| Type | Court |
|---|---|
| Located in | Prythian |
| Head | High Lord Tarquin |
| Appears in | A Court of Mist and Fury (2016), A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017) |
Contents
Location
The Summer Court occupies the southern region of Prythian. It shares borders with three neighboring courts: the Spring Court to the south, the Autumn Court to the east, and the Winter Court to the north.
The territory contains four major cities, including Adriata, the court’s principal coastal center. The High Lord of Summer traditionally resides in Adriata during the final weeks of winter and the early weeks of spring. The city is built around a prominent mountain-island that rises from the center of a half-moon-shaped bay. A palace crowns the island, while Adriata extends along the shoreline on three sides and opens toward the bright, sparkling sea.
Description
The Summer Court is characterized by warm, coastal landscapes and bright, sunlit environments. Much of the court features clear waters, sandy shores, and lush greenery influenced by its mild climate.
Its capital, Adriata, is a seaside city built around a half-moon bay. The city contains light-colored architecture and open, airy streets shaped by its proximity to the water. Numerous canals run through the city, and sea spray, salt air, and bright sunlight define its atmosphere.
At the center of the bay rises a mountain-island topped by the Summer Court palace, which serves as a political and residential center for the High Lord and his court. The palace interiors include open rooms, flowing water features, and bright stonework that reflect the court’s connection to sunlight and the sea.
The Court as a whole is known for its abundant natural beauty, warm climate, and a culture tied closely to water, trade, and coastal living.
Relevance
The Summer Court was established when Prythian was divided into seven territories at the end of the War. It has remained one of the major seasonal courts since that time.
When Amarantha extended her influence across Prythian, the Court was affected like the others. The then–High Lord, Nostrus, lost significant power under her rule. The Summer Court joined the Day and Winter Courts in resisting her, and this rebellion led to the deaths of Nostrus and his family. Following their deaths, Tarquin, a prince and admiral of the court, ascended as the new High Lord.
When Amarantha was defeated and Feyre broke the curse on the Spring Court, the Summer Court—along with the rest of Prythian—regained its freedom.
A Court of Mist and Fury
Rhysand, Feyre, and Amren travel to the Summer Court to locate the Prythian half of the Book of Breathings. They are received by High Lord Tarquin and the prince and princess of Adriata, Cresseida and Varian.
Feyre later identifies the book’s resting place: a submerged temple that becomes accessible only at low tide and is heavily shielded by Tarquin’s magic. Feyre and Amren enter the temple using the fragment of Tarquin’s power that Feyre absorbed during her transformation.
When they attempt to retrieve the book, the temple’s magic reacts to the deception and attempts to drown them. The Water-Wraiths, who owe Feyre a debt, intervene and save them. After their escape, the Night Court receives three blood rubies, marking Feyre, Rhysand, and Amren as declared enemies of the Summer Court.
A Court of Wings and Ruin
The Summer Court becomes a strategic location during the conflict with Hybern. Hybern’s forces launch an attack on Adriata, breaching the city’s defenses and causing significant destruction along the coast. Members of the Night Court travel to the Summer Court to assist in driving out Hybern’s soldiers and stabilizing the city.
Tensions remain between the two courts due to the theft of the Book of Breathings in A Court of Mist and Fury, but Tarquin eventually agrees to cooperate in the war effort. During the final alliance-building stages, the Summer Court joins the other courts of Prythian in opposing Hybern and contributes its naval strength to the unified front.
