Races
The world of Westeros and Essos is inhabited primarily by humans, but their identities are shaped by ancient lineages and cultural divisions. The First Men, the earliest human settlers, formed deep ties to the land and the Old Gods, while the later Andal invaders reshaped most of Westeros through conquest and their Faith of the Seven. The Valyrians, once rulers of a dragon-riding empire, stand apart due to their distinctive features and magical origins, represented most prominently by House Targaryen. Alongside humans exist older or supernatural beings: the Children of the Forest, mystical and nature-bound; giants, fading remnants of a wilder age; and the White Walkers, ancient ice entities tied to forgotten magic.
First Men
The oldest human race in Westeros; strong ties to the Old Gods. Northerners like the Starks descend from them.
Andals
Invaders who conquered most of Westeros after the First Men; followers of the Faith of the Seven.
Valyrians
Dragonlords from ancient Valyria with silver-gold hair and violet eyes; ancestors of the Targaryens and Velaryons.
Children of the Forest
Small, magical, ancient beings who lived in Westeros before humans; created the weirwoods.
Giants
Large, near-extinct humanoids beyond the Wall; primitive but intelligent.
White Walkers (The Others)
Supernatural ice beings who command the dead; ancient enemies of the living.
Wights
Reanimated corpses controlled by the White Walkers; not a race, but an undead force.
Free Folk (Wildlings)
Human tribes north of the Wall; fiercely independent and culturally unique.
Essosi Peoples
Includes Dothraki (horse nomads), Ghiscari (slaver cities), Qartheen (merchant rulers), Braavosi, Lyseni, Volantenes, and more — each with distinct cultures and traditions.