Riverlands: Difference between revisions

The Riverlands describes the area of Westeros that stretches from the boundaries of the Neck to the north, the mountain ranges to the west and the east, and south down to the mouth of the Trident and the Gods' Eye. In the past, the boundaries of the Riverlands have spread even further, including all the lands between the Bay of Crabs and the Blackwater Rush. Due to its position in relation to other realms and regions, the Riverlands are famed for their long history of conflicts and upheaval.

The Riverlands are defined by the great river Trident and its three major branches: the Red Fork, the Green Fork, and the Blue Fork. These waterways stretch across the region, shaping not only its terrain but also the daily lives of its inhabitants. Navigating the rivers has thus become a key part of Riverman culture, not only for transporting goods and people, but also in religious rites and ceremonies.

Each of the Trident’s three forks contributes to the distinct character of the region. The Red Fork carries reddish silt from the western uplands, tinting its waters a murky colour. The Green Fork flows from the bogs of the northern Neck, with moss-laced water and a darker current. The Blue Fork has its source in pure springs and flows southeast past Oldstones. <ref name="Riverlands"> </ref>  

In the Riverlands there are several strongholds of interest:

Oldstones is the site of a castle situated on a forested hill above the Blue Fork. Overgrown trails wind up the slope, flanked by groves of ash, elm, oak, pine, and sentinel trees. Blackberry thickets, bracken, gorse, sedge, and thistle fill the undergrowth. The view from the hill encompasses the winding river below and a dense woodland beyond. This is the great castle of House Mudd. <ref>George R. R. Martin, ''The World of Ice and Fire'', (London: HarperVoyager, 2014) p. 152.</ref>  

Maidenpool lies on the southern shore of the Bay of Crabs in the eastern Riverlands. Built around a hilltop castle, the town is fortified by stone walls. The surrounding terrain includes low hills and clusters of soldier pines. The area takes its name from a local spring-fed pool, known as Jonquil's Pool. It is the seat of House Mooton. <ref>George R. R. Martin, ''A Song of Ice and Fire 3. A Storm of Swords'', (Bad Hersfeld: Random House LLC US, 2003) Chapter 21, Jaime III. </ref>

Stone Hedge is a fortress found south of the Red Fork. It is nestled between the wooded rise of High Heart and the open fields surrounding Acorn Hall. It is known for its strategic location. The fortress and its surrounding lands belong to House Bracken. <ref name="Riverlands"> </ref>

Raventree is notable for its towering stone walls, flanked by high square towers and encircled by a deep stone-lined moat. The most striking feature is the godswood: a vast, ancient grove dominated by a massive dead weirwood tree. Each dusk, hundreds of ravens descend to roost on its skeletal branches, a ritual that has persisted for generations. House Blackwood lives in Raventree. <ref>George R. R. Martin, ''A Song of Ice and Fire 05. A Dance With Dragons'', (London: HarperCollins, 2012) Chapter 21, Jaime III.</ref>

Perhaps as a consequence of forming the centre part of Westeros, the Riverlands have been a site of considerable significance since the Dawn Age. Two of the most important sites to the Children of the Forest remain in the Riverlands - one being High Heart, a unique and mysterious weirwood grove atop a hill to the South of Stone Hedge, and the Gods' Eye itself, an island upon a strange and sorcerous lake that drives away any who seek to land upon it uninvited. Weirwoods run around the outer edge of the lake as well, as though to guard against trespass.

The earliest kingdoms of men in the Riverlands are shrouded in myth and mystery, but the first known dynasty to have claimed to be King of Rivers and Hills are House Fisher of Misty Isle. House Fisher hailed from a tidal island where the Trident estuary meets the Bay of Crabs. Their realm included both the lands now considered the Blackwater Marches.

During this time the Mudds were greatly afflicted by an expanding High Kingdom of the Iron Islands. The Cape of Eagles remained in their hands until by chance a company of Andal Adventurers pledged their service to the King of the Rivers and the Hills, and drove the Ironmen back into the sea. Seeing an opportunity, the Mudds gave the Cape of Eagles to their leader, and thus House Mallister was created.

The Arrival of the Andals in earnest shattered the integrity of the Mudd realm. The feud between House Blackwood and House Bracken had flared up every few generations, but a strong united Mudd realm could quench the flames and make a peace. When Armistead Vance shattered the outer reaches of the River King's realm however, the ensuing chaos led to the Blackwoods and Brackens both renouncing Mudd rule and declaring themselves river kings. The realms that lay on the far side of Blackwood Vale and Stone Hedge no longer had any overland connection to Oldstones, and thus looked to themselves for defence as well, whether from Andals to the East, or the Western Mountain Clans.