Difference between revisions of "Qarth"

From A Wiki of Ice and Fire
Jump to: navigation, search
(Recent Events)
(34 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
 
| name = Qarth
 
| name = Qarth
 
| image = [[File:Qarth HBO.jpg|350px]]
 
| image = [[File:Qarth HBO.jpg|350px]]
| settlement_type= Mercantile, Port, city-state
+
| image_caption = Qarth in ''[[Game of Thrones]]''
| location = [[Red Waste]], [[Essos]]
+
| settlement_type= City-state
 +
| location = Southern coast of [[Essos]]
 
| seat = [[Pureborn]]
 
| seat = [[Pureborn]]
 
| seat_type = Oligarchy  
 
| seat_type = Oligarchy  
| religion =  Mixed [[religion]]s
+
| religion =   
 
| population =  
 
| population =  
 
| size =
 
| size =
 
| founder = [[Qaathi]]
 
| founder = [[Qaathi]]
| founded = in ancient times.
+
| founded =  
 
| named_for =
 
| named_for =
| places = [[House of the Undying]], [[Hall of a Thousand Thrones]], Temple of Memory, The triple walls of Qarth
+
| places = [[House of the Undying]], [[Hall of a Thousand Thrones]], [[Temple of Memory]], [[triple walls of Qarth|triple walls]], [[port of Qarth|port]]
| organizations = [[Thirteen]], [[Tourmaline Brotherhood]], [[Ancient Guild of Spicers]], [[Sorrowful Men]], [[Warlocks]]
+
| organizations = [[Thirteen]], [[Tourmaline Brotherhood]], [[Ancient Guild of Spicers]], [[Sorrowful Men]], [[warlocks]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''Qarth''' is an ancient port city located on the southern coast of [[Essos]]. Situated on the [[Jade Gates]] in a central location between the [[Summer Sea|Summer]] and [[Jade Sea]]s, Qarth is a gateway of commerce and culture between the east and west, and the north and south.{{Ref|aCoK|27}} Brimming with wealth, the city's architecture makes a grand display. It is home to [[warlocks]] and merchant princes, and nominally ruled by the [[Pureborn]]. However, the powerful guilds of the [[Thirteen]], the [[Tourmaline Brotherhood]] and the [[Ancient Guild of Spicers]] all attempt to play a role in the governance of the city. It has been referred to as the ''Queen of Cities''.{{ref|aDwD|16}} Qarth was never part of the [[Valyrian Freehold]].
+
'''Qarth''' is an ancient port city located on the southern coast of [[Essos]]. It has been referred to as the '''Queen of Cities''',{{ref|ADWD|16}} a title also claimed by [[Yunkai]] in [[Slaver's Bay]].{{ref|ASOS|42}}
  
==About the City==
+
==City==
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Qarth|Images of Qarth]]''
+
===Location===
 +
{{Location map|Known World|long=65|lat=-37|label=Qarth|caption=The [[known world]] and the location of Qarth}}
  
===Origins===
+
Qarth is located on the [[Jade Gates]], which link the [[Summer Sea]] to the fabled [[Jade Sea]]. The city is located to the southeast of [[Lhazar]] and the [[red waste]] and southwest of the [[Bone Mountains]]. Just east of Qarth is the small island of [[Qal]], while the large island [[Great Moraq]] is to the south. The great [[Slaver Cities]] of [[Meereen]], [[Astapor]], and [[Yunkai]] are to the west of Qarth.{{ref|TLOIAF}}
Qarth is the sole surviving city-state established by the [[Qaathi]] people, who rose in the southeastern grasslands of central [[Essos]], known today as the [[Dothraki Sea]], where they came into conflict with the [[Sarnori]], loosing wars more often than not. Pushed farther south, they began founding new city-states just as these new lands turned into the [[Red Waste]]. The Qaathi were well in their way to collapse when the [[Doom of Valyria|Doom]] struck. They were unable to take advantage of the chaos, as the [[Dothraki]] pushed into the Red Waste and destroyed all of the remaining Qaathi cities save for Qarth.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Grasslands}}
 
  
Yet, this led to the resurgence of Qarth. Forced to look to the sea, the [[Pureborn]] who ruled Qarth swiftly constructed a fleet and took control of the [[Jade Gates]], the strait between Qarth and [[Great Moraq]]. With the Valyrian fleet destroyed and [[Volantis]] focused on conquering western Essos, noone opposed the Qartheen as they established their control over the most direct route between west and east, thus gaining immense wealth on both trade and levied tolls.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Grasslands}}
+
Four main travel routes originate from Qarth. The western route leads to [[Qarkash]], the northwestern route to [[Vaes Qosar]] and [[Vaes Tolorro]], while the eastern road leads to [[Asabhad]].{{Ref|TLOIAF|The Known World}} The fourth route, the [[Sand Road]], leads through the southern [[Bone Mountains]], eventually passing [[Bayasabhad]], leading to the market city [[Tiqui]].{{Ref|TLOIAF|The Known World}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond}}
  
===Location===
+
Qarth's position makes it the gateway between the lands of [[Westeros]], [[Free Cities]] and [[Slaver's Bay]], and more eastern lands such as [[Asshai]], the [[Shadow Lands]], and [[Yi Ti]]. Qarth has been described as the center of the world.{{ref|ACOK|27}}
Qarth is located to the southeast of [[Lhazar]] and the [[red waste]] and southwest of the [[Bone Mountains]]. Just east of Qarth is the small island of [[Qal]], while the large island [[Great Moraq]] is to the south. The great slaver cities [[Meereen]], [[Astapor]], and [[Yunkai]] are further to the west of Qarth.
 
  
Qarth is on the [[Jade Gates]], which link the [[Summer Sea]] to the fabled [[Jade Sea]]. The [[Sand Road]] connects Qarth north to [[Bayasabhad]], while other routes lead east to [[Asabhad]] and west to [[Qarkash]].<ref>''[[The Lands of Ice and Fire]]''</ref> Qarth's prime position makes it the gateway between the lands of [[Westeros]], [[Free Cities]] and [[Slaver's Bay]], and more eastern lands such as [[Asshai]], the [[Shadow Lands]], and [[Yi Ti]].  Qarth has been described as the center of the world.{{ref|aCoK|27}}
+
The power of Qarth extends west to [[Port Yhos]],{{Ref|AWOIAF| Port Yhos}} and east to the island [[Qal]], where the Qartheen have raised fortified harbor cities on either side of the island to reinforce their control of the passage of the [[Jade Gates]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|Qal}} The nearby town [[Qarkash]] is a Qartheen city,{{Ref|AWOIAF|Qarkash}} and [[Vaes Orvik]], [[Vaes Qosar]], and [[Vaes Shirosi]], all in ruins, were Qartheen in origin as well.{{ref|awoiaf|Vaes Orvik}}{{ref|awoiaf|Vaes Qosar}}{{ref|awoiaf|Vaes Shirosi}}
  
The power of Qarth extends west to [[Qarkash]] and [[Port Yhos]] and at least as far east as [[Qal]]. Several Qartheen colonies to the north were destroyed by the [[Dothraki]] during the [[Century of Blood]], however. These include the ruins of [[Vaes Orvik]], [[Vaes Shirosi]], [[Vaes Qosar]], and possibly [[Vaes Tolorro]].<ref>''[[A World of Ice and Fire]]''</ref>
+
===Layout===
 +
{{See also|:Category:Images of Qarth|l1=Images of Qarth}}
  
===Vast Wealth===
+
[[File:Qarth Walls HBO.jpg|thumb|450px|Qarth city walls, as depicted in HBO's ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
Having managed to successfully remain the crucial commerce point for centuries, Qarth is absolutely brimming with wealth; the city's architecture makes a grand display.  Its buildings painted in shades of rose, violet, and umber. Its streets are lined with bronze statues, its fountains carved to form the shapes of fantastic creatures, and its thoroughfares lined with arches of bronze decorated in precious stones.
 
  
===Rulers===
+
Qarth is surrounded by three thick walls of thirty, forty, and fifty feet in height, respectively engraved with portraits of animals, war, and lovemaking.{{ref|ACOK|27}} The [[triple walls of Qarth]] are one of the nine wonders made by man reported in the book, ''[[Wonders Made by Man]]'', by [[Lomas Longstrider]].{{Ref|ADWD|57}} The [[port of Qarth]] is one of the greatest in the [[known world]].{{ref|ACOK|63}}
Qarth is nominally ruled by the [[Pureborn]], who are seated in the [[Hall of a Thousand Thrones]].  They deal with all matters of civic importance, commanding the 'Civic Guard' and the fleet of ornate war galleys which rule the straits between the seas.  However, the powerful guilds of the [[Thirteen]], the [[Tourmaline Brotherhood]] and the [[Ancient Guild of Spicers]] all attempt and jostle to play a role in the governance and political machinations of the city.
 
  
===Buildings===
+
The buildings in Qarth are colorful. Decorations include a bronze arch fashioned in the likeness of two snakes mating, their scales delicate flakes of [[jade]], [[obsidian]], and lapis lazuli. Slim towers stand tall, and elaborate fountains fill every square, wrought in the shapes of griffins and [[dragons]] and [[manticore]]s. The balconies of the houses are delicate and frail.{{Ref|ACOK|27}}
Buildings in Qarth crowd about as a fever dream in shades of rose, violet, and umber. Decoration includes a bronze arch fashioned in the likeness of two snakes mating, their scales are delicate flakes of jade, obsidian and lapis lazuli. Slim towers stand tall, and elaborate fountains fill every square, wrought in the shapes of griffins and [[dragons]] and [[manticore]]s.  
 
  
There is a great arcade where the heroes of the city stand three times as large as they did in life atop columns of green and white marble.{{Ref|aCoK|27}} There is a cavernous building whose latticework ceiling is home to a thousand gaily coloured birds.  Trees and flowers bloom on the terrace walls above the bazaar’s stalls, while below it seems as if everything the gods have put into the world is for sale.
+
There is a great arcade where the heroes of the city stand atop columns of green and white [[marble]]. The statues are three times as big as a man.{{Ref|ACOK|27}}
* '''[[Hall of a Thousand Thrones]]''', the seat of government in Qarth. The [[Pureborn]] rule from this place, sitting atop their wooden chairs, rising in curved tiers. It has marble floors and a high-domed ceiling painted with past events from Qarth's history. The chairs are large, carved and gilded with goldwork, lapis, onyx, jade and amber. No two are the same.{{Ref|aCoK|40}}
 
* '''Temple of Memory''', the site of traditional sacrifices.{{Ref|aCoK|40}}
 
* '''[[House of the Undying]]''', the center of power for the [[warlocks]] of Qarth. It is also known colloquially as the Palace of Dust.{{Ref|aCoK|63}}
 
  
===Port===
+
The [[Pureborn]] of Qarth rule from the [[Hall of a Thousand Thrones]].{{Ref|ACOK|40}} The [[warlocks]] of Qarth have their center of power in the [[House of the Undying]].{{ref|ACOK|27}}{{Ref|ACOK|48}} Other locations include the [[Temple of Memory]], where traditional sacrifices are made,{{Ref|ACOK|40}} the [[Garden of Gehane]], and [[Warlock's Way]].{{Ref|ACOK|63}}  
:{{main|Port of Qarth}}
 
The city possesses one of the greatest ports in the world. It is a sheltered harbor full of colours, with large stone quays reserved for the ships of the various trade guilds and at the far end of the harbor are the quays left for the ships that come from a far.{{Ref|aCoK|12}}
 
  
Winesinks, warehouses, gaming dens, cheap brothels, and temples to peculiar gods all cluster together. All manner of people from cutpurses and cutthroats to spellsellers and moneychangers mingle amongst folk hawking their wares at the waterfront that acts like a massive never-closing marketplace where goods (usually stolen) can be had at a fraction of what they cost at a bazaar.{{Ref|aCoK|63}}
+
Larger than most market towns, the palace of [[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]] includes gardens, a marble bathing pool, a scrying tower, and warlock's maze.{{Ref|ACOK|27}} Located on the route between Xaro's palace and the Hall of a Thousand Thrones is a cavernous building home to a bazaar.{{Ref|ACOK|40}} A thousand gaily colored birds live on the latticework ceiling. On the terraced walls above stalls, trees and flowers bloom.{{Ref|ACOK|27}}
[[File:Qarth Walls HBO.jpg|thumb|350px|Qarth city walls]]
 
  
===Defenses===
+
===People===
:{{main|triple walls of Qarth}}
+
[[File:Martina PilcerovaQarth.png|thumb|350px|Qarth by Martina Pilcerova © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Qarth is surrounded by three thick walls of thirty, forty, and fifty feet in height, respectively engraved with portraits of animals, war, and lovemaking.{{ref|aCoK|27}} The triple walls of Qarth is one of the nine wonders made by man reported in the book, ''[[Wonders Made by Man]]'',  by [[Lomas Longstrider]].{{Ref|aDwD|57}} The three walls of Qarth have not been used for defense in centuries, but they still stand, representing the power of the city.
+
Descending from the [[Qaathi]], Qartheen are a tall and pale people, called [[Milk Men]] by the [[Dothraki]] for their complexion.{{Ref|ACOK|27}} They pride themselves on their sophistication and consider weeping in times of strong emotion to be a mark of civilization.{{Ref|ACOK|40}} Qartheen politeness goes as far having the Qartheen guild of assassins known as the [[Sorrowful Men]] say "I'm so sorry" to their victim before killing them.{{Ref|ACOK|40}}{{Ref|ACOK|63}} The syllables of the Qartheen language sound liquid to a [[Westeros]]i ear.{{ref|ADWD|36}}
  
===Slavery===
+
The Qartheen dress in linen, samite and tiger fur. As per Qartheen fashion, women wear [[Qartheen gown]]s, which leave one breast exposed.{{Ref|ACOK|27}}{{Ref|ACOK|40}} Meanwhile, men favor beaded silk skirts. Children might go about naked, wearing only golden sandals and [[Cosmetics|body paint]].{{Ref|ACOK|27}}
The Qartheen trade in slaves and practice [[slavery]] in the city. They consider slavery very essential to their civilization and have no qualms about its existence, as [[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]] says to Daenerys,  
 
{{Quote|...the magnificence that is the Queen of Cities rests upon the backs of slaves. Ask yourself, if all men must grub in the dirt for food, how shall any man lift his eyes to contemplate the stars? If each of us must break his back to build a hovel, who shall raise the temples to glorify the gods?  For some men to be great, others must be enslaved.{{Ref|aDwD|16}}}}
 
  
===Miscellaneous===
+
The Qartheen ride [[camel]]s.{{Ref|ACOK|27}}{{Ref|ACOK|12}} Warriors wear scaled [[copper]] armor and snouted helms with copper tusks and long black silk plumes. They sit high on saddles inlaid with [[rubies]] and [[garnet]]s. Their camels are dressed in blankets of a hundred different hues.{{ref|ACOK|27}}
Qartheen spice ships can be as big as palaces.{{Ref|aDwD|6}}
 
  
The Qartheen camelry riders wear scaled copper armour and snouted helms with copper tusks and long black silk plumes. They sit high on saddles inlaid with rubies and garnets. Their camels are dressed in blankets of a hundred different hues. {{ref|aCoK|27}} A column of camelry emerge from the city as Daenerys’s honour guards upon her arrival.
+
Qartheen men and women retain their possessions after [[marriage]]. However, there is a marriage custom where, on the day of the wedding, the groom may ask for any one item from his bride's possessions and the bride may ask for any one item of the groom's possessions. Whatever is asked by either cannot be denied. This is seen as a gift of devotion by the bride and groom to each other.{{Ref|aCoK|40}}
  
While traveling in her palanquin after being refused by the [[Pureborn]] Daenerys notices that outside the great city murmurs and thrums and seethes, all its myriad voices blending into one low sound like the surge of the sea.{{Ref|aCoK|40}}
+
Qarth is nominally ruled by the [[Pureborn]], who are seated in the [[Hall of a Thousand Thrones]]. They deal with all matters of civic importance, commanding the [[Civic Guard]] and the fleet of ornate war galleys which rule the [[Jade Gates]] between the seas.{{ref|ACOK|40}} However, the powerful guilds of the [[Thirteen]], the [[Tourmaline Brotherhood]], and the [[Ancient Guild of Spicers]] all contend endlessly with the Pureborn.{{Ref|ACOK|40}}
  
When Khal [[Drogo]] was alive he dreamt of the day when he might sack the great cities of the east – Qarth included.
+
The [[warlocks]] of Qarth are feared and respected throughout [[Essos]].{{ref|ACOK|27}}{{ref|ACOK|40}} Like the [[Alchemists' Guild]] of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], however, the warlocks' power and prestige have waned over the years.{{ref|ACOK|27}} Most warlocks have blue lips{{ref|ACOK|27}} from drinking [[shade of the evening]],{{Ref|ACOK|48}} which is derived from a [[black-barked tree]].{{ref|ACOK|48}} The warlocks' stronghold and seat of power is the [[House of the Undying]], which houses the [[Undying Ones]].{{Ref|ACOK|27}}{{Ref|ACOK|48}}
  
==People of Qarth==
+
The Qartheen practice [[slavery]] in the city.{{Ref|ADWD|16}}
===General Populace===
 
Qartheen are a tall and pale people, called '[[Milk Men]]' by the [[Dothraki]] for their complexion.{{Ref|aCoK|27}} They pride themselves on their sophistication and consider weeping in times of strong emotion to be a mark of civilization.
 
  
The Qartheen fashion for women leaves [[Qartheen gown|one breast exposed]], while men favor beaded silk skirts. Warriors of Qarth wear scaled, copper armor and snouted-helms with copper tusks and long, black silk plumes and some of its guards ride camels.{{Ref|aCoK|27}}
+
===Economy===
 +
A city of merchants.{{ref|ADWD|23}} Qarth has become wealthy due to its control of the [[Jade Gates]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|Qarth}} Because of its location, Qarth is seen as a gateway of commerce and culture between the east and west, and the north and south.{{Ref|ACOK|27}} [[Westeros]]i traders from [[Oldtown]] and the [[Arbor]] sail to Qarth, for instance.{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Qarth houses three guilds of competing merchant princes, the [[Thirteen]], the [[Tourmaline Brotherhood]], and the [[Ancient Guild of Spicers]].{{Ref|ACOK|40}}  
  
They seat themselves on cushions on the floor.{{Ref|aCoK|27}} Wealthy merchant of Qarth sometimes place jewels in their nose.{{Ref|aCoK|12}}
+
Trade goods from Qarth include saffron,{{Ref|ADWD|9}} [[dreamwine]] and liqueur, strongly spiced,{{ref|ADWD|50}} [[silk]],{{Ref|ADWD|67}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} [[spices]], and [[elephant]]s.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} Qartheen spice ships can be as big as palaces.{{Ref|ADWD|6}} Qartheen ships travel as far as [[Braavos]] to trade.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Braavos}}
  
===The Undying of Qarth===
+
Qartheen adventurers search for [[gold]], [[Gemstone|gems]], and [[ivory]] along the eastern coasts of [[Sothoryos]], hungry to make a profit. However, they have never been able to reach the southern end of that continent.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos}}
Qarth is most famous for its [[warlocks]], known as the Undying of Qarth, who are feared and respected throughout the East. Like the [[Alchemists' Guild]] of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], however, the warlocks' power and prestige have waned over the years. Most warlocks have blue lips. They drink [[shade of the evening|shade-of-the-evening]], which makes their lips turn blue.{{Ref|aCoK|27}} The warlocks stronghold and seat of power is the [[House of the Undying]], which house the [[Undying Ones]], the most mysterious and likely the most ancient and powerful of all warlocks.{{Ref|aCoK|27}}
 
  
There is a saying in Qarth concerning the [[warlocks]]:
+
While Qarth depends upon its [[slaves]],{{Ref|ADWD|23}} ''[[khalasar]]s'' of the [[Dothraki]] never cross the [[red waste]] to sell their slaves at Qarth. The Qartheen do not want them to do so, either, as they strongly dislike the smell of the ''khalasars''.{{Ref|ADWD|16}}  
{{Quote|A warlock's house is built of bones and lies.{{Ref|aCoK|27}}}}
 
  
===Sorrowful Men===
+
==History==
Qarth is also home to a guild of assassins known as the [[Sorrowful Men]], who whisper, "I am so sorry," just before they kill their victims.{{Ref|aCoK|40}}
+
Qarth claims to be the birthplace of civilization, although [[maesters]] are skeptical.{{ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Rise of Valyria}} It is the sole surviving city-state established by the [[Qaathi]] people, who rose in the grasslands of central [[Essos]]—known today as the [[Dothraki sea]]—and founded city-states as they moved southeast following defeat in wars against the [[Sarnor]]i.{{ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}} Ancient Qarth was ruled by [[King of Qarth|kings]] and queens, the ancestors of the [[Pureborn]].{{ref|ACOK|40}} [[Jar Han]], the eighth of the sea-green emperors of [[Yi Ti]], exacted tribute from Qarth.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}  
  
==Customs==
+
The new lands of the Qaathi turned into the [[red waste]], however, and their civilization declined.{{ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}} During the [[Century of Blood]], [[Dothraki]] pushed into the red waste and destroyed the remaining Qaathi cities, leaving Qarth as the sole surviving Qaathi city.{{ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}} The ruins of [[Vaes Orvik]], [[Vaes Qosar]], and [[Vaes Shirosi]] still stand today.{{ref|AWOIAF|Vaes Orvik}}{{ref|AWOIAF|Vaes Qosar}}{{ref|AWOIAF|Vaes Shirosi}}
===Marriage===
 
:{{Main|Marriage}}
 
Husbands and wives retain their possessions after marriage, however there is a marriage custom on the day of the wedding.  A groom may ask for any one item from his bride’s possessions and the bride may ask for any one item of the groom’s possessions. Whatever is asked by either cannot be refused and is considered to now belong to the other.  This is seen as a gift of devotion by the bride and groom to each other. {{Ref|aCoK|40}}
 
  
==Recent Events==
+
Looking to the sea, the Pureborn constructed a fleet and took control of the [[Jade Gates]], the strait between Qarth and [[Great Moraq]]. The Qartheen prospered from trade and tolls on the most direct route between the [[Summer Sea]] and the [[Jade Sea]].{{ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
[[Samwell Tarly]] mentions the city to [[Jon Snow]], telling Jon that in one of his efforts to cure him of his timidity Sam’s father once brought two [[warlocks]] from Qarth to his castle at [[Horn Hill]].
 
  
===''A Clash of Kings''===
+
The protagonist of ''[[A Caution for Young Girls]]'' allegedly served as the [[handmaid]] of a Qartheen [[warlock]] during part of her life.{{ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}
Three representatives of Qarth - [[Pyat Pree]], [[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]] and [[Quaithe]] - accompany [[Jhogo]] back to [[Vaes Tolorro]] after he is sent by [[Daenerys Targaryen]] to discover what lies near the abandoned city.{{ref|ACOK|12}}  The emissaries escort Daenerys and her ''[[khalasar]]'' to Qarth. On entering Qarth, Daenerys thinks the magnificence of the city cannot be denied.{{ref|aCoK|27}} Her three young [[dragon]]s are a marvel in the ancient city. {{Ref|aCoK|12}}{{Ref|aCoK|27}}{{Ref|aCoK|40}}
 
[[File:In qarth by mustamirri.jpg|thumb|400px|Queen Daenerys Targaryen returns to Xaro's palace after her audience with the [[Pureborn]]  - by Mustamirri ©]]
 
[[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]], a member of the [[Thirteen]], offers her the hospitality of his palace while she and her khalasar are in Qarth which she accepts.  Under his guidance Daenerys seeks an audience with the [[Pureborn]] to plea with them in the [[Hall of a Thousand Thrones]] for their fleet of galleys, or part of it and some of their soldiers.{{ref|aCoK|40}} The Pureborn refuse her, however.
 
  
As the rumor of living dragons spreads through the east seekers come to learn if the tale is true.  Xaro sees to it that the great and the humble alike offer some token to Daenerys, the Mother of Dragons.  The trickle he starts soon swells to a flood.{{Ref|aCoK|40|p 577}}
+
In the last of his [[The Nine Voyages|nine voyages]] aboard the ''[[Sea Snake]]'', [[Corlys Velaryon]] brought a shipload of gold to Qarth, where he purchased twenty more ships. Filled with spices, [[elephant]]s, and silk, most of the ships returned to [[Westeros]].{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} [[Jade]] from Qarth was popular in [[King's Landing]] during the [[Lysene Spring]].{{ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
*Trader captains bring lace from [[Myr]], chests of saffron from [[Yi Ti]], amber and [[dragonglass]] out of [[Asshai]].  
 
*Merchants offer bags of coin, silversmiths rings and chains.
 
*Pipers pipe for her, tumblers tumble, and jugglers juggle, while dyers drape her in colors she did not know exist.
 
*A pair of [[Jogos Nhai]] present her with one of their striped [[zorse]]s, black and white and fierce.
 
*A widow brings the dried corpse of her husband, covered with a crust of silvered leaves; such remnants are believed to have great power, especially if the deceased had been a sorcerer, as this one had.
 
*The [[Tourmaline Brotherhood]] press on her a crown wrought in the shape of a three-headed dragon; the coils are yellow gold, the wings silver, the heads carved from jade, ivory, and onyx.
 
  
The crown is the only offering Daenerys keeps.  The rest she sells, to gather the wealth she ends up wasting on the [[Pureborn]]. Xaro would have sold the crown too—the Thirteen would see that she has a much finer one, he swears—but Daenerys forbids it, telling him:
+
[[Lomas Longstrider]] visited the [[triple walls of Qarth]].{{ref|ADWD|57}} [[Xandarro Xhore]] was a Qartheen pirate active in the [[Basilisk Isles]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Basilisk Isles}} [[Euron Greyjoy]] has allegedly plundered as far as Qarth and [[Tall Trees Town]].{{ref|ADWD|56}}
{{Quote|[[Viserys Targaryen|Viserys]] sold [[Rhaella Targaryen|my mother’s]] crown, and men called him a beggar. I shall keep this one, so men will call me a queen.{{Ref|aCoK|40|p 577}}}}  
 
  
After having been refused by the Pureborn Daenerys agrees to go with [[Pyat Pree]] to visit the [[House of the Undying]].{{ref|aCoK|27}} While inside [[Drogon]] destroys the building when Daenerys is attacked by the [[Undying Ones]]. After its destruction, [[ghost grass]] is found growing in the [[Garden of Gehane]] and phantom tortoises are seen carrying messages between the windowless houses on Warlock's Way.{{Ref|aCoK|63}}
+
[[Colloquo Votar]]'s ''[[Jade Compendium]]'' describes Qarth and the [[Jade Sea]].{{ref|TWOIAF|Other Lands}}
  
Daenerys is soon forced to flee Qarth after the [[Tourmaline Brotherhood]], the [[Ancient Guild of Spicers]] and the [[Pureborn]] trade guilds demand her expulsion and possible assassination after the destruction of the House of the Undying.{{ref|aCoK|63}} Only Xaro's influence prevents the Thirteen from adding their voices to that of the other trade guilds.
+
==Recent Events==
 +
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 +
[[Samwell Tarly]] mentions the city to [[Jon Snow]], telling Jon that in one of his efforts to cure Sam of his timidity Lord [[Randyll Tarly]] once brought two [[warlocks]] from Qarth to his castle at [[Horn Hill]].{{ref|AGOT|26}}
  
===''A Storm of Swords''===
+
Before Khal [[Drogo]]'s body is burnt on his funeral pyre, Ser [[Jorah Mormont]] begs [[Daenerys Targaryen]] to come east with him, to [[Yi Ti]], Qarth, the [[Jade Sea]], and [[Asshai|Asshai by the Shadow]], to see all the wonders yet unseen.{{Ref|AGOT|72}}
In [[Meereen]] Ser [[Jorah Mormont]] admits to Daenerys that the last report that he made to [[Varys]] was one from Qarth.  She is taken aback as she hoped his spying had ended much earlier.{{Ref|aSoS|71}}
 
  
===''A Feast For Crows''===
+
===''A Clash of Kings''===
At the [[Quill and Tankard]] in [[Oldtown]] [[Leo Tyrell]] informs his fellow students, [[Pate]], [[Mollander]], [[Alleras]], [[Armen]], and [[Roone]] that the [[Mad King]]’s daughter is alive, and she’s hatched herself three dragons. He tells them,
+
[[File:In qarth by mustamirri.jpg|thumb|400px|Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]] returns to [[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]]'s palace after her audience with the [[Pureborn]] - by Mustamirri ©]]
{{Quote|"Every man off every ship that’s sailed within a hundred leagues of Qarth is speaking of these dragons. A few will even tell you that they’ve seen them. The [[Marwyn|Mage]] is inclined to believe them.”}}
+
Daenerys recalls how Drogo dreamed of the day when he might sack the great cities of the east, including Qarth.{{ref|ACOK|27}}
  
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
+
Three representatives of Qarth—[[Pyat Pree]], [[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]], and [[Quaithe]]—accompany [[Jhogo]] back to [[Vaes Tolorro]] after he is sent by Daenerys to discover what lies near the abandoned city.{{ref|ACOK|12}} The emissaries escort Daenerys and her ''[[khalasar]]'' to Qarth. A [[column]] of [[camel]]ry emerge from the city as Daenerys's honor guards upon her arrival.{{ref|ACOK|27}} Her three young [[dragon]]s are a marvel in the ancient city.{{Ref|ACOK|27}}{{Ref|ACOK|40}}{{Ref|ACOK|12}}
[[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]] arrives in [[Meereen]] as a representative of Qarth to visit Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]] in order to try and convince her to sail for [[Westeros]]. Her presence has disrupted the [[slave]] trade which many [[Essos]]i cities, including Qarth, depend on for their economies. He brings forth a gift of thirteen ships, stating that they are hers on the condition she sails from [[Slaver's Bay]] to Westeros. Daenerys has the thirteen ships Xaro brought inspected, but later refuses the offer. Xaro's reply is to leave a bloodstained glove on a satin pillow - indicating Qarth has declared war on her.{{ref|aDwD|16}}
 
  
Pale Qartheen are among those who come to [[Meereen]] to battle in [[Daznak's Pit]].{{Ref|aDwD|52}}
+
Xaro, a member of the [[Thirteen]], offers Daenerys the hospitality of his palace while she and her ''[[khalasar]]'' are in Qarth. Under his guidance Daenerys seeks an audience with the [[Pureborn]] to plea with them in the [[Hall of a Thousand Thrones]] for their fleet of galleys, or part of it and some of their soldiers. However, the Pureborn deny her.{{ref|ACOK|40}}
  
===''The Winds of Winter''===
+
Xaro sees to it that the great and the humble alike offer some token to Daenerys, the Mother of Dragons. She receives gifts from throughout the [[known world]], selling all except for a crown wrought in the shape of a three-headed dragon given to her by the [[Tourmaline Brotherhood]].{{ref|ACOK|40}}
As the [[Second Siege of Meereen]] is starting [[Tyrion]] can hear the sounds of the warships crashing and clashing on [[Slaver's Bay]] and can hear the queer high whistles of Qarth being made by the Qartheen fleet.  The Qartheen [[camel]] corps may be taking part in the battle being fought beneath the city.
 
  
==Quotes==
+
After having been refused by the Pureborn, Daenerys agrees to go with Pyat to the [[House of the Undying]].{{ref|ACOK|40}} [[Drogon]] destroys the building when Daenerys is attacked by the [[Undying Ones]].{{Ref|ACOK|48}} After its destruction, [[ghost grass]] is found growing in the [[Garden of Gehane]] and [[phantom tortoises]] are seen carrying messages between the windowless houses on [[Warlock's Way]]. In the home of [[Urrathon Night-Walker]], [[glass candle]]s burn for the first time in a century.{{Ref|ACOK|63}}
{{Quote|Qarth is the greatest city that ever was or ever will be. It is the center of the world, the gate between north and south, the bridge between east and west, ancient beyond memory of man and so magnificent that [[Saathos]] the Wise put out his eyes after gazing upon Qarth for the first time, because he knew that all he saw thereafter should look squalid and ugly by comparison.{{ref|aCoK|27}}}} – [[Pyat Pree]] to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]
 
  
 +
Daenerys is soon forced to flee Qarth after the Tourmaline Brotherhood calls for her expulsion and the [[Ancient Guild of Spicers]] call for her death. Only Xaro's influence prevents the Thirteen from adding their voices.{{ref|ACOK|63}} As Daenerys searches for transport at the [[port of Qarth]], [[Strong Belwas]] and [[Arstan Whitebeard]] save her from being assassinated by the [[manticore]] of a [[Sorrowful Man]].{{ref|ACOK|63}}
  
{{Quote|How savage we must seem to these Qartheen.{{ref|aCoK|27}}}} – [[Daenerys Targaryen]]'s thoughts as she and her ''[[khalasar]]'' enter Qarth  
+
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 +
In [[Meereen]], Daenerys learns that Ser [[Jorah Mormont]] had been spying on her on behalf of Lord [[Varys]], the spymaster of the [[Iron Throne]] in [[Westeros]]. Jorah admits that the last report that he made to Varys had been made from Qarth. Daenerys is taken aback, as she hoped that his spying had ended much earlier.{{Ref|aSoS|71}}
  
 +
===''A Feast For Crows''===
 +
At the [[Quill and Tankard]] in [[Oldtown]] [[Leo Tyrell (son of Moryn)|Leo Tyrell]] informs his fellow students—[[Pate (novice)|Pate]], [[Mollander]], [[Alleras]], [[Armen]], and [[Roone]]—that sailors who have visited Qarth are speaking of Daenerys's dragons.{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}}
  
{{Quote|These are strange times in Qarth. And strange times are bad for trade.{{ref|ACOK|63}}}} – [[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]], to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]
+
Seeking vengeance against Daenerys,{{ref|AWOIAF|Qarth}} a galleas of [[warlocks]] sails from Qarth but is captured by ''[[Silence]]'', the galley of [[Euron Greyjoy]].{{ref|AFFC|29}}
  
 +
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 +
Xaro arrives in Meereen as a representative of Qarth to visit Queen Daenerys. He attempts to persuade her to sail for Westeros. [[Targaryen campaign in Slaver's Bay|Her campaign]] has disrupted the [[slave]] trade upon which depend many cities of [[Essos]], including Qarth. He brings a gift of thirteen ships, stating that they are hers on the condition she sails from [[Slaver's Bay]] to Westeros. Daenerys has the thirteen ships Xaro brought inspected, but later refuses the offer. Xaro's reply is to leave a bloodstained glove on a satin pillow, indicating Qarth has declared war on her.{{ref|ADWD|16}}
  
{{Quote|Qarth was one of the world's great ports, its great sheltered harbor a riot of color and clangor and strange smells.{{ref|ACOK|63}}}} – thoughts of [[Daenerys Targaryen]]
+
Xaro leaves the thirteen ships at Slaver's Bay, where they give aid in closing off the bay to Meereen. Three Qartheen galleys sail up the [[Skahazadhan]] at night, in an attempt to close off the river as well. The [[Mother's Men]] loose flights of fire arrows at their sails and fling pots of burning pitch onto their decks, but the galleys manage to slip by quickly and succeed in closing off the river. The Qartheen drive off a third of [[Meereen]]'s fishing fleet and manage to seize another third, leaving Meereen without trade.{{ref|ADWD|23}} Qarth sends a corps of Qartheen camelry to aid the [[Yunkai]]'i against Daenerys.{{Ref|ADWD|36}}
  
 +
Pale Qartheen are among those who come to Meereen to battle in [[Daznak's Pit]].{{Ref|ADWD|52}}
  
{{Quote|In Qarth I was a beggar.{{ref|aDwD|11}}}} – [[Daenerys Targaryen]], to [[Quaithe]]  
+
===''The Winds of Winter''===
 +
{{Warning/twow}}
 +
As the [[second siege of Meereen]] resumes, [[Tyrion Lannister]] hears high Qartheen whistles as their ships battle the [[Iron Fleet]] of the [[ironborn]].<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Tyrion II (The Winds of Winter)|Tyrion II]]</ref>
  
 +
==Quotes==
 +
{{Quote|Qarth is the greatest city that ever was or ever will be. It is the center of the world, the gate between north and south, the bridge between east and west, ancient beyond memory of man and so magnificent that [[Saathos the Wise]] put out his eyes after gazing upon Qarth for the first time, because he knew that all he saw thereafter should look squalid and ugly by comparison.{{ref|ACOK|27}}|[[Pyat Pree]] to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}
  
{{Quote|Qarth is a city of merchants, and they love the clink of silver coins, the gleam of yellow gold.{{ref|ADWD|23}}}} – [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]], to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]
+
{{Quote|These are strange times in Qarth. And strange times are bad for trade.{{ref|ACOK|63}}|[[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]] to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}
  
 +
{{quote|Consider Qarth. In art, music, [[magic]], trade, all that makes us more than beasts, Qarth sits above the rest of mankind as you sit at the summit of [[Great Pyramid|this pyramid]] ... but below, in place of bricks, the magnificence that is the Queen of Cities rests upon the backs of [[slavery|slaves]].{{ref|ADWD|16}}|[[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]] to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}
  
{{Quote|Qartheen have milk in their veins.{{ref|ADWD|23}}}} – [[Daario Naharis]], to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]
+
{{Quote|Qarth is a city of merchants, and they love the clink of silver coins, the gleam of yellow gold. When you [[Targaryen campaign in Slaver's Bay|smashed the slave trade]], the blow was felt from [[Westeros]] to [[Asshai]]. Qarth depends upon its slaves.{{ref|ADWD|23}}|[[Hizdahr zo Loraq]] to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}
  
==References and Notes==
+
{{quote|We could sail to Qarth. The streets are paved with jade there, [[Oppo|my brother]] always said. [[triple walls of Qarth|The city walls]] are one of the [[Wonders Made by Man|wonders of the world]]. When we perform in Qarth, gold and silver will rain down on us, you'll see.{{ref|ADWD|57}}|[[Penny]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}
{{references|3}}
 
  
 +
==References==
 +
{{references}}
  
 
{{Cities}}
 
{{Cities}}
  
<!-- Categories -->
 
 
[[Category:Qarth| ]]
 
[[Category:Qarth| ]]
 
[[Category:Cities]]
 
[[Category:Cities]]
Line 166: Line 147:
 
[[Category:Places in the Summer Sea]]
 
[[Category:Places in the Summer Sea]]
 
[[Category:Qaathi cities]]
 
[[Category:Qaathi cities]]
[[Category:Missing map]]
 
  
<!-- language interwikis -->
+
[[es:Qarth]]
[[es:Qarth]][[fa:کارث]][[fr:Qarth]][[ru:Кварт]]
+
[[fa:کارث]]
 +
[[fr:Qarth]]
 +
[[ru:Кварт]]
 
[[zh:&#39745;&#23572;&#26031;]]
 
[[zh:&#39745;&#23572;&#26031;]]

Revision as of 14:29, 4 April 2023

Qarth
City-state
Qarth HBO.jpg
Location Southern coast of Essos
Government Pureborn, Oligarchy
Notable places House of the Undying, Hall of a Thousand Thrones, Temple of Memory, triple walls, port
Organizations Thirteen, Tourmaline Brotherhood, Ancient Guild of Spicers, Sorrowful Men, warlocks

Qarth is an ancient port city located on the southern coast of Essos. It has been referred to as the Queen of Cities,[1] a title also claimed by Yunkai in Slaver's Bay.[2]

City

Location

Qarth is located in The Known World
Qarth
The known world and the location of Qarth

Qarth is located on the Jade Gates, which link the Summer Sea to the fabled Jade Sea. The city is located to the southeast of Lhazar and the red waste and southwest of the Bone Mountains. Just east of Qarth is the small island of Qal, while the large island Great Moraq is to the south. The great Slaver Cities of Meereen, Astapor, and Yunkai are to the west of Qarth.[3]

Four main travel routes originate from Qarth. The western route leads to Qarkash, the northwestern route to Vaes Qosar and Vaes Tolorro, while the eastern road leads to Asabhad.[4] The fourth route, the Sand Road, leads through the southern Bone Mountains, eventually passing Bayasabhad, leading to the market city Tiqui.[4][5]

Qarth's position makes it the gateway between the lands of Westeros, Free Cities and Slaver's Bay, and more eastern lands such as Asshai, the Shadow Lands, and Yi Ti. Qarth has been described as the center of the world.[6]

The power of Qarth extends west to Port Yhos,[7] and east to the island Qal, where the Qartheen have raised fortified harbor cities on either side of the island to reinforce their control of the passage of the Jade Gates.[8] The nearby town Qarkash is a Qartheen city,[9] and Vaes Orvik, Vaes Qosar, and Vaes Shirosi, all in ruins, were Qartheen in origin as well.[10][11][12]

Layout

Qarth city walls, as depicted in HBO's Game of Thrones

Qarth is surrounded by three thick walls of thirty, forty, and fifty feet in height, respectively engraved with portraits of animals, war, and lovemaking.[6] The triple walls of Qarth are one of the nine wonders made by man reported in the book, Wonders Made by Man, by Lomas Longstrider.[13] The port of Qarth is one of the greatest in the known world.[14]

The buildings in Qarth are colorful. Decorations include a bronze arch fashioned in the likeness of two snakes mating, their scales delicate flakes of jade, obsidian, and lapis lazuli. Slim towers stand tall, and elaborate fountains fill every square, wrought in the shapes of griffins and dragons and manticores. The balconies of the houses are delicate and frail.[6]

There is a great arcade where the heroes of the city stand atop columns of green and white marble. The statues are three times as big as a man.[6]

The Pureborn of Qarth rule from the Hall of a Thousand Thrones.[15] The warlocks of Qarth have their center of power in the House of the Undying.[6][16] Other locations include the Temple of Memory, where traditional sacrifices are made,[15] the Garden of Gehane, and Warlock's Way.[14]

Larger than most market towns, the palace of Xaro Xhoan Daxos includes gardens, a marble bathing pool, a scrying tower, and warlock's maze.[6] Located on the route between Xaro's palace and the Hall of a Thousand Thrones is a cavernous building home to a bazaar.[15] A thousand gaily colored birds live on the latticework ceiling. On the terraced walls above stalls, trees and flowers bloom.[6]

People

Qarth by Martina Pilcerova © Fantasy Flight Games

Descending from the Qaathi, Qartheen are a tall and pale people, called Milk Men by the Dothraki for their complexion.[6] They pride themselves on their sophistication and consider weeping in times of strong emotion to be a mark of civilization.[15] Qartheen politeness goes as far having the Qartheen guild of assassins known as the Sorrowful Men say "I'm so sorry" to their victim before killing them.[15][14] The syllables of the Qartheen language sound liquid to a Westerosi ear.[17]

The Qartheen dress in linen, samite and tiger fur. As per Qartheen fashion, women wear Qartheen gowns, which leave one breast exposed.[6][15] Meanwhile, men favor beaded silk skirts. Children might go about naked, wearing only golden sandals and body paint.[6]

The Qartheen ride camels.[6][18] Warriors wear scaled copper armor and snouted helms with copper tusks and long black silk plumes. They sit high on saddles inlaid with rubies and garnets. Their camels are dressed in blankets of a hundred different hues.[6]

Qartheen men and women retain their possessions after marriage. However, there is a marriage custom where, on the day of the wedding, the groom may ask for any one item from his bride's possessions and the bride may ask for any one item of the groom's possessions. Whatever is asked by either cannot be denied. This is seen as a gift of devotion by the bride and groom to each other.[15]

Qarth is nominally ruled by the Pureborn, who are seated in the Hall of a Thousand Thrones. They deal with all matters of civic importance, commanding the Civic Guard and the fleet of ornate war galleys which rule the Jade Gates between the seas.[15] However, the powerful guilds of the Thirteen, the Tourmaline Brotherhood, and the Ancient Guild of Spicers all contend endlessly with the Pureborn.[15]

The warlocks of Qarth are feared and respected throughout Essos.[6][15] Like the Alchemists' Guild of the Seven Kingdoms, however, the warlocks' power and prestige have waned over the years.[6] Most warlocks have blue lips[6] from drinking shade of the evening,[16] which is derived from a black-barked tree.[16] The warlocks' stronghold and seat of power is the House of the Undying, which houses the Undying Ones.[6][16]

The Qartheen practice slavery in the city.[1]

Economy

A city of merchants.[19] Qarth has become wealthy due to its control of the Jade Gates.[20] Because of its location, Qarth is seen as a gateway of commerce and culture between the east and west, and the north and south.[6] Westerosi traders from Oldtown and the Arbor sail to Qarth, for instance.[21] Qarth houses three guilds of competing merchant princes, the Thirteen, the Tourmaline Brotherhood, and the Ancient Guild of Spicers.[15]

Trade goods from Qarth include saffron,[22] dreamwine and liqueur, strongly spiced,[23] silk,[24][25] spices, and elephants.[25] Qartheen spice ships can be as big as palaces.[26] Qartheen ships travel as far as Braavos to trade.[27]

Qartheen adventurers search for gold, gems, and ivory along the eastern coasts of Sothoryos, hungry to make a profit. However, they have never been able to reach the southern end of that continent.[28]

While Qarth depends upon its slaves,[19] khalasars of the Dothraki never cross the red waste to sell their slaves at Qarth. The Qartheen do not want them to do so, either, as they strongly dislike the smell of the khalasars.[1]

History

Qarth claims to be the birthplace of civilization, although maesters are skeptical.[29] It is the sole surviving city-state established by the Qaathi people, who rose in the grasslands of central Essos—known today as the Dothraki sea—and founded city-states as they moved southeast following defeat in wars against the Sarnori.[30] Ancient Qarth was ruled by kings and queens, the ancestors of the Pureborn.[15] Jar Han, the eighth of the sea-green emperors of Yi Ti, exacted tribute from Qarth.[31]

The new lands of the Qaathi turned into the red waste, however, and their civilization declined.[30] During the Century of Blood, Dothraki pushed into the red waste and destroyed the remaining Qaathi cities, leaving Qarth as the sole surviving Qaathi city.[30] The ruins of Vaes Orvik, Vaes Qosar, and Vaes Shirosi still stand today.[10][11][12]

Looking to the sea, the Pureborn constructed a fleet and took control of the Jade Gates, the strait between Qarth and Great Moraq. The Qartheen prospered from trade and tolls on the most direct route between the Summer Sea and the Jade Sea.[30]

The protagonist of A Caution for Young Girls allegedly served as the handmaid of a Qartheen warlock during part of her life.[32]

In the last of his nine voyages aboard the Sea Snake, Corlys Velaryon brought a shipload of gold to Qarth, where he purchased twenty more ships. Filled with spices, elephants, and silk, most of the ships returned to Westeros.[21][25] Jade from Qarth was popular in King's Landing during the Lysene Spring.[33]

Lomas Longstrider visited the triple walls of Qarth.[13] Xandarro Xhore was a Qartheen pirate active in the Basilisk Isles.[34] Euron Greyjoy has allegedly plundered as far as Qarth and Tall Trees Town.[35]

Colloquo Votar's Jade Compendium describes Qarth and the Jade Sea.[36]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Samwell Tarly mentions the city to Jon Snow, telling Jon that in one of his efforts to cure Sam of his timidity Lord Randyll Tarly once brought two warlocks from Qarth to his castle at Horn Hill.[37]

Before Khal Drogo's body is burnt on his funeral pyre, Ser Jorah Mormont begs Daenerys Targaryen to come east with him, to Yi Ti, Qarth, the Jade Sea, and Asshai by the Shadow, to see all the wonders yet unseen.[38]

A Clash of Kings

Queen Daenerys Targaryen returns to Xaro Xhoan Daxos's palace after her audience with the Pureborn - by Mustamirri ©

Daenerys recalls how Drogo dreamed of the day when he might sack the great cities of the east, including Qarth.[6]

Three representatives of Qarth—Pyat Pree, Xaro Xhoan Daxos, and Quaithe—accompany Jhogo back to Vaes Tolorro after he is sent by Daenerys to discover what lies near the abandoned city.[18] The emissaries escort Daenerys and her khalasar to Qarth. A column of camelry emerge from the city as Daenerys's honor guards upon her arrival.[6] Her three young dragons are a marvel in the ancient city.[6][15][18]

Xaro, a member of the Thirteen, offers Daenerys the hospitality of his palace while she and her khalasar are in Qarth. Under his guidance Daenerys seeks an audience with the Pureborn to plea with them in the Hall of a Thousand Thrones for their fleet of galleys, or part of it and some of their soldiers. However, the Pureborn deny her.[15]

Xaro sees to it that the great and the humble alike offer some token to Daenerys, the Mother of Dragons. She receives gifts from throughout the known world, selling all except for a crown wrought in the shape of a three-headed dragon given to her by the Tourmaline Brotherhood.[15]

After having been refused by the Pureborn, Daenerys agrees to go with Pyat to the House of the Undying.[15] Drogon destroys the building when Daenerys is attacked by the Undying Ones.[16] After its destruction, ghost grass is found growing in the Garden of Gehane and phantom tortoises are seen carrying messages between the windowless houses on Warlock's Way. In the home of Urrathon Night-Walker, glass candles burn for the first time in a century.[14]

Daenerys is soon forced to flee Qarth after the Tourmaline Brotherhood calls for her expulsion and the Ancient Guild of Spicers call for her death. Only Xaro's influence prevents the Thirteen from adding their voices.[14] As Daenerys searches for transport at the port of Qarth, Strong Belwas and Arstan Whitebeard save her from being assassinated by the manticore of a Sorrowful Man.[14]

A Storm of Swords

In Meereen, Daenerys learns that Ser Jorah Mormont had been spying on her on behalf of Lord Varys, the spymaster of the Iron Throne in Westeros. Jorah admits that the last report that he made to Varys had been made from Qarth. Daenerys is taken aback, as she hoped that his spying had ended much earlier.[39]

A Feast For Crows

At the Quill and Tankard in Oldtown Leo Tyrell informs his fellow students—Pate, Mollander, Alleras, Armen, and Roone—that sailors who have visited Qarth are speaking of Daenerys's dragons.[40]

Seeking vengeance against Daenerys,[20] a galleas of warlocks sails from Qarth but is captured by Silence, the galley of Euron Greyjoy.[41]

A Dance with Dragons

Xaro arrives in Meereen as a representative of Qarth to visit Queen Daenerys. He attempts to persuade her to sail for Westeros. Her campaign has disrupted the slave trade upon which depend many cities of Essos, including Qarth. He brings a gift of thirteen ships, stating that they are hers on the condition she sails from Slaver's Bay to Westeros. Daenerys has the thirteen ships Xaro brought inspected, but later refuses the offer. Xaro's reply is to leave a bloodstained glove on a satin pillow, indicating Qarth has declared war on her.[1]

Xaro leaves the thirteen ships at Slaver's Bay, where they give aid in closing off the bay to Meereen. Three Qartheen galleys sail up the Skahazadhan at night, in an attempt to close off the river as well. The Mother's Men loose flights of fire arrows at their sails and fling pots of burning pitch onto their decks, but the galleys manage to slip by quickly and succeed in closing off the river. The Qartheen drive off a third of Meereen's fishing fleet and manage to seize another third, leaving Meereen without trade.[19] Qarth sends a corps of Qartheen camelry to aid the Yunkai'i against Daenerys.[17]

Pale Qartheen are among those who come to Meereen to battle in Daznak's Pit.[42]

The Winds of Winter

Content.png
Warning
This information has thus far been released in a sample chapter for The Winds of Winter, and might therefore not be in finalized form. Keep in mind that the content as described below is still subject to change.

As the second siege of Meereen resumes, Tyrion Lannister hears high Qartheen whistles as their ships battle the Iron Fleet of the ironborn.[43]

Quotes

Qarth is the greatest city that ever was or ever will be. It is the center of the world, the gate between north and south, the bridge between east and west, ancient beyond memory of man and so magnificent that Saathos the Wise put out his eyes after gazing upon Qarth for the first time, because he knew that all he saw thereafter should look squalid and ugly by comparison.[6]

These are strange times in Qarth. And strange times are bad for trade.[14]

Consider Qarth. In art, music, magic, trade, all that makes us more than beasts, Qarth sits above the rest of mankind as you sit at the summit of this pyramid ... but below, in place of bricks, the magnificence that is the Queen of Cities rests upon the backs of slaves.[1]

Qarth is a city of merchants, and they love the clink of silver coins, the gleam of yellow gold. When you smashed the slave trade, the blow was felt from Westeros to Asshai. Qarth depends upon its slaves.[19]

We could sail to Qarth. The streets are paved with jade there, my brother always said. The city walls are one of the wonders of the world. When we perform in Qarth, gold and silver will rain down on us, you'll see.[13]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 16, Daenerys III.
  2. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 42, Daenerys IV.
  3. The Lands of Ice and Fire.
  4. 4.0 4.1 The Lands of Ice and Fire, The Known World.
  5. The World of Ice & Fire, The Bones and Beyond.
  6. 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 6.15 6.16 6.17 6.18 6.19 6.20 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 27, Daenerys II.
  7. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Port Yhos.
  8. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Qal.
  9. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Qarkash.
  10. 10.0 10.1 George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Vaes Orvik.
  11. 11.0 11.1 George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Vaes Qosar.
  12. 12.0 12.1 George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Vaes Shirosi.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 57, Tyrion XI.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 63, Daenerys V.
  15. 15.00 15.01 15.02 15.03 15.04 15.05 15.06 15.07 15.08 15.09 15.10 15.11 15.12 15.13 15.14 15.15 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 40, Daenerys III.
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 48, Daenerys IV.
  17. 17.0 17.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 36, Daenerys VI.
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 12, Daenerys I.
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 23, Daenerys IV.
  20. 20.0 20.1 George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Qarth.
  21. 21.0 21.1 Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession.
  22. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 9, Davos I.
  23. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 50, Daenerys VIII.
  24. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 67, The Kingbreaker.
  25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I.
  26. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 6, The Merchant's Man.
  27. The World of Ice & Fire, The Free Cities: Braavos.
  28. The World of Ice & Fire, Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos.
  29. The World of Ice & Fire, Ancient History: The Rise of Valyria.
  30. 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 The World of Ice & Fire, Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands.
  31. The World of Ice & Fire, The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti.
  32. Fire & Blood, A Surfeit of Rulers.
  33. Fire & Blood, The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency.
  34. The World of Ice & Fire, Beyond the Free Cities: The Basilisk Isles.
  35. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 56, The Iron Suitor.
  36. The World of Ice & Fire, Other Lands.
  37. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 26, Jon IV.
  38. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 72, Daenerys X.
  39. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 71, Daenerys VI.
  40. A Feast for Crows, Prologue.
  41. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 29, The Reaver.
  42. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 52, Daenerys IX.
  43. The Winds of Winter, Tyrion II