Robert Strong
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 Ser Robert Strong, art by Robert O'Leary ©. | ||||
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| Title | Ser | |||
| Allegiance | Kingsguard | |||
| Born | Westeros[2] | |||
| Book | A Dance with Dragons (appears) | |||
Robert Strong is a knight acquainted to Qyburn. A giant of a man, eight feet tall, he has been appointed to the Kingsguard[3] and will fight for Cersei Lannister in her trial by combat.[1]
Contents
Appearance and Character
Robert is eight feet tall, with legs as thick as trees, a chest worthy of a plow horse, and shoulders that would not disgrace an ox. His armor is steel plate enameled white, over gilded mail. A greathelm hides his face, with seven silken plumes in the rainbow colors of the Faith streaming from the crest. A pair of golden seven-pointed stars clasp his white cloak to his shoulders.[3]
Ser Robert never shows his face, hiding it constantly under his greathelm. He apparently has no physiological necessities, consuming neither food nor drink nor needing to excrete.[1] According to Qyburn, Ser Robert has made a vow of silence, supposedly one of not speaking until "all of [King Tommen's] enemies are dead and evil has been driven from the realm".[3]
Recent Events
A Feast for Crows
Ser Gregor Clegane dies of a poisoned wound, screaming in the black cells of the Red Keep, under the care of the former maester, Qyburn,[4] who had been expelled from the Citadel for unethical experiments and studying necromancy.[5] Qyburn sends the Mountain's skull to Dorne, as ordered.[4]
After Ser Loras Tyrell leaves for the siege of Dragonstone, Qyburn suggests to Queen Regent Cersei Lannister that the Kingsguard may need a replacement in case Loras dies, and mentions a "champion" who "no living man will be able to withstand". Qyburn orders a massive suit of armor for his proposed champion, though it is supposedly too large and heavy to be worn by any man.[6]
After Cersei is arrested by the Faith of the Seven for adultery and other crimes, Qyburn tells her that his champion is ready, to defend Cersei and prove her innocence in battle. However, Cersei informs Qyburn that as a queen, she can only be represented in a trial by combat by a knight of the Kingsguard, and there are no open positions available.[7]
A Dance with Dragons
Cersei learns that Ser Arys Oakheart of the Kingsguard has died in Dorne. She tells her uncle, Ser Kevan Lannister, Lord Regent, to bring Qyburn a white cloak and have her son, King Tommen Baratheon, appoint the man Qyburn presents to the Kingsguard.[8]
When Queen Cersei arrives at the Red Keep after walking naked from the Great Sept of Baelor, Ser Robert Strong lifts her up and carries her into the castle. Qyburn introduces Robert to Cersei as her and her son's champion, which pleases her greatly.[3]
Later, at a meeting of the small council, Kevan announces that Cersei will be championed by Ser Robert Strong in her trial. Lord Randyll Tarly grimaces at the idea, and Lord Mace Tyrell demands to know who Ser Robert is and where he came from. Kevan remembers that Ser Meryn Trant claimed that Robert took neither food nor water, and Ser Boros Blount said he had never even seen him use the privy. Kevan has inexplicit suspicions about the identity of the man, suspicions he believes are shared by Mace and Randyll. However, Kevan makes clear to the small council that it is in everyone's best interests that Ser Robert's identity not be questioned and that he must prevail in Cersei's trial. If Ser Robert fails and Cersei is found guilty, Tommen's legitimacy as king and, thus, Margaery Tyrell's status as queen, would be thrown into question, hurting both House Lannister and House Tyrell.[1]
Quotes about Robert
What he lacks in gallantry he will give you tenfold in devotion. He will protect your son, kill your enemies, and keep your secrets, and no living man will be able to withstand him.[6]
—Qyburn, to Cersei Lannister
Cersei: When the hour is ripe, you may produce this paragon of yours and we will see if he is all that you have promised.
Qyburn: They will sing of him, I swear it.[6]—Cersei Lannister and Qyburn
A white cloak. Ser Kevan had kept his part of the bargain. Tommen, her precious little boy, had named her champion to the Kingsguard.[3]
—thoughts of Cersei Lannister
If it please Your Grace, Ser Robert has taken a holy vow of silence. He has sworn that he will not speak until all of His Grace's enemies are dead and evil has been driven from the realm.[3]
—Qyburn, to Cersei Lannister
Yes, thought Cersei Lannister. Oh, yes.[3]
We do not even know if he's alive.[1]
—thoughts of Kevan Lannister
Kevan Lannister had a strong suspicion of just who this Ser Robert really was beneath that gleaming white armor. A suspicion that Mace Tyrell and Randyll Tarly no doubt shared. Whatever the face hidden behind Strong's helm, it must remain hidden for now. The silent giant was his niece's only hope. And pray that he is as formidable as he appears.[1]
Theories
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 A Dance with Dragons, Epilogue.
- ↑ George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Robert Strong.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 65, Cersei II.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 17, Cersei IV.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 7, Cersei II.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 32, Cersei VII.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 43, Cersei X.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 54, Cersei I.
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