Board Thread:Questions and Answers/@comment-97.76.56.166-20160516201428/@comment-97.76.56.166-20160517173342

I had considered the possibility that the planet had previously been tilted, resulting in seasons and thus 'organized' years. However, any non-magical change to a non-tilted planet would have been much more destructive than a few volcanoes. And that would be a LOT of magic.

Yes, of course maesters and navigators would have to know about years, but without seasons the concept seems arcane, not an expected part of everyday life.

I had considered two other explanations, but I'm not really happy with any of them:

1. The people originated on another planet, possibly earth, & were transported there by sci-fi (ship) or fantasy (spell) means. Thus the year was retained in the culture;

2. It would not be an important measure, but other ways for Martin to convey time and age were too cumbersome.

Anyone have a better idea?