The Grounders, also known as the “Outsiders” are a group of people that resided on Earth before The 100 landed. They hold a rich culture and heritage, along with a devout spiritual faith. Although not much has been given about their history, except that they were delved by science and inhabited the Earth for 97 years after the apocalypse.
Trigedasleng
Trigedasleng is the primary or universal language of all thirteen clans in the Coalition, though English has been spoken by the warriors and top officials. The language has been developed by the linguist, David J. Peterson, who also created the language for Game of Thrones. Throughout the seasons, members of Skaikru picked up Trig to speak with Grounder clans and to speak within secret.
The language has been in course for 97 years after the nuclear apocalypse, with adaptions to the present day. It is an influence of Pidgin and Creole, formulated with heavy accented American.
The 13 Clans
There are thirteen clans in the Coalition that creates the Grounder World:
- Azgeda or the Ice Nation
- Trikru or Woods Clan
- Floukru or Boat People
- Sankru or Desert Clan
- Skaikru or the Sky People
- Yujleda or Broad Leaf
- Ouskejon Kru or Blue Cliff
- Delfikru or Delphi Prople
- Trishana or Glowing Forest
- Podakru or Lake People
- Ingranrona or Plains Riders
- Boudalan or Rock Line
- Louwoda Kliron or Shallow Valley
There is also a small clan outside of the Coalition named Frikdrenia or the Wastelanders. These Grounders were cast out and became rogue due to physical deformities from birth. Having such imperfection is led to believe that they have caused stains on the bloodline. As a solution, but a horrifically cruel one, their families drive them out.
Beliefs
The Flame and the Infinity sign are considered sacrilegious symbols in the Grounder World. The past Commanders’ spirits are entombed in the Flame, guiding the current Commander during their reign. A Flamkepa or Flame Keeper is a protector of the Flame and advisor. Their role signifies the training of a young Commander so that he or she can lead their people successfully.
Grounders are naive to science but fervent to old customs such as bloodshed and wars. The reasoning behind their lifestyle is because of survival.
While technology ceases to faze, their weapons of swords, knives, and similar objects work remarkably. As for medical, healers treat injuries with natural and holistic medicines.
History
The history of Grounders dates back to Becca Pramheda who created Nightblood during the apocalypse. She injected herself with it as it contained anti-radiation properties, essential for landing on a scorching earth. She injected the survivors with Nightblood so they can withstand the storm.
Over the course of a near century, only a sparse amount of Grounders inherited Nightblood. With this attribute, they are sent to Polis to begin training to become the next Commander.
To become Commander, the participants fight in the Conclave. The last one standing receives the entitlement.
With the last Praimfaya, old traditions burned out. The strongest warrior of each clan–with or without Nightblood competed against one another in the Final Conclave. The prize was access to the Bunker for the winner’s clan to use exclusively during Praimfaya.
Notable Grounders
While all Grounders offer a unique glimpse into their world, there are some that stood out and impacted The 100’s narrative. Their characters represented positivity and shed light when darkness threatened to overpower. However, some did not.
- Anya kom Trikru
- Echo kom Azgeda
- Roan kom Azgeda
- Lexa kom Trikru
- Queen Nia kom Azgeda
- Ontari kom Azgeda
- Madi kom Louwoda
- Ilian kom Trishana
- Lincoln kom Trikru
- Luna kom Floukru
- Nyko kom Trikru
- Gaia kom Trikru
- Indra kom Trikru
- Emori
- Nylah kom Trikru
- Titus kom Trikru
Clarke is not a born Nightblood but was medically injected with Nightblood during an experiment to see if red bloods can become one. This way, the chance of surviving Praimfaya was greater.
Relationship With The 100
The Grounders were the main antagonists in season one, warring with The 100 for coming down and unintentionally disrupting their lives. Both groups refused to coexist. However, with the conflicts of Mt. Weather and Praimfaya, Skaikru and Grounders came together to save their people.
Yet, Lexa took the negotiation with Cage Wallace in exchange to free her people only. Skaikru was left to save themselves, which resulted in the deaths of innocent citizens who lived in the mountain.
Additionally, canon relationships developed between Skaikru and Grounders.
- Clarke and Lexa
- Bellamy and Echo
- Octavia and Lincoln
- Clarke and Nylah
- Murphy and Emori
- Octavia and Ilian
With Madi, Clarke has a maternal bond.