The Origins and Impact of the Andals in Westeros

Origins and Early History

The Andals, a people from the eastern continent of Essos, left a lasting impact on the geography and culture of Westeros. They established their own kingdom called Andalos where the city of Pentos now stands. Although it has been some time since the events detailed in George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones, the inhabitants of Pentos are still considered the closest to the original Andal population in terms of their genetic makeup and cultural traits.

Iron had a significant role in Andal culture, and they were known for their devotion to the Seven faithful, a sept of deities. Their trade extended to the Rhoynar cities, leading to a flourishing exchange of goods and ideas.

Motivated by reasons that are still a matter of conjecture, possibly the rise of the Valyrian Freehold around 3000 years before the start of Robert's Rebellion, the Andals ventured to Westeros led by various chieftains. Their initial landings were on the Fingers (a narrow strip of land reaching out from the mainland of Westeros), and they managed to conquer the Vale of Arryn, known for its harsh struggles against the First Men.

Challenges and Resistance

Despite their initial successes, the Andals faced significant resistance. The First Men, the original inhabitants of Westeros, proved to be a formidable foe. The Andals, however, did not manage to conquer the North, where the ruling House Stark wisely chose to ally with the House Bolton, lesser of two evils rather than an actual ally, resulting in a united front against the Andal invaders.

The Vale, however, ultimately fell to the Andals, with one notable exception: the House Martell of Dorne. Due to the harsh and arid nature of Dorne, with its scarce water resources, only a handful of Andals managed to settle there, the most famous of whom is the founder of House Martell.

The Genetic and Cultural Legacy

Many noble houses in Westeros claim descent from the Andals, reflecting their substantial genetic and cultural contribution. Notably, the Andal presence is strongest in the Vale, but even there, the blood of First Men of the Mountains and the Forest is still significant in many families.

Before the Andals, Westeros was inhabited by the Children of the Forest and the Giants, along with other creatures, some of which are now extinct or very rare. A long and bitter war ensued between the Children and the First Men, leading the Children to use their magical power to create the Others or White Walkers. This conflict ultimately resulted in a truce between the Children and the First Men, as detailed in the lore concerning the Isle of Faces.

The Arrival and Aftermath

The Andals arrived in the southern portions of Westeros over a millennium after the Children and the First Men. Their conquest brought about the unification of Westeros under the religious banner of the Seven, though it is important to note that the First Men eventually adopted the worship of the Old Gods, much like their counterparts in the North still do.

Though the Andals did not conquer the North, their influence was widespread in the regions they managed to control, shaping the landscape, culture, and social hierarchy of Westeros in profound ways.