Warden of the East

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Warden of the East
Lord Jon Arryn by Allen Douglas © Fantasy Flight Game
Lord Jon Arryn by Allen Douglas © Fantasy Flight Games
Office Supreme general in eastern Westeros
Region Seven Kingdoms
Current Holder Robert Arryn
First Holder Ronnel Arryn
Creator Aegon I Targaryen
Created Aegon's Conquest

Warden of the East is a warden title traditionally held by House Arryn, the Lords of the Eyrie and rulers of the Vale of Arryn, on behalf of the Iron Throne.[1][2] The warden has been responsible for the defense of the eastern coasts of the Seven Kingdoms since Aegon's Conquest.[3]

Responsibilities

The Warden of the East is tasked with defending the eastern regions of the Seven Kingdoms from invaders,[4] such as enemies from beyond the narrow sea.[3]

History

Ronnel Arryn was the last King of Mountain and Vale, reigning until Aegon's Conquest. Since King Ronnel was only a boy, rule of the Vale of Arryn fell to his mother, Sharra Arryn. As other regions of Westeros fell to Aegon, the Queen Regent amassed the Vale's army at the Bloody Gate. However, King Aegon I Targaryen sent his sister-wife, Queen Visenya Targaryen, to the Eyrie directly, riding her dragon, Vhagar. When Sharra returned to the Eyrie, she found her son sitting on Visenya's lap, asking if he could ride the dragon with Visenya. Sharra quickly bent the knee, submitting to Targaryen rule. The Arryns were declared Wardens of the East and Defenders of the Vale, and Lord Ronnel received his ride on Vhagar.[5][6][7]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Lord Robert Arryn by Amok ©

After the death of Lord Jon Arryn, King Robert I Baratheon names Ser Jaime Lannister to the office of Warden of the East. Overtly this is because Jon's son, Lord Robert Arryn, is still a child, and Robert is concerned about the threat of Viserys Targaryen's alliance with Drogo, a khal of the Dothraki, but it is also a sign of House Lannister's influence on the king.[8]

The appointment of Jaime angers the widowed Lady Lysa Arryn and the lords of the Vale, who begin calling Robert Arryn the "True Warden of the East".[2]

A Clash of Kings

Lady Lysa and the Vale have remained neutral in the War of the Five Kings. Tyrion Lannister, acting Hand of the King for Joffrey I Baratheon, considers restoring the title of Warden of the East to Robert Arryn to make peace with Lysa, and to obtain the allegiance of the Vale lords.[9]

A Storm of Swords

Petyr Baelish's new status as the Lord of Harrenhal gives him the necessary standing to be considered by Lord Tywin Lannister, Hand of the King, for a marriage to Lysa Arryn, with the intent of delivering the Vale of Arryn to the Iron Throne without violence. Petyr is sent to the Eyrie to woo Lysa, with the promise that if she takes him as a husband and returns to the king's peace, Tywin will restore the title of Warden of the East to Robert Arryn.[10]

The title is restored to Robert Arryn.[11]

Known Wardens of the East

Quotes

Eddard: The Arryns have always been Wardens of the East. The title goes with the domain.

Robert: Perhaps when he comes of age, the honor can be restored to him. I have this year to think of, and next. A six-year-old boy is no war leader, Ned.

Eddard: In peace, the title is only an honor.[1]

Lord Jon was much loved, and the insult was keenly felt when the king named Jaime Lannister to an office the Arryns had held for near three hundred years. Lysa has commanded us to call her son the True Warden of the East, but no one is fooled.[2]

References