Valyria
History of Valyria
Valyria, often referred to as the Valyrian Freehold, was an ancient and powerful civilization in the fictional world of Westeros. It is renowned for its advanced culture, sophisticated architecture, and mastery of dragons. The origins of Valyria trace back thousands of years before the events depicted in the series, with its rise to prominence marked by the taming of dragons, which became the cornerstone of its military and economic power.
The Valyrians were initially a modest shepherding people inhabiting the Valyrian Peninsula. Their fortunes changed dramatically when they discovered dragons living in the Fourteen Flames, a chain of volcanoes. Through unknown means, they learned to tame these creatures, which allowed them to expand their influence rapidly. The Valyrian Freehold was established as a result, characterized by a unique political system where free citizens had a voice in governance, contrasting sharply with the feudal systems elsewhere.
The expansion of Valyria was marked by a series of conquests and colonization efforts, leading to the establishment of numerous colonies and outposts across Essos. Their dominion stretched from the western coast of Essos to the eastern lands, incorporating diverse cultures and peoples under their rule. The Valyrians were not only conquerors but also patrons of magic, which they integrated into their daily lives and warfare.
Culture and Society
Valyrian society was stratified, with a ruling class of dragonlords who wielded significant power. These families, known as the Forty Families, were the elite of Valyrian society, each possessing dragons and vast wealth. The dragonlords were known for their distinctive silver-gold hair and purple eyes, traits that became synonymous with Valyrian heritage.
The Valyrians were polytheistic, worshipping a pantheon of gods, although little is known about their religious practices. Their culture was heavily influenced by their mastery of dragons and magic, with both elements deeply ingrained in their art, architecture, and daily life. Valyrian steel, a metal forged with magical properties, was one of their most prized creations, renowned for its strength and sharpness.
Education and scholarship were highly valued in Valyrian society. The Freehold was home to numerous libraries and centers of learning, where knowledge of magic, science, and history was preserved and expanded. The Valyrians were also accomplished builders, creating monumental structures and cities that showcased their architectural prowess.
The Doom of Valyria
The Doom of Valyria was a cataclysmic event that led to the sudden and complete destruction of the Valyrian Freehold. The precise cause of the Doom remains shrouded in mystery, with theories ranging from natural disasters to magical catastrophes. The event resulted in the annihilation of the Valyrian Peninsula, leaving behind a smoking ruin known as the Smoking Sea.
The Doom had far-reaching consequences, leading to the collapse of Valyrian authority and the rise of successor states such as the Free Cities and the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros. The Targaryens, a minor Valyrian family who had settled on Dragonstone, were among the few survivors, eventually using their dragons to conquer Westeros and establish a new realm.
Legacy and Influence
Despite its destruction, Valyria's legacy continues to shape the world of Westeros and Essos. The Valyrian language, once the lingua franca of the Freehold, persists in the form of High Valyrian and its dialects, spoken by scholars and nobility. Valyrian steel swords remain highly sought after, treasured for their unmatched quality and historical significance.
Valyrian culture and technology have left an indelible mark on the civilizations that succeeded it. The Free Cities, former colonies of Valyria, retain elements of Valyrian governance and culture, while the Targaryens' rule in Westeros was heavily influenced by their Valyrian heritage. The mysteries of Valyrian magic and dragonlore continue to captivate scholars and adventurers, with many seeking to uncover the secrets of the lost civilization.