The Mountains That Became Westeros and Skyrim

The worlds of Westeros from George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series and Skyrim from Bethesda's 'The Elder Scrolls V' are both rich in detail and lore, drawing readers and players into their expansive landscapes. At the heart of these two beloved realms are imposing mountain ranges that not only shape the geography but also the lore, culture, and conflicts within their stories. This article will explore the mountain ranges of Westeros and Skyrim, their real-world counterparts, and the significance of mountains in shaping the narratives within these two universes.

The Wall and the Frostfang Mountains

In Westeros, the Wall, a colossal ice barrier that separates the Seven Kingdoms from the lands beyond, stands tall amidst the harsh and unforgiving Frostfang Mountains. The Wall stretches for 300 miles and represents the last line of defense against the White Walkers and other threats. The Frostfang Mountains, while not as prominently featured in the narrative, are implied to be ominous and rugged peaks that loom over the Wall, enhancing its foreboding presence. In creating this landscape, Martin draws inspiration from the real-life geography of northern regions, specifically the Scottish Highlands and the tundra of Scandinavia, where jagged terrains and bleak winters evoke the cold, desolate nature of the North.

The Mountain Range of the Vale

Another significant range in Westeros is the Mountains of the Vale, cradling the Eyrie, the ancestral home of House Arryn. These mountains are characterized by steep cliffs and a sense of vertigo, both of which embody the isolation and strategic advantages of the Eyrie. The Vale's mountain ranges also serve as a narrative tool; they create barriers that influence the movement of characters, battles, and political intrigue. The visual majesty of the Vale's mountains might stem from the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains in the United States or the stunning peaks of the Alps, which combine grandeur with intricate, hidden pathways that deepen the intrigue of the Vale's story.

The Reach and the Mountains of Oldtown

The Reach, known for its fertile lands and lush vineyards, is also bordered by the mountains of Oldtown and the Arbor. Although not towering compared to other ranges, these hills create a geographical border that impacts trade, culture, and security within the Reach. While these mountains are not often the focus of battles or high drama, they highlight the importance of geography in political power and structure. The inspiration for these gentler rolling hills may be drawn from the coastal ranges found in regions such as California's Pacific Coast or parts of Southern France, contributing to the verdant, thriving environment of the Reach.

The Skyrim Mountain Range

Turning to Skyrim, the mountain ranges that characterize this land are both storied and visually striking. The Throat of the World, Skyrim's highest peak, rises majestically above the landscape and is home to the revered Greybeards, guardians of the ancient traditions of the Thu’um, or dragon shouts. This iconic mountain not only serves as a central landmark but also embodies the culture of the Nords, whose lives are intertwined with the majesty and peril of the mountains. The Throat of the World draws inspiration from real-world formations like Mount Rainier and the Andes, representing the intersection of human ambitions and the formidable forces of nature.

The Reach Mountains of Skyrim

In Skyrim, a variety of mountains can be found throughout its many regions. The Reach, home to the elusive Forsworn, is dominated by rugged peaks and rocky landscapes, with the most dramatic mountain formations signaling tension in the region's conflicted history. The combination of steep slopes and hidden valleys creates not only a challenging terrain for travelers but also a landscape rich with stories, legends, and mythical creatures. This area might be compared to parts of the Rocky Mountains, with its craggy surfaces and breath-taking views that inspire both awe and unease.

The Pale and the Snowy Mountains

The Pale, a snowy tundra region, showcases Skyrim's harsh climate, where mountains are often blanketed in snow, adding an ethereal beauty to the chill of the land. The Snowy Mountains rise starkly against an often overcast sky, making them a signature feature of Skyrim. These peaks invite exploration but also caution, as they are home to formidable enemies such as frost trolls and dragons. Their portrayal emphasizes the duality of adventure in both brandishing weapons and embracing the splendor of nature. Real-world inspiration could stem from the Himalayas or the Canadian Rockies, where snow-capped peaks exhibit both majesty and peril.

Cultural Impact of Mountains

Both Westeros and Skyrim have a deep cultural connection to their mountainous landscapes. Mountains symbolize not only the physical barriers but also the psychological struggles faced by characters within these worlds. The starkness of the environments serves as a backdrop to the critical themes of ambition, survival, and power. In many instances, characters have their arcs shaped by the mountains; be it Jon Snow beyond the Wall or the Dragonborn exploring the peaks in Skyrim, the mountains resonate deeply with their journeys in both literature and gaming.

Real-World Inspirations

The majestic mountains in both Westeros and Skyrim do not merely exist in a vacuum but are inspired by real-world geographic formations that evoke similar themes of grandeur and danger. The combination of beauty and treachery in mountainous regions serves to heighten the stakes for characters while inviting readers and players to embark on their explorations. Through these expansive environments, George R.R. Martin and Bethesda create settings that entrench their characters in a world as dynamic and thriving as the mountains that dominate their landscapes.