Unveiling the Origins: The First Human in Westeros According to Game of Thrones
The ancient arrival of humans in Westeros and the enigmatic figure of Garth Greenhand, a legendary figure intertwined with the origins of the First Men
Game of Thrones, known for its dense fantasy world, delves into a vast array of characters, families, and events with extraordinary attention to detail. Fans are well-versed in the tiniest of decisions made during pivotal moments like the Battle of the Blackwater or the infamous Red Wedding. However, grasping the complex history preceding Robert's Rebellion or even Aegon's Conquest poses a greater challenge. While Westeros's documented history typically commences with the arrival of humans on its shores, the books introduce Garth Greenhand as the first human inhabitant.
In comparison to other iconic fantasy realms, Game of Thrones adopts a more grounded approach. Magical elements are sparingly incorporated, with only a select few characters possessing the ability to perform spells, their significance often taking a backseat. Dragons, once legendary creatures, have become relics of the past as the tale unfolds, and conflicts are primarily resolved through the use of weapons. Deeper exploration reveals that the fantastical era of Westeros lies in a distant era, far removed from the present narrative.
When did humans come to Westeros?
Around 12,000 years prior to Aegon's Conquest, humans migrated from Essos to the future land of Dorne using a natural land bridge. Essos, a continent much larger than Westeros, remains a mystery as to why humans deliberately chose to inhabit Westeros. Historians believe that the First Men originated from an area known as the Dothraki Sea, which is actually a vast grassland of steppes and plains. To reach the western end of Essos, known as the Arm of Dorne, the First Men traveled thousands of miles. However, the land was not uninhabited as it was occupied by the indigenous species called the Children of the Forest. Humans battled against them for over 2,000 years until the Children of the Forest retaliated by destroying the Arm of Dorne through a magical assault called the Hammer of the Waters. Even though they couldn't prevent the invasion, this attack effectively halted human migration across continents for thousands of years. Eventually, the First Men and the Children of the Forest established a peace treaty, allowing the First Men to settle and thrive in the land. Despite subsequent invasions, the influence and heritage of the First Men greatly shaped the ethnic identity of Westeros.
Who was Garth Greenhand?
Garth Greenhand, the High King of the First Men, is believed by some legends to be the first person to set foot in Westeros. The distant history of Game of Thrones remains mysterious, as George R. R. Martin intentionally keeps the Age of Heroes vaguely described. While the details are often hidden, certain stories are regularly retold. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Martin explained his approach, saying, "I'm trying to capture real-life aspects that are often overlooked in high fantasy. The Bible, for instance, features characters with incredibly long lifespans, and people calculated historical events based on their ages. But that's not how it works. Nowadays, we rely on carbon dating and archaeology for more realistic dating. However, Westeros is still in the stage where stories are passed down through generations, from grandfather to grandson."
In the history of Westeros, there is debate surrounding the life and existence of Garth Greenhand, who is often considered the potential first human in the region. Regardless of his position before the arrival of the First Men, he is commonly regarded as their leader during their invasion. The First Men marched in his name, while some legends mention another figure known as the First King, whose stories may be intertwined with Garth's legacy. Depictions of Greenhand vary, with some portraying him as an ancient deity. According to tales, he taught humans the art of farming and is often described with green hands, hair, or skin. Additional details, such as a crown of flowers or antlers, are sometimes attributed to his distinctive appearance.
Furthermore, Garth Greenhand played a significant role in the history of Westeros as the progenitor of numerous Noble Families. One prominent example is House Gardener, which claims lineage through Garth the Gardener, Greenhand's first son. A total of 13 Noble Houses assert their connection to the High King of the First Men. However, many of these families are lesser known since the Andals rose to power, asserting their ethnic superiority and claiming ownership over distinguished houses like the Lannisters, Baratheons, and Targaryens. House Tarly, infamous for their association with Samwell, can trace their ancestry back to Greenhand. Similarly, House Tyrell also traces their lineage to Garth Greenhand. The most contested potential descendant of Greenhand is Brandon of the Bloody Blade, whose son, Bran the Builder, is considered the forefather of House Stark.
Garth Greenhand, a legendary figure, holds great significance on multiple levels. As the first human to set foot in Westeros, he is a fascinating historical character. However, his true value in the series lies in its archival aspects. Noble Houses derive their status and inheritance from the past, with the concept of egalitarianism being foreign. Power is acquired through lineage, and even in the case of a rebellion against a corrupt monarch, it must be carried out by a family of high rank. By tracing their family name back to the first man to have discovered the continent, these nobles establish both prestige and longevity. Garth Greenhand is not merely a theoretical individual or an ancient deity; he acts as a symbol that nobles utilize to assert their bloodline's ancestral ownership of the land.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of Game of Thrones, I am intrigued by the origins of the first human in Westeros. The arrival of the First Men and the subsequent conflicts with the Children of the Forest lay the foundation for the rich and complex history of the Seven Kingdoms.
The figure of Garth Greenhand, a legendary figure shrouded in mystery, captures my imagination. Portrayed as a deity or a revered leader, Garth Greenhand represents the early settlers' struggle to establish themselves in a new land. His role in teaching humans the art of farming symbolizes the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a more settled agrarian society. The stories surrounding Garth Greenhand add depth and cultural heritage to the world of Game of Thrones, connecting the present narrative to an ancient and mystical past.
