Matching 50 Game of Thrones characters with each of the 50 states

Arizona: Ellaria Sand

I’m sure you all knew this was coming: I had to pick Mama Sand Snake to represent one of the deserty Southwestern states. Of all the hot and dry parts of the country, Ellaria Sand is a perfect fit for the Grand Canyon State.

You might remember that Ellaria was once the paramour of the Red Viper himself, Oberyn Martell. She cared for him deeply and together they explored the finest in food, drink, and sex. They were the perfect couple to represent Dorne, where the culture is far more relaxed and free than in the rest of the Seven Kingdoms.

When Oberyn was brutally killed during a battle with the Mountain, Ellaria lost her cool. She set out on a revenge mission to kill those she felt were responsible for his demise.

I think it’s safe to say that — like Arizona — Ellaria has a streak of the Wild West in her. In days gone by, Arizona was well-known for shootouts and showdowns. Even today, the state prides itself on its rich Western heritage, with popular historical reenactments in cities like Tombstone and Yuma. Ellaria may not wield a gun, but she’s certainly into revenge, intrigue and saddling a horse to take on the bad guys.

It also helps that she actually comes from a place very similar to the American Southwest. Her home region of Dorne is a straight-up desert like Arizona (it’s the only one in Westeros). The bastards there are named “Sand” to reflect this unique culture.