Difference between revisions of "House Bracken"

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==History==
 
==History==
The Brackens have the blood of the [[First Men]] in their veins and were petty kings during the [[Age of Heroes]]. They have an old and bitter feud against their neighbors, the [[House Blackwood|Blackwoods]], coming from the Age of Heroes when both houses ruled as kings. According to the Brackens, the Blackwoods were vassals who betrayed the Brackens and usurped their crown.{{ref|ADWD|48}} The feud has continued throughout the years, aided by House Bracken's change to the [[Faith of the Seven]] after the [[Andal invasion]].<ref>Blackwood-Bracken Feud and Coinage, (August 13, 2003) [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/P15 So Spake Martin]</ref> The Blackwoods believe the Brackens poisoned the [[weirwood]] at [[Raventree Hall]].{{ref|ADWD|48}} [[Battle Valley]] and the village of [[Blackbuckle]] are part of the disputed land.{{ref|adwd|48}}  
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The Brackens have the blood of the [[First Men]] in their veins and were petty kings during the [[Age of Heroes]]. They have an old and bitter feud against their neighbors, the [[House Blackwood|Blackwoods]], coming from the Age of Heroes when both houses ruled as kings. According to the Brackens, the Blackwoods were vassals who betrayed the Brackens and usurped their crown.{{ref|ADWD|48}} The feud has continued throughout the years, aided by House Bracken's change to the [[Faith of the Seven]] after the [[Andal invasion]].<ref>Blackwood-Bracken Feud and Coinage, (August 13, 2003) [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/P15 So Spake Martin]</ref> The Blackwoods believe the Brackens poisoned the [[weirwood]] at [[Raventree Hall]].{{ref|ADWD|48}} [[Battle Valley]] and the village of [[Blackbuckle]] are part of the disputed land. There have been numerous peaces between the Brackens and Blackwoods, many sealed by marriage, but the feud always restarts.{{ref|aDwD|48}}
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House Bracken aided [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conquerer]] during his [[War of Conquest]] and rebelled against King [[Harren Hoare|Harren the Black]] of [[Harrenhal]].<ref>So Spake Martin: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/6592/ Chicon 7 Reading]</ref>
  
 
According to Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]], Lord Bracken was to sail with [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen to aid [[Daemon Blackfyre]] during the [[Blackfyre Rebellion]], but was delayed by storms.{{Ref|TSS|''Legends II'', ISBN 0-345-45644-0, page 129 of 73-152}} Ser [[Otho Bracken]] slew Lord [[Quentyn Blackwood]] at a tourney in [[King's Landing]], reinvigorating the feud. Three years later Otho and some Blackwoods participate at the [[Tourney of Ashford]].{{Ref|THK|''Legends'', ISBN 0-312-86787-5, page 463 of 457-533}} Ser [[Steffon Fossoway]] considered convincing Otho or the Blackwoods to fight for [[Dunk]] at his [[trial of seven]], but decided it would be impossible to make them fight on the same side.{{Ref|THK|''Legends'', ISBN 0-312-86787-5, page 510 of 457-533}} When Lord Bracken lay dying, Septon [[Sefton Staunton|Sefton]] explained that Otho would inherit and the Blackwoods would not suffer him, meaning war. Lord Bracken's eldest son died in [[the Great Spring Sickness]]. The then-[[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Brynden Rivers|Bloodraven]], was half-Blackwood, so he was unlikely to stop it.{{Ref|TSS|''Legends II'', ISBN 0-345-45644-0, pages 115-116 of 73-152}}   
 
According to Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]], Lord Bracken was to sail with [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen to aid [[Daemon Blackfyre]] during the [[Blackfyre Rebellion]], but was delayed by storms.{{Ref|TSS|''Legends II'', ISBN 0-345-45644-0, page 129 of 73-152}} Ser [[Otho Bracken]] slew Lord [[Quentyn Blackwood]] at a tourney in [[King's Landing]], reinvigorating the feud. Three years later Otho and some Blackwoods participate at the [[Tourney of Ashford]].{{Ref|THK|''Legends'', ISBN 0-312-86787-5, page 463 of 457-533}} Ser [[Steffon Fossoway]] considered convincing Otho or the Blackwoods to fight for [[Dunk]] at his [[trial of seven]], but decided it would be impossible to make them fight on the same side.{{Ref|THK|''Legends'', ISBN 0-312-86787-5, page 510 of 457-533}} When Lord Bracken lay dying, Septon [[Sefton Staunton|Sefton]] explained that Otho would inherit and the Blackwoods would not suffer him, meaning war. Lord Bracken's eldest son died in [[the Great Spring Sickness]]. The then-[[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Brynden Rivers|Bloodraven]], was half-Blackwood, so he was unlikely to stop it.{{Ref|TSS|''Legends II'', ISBN 0-345-45644-0, pages 115-116 of 73-152}}   
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* [[Barba Bracken]], the fifth of [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]'s mistresses and mother of [[Aegor Rivers|Aegor "Bittersteel" Rivers]].  
 
* [[Barba Bracken]], the fifth of [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]'s mistresses and mother of [[Aegor Rivers|Aegor "Bittersteel" Rivers]].  
 
* [[Bethany Bracken]], the seventh of Aegon IV's mistresses.
 
* [[Bethany Bracken]], the seventh of Aegon IV's mistresses.
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 +
==Quotes==
 +
{{quote|We've had a hundred peaces with the Brackens, many sealed with marriages. There's [[House Blackwood|Blackwood]] blood in every Bracken, and Bracken blood in every Blackwood. [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|The Old King's]] Peace lasted half a century. But then some fresh quarrel broke out, and the old wounds opened and began to bleed again. That's how it always happens, [[Tytos Blackwood|my father]] says. So long as men remember the wrongs done to their forebears, no peace will ever last. So we go on century after century, with us hating the Brackens and them hating us. My father says there will never be an end to it.{{ref|ADWD|48}}}} - [[Hoster Blackwood]] to [[Jaime Lannister]]
  
 
==References and Notes==
 
==References and Notes==

Revision as of 18:09, 27 January 2014

House Bracken of Stone Hedge
Bracken sigil coat.png
Coat of arms Or, a stallion rampant to sinister gules within a bordure tenné
Seat Stone Hedge
Head Jonos Bracken
Region the Riverlands
Overlord House Baelish of Harrenhal
Founded Age of Heroes

House Bracken of Stone Hedge is an old house from Stone Hedge in the Riverlands, sworn to House Tully. They blazon their arms with a red stallion upon a golden escutcheon on brown.[1][2] Their words do not appear in the books.

The Bracken lands lie along the Red Fork of the Trident.[3]

History

The Brackens have the blood of the First Men in their veins and were petty kings during the Age of Heroes. They have an old and bitter feud against their neighbors, the Blackwoods, coming from the Age of Heroes when both houses ruled as kings. According to the Brackens, the Blackwoods were vassals who betrayed the Brackens and usurped their crown.[4] The feud has continued throughout the years, aided by House Bracken's change to the Faith of the Seven after the Andal invasion.[5] The Blackwoods believe the Brackens poisoned the weirwood at Raventree Hall.[4] Battle Valley and the village of Blackbuckle are part of the disputed land. There have been numerous peaces between the Brackens and Blackwoods, many sealed by marriage, but the feud always restarts.[4]

House Bracken aided Aegon the Conquerer during his War of Conquest and rebelled against King Harren the Black of Harrenhal.[6]

According to Ser Eustace Osgrey, Lord Bracken was to sail with Myrish crossbowmen to aid Daemon Blackfyre during the Blackfyre Rebellion, but was delayed by storms.[7] Ser Otho Bracken slew Lord Quentyn Blackwood at a tourney in King's Landing, reinvigorating the feud. Three years later Otho and some Blackwoods participate at the Tourney of Ashford.[8] Ser Steffon Fossoway considered convincing Otho or the Blackwoods to fight for Dunk at his trial of seven, but decided it would be impossible to make them fight on the same side.[9] When Lord Bracken lay dying, Septon Sefton explained that Otho would inherit and the Blackwoods would not suffer him, meaning war. Lord Bracken's eldest son died in the Great Spring Sickness. The then-Hand of the King, Lord Bloodraven, was half-Blackwood, so he was unlikely to stop it.[10]

Lords Bracken and Blackwood came to Riverrun when Lysa Tully was young to put their feud before Lord Hoster Tully's judgment.[11] Hoster attempted to marry Ser Brynden Tully to Lord Bracken's daughter.[12] The daughter of Elys Waynwood was on her way to marry a Bracken when she was kidnapped by the Burned Men and not heard from again.[13]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Three Bracken men-at-arms, Kurleket, Lharys and Mohor, assist Catelyn Tully in arresting Tyrion Lannister at the inn at the crossroads.[14] The three die during the trek to the Vale of Arryn.[15]

After the outbreak of the War of the Five Kings, Ser Gregor Clegane burns out the Brackens, laying waste to their fields, slaughtering their smallfolk and leaving Stone Hedge a smoking ruin. Lord Jonos Bracken arrives at Riverrun after the Battle of the Camps. At the war council at Riverrun, Jonos suggests to pledge fealty to King Renly Baratheon, perhaps only to contradict Lord Tytos Blackwood's previous statement. After Greatjon Umber speaks, Jonos joins the other river lords in declaring Robb Stark to be King in the North.[16]

A Clash of Kings

Lord Jonos recovers Stone Hedge from the Lannisters, but he is wounded and his nephew Hendry is killed in the fighting.[17]

A Storm of Swords

Lord Quenten Banefort is held captive by House Bracken.[18] Among those claimed to have been murdered by the Lannisters by the Brotherhood Without Banners was the Harry Rivers, the Bastard of Bracken.[19] Brienne of Tarth, Cleos Frey, and Jaime Lannister find the bodies of tavern wenches hanged for associating with Lannister troops while traveling through Bracken lands.[3] Lord Jonos is among the seven nobles who launch Lord Hoster Tully's funeral boat.[20]

Following the death of King Robb Stark in the Red Wedding, Jonos surrenders to the Iron Throne and receives a royal pardon.[21] The Brackens then fight House Blackwood, who remain loyal to House Stark, on behalf of House Baratheon of King's Landing.[22]

A Feast for Crows

Dead soldiers bearing the colors of House Bracken have washed up on the Quiet Isle. According to the Elder Brother, they are buried next to their Blackwood enemies.[23] The Brackens besiege the Blackwoods at Raventree Hall.[24]

A Dance with Dragons

Lord Tytos Blackwood refuses to surrender to Jonos Bracken, leading Jaime Lannister to attempt to resolve the siege of Raventree. Jonos desires to gain the east bank of the Widow's Wash, from Crossbow Ridge to Rutting Meadow, Grindcorn Mill, Lord's Mill, Muddy Hall, the Ravishment, Battle Valley, Oldforge, Buckle, Blackbuckle, Cairns, Claypool, Mudgrave, Waspwood, Lorgen's Wood, Greenhill, Barba's Teats, and Honeytree. However, Tytos only agrees to transfer Woodhedge, Crossbow Ridge, Buckle, Lord's Mill, and Honeytree. Jaime orders Jonos to send one of his daughters to serve Queen Regent Cersei Lannister in King's Landing.[4]

House Bracken at the end of the third century

The known Brackens during the timespan of the events described in A Song of Ice and Fire are:

With unspecified familiar relationship to the main branch of the house there is also:

  • Harry Rivers, the Bastard of Bracken, the natural son of a member of House Bracken, claimed to be Lord Jonos's son.
  • Lord Bracken's daughter. One of the possible matches for Brynden Tully in his youth. Possibly a sister of Lord Jonos.[16]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown
woman
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jonos
 
 
 
Unknown
second wife
 
 
 
 
 
Sibling(s)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown
first wife
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lady Bracken
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Harry
Rivers
 
Barbara
 
Jayne
 
Catelyn
 
Bess
 
Alysanne
 
Hendry
 


Historical Members

Quotes

We've had a hundred peaces with the Brackens, many sealed with marriages. There's Blackwood blood in every Bracken, and Bracken blood in every Blackwood. The Old King's Peace lasted half a century. But then some fresh quarrel broke out, and the old wounds opened and began to bleed again. That's how it always happens, my father says. So long as men remember the wrongs done to their forebears, no peace will ever last. So we go on century after century, with us hating the Brackens and them hating us. My father says there will never be an end to it.[4]

- Hoster Blackwood to Jaime Lannister

References and Notes

  1. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 33, Jaime V.
  2. The Citadel. Heraldry: Houses in the Riverlands
  3. 3.0 3.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 1, Jaime I.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 48, Jaime I.
  5. Blackwood-Bracken Feud and Coinage, (August 13, 2003) So Spake Martin
  6. So Spake Martin: Chicon 7 Reading
  7. The Sworn Sword, Legends II, ISBN 0-345-45644-0, page 129 of 73-152.
  8. The Hedge Knight, Legends, ISBN 0-312-86787-5, page 463 of 457-533.
  9. The Hedge Knight, Legends, ISBN 0-312-86787-5, page 510 of 457-533.
  10. The Sworn Sword, Legends II, ISBN 0-345-45644-0, pages 115-116 of 73-152.
  11. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 80, Sansa VII.
  12. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 71, Daenerys VI.
  13. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 41, Alayne II.
  14. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 28, Catelyn V.
  15. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 31, Tyrion IV.
  16. 16.0 16.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 71, Catelyn XI.
  17. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 7, Catelyn I.
  18. A Storm of Swords, Appendix.
  19. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 34, Arya VI.
  20. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 35, Catelyn IV.
  21. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 72, Jaime IX.
  22. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 74, Arya XIII.
  23. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 31, Brienne VI.
  24. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 38, Jaime VI.