| Type | Court |
|---|---|
| Located in | The Middle, Prythian |
| Head | Amarantha † (formerly) |
| Appears in | A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015) |
Contents
Location
Under the Mountain is located in the Middle of Prythian, positioned between two neighboring territories. It borders the Winter Court to the south and the Dawn Court to the north, placing it at a central point within the continent’s geography. The mountain itself is one of three sacred sister peaks in Prythian, alongside the Prison Mountain and Ramiel, standing stark and barren above the surrounding landscape and described as thrumming with an unsettling, powerful presence.
Description
Under the Mountain is entered through two ancient stone doors that rise higher than Tamlin’s manor. Beyond them lies a vast chamber carved from pale rock and supported by rows of intricately carved pillars. These pillars depict faeries, High Fae, and animals in different environments and scenes, forming a visual record of Prythian’s stories and history. Jewel-hung chandeliers are suspended between the columns, scattering colored light across the red marble floor and leading deeper into the mountain toward the throne room.
The stronghold contains numerous passageways and chambers, including dungeon cells, lavish bedroom suites, and the maze that housed the Middengard Wyrm. During Amarantha’s rule, UTM was modeled after the Court of Nightmares, featuring a dais with two black stone thrones—one for her and one she intended for Tamlin.
Relevance
Under the Mountain was once a sacred and neutral meeting ground for the High Lords of Prythian. After the Treaty with humans, Amarantha broke from the King of Hybern, targeted the Prythian Courts, and stripped the High Lords of their power. She declared herself High Queen of Prythian and established her court beneath the sacred mountain, which became known as Under the Mountain.
Following the curse placed on the Spring Court during the masquerade, Amarantha forced all inhabitants of the Prythian Courts to live Under the Mountain, with the sole exception of the Spring Court, which was allowed to remain on its lands during the forty-nine years of Tamlin’s curse. Those who swore allegiance to her were granted limited freedom to come and go, including Rhysand, who was kept as her prisoner and consort after his father killed Tamlin’s father. The Attor also moved freely, acting as Amarantha’s enforcer by bringing her the Fae she demanded.
