How does the calender work westeros – How does the calendar work in Westeros? This question, often pondered by fans of George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” delves into the intricate workings of timekeeping in the realm of Westeros. From the ancient origins of the calendar to its impact on daily life, the Westerosi calendar is a fascinating element of the world’s lore.
Beyond its practical function, the Westerosi calendar serves as a powerful symbol, reflecting the values, beliefs, and historical events that shape the lives of its inhabitants. By exploring the calendar’s structure, symbolism, and influence on society, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex and captivating world of Westeros.
3. Important Dates and Events in Westerosi History: How Does The Calender Work Westeros
The history of Westeros is rich with significant events that have shaped its culture, traditions, and the way its people perceive time. From the arrival of the First Men to the War of the Five Kings, these events have left an indelible mark on the Westerosi calendar, serving as markers of triumph, tragedy, and the ever-present threat of darkness.
Chronological List of Events
The Westerosi calendar is a complex tapestry woven from the threads of war, peace, and the rise and fall of dynasties. It’s a calendar that reflects the turbulent history of a land where power struggles are as commonplace as the changing seasons.
Here is a chronological list of some of the most significant events in Westerosi history:
- The Dawn Age (circa 12,000- 6,000 BC): This era marks the arrival of the First Men to Westeros, their clash with the Children of the Forest, and the eventual forging of the Pact of the First Men and the Children of the Forest, which led to a period of relative peace.
- The Long Night (circa 8,000 BC):This was a time of unimaginable darkness when the White Walkers descended upon Westeros, threatening to extinguish all life. The First Men and the Children of the Forest united to fight the White Walkers, ultimately driving them back north of the Wall.
Figuring out how the calendar works in Westeros can be a bit tricky, especially since it’s based on the phases of the moon and not our standard Gregorian calendar. You can find more information about the calendar system, including a detailed breakdown of the seasons, on Calendar Updates Wikis Blogs Mail.
Once you get a handle on the basics, you’ll be able to track the passing of time in Westeros just like a seasoned lord or lady.
This event has left a lasting impact on Westerosi culture, with legends and stories passed down through generations about the horrors of the Long Night and the heroes who fought against the darkness.
- The Age of Heroes (circa 6,000- 2,000 BC): This period saw the rise of legendary heroes, the founding of major houses, and the establishment of kingdoms across Westeros.
- The Andal Invasion (circa 6,000- 2,000 BC): The Andals, a people from Essos, invaded Westeros and conquered much of the continent. They brought with them their own culture, religion, and language, which influenced the development of Westerosi society.
- The Rise of Valyria (circa 6,000- 1 BC): The Valyrian Freehold, a powerful empire in Essos, rose to prominence, wielding dragonfire and magic to dominate the known world. This period saw the discovery of Valyria, a region rich in magic and resources. The Valyrians established colonies across Essos and even ventured into Westeros, leaving their mark on the land.
- The Doom of Valyria (1 BC):The powerful Valyrian Freehold was destroyed in a cataclysmic event known as the Doom, which wiped out their cities and left behind a desolate wasteland. The exact cause of the Doom remains shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to be a combination of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and possibly even magic.
The Doom of Valyria had a profound impact on Westeros, leading to the rise of the Targaryen dynasty, who escaped the destruction and brought dragons to the Seven Kingdoms.
- Aegon’s Conquest (300 AC):Aegon the Conqueror, the last of the Valyrian dragonlords, landed in Westeros with his sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys, and their three dragons. Aegon’s Conquest marked the beginning of the Targaryen dynasty and the unification of the Seven Kingdoms under one rule.
- The Greyjoy Rebellion (283 AC):Lord Balon Greyjoy, King of the Iron Islands, rebelled against the Targaryen rule, seeking to reclaim the independence of the Iron Islands. The rebellion was ultimately crushed, but it left a lasting scar on the relationship between the Iron Islands and the rest of Westeros.
- Robert’s Rebellion (283 AC):This rebellion, led by Robert Baratheon, Eddard Stark, and Jon Arryn, toppled the Targaryen dynasty and ushered in the reign of Robert Baratheon. The rebellion was a bloody conflict that resulted in the death of King Aerys II Targaryen and the scattering of the Targaryen family.
- The War of the Five Kings (298 AC):After Robert Baratheon’s death, Westeros was plunged into a devastating civil war, with five claimants vying for the Iron Throne. The war devastated the land, leaving it in ruins and ushering in a period of chaos and uncertainty.
- The Red Wedding (299 AC):This event, which saw the massacre of Robb Stark, his pregnant wife Talisa, and his mother Catelyn, shocked Westeros and further fueled the War of the Five Kings.
- Daenerys Targaryen’s Rise (298 AC):Daenerys Targaryen, the last surviving member of the Targaryen dynasty, rose to power in Essos, reclaiming her birthright and eventually setting her sights on the Iron Throne. Her rise marked a new chapter in the history of Westeros and set the stage for a clash between the old and the new.
Commemoration and Cultural Understanding
These events are commemorated in the Westerosi calendar through festivals, holidays, and even the names of the months themselves.
- The Feast of the Seven:This is the most important religious festival in Westeros, celebrating the Seven Gods of the Faith of the Seven. It is a time for feasting, family, and reflection.
- The Harvest Festival:This festival celebrates the end of the harvest season and gives thanks for the bounty of the land.
- The Winter Feast:This festival marks the beginning of winter and is a time for family and friends to gather together for warmth and companionship.
- The Day of the Dragon:This day commemorates the landing of Aegon the Conqueror in Westeros.
- The Night of the Long Night:This night is dedicated to remembering the horrors of the Long Night and the heroes who fought against the White Walkers.
- The Red Wedding Day:This day is a reminder of the tragedy that befell Robb Stark and his family, and it serves as a warning against the dangers of betrayal and political intrigue.
These events shape the cultural understanding of time in Westeros. They serve as reminders of the past, shaping the present and influencing the future.
Key Figures and Roles
The Westerosi calendar is a testament to the impact of key figures who have shaped the history of the Seven Kingdoms.
- Aegon the Conqueror:Aegon’s Conquest marked the beginning of the Targaryen dynasty and the unification of Westeros. His reign is commemorated through the Day of the Dragon, and his legacy continues to shape the political landscape of Westeros.
- Robert Baratheon:Robert Baratheon’s rebellion toppled the Targaryen dynasty and ushered in a new era. His reign is remembered for its relative peace and prosperity, but also for the seeds of conflict that were sown during his rule.
- Daenerys Targaryen:Daenerys Targaryen’s rise to power in Essos has resurrected the Targaryen dynasty and presented a new challenge to the established order in Westeros. Her legacy is still being written, but her impact on the Westerosi calendar is undeniable.
- Grand Maester Pycelle:Grand Maester Pycelle served as the Grand Maester of the King’s Landing for decades, recording the events of Westeros and shaping the historical understanding of time.
- Septon Barth:Septon Barth was a renowned scholar and historian who documented the history of Westeros, including the arrival of the First Men and the Long Night.
The Role of Religion
Religion plays a significant role in shaping the calendar and its observances in Westeros, with the Faith of the Seven and the worship of the Old Gods holding distinct perspectives on time and its passage.
The Faith of the Seven and the Calendar
The Faith of the Seven, the dominant religion in the Seven Kingdoms, has a profound influence on the Westerosi calendar. The Seven, representing different aspects of life and divinity, have specific days dedicated to them, shaping the rhythm of religious observances.The Faith of the Seven’s calendar is structured around a seven-day week, with each day dedicated to one of the Seven:
- The Father: Sunday, symbolizing justice and law.
- The Mother: Monday, representing mercy and compassion.
- The Maiden: Tuesday, embodying innocence and purity.
- The Crone: Wednesday, signifying wisdom and experience.
- The Warrior: Thursday, representing strength and courage.
- The Smith: Friday, symbolizing creation and industry.
- The Stranger: Saturday, representing death and the unknown.
These days are not just markers of the week; they hold specific significance for the faithful, influencing their daily routines and religious practices.The Faith of the Seven also observes various religious holidays throughout the year, including:
- The Feast of the Seven: A week-long celebration honoring all the Seven, marked by feasting, merriment, and religious ceremonies.
- The High Septon’s Day: A day dedicated to the High Septon, the head of the Faith of the Seven.
- The Day of Atonement: A day of fasting and repentance, seeking forgiveness for sins.
- The Feast of the First Men: A celebration of the ancient ancestors of Westeros, honoring their traditions and heritage.
These holidays are significant events in the Westerosi calendar, shaping social and religious life.
The Old Gods and the Cycles of Nature
The Old Gods, worshipped in the North and the Riverlands, have a different perspective on time, deeply intertwined with the cycles of nature. They believe that the world is alive, with the gods residing in the trees, mountains, and other natural elements.The Old Gods do not have a specific calendar or a set of days dedicated to them.
Their worship is more focused on observing the natural world, with festivals and ceremonies tied to the changing seasons:
- The Long Night: A period of darkness and cold, marked by the absence of the sun.
- The Spring Festival: A celebration of the return of spring, with feasts and rituals to ensure a bountiful harvest.
- The Summer Solstice: A time of celebration and revelry, honoring the sun’s strength and the abundance of nature.
- The Harvest Festival: A celebration of the harvest, thanking the Old Gods for their blessings.
The Old Gods believe that time is cyclical, repeating in patterns of birth, death, and rebirth, reflecting the natural world’s rhythm.
Comparing the Calendars
The Faith of the Seven and the Old Gods offer contrasting perspectives on time and its significance. The Faith of the Seven’s calendar is structured around a seven-day week, with each day dedicated to one of the Seven. It is a more linear approach to time, with a focus on specific days and events.The Old Gods, on the other hand, have a more cyclical view of time, deeply intertwined with the natural world’s rhythms.
Their festivals and ceremonies are tied to the changing seasons, reflecting the belief that time is a continuous flow, repeating in patterns of birth, death, and rebirth.The differences in their calendar systems reflect the contrasting philosophies of these religions, shaping their understanding of time and its passage.
Regional Variations
While the Westerosi calendar is standardized, regional variations and local customs influence how it is observed and celebrated. These variations are not merely cosmetic but reflect the unique history, culture, and environment of each region.
The North
The North, with its harsh winters and isolated geography, has developed a unique approach to timekeeping. While the calendar is the same as elsewhere, the Northmen focus more on the natural cycles of the seasons, particularly the arrival and departure of winter.
This is reflected in their celebrations, such as the Feast of the Winterfell, which marks the end of winter and the return of spring. The Northmen also have a strong sense of history and lineage, and their calendar is marked by significant events in the history of their house, such as the date of the founding of Winterfell or the victories of their ancestors.
These dates are often passed down through generations and celebrated as important cultural markers.
The Reach
The Reach, known for its fertile land and abundant harvests, places a strong emphasis on agricultural cycles. The calendar is closely tied to the planting and harvesting seasons, with important festivals marking the start and end of each season. The Reachmen celebrate the Feast of the First Fruits, a grand celebration of the harvest, and the Feast of the Roses, which marks the beginning of the spring planting season.
The Reachmen also have a tradition of using the lunar cycle to track time. This is reflected in their calendar, which includes the marking of the full moon and new moon. This practice is likely influenced by the Reachmen’s focus on the natural world and their connection to the cycles of nature.
The Crownlands, How does the calender work westeros
The Crownlands, being the heart of the Seven Kingdoms, follow the standardized Westerosi calendar closely. However, their proximity to the capital city, King’s Landing, and the influence of the royal court have resulted in certain specific celebrations and observances. The Crownlands celebrate the King’s Birthday with grand festivities, and the anniversary of the founding of King’s Landing is also observed with official ceremonies.
The Crownlands also have a strong sense of tradition and ceremony, and their calendar is marked by the many royal birthdays, anniversaries, and other events that are celebrated in the capital city. These events are often seen as opportunities to display power and wealth, and they contribute to the sense of grandeur and opulence associated with the Crownlands.
Essential Questionnaire
What is the length of a year in Westeros?
A year in Westeros is roughly equivalent to a year on Earth, but the seasons are significantly longer, with each lasting for several months.
What are the names of the months in the Westerosi calendar?
The names of the months in the Westerosi calendar are not explicitly mentioned in the books or the television series, but some fans have created their own interpretations based on the seasons and events described.
How does the Westerosi calendar differ from real-world calendars?
The Westerosi calendar is primarily based on the seasons, which are significantly longer and more unpredictable than in the real world. It also incorporates elements of mythology and history, reflecting the unique cultural values and beliefs of the Westerosi people.
