The Stone Men inhabit Old Valyria because they are sufferers of a devastating and highly contagious disease, often known as Garin's Curse, and are consequently exiled to the ancient ruins as a measure of containment.
Understanding the Exile of Stone Men to Old Valyria
The presence of the "Stone Men" within the desolate remnants of Old Valyria is a direct consequence of a dreaded affliction. These individuals are victims of a horrifying malady that progressively hardens and disfigures the skin, giving it a stone-like appearance. This condition is not only profoundly debilitating but also highly contagious, rendering its sufferers as outcasts from mainstream society.
The Nature of Their Affliction and Its Impact
The disease, sometimes referred to as Garin's Curse, is characterized by a gradual transformation of the skin into a stiff, grey, and stony texture. It is widely feared for several reasons:
- Progressive Deterioration: The malady slowly spreads across the body, eventually affecting internal organs and leading to death.
- Highly Contagious: Its infectious nature necessitates extreme precautions to prevent its spread, particularly in dense populations.
- Social Stigma: Sufferers face intense fear, disgust, and ostracization due to the visible disfigurement and the perceived hopelessness of their condition.
Reasons for Banishment to the Valyrian Ruins
The practice of sending those afflicted to Old Valyria serves multiple, albeit harsh, purposes. This ancient, cursed land becomes a grim sanctuary for the exiled.
| Primary Reason | Elaboration |
|---|---|
| Disease Containment | The most critical reason is to prevent the widespread transmission of this incurable and contagious illness. Exiling sufferers to a remote, uninhabited ruin acts as a form of quarantine. |
| Societal Protection | By isolating the infected, healthy populations are safeguarded from the disease's highly infectious nature, preserving public health and safety. |
| Lack of Cure | Given the absence of a widely accessible and effective cure, banishment is seen as a final, desperate solution to manage the affliction's societal impact. |
| Fear and Superstition | The terrifying symptoms and the belief that the disease is a "curse" contribute to the collective decision to remove sufferers from sight and mind, often to places already associated with danger and despair. |
By being banished, these individuals are forced to establish their own isolated communities within the crumbling vestiges of the once-mighty Valyrian Freehold, enduring a lonely existence far from the healthy world. This policy reflects a society's desperate measure to protect itself from a seemingly unstoppable and terrifying plague.
