This is how Pentos and Dorne are governed during HOTD

Pentos and Dorne have a very rich history in George RR Martin’s books. There are countless mentions of both in A song of ice and fire books. These cities also have a very strong influence on HBO’s events. A game of thrones (GOT). With their recent appearance in one of the latest episodes of House of Dragons (HOTD), fan buzz and curiosities resurfaced about these cities. So, let’s dive into their stories and meaning.

1. The Pentos

Location

One of the nine free cities (others being – Braavos, Lorath, Lys, Tyrosh, Myr, Volantis, Norvor, and Quhor) of Western Essos, Pentos is located on the eastern coast of Pentos Bay. Of all the Free Cities, it is located closest to King’s Landing in Westeros, directly across the Narrow sea. It is essentially a large and wealthy city-state of merchant lords. It is surrounded by fertile coastal plains known as Flatlands. Citizens of Pentos prefer to be called Pentoshi. They mainly speak Bastard Velyrian. They worship many gods, including R’hilor.

It is normally ruled by a prince who is chosen by the city magisters from among various noble families of Pentoshi. This Prince will end up being in charge of everything related to commerce, justice and even war. The book even contains a disturbing detail related to Prince Pentoshi. However, the prince’s power is only limited, as the true rulers are the Council of Magisters (the wealthy merchant-princes) of the city. He states that every new year he is obliged to “deflower” two of his young daughters (called – the Maid in the field and the Lady of the Seas) to bring good fortune to the town. However, if a harvest fails or the war is lost, the Magisters slit the Prince’s throat and choose another.

Story

The Pentoshi consider themselves descendants of the Andals, Velaryians, slaves and ancient peoples. The city was founded by many merchants, traders, sailors, and farmers of the Valyrian Freehold primarily as a trading outpost. Their main product of commodity exchange and trade is cheese. As a result, Pentoshi traders are often pejoratively referred to as “cheese merchants”. These people were low folk who mated with local Andals, which is why the Pentoshi are less protective of Valyrian blood than other Free Cities. However, after Valyria’s fate, it became an independent city-state over the ensuing century of blood.

Current rule (during HOTD)

…a toast to Aegon the Conqueror, your exalted ancestor, who joined our cause against Volantis in the Age of Blood. On the great dragon Balerion, he flew to our aid in Lys and burned a fleet of enemy ships, turning the tide. – Prince Reggio Heratis (HOTD S1E6)

During episode 6 of House of the Dragon, Demon Targaryen and his wife Laena Velaryon with their two daughtersbaela and Rhaena Targaryen), seem to have lived in Pentos. There they are hosted by Prince Reggio Heratis who offers them a permanent residence in Pentos, even offering to offer them the mansion they are currently staying in, along with its farms, lands, vineyard and timber, in exchange for an alliance against the Triarchy with the help of their dragons.

2. The Dorne

Location

Dorne is one of the nine constituent regions of the Seven Kingdoms. It is the southernmost part of Westeros, located thousands of miles from Winterfell and the North. It therefore has a very harsh desert climate. However, it is considered the only part of Westeros where citrus fruits and spices grow. It is surrounded by water on three sides. According to the books, legend has it that there was once a land bridge (called Arms of Dorne) that connected Westeros to Essos. However, to halt the advance of first men in Westeros, the inhabitants of the time, Cchildren of the forest, destroys this bridge. Much of it sank in the narrow sea, the remainder being known as the Steps.

Thus, Dorne is bordered by the Sea of ​​Dorne to the north, the islands known as the Stepstones to the east, the Summer Sea to the south, and the Red Mountains to the west and northwest. Notably, the rulers of Dorne are allowed to call themselves “Prince” rather than “Lord”, and their inheritance always passes to the eldest, regardless of gender. Dorne is famous for its wine across the Seven Kingdoms (called Dornish Reds). They are considered as dark as blood, with a sweet taste. Other exotic products from the region include olives, lemons, pomegranates, plums, cloth, spices and oranges. Even their horses (called sable steeds) are considered the finest. He is also famous for his bazaars.

Story

Martin had said that his idea of ​​Dorne was mainly inspired by Spain and Wales. According to the books, about a thousand years ago, Dorne did not have a ruler strong enough to take control of its entire region. It was just one of many Andal states. However, a few years later, the Rhoynars (from eastern Essos) eventually landed in Dorne under the command of Princess Nymeria. The Rhoynars were looking for a home to settle in after the destruction of their homeland by the Valyrians. Nymeria then married Lord Mors Martell of Sunspear and eventually conquered the entire peninsula with her support. She then destroys her ten thousand ships and decides to turn her back on the sea forever.

Even centuries later, the Dornish continued to thwart continued attempts to King Aegon I Targaryen of the peninsula. Thus, keeping Dorne free from Targaryen rule. King Daeron I succeeded in subduing the kingdom, but he too (along with forty thousand soldiers) was later killed by the Dornish rebellion. To finish, King Baelor eventually made peace with Dorne. Fifty years later, Princess Myria Martell married Prince Daeron IIand Dorne joined the Seven Kingdoms in a peaceful alliance.

Current rule (during HOTD)

During the reign of King Viserys I Targaryen (as in the events of HOTD), Dorne was ruled by Prince Koren Martell. Viserys, according to the books, once even thought about marrying his daughter – Rhaenyra, to the Prince of Dornie. During the Targaryen Civil War (called dragon dance), Dorne remained neutral, refusing to choose a side.