Alchemy
Alchemy is a diverse range of practices involving the transmuting of substances or materials with magical powers.
Contents
Disciplines
The Alchemists' Guild of King's Landing in Westeros claim that in the past they were able to transmute metals, along with other powers. In recent centuries their power has waned, and they focus on creating the incendiary substance known as wildfire, which burns much hotter than pitch and cannot be extinguished by water. These pyromancers claim that wildfire's power is magical in nature, though the exact ingredients are a closely guarded secret.[1]
The alchemists of Lys are experts are creating poisons, such as the strangler.[2]
Alchemists, including practitioners of black alchemy, reside in Asshai.[3]
History
During the Age of Heroes, Prince Peremore the Twisted, the second son of King Uthor of the High Tower, invited numerous scholars, including wise men, teachers, priests, healers, singers, wizards, sorcerers, and alchemists to Oldtown. After Peremore's death, his brother, King Urrigon Hightower, granted land alongside the Honeywine to "Peremore's pets", who developed the tract into the Citadel of the maesters.[4]
King Aenys I Targaryen dabbled in alchemy, astronomy, and astrology.[5]
Archmaester Vaegon, born to House Targaryen, was devoted to alchemy, astronomy, mathematics, and other arcane arts.[6]
King Aerys II Targaryen included the Alchemists' Guild of King's Landing in his wildfire plot.[7]
Recent Events
A Clash of Kings
The Alchemists' Guild is commissioned to provide ten thousand jars of wildfire for the defense of King's Landing during the War of the Five Kings.[8]
A Feast for Crows
In Oldtown, the novice Pate meets an alchemist who claims to be able to change iron into gold.[9]
A Dance with Dragons
Melisandre considers alchemists and pyromancers to be practitioners of feeble tricks.[10]
Quotes
References
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 20, Tyrion V.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Bones and Beyond: Asshai-by-the-Shadow.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Oldtown.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon: A Question of Succession.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 37, Jaime V.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 3, Tyrion I.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 A Feast for Crows, Prologue.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 31, Melisandre I.