The Game of Thrones Map: A Detailed Guide to the Known World
The world of Game of Thrones exists on two fictional continents, Westeros and Essos, and is as broad and complicated as the characters and stories that take place within it. From the icy landscapes beyond the Wall to the exotic cities across the Narrow Sea, the map of "Game of Thrones" invites one deep into a richly weaving universe. Throughout this article, iconic locations on the "Game of Thrones" map will be discussed, considering the peculiar features of geography, culture, and history of the known world.
Westeros: The Land of Seven Kingdoms
1. The North
The North is the largest of the Seven Kingdoms, reaching from the Night's Watch's border fortress in the far north to the Neck, a narrow isthmus, in the middle of the continent. Dominated by Winterfell, the ancestral seat of House Stark, it has long been a land of resilience and independence.
Winterfell: The seat of the Starks, Winterfell is arguably one of the most iconic castles in the series. It was built thousands of years ago by Bran the Builder and has since stood as a monument and symbol of honor and duty.
Wall and Castle Black form part of the northernmost edge of the realm, beyond which rises a huge wall of ice against mysterious creatures on its farther side. Castle Black is the name of one of the strongholds along The Wall and serves as a base for the Night's Watch to camp and conduct their vigil.
2. The Riverlands
The Riverlands are at the center of Westeros and are a place full of rich lands and waterways. The Riverlands have been the ground for many houses to fight, and their people have been witness to the worst aftermath of war.
- Harrenhal: Once the biggest and largest castle in Westeros, Harrenhal is now nothing but a haunting ruin-a testament to what dragons did during Aegon's Conquest. It stands out as a warning against hubris and the dangers of untrammeled ambition.
- Riverrun: The ancestral seat of House Tully, Riverrun is positioned at the confluence of two rivers, which serves as a natural barrier protecting it against invasion.
3. The Westerlands
The home to Westeros' wealthiest family, the Lannisters of Casterly Rock, the Westerlands owe their wealth to their gold mines.
Casterly Rock is an imposing fortress hacked out of a towering rock that overhangs the coast and has been the seat of generations of Lannisters, one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in Westeros.
Lannisport is a major city and port located near Casterly Rock, and it is one of the most important trade centers of Westeros.
4. The Reach
The Reach is the land of green hills and rich agriculture, making it one of the most prosperous regions in Westeros. It is ruled by House Tyrell from Highgarden.
- Highgarden: A castle filled with loads of gardens and fields in every direction, belonging to the ancestral seat of the Tyrells. They are known for their wealth, chivalry, and political astuteness.
Oldtown is one of the oldest cities in Westeros, home to the Citadel where maesters are trained, and the Hightower, which dominates the skyline.
5.Dorne
Dorne is a land of deserts and mountains that makes up the southernmost part of Westeros. The people of Dorne are known for being fiercely independent and having customs very different from those in the rest of Westeros.
Sunspear: The seat of House Martell, situated on the southeastern coast of Dorne. For generations, the Martells have ruled Dorne with an equal hand of diplomacy and aggression, being the only one of the Seven Kingdoms never to be conquered by Aegon the Conqueror.
Water Gardens: Only a short distance from Sunspear, the Water Gardens are the serene oasis for members of House Martell who happen to rule. Water dances over pretty fountains through the gardens, placing the surroundings in a state of serenity.
6. Vale of Arryn
It is a hilly state and considered to be impenetrable and known for its isolation from the rest of Westeros.
- The Eyrie: On top of mountains, forming the highest peaks, sits the Eyrie. Inherited by House Arryn, it forms one of the strongest castles in Westeros, which can be reached only with a thin path that entails several perils.
7. King's Landing
King's Landing is the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, situated on the eastern coast of Westeros, and is its political and cultural center.
- The Red Keep: This is a huge castle; it serves as the dwelling place of the Iron Throne, upon which the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms sits. King's Landing is a bustling city full of nobles, commoners, and intrigue.
8. Stormlands
The Stormlands are a hard land, peopled by a hard race of storm-wracked coasts and willful men. House Baratheon rules from their ancient seat at Storm's End.
Storm's End: This is a huge fortress meant to withstand the most violent storms, and it is considered among the strongest castles in all of Westeros.
Essos: The Eastern Continent
Beyond the Narrow Sea lies Essos, a boundless continent that houses numerous exotic cities, nomadic tribes, and ancient civilizations. Although most of Game of Thrones takes place in its primary setting of Westeros, Essos plays a very significant role in shaping the story.
1. Braavos
Braavos is literally a city on a series of islands. Braavos is highly known for phenomenal riches, highly respected banking houses, and skilled assassins.
- The Iron Bank: According to the books, it is considered the most powerful financial institution in the known world. It plays a huge role in funding wars and influencing political decisions in Westeros.
- The House of Black and White: Serves as the headquarters of the Faceless Men, a group of deadly assassins that can change their appearance at will.
2. Pentos
Pentos is a coastal city lined by trade and ruled by the wealthy merchant princes of the realm. This is where Daenerys Targaryen begins her journey in exile.
3. Meereen
In Slaver's Bay lies the city of Meereen, which was built on the backs of slaves. It would later become one of the main locations in which Daenerys Targaryen would seek to free the oppressed and build up her army.
4. Qarth
Qarth is a city on the southern coastline of Essos, known for its wealth and extravagant culture. It is here that Daenerys seeks help after crossing the Red Waste.
5. The Dothraki Sea
The Dothraki Sea is a huge grassland inhabited by the Dothraki, hard nomads who are skillful warriors. The Dothraki people live in tribes, called khalasars, under strong warlords known as khals.
Beyond the Wall: The Lands of Always Winter
Beyond the Wall, there is a certain mysterious and hazardous area populated by the Free Folk, generally recognized as wildlings and other supernatural beings, including the White Walkers. This ice-and-snow area is usually called the Land of Always Winter, which has a very significant role in the general plot of the entire Game of Thrones series.
Hardhome: Once a settlement of the Free Folk, turned battleground in the fight against the White Walkers. Craster's Keep: Beyond the Wall, one of the most dangerous parts, lies the residence of a wildling known as Craster who shared an uneasy alliance with the Night's Watch.
Conclusion
The "Game of Thrones" map is sprawling and detailed, with its stories unfolding across the frozen North right down to the sun-baked deserts of Dorne. Each has a role in defining what has taken place through the series. From the political intrigues of King's Landing to the epic battles beyond the Wall, the world of "Game of Thrones" offers an intriguing landscape of adventure, power, and survival.