Why did Old Valyria not conquer Westeros?
The question of why the mighty empire of Old Valyria, with its dragonlords and formidable power, never set its sights on conquering Westeros is one that sparks much debate among fans of fantasy lore. While Westeros was a land fractured and often at war with itself, Old Valyria stood as a dominant force for thousands of years. So, what prevented this vast and powerful civilization from extending its reach across the Narrow Sea?
The Vastness of Valyria's Own Domain
One of the most compelling reasons Old Valyria likely didn't conquer Westeros is simply the sheer scale and richness of its own empire. Old Valyria was not just a city; it was a vast dominion that stretched across the continent of Essos. Its heartland, the Valyrian peninsula, was incredibly fertile and dotted with bustling cities, mines producing precious metals and gems, and lands worked by countless thralls and slaves. The Valyrian Freehold controlled territory from the grasslands of the Dothraki Sea to the Free Cities along the coast, and even had holdings on the islands of the Summer Sea.
Conquering and administering a land as large and diverse as Essos was a monumental task in itself. The dragonlords were primarily focused on maintaining their power, wealth, and influence within their existing territories. The logistics of projecting power and establishing control over a distant continent like Westeros, with its own established kingdoms and military forces, would have been an immense undertaking, potentially diverting resources and attention from the lucrative domains they already held.
The Dragonlords' Priorities and Culture
The culture of the Valyrian dragonlords was deeply intertwined with their dragons. Their power, status, and identity were intrinsically linked to these magnificent beasts. While they undoubtedly possessed a warrior spirit and a capacity for conquest, their focus might have been on consolidating their dominance within Essos, engaging in proxy wars through their client states, or conducting punitive expeditions rather than a full-scale invasion of Westeros.
Furthermore, the dragonlords were known for their internal rivalries and the pursuit of pleasure and power within their own society. Their ambitions might have been more geared towards outmaneuvering each other for influence, acquiring more dragon eggs, or engaging in decadent pursuits, rather than undertaking a risky and potentially less rewarding campaign in Westeros.
The Dangers and Difficulties of Westeros
Westeros, despite its internal squabbles, was not a land without its challenges. It was a continent with a harsh climate in the north, vast and often treacherous wilderness, and established kingdoms with their own forms of martial prowess. The Starks in the North, the Lannisters in the Westerlands, and the Baratheons in the Stormlands, to name a few, were formidable warriors with a history of defending their lands.
A Valyrian invasion would have faced significant logistical hurdles. Crossing the Narrow Sea with a massive invasion force, including dragons, would have been a perilous journey. The cost in dragon-fire and lives, even for the mighty Valyrians, would have been substantial. Moreover, the "Long Night" and the threat of White Walkers, though perhaps not fully understood by Valyrians, could have posed an existential danger that even dragons might not have been able to overcome.
The Cataclysm of Valyria
Ultimately, the question of why Old Valyria *didn't* conquer Westeros is answered by history itself: the Doom of Valyria. Approximately 400 years before the events of *A Game of Thrones*, the Valyrian peninsula was devastated by a cataclysmic event. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and dragonfire wiped out the capital city and much of the Freehold. This catastrophic event shattered the empire, scattering its people and diminishing its power and influence irrevocably.
Had the Doom not occurred, it is entirely possible that Old Valyria *would* have eventually turned its attention to Westeros. The Targaryens, a prominent Valyrian house who famously fled to Dragonstone shortly before the Doom, were clearly capable and ambitious. Their eventual conquest of Westeros with their dragons centuries later serves as a testament to the potential for Valyrian expansion. However, the Doom extinguished that potential before it could fully manifest as a grand conquest of Westeros.
A Glimpse of What Might Have Been
The absence of a Valyrian conquest of Westeros leaves us with a fascinating "what if" scenario. Would Westerosi culture have been irrevocably altered? Would the Seven Kingdoms have even existed in their familiar form? The dominance of Valyria, even without a direct military conquest, was felt through trade, culture, and the eventual arrival of the Targaryens. But a full invasion would have reshaped Westerosi history in ways we can only imagine.
The answer to why Old Valyria did not conquer Westeros lies in a complex interplay of factors: the vastness of their own empire, their cultural priorities, the inherent challenges of Westeros, and ultimately, the devastating Doom that brought their reign to an abrupt and fiery end.
FAQ Section
How did the Targaryens eventually conquer Westeros if Valyria didn't?
The Targaryens were a single, albeit powerful, house from Old Valyria who fled to Westeros *before* the Doom. They possessed a significant number of dragons, which were instrumental in their conquest approximately 300 years later. This was a house-led conquest, not an empire-wide initiative.
Why didn't Old Valyria conquer the Free Cities first?
Old Valyria already held considerable sway and influence over many of the Free Cities, either directly or indirectly through treaties and trade. They were essentially already dominant in Essos, and the Free Cities were part of their sphere of influence, not independent kingdoms waiting for conquest.
Did Valyrians fear anything in Westeros?
While not explicitly stated that they "feared" Westeros, they likely recognized the logistical challenges and potential costs of invasion. The formidable warrior cultures and the sheer distance would have been deterrents, but the greatest "fear" would have been the unknown and the potential for a costly, prolonged conflict. The unknown threat of the White Walkers, if it was even on their radar, could have also been a factor.
