A Court of Thorns and Roses

A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) is the first book in Sarah J. Maas’s fae fantasy romance series, set in the fae realm of Prythian.
This A Court of Thorns and Roses Guide covers everything from characters and High Lords to the seven Courts of Prythian and the magic system that powers the world.
Spoiler Warning: This guide discusses major events and characters from across the ACOTAR series.

The novel blends romance, adventure, and fae mythology, introducing readers to a world of shifting courts, ancient magic, and moral complexity. It serves as the first installment in Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series, which expands into a broader saga of power, love, and transformation across Prythian’s seven courts.

ACOTAR Characters

One of the biggest reasons A Court of Thorns and Roses became such a phenomenon is because of its characters: flawed, magnetic, and impossible to forget.

At the center of the story is Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress whose life changes when she’s drawn into the immortal world of the Fae. What begins as a debt to Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court, unfolds into a journey that spans love, loss, and power. Across the trilogy, Feyre’s path leads her beyond the Spring Court to Rhysand and the Night Court, where she must redefine her place in a world ruled by magic, politics, and ancient rivalries.

But ACOTAR isn’t just about one love story. It’s about:

• Sisters finding their own paths in a changing world
  
• Courts full of power players and secrets
  
• Allies and enemies who blur every moral line

The world of Prythian is filled with vivid personalities, each shaping the choices Feyre makes and the fate of both mortals and fae alike.

And with so many names, courts, and allegiances to keep track of, that’s where this guide comes in — a complete breakdown of every major character in A Court of Thorns and Roses, their court, and their role in the story.

Image	Character	Age	Appearance	Background
	Feyre Archeron (FAY-ruh)	19	Mortal-turned-High Fae; long golden-brown hair, blue-gray eyes	Huntress who is taken to Prythian; becomes High Lady of the Night Court.
	Rhysand (REE-sand)	535	Tall, dark hair, blue-violet eyes, strikingly handsome	High Lord of the Night Court; mates with Feyre.
	Tamlin (TAM-lin)	507	Golden hair, green eyes, muscular build	High Lord of the Spring Court; initially Feyre’s love interest.
	Lucien Vanserra (LOO-shen)	<500	Red hair, russet eye (right), golden mechanical eye (left)	Tamlin’s emissary; son of the Autumn Court’s High Lord; mates with Elain Archeron.
	Nesta Archeron (NES-tuh)	22	Long golden-brown hair, steel-gray eyes	Eldest Archeron sister; transformed into High Fae; mates with Cassian.
	Elain Archeron (Ee-LANE)	20/21	Golden-brown hair, brown eyes	Middle Archeron sister; made High Fae; mates with Lucien.
	Cassian (KASS-ee-en)	537	Tall, muscular, tan skin, black hair, hazel eyes	Illyrian warrior and general of the Night Court; has deep bond with Nesta.
	Azriel (AZ-ree-el)	538	Shadowsinger; dark hair, scarred hands, hazel eyes	Spymaster of the Night Court; controls shadows and information.
	Morrigan (Mor) (More)	536	Golden hair, brown eyes, radiant beauty	Third in Command in the Night Court; High Fae with truth magic.
	Amren (AM-ren)	15,000+	Silver eyes, petite, predatory aura	Powerful, non-fae being bound in a High Fae body.
	Father Archeron	40s–50s	Brown hair, brown eyes, bearded	Feyre’s father; former merchant who lost his fortune.
	Amarantha (Am-uh-RAN-thuh)	500+	Red hair, black eyes	Cursed the Spring Court and ruled from Under the Mountain.
	King of Hybern (Hi-burn)	500+	Pale skin, dark eyes, black hair	Ruler of Hybern; seeks to reclaim mortal lands.
	Alis (AH-liss)	Unknown	Bark-like skin, brown hair, slightly pointed ears	Loyal servant of the Spring Court; helps Feyre.
	Andras (ANN-drahs)	Unknown	Wolf form; tawny fur	Tamlin’s emissary; killed by Feyre’s arrow.
	Eris Vanserra (EH-riss)	500+	Red hair, amber eyes	Lucien’s manipulative brother; heir to the Autumn Court.
	Jurian (JOO-ree-an)	500+	Dark hair, brown eyes	Human general resurrected by Hybern.
	Ianthe (Ee-AN-thee)	300+	Blond hair, pale skin, teal eyes, priestess robes	High Priestess of the Spring Court.
	Varian (VAIR-ee-en)	300+	Dark skin, white hair	Prince of the Summer Court; romantically linked to Amren.
	Cresseida (KRESS-ih-duh)	Unknown	Brown skin and eyes, white hair	Princess of the Summer Court; older sister to Tarquin.
	Viviane (VIV-ee-ayn)	500+	White hair, blue eyes	Lady of the Winter Court; mate of High Lord Kallias.

High Lords of Prythian

The seven High Lords of Prythian rule over the seven fae courts, each wielding immense magical power tied to their court’s nature. A High Lord is the most powerful fae within their realm.

All High Lords possess core High Fae abilities such as winnowing — instantaneous travel between locations — and glamouring, the power to alter appearances or create illusions. Beyond these shared abilities, each High Lord’s magic reflects the elemental and emotional essence of their court.

Together, the High Lords maintain the balance of Prythian’s power — though centuries of rivalries, alliances, and betrayals often divide them.

Image	Highlord	Court	Appearance	Powers & Traits
	Tamlin	Spring Court	Golden hair, green eyes	Immense physical strength; powerful shape-shifter; can alter the shapes of others; healing ability.
	Rhysand	Night Court	Dark hair, violet eyes	Most powerful High Lord; manipulates darkness and shadow; Daemati mind control and telepathy; memory alteration and mind reading; conjures Illyrian wings; capable of misting enemies.
	Tarquin	Summer Court	Dark skin, silver hair, turquoise eyes	Wields water and commands the sea.
	Beron Vanserra	Autumn Court	Red hair, amber eyes	Fire manipulation.
	Kallias	Winter Court	Pale hair, blue eyes	Ice manipulation.
	Helion Spell-Cleaver	Day Court	Golden skin, amber eyes	Commands sunlight and air; generates and shapes light; dispels enchantments (“Spellcleaver”); uses light to diagnose or heal ailments.
	Thesan	Dawn Court	Warm brown skin, copper hair	Healing and light magic.

The World of ACOTAR

The world of A Court of Thorns and Roses is divided into two main regions: Prythian and Hybern. the realm of the Fae. Centuries before the events of the series, a conflict known as the War ended with a treaty that separated mortals and Fae by a magical barrier called the Wall.

Mortal Lands

The Mortal Lands refer to the human territories located south of the magical Wall that divides Prythian from the rest of the world. These realms are home to mortals who were once enslaved by the Fae before the War and the signing of the Treaty. After the Wall was established, mortals gained independence but remain wary of the Fae who live beyond it.

The Mortal Lands are divided into two primary regions:

• The territories directly south of Prythian, which border the Wall.
  
• The continent, which holds the larger and more organized mortal kingdoms.

The land closest to Prythian is rural and sparsely populated, consisting mostly of small farming villages and forests. Farther east, the continent contains larger human cities and the courts of the Mortal Queens, who historically ruled several powerful kingdoms.

The Wall

The Wall is an invisible magical boundary created by the treaty that ended the War. It prevents Fae and mortals from freely crossing between realms. While powerful Fae can breach it, most mortals are unaware of its presence. Its magic is ancient and self-sustaining, woven through binding oaths that maintain the division between the two races.

Prythian

Prythian is the northern realm ruled by the Fae and the main setting of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. It is divided into seven courts, each governed by a High Lord: the Seasonal Courts — Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter — and the Solar Courts — Day, Dawn, and Night.

Prythian lies north of the Mortal Lands, separated by the magical Wall, and east of the island kingdom of Hybern. The land is diverse, with environments ranging from the temperate meadows of the south to the snow-covered mountains of the north.

Each court’s landscape and magic reflect its ruling High Lord’s power. The southern courts embody the changing seasons, while the northern courts — the Solar Courts — draw their strength from celestial and elemental forces. Together, they form the political and magical structure that governs Fae life in Prythian.

• Spring Court: 
  The Spring Court lies in the southernmost part of Prythian and borders the Wall and the Mortal Lands. It is ruled by High Lord Tamlin and remains locked in eternal spring, filled with rolling green hills, forests, and clear lakes. The court borders the Summer Court to the west and the Autumn Court to the north.
  
  The Spring Court has no cities, but a village lies near the High Lord’s estate, which was heavily damaged during Amarantha’s rule. By the time of A Court of Silver and Flames, the court is in decline, its lands and manor fallen into disrepair following the events that turned many of its people against Tamlin.
• Summer Court: 
  The Summer Court is one of Prythian’s four Seasonal Courts and is ruled by High Lord Tarquin, the youngest of the High Lords. It borders the Spring Court to the south, the Autumn Court to the east, and the Winter Court to the north.
  The court is known for its coastal landscapes, warm climate, and oceanic magic. Its capital, Adriata, is built along a half-moon bay and features a palace on a mountain island surrounded by turquoise waters. The city serves as Tarquin’s residence during the transition between winter and spring.
• Autumn Court: 
  The Autumn Court is one of Prythian’s four Seasonal Courts and is ruled by High Lord Beron Vanserra, whose power is rooted in fire. Known for its ambition and strict hierarchy, the court is politically competitive and often marked by internal rivalries, especially among Beron’s sons.
  Its landscape is made up of forests in constant autumn colors, surrounded by fertile valleys and farmlands. The court borders Winter to the north, Summer to the west, and Spring to the south. The seat of power, the Forest House, lies deep within its woods.
• Winter Court: 
  The Winter Court is one of the four Seasonal Courts of Prythian and is ruled by High Lord Kallias. It borders the Dawn Court to the north and the Summer and Autumn Courts to the south.
  The court is characterized by snow-covered landscapes, icy palaces, and evergreen forests. Sleighs drawn by reindeer are a common mode of transport, and the court’s armies are aided by armored white bears and fox couriers.
• Dawn Court:
  The Dawn Court lies between the Winter Court to the south and the Day Court to the north. It is ruled by High Lord Thesan, known for his skill in healing and scholarship. The court is described as a bright, temperate region of gentle hills, rivers, and red-roofed towns. Its people are known for their craftsmanship and innovation, specializing in clockwork, healing magic, and delicate artisan work.
• Day Court:
  The Day Court, ruled by High Lord Helion, sits north of the Dawn Court. It is known for its sunlight, and vast libraries that preserve Prythian’s history. Helion’s court is regarded as a center of knowledge and magical study.
• Night Court:
  The Night Court is one of the three Solar Courts of Prythian and is ruled by High Lord Rhysand and High Lady Feyre Archeron. It occupies the northernmost region of Prythian and is divided into two sub-courts: the Court of Nightmares, based in the mountain city of Hewn, and the Court of Dreams, centered in Velaris, the hidden City of Starlight.
  The court is known for its contrasting nature—dark, imposing landscapes in its outer regions, and beauty, art, and peace within Velaris. Its magic is tied to night, dreams, and the mind.

The Middle

The Middle is a largely uncharted region at the center of Prythian, separating the northern and southern courts. It is a place of ancient and primal magic, governed by its own laws that even the High Lords respect. Entry into the Middle is rare and often dangerous, as its enchantments can trap or disorient intruders who act with violence or ill intent.

At its heart lies the Sacred Mountain, once corrupted by Amarantha’s rule and known as Under the Mountain for nearly fifty years. The area also contains dense forests and the Bog of Oorid, both of which are visible from land and air but remain largely unexplored. Mapping the Middle is forbidden by long-standing decree, leaving much of its terrain and magic unknown.

Hybern

Hybern is an island kingdom located west of Prythian, separated by the sea. Once the center of a powerful Fae empire, it is ruled by the King of Hybern, who seeks to overturn the Treaty and restore Fae dominance over mortals.

The kingdom’s geography is varied but stark. The land includes mountain ranges and cliffs, with the area around the royal castle marked by tall, bone-white cliffs overlooking the ocean. Beyond them stretch flat, grassy plateaus and barren hills. The region is noted for its emptiness — Feyre observes a sense of desolation, with little to no visible wildlife beyond its Fae inhabitants.

Hybern is home to both High Fae and Lesser Fae. Its High Fae are often described as pale or ruddy-skinned with black, emotionless eyes — a reflection of the kingdom’s long history of cruelty and isolation.

Species and Hierarchy in Prythian

Prythian is inhabited by several types of Fae and other magical beings, each with distinct abilities and social status. The Fae are the dominant species, divided mainly into High Fae and Lesser Fae, while other ancient or hybrid creatures live beyond court boundaries.

High Fae

The High Fae form the ruling class of Prythian. They are powerful, immortal beings capable of various forms of magic, including winnowing, glamouring, and shape-shifting. The High Fae govern the seven courts under their respective High Lords. Some High Fae possess specialized magic tied to their court’s domain, such as fire, water, or darkness.

Lesser Fae

The Lesser Fae include many species with varying appearances, lifespans, and powers. They often serve within the courts as soldiers, artisans, or attendants, though some live independently in rural or border regions. Common Lesser Fae species include sprites, naga, and puca. Many are bound by old laws and cannot oppose their High Fae rulers.

Image	Name	Type	Description	Appearances
	Illyrians	Lesser Fae	A warrior race native to the Night Court’s mountains. Winged, highly disciplined.	Throughout the series
	Peregryns	Lesser Fae	Bird-winged Fae who serve in the Dawn Court’s aerial legion. Colorful, tropical-feathered wings, golden armor.	A Court of Wings and Ruin
	Seraphim	Lesser Fae	Winged warriors who live on the hidden island of Cretea under Prince Drakon. Considered counterparts to the Illyrians.	A Court of Wings and Ruin
	Suriel	Lesser Fae	A rare, reclusive faerie known for its vast knowledge and inability to lie.	Throughout the series
	Tartera	Lesser Fae	Jewel-smiths native to the Night Court, renowned for their craftsmanship.	A Court of Wings and Ruin
	Urisk	Lesser Fae	Woodland faeries with bark-like skin who serve the Spring Court.	A Court of Thorns and Roses
	Martax	Lesser Fae	Massive, beastlike faeries with bear-sized bodies, lion-like heads, and rows of sharp teeth.	Mentioned in A Court of Thorns and Roses
	Picts	Lesser Fae	Pale faeries with pitch-black eyes, sharp features, and pointed teeth.	A Court of Thorns and Roses
	Water Wraiths	Lesser Fae	Thin, translucent Fae who dwell in lakes and rivers. They are reclusive and feared for their bargains.	A Court of Mist and Fury
	River-Nymphs	Lesser Fae	Water-dwelling Fae with lithe bodies, webbed fingers, and large blue eyes.	A Court of Wings and Ruin
	Wraiths	Lesser Fae	Shadowy, incorporeal beings who serve the Night Court.	Throughout the series
	Will-o’-the-Wisps	Lesser Fae	Spirits of air and light that appear in the Spring Court during the Summer Solstice, marking the arrival of summer.	A Court of Thorns and Roses
	Naga	Lesser Fae	Serpentine, predatory creatures that hunt near the Wall. They serve dark masters and are known for their brutality.	A Court of Thorns and Roses
	Puca	Lesser Fae	Shapeshifting tricksters who take monstrous or deceptive forms to lure prey.	A Court of Thorns and Roses

Other Beings

Other Beings Beyond the courts live older and rarer creatures, such as the Suriel, Bone Carver, and Weaver — remnants of ancient magic that predate modern Fae society. Some serve as neutral forces, while others are hostile or bound by ancient bargains.

Image	Name	Type	Description	Appearances
	The Cauldron	Primordial Force	The source of all magic and life in the world. Said to have created the Fae, mortals, and realms of Prythian.	Central to the series
	The Dread Trove	Magical Artifacts	A set of three powerful objects forged from the Cauldron: the Mask, Crown, and Harp. Each holds immense magic.	A Court of Silver Flames
	The Ouroboros	Sentient Artifact	A mirror that reveals the viewer’s true self. Most who gaze into it go mad or die.	A Court of Wings and Ruin
	The Bone Carver	Death God	An ancient male entity imprisoned in the Prison. Appears differently to each who see him.	A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin
	The Weaver (Stryga)	Death Goddess	The Bone Carver’s sister, a predatory being who dwells in the Middle and devours intruders.	A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin
	Lanthys	Fallen Fae Lord	A true immortal of immense power, once capable of shapeshifting into mist, wind, or rain.	A Court of Silver Flames
	Lubia (Seven-Headed Lubia)	Sea Monster	Ancient creature with seven heads, originally dwelling in the deep ocean. Preyed upon girls before being imprisoned.	A Court of Silver Flames
	Blue Annis	Monster / Bog Fae	Clawed, blue-skinned fae that prey on travelers in remote regions.	A Court of Silver Flames
	Bryaxis	Shadow Entity	Ancient being of darkness imprisoned beneath the Library in the House of Wind. Feeds on fear and was freed by Feyre but never returned.	A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight
	Kelpie	Water Demon	Male fae creature. Feeds on both mortals and fae.	A Court of Silver Flames

The Hunt

Feyre Archeron, a nineteen-year-old mortal huntress, kills a massive wolf in the woods to feed her starving family — unaware the creature is actually a faerie in disguise.

Taken Across the Wall

A monstrous fae beast arrives at Feyre’s cottage demanding retribution for the killing. He takes her across the Wall to Prythian, the realm of the Fae, as punishment for the death of one of his own.

The Beast Revealed

At his manor in the Spring Court, the beast sheds his animal form and reveals himself as Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court. He explains that a magical curse has weakened his court and bound him to wear a beast’s shape.

Life in the Spring Court

Feyre adjusts to life among the Fae, learning about their customs, magic, and dangers. She meets Lucien and Alis, explores the lush lands of spring, and gradually falls in love with Tamlin — even as strange magic spreads across Prythian.

Amarantha’s Curse

Feyre learns that the blight afflicting Prythian stems from Amarantha, a cruel and powerful fae who has enslaved the High Lords and cursed the Spring Court. When Tamlin is taken Under the Mountain, Feyre follows to save him.

The Three Trials

To free Tamlin and break the curse, Feyre bargains with Amarantha to face three impossible trials. She must slay a wyrm, solve a deadly riddle, and survive unimaginable pain — aided in secret by Rhysand, the mysterious High Lord of the Night Court.

Breaking the Curse

Feyre solves Amarantha’s riddle and kills her, ending decades of torment. Though she dies in the process, the seven High Lords restore her to life, transforming her into a High Fae with traces of each of their powers.

Return to the Spring Court

Now immortal and bound by her bargain with Rhysand, Feyre returns to the Spring Court with Tamlin. But her new powers — and her bond with the Night Court — hint that her journey is far from over.

A Court of Mist and Fury — Timeline Events

Life After Under The Mountain

Now a High Fae, Feyre lives in the Spring Court with Tamlin. Though the curse is broken, she suffers from nightmares and guilt over the lives lost Under the Mountain. Tamlin grows increasingly controlling, keeping her confined for her safety and his own fear.

The Wedding & Escape

As Feyre and Tamlin prepare for their wedding, Feyre begins to break under her trauma and Tamlin’s growing control. On the day of the ceremony, she has a panic attack — and Rhysand calls in the bargain, taking her to the Night Court for the agreed two weeks each month before returning her to the Spring Court. The alternating visits continue until Tamlin locks Feyre inside the manor, prompting her rescue and permanent departure to the Night Court.

Velaris and the Inner Circle

In Velaris, Feyre meets Rhysand’s Inner Circle: Morrigan, Cassian, Azriel, and Amren. Rhys begins training her in both combat and magic, as Feyre inherited powers from all seven High Lords.

The Truth of the Night Court

Feyre learns that the Night Court is divided between the cruel Court of Nightmares and the peaceful Court of Dreams, ruled from Velaris. Rhysand reveals his true purpose: protecting his people and preserving Prythian’s freedom from Hybern’s power.

Hybern’s Threat

The King of Hybern begins plotting to tear down the Wall and reclaim the mortal lands. Feyre, Rhysand, and the Inner Circle search for the Book of Breathings, a powerful text that can nullify or control the Cauldron’s magic.

The Mating Bond Revealed

During their mission, Feyre learns that she and Rhysand are mates, a sacred and unbreakable bond among the Fae. Overwhelmed, she briefly leaves him — but ultimately accepts the bond and their love for one another.

Hybern’s Trap

During a mission to stop the King of Hybern from using the Cauldron, Feyre and her allies are ambushed. Her sisters, Nesta and Elain, are forcibly turned into High Fae using the Cauldron’s power. To protect them and her court, Feyre pretends to side with Tamlin and returns to the Spring Court — secretly acting as Rhysand’s spy.

A Court of Wings and Ruin — Timeline Events

Return to the Spring Court

At the end of A Court of Mist and Fury, Feyre returns to the Spring Court, pretending to have been kidnapped and brainwashed by Rhysand. In reality, she is High Lady of the Night Court and acts as a spy to sabotage Tamlin’s alliance with the King of Hybern.

Sabotage and Escape

Feyre manipulates Tamlin’s trust and exposes High Priestess Ianthe’s corruption. When Hybern’s commanders Brannagh and Dagdan arrive to study the Wall, Feyre feeds them misinformation. After Ianthe assaults Lucien, Feyre intervenes, and when the twins attack them with faebane to block their magic, Feyre and Lucien kill the twins and flee the Spring Court.

Journey Across Prythian

With their magic suppressed, Feyre and Lucien cross dangerous lands, including the Autumn and Winter Courts. Pursued by Lucien’s brothers, they are rescued by Azriel and Cassian and taken safely to Velaris, where Feyre reunites with Rhysand, her sisters, and the Inner Circle.

Allies and Preparations for War

Rhysand calls for a meeting of the High Lords to unite Prythian’s courts against Hybern. Feyre consults the ancient creature known as the Bone Carver, who demands the mirror Ouroboros as payment for his help. Feyre secures the mirror from the Court of Nightmares after negotiating with Keir, Mor’s estranged father, in exchange for his army’s aid.

Hybern Attacks the Summer Court

Before the planned alliance meeting, Hybern’s forces attack Adriata, capital of the Summer Court. Rhysand and his forces help Tarquin repel the invasion, earning a fragile truce between their courts.

The High Lords’ Meeting

All seven High Lords meet to discuss the war. Tamlin arrives uninvited, revealing that he has been secretly feeding information about Hybern’s movements to Rhysand. Despite tensions, the courts agree to an alliance. Soon after, the King of Hybern uses the Cauldron to shatter the Wall separating fae and mortals.

The Cauldron’s Power and Nesta’s Connection

When Hybern agents attack the Library in the House of Wind, Feyre and Nesta discover that Nesta took some of the Cauldron’s power when she was Made. This link allows her to sense and track it. Feyre also strikes a deal with Bryaxis, the shadow creature that haunts the library’s depths, for aid in the coming war.

Elain’s Prophecies and Jurian’s Alliance

Elain reveals herself as a seer, predicting Hybern’s attacks and aiding strategy. Guided by one of her visions, Lucien travels to the continent to seek Queen Vassa, the cursed mortal queen who becomes a key ally. Jurian, secretly loyal to humanity, provides intelligence to help Prythian’s armies.

Rescuing Elain

When the Cauldron lures Elain to Hybern’s camp, Feyre and Azriel disguise themselves as Ianthe to infiltrate the enemy camp. They rescue Elain with Tamlin’s unexpected help — revealing his true allegiance lies against Hybern.

The Final Battle

Hybern’s army invades the Mortal Lands. The united forces of Prythian and human allies face them in a massive battle. The Weaver, Bone Carver, and Bryaxis fight alongside the Fae, while Prince Drakon and Miryam arrive with reinforcements from the continent. Feyre, Nesta, and Amren attempt to stop Hybern by using the Cauldron’s power.

Sacrifice and Victory

Amren deceives Feyre, unbinding herself from her fae body to release her true form and destroy Hybern’s army. Feyre repairs the fractured Cauldron with Rhysand’s help, killing him in the process. The High Lords resurrect Rhysand as they once did Feyre. The King of Hybern is killed by Nesta and Elain, avenging their father’s death.

Aftermath and New Era

The war ends. Amren returns in a fully Fae form, her ancient power gone. Feyre meets with Miryam, Drakon, and Vassa to discuss a new treaty between mortals and Fae.