Finally, we go to the eastern trading hub of Qarth, a mercantile city that boasts one of the greatest ports in the world. Separated from land-based travel from the Red Waste, the Qartheen use their strategic position to conduct brisk maritime trade with merchants of every land between Westeros and Asshai. Defended by immense stone walls and strong gates, the Qartheen tend to be kind of snobbish to travelers. Specifically, they have a reputation of barring entry to those who don’t meet their approval. And due to Qarth’s isolation entry denial often spells doom for travelers since their bones are often found around their walls. Fortunately, Daenerys isn’t one of these unwelcome visitors. Though she does lose her cool when someone steals her dragons from her at the Warlock-ruled House of the Undying.

Location: South of the Red Waste and in a narrow strait between the 2 continents of Westeros and Essos.

Size: It’s not incredibly large.

Capital: The Hall of a Thousand Thrones

Climate: Tropical.

Environment: A coastal city oasis surrounded by desert.

Resources: It’s more of a trading center of exotic goods than anything else.

Population: It’s possibly one of the most populous cities in the world whose inhabitants call “the Greatest City that Ever Was or Will Be.”

Key Cities: N/A

Culture: The society is built on skill of business and trade. Ruled by a council of merchants called the Thirteen. Merchants who aren’t Pureborn and The Qartheen look down on foreigners and close doors to let anyone they don’t like die in the Red Waste. People are known to wear extravagant outfits to show off their fabulous wealth.

Religion: Various religions are practiced.

Great House: N/A

Vassal Houses: N/A

History: An independent city state once ruled by the Kings of Qarth before they were deposed. Later ruled by The Thirteen, a council of Pureborn nobles and merchants. Any non-Pureborn member of the Thirteen must appear wealthy and powerful before the other members or else be quickly removed and replaced.

Current Status: All of its leaders are dead as of Season 2, which would be detrimental to its economy. We don’t know what’s happened to the city since.

Best Known for: Its port is one of the greatest in the world, which opens to trading centers further east. Defended by immense stone walls and strong gates.

Home of: Xara Xhoan Daxos, Quaithe, Pyat Pree, and The Spice King.

Landmarks: There’s the Hall of a Thousand Thrones and the House of the Undying.

What to Avoid: Stay out of the grounds round the city called the Garden of Bones, where unfortunates are said to die. Also, don’t mess with the magic using Warlocks who sport blue lips and rely on shade of the evening.

For Those Who Want to Visit: Don’t be surprised if people close their doors to you. But you’ll probably be staying at an inn, anyway. If there’s an inn available.

In the interior of Essos, there are vast sparsely populated lands. The largest section of plains and steppe is known as the Dothraki Sea, home of the fierce nomadic horsemen known Dothraki. During the first season of Game of Thrones, Daenerys was married to a Dothraki Khal named Drogo. This people migrate across the plains in large hordes called khalasars to plunder neighboring lands. South of the Dothraki Sea is the peaceful hill country of Lhazar, home of shepherds. But they’re often targets of Dothraki slave raids since they don’t fight back. South of that is the Red Waste, which is a harsh desert region with ruins that not even a Dothraki would dare cross.

Location: North of the Bay of Dragons and east of the Free Cities of Essos

Size: It’s quite vast, covering most of what’s known of the continent.

Capital: Vaes Dothrak, which is basically the only Dothraki city. Despite being a warrior culture, the Dothraki are forbidden to carry weapons through the place since it’s frowned upon to spill or shed blood there. Unless someone dies a particularly stupid death or the Khal in charge of that Dothraki who died doesn’t really care.

Climate: Temperate to arid.

Environment: The Dothraki are an array of nomadic tribes so it’s quite clear that the great steppe of central Essos doesn’t provide much arable land. While there are vast plains and rivers with the occasional mountain. The Red Waste mostly consists of desert.

Resources: There’s not a lot of resources here aside from basic agriculture in Lhazar. Also, the Dothraki don’’t really believe in money.

Population: This is a sparsely populated region since it mostly consists of nomadic horseback riding Dothraki and Lhazaareen shepherds.

Key Cities: Other than Vaes Dothrak, there’s not much else. Though the inhabitants of Lhazar are peaceful shepherds and perfect targets for slave trafficking.

Culture: The Dothraki are a nomadic culture who plunder the settled peoples for resources. Although sometimes the mere threat of force will suffice and they’ll be paid to leave. Unlike the many states, the Dothraki follow people for their physical strength, not bloodline or wealth. And the Khal will always be male since despite that they may love their women, their ladies aren’t treated much better than slaves. Though equestrianism is one of the most defining traits of a man’s worth. For if a Khal can’t ride, then he’s no longer a Khal. Also have a deep hatred for witches and blood magic.

Religion: The Dothraki worship the Great Stallion. Their religious leaders are the dosh khaleen and consist of the widows of former khals. Though they command great respect even from the khals and live in luxury, they’re sworn to celibacy and can’t leave Vaes Dothrak. The Lhazaareen worship “the Great Shepherd” in the sky.

Great House: N/A

Vassal Houses: N/A

History: The Red Waste used to be inhabited but no one has lived there for centuries as the buildings have been abandoned.

Current Status: Well, 100,000 Dothraki pledged support for Daenerys.

Best Known for: The Dothraki, obviously.

Home of: Khal Drogo, Qotho, Cohollo, Haggo, Mago, Qhono, Khal Jhaqo, Khal Moro, and Miri Maz Duur.

Landmarks: There are some ruined and lost cities in the Red Waste which were once able to flourish using large irrigation works. But they’ve long been abandoned and reclaimed by the sand. Vaes Dothrak has a gate with giant horse statues.

What to Avoid: Well, the Dothraki for one since they’re a hostile presence. Also, stay out of the Red Waste if you want to live.

For Those Who Want to Visit: If you want to see something spectacular at Vaes Dothrak, remember that most of the important buildings are made out of straw and mud, are lit with huge flaming braziers, and lack ways to quickly put out a blaze. Also, despite being stadium size, it only has one exit. Also, the Dothraki usually barter and raid for stuff they need and don’t believe in money.

East of the Valyrian Peninsula is the Bay of Dragons which is on the southern coast of Essos. Until Daenerys took over this area in Game of Thrones, it was once known as Slaver’s Bay since it was the heart of the continent’s slave trade. On its eastern side, the region is dominated by 3 Ghiscari cities consisting of Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen. Out of the 3, Meereen is the largest with its large pyramid skyline. At one point, this area was home to the Ghiscari Empire, said to be the oldest civilization of the known world in the show. After a series of wars, the Valyrian Freehold took over and obliterated much of the Ghiscari culture. And like the Free Cities, the largest cities in the Bay of Dragons would reassert their independence after the Doom of Valyria.

Location: It’s a great bay in south-eastern Essos.

Size: It’s of moderate size.

Capital: Meereen which is the largest of the major cities of Slaver’s Bay. Known for its retaining much of its ancient Ghiscari culture and architecture. Has a skyline dominated by large pyramids.

Climate: Semi-arid to sub-tropical.

Environment: It’s a coastal plain backed by mountains to the east.

Resources: Slave trading and training is their main resource, which is why Daenerys finds it so difficult to eradicate slavery there. Yunkai specialized in bedslaves trained in the “Way of the Seven Sighs” when ruled by the Wise Masters.

Population: It’s very densely populated, given it’s a slave trade center.

Key Cities: The biggest cities in the area are Meereen, Astapor, and Yunkai. Other towns include Tolos, Elyria, Bhorash, Ghiscar, and New Ghis. Old Ghiscar was once the seat of the Ghiscari Empire before the Valyrians conquered it.

Culture: Each city in the Bay of Dragons speaks a dialect of Valyrian. Slavery is very much a way of life in this region since its former name was Slaver’s Bay. People still cling to the culture of their Ghiscari ancestors. Many believe themselves as above other peoples due to their wealth and cultural posturing. Meereen’s fighting pits are famous for pitting fighters against each other as Daznak’s Pit is the largest.

Religion: Primarily worship the Ghiscarian religion with other local imported faiths including that of the Red Temple. Temple of the Graces is the Ghiscarian religious center in Meereen where citizens can buried after proper funeral rites are observed.

Great House: House Targaryen with Daenerys Targaryen as head, who seized the region for herself. She tried to alter the status quo of these areas but with limited success.

Vassal Houses: N/A

History: Was once the home of the Ghiscari Empire which was the oldest civilization in the known world. Was destroyed and conquered by the Valyrian Freehold (thanks to dragons). Though its people overthrew their Valyrian overlords and become independent city-states after the Doom of Valyria.

Current Status: Under the regency of Daario Naharis as Daenerys is currently based in Dragonstone, setting to conquer Westeros for the Iron Throne.

Best Known for: Well, it’s a major center for large scale slave trading.

Home of: Hizdahr zo Loraq, Yezzan zo Qaggaz, Oznak zo Pahl, Fennesz, Daario Naharis, Vala, Malko, Kraznys mo Nakloz, Greizhen mo Ullhor, Cleon, Razdal mo Eraz, Mero, and Prendhal na Ghezn

Landmarks: Meereen’s skyline is dominated by large pyramids. Astapor has the Plaza of Pride where the Good Masters take their customers to deliver their purchases and the Walk of Punishment where unruly slaves are tortured and put on display in chains as a warning to others.

What to Avoid: Stay away from the Sons of the Harpy, since they’re a group of assassins and consist of disgruntled slaveholders who aren’t happy with Daenerys upending the area’s status quo.

For Those Who Want to Visit: You might not enjoy the fighting pits very much.

During the Game of Thrones series, Daenerys Targaryen practically 6 seasons on the immense landmass of Essos, that’s across the Narrow Sea from Westeros. On the west coast of this large continent are the Nine Free Cities which are powerful, independent city-states which engage in extensive trade and contact with the Seven Kingdoms. Like the regions of Westeros, each of the 9 free cities has its own unique history and culture. Yet, at one point, all but Braavos were once colonies of the Valyrian Freehold. When the Freehold and its dragonlords were destroyed during the Doom of Valyria, the empire fragmented in a chaotic period called the Century of Blood. Unlike Westeros, the Free Cities have a much more urbanized and mercantile culture.

Location: These are 9 merchant city-states on the western side of Essos. Consist of Volantis, Braavos, Pentos, Qohor, Myr, Lys, Tyrosh, and Lorath.

Size: It’s of considerable size since each city controls a large swath of territory. Said to be equal to the entirety of Westeros south of the Neck.

Capital: N/A

Climate: Temperate in the north. Sub-tropical in the south.

Environment: Has hills and river valleys in the north. While the south is sub-tropical with coastal plains.

Resources: Some of these cities are known for a special article or product. Myr is famous for lenses and fine lace. Tyrosh specializes in color dyes. Qohor has blacksmiths who can reforge Valyrian steel while smiths and Volantis can reforge ice. Norvos produces axes. Tyrosh is known for extravagant clothes, fancy armor, and rich tastes. Volantis produces wine.

Population: Volantis is the biggest in the lot. The city of Lys has almost every inhabitant sport the purple eyes and mystical white hair of Valyria. But they don’t possess the dragons, magic, or knowledge the Valyrian Dragon Lords once did. In fact, you’ll see plenty of Valyrian descendants in the Free Cities. Some towns can be bigger than Westerosi cities. You’ll also find plenty of descendants from Westerosi wars there, too, since the losers in them are known to flee for refuge and fortune.

Key Cities: Lys is often seen as this world’s equivalent to Las Vegas and enjoys a reputation for their prostitution scene. Pentos has a prince who rules in name only while the Magisters have all the power. Founded by escaped slaves, the abolitionist canal city of Braavos is guarded by the massive Titan statue. While it’s home to the Iron Bank which is perhaps the single largest economic force in the known world. Too bad the Iron Bank is essentially a loan shark that essentially owns several states and will work for one’s enemy faction if they default. Also has a band of super-assassins. Not to mention, has formidable swordsmen, shipbuilding, and religious tolerance. Volantis is the oldest and most populated of the Free Cities, which tried to conquer and reunify the others. But the other cities formed alliances against it and subdued it. It’s also the most corrupt as well as boasts a vast slave market. Norvos is a theocracy ruled by the Bearded Priests. Qohor retains a garrison of the Army of the Unsullied. Tyrosh is known for producing mercenaries.

Culture: Slavery is widely practiced with the sole exception of Braavos, which doesn’t participate in the slave trade. Though just as class driven as Westeros, the Free Cities don’t put as much emphasis on bloodlines. Rather Braavos’ class system is based on wealth so it’s more mobile. Still, the general population seems completely unfazed with blind beggars getting beaten up, teenage girls parkouring through town in deadly hunts, girls limping around with heavy stab wounds, abject poverty, and urban segregation.

Religion: Many worship the Lord of Light with prominent Red Temples in Myr and Volantis. While Braavos is home to a band of super-assassins that operates like a Mystery Cult called the Faceless Men who live in the House of Black and White. There’s also a sizable population who worship the Faith of the Seven.

Great House: N/A

Vassal Houses: N/A

History: In its heyday, Valyria was once the seat of the Dragon Lords and House Targaryen’s ancestral home. Once a tribe of shepherds, the Dragon Lords tamed and harnessed dragons, forged Valyrian steel, built an empire stretching from Essos and Westeros, and created wonders of architecture. At its height during as the Valyrian Empire capital, it was widely considered the greatest civilization to ever exist. Until a natural cosmic event destroyed the entire landmass to the point that it broke into several islands surrounded by a smoking ocean. This event was known as the Doom of Valyria and the islands became inhabited by victims of advanced Greyscale disease, called the Stone Men. Originally the Free Cities were colonies, offshoots, and outposts of the Valyrian Freehold. But after the doom of Valyria consumed the famous capital, these cities became the only remains of a great civilization. Since then, Valyria has been reduced to a diseased and smoking ruin while remaining uninhabited and abandoned. But the other cities continue to thrive.

Current Status: Despite thriving, the Free Cities involve themselves in numerous petty wars with each other seeking to install a new hegemony to replace the Freehold. As for Valyria, it’s a burnt out, ruined world, that’s permanently gray and converted into a leper colony that’s scary enough to frighten away pirates.

Best Known for: Being former colonies of Valyria as well as engage in extensive trade and contact with the Seven Kingdoms.

Home of: Illyrio Mopatis, Clea, Talisa Magegyr, Syrio Forel, Thoros, Ternesio Terys, Lhara, Jaqen H’gar, Greyworm, Tycho Nestoris, and “The Waif”

Landmarks: Braavos has the Titan Statue that can come alive. While its Iron Bank is a massive white building that looks straight out of the Renaissance, The Temple of the Moonsingers and the Sept Beyond the Sea also exist in the city. Volantis features the Long Bridge.

What to Avoid: Stay away from Valyria since it’s filled with advanced greyscale victims and is still a smoldering mess. Also, while in Braavos, keep away from the House of Black and White.

For Those Who Want to Visit: Aside from being the richest and most powerful Free City, Braavos is also seen as the most beautiful.

Guarded by the Sworn Brothers of the Night’s Watch, the Wall is a giant ice barrier to protect the rest of Westeros from the White Walkers. Though until the Games of Thrones series started, they mostly fought skirmishes with Wildlings. Headquartered at Castle Black, they were once highly regarded but their reputation to that of a glorified penal colony and its numbers have plummeted to an all-time low. Just south of the Wall is the Gift meant to provide food and provisions for the Night’s Watch. Beyond the Wall, is outside the realm of the Seven Kingdoms. Mostly consisting of uncharted wilderness, it’s a frozen tundra with a Haunted Forest, Wildling settlements, giants, and the Children of the Forest.

Location: The northernmost border of the Seven Kingdoms and the northernmost region of Westeros.

Size: It spans at least 500 miles.

Capital: Castle Black, headquarters of the Night’s Watch.

Climate: It’s always winter here.

Environment: This is a very harsh snow-covered wilderness. Beyond the Wall, there is very little arable land or vegetation but a lot of dangerous animals, along with the Haunted Forest. Even further north is the Land of Always Winter where the White Walkers live. Also home of wights, giants, and the Children of the Forest.

Resources: There’s not much here since it’s always winter.

Population: Mostly inhabited by the Night’s Watch and at least 90 tribes of Wildlings who regularly invade the Bay of Seals or Bay of Ice and sometimes climb over the Wall. Though some live in settled villages and town. There’s also a section of towns and farms known as the Gift, which mostly consists of peasants.

Key Cities: Though more of a township, the Gift is a stretch of land meant to help sustain the Night’s Watch. Beyond the Wall, there’s the Wildling port town of Hardhome and White Tree.

Culture: The Wildlings have an egalitarian and libertarian view on leadership, though chieftains do exist. Wall administered by the Night’s Watch.

Religion: Most in the Night’s Watch worship the Faith of the Seven while everyone else the Old Gods of the Forest. As for the Wildings, who knows.

Great House: N/A

Vassal Houses: N/A

History: Before the lands Beyond the Wall were reduced to a blasted tundra, it used to be lush and green. But the Children of Men performed some sort of ritual that turned a man into the Night King. Yet, whatever magic the Children of the Forest used to create the White Walkers also brought eternal snow to them (or the White Walkers brought it with them). In addition, creating the White Walkers was also what screwed up the seasons in Westeros.

Current Status: Since Jon Snow came back to life, the Night’s Watch doesn’t have much going for leadership save for Dolorous Edd.

Best Known for: The place where they try to contain the White Walkers.

Home of: Ygritte, Mance Rayder, Tormund, Craster, Lord of Bones, Mag the Mighty, Gilly, Sam, Styr, Orell, Three-Eyed Raven, Leaf, Josera Snow, Elsera Snow, Karsi, Loboda, and the Night King.

Landmarks: The Wall itself is at least 700 ft high and spans at least 500 miles from coast to coast.

What to Avoid: You might want to stay away from the Night’s Watch. They were once highly regarded like the Order of Maesters and attracted the most elite of Westeros. But in recent centuries, the Wall has essentially become a dumping ground for bastard or unfit sons of Lords along with various criminals, rapists, and those who joined the wrong side of a war. With the latter joining to receive a full pardon. Actually don’t go near the Wall period since the Night’s Watch has become grievously undermanned, numbering less than a thousand which is an all-time low. Definitely watch out for White Walkers and don’t run into the Children of the Forest. Oh, and you might want to beware of the Wildlings, though they’re more of a nuisance south of the Wall than anything, especially in the Gift.

For Those Who Want to Visit: Just stay in the Gift at all times, even if it’s overrun by Wildlings. Actually, you might want to stay out of the region entirely.

Out of the constituent regions of Westeros, Dorne is kind of a wildcard area on Game of Thrones. Unlike the rest of Westeros, the Dornish are an ethnically distinct mix of Andal and First Men with a great degree of Rhoynar refugee. As a result, their customs and society are different. For one, their leaders are known as Princes and Princesses instead of Lords and Ladies. Second, rulership is passed from parent to oldest child regardless of gender in keeping with the region’s equal inheritance laws. Third, they have a more relaxed attitude toward sex and bastards. In addition unlike the other Westeros regions, Dorne never fell to Aegon the Conqueror’s invasion and instead joined the Seven Kingdoms through a marriage alliance. So it’s no wonder the that Dornish seem rather independently-minded and have a stronger sense of “national identity” than the rest of Westeros. Once ruled by House Martell at Sunspear, the death of Prince Oberyn at the hands of the Mountain has compelled Ellaria Sand and her Sand Snakes to commit revenge upon the ruling prince and his son by killing them.

Location: South of the Stormlands and the Reach and is the southernmost region of Westeros.

Size: Well, it’s pretty extensive.

Capital: Sunspear, which has a 150ft shining steel pinnacle Spear Tower.

Climate: Temperate to arid.

Environment: The west consists of the Red Mountains and the Dornish Marches. Has rolling sand deserts in its midland. While the east is made up of semi-arid hills punctuated by river valleys.

Resources: Well, its river valleys provide substantial agriculture. Provides citrus fruits, spices, and Dornish wine.

Population: The Dorne people have a mix of Andal and Rhoynar blood due to its establishment by Rhoynar refugees from Essos whose ancestral land burned under the Valyrian Freehold. Has the smallest overall population of Westeros since most of it is concentrated in the east.

Key Cities: There’s the port city of Planky Town at the mouth of the Greenblood. Only part of Westeros where citrus and spices grow. The region is also known for its wine.

Culture: Noble bastards have the Sand surname and are treated better than those in the other kingdoms (though they can’t inherit anything). Considerably more liberal when it comes to sexuality and are more tolerant of same-sex relationships. Very independently minded and hot-blooded, the people have a greater sense of national identity than the other people of Westeros as well as taken a more isolationist path since the Sack of King’s Landing.

Religion: Worship the Faith of the Seven, but in their own variation.

Great House: Formerly House Martell who practiced absolute primogeniture where the oldest child inherits regardless of gender. Unlike the other houses, all members are addressed as “Prince” or “Princess.” But since the recent-led Sand Snakes rebellion, all known legitimate members have been killed. So the region is under Ellaria Sand’s rule as of Season 7. But she’s in the Red Keep prison with one of the Sand Snakes after Euron Greyjoy attacked her and Yara’s fleet. So there’s a void in leadership.

Vassal Houses: House Blackmont, House Manwoody, House Jordayne, House Dayne, House Yronwood, House Qorgyle, House Allyrion, House Garglagen, House Uller, and House Dalt.

History: Founded by Rhoynar refugees who intermarried with the local population of Andals and First Men. A sovereign kingdom before the Targaryen conquest, Dorne weathered the attack to retain its independence. It joined the 7 Kingdoms through a peaceful marriage alliance 2 centuries later, which allowed the region to keep many of its local customs and laws.

Current Status: Since Ellaria’s in prison, Dorne may be in a leaderless vacuum. Unless the remaining Sand Snakes take over.

Best Known for: The last of the 7 Kingdoms, Dorne was the only one to initially resist the first Targaryen conquest and remained independent until the Martell ruling family joined the Targaryens through marriage nearly a century before the War of the Five Kings. Because of this, the land remains considerably autonomous compared to the others.

Home of: Ellaria Sand, Oberyn Martell, Tyene Sand, Doran Martell, Trystane Martell, Obara Sand, and Nymeria Sand.

Landmarks: The Martell retreat at Water Gardens is certainly worth seeing.

What to Avoid: Watch out for the Sand Snakes who are vengeful assassins. Look what happened to Hosue Martell after the Mountain smashed Oberyn’s head.

For Those Who Want to Visit: Travel through the desert is possible through overland caravan.

Known as the breadbasket of Westeros and is certainly the wealthiest region on the continent, the Reach is blest with vast blooming crop fields and flowers along with plenty of well-populated villages and towns. Once ruled by the Gardener Kings, House Tyrell ruled the area from the Targaryen Conquest to the Sack of Highgarden. Aside from being a major agricultural behemoth, it’s also a region of culture and recreation. Oldtown is perhaps the oldest city in Westeros as well as home to the Citadel where the Maesters train. The people also hold festivals and are obsessed with chivalric romance. Nonetheless, as of Season 7 of Game of Thrones, due to the Destruction of the Great Sept of Baelor and the Sack of Highgarden, House Tyrell is rendered extinct. And thanks to the Battle of Goldroad, it’s most likely under the dispute between the Lannisters and Daenerys Targaryen.

Location: South of the Stormlands, Riverlands, and Crownlands. North of Dorne.

Size: The second most spacious region in the 7 Kingdoms after the North.

Capital: Highgarden, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in Westeros and provides leisurely entertainment such as a Grand Masquerade Ball on the night of the harvest moon and pleasure barges on the river Mander.

Climate:Temperate to Mediterranean.

Environment: Filled with rivers, forests, and fertile plains.

Resources: It’s the primary food provider for the 7 Kingdoms as its breadbasket.

Population: Has largest population in Westeros that it can sustain a large army.

Key Cities: Oldtown is the oldest city of Westeros as well as the second largest. It’s also home to The Citadel is the seat of the Order of Maesters, home of learned men who serve as advisers to the continent’s Great Houses. Notable towns consist of Ashford and Tumbleton. Includes islands such as the Shield Islands, Redwyne Straits, and the Arbor.

Culture: Since it’s such a bountiful region, the Tyrells can throw a lot of food and money around on extravagances for their people to keep them satisfied. Under their rule, they and their vessels put in a lot of effort to making the Reach at least seem like a stereotypical Chivalric Romance setting. For chivalry is serious business there that their soldiers are called the “knights of summer.” Noble bastards take the surname of Flowers.

Religion: Worship the Faith of the Seven. Oldtown is home to the Starry Sept which was once the faith’s central cathedral before the Targaryen Conquest.

Great House: Formerly House Tyrell who became Lords Paramount and Wardens of the South after surrendering to Aegon the Conqueror. In their time, they were perhaps the richest family in Westeros who sided with the Targaryens during Lord Robert’s Rebellion, even laying siege on the Stormlands with the Tarlys. That is, until the death of Prince Rhaegar at the Battle of the Trident, which compelled them to switch sides. While they saw an influx of political power with the marriage of Margery to claimant Renly, King Joffrey, and King Tommen. But with the deaths of several members during the destruction of the Great Sept of Baelor (save Lady Oleanna who was poisoned after the Lannisters took over Highgarden), the house is now extinct. Now the Tarlys would’ve taken over by Lord Randyll and his son Dickon were burned to death by dragon fire that the post of Lord Paramount is vacant. Still, the Tyrells and their vassals have always backed the winning side and will drop anyone at the drop of a hat if they become a liability. And if both sides are evenly matched, they will stay out of it.

Vassal Houses: House Florent, House Tarly, House Hightower, House Redwyne, House Fossaway, House Oakheart, House Beesbury, House Cuy, and House Bulwer.

History: Historically ruled by House Gardner, but the last ruler died to Aegon the Conqueror on the Field of Flames (guess why that field got its name). Faithful stewards House Tyrell then surrendered the Highgarden castle and became Lords Paramount and Wardenship of the South in return.

Current Status: Since the fall of House Tyrell at the destruction of the Great Sept of Baelor and the Sack of Highgarden, its political situation is ambiguous. This is especially since Daenerys’ forces smashed the Lannisters in the Battle of Goldroad.

Best Known for: It’s the most fertile and populous region of Westeros. Said to have vast fields blooming fields of crops and flowers along with numerous and well-populated cities and towns.

Home of: Samwell Tarly, Mace Tyrell, Loras Tyrell, Margery Tyrell, Randal Tarley, and Olenna Tyrell.

Landmarks: The Citadel in Old Town that’s home of the Maesters.

What to Avoid: Due to its lack of geographical defenses, you might want to avoid the Reach altogether when there’s a war going on there. Since it borders plenty of hostile enemies.

For Those Who Want to Visit: Out of all the 7 Kingdoms of Westeros, the Reach is perhaps one of the best tourist destinations on the continent. Also, no women allowed at the Citadel.