khalasar

Khalasar refers to a nomadic people from the continent of Essos in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its television adaptation, Game of Thrones. They are a powerful and fearsome group, known for their horsemanship, military prowess, and unique culture. The term "khalasar" itself is Dothraki, meaning a great nomadic horde or a powerful company of riders.

The Dothraki, who form the basis of the khalasar, are a tribal people who live on the vast plains of Essos. They are organized into various khalasars, each led by a Khal. The Khal is the supreme leader of his people, chosen for his strength and ability to command. His word is law, and his authority is absolute within the khalasar. The Khal's followers, known as horselords, are fiercely loyal to him.

Life in a khalasar is centered around the horse. The Dothraki are born in the saddle and are expert riders from a young age. Their economy is based on raiding, trade, and tribute from settled peoples. They are known for their distinctive appearance, often wearing braided hair and carrying curved swords called arakhs. Their culture is warlike and patriarchal, with a strong emphasis on honor and strength. A khalasar is a self-sufficient entity, moving across the plains in search of pasture for their horses and opportunities for plunder. When a Khal dies, his khalasar often dissolves, with his riders either joining another Khal or forging out on their own.