Explore the real-world places that appear in Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas. Each location on the map shows what happens there in the novel, the real history of the place, and what's there today. Featured locations include Rifthold, Glass Castle, Assassins' Keep, Orynth, Staghorn Pass and 7 more.
Capital of Adarlan and seat of the glass castle
Aelin Galathynius returns to Rifthold as the assassin Celaena's former self, shedding the mask of Celaena Sardothien. She confronts Arobynn Hamel, frees Chaol Westfall's allies, and takes down the king's forces with Aedion and Lysandra at her side. She breaks the king's hold on the city and declares herself queen.
Rifthold grew into the greatest city of the continent under the conquering kings of Adarlan. Its glass castle was built atop old foundations and hides ancient wyrdmarks.
Rifthold is where Aelin stops hiding and takes up her identity as the rightful queen. It marks her shift from survivor to leader.}
The royal fortress of the King of Adarlan
Aelin infiltrates the castle to destroy the king's power. She, Chaol, and Dorian Havilliard clash with the king and Dorian is freed from the collar of Valg control. Chaol is left wounded and Dorian is imprisoned in the dark influence of the Valg prince.
The castle stands over the old city, shining as a symbol of conquest. It conceals the tomb of the Valg-bound king's secrets.
The castle embodies the corruption at the heart of the empire. Aelin's actions there reveal her willingness to confront evil directly.
Arobynn Hamel's guild stronghold
Aelin confronts Arobynn, who betrayed her and Sam Cortland. She forces Arobynn into a deadly bargain and takes control of the guild's resources, using them against the king.
Arobynn Hamel built the Assassins' Guild into the most feared network in Adarlan. Its keep is hidden in plain sight along the river.
The Keep represents Aelin's past and her trauma. By reclaiming it she turns old betrayal into strength.
Royal city of Terrasen
Aedion Ashryver and Ren Allsbrook plan to hold Terrasen for Aelin. The rebels rally under her banner as her return reaches the northern lords.
Orynth was the proud capital of Terrasen under the Galathynius line. Its white towers once ruled the northern forests.
Orynth is the home Aelin must reclaim. It anchors her goal of restoring her kingdom.
Mountain gateway to Terrasen
Rebels gather in the high passes under Ren and Aedion as the army prepares for war. Supply lines to Orynth are reinforced.
The Staghorns have guarded Terrasen since before the old kingdoms, and the pass is a famed defensive line.
The Pass shows the stakes of the war that Aelin's return sets in motion.
Fae capital in Wendlyn
Rowan Whitethorn and Aelin's allies are tied to Queen Maeve's rule in Doranelle. Maeve's ambition shadows Aelin's plans for freedom.
Doranelle is the ancient seat of Fae power, ruled by the immortal Queen Maeve. Its halls are carved into the mountainside.
Doranelle represents the old magic and the danger of alliances. Aelin must reckon with it to free Rowan.
Western shore of the Fae lands
Aelin's journey from Wendlyn brings her across the sea to Adarlan. She arrives with Rowan Whitethorn and Lysandra to begin her campaign.
The coast sits at the edge of Fae territory, battered by storms and old magic.
The coast marks the crossing from exile to return.
Ancient forest of old magic
Aelin and her companions find shelter in Oakwald while hunted. The forest holds secrets of the Wyrd and the old powers she must master.
Oakwald is among the oldest woods of Erilea, said to be tied to the Wyrd.
The forest represents the old magic she must claim.
Home of the Silent Assassins
Lysandra and Aelin recall Aelin's time with the Silent Assassins under Ansel's tutelage. Memories of the desert shape her resolve.
The desert holds the Keep of the Silent Assassins, a hidden order that trains in secret.
The desert recalls Aelin's growth through hardship.
Southern kingdom under Adarlan's rule
Eyllwe's rebels, led by Nehemia's memory, resist Adarlan's occupation. Aelin vows to honor her slain friend Nehemia.
Eyllwe was once a proud kingdom, conquered by Adarlan's armies.
Eyllwe reminds Aelin of the cost of her silence and her duty to the oppressed.
Southern bay and trade route
Aelin's allies use the gulf for smuggling and ship travel, evading the king's patrols. Lysandra arranges the passage of rebels.
The gulf is a trade artery for the continent, ruled by merchants and pirates alike.
The gulf shows the network of allies Aelin must assemble.
Northern woods under Valg threat
Aedion and the Terrasen rebels shelter in the woods of Fenharrow, planning raids. They await Aelin's return.
Fenharrow's woods have long been the refuge of Terrasen's loyalists.
Fenharrow symbolizes the hidden resistance that waits for its queen.
More by Sarah J. Maas: Throne of Glass locations map · All Sarah J. Maas books