main village / town setting. This again mixes elements, some of which are to be found in English country villages – dry stone walls, the aforementioned telephone and letter boxes, a cottage and local pub (with a further outdoor event space). Other elements perhaps lean more towards the United States (road signs, pumpkins for Halloween), which as noted, give the village and unique look and feel.

The middle of the setting is given offer to a open space of natural beauty, richly wooded and with paths and trails meandering through it, a stream tumbling down from the hills, waterfalls serving a river, camp sites, fishing spaces and plenty of opportunities for exploration and photography.

It is within this parkland that the Landing Point is located, presenting the richest opportunity for exploration and discovery. And discovery is the best way to appreciate both the beauty of Fern & Fable – Bramblewood and Sylvia’s design skills- so why not pay a visit yourself?

SLurl Details

• Fern & Fable – Bramblewood (Karmic Wonder, rated Adult)

I discovered Goddess Temple by way of the Destination Guide, and was immediately intrigued by its description. Occupying one quarter of a Full private region leveraging the Land Capacity Bonus available to such regions, it is a genuinely magical setting created by Sharon Edwyn, offering a virtual journey into a realm of physical world mythology.

A sanctuary of stillness and mystery, where one may reflect, find serenity, and awaken the spirit. A temple consecrated to the goddess Hekate.

– Goddess Temple Destination Guide description

More generally spelt as Hecate (HEK-ə-tee), the name belongs to one of the more multifaceted deities in Greek mythology; a figure associated with the Moon, the underworld; with magic, mystical arts and witchcraft, and whose name was invoked for a range of reasons, such as healing, protection, and divination. Her roots span ancient Greece, Egypt and Caria, as well as both the Titan and Olympian pantheons, Hecate having originally been a Titan prior to their downfall at the hands of the Olympians, who then allowed her to retain her powers and position.

Further, her influence also encompassed the Roman civilisation, and she even featured in post-Christian writings of the 2nd and 3rd centuries, in which she was seen as (among other things) the Mother of Angels, and she was frequently worshipped with offering of food at crossroads where she was said to dwell as a protector of thresholds.

Goddess Temple most notably reflects Hecate as the goddess of magic and mysteries; protector of households, thresholds and crossroads; keeper of wisdom and her links to the underworld. What’s more, it does so quite marvellously through the core temple space, which is quite magnificent, and which I’ll come to in a moment or two, as the rest of the setting is equally as visually engaging.

Before continuing, however, this is a setting which should be visited using the local Shared Environment and with local sounds enabled. A PBR-enabled viewer is also highly recommended. The Landing Point is located towards the southern side of the setting. It sits upon a junction of path which, whilst not a crossroads, is still highly appropriate to Hecate’s aforementioned role as protector of crossroads.

An information giver stands alongside the Landing Point, and I recommend touching it to receive more information on the setting and to be clear on the rules. Of the three paths offered to those arriving, one appears to lead to the entrance to Sharon’s private residence in the adjoining parcel (no trespassing please!), although a right turn at the door will lead visitors to a terrace with a view out over the waters beyond the region to an off-region surround.

A second path, pointing north and guarded at either end by two pairs of triple-headed street lamps (a subtle reference to Hecate often being depicted as triple-bodied, perhaps?), sits another terrace overlooking a large pool of water fed by water falling from on high on its far side.

Like the costal terrace, this offers places to sit, whilst a statue of Persephone, the goddess of spring and the queen of the underworld kneels in the middle of the pool, the waters of which escape to the west, dropping to the sea by way of a rocky, fast-flowing stream. Beyond Persephone, and just visible through the curtain of water from the high falls, is the first hint of the secrets awaiting discovery.

However, to reaches these secrets, it is necessary to travel west along the third arm of the footpath and through the arch of a great stone portal wrapped in trailing vines and lightly fingered by the boughs of the trees pressing close to it. Here the path becomes more of a trail and the trees multiply in number as they continue to cast a green and brown canopy over much of the landscape, the ground of which is lush in shrubs, grasses and flowers whilst lanterns hang from boughs to provide gentle illumination.

Within this part of the setting there is much to be discovered. There is a partially ruined pavilion offering a place to sit and perhaps read (or cuddle!) and enjoy tea from a copper samovar; then there is the remnants of a temple to Aphrodite, again with places to sit;  whilst within a clearing within a ring of trees and ancient columns can be found a place of ritual.

But it is the path leading to the entrance to the temple of Hecate which offers the way to greatest surprise / reward for visitors. Watched over by a statue of the Three Charities (or Graces, if you prefer), and passing by way of a bridge over the stream tumbling down from the central pool, this path leads to the unassuming entrance to what appears to be a cave with another columned stone portal standing before it.

This cave proves to be a tunnel with a paved floor wet with what may be water formed from condensation rather than by any water flowing or dripping through the rock. Lit by torches mounted on the rough rock walls, the tunnel reveals itself beautifully a little at a time (if you are running with Shadows enabled).

The appearance of the Temple of Hecate is itself a literal revelation as you round a corner, its full, stunning beauty suddenly laid out before you without warning. Its astonishing beauty is literally breath-taking, and folds into it subtle references to Hecate’s manifold roles. Tall bookcases in the main chamber of the temple, complete with a reading table before them speak to her role as a goddess of wisdom, while the runes within the pages of the book mounted in the reading table suggests magic / mysticism.

Meanwhile the flooded floor of the temple’s inner chamber not only points towards a statue of Hecate, it offers a reminder of the Underworld’s River Styx and thus Hecate’s own links to that realm. In addition, the use of torches and fire bowls reflect Hecate’s role of illumination and guidance through darkness.

Whilst the statue might not reflect the three-body form in which Hecate is often – but not always – depicted (the three forms reference her ability to see the past, present and future), it does include a pair of dogs. The latter were seen as both her loyal companions within the Underworld and as symbols of her links to the nocturnal and the mysterious. That the statue is set against the slowly swirling backdrop of a spiral galaxy appears to echo Hecate’s celestial place and being.

There is more to see within this main temple – and more to explore with the tunnels, including the marvellous retreat hidden behind the waterfall mentioned above and dominated by a painting of Hecate; but I’ve leave you to discover the beauty of that room for yourself.

A genuine tour de force of creativity and design, and offering plenty to see – and learn: look for the information boards to find information on the likes of Hecate and Aphrodite – Goddess Temple is an absolute jewel within Second Life.

SLurl Details

• Goddess Temple (Highland Park, rated Adult)

In between fantasy and reality, between the seasons of the year and the time of day, lies a place where the magical beauty of nature is reclaiming the land.

So reads the About Land and Destination Guide description for Enchanted Glen, a marvellous Homestead region held and designed by Flower Caerndow and which I recently had the opportunity to visit after noting it in the Destination Guide.

The Landing Point sits on the south coast of the region alongside the junction of a gravel footpath, one arm of which sweeps around the inlet sitting behind the landing point, to follow a headland as it curls around the inlet to end at an ivy-hung pavilion.

Directly opposite the Landing Point lay a set of steps leading up to the central highlands of the region, while a second arm of the path runs inland to where another set of steps lead upwards, a tunnel close by also inviting visitors to go underground.

However, the simple fact is that wherever you go within Enchanted Glen, the regions offers a lot to see and appreciate. Caught under an EEP setting created be Flower, every inch of the setting has a sense of beauty and mystery much in keeping with its description.

The top of the hill offers a largely open landscape with scattered trees and shrubs. Also spread across its relatively flat top is a multitude of ruins suggesting this was once a place of import and give region a sense of age and romance. They sit draped with ivy and climbing vines or hugged by shrubs, tall grass and wild flowers, with standing stone on the north side of the hill.

The largest of the ruins overlooks a rocky shoulder of rock which may have once formed the roof of the caverns under the hill. However, a part of the roof appears to have collapsed, leaving a ring of rock looking down onto a river following outwards.

Water tumbles from the ruins above to feed this river, the falls forming a curtain of water behind which the bulk of these caverns sit. Meanwhile, the river flows outwards under the rest of the rocky shoulder, before branching into two streams to reach out to the east and north-east coasts of the island.

The island’s lowlands offer multiple routes of exploration with plenty to see that adds to the region’s serenity and grace. The local wildlife is sufficient to add a sense of life to the island and, in places, nicely frames the various places singles and couples might choose to sit and relax.

Such is the overall design of Enchanted Glen that lengthy descriptions are not required; it speaks clearly and softly for itself in so many ways. This being the case, I’ll simply going to encourage readers to take time out and go and visit and see for themselves – and offer Flower my thanks for her greeting while I was exploring, and for her very kind gift.

SLurl Details

• Enchanted Glen (rated Moderate)

Designed and held by Kimma McGregor (Kimmie Rayna), Celestial Vale is a Full private region leveraging the available Land Capacity bonus to offer a mix of private and public spaces. The latter forms the larger part of the region, while the majority of the former are clearly separated from the public spaces, allowing visitors to wander without too much risk of trespass.

Seasonal, tranquil, nature-focused haven where peace and beauty intertwine. Ground yourself with meditation and yoga in serene surroundings. Feel the rhythm of life.  Come unwind. Come home.

– Celestial Vale About Land description

The Landing Point sits on a high plateau overlooking the small island of the southern aspect of the region. A large, friendly Welcome Centre occupies one part of the plateau’s top, a path to one side leading up to the uppermost part of the plateau and the Tea & Tack Café. This is a charming little place with indoor and outdoor seating, the ground around it set out as something of a garden space.

A path runs down from the café to a shoulder of the plateau where a little country chapel sits. From here, steps lead down to the lowlands as a means to continue exploring the region. However, this isn’t the only way down from the Landing Point plateau; in front of the Welcome Centre steps ending in a rock path also descend to the region’s lower public spaces.

The lowland areas might be split into three major parts. The path down from the Welcome Centre leads to a small camping area, fronted by a large pool of water fed from high waterfalls and the home to swans swimming gracefully. It’s a nice little retreat, completely with a table top game for those some inclined.

Another path curves around one side of the pool, hugging the plateau’s cliffs below the chapel.  As it does so, it reveals one of the region’s little secrets – a tunnel cutting through the rock to reach the lowlands on the west side of the region – of which more anon.

Follow the path without passing through the tunnel and you’ll reach the steps coming down from the chapel. Here the land becomes something of a meditation garden, with a grotto, a garden pavilion and a summer house now converted into something of a contemplative shrine or temple to Buddha.

Rich with flowers in bloom, the space flows neatly into an outdoor music events area partially screened by trees threaded with strings of lights. This area can be reached by walking along one of the bursts of path among the grass and flowers and under the trees, or by passing along the length an old covered bridge set upon the grass and which actually forms the formal entrance to the events space.

Sitting close to one side of the summer house / shrine / temple is another archway cut through the rock separating these central areas of the region from its west side. Passing through this arch brings visitors to a broad flat meadow, on which has been built a barn with accommodation on the ground for the horses roaming within its surrounding fences, and for humans on the upper floor.

A road wraps itself around most of the meadow and barn, connecting with a footbridge at its southern end. It is here that a degree of caution is required; cross the bridge brings visitors to another portion of the region dominated by a large, flat-topped hill on which sits a private residence and gardens.

This is the only private residence directly accessible from the region’s public spaces (the others being screened by hills and curtains of rock), so it is best to skirt around the land below the hill to avoid accidental trespass, and towards another covered bridge. This bridge, also covered, leads back over the water to the tunnel cutting through the shoulder of the rocky plateau I mentioned above. A tarmac track runs a short distance from this covered bridge to link it to a smaller footbridge which in turn provides access to a little corner retreat snuggled under the cliffs of the high plateau.

Perfectly landscaped, rich in detail throughout and highly photogenic, Celestial Vale more than lives up to its About Land description; it’s a place that soothes the eye and mind and offers one or two little surprises I’ve not mentioned here (hint for one: look behind the waterfalls). Very well worth taking time out to visit and appreciate; joining the local Group will provide information on events, etc.

SLurl Details

• Celestial Vale (Nature’s Embrace, rated Moderate)