Is Dorne Close to Meereen in 'Game of Thrones'? Debunking the Opening Sequence Myth

By understanding the geography of Westeros and Essos, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the world of 'Game of Thrones' and question common misconceptions.

Introduction

The opening sequence of 'Game of Thrones' Season 5 has often drawn the attention of fans to the characters of Dorne and Meereen, situated in different regions of the world between Westeros and Essos. However, a closer look at the map reveals that the visual representation of these locations is often distorted. In this article, we will explore whether Dorne is as close to Meereen as it appears in the opening sequence, debunking the myth and correcting the visual deception.

The Opening Sequence and Its Deception

In the opening sequence of 'Game of Thrones' Season 5, one can see a fast-moving camera transition from Sunspear, the seat of House Martell in Dorne, to Meereen, the capital of Slaver's Bay in Essos. The quick transition might suggest that these locations are much closer than they actually are, leading to a common misconception among fans. This article will explore the true distances and geographical positions of these regions to clarify the misunderstanding.

Geographical Distances and Realism in the Series

The geography of 'Game of Thrones' is crucial for fans to understand the strategic and logistical challenges faced by the characters. Sunk in red is Sunspear, the capital city of Dorne, while Meereen is circled in yellow in the opening sequence. Although these cities are presented as being in close proximity, a closer analysis of the map shows that they are actually quite far apart.

Is Dorne Really Close to Meereen?

Sunk in red, Sunspear, the capital of Dorne, is located in the southernmost region of Westeros. On the other hand, Meereen is situated in the far eastern part of Essos, separated from Dorne by the breadth of the rest of Westeros and significant distances across the Narrow Sea. Therefore, Dorne is nowhere near Meereen. This perception is further undermined when considering the speed of travel and distances involved in the series.

The True Distances

A look at the map of the known world from The Lands of Ice and Fire provides a clearer picture. Sunk in red, Sunspear, the seat of House Martell, is indicated by the circle on the left in Westeros. Meereen, represented by the circle on the right in Essos, is on the far east coast, far away from Dorne. Even if the Narrow Sea could be traversed quickly with the technology of the show, the vast distance of Westeros would still take considerable time and resources. The illusion of proximity in the opening sequence is a deliberate filmmaking choice, not a reflection of the actual distances.

Conclusion

While the opening sequence of 'Game of Thrones' Season 5 may create an illusion of proximity between Dorne and Meereen, a deeper understanding of the geography of the world depicted in the series shows these locations to be quite far apart. This article has debunked the misconception and provided a clearer perspective on the true distances, helping fans to appreciate the worldbuilding of George R.R. Martin and the strategic challenges faced by the characters.

Additional Resources

For more information on the geography of 'Game of Thrones', fans can refer to maps from The Lands of Ice and Fire, as well as interactive maps and fan-made guides that provide a detailed and accurate representation of the fictional world.