Maelgwenn, also known as the Fox or the Trickster of the Fairies, took upon himself the rule of the north eastern lands of the Twelve Kingdoms, including Castell Gwyr, fallen Day's keep, which he kept safe until Siawn Shieldbearer was appointed king and given Castell Gwyr from which to rule. Maelgwenn himself lives within the ice-tipped range of the Ice Giants, in a fantastic castle - far more imposing than defendable. His land is bordered by water on three sides: by the Gwyrglann and Loch Corraigh on the west, the Ice Floes to the north west, the Sea of Silence to the north east, and the Gulf of Barges to the south east. Viviane's land abutts Maelgwenn to the south east, and the Dark Wood to the south.

In the foothills of the Ice Giants dwells the Firebird - that creature of indescribable beauty and wisdom. Few know whom she may be, but many a man has sought her council.

The Giants once lived in this land, and are still in evidence in the north. They have turned to ice and stone, and turned their backs upon the world, for they hardened their hearts and would let none soften them. "The Maiden of the Snows" is a song about this period of transition. Loch Corraigh is also said to contain the restless, turning body of the greatest of the Giants, imprisoned beneath the waters. Hence the north eastern land is known as the Giant's Crook.

Notables include the Lords of Muirdoch and Nuallan who joined forces with Ainsidhe during the reign of the Wolf King. To the east lives the incorrigable Lord of Houndshelm, the father of Squire Ewan.

Maelgwenn himself has long loved the false-lovely Malinka, who lost her immortality due to her jealousy of her sister Rhianna's happiness. Maelgwenn was the first to discover Malinka's treachery, and has carried the pain of that knowledge ever since.