The coming of the Andals is a pivotal event in the history of Westeros, marking the end of the Age of Heroes and the beginning of a new era. The Andals were a people from the eastern continent of Essos who sailed across the narrow sea to conquer Westeros.
The Andals were motivated by a combination of overpopulation, the promise of new lands, and a fervent belief in their gods, known as the Seven. Armed with iron weapons and riding in ships, they landed on the eastern shores of Westeros, bringing with them a new religion and a fierce determination to carve out their own kingdoms.
Their arrival led to centuries of conflict and upheaval. The Andals fought against the First Men and the Children of the Forest, who had been the dominant inhabitants of Westeros. The Andals, with their superior weapons and military tactics, gradually pushed the First Men to the north and established their own rule in the southern regions.
The introduction of the Faith of the Seven by the Andals had a profound impact on the cultural and religious landscape of Westeros. The new religion gradually replaced the old gods worshipped by the First Men, leading to the construction of septs and the establishment of the Faith's influence across the land.
As they settled, the Andals founded many of the noble houses that would come to dominate the politics of Westeros. House Arryn, House Lannister, and House Tully are among the great houses that trace their origins back to the Andal invaders.
The legacy of the Andals' conquest is deeply ingrained in the fabric of Westerosi society. The cultural and religious practices they introduced have endured for thousands of years, shaping the identities and traditions of the Seven Kingdoms.
The Faith of the Seven remains the predominant religion in most of Westeros, influencing laws, customs, and governance. The network of septs and the authority of the High Septon exemplify the lasting power of the Andals' religious legacy.
The noble houses established by the Andals continue to play a crucial role in the political landscape of Westeros. Their bloodlines and traditions are deeply respected, and their histories are intertwined with the fate of the realm.
Despite their dominance, the Andal legacy also includes the tensions and conflicts they brought. The displacement of the First Men and the marginalization of the Children of the Forest left lasting scars, with echoes of these ancient struggles still felt in the politics and alliances of the present day.
The coming of the Andals, with its blend of conquest, cultural integration, and religious transformation, remains a defining chapter in the history of Westeros. It serves as a testament to the enduring impact of migration and cultural change on the development of societies.