This page addresses frequently asked questions regarding this Web site, not about A Song of Ice and Fire itself. For plot-related questions, please visit the Articles section.

What is Tower of the Hand?

Tower of the Hand is a site devoted to the world created by George R. R. Martin in his epic series, A Song of Ice and Fire. It is a Web-based project whose primary objective is in creating a searchable database with the many characters, locations, objects, etc. from the series. I hope that fans find this site useful, whether they are looking to jog their memories before the next book arrives, to obtain obscure details concerning who was born where, or to settle arguments about who killed whom.

Where does the information come from?

Currently, the only canon sources are A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, The Hedge Knight, and The Sworn Sword. All details and descriptions must come from the texts themselves, whether they be explicitly stated in a chapter or prologue, or listed in the appendices. Information from other locations (graphic novels, card games, forums, Web sites, etc.) will not be used.

Has George R. R. Martin authorized/contributed to this project?

I'm not sure if Mr. Martin is even aware of this site. If he is, hopefully he does not oppose the endeavor. At the very least, GRRM's Official Web site has linked to us.

Who has contributed to this project?

Alex Smith (formerly of Encyclopaedia of Ice and Fire) provided the majority of information found in the database. Maester Luwin (formerly of Maester Luwin's FAQ) provided the articles, most notably the Frequently Asked. Lord's Kisser (formerly of Blood of Ice and Fire) is responsible for the technical aspects of this site. A list of other contributors, great and small, can be found here.

Have the entries been edited or verified?

Every entry on the site was created by transcribing information directly from the books into the database and the entire thing has been edited for grammar, mechanics, and accuracy. Obviously in a project this big it is nearly impossible to catch every error, and readers are encouraged to e-mail us if anything looks out of place.

Can I reproduce the information provided by Tower of the Hand elsewhere?

Of course. Remember that this site only summarizes events from books written by George R. R. Martin; the events are not ours to restrict. However, we would greatly appreciate it if you mentioned this site as a source for the information you reproduce.

Can I add a link to Tower of the Hand on my site?

We won't complain if you do.

Can you add a link to my site on Tower of the Hand?

As a general rule, we won't. Maintaining links is an exhaustive task, and we would rather spend time and effort working on our own material. We will announce sites that we find useful as we encounter them. Be sure to join the Official Web Ring or notify the Brotherhood Without Banners. Those are two great resources for A Song of Ice and Fire sites.

Does Tower of the Hand have artwork, quotes, links, forums, etc?

If you have to ask, the site probably doesn't have what you want. There are other places on the Web where you can find the items you desire. Try visiting the Official Web Ring or the Brotherhood Without Banners listing for more ASOIAF sites. If you feel certain that Tower of the Hand lacks an important feature, let us know.

Why is my question not answered here?

If you cannot find the answer to your question in any of the FAQ's, feel free to contact us.