Explore the real-world places that appear in The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams. 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 The Hayholt, Naglimund, Aldheorte Forest, Hernystir, Yiqanuc and 7 more.
Ancient castle and seat of the High Kings
Simon, a scullion, grows up in the castle's shadows under Doctor Morgenes. He witnesses King Elias fall under Pryrates' influence after King Prester John's death. Simon flees after Morgenes dies helping him escape.
Built by the Sithi as Asu'a, the fortress was taken by Ineluki's mortal foes and later by Hjeldin's line. Prester John slew the dragon Shurakai there, and its bone formed the throne.
The castle is Simon's home and the heart of the tale. His journey from servant to hero ends in its reclaiming.
Fortress of Prince Josua
Josua Lackhand gathers allies at Naglimund as Elias's armies march. The castle falls under siege by the Storm King's forces and Elias's allies. Simon and Binabik arrive amid the chaos and the stronghold is breached.
The northern stronghold stood on a lake and guarded the borders of the Frostmarch road. It has long served as a bulwark against threats from Rimmersgard and beyond.
Naglimund shows the cost of divided kingdoms and the failure of the fortress as refuge. Simon learns the scale of the coming war.
Vast, ancient forest at the heart of Erkynland
Simon flees into the woods after leaving the Hayholt and meets Binabik the troll. The pair endure wolves, wandering fugitives and a hunt by Elias's men. They travel through its depths toward Josua.
The forest is old beyond reckoning, once home to Sithi and shrouded in memory. Many roads and secrets are buried in its shade.
The forest is Simon's testing ground where he leaves boyhood behind. It binds him to the old world.
Western kingdom of the Hernystiri
Duke Gwythinn and Lluth rule. Hernystiri allies meet Simon's party and Josua's envoys as the Storm King's hosts gather. Hernystir endures raids from the north and the rise of unnatural weather.
The Hernystiri are proud mountain people with ties to the Sithi and fine bardic traditions. Their halls rise in the Grianspog foothills.
Hernystir represents the old loyalties that survive. Its fate echoes the cost of the war.
Troll city in the Frostmarch
Simon and Binabik travel north through the Frostmarch to Binabik's home, where the trolls receive them. Binabik's people shelter the travelers and give counsel about the storm in the north. They join forces with Josua's allies.
The Qanuc trolls built tunnels and halls into the ice and rock. Their mountain songs and Rimmersgard conflicts shaped their culture.
Yiqanuc shows that courage can come from small people. It offers Simon a new idea of home.
Hidden Sithi sanctuary in the forest
Simon is guided to the Sithi refuge and meets Jiriki. The Sithi explain the history of Ineluki and the long hatred between peoples. Simon learns of the Storm King's might.
Jao e-Tinukai'i is a Sithi sanctuary of living gardens in the wood. The Sithi retreated here after the fall of Asu'a.
The Sithi hold the key to the story's central mystery. Simon's time here reveals the larger war.
Black peak and fortress of the Storm King
The Storm King, Ineluki, rules from Stormspike, plotting to return to the world. Pryrates' dealings reach the fortress and sorcery stirs the northern wastes. Simon's quest points to its destruction.
Stormspike was raised by the Norns as an ominous peak. It has long been the heart of the Norn and Storm King's power.
Stormspike is the shadow looming over every hope. It frames the war's meaning.
Hidden city of the Hikeda'ya
Queen Utuk'ku's people rule here and send forces south to support the Storm King. The Norns stir the war with their ancient cunning and cold hatred. Their presence haunts Simon and Josua.
The Hikeda'ya built their city in the cold north after leaving the Sithi. Utuk'ku rules from within the ancient mountains.
The capital shows the reach of the ancient enemy. It deepens the story's themes of vengeance and heritage.
Lakeside Erkynlandish town
Simon and companions pass near the lake. Rumors of war spread among the townsfolk as soldiers move about. News of the king's cruelty drives anxiety.
The town sits on the Meremund lake and has long traded along the river roads. It is a quiet place of fishers.
Meremund shows the ordinary people caught in a great war.
Southern city of faith and merchants
Leaders of Nabban hold power in the south. Duke Benigaris plots, and the Church and wars shift political tides. Ties to the Hayholt shape the war.
Nabban was once a seat of empire and the home of the Sancellan Mahistrevis. Its influence still rules the south.
Nabban shows how power and religion twist together.
Southern port city on stilts
The port city trades with Nabban. The tale touches the southern routes as rumors of Elias's order spread. Sailors and traders carry news.
Kwanitupul is a city built on pilings over marshland. It serves as the great harbor of Nabban.
The city shows the wider world beyond Erkynland.
Foothills settlement near the Sithi paths
The party passes through green fields while evading pursuit. Farmers speak of riders and unrest in the countryside. The land shows the first signs of strange winter.
This farmland has long fed the Hayholt's court. Its people keep old harvest customs.
The vale reveals what is at stake for common folk.
More by Tad Williams: All Tad Williams books