Essos

Essos is the eastern continent in the fictional world of A Song of Ice and Fire. Larger than Westeros, it encompasses a wide array of cultures, languages, landscapes, and political systems. After the Doom of Valyria, many independent states formed across Essos, ranging from city-states to nomadic confederations.

Geography and regions: The western coast hosts the Valyrian Peninsula and the Free Cities, including Braavos, Pentos, Lys, Myr, Volantis, Norvos, and Qohor. These city-states are important centers of trade, finance, and culture. To the north and east lie the vast Dothraki Sea, a grassland ruled by horse-lord tribes. The central-southern coast is marked by Slaver's Bay, with Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen, known for their slave trade and administration. Southeast of there sits the Jade Gate and the city of Qarth along the Jade Sea. Farther east are the shadowed realms of Asshai and the lands of Yi Ti and other distant cultures.

History and politics: Essos stood under Valyrian hegemony before the Doom of Valyria. After the catastrophe, the Valyrian Freehold collapsed and the Free Cities and other realms rose to power. The region has since seen dynastic rivalries, slave economies, and evolving trade networks, with finance and merchants playing influential roles in international affairs, notably from Braavos.

Culture and language: The continent features numerous languages and customs. High Valyrian and Low Valyrian forms are prominent in certain regions; the Common Tongue serves as a lingua franca in many ports. The Dothraki practice a nomadic warrior culture, while Slaver's Bay cities maintain highly urbanized, cosmopolitan societies. The Iron Bank of Braavos and other financial houses underscore Essos's economic diversity.