Jorah Mormont is called "the Andal" by the Dothraki because they operate under the assumption that all people originating from Westeros are Andals.
Understanding the Moniker
The term "Andal" refers to a specific ethnic group that invaded Westeros thousands of years before the events depicted in the series, conquering most of the continent except for the North. Despite the historical context, the Dothraki, living far across the Narrow Sea, generalize all people from Westeros under this single broad label.
Why the Dothraki Use It
- Generalization: The Dothraki have limited understanding of Westerosi history, geography, and ethnic distinctions. For them, "Andal" is a blanket term for anyone from the Seven Kingdoms.
- Lack of Specific Knowledge: They do not differentiate between the various regions or the diverse ancestries within Westeros, such as the First Men, Rhoynar, or even the Andals themselves.
Jorah's True Ancestry
Despite the Dothraki's common usage, Ser Jorah Mormont is not actually an Andal. His true heritage lies elsewhere:
- Northman by Birth: Jorah hails from Bear Island, a remote island in the North of Westeros.
- Descendant of the First Men: The North is the primary stronghold of the descendants of the First Men, the original inhabitants of Westeros who were present long before the Andal invasion. Jorah's family, House Mormont, is an ancient house of the North with First Men lineage.
Linguistic Context
Jorah's proficiency in languages further highlights his interactions with the Dothraki:
- Fluent in Dothraki: Ser Jorah is not only proficient but fluent in the Dothraki language, allowing him to communicate seamlessly with them.
- Common Tongue of Westeros: He also speaks the Common Tongue, the prevalent language across Westeros.
His linguistic abilities and close association with the Dothraki, however, do not alter their mistaken classification of him as "the Andal." It remains a cultural misconception specific to the Dothraki people's view of outsiders from Westeros.
