Durmstrang

[Steve <bboy_mn@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 48422

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Neil Ward <neilward at d...> wrote:
> At 11:46 09/03/2000 -0500, you wrote:
> >
> >
> >>It's incorrect to say Durmstrang is "NOT in Russia".  Durmstrang
> >> *could* be in Russia, part of which, as Firebolt said, is in 
> >>Europe.  Murmansk, for example, in northern Russia, is just west 
> >> of the northern tips of Norway and Finland (in the vicinity of
Lappland).  
> 
> Neil


bboy_mn comments:

The area around Murmansk, Russia is the most perfect area for
Durmstang. It's the only place I've found that meets all the
qualification.

1.) It's in Scandinavia. There is a large body of land to the right
(east) of Finland that includes a large northern peninsula and at it's
northern most part you will find the city of Murmansk. It's bounded on
the west by Finland and on the east by the Beloye More (Beloye Sea,
formerly known as the White Sea), and bounded to the north by the
Barentsevo More (Barents Sea).

2.) It has large hills/small mountains, heavily forested, and has many
lakes. It has few rail lines, and very few major roads, and many roads
that don't qualify as more than trails. It is also sparsely populated.
It's above the Arctic Circle and ends near the 70th degree latitude. 

3.) with proximity to many oceans and seas, the likelihood of
Durmstrand arriving by ship is good. (White Sea, Barents Sea, Gulf of
Finland, many large lakes, and navagatable rivers.)

Given that it is part of Russia and was part of USSR, it probably has
a some cultural influences from the Eastern block countries. Now it
could be farther south than Murmansk and still meet the qualification
as outline in JLR's books. Near Kandalaksha which is a port city on
the White Sea might be a good candidate. As you move farther south
than Petrozavodsk (around the 61 degree latitude, the land starts to
flatten out and becomes less forested. For reference, Glasgow,
Scotland is around the 56 degree latitude.)

It's only my opinion, but of all the places suggested over a long
period of time, this is the only location that satisfies me.

Just a few thoughts.

bboy_mn