The Origins and Cultural Identities of the Dothraki

The Dothraki, a nomadic warrior culture from the Lands of Ice and Fire, are famous for their horsemanship and warrior lifestyle. They are deeply connected to their horses, which they consider sacred, and have a rich tradition of music, storytelling, and customs. But where do the Dothraki come from, and how did they establish themselves as a formidable force in Essos?

Origins of the Dothraki: A Migrant Heritage

The true origins of the Dothraki, like those of many other civilizations, are shrouded in the mists of history. According to The World of Ice and Fire, the Dothraki's ancestors crossed the Bone Mountains from the Far East, which could connect them to the Jogos Nhai, the nomadic riders of the eastern grasslands. The Dothraki themselves believe their origins are rooted in Vaes Dothrak, the city of their chieftains, where the Mother of Mountains and Womb of the World are located.

However, the journey to Vaes Dothrak may have been more complex. The Bones, the mountains separating the Dothraki Sea from the East, are nearly impassable except through three passes, which were controlled by citadels established by the Patriarchy of Hyrkoon. It's possible that the Dothraki descended from the remnants of the Patriarchy as their civilization crumbled during the Century of Blood.

Conflict and Expansion: The Doom of Valyria and the Dothraki

Conflict has been a constant in the Dothraki's history. Prior to the Doom of Valyria, they lived and fought amongst themselves in the grasslands surrounding Vaes Dothrak. Their control was limited by neighboring kingdoms like Sarnor, Ifeqevron, the Qaathi, and the Red Waste. To the east, the wood walkers, who resemble the Children of the Forest from Westeros, were also present.

Following the Doom of Valyria, the Century of Blood saw the Dothraki rise as a force to reckon with. Sixty squabbling tribes united under Khal Mengo, who led the destruction of the Kingdom of Sarnor. This period of unification and expansion enabled the Dothraki to become the masters of the Dothraki Sea, with their khalasars raiding and conquering various cities and settlements, such as Qarth and Qohor.

Dothraki Cultural Identity and Tribal Lifestyle

Despite their bloody history, the Dothraki maintain a strong sense of tribal identity. Led by a chieftain called a Khal, the Dothraki live in khalasars, which are groups of nomadic warriors. Their culture is deeply intertwined with horsemanship, reflecting a rich oral tradition of music, storytelling, and customs. Horses play a sacred role in their religious and cultural practices.

The Dothraki also have a unique set of beliefs and customs that they cherish. Their societal structure is fundamentally based on raiding warfare and a deep connection to the natural world. The harshness of life in the Dothraki Sea has forged a resilient and formidable people, able to withstand the roughest of conditions.

Conclusion

From their origins as migrating horse lords to the nomadic warriors we know today, the Dothraki have a rich and vibrant history. Their culture, heavily reliant on horse-riding and warfare, has made them a formidable and enigmatic force in Essos. As we delve deeper into their origins and expansion, we gain a greater understanding of their unique identity and the impact they have had on the world of Lands of Ice and Fire.