Difference between revisions of "Harrenhal"

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| name = Harrenhal
 
| name = Harrenhal
 
| image = [[File:Lino Drieghe Harrenhal.jpg|350px]]
 
| image = [[File:Lino Drieghe Harrenhal.jpg|350px]]
| image_caption = Harrenhal, on the north shore of the [[Gods Eye]] lake. By Lino Drieghe. © FFG
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| image_caption = Harrenhal, on the north shore of the [[Gods Eye]], by Lino Drieghe © FFG
  
 
| settlement_type=  
 
| settlement_type=  
| location = [[Riverlands]], [[Westeros]]
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| location = [[riverlands]], [[Westeros]]
| seat = [[House Baelish]]
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| seat = [[House Whent]] (dispossessed)<br>[[House Slynt]] (dispossessed)<br>[[House Baelish of Harrenhal|House Baelish]]
| seat_type = [[Feudalism|Feudal lord]]
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| seat_type = [[Feudalism|feudal lord]]
 
   
 
   
 
| religion = [[Faith of the Seven]]
 
| religion = [[Faith of the Seven]]
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|}
 
|}
  
'''Harrenhal''', the largest castle in the [[Seven Kingdoms]], is the seat of [[House Whent]] in the [[riverlands]], on the north shore of the [[Gods Eye]] lake. Since [[burning of Harrenhal|its burning]] by [[dragonfire]] in the [[War of Conquest]], however, it has become a dark and ruinous place.  
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'''Harrenhal''', the largest castle in the [[Seven Kingdoms]], is the seat of [[House Whent]] in the [[riverlands]], on the north shore of the [[Gods Eye]] lake. Since [[burning of Harrenhal|its burning]] by [[dragonfire]] in [[Aegon's Conquest]], however, it has become a dark and ruinous place.  
  
The castle's holdings are some of the richest in [[Westeros]], claiming vast tracts of green fertile land{{ref|ACOK|17}}{{ref|TWOIAF| House Tully}} which reach as far as the hills of [[House Wode]] near the [[crownlands]].{{ref|AFFC|27}} [[Harrentown]] is found near Harrenhal.{{ref|ACOK|14}}
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The castle's holdings are some of the richest in [[Westeros]], claiming vast tracts of green fertile land{{ref|ACOK|17}}{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}} which reach as far as the hills of [[House Wode]] near the [[crownlands]].{{ref|AFFC|27}} [[Harrentown]] is found near Harrenhal.{{ref|ACOK|14}}
  
 
==Layout==
 
==Layout==
 
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Harrenhal|Images of Harrenhal]]''
 
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Harrenhal|Images of Harrenhal]]''
  
The castle has five towers of dizzying size, with equally monstrous curtain walls. The walls are incredibly thick and its rooms are built on a scale that would be more comfortable for giants than humans.{{Ref|aCoK|30}}
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According to a semi-canon source, Harrenhal is immensely strong.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1160 A Number of Question], May 12, 2001</ref> The castle has five towers of dizzying size, with equally monstrous curtain walls. The walls are incredibly thick and its rooms are built on a scale that would be more comfortable for [[giants]] than humans.{{Ref|aCoK|30}}
  
 
Harrenhal covers three times as much ground as [[Winterfell]] and its buildings are so much larger that they can scarcely be compared. Its stables can house a thousand horses, its [[godswood]] covers twenty acres, and its kitchens are as large as Winterfell's Great Hall.{{ref|ACOK|30}}
 
Harrenhal covers three times as much ground as [[Winterfell]] and its buildings are so much larger that they can scarcely be compared. Its stables can house a thousand horses, its [[godswood]] covers twenty acres, and its kitchens are as large as Winterfell's Great Hall.{{ref|ACOK|30}}
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===Walls and Towers===
 
===Walls and Towers===
[[File:Harenhal by MarcSimonetti.jpg|thumb|350px|Artwork by Marc Simonetti ©]]
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[[File:Harenhal by MarcSimonetti.jpg|thumb|350px|Harrenhal, by Marc Simonetti ©]]
 
[[File:Harenhal_tvseries.jpg|350px|thumb|Harrenhal in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
 
[[File:Harenhal_tvseries.jpg|350px|thumb|Harrenhal in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
  
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===Misc===
 
===Misc===
* The '''Hall of the Hundred Hearths''' is the castle's great hall. It has only thirty-four or thirty-five hearths, but is said to be able to entertain an army.{{Ref|aCoK|30}} Its floors are smooth slate and there are steps to two galleries above.
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* The Hall of the Hundred Hearths is the castle's great hall. It has only thirty-four or thirty-five hearths, but is said to be able to entertain an army.{{Ref|aCoK|30}} Its floors are smooth slate and there are steps to two galleries above.
  
* The '''kitchens''' are located in a round stone building with a domed roof containing nothing but kitchens. The kitchens are as large as [[Winterfell]]'s Great Hall.{{Ref|aCoK|30}}
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* The kitchens are located in a round stone building with a domed roof containing nothing but kitchens. The kitchens are as large as [[Winterfell]]'s Great Hall.{{Ref|aCoK|30}}
  
* The '''Barracks Hall''' above the armory is where the men-at-arms take their meals.{{Ref|aCoK|30}}
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* The Barracks Hall above the armory is where the men-at-arms take their meals.{{Ref|aCoK|30}}
  
* The '''armory''' is located below the Barracks Hall and contains the forge.
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* The armory is located below the Barracks Hall and contains the forge.
  
* The '''godswood''' is walled over twenty acres. It has a small stream running through it. The [[weirwood]] [[heart tree]] appears to have a terrible visage full of hatred, with a twisted mouth and flaring eyes.  It is located across the ward from where the Barracks Hall and the armory are. The heart tree has thirteen deep marks carved into it dating to {{Date|130}} when [[Daemon Targaryen]] battled [[Aemond Targaryen]] in the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. These marks still bleed every spring.
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* The [[godswood]] is walled over twenty acres. It has a small stream running through it. The [[weirwood]] [[heart tree]] appears to have a terrible visage full of hatred, with a twisted mouth and flaring eyes.  It is located across the ward from where the Barracks Hall and the armory are. The heart tree has thirteen deep marks carved into it dating to {{Date|130}} when [[Daemon Targaryen]] battled [[Aemond Targaryen]] in the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. These marks still bleed every spring.
  
* '''Flowstone Yard''' is where men-at-arms exercise and drill and squires clean arms and armor. It has a lumpy surface and is located near the Wailing Tower. There is a covered gallery above the Flowstone Yard with arches looking towards it. {{Ref|aCoK|30}}{{Ref|aSoS|44}}
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* Flowstone Yard is where men-at-arms exercise and drill and squires clean arms and armor. It has a lumpy surface and is located near the Wailing Tower. There is a covered gallery above the Flowstone Yard with arches looking towards it. {{Ref|aCoK|30}}{{Ref|aSoS|44}}
  
* The '''bear pit''' is ten yards across and five yards across, walled in stone, floored with sand, and encircled by six tiers of marble benches.{{Ref|aSoS|44}} It is located in the middle ward.
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* The bear pit is ten yards across and five yards across, walled in stone, floored with sand, and encircled by six tiers of marble benches.{{Ref|aSoS|44}} It is located in the middle ward.
  
* The '''bathhouse''' is a low-ceilinged room filled with great stone tubs large enough to hold six or seven after the fashion of the [[Free Cities]].{{Ref|aSoS|37}} The bathhouse is made of stone and timber, with only one entrance to the room.{{Ref|aCoK|26}}
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* The bathhouse is a low-ceilinged room filled with great stone tubs large enough to hold six or seven after the fashion of the [[Free Cities]].{{Ref|aSoS|37}} The bathhouse is made of stone and timber, with only one entrance to the room.{{Ref|aCoK|26}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===House Hoare===
 
===House Hoare===
[[File:Balerion the black.jpg|thumb|350px|right|[[Balerion]] destroys Harrenhal<br>art by Marc Simonett]]
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[[File:Balerion the black.jpg|thumb|350px|right|The [[burning of Harrenhal]], by Marc Simonetti]]
[[File:Harrenhall by crisurdiales.jpg|350px|thumb|Harrenhall by Cris Urdiales ©]]
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[[File:Harrenhall by crisurdiales.jpg|350px|thumb|Harrenhal, by Cris Urdiales ©]]
  
The seat of King [[Halleck Hoare]], [[Harren Hoare|Harren the Black]]'s father, was a modest tower house at [[Fairmarket]].{{ref|TWOIAF}} Harren, [[King of the Isles and the Rivers]], built Harrenhal as a monument to himself, intending it to be the greatest of all castles in [[Westeros]] and for it to dwarf any other.{{ref|ACOK|7}}
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The seat of [[Halleck Hoare]], [[King of the Isles and the Rivers]], was a modest tower house at [[Fairmarket]] on the [[Blue Fork]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Iron Islands: The Black Blood}} His son, [[Harren Hoare|Harren the Black]], built Harrenhal along the [[Gods Eye]] as a monument to himself, intending it to be the greatest of all castles in [[Westeros]] and for it to dwarf any other.{{ref|ACOK|7}}
  
The construction of his dream took forty years. Thousands of captives from the other realms died in the quarries chained to sledges or laboring on the five huge towers. Men froze by winter and sweltered in summer. [[Weirwood]]s that had stood three thousand years were cut down to provide rafters and beams. Harren beggared the riverlands and the Iron Islands alike to ornament his dream.{{ref|ACOK|7}}
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The construction of Harren's dream took forty years. Thousands of captives died in the quarries chained to sledges or laboring on the five huge towers. Men froze by winter and sweltered in summer. [[Weirwood]]s that had stood three thousand years were cut down to provide rafters and beams. Harren beggared the [[riverlands]] and the [[Iron Islands]] alike to ornament his dream.{{ref|ACOK|7}}
  
Upon its completion, Harren boasted that his new fortress was impregnable. However, he did not account for [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] and his [[dragon]]s invading Westeros. On the very day Harren took up residence, Aegon came ashore at what would become [[King's Landing]]. The dragons were not obstructed by high walls and forbidding towers and roasted Harren alive in the tallest of the towers, now known as the Kingspyre. Harren and all his line perished in the [[burning of Harrenhal]]. Due to the extreme heat of dragonflame, the castle took on a charred, melted appearance.{{Ref|aCoK|7}}
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Upon its completion, Harren boasted that his new fortress was impregnable. However, he did not account for [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] and his [[dragon]]s invading Westeros. On the day Harren took up residence, Aegon came ashore at what would become [[King's Landing]]. The dragons were not obstructed by high walls and forbidding towers and roasted Harren alive in the tallest of the towers, now known as [[Kingspyre]]. Harren and all his line perished in the [[burning of Harrenhal]]. Due to the extreme heat of dragonflame, the castle took on a charred, melted appearance.{{Ref|aCoK|7}}
  
Since the Conquest, the castle became a [[w:white elephant|white elephant]]. It is too big to garrison effectively and too expensive to maintain.{{ref|acok|8}} Harren allegedly mixed human blood into the mortar for the stonework;{{Ref|aCoK|26}} some believe that the castle is cursed and haunted due to Harren's hubris and the horrors that have occurred within the castle's walls, with the early deaths of its many rulers as proof.{{ref|trp}}{{ref|agot|69}}{{ref|acok|7}}{{ref|acok|14}}{{ref|acok|16}}{{ref|acok|17}}{{ref|acok|65}}{{ref|TWOIAF|House Tully}} The curse is thought to prevent any lord from holding Harrenhal indefinitely.{{ref|AFFC|23}}
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Since [[Aegon's Conquest]], the castle has become a [[w:white elephant|white elephant]]. It is too big to garrison effectively and too expensive to maintain.{{ref|acok|8}} Harren allegedly mixed human blood into the mortar for the stonework;{{Ref|aCoK|26}} some believe that the castle is cursed and haunted due to Harren's hubris and the horrors that have occurred within the castle's walls, with the early deaths of its many rulers as proof.{{ref|trp}}{{ref|agot|69}}{{ref|acok|7}}{{ref|acok|14}}{{ref|acok|16}}{{ref|acok|17}}{{ref|acok|65}}{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}} The curse is thought to prevent any lord from holding Harrenhal indefinitely.{{ref|AFFC|23}}
  
 
===House Qoherys===
 
===House Qoherys===
 
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King [[Aegon I Targaryen]] granted Harrenhal to [[Quenton Qoherys]], although Lord [[Edmyn Tully]] of [[Riverrun]] was named [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}} [[House Qoherys]] died out during the reign of King [[Aenys I Targaryen]], however, when Lord [[Gargon Qoherys|Gargon the Guest]] was slain during [[Harren the Red]]'s rebellion.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}}
King [[Aegon I Targaryen]] granted Harrenhal to [[Quenton Qoherys]], although Lord [[Edmyn Tully]] of [[Riverrun]] was named [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]].{{ref|TWOIAF| House Tully}} [[House Qoherys]] died out during the reign of King [[Aenys I Targaryen]], however, when Lord [[Gargon Qoherys|Gargon the Guest]] was slain during [[Harren the Red]]'s rebellion.{{ref|TWOIAF| Aenys I}}
 
  
 
===House Harroway===
 
===House Harroway===
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===House Towers===
 
===House Towers===
Ser [[Walton Towers]] was named the new Lord of Harrenhal after a melee announced by Maegor. [[House Towers of Harrenhal|House Towers]] died out two generations later.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Lords of Harrenhal}}
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Ser [[Walton Towers]] was named the new Lord of Harrenhal after a melee announced by Maegor. [[House Towers of Harrenhal|House Towers]] died out two generations later.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}}
  
 
===House Strong===  
 
===House Strong===  
 
[[File:Season5Dance of Dragons16.png|thumb|400px|[[Caraxes]] and [[Vhagar]] leap into the sky as the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]] begins. In supplemental Blu-ray content from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' Season 5.]]
 
[[File:Season5Dance of Dragons16.png|thumb|400px|[[Caraxes]] and [[Vhagar]] leap into the sky as the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]] begins. In supplemental Blu-ray content from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' Season 5.]]
Harrenhal was granted to [[Lyonel Strong]] while [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] sat the [[Iron Throne]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Lords of Harrenhal}} The [[Great Council of 101 AC]], in which Prince [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys]] was chosen as the Old King's successor, was held at Harrenhal.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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Harrenhal was granted to [[Lyonel Strong]] while [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] sat the [[Iron Throne]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}} The [[Great Council of 101 AC]], in which Prince [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys]] was chosen as the Old King's successor, was held at Harrenhal.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
Early in the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Ser [[Simon Strong]] surrendered the castle to Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] during the [[assault on Harrenhal]]. Daemon used it as a base for the [[blacks]] to launch attacks in the nearby area. Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] and Ser [[Criston Cole]] led an army of [[greens]] to retake the great castle, but found it abandoned by the blacks when they arrived. After the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]], Criston led his soldiers south along the [[Gods Eye]]. Aemond rode [[Vhagar]] and ravaged the riverlands, including burning all wooden structures in Harrenhal. Daemon and Aemond later fought in the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]], a duel which killed both princes and their dragons, [[Caraxes]] and Vhagar, although Daemon's body was never found.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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Lord Lyonel and his heir [[Harwin Strong|Harwin]] died in a fire at Harrenhal in {{date|120}}. It was blamed on the curse of Harrenhal, although non-mystical suspects included Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], Lyonel's younger son [[Larys Strong]], and even King Viserys I.{{ref|trp}}
  
Lord Lyonel and his heir [[Harwin Strong|Harwin]] died in a fire at Harrenhal in {{date|120}}. The fire was blamed on the curse of Harrenhal, although non-mystical suspects included Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], Lyonel's younger son [[Larys Strong]], and even King [[Viserys I Targaryen]].{{ref|trp}} Lord [[Larys Strong]] was executed during the [[Hour of the Wolf]] in {{date|131}}, ending [[House Strong]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Lords of Harrenhal}}
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Early in the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Ser [[Simon Strong]] surrendered the castle to Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] during his [[assault on Harrenhal]]. Daemon used it as a base for the [[blacks]] to launch attacks in the nearby area. Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] and Ser [[Criston Cole]] led an army of [[greens]] to retake the great castle, but found it abandoned by the blacks when they arrived. After the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]], Criston led his soldiers south along the [[Gods Eye]]. Aemond rode [[Vhagar]] and ravaged the riverlands, including burning all wooden structures in Harrenhal. Daemon and Aemond later fought in the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]], a duel which killed both princes and their dragons, [[Caraxes]] and Vhagar, although Daemon's body was never found.{{Ref|TPATQ}} Lord [[Larys Strong]] was executed during the [[Hour of the Wolf]] in {{date|131}}, ending his line of [[House Strong]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}}
  
 
===House Lothston===
 
===House Lothston===
King [[Aegon III Targaryen]] gave the ruined castle to Ser [[Lucas Lothston (husband of Falena)|Lucas Lothston]] in {{date|151}}. [[House Lothston]] was involved in the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]]{{ref|TSS}} and helped to suppress the [[Second Blackfyre Rebellion]] with the might of Harrenhal.{{ref|TMK}} The Lothstons were cast down during the reign of [[Maekar I Targaryen]], however, as Lady [[Danelle Lothston]] descended into madness.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Lords of Harrenhal}}
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King [[Aegon III Targaryen]] gave the ruined castle to Ser [[Lucas Lothston (husband of Falena)|Lucas Lothston]] in {{date|151}}.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}} The [[Bastard of Harrenhal]] was defeated by Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree]] in a melee in {{date|193}}.{{ref|THK}} [[House Lothston]] was involved in the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]]{{ref|TSS}} and helped to suppress the [[Second Blackfyre Rebellion]] with the might of Harrenhal.{{ref|TMK}} The Lothstons were cast down during the reign of [[Maekar I Targaryen]], however, as Lady [[Danelle Lothston]] descended into madness.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}}
  
 
===House Whent===
 
===House Whent===
[[House Whent]], originally knights sworn to Harrenhal, became lords of the castle for their part in defeating the Lothstons.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Lords of Harrenhal}}
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[[House Whent]], originally knights sworn to Harrenhal, became lords of the castle for their part in defeating the Lothstons.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}}
  
Lord [[Walter Whent]] hosted a great [[tourney at Harrenhal]] in {{Date|281}}. The famous tourney resulted in the crowning of Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] as its champion, and is also noted for the participation of the mysterious [[Knight of the Laughing Tree]]. Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] was named to King [[Aerys II Targaryen]]'s [[Kingsguard]] during the tourney.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Year of the False Spring}} The Whents have been noted for their own tragedies.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Lords of Harrenhal}}
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Lord [[Walter Whent]] hosted a great [[tourney at Harrenhal]] in {{Date|281}}. The famous tournament resulted in the crowning of Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] as its champion, and is also noted for the participation of the mysterious [[Knight of the Laughing Tree]].{{ref|ASOS|24}} Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] was named to the [[Kingsguard]] of [[Aerys II Targaryen]] during the tourney.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring}} Prior to the outbreak of [[Robert's Rebellion]], Rhaegar abducted [[Lyanna Stark]] less than ten leagues from Harrenhal.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring}} The Whents have been noted for their own tragedies.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}}
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
[[File:The Ghost in HarrenhalMarc Simonetti.jpg|Arya in Harrenhal. © FFG|thumb|350px|right]]
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[[File:The Ghost in HarrenhalMarc Simonetti.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Arya Stark]] in Harrenhal, by Marc Simonetti © FFG]]
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
During the early stages of the [[War of the Five Kings]], Lady [[Shella Whent]] [[yielding of Harrenhal|yields Harrenhal]] to Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], who holds it with his own troops.{{ref|AGOT|56}} Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] grants the castle to [[Janos Slynt]] in return for his service.{{ref|AGOT|57}}
 
During the early stages of the [[War of the Five Kings]], Lady [[Shella Whent]] [[yielding of Harrenhal|yields Harrenhal]] to Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], who holds it with his own troops.{{ref|AGOT|56}} Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] grants the castle to [[Janos Slynt]] in return for his service.{{ref|AGOT|57}}
  
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
Tywin's son [[Tyrion Lannister]], acting as [[Hand of the King|Hand]] in [[King's Landing]] as Tywin is still in the field, revokes Janos Slynt's title of Lord of Harrenhal and sends him to the [[Wall]].
+
Tywin's son [[Tyrion Lannister]], acting as [[Hand of the King|Hand]] in [[King's Landing]] as Tywin is still in the field, revokes Janos Slynt's title of [[Lord of Harrenhal]] and sends him to the [[Wall]].{{ref|ACOK|8}}
  
Tywin's garrison include bannermen lead by Ser [[Amory Lorch]] and Ser [[Gregor Clegane]]. They are bolstered by the [[Brave Companions]] mercenary company. The men treat the [[smallfolk]] of the castle cruelly. Amory's men and the Brave Companions feud, resulting in more deaths. Three dozen prisoners from the [[battle on the Green Fork]] are kept prisoner in the [[Tower of Dread]]; six [[House Frey|Freys]] are ransomed, but [[north]]ern prisoners remain. The wounded Lord [[Medger Cerwyn]] dies in captivity.{{ref|ACOK|30}}
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The [[Mountain's men]] capture [[Arya Stark]], [[Gendry]], and [[Hot Pie]] and bring the youths to Harrenhal.{{ref|ACOK|26}} Tywin's garrison include bannermen lead by Ser [[Amory Lorch]] and Ser [[Gregor Clegane]], and they are bolstered by the [[Brave Companions]]. The men treat the [[smallfolk]] of the castle cruelly. Amory's men and the Brave Companions feud, resulting in more deaths. Three dozen prisoners from the [[battle on the Green Fork]] are kept prisoner in the [[Tower of Dread]]; six [[House Frey|Freys]] are ransomed, but [[north]]ern prisoners remain. The wounded Lord [[Medger Cerwyn]] dies in captivity.{{ref|ACOK|30}}
  
 
Tywin departs Harrenhal, leaving Amory as castellan.{{ref|ACOK|38}} Ser [[Edmure Tully]] tasks Lord [[Roose Bolton]] and Ser [[Helman Tallhart]] with taking Harrenhal for [[Robb Stark]], [[King in the North]], so that Tywin can be blocked by [[Riverrun]], the [[Red Fork]], and Harrenhal.{{ref|ACOK|39}}
 
Tywin departs Harrenhal, leaving Amory as castellan.{{ref|ACOK|38}} Ser [[Edmure Tully]] tasks Lord [[Roose Bolton]] and Ser [[Helman Tallhart]] with taking Harrenhal for [[Robb Stark]], [[King in the North]], so that Tywin can be blocked by [[Riverrun]], the [[Red Fork]], and Harrenhal.{{ref|ACOK|39}}
  
A new group of northern prisoners, including [[Robett Glover]], are brought to Harrenhal by the Brave Companions. [[Arya Stark]], who had been hiding at the castle, convinces [[Jaqen H'ghar]] to help her free the prisoners and revolt against Amory's Lannisters. At the same time, the Brave Companions butcher the Lannister bannermen and all who are loyal to them, then hand the castle to Lord Bolton. Amory is killed within the bear pit for entertainment after the [[fall of Harrenhal]]. Arya serves Roose incognito as his cupbearer.{{ref|ACOK|47}}{{ref|ACOK|64}}
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A new group of northern prisoners, including [[Robett Glover]], are brought to Harrenhal by the Brave Companions. The incognito Arya, who has been serving at the castle, convinces [[Jaqen H'ghar]] to help her free the prisoners and revolt against Amory's Lannisters. At the same time, the Brave Companions butcher the Lannister bannermen and all who are loyal to them, then hand the castle to Lord Bolton. Amory is killed within the bear pit for entertainment after the [[fall of Harrenhal]].{{ref|ACOK|47}} Arya serves Roose as his cupbearer.{{ref|ACOK|64}}
  
Following the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] awards Harrenhal to [[Petyr Baelish]] for his role in securing an alliance between the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] and [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] through the engagement of Joffrey and [[Margaery Tyrell]]. Petyr is also named [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]], making Harrenhal the new seat of the riverlands in place of Riverrun.{{ref|ACOK|65}}
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Following the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] awards Harrenhal to Lord [[Petyr Baelish]] for his role in securing an alliance between the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] and [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] through the engagement of Joffrey and [[Margaery Tyrell]]. Petyr is also named [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]], replacing [[Hoster Tully]] of Riverrun; Hoster is a supporter of [[Robb Stark]], the [[King in the North]].{{ref|ACOK|65}}
  
However, Harrenhal remains occupied by Roose Bolton's northern force. Arya flees the castle when she learns Roose intends to grant the castle to [[Vargo Hoat]], the leader of the Brave Companions.{{ref|ACOK|64}}
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Harrenhal remains occupied by Roose Bolton's northmen and Ser [[Aenys Frey]]'s rivermen. Roose punishes and executes some of the castle's servants for having served House Lannister.{{ref|ACOK|64}} Arya thinks of herself as the ghost in Harrenhal,{{ref|ACOK|47}} but she flees with Gendry and Hot Pie from the castle when she learns Roose intends to grant it to [[Vargo Hoat]], the leader of the Brave Companions.{{ref|ACOK|64}}
  
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 +
Vargo had changed his allegiance from [[House Lannister]] to [[House Stark]] in order to receive Harrenhal from [[Roose Bolton]]. After Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] escapes [[Riverrun]], Vargo, fearing the vengeance of Jaime's father [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin]], desires to wed Lord [[Rickard Karstark]]'s daughter, [[Alys Karstark|Alys]], and claim the safer and more distant [[Karhold]].{{ref|ASOS|37}} Vargo's [[Brave Companions]] capture Jaime near [[Maidenpool]]. Fearing that Roose will return Jaime to Ser [[Edmure Tully]] at Riverrun or even to Tywin in [[King's Landing]], Vargo has [[Zollo]] maim Jaime by cutting off the knight's sword hand.{{ref|ASOS|21}} Lord Karstark is eventually executed by Robb Stark for his own treason.{{ref|ASOS|20}}
  
Roose Bolton rules over Harrenhal for only a short time. Vargo Hoat of the Brave Companions suspects that Roose will switch sides to the Lannisters, and maims his captive, Tywin's other son Ser [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]], in an attempt to prevent this. The ruse fails and the northerners abandon Harrenhal, leaving it to the Brave Companions.  
+
The Bloody Mummers bring Jaime and [[Brienne of Tarth]] to Harrenhal,{{ref|ASOS|31}} and within the castle's bathhouse Jaime reveals the [[wildfire plot]] to Brienne.{{ref|ASOS|37}} While departing Harrenhal for Edmure's wedding at the [[Twins]], Lord Bolton sends [[Walton]] to escort Jaime to King's Landing. Brienne remains in Vargo's control.{{ref|ASOS|37}} After a dream during his journey to the capital, however, Jaime insists on returning to Harrenhal, arriving in time to rescue Brienne from the bear pit. Jaime brings Brienne with him to safety in King's Landing.{{ref|ASOS|44}}
  
With Lannister reprisal dangling over their heads, the Companions indulge in wanton sadism and keep the castle's bear pit well-stocked with victims. Eventually, the [[Mountain's men]] return to the castle and butcher the mercenaries who have not already fled, including Vargo Hoat. After the [[capture of Harrenhal]], Gregor departs to [[King's Landing]] to participate in the [[trial by combat]] of [[Tyrion Lannister]], but leaves a garrison in the castle.
+
Following Robb's death in the [[Red Wedding]], Tywin Lannister, the [[Hand of the King]] for [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], intends to be lenient toward any opponent who surrenders, with the exception from Vargo at Harrenhal.{{ref|ASOS|53}} Most Brave Companions flee the castle.{{ref|ASOS|62}} After the [[capture of Harrenhal]],{{ref|ASOS|60}} Gregor departs to [[King's Landing]] to participate in the [[trial by combat]] of [[Tyrion Lannister]].{{ref|ASOS|74}}
  
Though he has never set foot within Harrenhal's walls, Petyr Baelish remains its lord. The castle's large dominion elevates Petyr's social position enough to marry [[Lysa Arryn]], the widowed-Lady Regent of the [[Vale of Arryn]].
+
Though he has never set foot within Harrenhal's walls, Petyr Baelish remains its lord. The castle's large dominion elevates Petyr's social position enough to marry [[Lysa Arryn]], the widowed-Lady Regent of the [[Vale of Arryn]].{{ref|ASOS|19}}{{ref|ASOS|68}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 +
It is reported that Harrenhal's former lady, [[Shella Whent]], has died,{{ref|AFFC|23}} as has [[Gregor Clegane]].{{ref|AFFC|17}} [[Timeon]] informs Brienne that Gregor had mutilated and eventually killed [[Vargo Hoat]] before the Mountain departed for King's Landing.{{ref|AFFC|20}} The [[Lords Declarant]] try to convince [[Petyr Baelish]] to take possession of Harrenhal, but Littlefinger manipulates them and remains in the Vale.{{ref|AFFC|23}}
  
It is reported that Harrenhal's former lady, [[Shella Whent]], has died, as has [[Gregor Clegane]].
+
Sent to bring peace to the [[riverlands]], [[Jaime Lannister]] returns to Harrenhal and learns it is leaderless. Gregor had appointed [[Polliver]] as its castellan, but Polliver was killed by [[Sandor Clegane]] at the [[inn at the crossroads]].{{ref|ASOS|74}} Jaime clears out the [[Mountain's men]] and replaces the garrison with the pious regiment known as the [[Holy Hundred]]. Jaime appoints their leader, Ser [[Bonifer Hasty]], as castellan until the time when Lord Baelish claims his castle.{{ref|AFFC|27}} Jaime releases Ser [[Wylis Manderly]] from imprisonment and has Ser [[Ilyn Payne]] execute one of the Mountain's men for having raped [[Pia]].{{ref|AFFC|27}}
 
 
Jaime Lannister returns to take control and learns it is leaderless. Gregor had appointed [[Polliver]] as its castellan, but Polliver was killed by [[Sandor Clegane]] at the [[inn at the crossroads]]. Jaime clears out Gregor's men and replaces the garrison with the pious regiment known as the [[Holy Hundred]]. Their leader, Ser [[Bonifer Hasty]], is named castellan in an attempt to bring peace to Harrenhal.{{ref|AFFC|27}}
 
  
 
==Curse==
 
==Curse==
Harrenhal's reputation for a curse may be justified. Many Houses and individuals who have held Harrenhal have eventually come to bad ends.
+
Harrenhal is said to be cursed, as many Houses and individuals who have held the castle have eventually come to bad ends.
  
 
===Houses to have held Harrenhal===
 
===Houses to have held Harrenhal===
* [[House Qoherys]] held Harrenhal from {{date|1}} - {{date|37}}, wiped out by [[Harren the Red]].
+
* [[House Hoare]], wiped out during the [[burning of Harrenhal]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
* [[House Harroway]] held Harrenhal from {{date|37}} - {{date|44}}, killed by King [[Maegor I Targaryen]].
+
* [[House Qoherys]] held Harrenhal from {{date|1}}-{{date|37}}, wiped out by [[Harren the Red]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}}
* [[House Towers of Harrenhal|House Towers]] held Harrenhal from {{date|44}} - unknown, died out two generations later.
+
* [[House Harroway]] held Harrenhal from {{date|37}}-{{date|44}}, wiped out by King [[Maegor I Targaryen]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}}
* [[House Strong]] held Harrenhal from unknown - {{date|131}}, last of the line executed by Lord [[Cregan Stark]].
+
* [[House Towers of Harrenhal|House Towers]] held Harrenhal from {{date|44}}-unknown, died out two generations later.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}}
* [[House Lothston]] held Harrenhal from {{date|151}} - unknown, line was brought down in the reign of King [[Maekar I Targaryen]].
+
* [[House Strong]] held Harrenhal from unknown-{{date|131}}, last of the line executed by Lord [[Cregan Stark]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}}
* [[House Whent]] held Harrenhal for three generations. Lady [[Shella Whent]] surrendered Harrenhal in {{Date|298}} to the forces of Lord [[Tywin Lannister]].
+
* [[House Lothston]] held Harrenhal from {{date|151}}-unknown, line was brought down in the reign of King [[Maekar I Targaryen]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}}
* [[House Slynt]] held Harrenhal for a short period of time in {{Date|299}}.
+
* [[House Whent]] held Harrenhal for three generations. Lady [[Shella Whent]] yielded the castle in {{Date|298}} to the forces of Lord [[Tywin Lannister]].{{ref|AGOT|56}}
* [[House Baelish]] has held Harrenhal since {{Date|299}}.
+
* [[House Slynt]] was awarded Harrenhal for a short period of time in {{Date|299}}.{{ref|AGOT|57}}{{ref|ACOK|8}}
 +
* [[House Baelish of Harrenhal|House Baelish]] was awarded Harrenhal in {{Date|299}}.{{ref|ACOK|65}}
  
 
===Individuals who have held Harrenhal since {{Date|298}}===
 
===Individuals who have held Harrenhal since {{Date|298}}===
* [[Shella Whent]] last of House Whent. Died at the beginning of winter, under as of yet unknown circumstances.
+
* [[Shella Whent]], last of House Whent. Said to have died at the beginning of winter, under as of yet unknown circumstances.{{ref|AFFC|23}}
* [[Janos Slynt]], made Lord of Harrenhal. Stripped of title a short while later and sent to the [[Wall]] where he was later executed.
+
* [[Janos Slynt]], made [[Lord of Harrenhal]]. Stripped of title a short while later by [[Tyrion Lannister]]{{ref|ACOK|8}} and sent to the [[Wall]] where he is later executed by [[Jon Snow]].{{ref|ADWD|7}}
* [[Tywin Lannister]], took possession of Harrenhal shortly. Later slain by a crossbow by [[Tyrion Lannister|his own son]] while seated on a privy.
+
* [[Tywin Lannister]], took possession of Harrenhal near the start of the [[War of the Five Kings]]. Later slain by a crossbow by his son, Tyrion, while seated on a privy in the [[Tower of the Hand]].{{ref|ASOS|77}}
* [[Amory Lorch]], named [[castellan]]. Fed to a bear.
+
* [[Amory Lorch]], named [[castellan]]. Fed to a bear in Harrenhal's bear pit.{{ref|ACOK|47}}
* [[Roose Bolton]], held Harrenhal for a short time. Though nothing ill has befallen him yet, he did hold the castle for a short time.
+
* [[Roose Bolton]], held Harrenhal for a short time.{{ref|ACOK|47}}{{ref|ASOS|44}}
* [[Vargo Hoat]], eventually tortured to death.
+
* [[Petyr Baelish]], named Lord of Harrenhal and [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]],{{ref|ACOK|65}} though he has yet to take possession of the castle.{{ref|AFFC|23}}
* [[Gregor Clegane]], died of a poisoned spear thrust.
+
* [[Vargo Hoat]], given Harrenhal by Lord Bolton and eventually tortured to death within Harrenhal by [[Gregor Clegane]].{{ref|AFFC|20}}
* [[Polliver]], named castellan. Eventually killed by [[Sandor Clegane]].
+
* [[Gregor Clegane]], died of a poisoned spear thrust after being wounded by [[Oberyn Martell]] in [[King's Landing]].{{ref|AFFC|17}}
* [[Petyr Baelish]], named Lord of Harrenhal though he has yet to take possession of it. So far, nothing ill has befallen him.
+
* [[Polliver]], named castellan. Eventually killed by [[Sandor Clegane]] at the [[crossroads inn]].{{ref|ASOS|74}}
* [[Bonifer Hasty]], named new castellan of Harrenhal by [[Jaime Lannister]]. So far, nothing ill has befallen him.
+
* [[Bonifer Hasty]], named castellan by [[Jaime Lannister]].{{ref|AFFC|27}}
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
 
{{Quote|And King [[Harren Hoare|Harren]] learned that thick walls and high towers are small use against [[dragon]]s. For dragons '''fly'''.{{Ref|aCoK|7}}}} -  [[Old Nan]] to [[Catelyn Stark]]'s children
 
{{Quote|And King [[Harren Hoare|Harren]] learned that thick walls and high towers are small use against [[dragon]]s. For dragons '''fly'''.{{Ref|aCoK|7}}}} -  [[Old Nan]] to [[Catelyn Stark]]'s children
 +
 +
 +
{{quote|'''Tyrion''': You're a bold man to take Harrenhal for your seat. Such a grim place, and huge ... costly to maintain. And some say cursed as well.<br>
 +
'''Janos''': Should I fear a pile of stone?{{ref|ACOK|8}}}} - [[Tyrion Lannister]] and [[Janos Slynt]]
  
  
Line 186: Line 190:
  
  
{{Quote|'''Alayne''': The castle is yours.<br>
+
{{Quote|'''Sansa''': The castle is yours.<br>
'''Petyr''': Ah, and what a castle it is. Cavernous halls and ruined towers, ghosts and draughts, ruinous to heat, impossible to garrison ... and there’s that small matter of a curse.{{ref|affc|23}}}}  - [[Sansa Stark|Alayne Stone]] and [[Petyr Baelish]]
+
'''Petyr''': Ah, and what a castle it is. Cavernous halls and ruined towers, ghosts and draughts, ruinous to heat, impossible to garrison ... and there’s that small matter of a curse.{{ref|affc|23}}}}  - [[Sansa Stark]] and [[Petyr Baelish]]
  
  
Line 193: Line 197:
  
  
{{Quote|[[House Lothston|Lothstons]], [[House Strong|Strongs]], [[House Harroway|Harroways]]...Harrenhal has withered every hand to touch it.{{ref|affc|23}}}}  - [[Petyr Baelish]] to [[Sansa Stark|Alayne Stone]]
+
{{Quote|[[House Lothston|Lothstons]], [[House Strong|Strongs]], [[House Harroway|Harroways]]... Harrenhal has withered every hand to touch it.{{ref|affc|23}}}}  - [[Petyr Baelish]] to [[Sansa Stark]]
  
  
Line 211: Line 215:
 
*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 27|''A Feast for Crows'': 27. Jaime III]]
 
*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 27|''A Feast for Crows'': 27. Jaime III]]
  
==References and Notes==
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==References==
{{references|3}}
+
{{references|2}}
 +
 
 
{{EnWP|Strongholds of A Song of Ice and Fire|small=yes}} <!-- maybe the history section, I cant recall, the rest is defiantly 100% from the citadel -->
 
{{EnWP|Strongholds of A Song of Ice and Fire|small=yes}} <!-- maybe the history section, I cant recall, the rest is defiantly 100% from the citadel -->
  
 +
{{Region Riverlands}}
  
{{Template:Region Riverlands}}
 
 
<!-- Categories -->
 
 
[[Category:Harrenhal| ]]
 
[[Category:Harrenhal| ]]
 
[[Category:Castles]]
 
[[Category:Castles]]
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[[Category:Brave Companions]]
 
[[Category:Brave Companions]]
  
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[[es:Harrenhal]]
 
[[es:Harrenhal]]
 
[[fa:هارن هال]]
 
[[fa:هارن هال]]

Revision as of 16:33, 1 March 2018

Harrenhal
Lino Drieghe Harrenhal.jpg
Harrenhal, on the north shore of the Gods Eye, by Lino Drieghe © FFG
Location riverlands, Westeros
Government House Whent (dispossessed)
House Slynt (dispossessed)
House Baelish, feudal lord
Religion Faith of the Seven
Founded 2 BC
Named for King Harren Hoare, its founder
Notable places Kingspyre Tower, Tower of Dread, Tower of Ghosts, Wailing Tower, Widow's Tower
The riverlands and the location of Harrenhal
The riverlands and the location of Harrenhal
Harrenhal
The riverlands and the location of Harrenhal

Harrenhal, the largest castle in the Seven Kingdoms, is the seat of House Whent in the riverlands, on the north shore of the Gods Eye lake. Since its burning by dragonfire in Aegon's Conquest, however, it has become a dark and ruinous place.

The castle's holdings are some of the richest in Westeros, claiming vast tracts of green fertile land[1][2] which reach as far as the hills of House Wode near the crownlands.[3] Harrentown is found near Harrenhal.[4]

Layout

See also: Images of Harrenhal

According to a semi-canon source, Harrenhal is immensely strong.[5] The castle has five towers of dizzying size, with equally monstrous curtain walls. The walls are incredibly thick and its rooms are built on a scale that would be more comfortable for giants than humans.[6]

Harrenhal covers three times as much ground as Winterfell and its buildings are so much larger that they can scarcely be compared. Its stables can house a thousand horses, its godswood covers twenty acres, and its kitchens are as large as Winterfell's Great Hall.[6]

However, much of Harrenhal has far gone into decay. The Whents use only the lower thirds of two of the five towers, letting the rest go to ruin, and many places in the castle have not been entered in decades. Bats infest the tops of some of the towers.[6]

Walls and Towers

Harrenhal, by Marc Simonetti ©
Harrenhal in Game of Thrones

Harrenhal is built on a gigantic scale; its colossal curtain walls are sheer and high as mountain cliffs while atop the battlements the wood-and-iron scorpions seem as small as their namesakes when seen from the ground. Harrenhal's gatehouse is as large as Winterfell's Great Keep, and its stone is discolored and fissured. From outside the gatehouse, only the tops of five immense towers can be seen because the height of the walls obscure the view of them.

Of the castle's five towers, the shortest is half again as high as the tallest one in Winterfell, yet none of the towers are proper, being bent, lumped, and cracked from the melting of the stone during the burning of Harrenhal by the Targaryen dragons three centuries earlier. Their original names were lost with the death of Harren the Black.[6]

The Five Towers:

  • Tower of Dread
  • Widow's Tower connects to the Kingspyre Tower via a stone bridge. Underneath there is a great cell that is used to keep prisoners.
  • Wailing Tower contains storerooms on the ground floor and cavernous vaults beneath.
  • Tower of Ghosts is near the postern gate and the ruined sept.
  • Kingspyre Tower contains the castellan's chambers. It connects to the Widow's Tower via a stone bridge.

Known Gates:

  • The main gate has walls so thick that no less than a dozen murder holes are passed before one reaches the yard on the other side.
  • The east gate is smaller than the main gate and is located near the Tower of Ghosts.

Misc

  • The Hall of the Hundred Hearths is the castle's great hall. It has only thirty-four or thirty-five hearths, but is said to be able to entertain an army.[6] Its floors are smooth slate and there are steps to two galleries above.
  • The kitchens are located in a round stone building with a domed roof containing nothing but kitchens. The kitchens are as large as Winterfell's Great Hall.[6]
  • The Barracks Hall above the armory is where the men-at-arms take their meals.[6]
  • The armory is located below the Barracks Hall and contains the forge.
  • The godswood is walled over twenty acres. It has a small stream running through it. The weirwood heart tree appears to have a terrible visage full of hatred, with a twisted mouth and flaring eyes. It is located across the ward from where the Barracks Hall and the armory are. The heart tree has thirteen deep marks carved into it dating to 130 AC when Daemon Targaryen battled Aemond Targaryen in the Dance of the Dragons. These marks still bleed every spring.
  • Flowstone Yard is where men-at-arms exercise and drill and squires clean arms and armor. It has a lumpy surface and is located near the Wailing Tower. There is a covered gallery above the Flowstone Yard with arches looking towards it. [6][7]
  • The bear pit is ten yards across and five yards across, walled in stone, floored with sand, and encircled by six tiers of marble benches.[7] It is located in the middle ward.
  • The bathhouse is a low-ceilinged room filled with great stone tubs large enough to hold six or seven after the fashion of the Free Cities.[8] The bathhouse is made of stone and timber, with only one entrance to the room.[9]

History

House Hoare

The burning of Harrenhal, by Marc Simonetti
Harrenhal, by Cris Urdiales ©

The seat of Halleck Hoare, King of the Isles and the Rivers, was a modest tower house at Fairmarket on the Blue Fork.[10] His son, Harren the Black, built Harrenhal along the Gods Eye as a monument to himself, intending it to be the greatest of all castles in Westeros and for it to dwarf any other.[11]

The construction of Harren's dream took forty years. Thousands of captives died in the quarries chained to sledges or laboring on the five huge towers. Men froze by winter and sweltered in summer. Weirwoods that had stood three thousand years were cut down to provide rafters and beams. Harren beggared the riverlands and the Iron Islands alike to ornament his dream.[11]

Upon its completion, Harren boasted that his new fortress was impregnable. However, he did not account for Aegon the Conqueror and his dragons invading Westeros. On the day Harren took up residence, Aegon came ashore at what would become King's Landing. The dragons were not obstructed by high walls and forbidding towers and roasted Harren alive in the tallest of the towers, now known as Kingspyre. Harren and all his line perished in the burning of Harrenhal. Due to the extreme heat of dragonflame, the castle took on a charred, melted appearance.[11]

Since Aegon's Conquest, the castle has become a white elephant. It is too big to garrison effectively and too expensive to maintain.[12] Harren allegedly mixed human blood into the mortar for the stonework;[9] some believe that the castle is cursed and haunted due to Harren's hubris and the horrors that have occurred within the castle's walls, with the early deaths of its many rulers as proof.[13][14][11][4][15][1][16][2] The curse is thought to prevent any lord from holding Harrenhal indefinitely.[17]

House Qoherys

King Aegon I Targaryen granted Harrenhal to Quenton Qoherys, although Lord Edmyn Tully of Riverrun was named Lord Paramount of the Trident.[2] House Qoherys died out during the reign of King Aenys I Targaryen, however, when Lord Gargon the Guest was slain during Harren the Red's rebellion.[18]

House Harroway

Lord Lucas Harroway succeeded Gargon as Lord of Harrenhal, and House Harroway helped to defeat Prince Aegon Targaryen in the Battle Beneath the Gods Eye. The Harroways were extinguished by King Maegor I Targaryen in 44 AC, however.[19]

House Towers

Ser Walton Towers was named the new Lord of Harrenhal after a melee announced by Maegor. House Towers died out two generations later.[2]

House Strong

Caraxes and Vhagar leap into the sky as the Battle Above the Gods Eye begins. In supplemental Blu-ray content from Game of Thrones Season 5.

Harrenhal was granted to Lyonel Strong while Jaehaerys I Targaryen sat the Iron Throne.[2] The Great Council of 101 AC, in which Prince Viserys was chosen as the Old King's successor, was held at Harrenhal.[20]

Lord Lyonel and his heir Harwin died in a fire at Harrenhal in 120 AC. It was blamed on the curse of Harrenhal, although non-mystical suspects included Prince Daemon Targaryen, Lord Corlys Velaryon, Lyonel's younger son Larys Strong, and even King Viserys I.[13]

Early in the Dance of the Dragons, Ser Simon Strong surrendered the castle to Prince Daemon Targaryen during his assault on Harrenhal. Daemon used it as a base for the blacks to launch attacks in the nearby area. Prince Aemond Targaryen and Ser Criston Cole led an army of greens to retake the great castle, but found it abandoned by the blacks when they arrived. After the Battle by the Lakeshore, Criston led his soldiers south along the Gods Eye. Aemond rode Vhagar and ravaged the riverlands, including burning all wooden structures in Harrenhal. Daemon and Aemond later fought in the Battle Above the Gods Eye, a duel which killed both princes and their dragons, Caraxes and Vhagar, although Daemon's body was never found.[20] Lord Larys Strong was executed during the Hour of the Wolf in 131 AC, ending his line of House Strong.[21][2]

House Lothston

King Aegon III Targaryen gave the ruined castle to Ser Lucas Lothston in 151 AC.[2] The Bastard of Harrenhal was defeated by Ser Arlan of Pennytree in a melee in 193 AC.[22] House Lothston was involved in the First Blackfyre Rebellion[23] and helped to suppress the Second Blackfyre Rebellion with the might of Harrenhal.[24] The Lothstons were cast down during the reign of Maekar I Targaryen, however, as Lady Danelle Lothston descended into madness.[2]

House Whent

House Whent, originally knights sworn to Harrenhal, became lords of the castle for their part in defeating the Lothstons.[2]

Lord Walter Whent hosted a great tourney at Harrenhal in 281 AC. The famous tournament resulted in the crowning of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen as its champion, and is also noted for the participation of the mysterious Knight of the Laughing Tree.[25] Ser Jaime Lannister was named to the Kingsguard of Aerys II Targaryen during the tourney.[26] Prior to the outbreak of Robert's Rebellion, Rhaegar abducted Lyanna Stark less than ten leagues from Harrenhal.[26] The Whents have been noted for their own tragedies.[2]

Recent Events

Arya Stark in Harrenhal, by Marc Simonetti © FFG

A Game of Thrones

During the early stages of the War of the Five Kings, Lady Shella Whent yields Harrenhal to Lord Tywin Lannister, who holds it with his own troops.[27] Queen Cersei Lannister grants the castle to Janos Slynt in return for his service.[28]

A Clash of Kings

Tywin's son Tyrion Lannister, acting as Hand in King's Landing as Tywin is still in the field, revokes Janos Slynt's title of Lord of Harrenhal and sends him to the Wall.[12]

The Mountain's men capture Arya Stark, Gendry, and Hot Pie and bring the youths to Harrenhal.[9] Tywin's garrison include bannermen lead by Ser Amory Lorch and Ser Gregor Clegane, and they are bolstered by the Brave Companions. The men treat the smallfolk of the castle cruelly. Amory's men and the Brave Companions feud, resulting in more deaths. Three dozen prisoners from the battle on the Green Fork are kept prisoner in the Tower of Dread; six Freys are ransomed, but northern prisoners remain. The wounded Lord Medger Cerwyn dies in captivity.[6]

Tywin departs Harrenhal, leaving Amory as castellan.[29] Ser Edmure Tully tasks Lord Roose Bolton and Ser Helman Tallhart with taking Harrenhal for Robb Stark, King in the North, so that Tywin can be blocked by Riverrun, the Red Fork, and Harrenhal.[30]

A new group of northern prisoners, including Robett Glover, are brought to Harrenhal by the Brave Companions. The incognito Arya, who has been serving at the castle, convinces Jaqen H'ghar to help her free the prisoners and revolt against Amory's Lannisters. At the same time, the Brave Companions butcher the Lannister bannermen and all who are loyal to them, then hand the castle to Lord Bolton. Amory is killed within the bear pit for entertainment after the fall of Harrenhal.[31] Arya serves Roose as his cupbearer.[32]

Following the Battle of the Blackwater, King Joffrey I Baratheon awards Harrenhal to Lord Petyr Baelish for his role in securing an alliance between the Lannisters and Tyrells through the engagement of Joffrey and Margaery Tyrell. Petyr is also named Lord Paramount of the Trident, replacing Hoster Tully of Riverrun; Hoster is a supporter of Robb Stark, the King in the North.[16]

Harrenhal remains occupied by Roose Bolton's northmen and Ser Aenys Frey's rivermen. Roose punishes and executes some of the castle's servants for having served House Lannister.[32] Arya thinks of herself as the ghost in Harrenhal,[31] but she flees with Gendry and Hot Pie from the castle when she learns Roose intends to grant it to Vargo Hoat, the leader of the Brave Companions.[32]

A Storm of Swords

Vargo had changed his allegiance from House Lannister to House Stark in order to receive Harrenhal from Roose Bolton. After Ser Jaime Lannister escapes Riverrun, Vargo, fearing the vengeance of Jaime's father Tywin, desires to wed Lord Rickard Karstark's daughter, Alys, and claim the safer and more distant Karhold.[8] Vargo's Brave Companions capture Jaime near Maidenpool. Fearing that Roose will return Jaime to Ser Edmure Tully at Riverrun or even to Tywin in King's Landing, Vargo has Zollo maim Jaime by cutting off the knight's sword hand.[33] Lord Karstark is eventually executed by Robb Stark for his own treason.[34]

The Bloody Mummers bring Jaime and Brienne of Tarth to Harrenhal,[35] and within the castle's bathhouse Jaime reveals the wildfire plot to Brienne.[8] While departing Harrenhal for Edmure's wedding at the Twins, Lord Bolton sends Walton to escort Jaime to King's Landing. Brienne remains in Vargo's control.[8] After a dream during his journey to the capital, however, Jaime insists on returning to Harrenhal, arriving in time to rescue Brienne from the bear pit. Jaime brings Brienne with him to safety in King's Landing.[7]

Following Robb's death in the Red Wedding, Tywin Lannister, the Hand of the King for Joffrey I Baratheon, intends to be lenient toward any opponent who surrenders, with the exception from Vargo at Harrenhal.[36] Most Brave Companions flee the castle.[37] After the capture of Harrenhal,[38] Gregor departs to King's Landing to participate in the trial by combat of Tyrion Lannister.[39]

Though he has never set foot within Harrenhal's walls, Petyr Baelish remains its lord. The castle's large dominion elevates Petyr's social position enough to marry Lysa Arryn, the widowed-Lady Regent of the Vale of Arryn.[40][41]

A Feast for Crows

It is reported that Harrenhal's former lady, Shella Whent, has died,[17] as has Gregor Clegane.[42] Timeon informs Brienne that Gregor had mutilated and eventually killed Vargo Hoat before the Mountain departed for King's Landing.[43] The Lords Declarant try to convince Petyr Baelish to take possession of Harrenhal, but Littlefinger manipulates them and remains in the Vale.[17]

Sent to bring peace to the riverlands, Jaime Lannister returns to Harrenhal and learns it is leaderless. Gregor had appointed Polliver as its castellan, but Polliver was killed by Sandor Clegane at the inn at the crossroads.[39] Jaime clears out the Mountain's men and replaces the garrison with the pious regiment known as the Holy Hundred. Jaime appoints their leader, Ser Bonifer Hasty, as castellan until the time when Lord Baelish claims his castle.[3] Jaime releases Ser Wylis Manderly from imprisonment and has Ser Ilyn Payne execute one of the Mountain's men for having raped Pia.[3]

Curse

Harrenhal is said to be cursed, as many Houses and individuals who have held the castle have eventually come to bad ends.

Houses to have held Harrenhal

Individuals who have held Harrenhal since 298 AC

Quotes

And King Harren learned that thick walls and high towers are small use against dragons. For dragons fly.[11]

- Old Nan to Catelyn Stark's children


Tyrion: You're a bold man to take Harrenhal for your seat. Such a grim place, and huge ... costly to maintain. And some say cursed as well.
Janos: Should I fear a pile of stone?[12]

- Tyrion Lannister and Janos Slynt


That is an ill place. Cursed, they say. Not that I am the sort to swallow such tales, but still, there it is.[15]

- Wyman Manderly to Rodrik Cassel


Sansa: The castle is yours.
Petyr: Ah, and what a castle it is. Cavernous halls and ruined towers, ghosts and draughts, ruinous to heat, impossible to garrison ... and there’s that small matter of a curse.[17]

- Sansa Stark and Petyr Baelish


Harrenhal had witnessed more horror in its three hundred years than Casterly Rock had witnessed in three thousand.[3]

- thoughts of Jaime Lannister


Lothstons, Strongs, Harroways... Harrenhal has withered every hand to touch it.[17]

- Petyr Baelish to Sansa Stark


Jaime: This castle has an ill repute, and one that's well deserved. It's said that Harren and his sons still walk the halls by night, afire. Those who look upon them burst into flame.

Bonifer: I fear no shade, ser. It is written in The Seven-Pointed Star that spirits, wights, and revenants cannot harm a pious man, so long as he is armored in his faith.

Jaime: Then armor yourself in faith, by all means, but wear a suit of mail and plate as well. Every man who holds this castle seems to come to a bad end. The Mountain, the Goat, even my father ...[3]

- Jaime Lannister and Bonifer Hasty

Chapters that take place at Harrenhal

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 17, Tyrion IV.
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 The World of Ice & Fire, The Riverlands: House Tully.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 27, Jaime III.
  4. 4.0 4.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 14, Arya IV.
  5. So Spake Martin: A Number of Question, May 12, 2001
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 30, Arya VII.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 44, Jaime VI.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 37, Jaime V.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 26, Arya VI.
  10. The World of Ice & Fire, The Iron Islands: The Black Blood.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 7, Catelyn I.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 8, Tyrion II.
  13. 13.0 13.1 The Rogue Prince.
  14. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 69, Tyrion IX.
  15. 15.0 15.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 16, Bran II.
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 65, Sansa VIII.
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 17.6 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 23, Alayne I.
  18. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I.
  19. A Forum of Ice and Fire: Inconsistency or Intentional?
  20. 20.0 20.1 The Princess and the Queen.
  21. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III.
  22. The Hedge Knight.
  23. The Sworn Sword.
  24. The Mystery Knight.
  25. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 24, Bran II.
  26. 26.0 26.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring.
  27. 27.0 27.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 56, Tyrion VII.
  28. 28.0 28.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 57, Sansa V.
  29. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 38, Arya VIII.
  30. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 39, Catelyn V.
  31. 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 47, Arya IX.
  32. 32.0 32.1 32.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 64, Arya X.
  33. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 21, Jaime III.
  34. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 20, Catelyn III.
  35. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 31, Jaime IV.
  36. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 53, Tyrion VI.
  37. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 62, Jaime VII.
  38. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 60, Tyrion VIII.
  39. 39.0 39.1 39.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 74, Arya XIII.
  40. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 19, Tyrion III.
  41. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 68, Sansa VI.
  42. 42.0 42.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 17, Cersei IV.
  43. 43.0 43.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 20, Brienne IV.
  44. The World of Ice & Fire, The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest.
  45. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 7, Jon II.
  46. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 77, Tyrion XI.

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