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The zither was a stringed instrument with a flat box as its resonating body. It was played by plucking its strings, usually on a table.[3]

Description[]

Zithers were described as having the clear and beautiful sound of dulcimers and the flexibility of yartings. Their lower strings were fretted and the upper strings were tuned in fourths in order to be played with the thumb of the strumming hand. They were available for purchase through Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue.[2]

Distribution[]

The use of the zither was gaining more and more popularity in Faerûn around 1367 DR,[2] while it was long established in the lands of Zakhara.[4][1] Zakharan rawuns also used the variants of the lap zither[5] and the qanun.[6][7]

Religious significance[]

The zither was the symbol of the Zakharan deity of music, Bala. In religious iconography, the goddess herself was depicted playing that instrument.[1]

Appendix[]

Appearances[]

External links[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Jeff Grubb (August 1992). Land of Fate (Adventurer's Guide to Zakhara). (TSR, Inc), p. 53. ISBN 978-1560763291.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 22. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Blake Mobley (1992). The Complete Bard's Handbook. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 87, 90, 95. ISBN 1-56076-360-4.
  4. Lisa Smedman (February 1994). “Magic to a Different Beat”. In Kim Mohan ed. Dragon #202 (TSR, Inc.), pp. 10–14.
  5. Nicky Rea (1994). Corsairs of the Great Sea (Adventures in the Corsair Domains). (TSR, Inc), p. 29. ISBN 978-1560768678.
  6. Jeff Grubb (August 1992). Land of Fate (Fortunes and Fates). (TSR, Inc), p. 55. ISBN 978-1560763291.
  7. Jeff Grubb (February 1993). “Sounds of Wonder & Delight”. In Roger E. Moore ed. Dragon #190 (TSR, Inc.), pp. 84–88.
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