Difference between revisions of "Casterly Rock"

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{{Infobox Settlement
 
{{Infobox Settlement
 
| name = Casterly Rock
 
| name = Casterly Rock
| image = [[File:Casterly rock by feliche.jpg|400px]]
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| image = [[File:Ted Nasmith A Song of Ice and Fire Casterly Rock.jpeg|350px]]
| image_caption = Casterly Rock overlooking [[Lannisport]] by [http://feliche.deviantart.com/ Feliche.
+
| image_caption = Casterly Rock by [http://www.tednasmith.com/ Ted Nasmith] ©
 
| settlement_type= Castle, regional capital
 
| settlement_type= Castle, regional capital
| location = [[Westerlands]], [[Westeros]]
+
| location = [[Westerlands]]
 
| seat = [[House Lannister]]
 
| seat = [[House Lannister]]
 
| seat_type = [[Feudalism|Feudal lord]]
 
| seat_type = [[Feudalism|Feudal lord]]
Line 33: Line 33:
  
 
==Layout==
 
==Layout==
 +
[[File:Casterly rock by feliche.jpg|400px|thumb|Casterly Rock overlooking [[Lannisport]] by [http://feliche.deviantart.com/ Feliche] ©]]
 
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Casterly Rock|Images of Casterly Rock]]''
 
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Casterly Rock|Images of Casterly Rock]]''
 
Casterly Rock is carved out of a great stone hill colossal rock beside the [[Sunset Sea]]. It is popularly believed to resemble a lion in repose at sunset.{{ref|TWOIAF| Casterly Rock}}
 
Casterly Rock is carved out of a great stone hill colossal rock beside the [[Sunset Sea]]. It is popularly believed to resemble a lion in repose at sunset.{{ref|TWOIAF| Casterly Rock}}
  
The [[House Casterly|Casterlys]] of antiquity built a ringfort on the peak, and as millenia have passed its natural defenses have been expanded with walls, gates, and watchtowers.{{ref|TWOIAF| Casterly Rock}} The base of the Rock contains large sea-carved caverns. The stone has been mined for thousands of years, so there are hundreds of mineshafts in the depths of the Rock, as well as yet untouched gold veins.{{ref|AWOIAF| Casterly Rock}} The Rock itself has been measured at three times the height of the [[Wall]] or the [[Hightower]] of [[Oldtown]].{{ref|TWOIAF| Casterly Rock}}
+
The [[House Casterly|Casterlys]] of antiquity built a ringfort on the peak, and as millenia have passed its natural defenses have been expanded with walls, gates, and watchtowers.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands: Casterly Rock}} The base of the Rock contains large sea-carved caverns. The stone has been mined for thousands of years, so there are hundreds of mineshafts in the depths of the Rock, as well as yet untouched gold veins.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands: Casterly Rock}}
  
The Rock is almost two leagues long from west to east, and contains tunnels, dungeons, storerooms, barracks, halls, stables, stairways, courtyards, balconies, and gardens. Its port has docks, wharves, and shipyards and is accessible by longships and cogs.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Westerlands}} From below the Rock thunder can be heard, where the sea comes in.{{Ref|aSoS|60}} In the bowels of the Rock are rooms where caged lions were once kept,{{Ref|ADWD|65}} and cells for the worst prisoners.{{Ref|ADWD|66}}  
+
The Rock has been measured at three times the height of the [[Wall]] or the [[Hightower]] of [[Oldtown]]. It is almost two leagues long from west to east, and contains tunnels, dungeons, storerooms, barracks, halls, stables, stairways, courtyards, balconies, and gardens.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands: Casterly Rock}} In the bowels of the Rock are rooms where caged lions were once kept,{{Ref|ADWD|65}} and cells for the worst prisoners.{{Ref|ADWD|66}} The castle contains a [[sept]].{{ref|ASOS|31}}
  
*The '''Golden Gallery''' contains treasures of the Lannisters, including gilded ornaments and walls.{{ref|TWOIAF| Casterly Rock}}
+
The Lion's Mouth, the main entry to Casterly Rock, is an enormous natural cavern reaching two hundred feet high. Its steps are now wide enough for twenty riders. Its port has docks, wharves, and shipyards and is accessible by longships and cogs.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands: Casterly Rock}} From below the Rock thunder can be heard, where the sea comes in.{{Ref|aSoS|60}}
*The '''Hall of Heroes''' is where the Lannisters and their close kin who have died valiantly are interred.{{ref|AFFC|33}} The armor of Lannisters of old are also displayed in the hall.{{ref|TWOIAF| Casterly Rock}}
+
 
*The '''Lion's Mouth''', the main entry to Casterly Rock, is an enormous natural cavern reaching two hundred feet high. Its steps are now wide enough for twenty riders.{{ref|TWOIAF| Casterly Rock}}
+
The Golden Gallery contains treasures of the Lannisters, including gilded ornaments and walls.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands: Casterly Rock}} The Hall of Heroes is where the Lannisters and their close kin who have died valiantly are interred.{{ref|AFFC|33}} The armor of Lannisters of old are also displayed in the hall.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands: Casterly Rock}} The Stone Garden is a [[godswood]] with a twisted [[weirwood]] a tenth the size of [[Raventree Hall]]'s.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands: Casterly Rock}}{{Ref|aFfC|28}}{{ref|ADWD|48}}
*The '''Stone Garden''' is a [[godswood]] with a twisted [[weirwood]] a tenth the size of [[Raventree Hall]]'s.{{Ref|aFfC|28}}{{ref|ADWD|48}}{{ref|TWOIAF| Casterly Rock}}
 
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 +
===House Casterly===
 
[[File:Hall of Heroes.jpg|350px|thumb|The Hall of Heroes. - Illustrated by Thomas Denmark. © Fantasy Flight Games.]]
 
[[File:Hall of Heroes.jpg|350px|thumb|The Hall of Heroes. - Illustrated by Thomas Denmark. © Fantasy Flight Games.]]
  
The region was probably inhabited by [[children of the forest]] and [[giants]] before the arrival of the [[First Men]], and numerous animals have made it their home as well.{{ref|TWOIAF| Casterly Rock}}
+
The region was probably inhabited by [[children of the forest]] and [[giants]] before the arrival of the [[First Men]], and numerous animals have made it their home as well.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands: Casterly Rock}}
 +
 
 +
Legend says that Casterly Rock is named for the family that ruled it in the [[Age of Heroes]], the [[House Casterly|Casterlys]], who no longer exist. The [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] trace their rule over it back to [[Lann the Clever]], who tricked the Casterlys out of their castle and claimed it for his own.{{Ref|aGoT|27}} Some claim that Lann still haunts the fortress,{{ref|ADWD|8}} which has never fallen.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands: Casterly Rock}}
 +
 
 +
===Kings of the Rock===
 +
The [[Kings of the Rock]] from House Lannister took their title from their seat, and members of the family founded nearby [[Lannisport]]. During the [[Andal invasion]], the Lannisters eventually invited [[Andals]] into their realm and brought Andal youths to serve at Casterly Rock as wards and potential hostages.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands}} According to a lost scroll, [[Valyria]]n sorcerers believed their downfall would come from the Rock's gold.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands}}
 +
 
 +
Impressed by earlier visits to Casterly Rock and the [[Hightower]], [[Roland I Arryn]] ordered the construction of the [[Eyrie]] as a replacement for the [[Gates of the Moon]] as the seat of [[House Arryn]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Vale: The Eyrie}}
 +
 
 +
King [[Gerold Lannister (king)|Gerold Lannister]] raided the [[Iron Islands]] and held one hundred captives in the Rock. Gerold the Great then hanged a captive whenever the [[ironborn]] threatened his lands.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Iron Islands: Driftwood Crowns}} Before becoming [[King of the Iron Islands]], [[Harmund II Hoare]] spent his youth at Casterly Rock as a ward.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Iron Islands: The Black Blood}}
 +
 
 +
During [[Aegon's Conquest]], King [[Loren I Lannister|Loren I]] formed an alliance at Casterly Rock with [[Mern IX Gardener]], [[King of the Reach]], against [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]]. [[House Targaryen]] defeated the Lannisters and Gardeners at the [[Field of Fire]], however. After the battle, Loren the Last surrendered his crown to Aegon and was confirmed as Lord of Casterly Rock and [[Warden of the West]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} [[Visenya Targaryen]] is said to have been grateful that Loren rode to war instead of seeking refuge in his castle, as the Rock may have withstood even [[dragonflame]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands: Casterly Rock}}
 +
 
 +
===Iron Throne===
 +
The young Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] was once courted during a feast at Casterly Rock by the twins [[Jason Lannister]] and [[Tyland Lannister]].{{ref|TRP}} At the start of the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Tyland sent a quarter of the royal treasury to the Rock.{{ref|TPATQ}} The castle was left in disarray after the death of Lord Jason in the [[Battle of the Red Fork]] and the Lannister defeat in the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]].{{ref|TPATQ}} Although [[Dalton Greyjoy]], [[Lord of the Iron Islands]], was able to sack Lannisport, Casterly Rock was too strong for the [[ironborn]] once Lady [[Johanna Lannister]] barred its gates.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Red Kraken}}
 +
 
 +
Lady [[Ellyn Reyne]], the wife of Ser [[Tion Lannister]], held a splendid court at the Rock as Lord [[Gerold Lannister]] declined in health.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands: House Lannister Under the Dragons}} After the weak rule of Lord [[Tytos Lannister]], his son [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin]] restored the power of Casterly Rock.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands: House Lannister Under the Dragons}}
  
Legend says that Casterly Rock is named for the family that ruled it in the [[Age of Heroes]], the [[House Casterly|Casterlys]], who no longer exist. The [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] trace their rule over it back to [[Lann the Clever]], who tricked the Casterlys out of their castle and claimed it for his own.{{Ref|aGoT|27}} Some claim that Lann still haunts the fortress,{{ref|ADWD|8}} which has never fallen.{{ref|TWOIAF| Casterly Rock}}
+
For much of {{date|267}}, King [[Aerys II Targaryen]] resided at Casterly Rock with Lord Tywin, his [[Hand of the King]]. Tywin repaid the late [[Jaehaerys II Targaryen]]'s debts to [[Braavos]] with gold from the Rock.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}}
  
The [[Kings of the Rock]] from House Lannister took their title from their seat, and members of the family founded nearby [[Lannisport]]. During the [[Andal invasion]], the Lannisters eventually invited [[Andals]] into their realm and brought Andal youths to serve at Casterly Rock.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands}} According to a lost scroll, [[Valyria]]n sorcerers believed their downfall would come from the Rock's gold.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands}}
+
Shortly after the birth of [[Tyrion Lannister]], the young [[Elia Martell|Elia]] and [[Oberyn Martell]] accompanied their mother, the [[Princess of Dorne]], to Casterly Rock when she met with Lord Tywin.{{ref|ASOS|38}}
  
The young Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] was once courted during a feast at Casterly Rock by the twins [[Jason Lannister]] and [[Tyland Lannister]].{{ref|TRP}} During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Casterly Rock was left in disarray after the death of Lord Jason in the [[Battle of the Red Fork]] and the Lannister defeat in the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]].{{ref|TPATQ}} Although [[Dalton Greyjoy]] was able to sack Lannisport, Casterly Rock was too strong for the [[ironborn]] once Lady [[Johanna Lannister]] barred its gates.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Red Kraken}}
+
[[Aeron Greyjoy]] was captured after the [[sea battle off Fair Isle]], taken to Lannisport in chains, and spent the rest of [[Greyjoy's Rebellion]] imprisoned in Casterly Rock.{{ref|AFFC|1}}
  
[[Aeron Greyjoy]] was captured after the [[sea battle off Fair Isle]], taken to [[Lannisport]] in chains, and spent the rest of [[Greyjoy's Rebellion]] imprisoned in Casterly Rock.{{ref|AFFC|1}}
+
When [[Tyrion Lannister]] became a man at sixteen, he was forbidden by Tywin from taking a tour of the [[Free Cities]] as his uncles [[Gerion Lannister|Gerion]] and [[Tygett Lannister|Tygett]] had done. Instead Tywin gave his son charge of the cisterns and drains at Casterly Rock.{{ref|ADWD|8}}
  
When [[Tyrion Lannister]] became a man at sixteen, he was forbidden from taking a tour of the [[Free Cities]] as his uncles [[Gerion Lannister|Gerion]] and [[Tygett Lannister|Tygett]] had done. Instead Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] gave Tyrion charge of all the cisterns and drains at Casterly Rock.{{ref|ADWD|8}}
+
Following the [[tourney on Prince Joffrey's name day]] in [[King's Landing]], Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] and her children accompanied her father, Tywin, during his return to Casterly Rock.{{ref|AGOT|25}}
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
 
[[File:Daniele Bigliardo The Wealth of the Rock.JPG|350px|thumb|The wealth of Casterly Rock - Illustrated by Daniele Bigliardo. © Fantasy Flight Games.]]
 
[[File:Daniele Bigliardo The Wealth of the Rock.JPG|350px|thumb|The wealth of Casterly Rock - Illustrated by Daniele Bigliardo. © Fantasy Flight Games.]]
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
After hearing of the capture of his son [[Tyrion Lannister]] by Lady [[Catelyn Tully]], Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] raises two hosts at Casterly Rock, beginning a conflict which develops into the [[War of the Five Kings]].
+
King [[Robert I Baratheon]] tells Lord [[Eddard Stark]] that he wanted young [[Robert Arryn]] to foster at Casterly Rock with Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], but the boy's mother took him to the [[Eyrie]] after the death of Lord [[Jon Arryn]].{{ref|AGOT|4}}
 +
 
 +
After the capture of [[Tyrion Lannister]] by Eddard's wife, Lady [[Catelyn Stark]], Tyrion's brother [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] wounds Ned in the streets of [[King's Landing]] and then rides for the [[westerlands]].{{ref|AGOT|39}} Jaime raises a host at Casterly Rock{{ref|AGOT|40}} and Tywin raises another,{{ref|AGOT|55}} beginning a conflict which develops into the [[War of the Five Kings]]. After the [[Battle of the Camps]], Ser [[Marq Piper]] suggests attacking Casterly Rock but receives little support from the rebel nobles at [[Riverrun]].{{ref|AGOT|71}}
  
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 +
Ser [[Stafford Lannister]] begins raising a new host at Casterly Rock,{{ref|ACOK|7}} but these westermen are later defeated by [[Robb Stark]], [[King in the North]], in the [[Battle of Oxcross]].{{ref|ACOK|32}}
 +
 
Expecting the [[ironborn]] to ally with the [[north]]men, [[Theon Greyjoy]] desires to conquer Casterly Rock and claim it for himself. His father, Lord [[Balon Greyjoy]], states the Rock is too strong, however, and instead attacks the north.{{ref|ACOK|11}}
 
Expecting the [[ironborn]] to ally with the [[north]]men, [[Theon Greyjoy]] desires to conquer Casterly Rock and claim it for himself. His father, Lord [[Balon Greyjoy]], states the Rock is too strong, however, and instead attacks the north.{{ref|ACOK|11}}
  
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[Tyrion Lannister]] demands his birthright of the lordship of Casterly Rock from his father, Tywin, and is harshly rejected.
+
Tyrion demands his birthright of the lordship of Casterly Rock from his father, Tywin, and is harshly rejected.{{ref|ASOS|4}}
 +
 
 +
Tyrion suggests to his new wife, [[Sansa Stark]], that they visit the Rock, wanting to show her where he and Jaime grew up, but also desiring to keep her away from the abuses of his nephew, King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]]. She remains impassive, however, so Tyrion withdraws his offer.{{ref|ASOS|60}}
  
Tyrion asks his new wife [[Sansa Stark]] if she wants to visit the Rock, wanting to show her where he and [[Jaime Lannister]] grew up, but also desiring to keep her away from the abuses of his nephew [[Joffrey Baratheon]]. She remains impassive and Tyrion withdraws this offer.
+
Resting on a [[weirwood]] stump en route to King's Landing, Jaime dreams of watery caverns beneath the Rock.{{ref|ASOS|44}}
  
Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, is killed in [[King's Landing]] by his son Tyrion.{{ref|ASOS|77}}
+
Lord Tywin intends to remove his son Jaime from the [[Kingsguard]] so he can again be heir to Casterly Rock, and also send his daughter, Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]], back to the Rock so she cannot interfere with the education of the new king, [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]].{{ref|ASOS|71}} Tywin is killed in the [[Tower of the Hand]] by Tyrion, however.{{ref|ASOS|77}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
Ser [[Damion Lannister]], a distant cousin of the main branch, is named castellan by Queen [[Cersei Lannister]],{{ref|AFFC|12}} the new Lady of Casterly Rock.{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
+
Tywin's brother, Ser [[Kevan Lannister]], advises Cersei to return to the westerlands to take her place as Lady of Casterly Rock. Cersei insists on remaining in King's Landing and refuses to name Kevan as Tommen's regent,{{ref|AFFC|7}} and she names Ser [[Damion Lannister]], a distant cousin of the main branch, as castellan of the Rock instead of Kevan.{{ref|AFFC|12}} Tywin's body is escorted back to Casterly Rock by an honor guard of western knights and nobles.{{ref|AFFC|16}}
 +
 
 +
After Cersei's arrest by the [[Faith of the Seven]], Ser [[Harys Swyft]] and Grand Maester [[Pycelle]] invite Kevan to return from the Rock and assume the regency.{{ref|AFFC|43}}
 +
 
 +
As a condition of Jaime's ending of the [[siege of Riverrun]], Lord [[Edmure Tully]] is to become an honored captive at the Rock. His pregnant wife [[Roslin Frey|Roslin]] is to join him from the [[Twins]] once she gives birth.{{ref|AFFC|38}}{{ref|AFFC|44}}
 +
 
 +
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 +
An exile in [[Essos]], Tyrion considers hiring the [[Golden Company]] to help him gain Casterly Rock, but the sellswords follow Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon Targaryen]].{{ref|ADWD|27}} Tyrion instead joins the [[Second Sons]] and gains their support by promising them gold from the Rock.{{ref|ADWD|66}}
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
{{Quote|The [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] were an old family, tracing their descent back to [[Lann the Clever]], a trickster from the [[Age of Heroes]] who was no doubt as legendary as [[Bran the Builder]], though far more beloved of singers and taletellers. In the songs, Lann was the fellow who winkled the [[House Casterly|Casterlys]] out of Casterly Rock with no weapon but his wits, and stole gold from the sun to brighten his curly hair.{{ref|AGOT|27}}}}
+
{{quote|Lord [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin]] looms as large as Casterly Rock, and [[Aerys II Targaryen|no king]] has ever had so diligent or capable a [[Hand of the King|Hand]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}}|writings of [[Pycelle]]}}
- thoughts of [[Eddard Stark]]
 
  
 +
{{Quote|The [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] were an old family, tracing their descent back to [[Lann the Clever]], a trickster from the [[Age of Heroes]] who was no doubt as legendary as [[Bran the Builder]], though far more beloved of singers and taletellers. In the songs, Lann was the fellow who winkled the [[House Casterly|Casterlys]] out of Casterly Rock with no weapon but his wits, and stole gold from the sun to brighten his curly hair.{{ref|AGOT|27}}|thoughts of [[Eddard Stark]]}}
  
{{Quote|They say there is naught but stone at the heart of Casterly Rock.{{ref|AGOT|55}}}} – [[Catelyn Stark]] to [[Robb Stark]]
+
{{Quote|They say there is naught but stone at the heart of Casterly Rock.{{ref|AGOT|55}}|[[Catelyn Stark]] to [[Robb Stark]]}}
  
 +
{{Quote|Stone, I must be stone, I must be Casterly Rock, hard and unmovable.{{ref|ACOK|54}}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}
  
 
{{Quote|'''Tyrion''': What do I want, you ask? I'll tell you what I want. I want what is mine by rights. I want Casterly Rock ... I want you to stand up before the realm and proclaim that I am your son and your lawful heir.<br>
 
{{Quote|'''Tyrion''': What do I want, you ask? I'll tell you what I want. I want what is mine by rights. I want Casterly Rock ... I want you to stand up before the realm and proclaim that I am your son and your lawful heir.<br>
'''Tywin''': Casterly Rock. Never .. neither gods nor men shall ever compel me to let you turn Casterly Rock into your whorehouse.{{ref|ASOS|3}}}} - [[Tyrion Lannister]] and [[Tywin Lannister]]
+
'''Tywin''': Casterly Rock. Never ... neither gods nor men shall ever compel me to let you turn Casterly Rock into your whorehouse.{{ref|ASOS|3}}| [[Tyrion Lannister]] and [[Tywin Lannister]]}}
 +
 
 +
{{Quote|Extravagance has its uses. We must demonstrate the power and wealth of Casterly Rock for all the realm to see.{{ref|ASOS|32}}|[[Tywin Lannister]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}
 +
 
 +
{{Quote|[[Tywin Lannister|My father's]] seat is mine by rights. Swear me your sword, and once I win it back I'll drown you in gold.{{ref|ADWD|27}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] to [[Jorah Mormont]]}}
  
==References and Notes==
+
==Behind the Scenes==
{{references|4}}
+
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], [[w:Gibraltar|Gibraltar]] is an inspiration for Casterly Rock.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1264 A Dinner with GRRM (Madrid, Spain)], July 02, 2001</ref>
  
 +
==References==
 +
{{references}}
  
 
{{Region Westerlands}}
 
{{Region Westerlands}}

Revision as of 19:43, 30 June 2019

Casterly Rock
Castle, regional capital
Ted Nasmith A Song of Ice and Fire Casterly Rock.jpeg
Casterly Rock by Ted Nasmith ©
Location Westerlands
Government House Lannister, Feudal lord
Religion Faith of the Seven
Founded Before the Age of Heroes
Named for House Casterly
The westerlands and the location of Casterly Rock
The westerlands and the location of Casterly Rock
Casterly Rock
The westerlands and the location of Casterly Rock

Casterly Rock, nicknamed the Rock, is a castle and the seat of House Lannister. The capital of the westerlands, it overlooks the harbor of Lannisport and the Sunset Sea. Nearby strongholds include Kayce and Feastfires to the west, Sarsfield to the north, and Cornfield and Clegane's Keep to the south.

The household of Casterly Rock includes Maester Creylen, Vylarr, Ser Benedict Broom, and Whitesmile Wat.[1]

Layout

Casterly Rock overlooking Lannisport by Feliche ©
See also: Images of Casterly Rock

Casterly Rock is carved out of a great stone hill colossal rock beside the Sunset Sea. It is popularly believed to resemble a lion in repose at sunset.[2]

The Casterlys of antiquity built a ringfort on the peak, and as millenia have passed its natural defenses have been expanded with walls, gates, and watchtowers.[3] The base of the Rock contains large sea-carved caverns. The stone has been mined for thousands of years, so there are hundreds of mineshafts in the depths of the Rock, as well as yet untouched gold veins.[3]

The Rock has been measured at three times the height of the Wall or the Hightower of Oldtown. It is almost two leagues long from west to east, and contains tunnels, dungeons, storerooms, barracks, halls, stables, stairways, courtyards, balconies, and gardens.[3] In the bowels of the Rock are rooms where caged lions were once kept,[4] and cells for the worst prisoners.[5] The castle contains a sept.[6]

The Lion's Mouth, the main entry to Casterly Rock, is an enormous natural cavern reaching two hundred feet high. Its steps are now wide enough for twenty riders. Its port has docks, wharves, and shipyards and is accessible by longships and cogs.[3] From below the Rock thunder can be heard, where the sea comes in.[7]

The Golden Gallery contains treasures of the Lannisters, including gilded ornaments and walls.[3] The Hall of Heroes is where the Lannisters and their close kin who have died valiantly are interred.[8] The armor of Lannisters of old are also displayed in the hall.[3] The Stone Garden is a godswood with a twisted weirwood a tenth the size of Raventree Hall's.[3][9][10]

History

House Casterly

The Hall of Heroes. - Illustrated by Thomas Denmark. © Fantasy Flight Games.

The region was probably inhabited by children of the forest and giants before the arrival of the First Men, and numerous animals have made it their home as well.[3]

Legend says that Casterly Rock is named for the family that ruled it in the Age of Heroes, the Casterlys, who no longer exist. The Lannisters trace their rule over it back to Lann the Clever, who tricked the Casterlys out of their castle and claimed it for his own.[11] Some claim that Lann still haunts the fortress,[12] which has never fallen.[3]

Kings of the Rock

The Kings of the Rock from House Lannister took their title from their seat, and members of the family founded nearby Lannisport. During the Andal invasion, the Lannisters eventually invited Andals into their realm and brought Andal youths to serve at Casterly Rock as wards and potential hostages.[13] According to a lost scroll, Valyrian sorcerers believed their downfall would come from the Rock's gold.[13]

Impressed by earlier visits to Casterly Rock and the Hightower, Roland I Arryn ordered the construction of the Eyrie as a replacement for the Gates of the Moon as the seat of House Arryn.[14]

King Gerold Lannister raided the Iron Islands and held one hundred captives in the Rock. Gerold the Great then hanged a captive whenever the ironborn threatened his lands.[15] Before becoming King of the Iron Islands, Harmund II Hoare spent his youth at Casterly Rock as a ward.[16]

During Aegon's Conquest, King Loren I formed an alliance at Casterly Rock with Mern IX Gardener, King of the Reach, against Aegon the Conqueror. House Targaryen defeated the Lannisters and Gardeners at the Field of Fire, however. After the battle, Loren the Last surrendered his crown to Aegon and was confirmed as Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West.[17] Visenya Targaryen is said to have been grateful that Loren rode to war instead of seeking refuge in his castle, as the Rock may have withstood even dragonflame.[3]

Iron Throne

The young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen was once courted during a feast at Casterly Rock by the twins Jason Lannister and Tyland Lannister.[18] At the start of the Dance of the Dragons, Tyland sent a quarter of the royal treasury to the Rock.[19] The castle was left in disarray after the death of Lord Jason in the Battle of the Red Fork and the Lannister defeat in the Battle by the Lakeshore.[19] Although Dalton Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Islands, was able to sack Lannisport, Casterly Rock was too strong for the ironborn once Lady Johanna Lannister barred its gates.[20]

Lady Ellyn Reyne, the wife of Ser Tion Lannister, held a splendid court at the Rock as Lord Gerold Lannister declined in health.[21] After the weak rule of Lord Tytos Lannister, his son Tywin restored the power of Casterly Rock.[21]

For much of 267 AC, King Aerys II Targaryen resided at Casterly Rock with Lord Tywin, his Hand of the King. Tywin repaid the late Jaehaerys II Targaryen's debts to Braavos with gold from the Rock.[22]

Shortly after the birth of Tyrion Lannister, the young Elia and Oberyn Martell accompanied their mother, the Princess of Dorne, to Casterly Rock when she met with Lord Tywin.[23]

Aeron Greyjoy was captured after the sea battle off Fair Isle, taken to Lannisport in chains, and spent the rest of Greyjoy's Rebellion imprisoned in Casterly Rock.[24]

When Tyrion Lannister became a man at sixteen, he was forbidden by Tywin from taking a tour of the Free Cities as his uncles Gerion and Tygett had done. Instead Tywin gave his son charge of the cisterns and drains at Casterly Rock.[12]

Following the tourney on Prince Joffrey's name day in King's Landing, Queen Cersei Lannister and her children accompanied her father, Tywin, during his return to Casterly Rock.[25]

Recent Events

The wealth of Casterly Rock - Illustrated by Daniele Bigliardo. © Fantasy Flight Games.

A Game of Thrones

King Robert I Baratheon tells Lord Eddard Stark that he wanted young Robert Arryn to foster at Casterly Rock with Lord Tywin Lannister, but the boy's mother took him to the Eyrie after the death of Lord Jon Arryn.[26]

After the capture of Tyrion Lannister by Eddard's wife, Lady Catelyn Stark, Tyrion's brother Jaime wounds Ned in the streets of King's Landing and then rides for the westerlands.[27] Jaime raises a host at Casterly Rock[28] and Tywin raises another,[29] beginning a conflict which develops into the War of the Five Kings. After the Battle of the Camps, Ser Marq Piper suggests attacking Casterly Rock but receives little support from the rebel nobles at Riverrun.[30]

A Clash of Kings

Ser Stafford Lannister begins raising a new host at Casterly Rock,[31] but these westermen are later defeated by Robb Stark, King in the North, in the Battle of Oxcross.[32]

Expecting the ironborn to ally with the northmen, Theon Greyjoy desires to conquer Casterly Rock and claim it for himself. His father, Lord Balon Greyjoy, states the Rock is too strong, however, and instead attacks the north.[33]

A Storm of Swords

Tyrion demands his birthright of the lordship of Casterly Rock from his father, Tywin, and is harshly rejected.[34]

Tyrion suggests to his new wife, Sansa Stark, that they visit the Rock, wanting to show her where he and Jaime grew up, but also desiring to keep her away from the abuses of his nephew, King Joffrey I Baratheon. She remains impassive, however, so Tyrion withdraws his offer.[7]

Resting on a weirwood stump en route to King's Landing, Jaime dreams of watery caverns beneath the Rock.[35]

Lord Tywin intends to remove his son Jaime from the Kingsguard so he can again be heir to Casterly Rock, and also send his daughter, Queen Regent Cersei Lannister, back to the Rock so she cannot interfere with the education of the new king, Tommen I Baratheon.[36] Tywin is killed in the Tower of the Hand by Tyrion, however.[37]

A Feast for Crows

Tywin's brother, Ser Kevan Lannister, advises Cersei to return to the westerlands to take her place as Lady of Casterly Rock. Cersei insists on remaining in King's Landing and refuses to name Kevan as Tommen's regent,[38] and she names Ser Damion Lannister, a distant cousin of the main branch, as castellan of the Rock instead of Kevan.[39] Tywin's body is escorted back to Casterly Rock by an honor guard of western knights and nobles.[40]

After Cersei's arrest by the Faith of the Seven, Ser Harys Swyft and Grand Maester Pycelle invite Kevan to return from the Rock and assume the regency.[41]

As a condition of Jaime's ending of the siege of Riverrun, Lord Edmure Tully is to become an honored captive at the Rock. His pregnant wife Roslin is to join him from the Twins once she gives birth.[42][43]

A Dance with Dragons

An exile in Essos, Tyrion considers hiring the Golden Company to help him gain Casterly Rock, but the sellswords follow Prince Aegon Targaryen.[44] Tyrion instead joins the Second Sons and gains their support by promising them gold from the Rock.[5]

Quotes

Lord Tywin looms as large as Casterly Rock, and no king has ever had so diligent or capable a Hand.[22]

—writings of Pycelle

The Lannisters were an old family, tracing their descent back to Lann the Clever, a trickster from the Age of Heroes who was no doubt as legendary as Bran the Builder, though far more beloved of singers and taletellers. In the songs, Lann was the fellow who winkled the Casterlys out of Casterly Rock with no weapon but his wits, and stole gold from the sun to brighten his curly hair.[11]

—thoughts of Eddard Stark

They say there is naught but stone at the heart of Casterly Rock.[29]

Stone, I must be stone, I must be Casterly Rock, hard and unmovable.[45]}

—thoughts of Tyrion Lannister

Tyrion: What do I want, you ask? I'll tell you what I want. I want what is mine by rights. I want Casterly Rock ... I want you to stand up before the realm and proclaim that I am your son and your lawful heir.
Tywin: Casterly Rock. Never ... neither gods nor men shall ever compel me to let you turn Casterly Rock into your whorehouse.[46]

Extravagance has its uses. We must demonstrate the power and wealth of Casterly Rock for all the realm to see.[47]

My father's seat is mine by rights. Swear me your sword, and once I win it back I'll drown you in gold.[44]

Behind the Scenes

According to George R. R. Martin, Gibraltar is an inspiration for Casterly Rock.[48]

References

  1. A Dance with Dragons, Appendix.
  2. The World of Ice & Fire, Casterly Rock.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 The World of Ice & Fire, The Westerlands: Casterly Rock.
  4. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 65, Cersei II.
  5. 5.0 5.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 66, Tyrion XII.
  6. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 31, Jaime IV.
  7. 7.0 7.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 60, Tyrion VIII.
  8. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 33, Jaime V.
  9. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 28, Cersei VI.
  10. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 48, Jaime I.
  11. 11.0 11.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 27, Eddard VI.
  12. 12.0 12.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 8, Tyrion III.
  13. 13.0 13.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Westerlands.
  14. The World of Ice & Fire, The Vale: The Eyrie.
  15. The World of Ice & Fire, The Iron Islands: Driftwood Crowns.
  16. The World of Ice & Fire, The Iron Islands: The Black Blood.
  17. The World of Ice & Fire, The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest.
  18. The Rogue Prince.
  19. 19.0 19.1 The Princess and the Queen.
  20. The World of Ice & Fire, The Red Kraken.
  21. 21.0 21.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Westerlands: House Lannister Under the Dragons.
  22. 22.0 22.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II.
  23. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 38, Tyrion V.
  24. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 1, The Prophet.
  25. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 25, Eddard V.
  26. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 4, Eddard I.
  27. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 39, Eddard X.
  28. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 40, Catelyn VII.
  29. 29.0 29.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 55, Catelyn VIII.
  30. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 71, Catelyn XI.
  31. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 7, Catelyn I.
  32. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 32, Sansa III.
  33. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 11, Theon I.
  34. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 4, Tyrion I.
  35. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 44, Jaime VI.
  36. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 71, Daenerys VI.
  37. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 77, Tyrion XI.
  38. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 7, Cersei II.
  39. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 12, Cersei III.
  40. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 16, Jaime II.
  41. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 43, Cersei X.
  42. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 38, Jaime VI.
  43. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 44, Jaime VII.
  44. 44.0 44.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 27, Tyrion VII.
  45. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 54, Tyrion XII.
  46. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 3, Arya I.
  47. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 32, Tyrion IV.
  48. So Spake Martin: A Dinner with GRRM (Madrid, Spain), July 02, 2001