Jade Sea

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The Jade Sea is a large body of water located in the far east of the explored world, beyond the Jade Gates, which separate it from the Summer Sea.

Geography

The Jade Sea is located east of the Summer Sea and south of Essos. It is divided from the Summer Sea by the large island Great Moraq, the Cinnamon Straits, and the Jade Gates with the isle of Qal. Also near the Jade Gates are the southern reaches of the Bone Mountains.[1]

Yi Ti is located in a forested stretch along the northern Jade Sea, while the Shadow Lands are to the east. The eastern Jade Sea transitions into the Saffron Straits, which separate the Shadow Lands in eastern Essos from Ulthos. It is unknown how much of the Jade Sea borders Sothoryos to the southwest.[1]

Aside from Great Moraq and Qal, other islands in the Jade Sea include the Isle of Whips in the northwest, the Isle of Elephants in the southwest, Marahai in the center, Leng in the northeast, and the Manticore Isles in the southeast.[1]

There are several cities along the Jade Sea, such as Port Moraq on Great Moraq and Zabhad on the Isle of Elephants. The island of Leng contains Leng Ma, Leng Yi, and Turrani. Mainland Essos includes Asabhad, Yin and Jinqi in Yi Ti, and Asshai at the tip of the Shadow Lands' peninsula.[1]

About

Aside from merchant traders, few from Westeros visit the area and they know little about it save that Asshai and the cities of Yi Ti lie upon its far shores. The Jade Sea is considered an exotic name evoking fable, myth and adventure to those in Westeros.[2] Past Yi Ti, on its eastern shores somewhere, is supposed to be a legendary dreaming city of poets.[3]

It takes roughly two years to travel from Pentos to the Jade Sea and back in the best conditions.[4] There is a traders' route that carries sea-traders around the Jade Sea.[5] Because of the prevailing winds' direction, the route moves in a clockwise direction, beginning at the Jade Gates. From Qarth it proceeds east to Yi Ti, including Asabhad and Yin, then Leng, and possibly Asshai. Zabhad and Port Moraq are visited on the southern return leg of the route. The western shore of Great Moraq south of Qarth is also involved in the Jade Sea's trade.[6]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Daenerys Targaryen tells Ser Jorah Mormont that her husband Khal Drogo has talked of leading his khalasar east after Rhaego is born, to plunder the lands around the Jade Sea.

A Clash of Kings

In Qarth Xaro Xhoan Daxos tries to entreat Daenerys to accompany him on his pleasure barge to go in search of a golden vintage of wine that is made across the Jade Sea. He also suggests that they journey around Yi Ti to search for the dreaming city of poets, to sip the wine of wisdom from a dead man's skull.[3]

A Storm of Swords

In Meereen Daenerys Targaryen reminds Ser Jorah Mormont that after Khal Drogo's death he had asked her to go with him to Yi Ti and the Jade Sea.[7]

A Feast for Crows

Before departing the Wall, Samwell Tarly overhears Maester Aemon tell Jon Snow that he left a book for him in his chambers, the Jade Compendium written by the Volantene adventurer Colloquo Votar, who traveled east and visited all the lands of the Jade Sea. He tells Jon there is a passage he might find interesting.[8]

A Dance with Dragons

Illyrio Mopatis tells Tyrion Lannister of the Treasure, a Braavosi trading galley that once returned from the Jade Sea with cloves and saffron, jet and jade, scarlet samite and green silk … and the grey death.[4]

In Volantis, when discussing how to find a Westerosi ship heading to Meereen, Quentyn Martell remarks that few come as far as Volantis and those who do fill their holds with silk, and spice from the Jade Sea, then bend their oars for home.[9]

In Deepwood Motte Tristifer Botley suggests to Asha Greyjoy that they make new lives upon the sea as traders. They can voyage east and come back with silks and spices, as one voyage to the Jade Sea would make them very wealthy.[10]

Quotes

One voyage to the Jade Sea and we’ll be as rich as gods.[10]

- Tristifer Botley, to Asha Greyjoy

References and Notes