Harys Swyft

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Harys Swyft
House Swyft.PNG
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Copyrighted work by Fantasy Flight Games©

Titles
Allegiance House Swyft
Books

Ser Harys Swyft is the head of House Swyft and good-father to Ser Kevan Lannister.

Appearance

Harys has a very small chin.[1] He is bald, soft and has a small white beard over his chin.[2]

History

When Tytos Lannister was Lord of Casterly Rock, Ser Harys borrowed large sums of money from House Lannister.

Upon Ser Tywin Lannisters return from the War of the Ninepenny Kings, the young heir of Casterly Rock was determined to return his Houses status and began by demanding the repayment of the gold his father lent out. Those who could not repay immediately had to send a hostage to Casterly Rock until their debt was settled. Ser Harys hastened to obey, stating:

The Lion has awoken.[3]

Ser Harys, unable to pay immediately at the time, surrendered his daughter Dorna Swyft into the custody of Kevan Lannister until the debt was settled. Ser Kevan eventually fell in love with Dorna and they married. [3]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Ser Harys is part of Lord Tywin Lannister's force in the Riverlands. He participates in the Battle of the Green Fork. When a courier arrives at Lord Tywin's camp bearing the news of the defeat of the Lannister forces in the Battle of the Camps, lifting the siege of Riverrun, Harys questions Ser Jaime's tactical ability, criticizing that Ser Jaime split up his host into three different camps. Tyrion Lannister, thinking by himself, resents this attack on his brother's tactical prowess, in particular when it comes from Ser Harys, whom he considers a shameless lickspittle whose only personal achievement is that he married off his daughter to a Lannister and thus attached himself to the house.[4]

However, it is Ser Harys' own son-in-law, Ser Kevan Lannister, who refutes the critique, explaining that Jaime had no alternative and that he would have done the same, also pointing out that Ser Harys doesn't seem to be familar with the strategic position of Riverrun. Ser Harys later says that Ser Jaime's capture and the defeat at Riverrun constitute a catastrophe for the Lannister forces, prompting a dismissive remark by Ser Addam Marbrand who thanks him for pointing out the obvious. Ser Harys insists that there is no other alternative than appealing for peace, to which Tyrion replies that Robb Stark will never accept peace negotiations now, after his father has been executed in King's Landing. Ser Harys later suggests appealing to the Crown for new troops and trying to raise a new host in Casterly Rock, but the discussion comes to an end when Lord Tywin asks all present to leave, except Ser Kevan and Tyrion.[4]

A Clash of Kings

Harys is with Lord Tywin's army when they take Harrenhal. During their time there he manages to alienate the cooks, who spit in his food. His squire is killed in an argument with the Brave Companions over the supposed death of Lord Beric Dondarrion at the hands of the Companions. Arya Stark watches him kiss Vargo Hoat under Tywin's orders to make up and put the conflict behind them.[5] During the Battle of the Blackwater, Harys is trapped beneath his horse after it falls on him. He is rescued by one of his men-at-arms, Willit, who defends him against all attackers, taking grievous wounds in the process.[6]

A Storm of Swords

Harys is among the nobles that accompany Tyrion Lannister to meet the Dornish party when they arrived at King's Landing.[7]

A Feast for Crows

Harys is named Hand of the King by Queen Cersei, because he is both a weak man and he was a hostage against Ser Kevan Lannister.[2] He is appointed/demoted to Lord Treasurer by Cersei after Lord Rosby dies.[8] When Cersei is arrested Harys and Grand Maester Pycelle take control of King Tommen and request that Kevan Lannister return to King's Landing as regent.[9]

A Dance with Dragons

Harys continues to serve as lord treasurer. In order to placate the Iron Bank of Braavos, he has written to the bankers of Myr in hopes of a loan and is advised by Kevan to also write to the magisters of Pentos. Kevan refuses to follow Harys's suggestion of raising taxes as the realm is too full of rebellion and half its lords cannot tell taxation from tyranny. Kevan suggests to Harys that he travel to Braavos and treat with the bank in person.[10]

The Winds of Winter

In Braavos, Harys attends a performance of The Bloody Hand at the Gate, accompanied by the Black Pearl of Braavos and a guard of Lannister men, including Raff the Sweetling.

Quotes about Harys

Kevan should be Tommen's hand. Harys Swyft is a toad, and my sister is a fool if she thinks elsewise.[11]

- Jaime Lannisters thoughts

Family

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Harys
 
Unknown
wife
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kevan
Lannister
 
Dorna
 
 
 
Steffon
 
Unknown
wife
 
Shierle
 
Melwyn
Sarsfield
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lancel
Lannister
 
Willem
Lannister
 
Martyn
Lannister
 
Janei
Lannister
 
Joanna
 
 
 
Jocelyn
 
Humfrey
 


References and Notes