Narrow Sea

The Narrow Sea is the body of water separating the continent of Westeros from Essos to the east. Despite its name it is a formidable crossing, and it has shaped the history of the Seven Kingdoms as both a barrier and a bridge between the two continents.

Geography

The Narrow Sea runs the length of Westeros's eastern coast, bounded on the western shore by the Crownlands, the Stormlands, and Dorne, and on the eastern shore by the Free Cities of Essos such as Braavos, Pentos, Tyrosh, and Lys. Blackwater Bay opens onto it, and the island of Dragonstone sits within it, ancestral seat of House Targaryen in Westeros.

History

The Andals crossed the Narrow Sea to invade Westeros and conquer its southern kingdoms. Centuries later the Targaryens fled across it from the Doom of Valyria to settle on Dragonstone, from which Aegon the Conqueror would launch his conquest. Exiles and claimants to the Iron Throne, including Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen, spent years across the Narrow Sea in the Free Cities.

Significance

Control of the Narrow Sea and its ports is a perennial concern of the realm. The waters carry trade, sellswords, and invaders alike, and the proximity of the Free Cities makes the eastern coast a frequent staging ground for those who would press a claim on the Iron Throne.