Matching 50 Game of Thrones characters with 50 European countries

Bulgaria: Loras Tyrell

Much like the Reach, where Loras Tyrell spent his childhood, the country of Bulgaria is overflowing with natural beauty. I mean, okay, all of Europe is beautiful, but Bulgaria is particularly well-known for its amazing flora. There are mountains, plains, rivers and even a tiny desert.

Most importantly, though, there are roses; a lot of roses. So many, in fact, that the country’s nickname is “the Land of Roses.” Rose Valley in Bulgaria produces a whopping 85% of the world’s rose oil. It’s a hugely important part of the world for cosmetics production.

Obviously, when you hear about roses, the Tyrells spring to mind. Their House sigil is a golden rose on a green field, and their words are “Growing Strong.” At the Hand’s Tourney, Loras gifts young Sansa Stark with a rose as a favor, and he wears armor engraved with images the flower.

Like the other Tyrells, Loras is mindful to maintain the dignity of his House. As a gay man, he knows that to protect the reputation of House Tyrell, he must hide his true identity, however hard it might be. The rose becomes more than just a sigil for him; it is a shield. In Bulgaria, he’d have all the roses he’d ever need.