Prythian

Prythian is a fictional fae realm and the primary setting of the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series by Sarah J. Maas. It is a magical continent inhabited by various fae species and ruled by a system of High Lords and Ladies who govern seven distinct courts. The arrangement of the courts shapes the political landscape, social customs, and daily life across Prythian.

The seven courts are Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Day, Night, and Dawn. Each court has its own capital, culture, and traditions, and they maintain complex alliances and rivalries with one another. The Night Court, one of the most prominent realms, is centered in Velaris, a city protected by wards and known for its artistic and cosmopolitan life; it is ruled by High Lord Rhysand. Other courts are associated with different environmental themes and aesthetics, and they have their own centers of power and ceremonial practices.

Geographically, Prythian lies adjacent to the mortal realm and is separated from it by the Wall, a boundary that governs contact between humans and fae. Humans live in nearby territories called the mortal lands, with limited and regulated interaction with Prythian under various treaties. Prythian is characterized by diverse landscapes, magical wards, and a history of dynastic politics, intrigue, and diplomacy among the courts.

In the series’ later installments, Prythian faces external threats from Hybern, a neighboring imperial power, leading to large-scale conflict and shifting alliances. Velaris remains a symbolic sanctuary within Prythian, while other courts and cities continue to play central roles in governance, culture, and resistance against external forces.