If you’ve ever found yourself halfway through A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas thinking, “Wait… how many courts are there again?” you are absolutely not alone.
The world of Prythian is split into seasonal courts and solar courts, each with its own vibe, powers, politics, and (let’s be honest) aesthetic. Some are cosy and dreamy, some are terrifying, and some are the kind of place you’d visit for a weekend and then sprint back home.
This post is a spoiler-light, friendly guide to the ACOTAR courts explained in plain English. I’ll cover:
- What the courts are and how they work
- The seven courts of Prythian (seasonal + solar)
- The High Lords of Prythian (who rules what)
- What it might actually feel like to live in each court
- A spoiler-free “which court would you belong to?” quiz-style section
- A quick FAQ for those “I just need the answer” moments
And yes, I’ll admit it right now. I’m a Night Court girl through and through. If you tell me there’s a City of Starlight with art, cosy corners, and a view that looks like someone spilled glitter across the sky, I’m already packing.
What are the courts in ACOTAR?
In ACOTAR, Prythian is a fae world divided into territories called courts. Each court has its own culture, magic, and leadership.
The courts are traditionally grouped into:
- Seasonal courts: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Solar courts: Day, Night, Dawn
There is a Dusk Court, but it’s not one of the seven “active” courts you see ruling Prythian day-to-day (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Night, Dawn, Day).
In the series, the Dusk Court is treated more like a lost/hidden court from Prythian’s past in the later books, and it becomes more relevant as the wider lore expands beyond the original “seven courts” setup. So if you’ve only read the earlier books, it can feel like it comes out of nowhere later on.
Each court is ruled by a High Lord (and in the Night Court, you’ll also hear a lot about the High Lady).
If you’re looking for a quick “ACOTAR courts explained” answer: think of Prythian like a magical map of mini-kingdoms, each with a signature flavour of magic and a distinct way of life.
How many courts are in Prythian?
There are seven main courts in Prythian:
- Spring Court
- Summer Court
- Autumn Court
- Winter Court
- Day Court
- Dawn Court
- Night Court
You’ll also hear about places that aren’t courts but matter a lot:
- The Mortal Lands (the human realm)
- Hybern (a separate kingdom across the sea)
- The Hewn City (a dark, brutal part of the Night Court)
- The Illyrian mountains/camps (also within the Night Court)
Who are the High Lords of Prythian?
Here’s the simple list most readers want when they search “High Lords of Prythian”:
- Spring Court: Tamlin
- Summer Court: Tarquin
- Autumn Court: Beron Vanserra
- Dawn Court: Thesan
- Winter Court: Kallias
- Day Court: Helion
- Night Court: Rhysand
The Seasonal Courts (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)
The seasonal courts are exactly what they sound like: their magic and identity are tied to the seasons.
The Spring Court
If you picture the Spring Court, you’re probably imagining roses, gardens, fresh growth, and big manor-house energy.
Vibe: romantic, lush, traditional, slightly trapped-in-a-fairytale.
Magic: often linked to growth, renewal, and that classic “everything is blooming” feeling.
Who rules it: Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court. Also well known in his beast form.
What it’s like to live there
Spring is the court of pretty paths, flowering hedges, and that sense that everything should be perfect. It can feel like living in a painting. If you love routine, tradition, and a slower pace, it could be dreamy.
Best bits
- The scenery is genuinely stunning
- It feels classic and fairytale-like
- If you’re a garden person, you’d be in heaven
- It’s next to the mortal world
Hard bits
- It can feel very traditional and rule-bound
- If you don’t fit the “expected” mould, it might feel stifling
- The beauty can come with a sense of control underneath
The Summer Court
The Summer Court is the one that makes you want to book a holiday immediately.
Vibe: coastal, golden, vibrant, welcoming.
Magic: water, light, and power that feels like a wave you can’t stop.
Who rules it: Tarquin, High Lord of the Summer Court.
What it’s like to live there
Summer feels like salt air, warm evenings, and a community that actually wants to gather. It’s the court that gives “open doors, come in for dinner” energy.
Best bits
- Beaches, sunshine, and that breezy lifestyle
- A lively, social atmosphere
- It feels like a place where art and joy matter
Hard bits
- Being so open can make it feel exposed during conflict
- A busy court can be overwhelming if you’re more introverted
- Heat all year might be a lot if you’re a cosy-jumper person
The Autumn Court
The Autumn Court is gorgeous, but it has teeth.
Vibe: dramatic, intense, tradition-heavy.
Magic: fire is a big theme, with power that feels bold and volatile.
Who rules it: Beron Vanserra, High Lord of the Autumn Court.
What it’s like to live there
Autumn is all crackling fires, sharp politics, and a sense that you need to watch what you say. It’s stunning, but it’s not exactly relaxing.
Best bits
- The forests and colours would be unreal
- If you love bold energy and ambition, it’s a powerful place
- There’s a strong sense of legacy and history
Hard bits
- It can be ruthless and harsh
- Power struggles feel close to the surface
- Not a court for anyone who just wants peace and quiet
The Winter Court
The Winter Court is the quiet, snowy corner of Prythian that feels like stepping into a different world.
Vibe: serene, elegant, reserved.
Magic: ice and winter magic, often portrayed as controlled and powerful.
Who rules it: Kallias, High Lord of the Winter Court.
What it’s like to live there
Winter feels calm. Like the whole world has gone quiet and you can finally breathe. It’s the court for people who love stillness, beauty, and a bit of privacy.
Best bits
- Peaceful atmosphere and gorgeous snowy scenery
- Cosy nights, crisp air, and that “fresh start” feeling
- It seems less chaotic than some other courts
Hard bits
- If you need constant social energy, it might feel lonely
- The cold and darkness could be tough for some
- Reserved cultures can feel hard to break into
The Solar Courts (Day, Night, Dawn)
The solar courts are tied to the sky and light, and they often feel more mysterious.
The Day Court
The Day Court is linked to knowledge, libraries, and the kind of magic that feels ancient.
Vibe: scholarly, radiant, quietly intimidating.
Magic: light, knowledge, and spells that feel layered and complex.
Who rules it: Helion, High Lord of the Day Court.
What it’s like to live there
Day Court feels like a place where curiosity is valued. Like you could spend your whole life learning and still not reach the end of it.
Best bits
- Libraries, learning, and a culture that respects knowledge
- Bright, sunlit spaces and a sense of grandeur
- If you love a deep dive, it’s your dream court
Hard bits
- Knowledge can become power, and power can become politics
- It might feel intimidating if you’re not naturally confident
- Living around secrets can be exhausting
The Night Court
The Night Court tends to take over your brain once you’re deep into the series.
It includes very different places within it:
- Velaris (the City of Starlight)
- The Hewn City (also called the Court of Nightmares)
- Illyrian camps in the mountains
Vibe: starlight, shadows, found family, secrets, and contrast.
Magic: darkness, mind magic, and power that feels vast.
Who rules it: Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court.
High Lady: Feyre Archeron becomes High Lady of the Night Court.
What it’s like to live there
Night Court is not one single experience. It depends where you are.
If you’re in Velaris, it’s art, safety, and that warm “we look after our own” feeling. It’s the kind of place where you can imagine wandering into a little studio, picking up something handmade, and then heading home with a warm drink while the lights twinkle across the river.
If you’re in the Hewn City, it’s darker and harsher. The contrast is part of what makes the Night Court so fascinating, because it shows you the best and worst of what power can protect.
And if I’m being honest, Velaris is the reason I can never fully let the Night Court go. The whole “City of Starlight” thing is basically catnip for anyone who loves cosy vibes, pretty views, and a little bit of magic in the everyday.
If I lived in Velaris…
If I lived in Velaris, I honestly think you’d find me doing the exact same little routine on repeat. I’d grab a coffee, find a spot by the river with a book, and just sit there for far too long watching the city go by. Then I’d wander through the little shops “just for a look” and somehow come home with a bag full of bookish treasures. I can’t help it. If there’s a bookshop within walking distance, I’m going in.
Best bits
- Velaris is genuinely one of the most beloved settings in the series
- The Night Court has big “found family” energy
- The magic feels powerful and mysterious
- You get art, music, and that sense of a city that actually lives and breathes
Hard bits
- The court has a dark side that can’t be ignored
- Secrets and politics are always in the background
- It’s not a simple, one-note place to live
The Dawn Court
The Dawn Court feels like the soft morning after a storm.
Vibe: peaceful, restorative, quietly strong.
Magic: often associated with healing and renewal.
Who rules it: Thesan, High Lord of the Dawn Court.
What it’s like to live there
Dawn feels gentle, but not weak. It’s the court you imagine when you think of fresh air, calm leadership, and people who actually want to build a good life.
Best bits
- Healing, calm, and a sense of hope
- It feels like a place you could truly settle
- A softer kind of strength
Hard bits
- If you crave drama and excitement, it might feel too quiet
- “Peaceful” can sometimes mean “overlooked” in bigger politics
- It might not suit people who want constant action
Spoiler-free quiz: Which ACOTAR court would you belong to?
Grab a coffee and answer these quickly without overthinking. Keep track of which number you choose most.
1) Your ideal weekend looks like…
- A long walk somewhere pretty, then home to a cosy dinner
- Beach day, iced drink, and a sunset swim
- A bookshop, a museum, and a deep dive into a random topic
- A night out, good music, and that magical “something could happen” feeling
2) Pick a colour palette
- Soft greens and florals
- Turquoise and gold
- Burnt orange and deep red
- Silver, midnight blue, and starlight
3) What matters most to you in a home?
- Comfort and calm
- Community and fun
- Knowledge and freedom to explore
- Privacy and people you trust
4) Your friends would describe you as…
- Warm and nurturing
- Social and optimistic
- Curious and thoughtful
- Loyal and intense
Results
- Mostly 1s: You might be Winter Court or Dawn Court. You’re a cosy, steady, peaceful-energy person.
- Mostly 2s: You’re giving Summer Court. You want light, laughter, and a life that feels open.
- Mostly 3s: Hello, Day Court. You want answers, stories, and a world that rewards curiosity.
- Mostly 4s: You’re leaning Night Court. You want depth, loyalty, and a little mystery.
No judgment if you picked Night Court. We can be bookish river-coffee friends! Tell me what you got (and why) in the comments – I’m nosy in the nicest way!!
FAQ: ACOTAR Courts Explained
How many courts are in Prythian?
There are seven main courts in Prythian: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Day, Night, and Dawn.
What are the seasonal courts in ACOTAR?
The seasonal courts are:
- Spring Court
- Summer Court
- Autumn Court
- Winter Court
What are the solar courts in ACOTAR?
The solar courts are:
- Day Court
- Night Court
- Dawn Court
What is the Court of Nightmares?
The Court of Nightmares is another name for the Hewn City, a dark and brutal part of the Night Court. It’s one reason the Night Court has such a complicated reputation as a ruthless realm.
Where is Velaris?
Velaris is a city within the Night Court, often called the City of Starlight. It’s known for being beautiful, artistic, and (in the story) protected.
What are the Mortal Lands?
The Mortal Lands are the human realm, separate from Prythian. Early in the series, the divide between humans and fae is a huge part of the worldbuilding.
Is Hybern part of Prythian?
No. Hybern is a separate kingdom across the sea. It becomes a major threat in the series.
Who is the most powerful high lord?
Rhysand is generally considered the most powerful High Lord in A Court of Thorns and Roses.
A couple of quick caveats (without getting spoilery):
- The books repeatedly frame him as exceptionally powerful compared to the others.
- “Powerful” can mean different things (raw magic, political influence, armies, allies), and some High Lords are stronger in specific areas—but in terms of sheer magical power, Rhys is the one most readers (and the text) point to.
What is Amarantha’s rule?
Amarantha’s rule is basically the period when she took control of Prythian and kept the High Lords (and their courts) under her thumb through fear, curses, and brutal punishment with her small army.
In practical terms, her rule meant:
- The High Lords were trapped “Under the Mountain” and forced to play along with her power games.
- Prythian’s courts were left leaderless or weakened, with everyone terrified of drawing her attention.
- She enforced obedience through violence (public punishments, executions, and making examples of anyone who resisted).
- She used magic and bargains to control people, not just armies, so it wasn’t a normal “war” you could simply fight your way out of.
That’s also why the start of the series has that heavy cost, tense feeling in the background: even in Spring Court, you can feel everyone living with the consequences of what she’s done.
Final thoughts: why the courts matter
The courts aren’t just pretty backdrops. They shape politics, alliances, and the way characters see themselves.
And honestly, they’re part of what makes ACOTAR so addictive. You’re not just reading a romance or a fantasy. You’re stepping into a whole world of a court of thorns with its own rules.
What’s next? Future ACOTAR Book 6 + Book 7 (finally!)
Okay, so we finally have something real to get excited about: the covers and official blurbs for ACOTAR book 6 and book 7 have been released, and I’m honestly soooooo excited. It genuinely feels like we’ve been waiting forever.
ACOTAR Book 6: A Court of Splintered Harmony (published 27th Oct 2026)
Book 6 is giving romance, danger, and intrigue, with the big theme being “what was broken will be remade.”
The blurb hints that Koschei the Deathless is stirring deep in the heart of the continent. Even though he’s been bound to a mountain lake for millennia, the threat of his return is spreading across the Fae territories, pulling in powerful allies who want to reclaim the human lands.
Meanwhile, Prythian is still trying to piece itself back together after the Hybern War, and the Night Court are dealing with betrayals and revealed truths that have left some pretty painful rifts. Basically: if they’re going to stop what’s coming, they’ll need to find their way back to each other and rebuild those alliances.
ACOTAR Book 7: A Court of Forgotten Melody (published 12th Jan 2027)
Book 7 feels like the stakes are going to be even higher. The theme here is “what was lost will be reclaimed,” and the blurb leans into the idea that traditional alliances are crumbling, and no amount of diplomacy seems to be fixing it.
Koschei is still looming on the horizon, and a united front is crucial… but it’s also farther out of reach than ever. We also get this deliciously ominous promise that bonds will be tested, power will shift, and old enemies will emerge from nightmares of the past.
And the detail that really made me sit up: the Night Court’s Inner Circle disperses far and wide, looking for any advantage against Koschei and his allies. So I’m expecting a lot of movement, a lot of tension, and (hopefully) a lot of answers.
My quick thoughts (because I can’t not)
I’ll be honest, I’m not totally impressed with the titles. They feel like they’re missing something.
But I think the biggest question is the one I keep coming back to: who’s the couple? ACOTAR is romance-driven, and without a clear romantic lead in the blurb, it makes me think we’re being kept in the dark on purpose.
Also… I’m crossing everything for Bryce from Crescent City to make an appearance, and I really want to finally find out more about Mor.
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