The Children and the First Men go to war for several centuries.Īt some point during this war, the Children create the White Walkers in order to protect themselves against the invading men. The First Men take over their land and cut down Weirwood trees that are sacred to the Children. The First Men arrive from Essos to Westeros, a land occupied for centuries by the small human-like creatures named the Children of the Forest.

All the events are dated in reference to the Targaryen Conquest, BC (Before Conquest) or AC (After Conquest). Here are all the basics you need to know about the history of Westeros and Essos in Game of Thrones (just the show, not the Song of Ice and Fire books on which they are based). Could Bran Stark’s knowledge of how the White Walkers came to be help his brother, Jon Snow, defeat them? Could the way Daenerys Targaryen’s ancestors used their dragons to conquer Westeros be a roadmap to the Iron Throne for Dany herself? Could the conflict between two Targaryens presage an unfortunate falling out between Jon and Daenerys? Now that we’re staring down the final episodes of the show, the ancient mythology and history of the Game of Thrones universe will likely have extended ripple effects on the ultimate endgame. Even the map of Westeros (to the west) and Essos (to the East) in the show’s opening credits offers fans a brief look at what came before.

The show often references historical events through conversations between characters (Ned and Robert, Jaime and Brienne, to name a few) as well as Bran’s visions. Many of these conflicts - between the Targaryens and the Starks, those who worship the Old Gods and the New, the men and the White Walkers - have deep roots in the past. So many bloody battles have broken out over the course of Game of Thrones’ seven seasons that it’s hard to keep track of what’s happening in Westeros and Essos.

Warning: This post contains spoilers for Game of Thrones.

Game of thrones map real life