Skagos
Skagos is a large island in the mouth of the Bay of Seals. In theory, the island is part of the North and subject to Winterfell, however the island has very little contact with the mainland, and in practice they rule themselves. [1] The name “Skagos” means “stone” in the Old Tongue[2]. A popular myth states that unicorns live on Skagos.[2][3] The island has a dread reputation; even the hardened sailor the Blind Bastard feared to go there.
History
It is not known at what time Skagos became subject to the supremacy of Winterfell, but they rebelled one hundred years ago. The rebellion was suppressed at the cost of the lives of the Lord of Winterfell and hundreds of his soldiers.[2]
Geography
The large island is located in the mouth of the Bay of Seals, on the northern coast of Westeros. Nearby is the isle Skane and beyond it is the Shivering Sea. Skagos is mountainous and forbidding with rough and treacherous currents around the isle.[2] Sailing is hazardous, especially during the autumn storms when the cold can freeze ropes and sails.
Culture
The people of Skagos call themselves "Skagosi", which means "Stoneborn" in the Old Tongue. Other northmen derisively call them "Skaggs."[2] Donal Noye recalls meeting "Skagossons" at Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. [4] Descendents of the First Men, Skagosi are savage, little more than tribes of raiders who are thought to be cannibals.[2][3]
It is said that in ancient days, men of Skagos sailed to Skane, seizing all the women, killing all the men, and feasting on their hearts and livers for a fortnight. Skane has been uninhabited since.[5]
According to Roose Bolton, the inhabitants of Skagos still continue the tradition of the First Night.[6]
Houses
The only Skagosi house that appears in the books is House Magnar. [4] In semi-canon sources the following are mentioned:[7]
- House Crowl of Deepdown
- House Magnar of Kingshouse
- House Stane of Driftwood Hall
References and Notes
- ↑ The Drowned God and More. (July 14, 1999) So Spake Martin
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 15, Samwell II.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 9, Davos I.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 48, Jon VI.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 17, Jon IV, p.220.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 32, Reek III.
- ↑ Heraldry in the North, The Mountain Clans and On Skagos