Game Of Thrones Lands As Cities In Ohio

The next season of Game of Thrones is so close, you can almost hear the sound of your own sobbing mingled with George R. R. Martin’s sinister laugh. While we all wait for April 12th to arrive, we’re allowed a few idle fantasies to tide us over, such as, “If Game of Thrones lands were in Ohio, which cities would they be?” Hey, if San Francisco neighborhoods get to play that game, then the beautiful and diverse Buckeye State definitely gets to.
Even having read all the Song of Ice and Fire literature I could get my hands on, I still wouldn’t begin to consider myself an expert. But because a little game of “What If” never hurt anyone (wait, has it? I actually don’t know that), I decided to be so bold as to don my GoT Sorting Hat in one of my favorite states.

I’ll give some short explanations for my choices, but as Khal Drogo said, “Anha dothrak adakhataan,” which means, “Yeah, well, you know, that’s just like, your opinion, man.”
(It doesn’t mean that).
Columbus – King’s Landing
Aside from both places being the capitals of their respective realms, Columbus and King’s Landing are alike in being hotbeds of political ambitions and intrigue, whether it’s Baratheons and Lannisters or Elephants and Donkeys.
Cleveland – Winterfell
If there’s any place that understands that “Winter is Coming,” it’s Cleveland (hey there, lake effect snow). The steel and automotive industries that once flourished in historical Cleveland are like the Old Gods who once watched over Winterfell, whose powers have declined at the dawn of a different age.
Cincinnati – Essos
Danaerys’s distant seat across The Narrow Sea seemed a good fit for Cincinnati, a city with a culture very distinct from the rest of Ohio, full of people with exotic accents (Southern counts as exotic) and rivalrous teams to root for.
Toledo – Storm’s End
Both Toledo and the Baratheon stronghold are fortresses positioned near bodies of water that have never fallen to hostile forces (read: Michigan). As Stannis is the underdog in the shadow of his brothers and other contenders for the Iron Throne (but nevertheless a formidable presence), Toledo is the less acknowledged but still industrious city next to the three C’s.
Akron – The Eyrie
With ties to the North (Cleveland) via House Tully, but more recently the shrewd and dextrous Petyr Baelish, The Eyrie felt like a match for the “City of Invention.” Toledo has polymers, Little Finger has a Moon Door.
Dayton – Dorne
Dayton and Dorne are both near the borders of their realms, with closer allegiances to Cincinnati and the Targaryen line. The resilient and aspiring Dornish nature resonates with Dayton’s history in aviation. The Wright Brothers invented powered flight, the Martell Brothers invented…coolness, I’m pretty sure. At least in Westeros.
Canton – Riverrun
Rivers are to Riverrun as railroads are to Canton (historically). And for what it’s worth, Canton is even the county seat of Stark County, so you could draw a comparison to Riverrun being House Stark’s last true champion and headquarters.
Youngstown – Highgarden
At the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Youngstown is geographically similar to The Reach. And being only ten miles from (and quite chummy with) Pennsylvania naturally brings Youngstown’s loyalties into question, as in the fragile alliance between House Tyrell and the reigning Lannisters.
Lorain – Pyke
With its shores and shipyards, Lorain is a good stand-in for Pyke, the sea-worshipping kingdom ruled by House Greyjoy. Lorain is connected to Cleveland by its history as Pyke is to Winterfell, but has ever since sought to make its uniqueness known.
Cedar Point – Casterly Rock
Cedar Point might as well be its own city, and by charging a whopping $54.99 at the gate for one ticket and with millions of visitors every year, it’s clear that if there is to be a single money-making attraction in the Ohio realm, this is it. And just like that corn dog you ate before hopping on the Maverick, “a Lannister always pays his debts.”
Which Game of Thrones land do you think your city should be? Tell us in the comments below!