How did Dorne get its name?
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The people of Dorne probably got their name from a Greek word, “dornos” meaning “tree.”
The people of Dorne are said to have descended from the Rhoynar and were likely named after their tree symbolism. Early Dornish culture centered around olive orchards and irrigated agriculture; most food was imported, making far more coastal than some other regions in Westeros. They were also unique in that they did not develop feudal structures as other lands had – instead they adopted a system where landless knights would swear fealty to powerful noble families for protection. This difference is what led to them being conquered by the Targaryens three hundred years before the series begins but it has benefits of its own- for example, it has allowed women to hold much more influence in Dorne than other parts of Westeros.
These knights make up a large part of the military strength of House Martell’s forces.
The name Dorne has been the subject of much speculation, but most connections to the realm are from less than reliable sources. One possibility is that it derives from “Dor-en-Andals”, meaning Land of the Andals, as it was largely ruled and settled by them. Another is a connection to “dor”a word for ‘door’ in Irish Gaelic) which would be a reference to the many portals connecting Westeros with Dorne.
Another potential origin may come from Old English þorn or Anglo Saxon thorn (both means ‘thorn’), used chiefly in compounds (‘eald-þorn’, old thorn; broad-þorn). This usage might be extended to refer to laurels, some of which are very prickly. Given the somewhat Mediterranean look of Dorne some have suggested that the name may be a reference to its abundance of thorns found in the deserts.
I don’t know, but the Martells are ‘Arry-ish.
There’s a story that dragons used to live in these tall mountains in Dorne – and that once upon a time, some king of theirs was fool enough to try and kill one. But he didn’t manage it, dragon got away, and haven’t been seen since. Needle wouldn’t have been just as good a name for it…? The Martels can trace their ancestry back to Highgarden thru House Gardener – who were mostly potters according to legend tho. The Gardener King gave them land there at Andal invasion of Westeros…why they bloody well like us so much we’ll never ken.”
The Prince of Dorne in the House Martell is Doran. So it could be that “Dorne” is derived from an old version of “Doran.” We know the name “Daranis” didn’t catch on, so it’s safe to say that the House Martell won out over other candidates like Dragoris or Draharis. And even if they did go with those names initially, they would have to change after being invaded by King Mors Martell and his army and later became Dornish once again under Yandel flags and banners. I think we can definitively assume that this is how Dorne got its name!
Dorne is a fictional place in the world of Westeros, an imaginary kingdom that exists in the A Song of Ice and Fire series written by George R.R. Martin.
Dorne’s name was either extrapolated from Arthurian legends or else derived from Dorado, which means “golden” but in some South American languages also refers to “the mouth of the river.”
Ancient texts tell us that Dorne was originally the name of a range of mountains located at the southern tip of Westeros. It’s possible this mountain range was named after an earlier civilization called “Thorne” who thrived in the region during the Age, and for centuries afterwards.
Dornishmen are typically fair-skinned and often blonde or red haired (especially in adulthood). Their eyes are usually blue or green, with flecks of yellow or gold, stars within them–for both men and women alike! This is because back until generations ago Dornish people were said to have been members of House Dayne, which had Lords with extreme good looks one might compare to those found amongst typical Starks from Winterfell. This comes as a result of mating between Valyrians and First Men during the dawn-days, when the rocks were still green and molten from the fires of old.
Though their ancestors hailed from House Dayne, it is uncertain if they are still related to Dornishmen in any way today… for by the time Valyria fell apart, they no longer bore any resemblance to the Mountain men of old, who grew ever darker in complexion by breeding with their Valyrian overlords.