Where is Westeros in Real Life?
The Real-Life Inspiration behind George R.R. Martin’s Imaginary World
The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, the fantastical realm created by author George R.R. Martin in his bestselling book series "A Song of Ice and Fire," has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. But where exactly is Westeros located in real life? In this article, we’ll explore the inspirations behind the creation of Westeros and how it relates to real-world geography.
Medieval Britain as the Base
According to George R.R. Martin, the base for Westeros was medieval Britain. He stated that Westeros is much larger than real-life Britain, stretching southwards from the northern polar icecap for approximately 3,000 miles. This vast distance allows for a diverse geography, climate, and population distribution, which are crucial elements in shaping the world of Westeros.
Real-Life Counterparts of Westeros’s Regions
| Region | Real-Life Counterpart |
|---|---|
| The North | Northern England and Scotland |
| The Vale of Arryn | Yorkshire and the Lake District in England |
| The Iron Islands | The Isles of Scotland and Ireland |
| The Riverlands | The English and Welsh borders |
| The Westerlands | The Scottish Highlands |
| The Stormlands | The coast of Normandy and Brittany in France |
| The Reach | The regions of Provence and Tuscany in France and Italy |
| Dorne | The Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain and Portugal |
These regions were chosen for their distinct cultural, historical, and geographical characteristics, which have been adapted and exaggerated to create the unique world of Westeros.
Dorne: The Spanish Connection
Dorne, one of the seven kingdoms, has a strong connection to Spain and Portugal. Its peninsula, separated from the rest of Westeros by the Narrow Sea, resembles the Iberian Peninsula, with its own unique culture and history. The capital city of Dorne, Sunspear, is said to be located near the sea, much like the coastal cities of Spain and Portugal.
King’s Landing: The Crownlands
King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, is located in the Crownlands, which form the entire coastline of Blackwater Bay. The city is built on the site of an ancient Targaryen homeland, Dragonstone, which is situated at the entrance to Blackwater Bay, near the Narrow Sea. This location allows King’s Landing to control access to the sea and has been a crucial factor in shaping the city’s history and politics.
Winterfell: The Scottish Connection
Winterfell, the ancestral home of the Starks, is located in the North, near the borders with the Vale of Arryn. The castle is built on a hill overlooking a river, much like the real-life castles in Scotland, such as Doune Castle, which was used as a filming location for Winterfell.
Westeros vs. Essos: A Real-Life Analogy
Westeros and Essos, the two main continents in the world of Westeros, can be compared to Europe and Asia, respectively. Just as Europe and Asia have distinct cultures, histories, and geographies, Westeros and Essos have their own unique characteristics. Westeros is the more developed and complex of the two, with a rich history, complex politics, and a diverse population. Essos, on the other hand, is a vast and relatively untamed continent, with its own unique cultures and histories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Westeros, the fantastical realm created by George R.R. Martin, has its roots in real-life geography and history. From medieval Britain to the Iberian Peninsula, Scotland, and Asia, the inspirations for Westeros are diverse and far-reaching. By exploring these connections, we gain a deeper understanding of the world of Westeros and the complexities that shape it.