Pronunciation: [ɐssˈɪənz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Ascians" can sometimes be confusing due to the presence of the silent letter "s". However, the word is actually pronounced as "ay-shuns", with the stress on the first syllable. The correct IPA phonetic transcription for this word would be /ˈeɪ.ʃənz/. "Ascians" refers to a legendary people who lived in regions where the sun never sets, and is commonly mentioned in literature and folklore.
Ascians is a term that alludes to a fictional group or civilization featured in various works of fantasy literature. Originating from the Greek word "askhios," which means "without shadow," the concept of Ascians often represents a race or society devoid of light, hope, or positivity. The exact meaning and characteristics of Ascians may vary across different fictional universes, but some common elements typically emerge.
Seen as embodiments of darkness or despair, Ascians are frequently depicted as malevolent forces or antagonistic entities, often serving as the primary opposition to the protagonists. They may possess unique and mysterious powers related to darkness, shadows, or negativity, which they employ in their quests for dominance or the destruction of the forces of light and good.
The portrayal of Ascians often delves into philosophical and metaphysical themes, exploring the duality between light and darkness, good and evil, and hope and despair. As a result, they may symbolize the overcoming of adversity or the struggle between opposing forces within oneself or society.
In some narratives, Ascians may also possess a complex and intricate culture, complete with their own customs, language, and history. This aspect provides an opportunity for world-building and adds depth to the fictional realm in which they exist.
Overall, Ascians are a recurring concept, typically found in the fantasy genre, representing a group or civilization characterized by darkness, devoid of light or hope, often serving as opposing forces to the protagonists and embodying themes of duality and existential struggle.
Applied to the inhabitants of the torrid zone who are shadowless at noon. They are also called amphiscii, because when not shadowless their shadows will at noon fall northwards one part of the year and southwards at another. The inhabitants of the N. temperate zone at noon have their shadows always falling northwards, and those of the s. Temperate zone always south, and are called antiscii. In the frigid zones, when the sun is above the horizon, the shadows of the inhabitants are directed to every point of the compass in succession, and they are called periscii.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Ascians" is derived from the Latin term "asci", which means "without shadow" or "shadowless". This term was primarily used in ancient Rome to describe the inhabitants of regions close to the Equator, where the sun could be directly overhead and cast little to no shadow.
The term "Ascians" gained prominence from its appearance in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, particularly in the second canticle, Purgatorio. In the poem, Dante encounters a group of souls called the "Ascians" who were unable to cast shadows due to their geographical location. They were presented as an allegory for a life lacking moral or spiritual substance.
Over time, the concept of the Ascians became associated with people who lead empty, meaningless lives or lack a sense of purpose. It has been adopted in various literary works and popular culture, often representing a metaphor for spiritual or existential emptiness.
