Difference between revisions of "Summer Isles"

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[[File:Marc Simonetti Temple Of Love.jpg|350px|thumb|Temple of Love - Marc Simonetti. ©]]
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[[File:Locator map Summer Isles in Known world.svg|thumb|400px|Location of the Summer Isles in the [[known world]]]]
[[File:Summer Islands.png|thumb|350px|Approximate location of the Summer Isles; geography is speculative.]]
 
  
The '''Summer Isles''',{{ref|TWOIAF| The Summer Isles}}{{ref|AGOT|11}}{{ref|AFFC|0}}{{ref|ADWD|13}} sometimes called the '''Summer Islands''',{{ref|AFFC|14}} are a large archipelago located south of [[Westeros]] and [[Essos]] and west of [[Sothoryos]]. The islands separate the [[Sunset Sea]] to the west from the [[Summer Sea]] to the east. The northern-most islands of the group have been mapped, but it is not known how far south the island chain extends. The mapped portion of the chain includes three large islands and numerous smaller ones. The people of the archipelago are known as Summer Islanders.
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The '''Summer Isles''',{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}{{Ref|AGOT|11}}{{Ref|AFFC|0}}{{Ref|ADWD|13}} sometimes called the '''Summer Islands''',{{Ref|AFFC|14}} are a large archipelago located south of [[Westeros]] and [[Essos]] and west of [[Sothoryos]] and [[Naath]].{{Ref|TLOIAF|The West}}
  
==History==
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==Geography==
The Summer Isles have a long history dating back thousands of years.  Much of this was recorded in carvings made by priestesses on the famous [[Talking Trees]] of [[Tall Trees Town]]. Even more is recorded in oral tradition, because the Summer Islanders rely heavily upon histories recorded in highly complicated formal verse and memorized by rote.<ref>Much like West African [[w:griot|griots]].</ref>  In Westeros, Maester [[Gallard]] painstakingly translated and recorded many of these in his ''[[Children of Summer]]'', which remains the chief historical text on the Summer Isles.
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[[File:Location map Summer Isles.svg|thumb|The Summer Isles]]
===The Dawn Age===
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The islands, which number more than fifty,{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} separate the [[Sunset Sea]] to the west from the [[Summer Sea]] to the east. The three largest islands by far are (from north to south) [[Walano]], [[Omboru]], and [[Jhala]], all of which are larger than the [[Stepstones]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} The [[Smiling Sea]] divides [[Walano]] and [[Omboru]], and the [[Indigo Straits]] divide Omboru from Jhala.{{Ref|TLOIAF|The West}}
For much of their recorded history, the Summer Islanders lived in isolation from the rest of mankind, and they were apparently unaware that other lands and peoples even existed. Maps included in the ancient histories carved into the Talking Trees depict only the Summer Islands themselves, surrounded by a world-encompassing ocean.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}}
 
  
[[File:swan_ship.png|350px|thumb|A swan ship - Marc Simonetti ©]]
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Walano contains the settlements of [[Lotus Port]], [[Last Lament]], and [[Tall Trees Town]]. The cultural or religious heart of the islands seems to be Tall Trees Town, where priestesses carve histories and laws into the [[Talking Trees]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} Jhala contains the settled valleys of [[Red Flower Vale]] and [[Sweet Lotus Vale]], the latter of which contains the port city of [[Ebonhead]].{{Ref|TLOIAF|The West}}
===The Age of Exploration===
 
The first recorded contact between the Summer Isles and the outside world occurred when the [[Ghiscari Empire]] was at its height (between eight and five thousand years ago). A Ghiscari merchant ship was blown off course by a storm and landed on [[Walano]], but the crew and ship fled when they saw the inhabitants. Although this was no real meeting, the contact had a profound impact upon the Summer Islanders, introducing to them the idea that there were other lands and peoples beyond their home waters. Their curiosity and avarice were piqued, so the princes of the isles began building larger and sturdier ships capable of making long sea voyages. The greatest of these was [[Malthar Xaq]], prince of the smaller island [[Koj]], who is remembered as Malthar the Windrider and Malthar the Mapmaker.  Even in the present day, Koj still possesses the greatest shipyards in all of the islands, with three quarters of all of their swan ships produced there.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}}
 
  
A great new era of exploration and trade began. The Summer Islanders first encountered the peaceful inhabitants of [[Naath]] to their east, then the [[Basilisk Isles]], and the northern coasts of [[Sothoryos]], as well as the southern coasts of Essos and Westeros.  Depending on the exact date this occurred, merchant ships from the Summer Islands may have reached [[Oldtown]] in the [[Reach]] generations before the Andals, or even the [[First Men]], did. Maester [[Jellicoe]] speculated that Oldtown may have first risen in the [[Dawn Age]] as a trading post where ships from [[Valyria]], [[Old Ghis]], and the Summer Isles would put in to replenish their supplies and trade with each other and even the elder races.{{ref|TWOIAF| Oldtown}}
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North of Walano are [[Stone Head]] and the [[Isle of Women]], while [[Koj]] and the [[Isle of Birds]] are to the south. Between the Isle of Birds and Omboru is the [[Smiling Sea]], and the [[Indigo Straits]] are between Omboru and Jhala. West of those two large islands are the [[Singing Stones]], the [[Three Exiles]], the [[Isle of Love]], and [[Moluu]]. South of Jhala are [[Parrot Bay]], [[Xon]], [[Doquu]], and the [[Bones]]. Near the eastern coast of Khala is [[Lizard Head]].{{Ref|TLOIAF|The West}}
  
According to their own records, the Summer Islanders established trade colonies and cities on the western coasts of Sothoryos, but they were later overwhelmed and destroyed by the same forces that brought down later Valyrian and Ghiscari settlements there, particularly plagues, dangerous wildlife, and attacks by the savage [[Brindled Men]] of the interior. If these accounts are true, it was so long ago that no visible ruins of these settlements remain, their sites perhaps reclaimed by the jungles.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}}
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The rain forests, sandy beaches, and towering mountains of the isles are inhabited by spotted panthers, packs of lean red wolves, tribes of [[monkey]]s, and crocodiles. Apes include the "old red men" on Omboru, silver pelts on Jhala, and night stalkers on Walano. The isles are also known for their beautiful birds and flowers.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}  
  
Within less than half a century of their first contact, the Summer Islands had established a thriving trade network with the [[Valyrian Freehold]]. The Summer Islands are poor in metals (such as iron or tin), but rich in gemstones, spices, hardwoods, and tropical animals, all of which the [[Dragonlord|dragonlords]] were eager to pay for with gold and other metals. The Valyrians never made any attempt to conquer the Summer Islands, probably because they were far away and the Valyrians were more concerned with their closer enemies. At the time Valyria was still an upstart power fighting the Ghiscari Empire to their east, and later they were focused on conflict with the [[Rhoynar]] to their west.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}}
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==People==
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The Summer Islanders are strong and tall, a handsome people eager to learn.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} Their skin color includes nut brown,{{Ref|ADWD|56}} teak,{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} ebony,{{Ref|AGOT|3}} and polished jet.{{Ref|ACOK|27}}{{Ref|AFFC|35}} Their hair and eyes are black.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} They speak the [[Summer Tongue]]{{Ref|AFFC|35}} and often wear capes of brightly-colored feathers when ashore.{{Ref|ASOS|21}}{{Ref|ASOS|60}}{{Ref|AFFC|45}} The [[Common Tongue]] can have an amber, liquid accent when spoken by an islander.{{Ref|ACOK|15}} Their consists primarily of fruits and fish.{{Ref|AFFC|45}} Nine out of every ten islanders lives on [[Jhala]], [[Omboru]], or [[Walano]], with the latter being the most populous.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
  
===The Years of Shame===
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[[File:Marc Simonetti Temple Of Love.jpg|thumb|350px|Temple of Love, as depicted by Marc Simonetti in ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'']]
  
It did not take long after establishing trade with the Valyrians for some princes of the Summer Islands to learn that the [[dragonlords]] would also offer them handsome payments of gold for slaves. Princes began to sell captured foes and defeated rivals to passing slavers.  The Summer Islanders are an attractive, strong, and intelligent people, so they soon became a favored target for slavers from Valyria, Old Ghis, and the Basilisk Isles. Although no major attempt was made to conquer the isles or attack them in force, rapid coastal raids would carry off entire villages into bondage. Far more were sold into slavery by the princes of the isles themselves, fueling a round of internal wars in which each prince tried to capture more of their enemies to sell into slavery. For this reason, the histories carved into the Talking Trees refer to this time period as the "[[Years of Shame]]", and it lasted for the better part of two centuries.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}}
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The Summer Islanders worship a score of deities, with the god and goddess of love, beauty, and fertility being the most favored.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} The act of lovemaking is considered an important and even holy skill, with all islanders expected to serve for a time in temples of love. The most skilled and dedicated, those who would be can become respected priests and priestesses.{{Ref|ACOK|15}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
  
===The Slavers' Wars===
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[[Prostitution]] is a respectable profession, practiced even by the high-born.{{Ref|ACOK|15}} Summer Islanders respect the elderly, and their mourning customs include celebrating the life of the deceased by drinking [[rum]] and making love, answering death with life.{{Ref|AFFC|35}}
  
The Years of Shame were finally put an end to by a warrior-woman named [[Xanda Qo]], Princess of [[Sweet Lotus Vale]] on the western side of [[Jhala]], who had herself been enslaved for a time.  She united all of the islands under her rule, and then set out to stop the slavers once and for all. Because iron was scarce on the islands for making swords, spears, or armor, Xanda Qo armed her sailors with tall bows made of [[goldenheart]], capable of firing yard-long shafts of hardwood so forcefully that they would penetrate even steel plate armor. Xanda Qo also had new large and sturdy ships designed, known as "swan ships" for the long necks of their prows, to provide high platforms for archers to fire upon approaching slaver ships. Led by Xando's daughter and eventual successor, [[Chatana Qo]], these [[Slavers' Wars]] lasted a generation, but ultimately the Summer Islanders prevailed. Slavery has been strictly outlawed in the Summer Islands ever since.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}}
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Each of the islands is ruled by a princes or princess, with the three larger islands each having multiple rivals. Some Summer Islanders have become [[mercenary]] bowmen or [[sellsail]]s, guardsmen in the [[Free Cities]], or [[pirate]]s. Abducted islanders have been forced to fight in the [[fighting pits]] of [[Slaver's Bay]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} Some descendants of the [[Rhoynar]] live on the [[Isle of Women]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
  
By the end of the wars, less than three centuries had passed since the Summer Islands had their first contact with the outside world.  Given that the Ghiscari Empire was at its height when first contact occurred, and Old Ghis was destroyed by the Valyrians five thousand years ago, Xanda and Chatana Qo must have lived at least that long ago.
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==Military==
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The Summer Islanders traditionally utilized long thrusting spears, short stabbing spears, slings, wooden shields, and little armor.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} The isles produce some of the best archers in the [[known world]], and their special bows have a longer range than most others, giving their merchant boats added defense against pirates.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1174 Military Questions], June 21, 2001</ref> Aside from [[dragonbone]],{{Ref|ADWD|61}} the best bows come from the [[goldenheart]] tree which are only found on the Summer Isles.{{Ref|AGOT|30}}{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} The archers fire yard-long shafts.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
  
===Since the Slavers' Wars===
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The Summer Isles are known for their [[swan ship]]s, which were first designed by [[Xanda Qo]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} [[Koj]] has been the main center of shipbuilding in the islands since the time of [[Malthar Xaq]] thousands of years ago, with three-quarters of all swan ships being built there. Each swan ship has a complement of red archers wielding goldenheart bows.{{Ref|AFFC|35}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
  
Princess Chatana Qo, known as the Arrow of [[Jhahar]], wed unwisely and did not reign as well as she had fought. The unity that the islands had known under Chatana and her mother did not survive her death.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}}
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According to [[maesters]], the Summer Islands are by and large a peaceful place. Warfare is highly ritualized, taking place on days and times chosen by their priests. Battles more closely resemble [[tourney]] melees in [[Westeros]]. Two opposing teams of warriors, both male and female, meet at a battlefield chosen and consecrated in advance by their priests. It is forbidden to use goldenheart bows, only spears and slings. Such "wars" rarely last longer than a single day. The losers who survive are not executed or mutilated but must leave the islands in exile, while the winners gain what was in dispute, such as the loser's lands. In this way, only the warriors themselves are harmed. The Summer Islanders have not attempted to conquer other nations.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
  
Throughout their history to the present day, the Summer Islands have only been united under a single ruler about half a dozen times, and never for long. Instead, each of the smaller islands has its own ruler, each bearing a title translated into the Common Tongue as "Prince" or "Princess" (not a "King"). The three main islands (Walano, [[Omburu]], and Jhala) are large enough that they are divived by several rival Princes.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}}
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==Economy==
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Gemstones of the isles include emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, as well as pearls from the coasts. Nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper are among the islands' [[spices]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} and rare spices are used in the creation of the [[strangler]].{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}} Valuable hardwoods include bloodwood, ebony, mahogany, purpleheart, blue mahoe, burl, tigerwood, and pink ivory, among others. Export of [[goldenheart]], which grows on [[Jhala]] and [[Omboru]] and is famed for making high quality bows, is forbidden,{{ref|TWOIAF| Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} although the lance of Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] is made of the golden wood.{{Ref|AGOT|30}} The islands also produce exotic fruits and sweet amber [[wine]]{{Ref|AGOT|13}} and palm wine.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
  
The Summer Islands have had a long and rich history for the past five thousand years, and for millennia before that. However, while they will vigorously defend their own waters they are not a war-like people, so their rulers have never set out on external conquests or taken great part in foreign wars. For this reason the islands do not prominently enter into the wider histories of wars in Westeros and Essos.  The islanders are not isolationists, however, they simply prefer trade and exploration to conquest. Swan ships from the Summer Islands can be found in ports such as [[Oldtown]], [[King's Landing]], [[Braavos]], and [[Qarth]]. Summer Islander crews are actually a common sight in the ports of Oldtown and King's Landing.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}} Merchant ships from the rest of the world also visit the Summer Islands. Even [[Ibbenese]] whaling ships from the far north of the [[Shivering Sea]] are known to put in at ports as far south as the Summer Isles.{{ref|TWOIAF|Ib}}
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The islands are home to a myriad of beautiful tropical birds, including parrots, and their feathers are popular with foreigners.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} Native animls are purchased by wealthy foreign collectors for their menageries; apes, [[monkey]]s, apes, spotted panther cubs, and parrots were popular with the [[dragonlord]]s of the [[Valyrian Freehold]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
  
Numerous individual Summer Islanders have also set out for the wider world to seek their fortunes as [[mercenary]] bowmen and sellsails, some becoming [[pirate|pirates]] in the Basilisk Isles. Others have risen high among the sellsword companies in the [[Disputed Lands]], as professional pit-fighters in [[Slaver's Bay]], and as guardsmen in the retinues of merchant-princes in the [[Free Cities]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}} One such sellsword captain was [[Xhobar Qhoqua]], an exiled prince from the Summer Isles who was one of the infamous [[Band of Nine]] during the [[War of the Ninepenny Kings]].{{ref|TWOIAF| Jaehaerys II}}
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The Summer Islanders trade their resources for iron, tin, and other metals which are rare in their homeland. Their large merchant fleet travels to major ports such as [[Oldtown]], [[King's Landing]], [[Braavos]], and [[Qarth]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} Ships from the [[Port of Ibben]] have traveled as far south as the Summer Isles.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}} The chamber of the [[small council]] in the [[Red Keep]] has a carved screen from the islands.{{Ref|AGOT|20}}
  
About one thousand years ago, at the end of [[Second Spice War|the last]] of the [[Rhoynish Wars]], Princess [[Nymeria]] led the surviving Rhonyar in a voyage across the ocean to escape from the Valyrians. They did not immediately arrive in [[Dorne]], in the southeast of Westeros. After briefly stopping in the Basilisk Isles and attempting to settle in Sothoryos for almost a year, Nymeria and her followers fled once again due to the harsh local conditions. They wandered for another year and visited Naath, but later left due to the local butterfly disease. At this point Nymeria and the remaining Rhoynar refugees tried to settle in the Summer Islands. The princes of the isles refused to allow them to settle on any of the main three islands, for fear of provoking the wrath of the dragonlords. Instead, Nymeria and her followers settled on the small desolate island [[Abulu]], located northeast of Walano.  Because most of Nymeria's refugees were female, Abulu became known as the "[[Isle of Women]]", a name it still bears. The island was already small, and its thin and stony soil could not possibly yield enough to feed them all, so many starved. Nymeria and her followers stayed on Abulu for two years, but hunger, disease, and slaver raids continued to take their toll. Ultimately she chose to set out once again with her people to find a new home, and sailing north they landed in Dorne. Several thousand of her followers chose to stay, however, and their descendants have lived on the Isle of Women up to the present day.{{ref|TWOIAF| Ten Thousand Ships}}
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==History==
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The Summer Isles have a history dating back thousands of years. Much of this was recorded in carvings made by priestesses on the famous [[Talking Trees]] of [[Tall Trees Town]]. Even more is recorded in oral tradition, because the Summer Islanders rely heavily upon histories recorded in highly complicated formal verse and memorized by rote.<ref>Much like West African [[w:griot|griots]].</ref> In Westeros, Maester [[Gallard]] painstakingly translated and recorded many of these in his ''[[Children of Summer]]'', which remains the chief historical text on the Summer Isles.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
  
Summer Islander merchant ships have been visiting King's Landing since its first years of existence, early in the reign of [[Aegon I Targaryen]], when it was just a boomtown of mud and wood clustered around Aegon's High Hill. While pirates have come to fear the very sight of swan-ships from the Summer Isles, in 19 AC a large pirate-fleet managed to sack Tall Trees Town, carrying off thousands into slavery, and a fortune in wealth. When word of this daring and unexpected pirate attack reached King Aegon, it made him reconsider his decision not to build walls around his capital city. At first he had thought that none would dare to attack a city defended by dragons, but the sack of even a well-defended port such as Tall Trees Town made him realize that the worst attacks are often brazen and unanticipated, so it would be wiser to build strong defensive walls around King's Landing. Tall Trees Town later recovered and rebuilt from the damage.{{ref|TWOIAF|Aegon I}}
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For much of their recorded history, the Summer Islanders lived in isolation from the rest of the [[known world]], and they were apparently unaware that other lands and peoples existed. Maps included in the ancient histories carved into the [[Talking Trees]] depict only the Summer Islands themselves, surrounded by a world-encompassing ocean. In antiquity the islanders used oared coracles and then larger ships with woven hemp sails.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
  
===Recent History===
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===The Age of Exploration===
 
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The first recorded contact between the Summer Isles and the outside world occurred when the [[Old Empire of Ghis]] was at its height, between eight and five thousand years ago. A Ghiscari merchant ship was blown off course by a storm and landed on [[Walano]], but the crew and ship fled when they saw the inhabitants. This introduced the islanders to the idea that there were other lands and peoples beyond their home waters, so their princes began building larger and sturdier ships capable of making long sea voyages. The greatest of these was [[Malthar Xaq]], prince of [[Koj]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
Some years after [[Robert's Rebellion]] there was a civil war on [[Jhala]] which saw Prince [[Jalabhar Xho]] of the [[Red Flower Vale]], in the center of Jhala, deposed. He sought refuge in [[King's Landing]] and spent many years petitioning King [[Robert Baratheon]] for military assistance in retaking his homeland. Robert was attracted by the idea of invading the Summer Islands, but his advisors convinced him it was a foolhardy venture. Despite this negative response, Xho remains in exile in King's Landing and a constant presence at court on the [[Red Keep]].{{ref|AFFC|24}}{{ref|AFFC|36}}
 
  
==Geography==
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The Summer Islanders first encountered the peaceful inhabitants of [[Naath]] to their east, then the [[Basilisk Isles]], the northern coasts of [[Sothoryos]], and the southern coasts of [[Essos]] and [[Westeros]]. According to [[Lomas Longstrider]], sages from the islands claimed that their ancestors founded ill-fated colonial cities on the coast of [[Sothoryos]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
The three largest islands by far are (from north to south) [[Walano]], [[Omboru]], and [[Jhala]]. The [[Smiling Sea]] divides [[Walano]] and [[Omboru]], and the [[Indigo Straits]] divide Omboru from Jhala.{{ref|TLOIAF| The West}}
 
  
There are about fifty islands in the chain, some so small that a man can walk across them in a single day.  Nine out of every ten persons live on the three main islands.  Walano and Omboru are each less than half as large as Jhala, though either of the two is still larger than all of the [[Stepstones]] combined. While Jhala is the largest island, Walano is the most populous.  Walano contains the cities of [[Lotus Port]], [[Last Lament]], and [[Tall Trees Town]].  The cultural or religious heart of the islands seems to be Tall Trees Town, where priestesses carve histories and laws into the Talking Trees.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}}  Jhala contains the settled valleys of [[Red Flower Vale]] and [[Sweet Lotus Vale]] - the latter of which contains the port city of [[Ebonhead]].<ref>[[The Lands of Ice and Fire]], The West</ref> 
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Less than half a century of their first contact, the isles had established a trade network with the [[Valyrian Freehold]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}} Merchant ships may have reached [[Oldtown]] in the [[Reach]] generations before the [[coming of the Andals]] or even the [[First Men]]. Maester [[Jellicoe]] speculated that Oldtown may have first risen in the [[Dawn Age]] as a trading post where ships from [[Valyria]], [[Old Ghis]], and the Summer Isles would put in to replenish their supplies and trade with each other and even the elder races.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}
  
About half a dozen of the smaller islands are large enough to support sizable populations and prominently appear on maps.  The largest and most important of these is [[Koj]], located between the western tips of Walano and Omboru. Koj has been the main center of shipbuilding in the islands since the time of Malthar the Mapmaker thousands of years ago, and today three-quarters of all swan ships in the islands are built there  - making it disproportionately powerful and important relative to its size, though it is not quite considered the fourth "main island" of the chain.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}} The other moderately sized islands include the [[Isle of Birds]] (east of Koj, between Walano and Omboru), [[Moluu]] (a large island west of Jhala), the [[Isle of Love]] (north of Moluu and west of Omboru), the [[Singing Stones]] and the [[Three Exiles]] (west of Omboru and northwest of the Isle of Love), [[Stone Head]] (northwest of Walano), Abulu (the "Isle of Women", northeast of Walano), and (south of Jhala in [[Parrot Bay]]) [[Xon]], [[Doquu]], and a cluster of islands called the [[Bones (Summer Islands)|Bones]].<ref>[[The Lands of Ice and Fire]], The West</ref>
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===Slavers' Wars===
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[[File:swan_ship.png|350px|thumb|A [[swan ship]], by Marc Simonetti ©]]
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Although the [[Valyrian Freehold]] did not attempt to conquer the archipelago, islanders were raided by [[slavers]] from [[Valyria]], [[Old Ghis]], and the [[Basilisk Isles]]. Native princes also sold defeated rivals to the slavers. These [[Years of Shame]] lasted near two centuries.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
  
The west coast of Sothoryos is only known to men from Westeros and Essos for about a few days' sail south of Basilisk Point. Some suspect that the Summer Islanders, who live comparably nearby, have actually explored and mapped these shorelines much further south than is known to the rest of the world. The Summer Islanders, however, jealously guard their charts and do not share any of this knowledge.  While the northern coasts of Sothoryos are jungles filled with plagues, massive dangerous animals, and savage tribes, it is possible that unknown portions in the further south are actually home to peaceful civilizations - but the Summer Islanders do not want to alert the slavers from Essos to the existence of new targets to attack. Others speculate that the vague rumors about the unexplored regions of Sothoryos - that they contain fierce lizard-men, eyeless cave-dwellers, giant vampire-bats (which can drain a man of all blood in minutes), and gargantuan apes who dwarf the largest of [[giants]] - are just stories that the Summer Islanders spread to scare away any slavers from attacking the actually normal human societies of the region.{{ref|TWOIAF|Sothoryos}}  There are said to be "certain indications" that the great explorers and cartographers of Koj know much more about the western coasts of Sothoryos than they have shared with outsiders, and have mapped them to the very bottom of the continent.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}}
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[[Xanda Qo]], Princess of [[Sweet Lotus Vale]] once a slave herself, united the islands under her rule. Because iron for swords, spears, or armor was scarce, Xanda armed her sailors with tall [[goldenheart]] bows superior to those of the slavers. Xanda also had new large and sturdy ships designed, known as "[[swan ships]]" for the long necks of their prows, to provide high platforms for archers to fire upon approaching slaver ships. Led by Xanda's daughter and eventual successor, [[Chatana Qo]], the [[Slavers' Wars]] lasted a generation, but ultimately the Summer Islanders prevailed. Slavery has been strictly outlawed in the Summer Islands ever since. Chatana, the so-called Arrow of Jhahar, was less accomplished as a ruler, however, and the islands fell into disunity after her death.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
  
==Economy==
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===Recent History===
The Summer Islands are rich in gemstones, spices, hardwoods, and exotic animals.  Gemstones found in the islands include emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, as well as pearls from the coasts.  Spices from the islands include nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper. Valuable hardwoods produced in the islands include bloodwood, ebony, mahogany, purpleheart, blue mahoe, burl, tigerwood, goldenheart, and pink ivory, among others.  Goldenheart is famed for making the best bows in the world (except for [[Dragonbone]], which is exceedingly rare), though since Xanda Qo's time the export of goldenheart out of the islands has been outlawed, instead reserved for arming their own crews to defend themselves.  Goldenheart only grows on Jhala and Omboru.  The islands also produce exotic fruits and palm wine.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}}
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The Summer Islands have only been briefly united under a single ruler about half a dozen times.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
 
 
Exotic animals are also exported from the Summer Islands, purchased by wealthy foreign collectors for their menageries.  The islands are home to a myriad of beautiful tropical birds, including parrots.  The islanders also export the birds' feathers.  Spotted panthers that grow larger than lions are also sold (as cubs), as well as monkeys.  During the time of the [[Valyrian Freehold]], a fashion developed among the dragonlords for monkeys, apes, panther cubs, and parrots from the isles.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}}
 
  
The Summer Islands lack iron, tin, and other metals, so they obtain them through trade, in exchange for the other resources which they have in abundance. The Summer Islands have a large merchant fleet to support this trade, traveling to major ports such as Oldtown, King's Landing, Braavos, and even Qarth.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}}
+
During the voyage of the [[ten thousand ships]] of the [[Rhoynar]], Princess [[Nymeria]] and her refugees briefly stopped on the island of Abulu, which subsequently became known as the [[Isle of Women]]. The isle's soil was poor, however, and most of the Rhoynar left with Nymeria when she continued her journey.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: Ten Thousand Ships}}
  
==Culture==
+
The sacking of [[Tall Trees Town]] by a large pirate fleet in {{Date|19}} inspired King [[Aegon I Targaryen]] to build walls around his new city, [[King's Landing]], the capital of the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}}
The natives of the islands are an ebony-skinned people who speak their own language and often wear capes of brightly colored feathers. The act of lovemaking is considered an important and even holy skill. [[Prostitution]] is a respectable profession, practiced even by the high-born islanders. Summer Islanders respect their elderly, and mourning customs include celebrating the dead with wine and lovemaking.{{ref|ACOK|15}}{{ref|affc|35}}  
 
  
The Summer Islands are known for their [[swan ship]]s. Archery is another important cultural skill, and their special bows have a longer range than most others, giving their merchant boats added defense against pirates. According to semi-canon sources,  the Summer Islanders are regarded as the best archers in the known world.<ref>Military Questions, (June 21, 2001) [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1174 So Spake Martin]</ref>
+
[[Bellegere Otherys]], the first Black Pearl, was the daughter of a princess of the Summer Islands and the son of a [[Sealord of Braavos]].<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Mercy (The Winds of Winter)|Mercy]]</ref>
  
The best bows are made of the golden wood from the Summer Isles. The golden wood that the Islanders are famous for comes from the goldenheart tree which are only found on the Summer Islands.{{ref|AGOT|30}}{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}} They also make a sweet amber wine.{{ref|AGOT|13}} Their diet consists primarily of fruits and fish.<ref>[[A Feast for Crows]], [[Epilogue (A Dance with Dragons)|Epilogue]], Samwell</ref>
+
[[Xhobar Qhoqua]], an exiled prince from the Summer Isles, was one of the infamous [[Band of Nine]] during the [[War of the Ninepenny Kings]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys II}}
  
Despite being ruled by several rival independent princes and princesses, the Summer Islands are by and large a peaceful place. War is not unknown there, but those that they do have are highly ritualized, taking place on days and times chosen by their priests. These battles more closely resemble [[tournament]] melees in Westeros, or a larger-scale version of a [[Trial of seven]]. Two opposing teams of warriors (both male and female) meet at the battlefield chosen and consecrated in advance by their priests. It is forbidden to use their mighty goldenheart bows, only spears and slings. Such "wars" rarely last longer than a single day. The losers who survive are not executed or mutilated but must leave the islands in exile, while the winners gain what was in dispute (i.e. the loser's lands). In this way, only the warriors themselves are harmed, without crops and homes being burned, women raped, or innocent commoners slaughtered by invading armies.  As a result, while there have been political shifts and court intrigues in the Summer Islands which could fill several history books, there have been none that truly devastated the islands or drastically re-shaped their society.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Summer Isles}}
+
[[Jalabhar Xho]], Prince of the [[Red Flower Vale]], received refuge in [[King's Landing]] after being forced into exile. He spent many years petitioning King [[Robert Baratheon]] for military assistance in retaking his homeland. Robert was attracted by the idea of invading the Summer Islands, but his advisors convinced him it was a foolhardy venture.{{Ref|AFFC|24}}{{Ref|AFFC|36}}
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
Lords from the Summer Isles are among the guests who attend the wedding of [[Daenerys Targaryen]] and [[Khal]] [[Drogo]].{{ref|AGOT|11}}
+
[[File: John Matson JX.png|thumb|[[Jalabhar Xho]], by John Matson © Fantasy Flight Games]]
 +
Lords from the Summer Isles are among the guests who attend the wedding of [[Daenerys Targaryen]] and [[Khal]] [[Drogo]] at [[Pentos]].{{Ref|AGOT|11}} Daenerys later sees a feathered cloak in the Western Market of [[Vaes Dothrak]].{{Ref|AGOT|54}}
 +
 
 +
[[Catelyn Stark]] spots a [[swan ship]] departing [[King's Landing]] when ''[[Storm Dancer]]'' arrives at the capital.{{Ref|AGOT|18}}
 +
 
 +
[[Jeyne Poole]] is frightened when she first sees the exile [[Jalabhar Xho]] during the [[Hand's tourney]].{{Ref|AGOT|29}}
 +
 
 +
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 +
''[[Myraham]]'' arrives in [[Lordsport]] from [[Oldtown]] with feathers from the Summer Islands among its cargo.{{Ref|ACOK|11}}
 +
 
 +
[[Quhuru Mo]], trading in [[Qarth]], informs Daenerys of the passing of King [[Robert I Baratheon]].{{Ref|ACOK|27}}
 +
 
 +
[[Tyrion Lannister]] gives a white bird from the islands to his mistress, [[Shae]],{{Ref|ACOK|8}} and he visits [[Chataya's brothel|the brothel]] of [[Chataya]], an emigre to King's Landing from the Summer Islands.{{Ref|ACOK|15}}
  
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
Exotic dancers from the Summer Islands perform at the [[Purple Wedding|royal wedding]] of King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] and Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] in [[King's Landing]].{{ref|ASOS|60}}
+
Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] sees Summer Islanders serving in the [[Brave Companions]].{{Ref|ASOS|21}}
 +
 
 +
Exotic dancers from the Summer Isles perform at the [[Purple Wedding|royal wedding]] of King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] and Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]] in [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|ASOS|60}}
 +
 
 +
[[Brown Ben Plumm]] tells Daenerys that he is part Summer Islander.{{Ref|ASOS|57}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[Garin (Orphans)|Garin]] tells [[Arianne Martell]] that according to sailors in [[Planky Town]], a new corsair king has risen in the [[Basilisk Isles]] and has raided Tall Trees Town.{{ref|AFFC|21}}
+
[[File: Kojja Mo.png|thumb|[[Kojja Mo]] by Juliana Pinho]]
 +
[[Alleras]] practices with a [[goldenheart]] bow in [[Oldtown]].{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}} The mother of [[Sarella Sand]] was a Summer Islander trader.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Sarella Sand}} Ser [[Mark Mullendore]] kept a black-and-white [[monkey]] from the islands as a pet.{{Ref|AFFC|14}}
 +
 
 +
[[Garin (orphan)|Garin]] tells [[Arianne Martell]] that according to sailors in [[Planky Town]], a new [[corsair king]] has risen in the [[Basilisk Isles]] and has raided [[Tall Trees Town]].{{Ref|AFFC|21}}
 +
 
 +
Jalabhar again petitions the [[Iron Throne]] for aid in retaking his seat, the [[Red Flower Vale]], but is denied once more by Queen [[Cersei Lannister]].{{Ref|AFFC|36}}
  
The exiled Prince [[Jalabhar Xho]] petitions the [[Iron Throne]] for aid in retaking his seat, the [[Red Flower Vale]], but is denied once more by Queen [[Cersei Lannister]].{{ref|AFFC|36}}
+
[[Arya Stark]]'s enjoys seeing Summer Islanders and their [[swan ship]]s in [[Braavos]].{{Ref|AFFC|34}} [[Samwell Tarly]], Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]], [[Gilly]], and [[Aemon Steelsong|a baby]] sail on ''[[Cinnamon Wind]]'' from Braavos to Oldtown. [[Kojja Mo]]'s archers fend off [[pirate]]s when the ship is attacked near the [[Stepstones]]. Aemon passes away en route, so the crew celebrate his life with a cask of spiced [[rum]].{{Ref|AFFC|35}}
  
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
As the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' and her crew journey to [[Volantis]] [[stone men]] attack them at the [[Bridge of Dream]]. {{ref|adwd|18}} Tyrion saves [[Young Griff]] from one of the stone men whom he notices had once been a Summer Islander.  
+
As ''[[Shy Maid]]'' and her crew journey to [[Volantis]], [[stone men]] attack them at the [[Bridge of Dream]] in [[Chroyane]]. [[Tyrion Lannister]] saves [[Young Griff]] from one of the stone men whom he notices had once been a Summer Islander.{{Ref|ADWD|18}}
 +
 
 +
Fighters from the Summer Islands are among those who come to [[Meereen]] to battle in [[Daznak's Pit]], including one ebon-skinned spearman who fights and loses to [[Khrazz]].{{Ref|ADWD|52}}
 +
 
 +
[[Black Balaq]] commands the archers during the [[taking of Griffin's Roost]] by the [[Golden Company]]. They include fifty Summer Islanders using goldenheart bows.{{Ref|ADWD|61}}
 +
 
 +
[[Tal Toraq]] is named the new commander of the [[Stalwart Shields]] when the previous commander dies.{{Ref|ADWD|70}}
 +
 
 +
==Quotes==
 +
[[File: Chataya and Alayaya.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Chataya]] and [[Alayaya]] by Amok ©]]
 +
{{Quote|My people hold that there is no shame to be found in the [[pillow house]]. In the Summer Isles, those who are skilled at giving pleasure are greatly esteemed. Many highborn youths and maidens serve for a few years after their flowerings, to honor the gods.{{Ref|ACOK|15}}|[[Chataya]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}
 +
 
 +
{{Quote|'''Olenna''': Margaery, you're clever, be a dear and tell your poor old half-daft grandmother the name of that queer fish from the Summer Isles that puffs up to ten times its own size when you poke it.<br>'''Margaery''': They call them puff fish, Grandmother.<br>'''Olenna''': Of course they do. Summer Islanders have no imagination.{{Ref|ASOS|6}}|[[Olenna Tyrell]] and [[Margaery Tyrell]]}}
  
Fighters from the Summer Islands are among those who come to [[Meereen]] to battle in [[Daznak's Pit]], including one ebon-skinned spearman who fights and loses to [[Khrazz]].{{Ref|aDwD|52}}
+
{{quote|Her favorites were the Summer Islanders, with their skins as smooth and dark as teak. They wore feathered cloaks of red and green and yellow, and the tall masts and white sails of their [[swan ship]]s were magnificent.{{Ref|AFFC|34}}|thoughts of [[Arya Stark]]}}
  
[[Black Balaq]] commands the archers during the [[taking of Griffin's Roost]] by the [[Golden Company]]. They include fifty Summer Islanders using [[goldenheart]] bows.{{ref|ADWD|61}}
+
{{Quote|The [[Cinnamon Wind]] was a [[swan ship]] out of [[Tall Trees Town]] on the Summer Isles, where men were black, women were wanton, and even the gods were strange.{{Ref|AFFC|35}}|thoughts of [[Samwell Tarly]]}}
  
Summer Islander [[Tal Toraq]] is named the new commander of the [[Stalwart Shields]] when the previous commander dies.{{ref|ADWD|70}}
+
{{Quote|All you [[Westeros]]i make a shame of loving. There is no shame in loving. If your [[septon]]s say there is, your [[Faith of the Seven|seven gods]] must be demons. In the isles we know better. Our gods gave us legs to run with, noses to smell with, hands to touch and feel. What mad cruel god would give a man eyes and tell him he must forever keep them shut, and never look at all the beauty in the world?{{Ref|AFFC|35}}|[[Kojja Mo]] to [[Samwell Tarly]]}}
  
==References and Notes==
+
==References==
{{references|2}}  
+
{{References}}  
  
 +
{{Summer Isles}}
 
{{Regions}}
 
{{Regions}}
 +
{{Islands}}
  
 
[[Category:Summer Isles| ]]
 
[[Category:Summer Isles| ]]
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[[fa:جزایر تابستان]]
 
[[fa:جزایر تابستان]]
 
[[fr:Îles d'Été]]
 
[[fr:Îles d'Été]]
 +
[[it:Isole dell'Estate]]
 +
[[pt:Ilhas de Verão]]
 
[[ru:Летние острова]]
 
[[ru:Летние острова]]
 
[[zh:盛夏群岛]]
 
[[zh:盛夏群岛]]

Latest revision as of 21:45, 26 March 2023

Location of the Summer Isles in the known world

The Summer Isles,[1][2][3][4] sometimes called the Summer Islands,[5] are a large archipelago located south of Westeros and Essos and west of Sothoryos and Naath.[6]

Geography

The Summer Isles

The islands, which number more than fifty,[1] separate the Sunset Sea to the west from the Summer Sea to the east. The three largest islands by far are (from north to south) Walano, Omboru, and Jhala, all of which are larger than the Stepstones.[1] The Smiling Sea divides Walano and Omboru, and the Indigo Straits divide Omboru from Jhala.[6]

Walano contains the settlements of Lotus Port, Last Lament, and Tall Trees Town. The cultural or religious heart of the islands seems to be Tall Trees Town, where priestesses carve histories and laws into the Talking Trees.[1] Jhala contains the settled valleys of Red Flower Vale and Sweet Lotus Vale, the latter of which contains the port city of Ebonhead.[6]

North of Walano are Stone Head and the Isle of Women, while Koj and the Isle of Birds are to the south. Between the Isle of Birds and Omboru is the Smiling Sea, and the Indigo Straits are between Omboru and Jhala. West of those two large islands are the Singing Stones, the Three Exiles, the Isle of Love, and Moluu. South of Jhala are Parrot Bay, Xon, Doquu, and the Bones. Near the eastern coast of Khala is Lizard Head.[6]

The rain forests, sandy beaches, and towering mountains of the isles are inhabited by spotted panthers, packs of lean red wolves, tribes of monkeys, and crocodiles. Apes include the "old red men" on Omboru, silver pelts on Jhala, and night stalkers on Walano. The isles are also known for their beautiful birds and flowers.[1]

People

The Summer Islanders are strong and tall, a handsome people eager to learn.[1] Their skin color includes nut brown,[7] teak,[1] ebony,[8] and polished jet.[9][10] Their hair and eyes are black.[1] They speak the Summer Tongue[10] and often wear capes of brightly-colored feathers when ashore.[11][12][13] The Common Tongue can have an amber, liquid accent when spoken by an islander.[14] Their consists primarily of fruits and fish.[13] Nine out of every ten islanders lives on Jhala, Omboru, or Walano, with the latter being the most populous.[1]

Temple of Love, as depicted by Marc Simonetti in The World of Ice & Fire

The Summer Islanders worship a score of deities, with the god and goddess of love, beauty, and fertility being the most favored.[1] The act of lovemaking is considered an important and even holy skill, with all islanders expected to serve for a time in temples of love. The most skilled and dedicated, those who would be can become respected priests and priestesses.[14][1]

Prostitution is a respectable profession, practiced even by the high-born.[14] Summer Islanders respect the elderly, and their mourning customs include celebrating the life of the deceased by drinking rum and making love, answering death with life.[10]

Each of the islands is ruled by a princes or princess, with the three larger islands each having multiple rivals. Some Summer Islanders have become mercenary bowmen or sellsails, guardsmen in the Free Cities, or pirates. Abducted islanders have been forced to fight in the fighting pits of Slaver's Bay.[1] Some descendants of the Rhoynar live on the Isle of Women.[1]

Military

The Summer Islanders traditionally utilized long thrusting spears, short stabbing spears, slings, wooden shields, and little armor.[1] The isles produce some of the best archers in the known world, and their special bows have a longer range than most others, giving their merchant boats added defense against pirates.[15] Aside from dragonbone,[16] the best bows come from the goldenheart tree which are only found on the Summer Isles.[17][18] The archers fire yard-long shafts.[1]

The Summer Isles are known for their swan ships, which were first designed by Xanda Qo.[1] Koj has been the main center of shipbuilding in the islands since the time of Malthar Xaq thousands of years ago, with three-quarters of all swan ships being built there. Each swan ship has a complement of red archers wielding goldenheart bows.[10][1]

According to maesters, the Summer Islands are by and large a peaceful place. Warfare is highly ritualized, taking place on days and times chosen by their priests. Battles more closely resemble tourney melees in Westeros. Two opposing teams of warriors, both male and female, meet at a battlefield chosen and consecrated in advance by their priests. It is forbidden to use goldenheart bows, only spears and slings. Such "wars" rarely last longer than a single day. The losers who survive are not executed or mutilated but must leave the islands in exile, while the winners gain what was in dispute, such as the loser's lands. In this way, only the warriors themselves are harmed. The Summer Islanders have not attempted to conquer other nations.[1]

Economy

Gemstones of the isles include emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, as well as pearls from the coasts. Nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper are among the islands' spices,[1] and rare spices are used in the creation of the strangler.[19] Valuable hardwoods include bloodwood, ebony, mahogany, purpleheart, blue mahoe, burl, tigerwood, and pink ivory, among others. Export of goldenheart, which grows on Jhala and Omboru and is famed for making high quality bows, is forbidden,[20] although the lance of Ser Jaime Lannister is made of the golden wood.[17] The islands also produce exotic fruits and sweet amber wine[21] and palm wine.[1]

The islands are home to a myriad of beautiful tropical birds, including parrots, and their feathers are popular with foreigners.[1] Native animls are purchased by wealthy foreign collectors for their menageries; apes, monkeys, apes, spotted panther cubs, and parrots were popular with the dragonlords of the Valyrian Freehold.[1]

The Summer Islanders trade their resources for iron, tin, and other metals which are rare in their homeland. Their large merchant fleet travels to major ports such as Oldtown, King's Landing, Braavos, and Qarth.[1] Ships from the Port of Ibben have traveled as far south as the Summer Isles.[22] The chamber of the small council in the Red Keep has a carved screen from the islands.[23]

History

The Summer Isles have a history dating back thousands of years. Much of this was recorded in carvings made by priestesses on the famous Talking Trees of Tall Trees Town. Even more is recorded in oral tradition, because the Summer Islanders rely heavily upon histories recorded in highly complicated formal verse and memorized by rote.[24] In Westeros, Maester Gallard painstakingly translated and recorded many of these in his Children of Summer, which remains the chief historical text on the Summer Isles.[1]

For much of their recorded history, the Summer Islanders lived in isolation from the rest of the known world, and they were apparently unaware that other lands and peoples existed. Maps included in the ancient histories carved into the Talking Trees depict only the Summer Islands themselves, surrounded by a world-encompassing ocean. In antiquity the islanders used oared coracles and then larger ships with woven hemp sails.[1]

The Age of Exploration

The first recorded contact between the Summer Isles and the outside world occurred when the Old Empire of Ghis was at its height, between eight and five thousand years ago. A Ghiscari merchant ship was blown off course by a storm and landed on Walano, but the crew and ship fled when they saw the inhabitants. This introduced the islanders to the idea that there were other lands and peoples beyond their home waters, so their princes began building larger and sturdier ships capable of making long sea voyages. The greatest of these was Malthar Xaq, prince of Koj.[1]

The Summer Islanders first encountered the peaceful inhabitants of Naath to their east, then the Basilisk Isles, the northern coasts of Sothoryos, and the southern coasts of Essos and Westeros. According to Lomas Longstrider, sages from the islands claimed that their ancestors founded ill-fated colonial cities on the coast of Sothoryos.[1]

Less than half a century of their first contact, the isles had established a trade network with the Valyrian Freehold.[1] Merchant ships may have reached Oldtown in the Reach generations before the coming of the Andals or even the First Men. Maester Jellicoe speculated that Oldtown may have first risen in the Dawn Age as a trading post where ships from Valyria, Old Ghis, and the Summer Isles would put in to replenish their supplies and trade with each other and even the elder races.[25]

Slavers' Wars

A swan ship, by Marc Simonetti ©

Although the Valyrian Freehold did not attempt to conquer the archipelago, islanders were raided by slavers from Valyria, Old Ghis, and the Basilisk Isles. Native princes also sold defeated rivals to the slavers. These Years of Shame lasted near two centuries.[1]

Xanda Qo, Princess of Sweet Lotus Vale once a slave herself, united the islands under her rule. Because iron for swords, spears, or armor was scarce, Xanda armed her sailors with tall goldenheart bows superior to those of the slavers. Xanda also had new large and sturdy ships designed, known as "swan ships" for the long necks of their prows, to provide high platforms for archers to fire upon approaching slaver ships. Led by Xanda's daughter and eventual successor, Chatana Qo, the Slavers' Wars lasted a generation, but ultimately the Summer Islanders prevailed. Slavery has been strictly outlawed in the Summer Islands ever since. Chatana, the so-called Arrow of Jhahar, was less accomplished as a ruler, however, and the islands fell into disunity after her death.[1]

Recent History

The Summer Islands have only been briefly united under a single ruler about half a dozen times.[1]

During the voyage of the ten thousand ships of the Rhoynar, Princess Nymeria and her refugees briefly stopped on the island of Abulu, which subsequently became known as the Isle of Women. The isle's soil was poor, however, and most of the Rhoynar left with Nymeria when she continued her journey.[26]

The sacking of Tall Trees Town by a large pirate fleet in 19 AC inspired King Aegon I Targaryen to build walls around his new city, King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.[27]

Bellegere Otherys, the first Black Pearl, was the daughter of a princess of the Summer Islands and the son of a Sealord of Braavos.[28]

Xhobar Qhoqua, an exiled prince from the Summer Isles, was one of the infamous Band of Nine during the War of the Ninepenny Kings.[29]

Jalabhar Xho, Prince of the Red Flower Vale, received refuge in King's Landing after being forced into exile. He spent many years petitioning King Robert Baratheon for military assistance in retaking his homeland. Robert was attracted by the idea of invading the Summer Islands, but his advisors convinced him it was a foolhardy venture.[30][31]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Jalabhar Xho, by John Matson © Fantasy Flight Games

Lords from the Summer Isles are among the guests who attend the wedding of Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo at Pentos.[2] Daenerys later sees a feathered cloak in the Western Market of Vaes Dothrak.[32]

Catelyn Stark spots a swan ship departing King's Landing when Storm Dancer arrives at the capital.[33]

Jeyne Poole is frightened when she first sees the exile Jalabhar Xho during the Hand's tourney.[34]

A Clash of Kings

Myraham arrives in Lordsport from Oldtown with feathers from the Summer Islands among its cargo.[35]

Quhuru Mo, trading in Qarth, informs Daenerys of the passing of King Robert I Baratheon.[9]

Tyrion Lannister gives a white bird from the islands to his mistress, Shae,[36] and he visits the brothel of Chataya, an emigre to King's Landing from the Summer Islands.[14]

A Storm of Swords

Ser Jaime Lannister sees Summer Islanders serving in the Brave Companions.[11]

Exotic dancers from the Summer Isles perform at the royal wedding of King Joffrey I Baratheon and Queen Margaery Tyrell in King's Landing.[12]

Brown Ben Plumm tells Daenerys that he is part Summer Islander.[37]

A Feast for Crows

Kojja Mo by Juliana Pinho

Alleras practices with a goldenheart bow in Oldtown.[18] The mother of Sarella Sand was a Summer Islander trader.[38] Ser Mark Mullendore kept a black-and-white monkey from the islands as a pet.[5]

Garin tells Arianne Martell that according to sailors in Planky Town, a new corsair king has risen in the Basilisk Isles and has raided Tall Trees Town.[39]

Jalabhar again petitions the Iron Throne for aid in retaking his seat, the Red Flower Vale, but is denied once more by Queen Cersei Lannister.[31]

Arya Stark's enjoys seeing Summer Islanders and their swan ships in Braavos.[40] Samwell Tarly, Maester Aemon, Gilly, and a baby sail on Cinnamon Wind from Braavos to Oldtown. Kojja Mo's archers fend off pirates when the ship is attacked near the Stepstones. Aemon passes away en route, so the crew celebrate his life with a cask of spiced rum.[10]

A Dance with Dragons

As Shy Maid and her crew journey to Volantis, stone men attack them at the Bridge of Dream in Chroyane. Tyrion Lannister saves Young Griff from one of the stone men whom he notices had once been a Summer Islander.[41]

Fighters from the Summer Islands are among those who come to Meereen to battle in Daznak's Pit, including one ebon-skinned spearman who fights and loses to Khrazz.[42]

Black Balaq commands the archers during the taking of Griffin's Roost by the Golden Company. They include fifty Summer Islanders using goldenheart bows.[16]

Tal Toraq is named the new commander of the Stalwart Shields when the previous commander dies.[43]

Quotes

Chataya and Alayaya by Amok ©

My people hold that there is no shame to be found in the pillow house. In the Summer Isles, those who are skilled at giving pleasure are greatly esteemed. Many highborn youths and maidens serve for a few years after their flowerings, to honor the gods.[14]

Olenna: Margaery, you're clever, be a dear and tell your poor old half-daft grandmother the name of that queer fish from the Summer Isles that puffs up to ten times its own size when you poke it.
Margaery: They call them puff fish, Grandmother.
Olenna: Of course they do. Summer Islanders have no imagination.[44]

Her favorites were the Summer Islanders, with their skins as smooth and dark as teak. They wore feathered cloaks of red and green and yellow, and the tall masts and white sails of their swan ships were magnificent.[40]

—thoughts of Arya Stark

The Cinnamon Wind was a swan ship out of Tall Trees Town on the Summer Isles, where men were black, women were wanton, and even the gods were strange.[10]

—thoughts of Samwell Tarly

All you Westerosi make a shame of loving. There is no shame in loving. If your septons say there is, your seven gods must be demons. In the isles we know better. Our gods gave us legs to run with, noses to smell with, hands to touch and feel. What mad cruel god would give a man eyes and tell him he must forever keep them shut, and never look at all the beauty in the world?[10]

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 The World of Ice & Fire, Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles.
  2. 2.0 2.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 11, Daenerys II.
  3. A Feast for Crows, Prologue.
  4. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 13, Bran II.
  5. 5.0 5.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 14, Brienne III.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 The Lands of Ice and Fire, The West.
  7. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 56, The Iron Suitor.
  8. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 3, Daenerys I.
  9. 9.0 9.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 27, Daenerys II.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 35, Samwell IV.
  11. 11.0 11.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 21, Jaime III.
  12. 12.0 12.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 60, Tyrion VIII.
  13. 13.0 13.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 45, Samwell V.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 15, Tyrion III.
  15. So Spake Martin: Military Questions, June 21, 2001
  16. 16.0 16.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 61, The Griffin Reborn.
  17. 17.0 17.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 30, Eddard VII.
  18. 18.0 18.1 A Feast for Crows, Prologue.
  19. A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
  20. The World of Ice & Fire, Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles.
  21. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 13, Tyrion II.
  22. The World of Ice & Fire, Beyond the Free Cities: Ib.
  23. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 20, Eddard IV.
  24. Much like West African griots.
  25. The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Oldtown.
  26. The World of Ice & Fire, Ancient History: Ten Thousand Ships.
  27. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I.
  28. The Winds of Winter, Mercy
  29. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys II.
  30. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 24, Cersei V.
  31. 31.0 31.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 36, Cersei VIII.
  32. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 54, Daenerys VI.
  33. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 18, Catelyn IV.
  34. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 29, Sansa II.
  35. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 11, Theon I.
  36. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 8, Tyrion II.
  37. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 57, Daenerys V.
  38. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Sarella Sand.
  39. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 21, The Queenmaker.
  40. 40.0 40.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 34, Cat Of The Canals.
  41. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 18, Tyrion V.
  42. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 52, Daenerys IX.
  43. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 70, The Queen's Hand.
  44. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 6, Sansa I.