Benifer

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Grand Maester.svg Grand Maester
Benifer
Grand Maester.svg
Aerea death.jpg
Grand Maester Benifer witnesses the death of Aerea Targaryen. depicted by Douglas Wheatley in Fire & Blood

Title Grand Maester
Allegiances
Died In 59 AC[1]King's Landing[1]
Books

Benifer was a maester of the Citadel who served as Grand Maester during the reigns of kings Maegor I Targaryen and Jaehaerys I Targaryen.[2]

History

Benifer became Grand Maester after the execution of Grand Maester Desmond.[1]

When Maegor decided to take another wife, Benifer suggested a match with Lady Clarisse Dayne of Starfall in the hopes of detaching her lands and house from Dorne.[2]

In 48 AC when the realm had enough of Maegor's tyranny and were flocking to join their support to the claim put forth by Prince Jaehaerys, Maegor ordered Grand Maester Benifer to send forth his ravens summoning all Maegor's leal lords and bannermen to gather at King's Landing. Benifer instead abandoned Maegor and secretly fled on a ship to Pentos. Benifer was the only Grand Maester to have survived Maegor's reign as Maegor had beheaded the previous three.[2]

Upon Maegor's death, the new young king Jaehaerys I Targaryen sent an invitation to Benifer asking him to return to King's Landing. Although Benifer was fearful he might be executed for treason, he returned and was reinstated to his office by Jaehaerys.[3]

When Balerion returned to King's Landing in 56 AC with the afflicted Princess Aerea barely clinging to him. The princess was carried to Benifer by Ser Lucamore Strong of the Kingsguard. Septon Barth aided Benifer in attempting to heal the girl, but their efforts failed and the princess perished, both men were traumatized by the girl's death.[4]

Benifer was one of the victims of the Shivers when that disease came to King's Landing in 59 AC. He died after serving as Grand Maester for a total of fifteen years under two different kings.[1] Elysar, who was twenty years younger than him, succeeded him as Grand Maester.[1]

Quotes

Every man and maid and child in the stormlands is my hostage, whilst I ride him, His Grace said without saying, and Lord Rogar heard him plain.[5]

—Benifer writing about Jaehaerys I Targaryen and Rogar Baratheon

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Fire & Blood, The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
  3. Fire & Blood, Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I.
  4. Fire & Blood, Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies.
  5. Fire & Blood, A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade.
Preceded by 6th Grand Maester
4459 AC
Served under: Maegor I Targaryen
Jaehaerys I Targaryen
Succeeded by