Ibben

Ibben is a large island nation situated in the cold waters of the Shivering Sea, far to the northeast of Westeros. Its people, the Ibbenese, are a distinctive folk, noted for their short, stocky builds and thick, hairy bodies. They are a seafaring race, renowned throughout the known world as whalers and traders, and their ships are a common sight in many northern and eastern ports, from White Harbor to Braavos and beyond.

Geography and Economy

The island of Ibben is a rugged, windswept land, its economy dominated by the sea. The Ibbenese are famed whalers, and the products of their hunts—whale oil, blubber, and bone—form the backbone of their trade. They also engage in fishing and mining, exporting goods such as timber and hides. The Port of Ibben is a major hub for this commerce, a place where ships from across the narrow sea come to trade. The Ibbenese are known to be hardy and practical, a necessity for surviving their harsh northern climate.

The Ibbenese People

The Ibbenese are physically distinct from the peoples of Westeros and the Free Cities. They are described as being short and thick-bodied, with heavy brows and a great deal of body hair. Their language is guttural and difficult for outsiders to master. They are a pragmatic and often taciturn people, known for their skill at sea and their no-nonsense approach to trade. While they are not a major political power, their ships and sailors are a constant presence in the ports of the north, and they are generally respected for their hardiness and reliability.

Narrative Significance

In the narrative, Ibben serves primarily as a distant, exotic location that underscores the vastness of the known world. It is mentioned as a place of trade and a source of hardy sailors and goods. The Ibbenese are a familiar sight in ports like White Harbor, where their presence adds to the cosmopolitan atmosphere. The mention of Ibben and the Port of Ibben helps to establish the scale of the world beyond Westeros, a world of independent cities and nations with their own unique cultures and economies, all connected by the sea.