Pentos

Pentos is one of the nine Free Cities of Essos, a wealthy port on the western coast across the Narrow Sea from Westeros. A city of merchants and trade, it is governed by a council of magisters and a powerless elected prince, and it plays a key role early in the story of Daenerys Targaryen.

The City

Pentos lies on the Bay of Pentos and grows rich on trade and, formerly, on slaving, though it is forbidden to keep slaves openly under treaties forced upon it by Braavos. Its true masters are the magisters, wealthy merchant princes who rule from manses behind high walls. The figurehead prince is chosen from among the noble families to preside over festivals and rituals, and is held responsible should the city suffer famine or defeat in war, in which case his throat may be cut.

Illyrio Mopatis

The most prominent Pentoshi in the story is the immensely fat and rich magister Illyrio Mopatis, who shelters the exiled Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen in his manse. It is Illyrio who arranges Daenerys's marriage to Khal Drogo and gives her the petrified dragon eggs that will change the world. His schemes, woven with the eunuch Varys, reach to the very heart of the realm's politics.

Role in the Story

Pentos serves as the launching point for Daenerys's journey and a hub for the intrigues of exiles and merchant princes. Its blend of commerce, secret schemes, and exiled claimants makes it a gateway between the affairs of Essos and the fate of the Seven Kingdoms.