Editing Westeros (section)

==Biology and Anthropology==
===Sentient species===
* [[Humans]] appear to be mostly equivalent to humans on Earth, although some noticeable differences exist. There is a propensity for families in noble houses to share a common trait; for example, the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] appear to have all been blondes for hundreds of years. Some physical features are unusual in our world: [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]] often have [[platinum]] hair and [[violet eyes]], while descendants of the [[Ghiscari]] often have both red and black hair. Also, humans in Westeros are often larger than would be expected in a medieval civilization: many men are over six feet tall, with abnormally large men standing seven feet or taller. The three major ethnic groups from which modern Westerosi descend are [[Andals]], [[First Men]], and [[Rhoynar]].
* [[Giants]] are huge, shaggy humanoids of slightly below human intelligence, vaguely resembling bipedal apes. Giants are a dwindling species found only in the lands to the extreme north, [[beyond the Wall]]. They ride [[mammoth]]s into battle, wielding crude clubs that are little more than logs. They speak the [[Old Tongue]] of the First Men.
* The [[children of the forest]], the original inhabitants of Westeros, are frequently mentioned, but have not been seen in thousands of years. They are thought to be diminutive humanoid creatures; dark and beautiful, with mysterious powers over dreams and nature. They are said to have used [[obsidian]] weapons and [[weirwood]] bows in battle. Little of their legacy exists at present beyond their worship of nameless nature gods still practiced by some in the north, and the remaining weirwoods. 
* The [[Others]] are a mysterious and apparently malevolent race of creatures found beyond the Wall. They have only been seen at night, and seem to bring unnatural cold with them. They appear as tall, gaunt humanoids with eyes of blue so deep it burns like fire. They wear armor that shifts in color with every step, and wield thin crystal swords that are so cold they can shatter iron. Others move silently, but their voices sound like cracking ice. Creatures they kill reanimate as [[wights]], undead with glowing blue eyes. The Others exhibit a weakness to weapons made of [[dragonglass]], which pierce their armor easily. In death, they seem to melt into a pool of extremely cold liquid.{{ref|ASOS|18}}

===Animals===
{{Main|Bestiary}}
Some species of animals inhabiting Westeros are similar to Pleistocene megafauna of Earth or historical animals. 

* [[Aurochs]] are large relatives of the bull. They are frequently used as a symbol of size, strength, and stupidity. An aurochs was used as a mount by the mythical [[Clarence Crabb]] as a display of his prowess.
* [[Direwolf|Direwolves]] are relatives of the wolf, but more like their extinct real-world equivalent they are much larger and stronger than regular wolves, reaching the size of a pony when fully grown. They are almost never seen south of the Wall. 
* [[Lizard-lion]]s are massive, swamp-dwelling reptiles found in the Neck. These creatures are most likely large crocodilians.
* [[Mammoth]]s inhabit the far north and are apparently the only pachyderm in Westeros. They are used as mounts by giants.

Other animals appear to be altered versions of contemporary animals or have no real-world equivalent.
* [[Kraken]]s are huge squids said to be able to pull down whaling ships. They are largely considered a myth.
* [[Raven]]s are physically similar to common ravens of Earth, ravens in Westeros are used to [[w:homing pigeons|carry messages]] between castles. The maester of each castle usually tends to its stock of ravens. [[Maesters]] raise a breed of large, [[white raven]]s at the [[Citadel]] that are said to be more intelligent. Ravens sometimes imitate human speech like parrots.
* [[Shadowcat]]s are large predatory cats with black fur and white stripes who seem to be native to mountainous regions. Their pelts are prized.
* [[Dragon]]s are ferocious, magical creatures. The dragons of [[House Targaryen]] died out over one hundred years ago, and the creatures are thought to be extinct by the people of Westeros.
* [[Unicorns]] are large goatlike animals with a long single horn on their heads.