Warden of the North

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Warden of the North
Warden of the North by David Griffith © Fantasy Flight Games
Warden of the North by David Griffith © Fantasy Flight Games
Office Supreme general in northern Westeros
Region Seven Kingdoms
Current Holder Roose Bolton
First Holder Torrhen Stark
Creator Aegon I Targaryen
Created Aegon's Conquest

Warden of the North is a warden title traditionally held by House Stark, the Lords of Winterfell and rulers of the north, on behalf of the Iron Throne.[1] The warden has been responsible for the defense of the Seven Kingdoms' northern lands since Aegon's Conquest.[2]

Responsibilities

Torrhen Stark, the King Who Knelt, and Aegon the Conqueror, by Chase Stone ©

The Warden of the North is tasked with defending the northern regions of the Seven Kingdoms from invaders,[3] such as free folk who live beyond the Wall and attack the north.[4][5] The territory has also historically been threatened by sea raiders and slavers along the Shivering Sea[6][7] and by ironborn along the Sunset Sea.[8][9]

History

Torrhen Stark, the King Who Knelt, submitted to Aegon I Targaryen during the Conquest. Torrhen surrendered the crown of the Kings of Winter and rose as the first Warden of the North.[2] Aegon later commanded Torrhen to suppress the Sistermen's Rebellion.[10]

Lord Willam Stark marched against Raymun Redbeard, the King-Beyond-the-Wall, after his wildling host climbed the Wall.[5]

Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of the North, and Lord Tywin Lannister, Warden of the West, supported King Robert I Baratheon during Greyjoy's Rebellion.[11]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

After the execution of Lord Eddard Stark,[12] the north rises in rebellion and declares independence from the Iron Throne,[13] with the title of Warden of the North remaining vacant.

A Storm of Swords

The title remains vacant until after the Red Wedding. For his involvement in the betrayal of Robb Stark, the King in the North, Lord Roose Bolton is appointed the new Warden of the North for King Tommen I Baratheon.[14]

Stannis Baratheon is willing to legitimize Eddard's bastard, Jon Snow, and name him Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, but Jon chooses to remain the new Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.[15][16]

Known Wardens of the North

Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of the North, by Sergey Glushakov © Fantasy Flight Games

Quotes

Robb would someday inherit Winterfell, would command great armies as the Warden of the North.[17]

—thoughts of Jon Snow

Roose Bolton is our Warden of the North. He will deal with Stannis.[18]

Roose: I shall inform the lords that we march in three days and invite them to accompany us.

Ramsay: You are the Warden of the North. Command them.

Roose: An invitation will accomplish the same thing. Power tastes best when sweetened by courtesy.[19]

References

  1. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 1, Bran I.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Fire & Blood, Aegon's Conquest.
  3. So Spake Martin: Social Structure, Moat Cailin, and More, June 10, 2002
  4. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 2, Catelyn I.
  5. 5.0 5.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 7, Jon II.
  6. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 66, Bran VII.
  7. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 29, Davos IV.
  8. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 42, The King's Prize.
  9. The World of Ice & Fire, The North: The Mountain Clans.
  10. Fire & Blood, The Reign of the Dragon - The Wars of King Aegon I.
  11. The World of Ice & Fire, The Iron Islands: The Old Way and the New.
  12. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 65, Arya V.
  13. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 71, Catelyn XI.
  14. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 72, Jaime IX.
  15. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 3, Jon I.
  16. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 17, Jon IV.
  17. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 5, Jon I.
  18. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 16, Jaime II.
  19. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 32, Reek III.