Thousands of years before the Targaryen conquest of Westeros, the ancient civilization of the
Rhoynar thrived as independent city states along the waters of the rhoyne which provided
for their people leading them to worship the river as a goddess.
Despite growing into a great power in the region, they eventually encountered the Dragonlords
of the ever expanding Valyrian Freehold, which established a number of colonies and settlements
in western essos, including Volantis at the mouth of the Rhoyne.
Although they initially lived in peace with their Rhoynish neighbours and established
trade, conflict inevitably erupted resulting in the Rhoynish Wars of 950 – 700 BC.
Though the city-states were governed independently, by the end of the fighting the Rhoynar united
their forces to raise 250 000 warriors under Prince Garin the Great.
But even this was not enough and soon they faced their final defeat against an army of
over 300 dragons, during the Second Spice War.
Princess Nymeria of Ny Sar was the only Rhoynish leader to speak out against fighting the Dragonlords,
but her objections were overruled by the others and so joined in the effort, sending her armies
to fight and die in Prince Garin’s war.
After their defeat, Nymeria was left to lead the retreat of their people or else face slaughter
and enslavement at the hands of the approaching Valryians.
In order to escape, legends claim the Rhoynar boarded 10 000 ships and sailed into the Summer
Sea in search of a new homeland.
And while this number was likely an exaggeration, hundreds if not thousands of ships were gathered
together, including many that were not designed for long sea voyages and would not survive
the journey.
In addition, because most of the men died in the fighting, the vast majority of those
onboard were women, children and the elderly.
First they made their way to the Basilisk Isles, where they were attacked and robbed
by Corsairs, who then offered to let them settle the Isle of Toads in exchange for yearly
tributes.
However Nymeria declined and instead went to Sothoryos, settling her people in the ruins
of Zamettar and Yeen, as well as establishing colonies on Basilisk Point.
Yet while these lands were rich in resources, the Rhoynar struggled to survive, losing a
number of their settlements to disease and raiding.
When a ship sailing to Yeen discovered that the entire population vanished overnight,
Nymeria and her people had enough, boarding their ships to leave Sothoryos, journeying
west and staying for a time on the island of Naath were they were welcomed by the native
population.
However a local disease known as butterfly fever, forced them to move on yet again, this
time settling on the island of Abulu, later named the Isle of Women.
And while the Summer Islanders left them in peace, they did not allow them any larger
territories for fear of upsetting the Dragon Lords of Valyria.
Unfortunately, the small island did not have enough land to feed their population, leading
many to abandon Nymeria and follow a Priestess named Druselka back to Essos, claiming the
goddess Mother Rhoyne was calling them to return to their homeland.
However when they arrive they were captured and enslaved by the Valyrians.
Nymeria meanwhile, realized they would not survive in the Summer Isles, and so once again
took to the seas, and while most followed her some remained behind making Abulu their
permanent home.
Leading the remnant of her followers north, Nymeria landed in Dorne, near the mouth of
the river greenblood, where she met Lord Mors Martell of the Sandship, a lesser ruler of
the territory and allied together, combining their forces to conquer the area.
After Nymeria’s marriage to Mors, she declared him Prince of Dorne, adopting the titles of
the ancient Rhoynar, and as the two cultures mixed together, many other customs and traditions
were passed along, including a more equal view of the sexes, with women given many the
same legal rights as men.
Nymeria then burned the ships that carried them to these shores declaring they would
not be returning to Essos.
For Nine years, the now powerful House Martel battled for control of Dorne, supported by
the Houses Fowler, Toland, Dayne, and Uller, while being opposed by King Yorick V Yronwood
and his allies in the houses Jordayne, Wyl, Blackmont, and Qorgyle.
During the third battle of the Boneway, Mors Martell was killed by King Yorick, but Princess
Nymeria continued the war and eventually gained victory after two more years of fighting.
By the end of the conflict, Nymeria sent six Dornish Kings to the Night’s Watch including:
Yorick Yronwood, Vorian Dayne, Garrison Fowler, Lucifer Dryland, Benedict Blackmont, and Albin
Manwoody.
The city of Sunspear was made capital of the new unified territory, combining the sun of
the Rhoynar with the Spear of House Martell.
Princess Nymeria then went on to rule for 27 years, marrying twice more, surviving a
dozen attempts on her life, putting down two rebellions and successfully defending against
two invasion from the Stormlands and another from the Reach.
After her death, Nymeria’s eldest child, a daughter by Mors Martell inherited rule
of Dorne, ensuring that House Martell continued to rule the territory.
The life and adventures of Princess Nymeria went on to inspire many over the years, with
the books Ten Thousand Ships and The Loves of Queen Nymeria written about her life.