Difference between revisions of "Ibben"

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[[File:Ibben.png|thumb|300px|Location of Ibben in the [[known world]]]]
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'''Ibben'''<ref name=ssm>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1081 Various ASOIAF Questions (April 21, 2000)]</ref> is an island nation in the [[Shivering Sea]], which is the polar sea north of the eastern continent, [[Essos]].{{Ref|tloiaf| Cental Essos}}  
 
'''Ibben'''<ref name=ssm>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1081 Various ASOIAF Questions (April 21, 2000)]</ref> is an island nation in the [[Shivering Sea]], which is the polar sea north of the eastern continent, [[Essos]].{{Ref|tloiaf| Cental Essos}}  
[[File:Ibben.png|thumb|300px|Location of Ibben on the World map]]
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The Ibbenese are frequently referred to as "the men of Ib"{{Ref|twoiaf| The North: The Kings of Winter}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Lorath}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Norvos}}{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}} after [[Ib|Ibben's largest island]],{{Ref|tloiaf| Central Essos}} which is home to most of the Ibbenese.<ref name=IbbenArmor>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1226/ Ibben and Armor (November 9, 2002)]</ref>
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The [[Ibbenese]] are frequently referred to as "the men of Ib"{{Ref|twoiaf| The North: The Kings of Winter}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Lorath}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Norvos}}{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}} after [[Ib|Ibben's largest island]],{{Ref|tloiaf| Central Essos}} which is home to most of the Ibbenese.<ref name=IbbenArmor>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1226/ Ibben and Armor (November 9, 2002)]</ref>
  
 
==Geography==
 
==Geography==
The island nation of Ibben consists of several islands and settlements on the mainland of [[Essos]]. The largest island of Ibben is [[Ib]], a forested and mountainous island containing the cities [[Port of Ibben]] and [[Ib Nor]]. South of Ib are scattered islands in the [[Bay of Whales]], while another smaller island is located directly to the north. Southeast of Ib is a moderately-sized mountainous island called [[Far Ib]], containing the city [[Ib Sar]].{{ref|TLOIAF| Central Essos}}
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The nation of Ibben consists of several islands and settlements on the mainland of [[Essos]]. The largest island is [[Ib]], a forested and mountainous isle containing the cities [[Port of Ibben]] and [[Ib Nor]]. South of Ib are scattered islands in the [[Bay of Whales]], while another smaller island is located directly to the north. Southeast of Ib is a moderately-sized mountainous island called [[Far Ib]], containing the city [[Ib Sar]].{{ref|TLOIAF| Central Essos}}
  
South of the Ibbenese islands on the mainland of [[Essos]] is the city of [[New Ibbish]], situated on a forested peninsula north of the [[Kingdoms of the Ifeqevron]]. Southeast of New Ibbish are the ruins of Ibbish, now known by its [[Dothraki language|Dothraki]] name, [[Vaes Aresak]].{{ref|TLOIAF| Central Essos}}{{Ref|awoiaf| Vaes Aresak (Ibbish)}}
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South of the Ibbenese islands on the mainland of [[Essos]] is the city of [[New Ibbish]], situated on a forested peninsula north of the [[Kingdom of the Ifequevron]]. Southeast of New Ibbish are the ruins of Ibbish, now known by its [[Dothraki language|Dothraki]] name, [[Vaes Aresak]].{{ref|TLOIAF| Central Essos}}{{Ref|awoiaf| Vaes Aresak (Ibbish)}}
  
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], has said that "''if you visualize [[Westeros]] as a big [[w:Britain|Britain]] and the [[Essos|eastern continent]] as mainland [[w:Europe|Europe]], Ibben is kind of up where [[w:Finland|Finland]] would be... except there's no [[w:Scandinavia|Scandinavia]], nothing north of the [[w:Baltic|Baltic]] except ocean.''".<ref name=ssm/>
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According to [[George R. R. Martin]], "''if you visualize [[Westeros]] as a big [[w:Great Britain|Britain]] and the [[Essos|eastern continent]] as [[w:Continental Europe|mainland Europe]], Ibben is kind of up where [[w:Finland|Finland]] would be... except there's no [[w:Scandinavia|Scandinavia]], nothing north of the [[w:Baltic|Baltic]] except ocean.''".<ref name=ssm/>
  
 
==People==
 
==People==
{{main|Ibbenese}}
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Different from the other races of mankind,{{ref|TWOIAF| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}, most [[Ibbenese]] live on [[Ib]] and the smaller islands surrounding it, with a few colonies on the mainland of [[Essos]].<ref name=IbbenArmor/> When people from other lands visit Ib, they are restricted by law and custom to the harbor precincts of the [[Port of Ibben]]. They are only allowed to venture beyond the city in the company of an Ibbenese host, but such invitations are rarely made.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
 
 
Most Ibbenese live on Ib and the smaller islands surrounding it, with a few colonies on the mainland of [[Essos]].<ref name=IbbenArmor/>  
 
  
The Ibbenese are typically short and squat, seldom being more than five and a half feet in height. Their physical appearance is brutish, as they have sloping brows with heavy ridges, small sunken eyes, great square teeth, and massive jaws.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}} They have also been described as a hairy people{{Ref|aFfC|Prologue}} who prefer to chew blubber.<ref name=IbbenArmor/> They have their own [[Ibbenese language|language]], which has been described as grunting and rasping.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}{{Ref|aGoT|3}} The Ibbenese are ferociously strong, and are considered a cunning folk consisting of skilled craftsmen, able hunters and trackers, and doughty warriors.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
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Ibben was ruled by a [[God-King]] until the [[Doom of Valyria]]. Now the power lies in the [[Shadow Council]], whose members are chosen by the [[Thousand]], an assembly of wealthy guildsmen, ancient nobles, priests, and priestesses, similar to the [[magister]]s of the [[Free Cities]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
 
 
The Ibbenese are considered to stand apart from the other races of mankind. Although they can reproduce with the people of other lands, the children Ibbenese men father upon the women of other lands are frequently malformed and always sterile, while Ibbenese women, when impregnated by men from other lands, birth only stillbirths and monstrosities.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}} Such couplings are uncommon, however.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}} Regardless, scholars have speculated that certain groups of people have some Ibbenese blood in their heritage.{{fact}}
 
 
 
Ibben was ruled by a [[God-King]] until the [[Doom of Valyria]]. Now the power lies in the [[Shadow Council]], whose members are chosen by the [[Thousand]], an assembly of wealthy guildsmen, ancient nobles, priests, and priestesses.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
 
  
 
==Economy==
 
==Economy==
Gold, iron, and tin are abundant in the mountains of Ib, whereas timber, amber, and hundreds sorts of pelts can be found in the island's forests. Whale bone, blubber, and oil are Ib's chief stock-in-trade.{{ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}} Among Ib's trading partners are [[Lorath]]{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Lorath}}, [[Braavos]],{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Braavos}} the [[Summer Isles]] and [[Volantis]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}} Before its destruction, Ibben also traded with the [[Kingdom of Sarnor]].{{ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}
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Gold, iron, and tin are abundant in the mountains of [[Ib]], whereas timber, amber, and hundreds sorts of pelts can be found in the island's forests. Whale bone, blubber, and oil are Ib's chief stock-in-trade.{{ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}} Among Ib's trading partners are [[Lorath]]{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Lorath}}, [[Braavos]],{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Braavos}} the [[Summer Isles]] and [[Volantis]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}} Before its destruction, Ibben also traded with the [[Kingdom of Sarnor]].{{ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}
  
Ibbenese are mostly known as whalers, piloting fat-bellied [[Ships|whaling ships]] with hulls black with tar.{{fact}} These ships are a common sight in the ports of [[King's Landing]],{{Ref|aGoT|18}}, [[Oldtown]],{{Ref|aFfC|Prologue}} the [[Summer Isles]], and [[Volantis]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}} Whalers and sealers often venture into Lorath Bay, as Lorath does not have enough military strength to prevent them from doing so.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Lorath}} Whalers from Ibben are "big-bellied" ships.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}{{Ref|Agot|18}}{{Ref|affc|6}}
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Ibbenese are mostly known as whalers, piloting fat-bellied [[Ships|whaling ships]] with hulls black with tar.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}{{Ref|Agot|18}}{{Ref|affc|6}} These ships are a common sight in the ports of [[King's Landing]],{{Ref|aGoT|18}}, [[Oldtown]],{{Ref|aFfC|Prologue}} the [[Summer Isles]], and [[Volantis]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}} Whalers and sealers often venture into Lorath Bay, as Lorath does not have enough military strength to prevent them from doing so.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Lorath}}
  
The Ibbenese sail the eastern waters of the Shivering Sea as one of the few who do.{{ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: East of Ib}}
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The Ibbenese are one of the few peoples to sail the eastern waters of the Shivering Sea.{{ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: East of Ib}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
===Early History===
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===Ancient History===
Possibly, the [[Hairy Men]] were the forebears of the Ibbenese.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}
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The so-called [[Hairy Men]] were possibly the forebears of the [[Ibbenese]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}} The [[Port of Ibben]] is said to have ruled the Ibbenese since the [[dawn of days]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
  
Dragons likely once lived on Ibben, as dragon bones have been found on the island [[Ib]].{{ref|twoiaf| Ancient History: The Rise of Valyria}}
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[[Dragon]]s likely once lived on Ibben, as [[dragonbone]] has been found on the island [[Ib]].{{ref|twoiaf| Ancient History: The Rise of Valyria}}
  
[[Andalos]], the lands on which the [[Andals]] eventually settled, was originally inhabited by a tribe called the hairy men. The [[Pentos]]hi believe these hairy men were kin to the hairy men from Ib,{{Ref|adwd|5}}{{Ref|twoiaf| Ancient History: The Arrival of the Andals}} while others believe Andalos was inhabited by hairy men from Ib, and yet others believe the hairy men from Andalos eventually settled Ib.{{Ref|twoiaf| Ancient History: The Arrival of the Andals}}
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[[Andalos]], the lands on which the [[Andals]] eventually settled, was originally inhabited by a tribe called the hairy men. The [[Pentos]]hi believe these hairy men were kin to the hairy men from Ib.{{Ref|adwd|5}}{{Ref|twoiaf| Ancient History: The Arrival of the Andals}} Others believe Andalos was inhabited by hairy men from Ib, or that the hairy men from Andalos eventually settled Ib.{{Ref|twoiaf| Ancient History: The Arrival of the Andals}}
  
[[Lorath]], before it became a Valyrian settlement, was for a while inhabited by a dark, small, hairy people akin to the men of Ib.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Lorath}} After the followers of [[Boash]] had settled in Lorath and the city became a daughter of Valyria, men from numerous lands, including Ib, traveled there.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Lorath}} Likewise, before the Valyrians settled in [[Norvos]], other people lived in the city. While most consider them to have been [[Andals]], there are some who believe them to have been cousins of the men of Ib.
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[[Lorath]], before it became a [[Valyria]]n settlement, was for a while inhabited by a dark, small, hairy people akin to the men of Ib.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Lorath}} After the followers of [[Boash]] had settled in Lorath and the city became a daughter of Valyria, men from numerous lands, including Ib, traveled there.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Lorath}} Likewise, before the Valyrians settled in [[Norvos]], other people lived in the city. While most consider them to have been [[Andals]], there are some who believe them to have been cousins of the men of Ib.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Norvos}}
  
Some of the slaves who escaped the grasps of the Valyrian Freehold and founded [[Braavos]] were Ibbenese.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Braavos}}
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Evidence of Ibbenese settlements has been found on the [[Axe]], the [[Lorath]]i isles, along the shores of the [[Bitterweed Bay]], the [[Bay of Tusks]], the [[Leviathan Sound]], and the [[Thousand Islands]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}} Ib has often fought with Lorath over the supremacy of the waters of Bitterweed Bay.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Shivering Sea}} Although Norvos claims dominion over the Axe, the Ibbenese often violently dispute this claim.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Norvos}}
 
 
Evidence of Ibbenese settlements has been found on the [[Axe]], the [[Lorath]]i isles, along the shores of the [[Bitterweed Bay]], the [[Bay of Tusks]], the [[Levithian Sound]] and the [[Thousand Islands]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}} Ib has often fought with Lorath over the supremacy of the waters of Bitterweed Bay.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Shivering Sea}} And although [[Norvos]] claims dominion over the Axe, the Ibbenese often violently dispute this claim.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Norvos}}
 
  
 
Before the Andals came to [[Westeros]], the [[White Knife]] in the [[north]] was frequently attacked by raiders and slavers. Some scholars believe these raiders were the forebears of the men of Ib.{{Ref|twoiaf| The North: The Kings of Winter}}
 
Before the Andals came to [[Westeros]], the [[White Knife]] in the [[north]] was frequently attacked by raiders and slavers. Some scholars believe these raiders were the forebears of the men of Ib.{{Ref|twoiaf| The North: The Kings of Winter}}
  
While still keeping its location and existence a secret from the world, [[Braavos]] began to trade with Ib.{{Ref|Twoiaf| The Free Cities: Braavos}}  
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===God-Kings===
 +
At least a hundred [[God-King]]s are said to have ruled from a massive stone castle in the [[Port of Ibben]].{{ref|TWOIAF| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
  
===Recent History===
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The Ibbenese sent their most notorious criminals to [[Ib Sar]], the only town on [[Far Ib]]. These criminals were often mutilated first, so they might never return to Ib. This practice came to an end after the fall of the final God-King, although Ib Sar has not been able to lose its unsavory reputation.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
The Ibbenese were ruled by the God-Kings from their castle at the [[Port of Ibben]] on [[Ib]]. The last of these kings was thrown down in the aftermath of the Doom of Valyria. Ever since, rule over Ib and many of the lesser isles has been held by the Shadow Council.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
 
  
The [[Kingdom of Sarnor]] originally was a trading partner of Ibben.{{fact|the Grasslands?}} Yet the Ibbenese also attempted on several occasions to seize control of the mouth of the [[Sarne]], which resulted into war with the Sarnori settlements [[Saath]] and [[Sarys]].{{fact|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib OR The Grasslands}} After the destruction of most of the Sarnori cities by the [[Dothraki]] during the [[Century of Blood]] Saath remained as the only Sarnori settlement. This diminished city mostly survives due to the support given by Ib and Lorath.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}
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The [[Kingdom of Sarnor]] was a trading partner of Ibben,{{ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}} although the [[Ibbenese]] attempted on several occasions to seize control of the mouth of the [[Sarne]], resulting in war with the Sarnori settlements [[Saath]] and [[Sarys]].{{ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
  
The Ibbenese eventually succeeded, under leadership of the God-Kings, in gaining a foothold on the mainland of Essos. They conquered the [[Kingdom of the Ifequevron]], although whether the Ibbenese extinguished the Ifquevron or not is a matter of dispute; While some claim the Ibbenese killed the race, others simply believe the so-called "wood walkers" went into hiding or fled. At the height of its power, the land the Ibbenese controlled on the mainland of Essos was as large as Ib itself. Many Ibbenese travelled to this rich area, which fell under the dominion of [[Ibbish]], which grew to become a thriving port and the second city of Ibben. Near two hundred years ago, Dothraki khals began to attack the Ibbenese lands on mainland Essos, leading to numerous battles. Ibben won a famous battle against Khal [[Onqo]], but were pushed further and further back by the dothraki as khalasar after khalasar came. Khal Scoro took Ibbish for the first time, and although the Ibbenese rebuilt the city, a generation later Khal Rogo arrived to put half the city to the torch.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}  
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The Ibbenese eventually succeeded, under leadership of the God-Kings, in gaining a foothold on the mainland of Essos. They conquered the [[Kingdom of the Ifequevron]], although whether the Ibbenese extinguished the [[Ifequevron]] or not is a matter of dispute. While some claim the Ibbenese killed the race, others simply believe the so-called "wood walkers" went into hiding or fled. At the height of its power, the land the Ibbenese controlled on the mainland of Essos was as large as Ib itself. The rich dominion of [[Ibbish]] allowed it to grow into a thriving port and the second city of Ibben.{{ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
  
Eventually, Khal Onqo's grandson, Khal [[Dhako]], arrived at the city, ready to sack it. Learning of his approach, the inhabitants of Ibbish fled across the sea back to Ib. Infuriated by this cowardly move, Dhako put the city and much of the surrounding land to the torch, resulting in the loss of most of the lands the Ibbenese had ruled on the northern coast of Essos.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}} Following the destruction of Ibbish, the Ibbenese constructed a new colony, [[New Ibbish]].{{Ref|awoiaf| New Ibbish}} From this colony, build on a peninsula protected by great wooden walls, the Ibbenese rule over their modest remaining foothold on the Essosi lands.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
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Some of the slaves who escaped the grasps of the [[Valyrian Freehold]] and founded [[Braavos]] were Ibbenese.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Braavos}} While still keeping its location and existence a secret from the world, Braavos began to trade with Ib.{{Ref|Twoiaf| The Free Cities: Braavos}}  
  
It is said that [[Euron Greyjoy]]'s reputation is known from Ibbe to [[Asshai]].{{Ref|acok|24}}{{Ref|affc|18}}
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===Doom of Valyria===
 +
After the destruction of most of the [[Sarnori]] cities by the [[Dothraki]] during the [[Century of Blood]], the aftermath of the [[Doom of Valyria]], [[Saath]] remained as the only Sarnori settlement. This diminished city mostly survives due to the support given by [[Ib]] and [[Lorath]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}
  
==Recent Events==
+
Near two hundred years ago, Dothraki ''[[khal]]s'' began to attack the [[Ibbenese]] lands on mainland [[Essos]], leading to numerous battles. Ibben won a famous battle against Khal [[Onqo]], but were pushed further and further back by the Dothraki as ''[[khalasar]]'' after ''khalasar'' came. Khal [[Scoro]] took [[Ibbish]] for the first time, and although the Ibbenese rebuilt the city, a generation later Khal [[Rogo]] arrived to put half the city to the torch.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}  
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
Hairy men from the [[Port of Ibben]] are among the guests who attend the wedding of [[Daenerys Targaryen]] and [[Khal]] [[Drogo]].{{ref|AGOT|11}}
 
  
When confronting Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] about the fact that he has discovered the truth about the paternity of her three children, Lord [[Eddard Stark]] tells Cersei to "''take ship for the Free Cities, or even farther, to the Summer Isles or the Port of Ibben.''".{{Ref|agot|45}}
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Eventually, Onqo's grandson, Khal [[Dhako]], arrived at the city, ready to sack it. Learning of his approach, the inhabitants of Ibbish fled across the sea back to [[Ib]]. Considering them cowardly, an infuriated Dhako put the city and much of the surrounding land to the torch, resulting in the loss of most of the lands the Ibbenese had ruled on the northern coast of Essos.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}} Following the destruction of Ibbish, the Ibbenese constructed a new town, [[New Ibbish]].{{Ref|awoiaf| New Ibbish}} From this colony, built on a peninsula protected by great wooden walls, the Ibbenese rule over their modest remaining foothold in Essos.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
  
===''A Clash of Kings''===
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The last of the [[God-King]]s was thrown down in the aftermath of the Doom.{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
[[Arya Stark]] observes several Ibbenese sellswords arrive at [[Harrenhal]] as part of a mercenary group, the [[Brave Companions]].{{ref|ACOK|30}}
 
  
===''A Storm of Swords''===
+
===Recent History===
An Ibbenese axe-man is among a group of foragers that [[Nymeria (direwolf)|Nymeria]] slaughters in the [[riverlands]].{{ref|ASoS|3}} Several Ibbenese sellswords of the [[Brave Companions]] are encountered by the [[brotherhood without banners]] squatting in a remote sept, carrying shaggy brown shields during the ensuing battle.{{Ref|aSoS|39}}
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Rule over the isles of Ibben is now held by the [[Shadow Council]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
  
===''A Feast for Crows''===
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It is said that [[Euron Greyjoy]]'s reputation is known from Ibben to [[Asshai]].{{Ref|acok|24}}{{Ref|affc|18}}
[[Togg Joth]], an Ibbenese member of the Brave Companions, is currently on the run as one of the last known survivors of the disbanded sellsword company.{{ref|affc|Appendix}}
 
  
[[Arya Stark]] sells her oysters on the decks of many ships who have made port in [[Ragman's Harbor]], including Ibbenese ships.{{Ref|affc|34}}
+
==Recent Events==
 +
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 +
When confronting Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] about the fact that he has discovered the truth about the paternity of her three children, Lord [[Eddard Stark]] advises her to take ship for the [[Free Cities]], the [[Summer Isles]], or the [[Port of Ibben]].{{Ref|agot|45}}
  
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
An Ibbenese whaler travelling in the [[Bay of Seals]] is commandeered by the commander of [[Eastwatch-by-the-Sea]], [[Cotter Pyke]], on the orders of Lord Commander [[Jon Snow]].{{Ref|adwd|44}}.
+
When mistakenly believing that his half-sister, [[Arya Stark]], is held at [[Winterfell]], [[Jon Snow]] considers numerous locations to which he could send her after she is rescued, including the Port of Ibben.{{Ref|adwd|44}}
 
 
When mistakenly believing that his sister Arya Stark is being held at [[Winterfell]], [[Jon Snow]] considers numerous locations to which he could send her after she is rescued, including the Port of Ibben.{{Ref|adwd|44}}
 
 
   
 
   
 
==References==
 
==References==

Latest revision as of 17:28, 10 September 2018

Location of Ibben in the known world

Ibben[1] is an island nation in the Shivering Sea, which is the polar sea north of the eastern continent, Essos.[2]

The Ibbenese are frequently referred to as "the men of Ib"[3][4][5][6][7] after Ibben's largest island,[8] which is home to most of the Ibbenese.[9]

Geography

The nation of Ibben consists of several islands and settlements on the mainland of Essos. The largest island is Ib, a forested and mountainous isle containing the cities Port of Ibben and Ib Nor. South of Ib are scattered islands in the Bay of Whales, while another smaller island is located directly to the north. Southeast of Ib is a moderately-sized mountainous island called Far Ib, containing the city Ib Sar.[8]

South of the Ibbenese islands on the mainland of Essos is the city of New Ibbish, situated on a forested peninsula north of the Kingdom of the Ifequevron. Southeast of New Ibbish are the ruins of Ibbish, now known by its Dothraki name, Vaes Aresak.[8][10]

According to George R. R. Martin, "if you visualize Westeros as a big Britain and the eastern continent as mainland Europe, Ibben is kind of up where Finland would be... except there's no Scandinavia, nothing north of the Baltic except ocean.".[1]

People

Different from the other races of mankind,[7], most Ibbenese live on Ib and the smaller islands surrounding it, with a few colonies on the mainland of Essos.[9] When people from other lands visit Ib, they are restricted by law and custom to the harbor precincts of the Port of Ibben. They are only allowed to venture beyond the city in the company of an Ibbenese host, but such invitations are rarely made.[7]

Ibben was ruled by a God-King until the Doom of Valyria. Now the power lies in the Shadow Council, whose members are chosen by the Thousand, an assembly of wealthy guildsmen, ancient nobles, priests, and priestesses, similar to the magisters of the Free Cities.[7]

Economy

Gold, iron, and tin are abundant in the mountains of Ib, whereas timber, amber, and hundreds sorts of pelts can be found in the island's forests. Whale bone, blubber, and oil are Ib's chief stock-in-trade.[7] Among Ib's trading partners are Lorath[4], Braavos,[11] the Summer Isles and Volantis.[7] Before its destruction, Ibben also traded with the Kingdom of Sarnor.[6]

Ibbenese are mostly known as whalers, piloting fat-bellied whaling ships with hulls black with tar.[7][12][13] These ships are a common sight in the ports of King's Landing,[12], Oldtown,[14] the Summer Isles, and Volantis.[7] Whalers and sealers often venture into Lorath Bay, as Lorath does not have enough military strength to prevent them from doing so.[4]

The Ibbenese are one of the few peoples to sail the eastern waters of the Shivering Sea.[15]

History

Ancient History

The so-called Hairy Men were possibly the forebears of the Ibbenese.[6] The Port of Ibben is said to have ruled the Ibbenese since the dawn of days.[7]

Dragons likely once lived on Ibben, as dragonbone has been found on the island Ib.[16]

Andalos, the lands on which the Andals eventually settled, was originally inhabited by a tribe called the hairy men. The Pentoshi believe these hairy men were kin to the hairy men from Ib.[17][18] Others believe Andalos was inhabited by hairy men from Ib, or that the hairy men from Andalos eventually settled Ib.[18]

Lorath, before it became a Valyrian settlement, was for a while inhabited by a dark, small, hairy people akin to the men of Ib.[4] After the followers of Boash had settled in Lorath and the city became a daughter of Valyria, men from numerous lands, including Ib, traveled there.[4] Likewise, before the Valyrians settled in Norvos, other people lived in the city. While most consider them to have been Andals, there are some who believe them to have been cousins of the men of Ib.[5]

Evidence of Ibbenese settlements has been found on the Axe, the Lorathi isles, along the shores of the Bitterweed Bay, the Bay of Tusks, the Leviathan Sound, and the Thousand Islands.[7] Ib has often fought with Lorath over the supremacy of the waters of Bitterweed Bay.[19] Although Norvos claims dominion over the Axe, the Ibbenese often violently dispute this claim.[5]

Before the Andals came to Westeros, the White Knife in the north was frequently attacked by raiders and slavers. Some scholars believe these raiders were the forebears of the men of Ib.[3]

God-Kings

At least a hundred God-Kings are said to have ruled from a massive stone castle in the Port of Ibben.[7]

The Ibbenese sent their most notorious criminals to Ib Sar, the only town on Far Ib. These criminals were often mutilated first, so they might never return to Ib. This practice came to an end after the fall of the final God-King, although Ib Sar has not been able to lose its unsavory reputation.[7]

The Kingdom of Sarnor was a trading partner of Ibben,[6] although the Ibbenese attempted on several occasions to seize control of the mouth of the Sarne, resulting in war with the Sarnori settlements Saath and Sarys.[7]

The Ibbenese eventually succeeded, under leadership of the God-Kings, in gaining a foothold on the mainland of Essos. They conquered the Kingdom of the Ifequevron, although whether the Ibbenese extinguished the Ifequevron or not is a matter of dispute. While some claim the Ibbenese killed the race, others simply believe the so-called "wood walkers" went into hiding or fled. At the height of its power, the land the Ibbenese controlled on the mainland of Essos was as large as Ib itself. The rich dominion of Ibbish allowed it to grow into a thriving port and the second city of Ibben.[7]

Some of the slaves who escaped the grasps of the Valyrian Freehold and founded Braavos were Ibbenese.[11] While still keeping its location and existence a secret from the world, Braavos began to trade with Ib.[11]

Doom of Valyria

After the destruction of most of the Sarnori cities by the Dothraki during the Century of Blood, the aftermath of the Doom of Valyria, Saath remained as the only Sarnori settlement. This diminished city mostly survives due to the support given by Ib and Lorath.[6]

Near two hundred years ago, Dothraki khals began to attack the Ibbenese lands on mainland Essos, leading to numerous battles. Ibben won a famous battle against Khal Onqo, but were pushed further and further back by the Dothraki as khalasar after khalasar came. Khal Scoro took Ibbish for the first time, and although the Ibbenese rebuilt the city, a generation later Khal Rogo arrived to put half the city to the torch.[7]

Eventually, Onqo's grandson, Khal Dhako, arrived at the city, ready to sack it. Learning of his approach, the inhabitants of Ibbish fled across the sea back to Ib. Considering them cowardly, an infuriated Dhako put the city and much of the surrounding land to the torch, resulting in the loss of most of the lands the Ibbenese had ruled on the northern coast of Essos.[7][6] Following the destruction of Ibbish, the Ibbenese constructed a new town, New Ibbish.[20] From this colony, built on a peninsula protected by great wooden walls, the Ibbenese rule over their modest remaining foothold in Essos.[7]

The last of the God-Kings was thrown down in the aftermath of the Doom.[7]

Recent History

Rule over the isles of Ibben is now held by the Shadow Council.[7]

It is said that Euron Greyjoy's reputation is known from Ibben to Asshai.[21][22]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

When confronting Queen Cersei Lannister about the fact that he has discovered the truth about the paternity of her three children, Lord Eddard Stark advises her to take ship for the Free Cities, the Summer Isles, or the Port of Ibben.[23]

A Dance with Dragons

When mistakenly believing that his half-sister, Arya Stark, is held at Winterfell, Jon Snow considers numerous locations to which he could send her after she is rescued, including the Port of Ibben.[24]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 So Spake Martin: Various ASOIAF Questions (April 21, 2000)
  2. The Lands of Ice and Fire, Cental Essos.
  3. 3.0 3.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The North: The Kings of Winter.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 The World of Ice & Fire, The Free Cities: Lorath.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Free Cities: Norvos.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 The World of Ice & Fire, Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands.
  7. 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 7.15 7.16 7.17 7.18 The World of Ice & Fire, Beyond the Free Cities: Ib.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 The Lands of Ice and Fire, Central Essos.
  9. 9.0 9.1 So Spake Martin: Ibben and Armor (November 9, 2002)
  10. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Vaes Aresak (Ibbish).
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Free Cities: Braavos.
  12. 12.0 12.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 18, Catelyn IV.
  13. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 6, Arya I.
  14. A Feast for Crows, Prologue.
  15. The World of Ice & Fire, Beyond the Free Cities: East of Ib.
  16. The World of Ice & Fire, Ancient History: The Rise of Valyria.
  17. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 5, Tyrion II.
  18. 18.0 18.1 The World of Ice & Fire, Ancient History: The Arrival of the Andals.
  19. The World of Ice & Fire, Beyond the Free Cities: The Shivering Sea.
  20. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, New Ibbish.
  21. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 24, Theon II.
  22. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 18, The Iron Captain.
  23. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 45, Eddard XII.
  24. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 44, Jon IX.