Reach

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The Reach with the major strongholds

The Reach is one of the constituent regions of the continent of Westeros, and was formerly a sovereign nation known as the Kingdom of the Reach before the War of Conquest. The Reach is ruled from the castle of Highgarden by House Tyrell. It is one of the larger regions of the Seven Kingdoms and considered the most fertile and heavily-populated part of Westeros. Bastards born in the Reach are given the surname "Flowers".

The Reach is considered the home of chivalry in Westeros. It is the place where knighthood is looked upon with the greatest reverence and esteemed the most. It is also the place where the rules to tournaments are the most stringent and managed.[1]

Geography

The Reach encompass a region of most fertile part of Westeros and numerous and well-populated villages and towns. It borders the Sunset Sea to the west, the Red Mountains of Dorne to the south-east, the hills of the Westerlands to the north-west and the Blackwater Rush to the far north-east. The region also includes several islands, including the Shield Islands at the mouth of the Mander, and the Arbor south of the Whispering Sound

Two major roads cross the province, linkin the reach with Crownlands and Westerlands, at King's Landing by the Roseroad and lannisport by the Ocean Road respectively. The Reach is watered by the immense River Mander and its many tributaries.

Notable locations

History

House Tyrell of Highgarden claim dominion of the Reach following the death of King Mern Gardener at the Field of Fire, during the War of Conquest, the Tyrells surrendered Highgarden to Aegon and were rewarded with both the castle and the position of overlords of the Reach. Bannermen of the Tyrells frequently fight with the Dornishmen of the south. The borderlands between the two regions, called the Dornish Marches, are populated on the north side by marcher lords loyal to the Tyrells. The most prominent city in the Reach is Oldtown. It is the oldest city in Westeros, home to the maesters' Citadel, and the previous seat of the Faith.


Economy

The Reach is the second wealthiest region in the Seven Kingdoms, behind the westerlands and it is the most fertile one, among the products it produce are melons, fireplums, peaches, apples, and grapes. The Arbor is said to make the finest of wines, from dry fruity reds to a rich golden vintage and Oldtown woodharps are desirable.

Before the Conquest, the golden coins of the Reach were known as hands. They still exist in some number, with each coin roughly half the value of a dragon. [2]

References and Notes

  1. Tourney Rules. (April 29, 1999) So Spake Martin
  2. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 15, Samwell II.