Aurochs

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An aurochs, by Kevin Catalan

Aurochs is a type of large wild cattle. They have shaggy hair.[1][2]

Culture

Aurochs once dwelled in the majority of Westeros. Because of hunting and domestication, however, they have dwindled in the wild and are not often seen.[3][4]

One place reportedly still inhabited by wild aurochs is near the juncture of the kingsroad and the Green Fork of the Trident in the riverlands.[4] They still dwell beyond the Wall, where the free folk employ them to drag sledges.[5]

Aurochs are frequently used as a symbol of size, strength, stubbornness, and stupidity.[6]

History

An aurochs is said to have been used as a mount by the mythical Clarence Crabb, as horses could not bear his weight.[7]

Aurochs were seen in Wat's Wood before Aegon's Conquest.[3]

Lord Theomore Manderly served an aurochs when Queen Alysanne Targaryen visited White Harbor in 58 AC.[8]

After Daeron the Daring helped turn the tide of the Battle of the Honeywine in favor of the greens, Lord Ormund Hightower is recorded to have feasted the prince on aurochs and strongwine.[9]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Grenn, a member of the Night's Watch, is given the nickname "Aurochs" by Ser Alliser Thorne.[6]

Samwell Tarly recounts how two warlocks from Qarth slaughtered a bull aurochs and made him bathe in the animal's hot blood in an attempt to make him brave.[10]

Six aurochs are roasted whole for a feast during the Hand's tourney.[11]

A Clash of Kings

During the harvest feast at Winterfell, one of the dishes is joints of aurochs roasted with leeks. Bran Stark has a slice of it served to Meera and Jojen Reed.[12]

Aurochs bones are part of the armor worn by Rattleshirt and his mount.[12]

A Storm of Swords

Aurochs are employed in the rearguard of Mance Rayder's host of free folk.[13]

The Winds of Winter

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Warning
This information has thus far been released in a sample chapter for The Winds of Winter, and might therefore not be in finalized form. Keep in mind that the content as described below is still subject to change.

During the feast prior to the tourney for a place among the Brotherhood of Winged Knights, three huge aurochs are roasted whole.[14]

Quotes

Samwell: You never liked Ser Alliser to call you Aurochs.
Grenn: He was saying I was big and stupid. If Pyp wanted to call me Aurochs, though, he could. Or you, or Jon. An aurochs is a fierce strong beast, so that's not so bad, and I am big, and getting bigger. Wouldn't you rather be Sam the Slayer than Ser Piggy?[15]

External links

  • Aurochs - Wikipedia article on the real-world extinct animal

References

  1. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 69, Jon IX.
  2. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 5, Samwell I.
  3. 3.0 3.1 The Sworn Sword.
  4. 4.0 4.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 15, Sansa I.
  5. A Storm of Swords, Prologue.
  6. 6.0 6.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 19, Jon III.
  7. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 14, Brienne III.
  8. Fire & Blood, Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies.
  9. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold.
  10. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 26, Jon IV.
  11. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 29, Sansa II.
  12. 12.0 12.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 21, Bran III.
  13. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 15, Jon II.
  14. The Winds of Winter, Alayne I
  15. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 33, Samwell II.