Brandon Stark
Brandon Stark | |
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250px Brandon Stark - by acazigot © | |
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Alias | The Wild Wolf |
Allegiance | House Stark |
Culture | Northmen |
Born |
261 AC Winterfell |
Died |
282 AC King's Landing |
Books |
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Brandon Stark, older brother to Eddard Stark, Lyanna Stark and Benjen Stark, was the original heir to Winterfell prior to Robert's Rebellion.
Contents
Appearance and Character
Brandon was in appearance and character very different from Eddard.[1] He was rather hot-blooded, something his younger brother described as coming from the wolfblood. He shared this trait with his sister. Eddard believes this led them both to an early death.[2] Brandon was tall and handsome, and was an excellent swordsman and jouster.
History
Brandon was fostered at Barrowton with Lord Dustin, father of Willam Dustin, but he spent most his time riding in the Rills. Brandon and his sister Lyanna both loved to ride; Lady Dustin compares them to "a couple of centaurs". Brandon also enjoyed practicing sword-play, and loved his sword. In his youth, he took the maidenhead of Barbrey Ryswell, who was infatuated with him. When he was fifteen, he was promised to Catelyn Tully of Riverrun, who was twelve at the time. Barbrey claims that Brandon never wanted to marry Catelyn and that the match was made at the behest of Lord Rickard.[3]
When their betrothal was announced four years later, Petyr Baelish, a ward of Catelyn's father, challenged Brandon to a duel for her hand. They fought in the lower bailey at Riverrun. Brandon easily won their duel, but did not kill Petyr, in concession to Catelyn's pleas.[4][5]
At the Tourney at Harrenhal, Brandon was unhorsed by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen.[6] It was implied that in the tournament of Harrenhal, he asked Ashara Dayne to dance with his younger brother Eddard (who was too shy to ask her himself). It is also implied (but not confirmed) that Brandon later bedded Ashara Dayne and got her with child.[7][8]
Brandon was on his way to Riverrun to wed Catelyn when word reached him of his sister Lyanna's supposed abduction by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. Brandon, along with his squire Ethan Glover, Kyle Royce, Elbert Arryn, and Jeffory Mallister, rode to King's Landing immediately, while Hoster Tully became incensed, thinking it a rash action. Upon entering the Red Keep, Brandon shouted for Rhaegar to "come out and die". Rhaegar was not there to answer the challenge; they were arrested by King Aerys and charged with plotting Rhaegar's murder. Their fathers were called to court to answer the charges. Brandon was forced to watch as his father was cooked alive in his own armor. He was bound with a leather cord around his neck and a longsword just out of reach, and he strangled himself trying to get to the sword to save his father. He was twenty years old at the time.[9][10]
Quotes
A bloody sword is a beautiful thing.[3]
Quotes about Brandon
Brandon. Yes. Brandon would know what to do. He always did. It was all meant for Brandon. You, Winterfell, everything. He was born to be a King's Hand and father to queens. I never asked for this cup to pass to me.[11]
– Ned Stark to Catelyn Stark
The gallant fool.[10]
– Hoster Tully, upon learning of Brandon's plans to ride south
Brandon was different from his brother, wasn't he? He had blood in his veins instead of cold water. More like me.[10]
– Jaime Lannister to Catelyn Tully
Brandon was never shy about taking what he wanted.[3]
Family
References and Notes
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 45, Catelyn V.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 22, Arya II.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 41, The Turncloak.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 18, Catelyn IV.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 40, Catelyn VII.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 58, Eddard XV.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 24, Bran II.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 67, The Kingbreaker.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 4, Eddard I.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 55, Catelyn VII.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 6, Catelyn II.