Difference between revisions of "House Bracken"

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| image = [[File:Bracken_sigil_coat.png‎|250px]]
 
| image = [[File:Bracken_sigil_coat.png‎|250px]]
 
| image_caption =  
 
| image_caption =  
| Coat_of_arms = A red stallion upon a gold shield, on a brown field<br>(''Tenné, on an escutcheon or a stallion rampant gules'')
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| Coat_of_arms = A red stallion upon a gold shield, on a brown field<br>''(Tenné, on an escutcheon or a stallion rampant gules)''
 
| Words =
 
| Words =
 
| Seat = [[Stone Hedge]]
 
| Seat = [[Stone Hedge]]
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| Title = Lord of [[Stone Hedge]]
 
| Title = Lord of [[Stone Hedge]]
 
| Heir =
 
| Heir =
| Overlord = [[House Tully]] (formerly)<br>[[House Baelish of Harrenhal]]
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| Overlord = [[House Tully]] (AGOT)<br>[[House Baelish of Harrenhal|House Baelish]] (ADWD)
 
| Ancestral_weapon =
 
| Ancestral_weapon =
 
| Cadet_branch =
 
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==History==
 
==History==
 +
===Age of Heroes===
 
The Brackens have the blood of the [[First Men]] in their veins and were kings of the riverlands during the [[Age of Heroes]]. They have an old and bitter feud against their neighbors, the [[House Blackwood|Blackwoods]]. According to the Brackens, the Blackwoods were vassals who betrayed the Brackens and usurped their crown.{{ref|ADWD|48}}
 
The Brackens have the blood of the [[First Men]] in their veins and were kings of the riverlands during the [[Age of Heroes]]. They have an old and bitter feud against their neighbors, the [[House Blackwood|Blackwoods]]. According to the Brackens, the Blackwoods were vassals who betrayed the Brackens and usurped their crown.{{ref|ADWD|48}}
  
The Brackens and Blackwoods allied together against the [[Andal invasion]], but they were defeated in the [[Battle of the Bitter River]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}} The feud has continued throughout the years, aided by House Bracken's change to the [[Faith of the Seven]] after the Andal invasion.<ref>So Spake Martin: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/P15 Blackwood-Bracken Feud and Coinage]</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}} Benedict Rivers was a bastard born from both houses who eventually became King [[Benedict I Justman]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}}
+
===Andal Riverlands===
 +
The Brackens and Blackwoods allied together against the [[Andal invasion]], but they were defeated in the [[battle of the Bitter River]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}} The feud has continued throughout the years, aided by House Bracken's change to the [[Faith of the Seven]] after the Andal invasion.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1243 Blackwood-Bracken Feud and Coinage]</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}} Benedict Rivers was a bastard born from both houses who eventually became King [[Benedict I Justman]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}}
  
When Lady [[Agnes Blackwood]] led the resistance of the river lords to King [[Harwyn Hoare]], Lord [[Lothar Bracken]] attacked Agnes's army from behind. It is possible Lothar hoped to become [[King of the Trident]] after Harwyn defeated the [[Storm King]] [[Arrec Durrandon]], but [[House Hoare]] instead took the riverlands for themselves. Harwyn starved Lothar to death when he rose in rebellion.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}}
+
When Lady [[Agnes Blackwood]] led the resistance of the river lords to King [[Harwyn Hoare]], Lord [[Lothar Bracken]] attacked Agnes's army from behind. It is possible Lothar hoped to become [[King of the Trident]] after Harwyn defeated the [[Storm King]] [[Arrec Durrandon]], but [[House Hoare]] instead took the riverlands for themselves. Harwyn starved Lothar to death when he later rose in rebellion.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}}
  
House Bracken aided [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conquerer]] during his [[War of Conquest]] and rebelled against Harwyn's grandson, King [[Harren Hoare|Harren the Black]] of [[Harrenhal]].<ref>So Spake Martin: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/6592/ Chicon 7 Reading]</ref> The Brackens and the Blackwoods had been weakened by a private war a decade before the rebellion, however, and Aegon granted the new title of [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]] to Lord [[Edmyn Tully]] of [[Riverrun]].{{ref|TWOIAF}}
+
===Targaryen Era===
 +
House Bracken aided [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conquerer]] during the [[Wars of Conquest]] and rebelled against Harwyn's grandson, King [[Harren Hoare|Harren the Black]] of [[Harrenhal]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/6592/ Chicon 7 Reading (September 02, 2012)]</ref> The Brackens and the Blackwoods had been weakened by a private war a decade before [[Aegon's Conquest]], however, and Aegon granted the new title of [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]] to Lord [[Edmyn Tully]] of [[Riverrun]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}}
 +
 
 +
Ser [[Lyle Bracken]] was one of the seven [[knight]]s of the [[Warrior's Sons]] who fought against King [[Maegor I Targaryen]] in a [[trial of seven]] in {{Date|42}}.{{Ref|tsotd}}
  
 
A Bracken fought a duel with a Blackwood over [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] in {{date|112}}, but the princess eventually wed Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]].{{ref|TRP}}
 
A Bracken fought a duel with a Blackwood over [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] in {{date|112}}, but the princess eventually wed Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]].{{ref|TRP}}
  
[[Lord Bracken]] served as [[Hand of the King]] to King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]. His daughter [[Barba Bracken]], the fifth mistress of Aegon IV, was the mother of [[Aegor Rivers]], the [[Great Bastard]] known as Bittersteel. According to Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]], Lord Bracken was to sail with [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen to aid [[Daemon I Blackfyre|Daemon Blackfyre]] and Bittersteel during the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]], but was delayed by storms.{{Ref|TSS}}
+
During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], the Brackens declared for [[Aegon II Targaryen]] and the [[greens]]. Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and the Blackwoods defeated the Brackens at the [[battle of the Burning Mill]] and took [[Stone Hedge]].{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{ref|tpatq}}
 +
 
 +
[[Lord Bracken]] served as [[Hand of the King]] to King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]. His elder daughter [[Barba Bracken|Barba]] was the fifth mistress of Aegon IV and the mother of [[Aegor Rivers]], the [[Great Bastard]] known as Bittersteel. However, House Bracken fell from favor after Lord Bracken began talking openly of marrying Barba to Aegon IV after Queen [[Naerys]] nearly died in childbirth. Lord Bracken's second daughter, [[Bethany Bracken|Bethany]], was deliberately groomed by her father and elder sister to win back the king's favor by displacing [[Melissa Blackwood]], with whom Aegon IV had replaced Barba as mistress.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
 +
 
 +
Bethany succeeded in displacing Melissa, but found the King's embraces distressing and she sought comfort in Ser [[Terrence Toyne]] of the [[Kingsguard]].{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} After the affair was discovered, both Bethany and her father were executed.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
 +
 
 +
According to Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]], Lord Bracken was to sail with [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen to aid [[Daemon I Blackfyre|Daemon Blackfyre]] and Bittersteel during the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]], but was delayed by storms.{{Ref|TSS}}
  
Ser [[Otho Bracken]] slew Lord [[Quentyn Blackwood]] at a tourney in [[King's Landing]], reinvigorating the feud. Three years later Otho and some Blackwoods participated in the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]].{{Ref|THK}} 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}} 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]], Bittersteel's rival Lord [[Brynden Rivers|Bloodraven]], was half-Blackwood, so he was unlikely to stop it.{{Ref|TSS}}   
+
Ser [[Otho Bracken]] slew Lord [[Quentyn Blackwood]] at a [[tourney]] in [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|206}}, reinvigorating the feud. Three years later Otho and some Blackwoods participated in the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]].{{Ref|THK}} Ser [[Steffon Fossoway]] considered convincing Otho or the Blackwoods to fight for Ser [[Duncan the Tall]] in his [[trial of seven]], but decided it would be impossible to make them both fight on the same side.{{Ref|THK}} 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 and heir had died in the [[Great Spring Sickness]]. The then [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Brynden Rivers]], was half-Blackwood, and thus was considered unlikely to stop it.{{Ref|TSS}}   
  
Lords Bracken and Blackwood came to Riverrun when [[Lysa Tully]] was young to put their feud before Lord [[Hoster Tully]]'s judgment.{{ref|ASOS|80}} Hoster attempted to marry Ser [[Brynden Tully]] to Lord Bracken's daughter.{{ref|ASOS|71}} 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.{{ref|AFFC|41}}
+
Lords Bracken and Blackwood came to Riverrun when [[Lysa Tully]] was young to put their feud before Lord [[Hoster Tully]]'s judgment.{{ref|ASOS|80}} Hoster attempted to marry Ser [[Brynden Tully]] to Lord Bracken's daughter.{{ref|ASOS|71}} The daughter of [[Elys Waynwood]] was on her way to marry a Bracken when she was kidnapped by [[Burned Men]] and not heard from again.{{ref|AFFC|41}}
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
===''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]].{{ref|AGOT|28}} The three die during the trek to the [[Vale of Arryn]], slain by [[Vale mountain clans|mountain clansmen]].{{ref|AGOT|31}}
+
Three Bracken men-at-arms, [[Kurleket]], [[Lharys]] and [[Mohor]], assist Lady [[Catelyn Tully]] in arresting [[Tyrion Lannister]] at the [[inn at the crossroads]].{{ref|AGOT|28}} The three die during the trek to the [[Vale of Arryn]], slain by [[Vale mountain clans|mountain clansmen]].{{ref|AGOT|31}}
  
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]] is listed among the nobles [[Joffrey]] commands to do him fealty or be declared traitors.{{ref|AGOT|57}} Lord Jonos 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]].{{ref|AGOT|71}}
+
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 [[Burning of Stone Hedge|Stone Hedge]] a smoking ruin. Lord [[Jonos Bracken]] is listed among the nobles commanded by King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] to do him fealty or be declared traitors.{{ref|AGOT|57}}
 +
 
 +
Jonos 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 of marching against [[Harrenhal]]. After [[Greatjon Umber]] speaks, Jonos joins the other river lords in declaring [[Robb Stark]] to be [[King in the North]] and [[King of the Trident]].{{ref|AGOT|71}}
  
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
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===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
Lord [[Quenten Banefort]] is held captive by House Bracken.{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}} Among those claimed to have been murdered by the Lannisters by the [[brotherhood without banners]] was the [[Harry Rivers]], the Bastard of Bracken.{{ref|ASOS|34}} [[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.{{ref|ASOS|1}} Lord Jonos is among the seven nobles who launch Lord Hoster Tully's funeral boat.{{ref|ASOS|35}}
+
Lord [[Quenten Banefort]] is held captive by House Bracken.{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}} Among those claimed to have been murdered by the Lannisters by the [[brotherhood without banners]] was [[Harry Rivers]], the [[Bastard]] of Bracken.{{ref|ASOS|34}} [[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.{{ref|ASOS|1}} Lord Jonos is among the seven nobles who launch Lord [[Hoster Tully]]'s funeral boat.{{ref|ASOS|35}}
  
 
Following the death of King [[Robb Stark]] in the [[Red Wedding]], Jonos surrenders to the [[Iron Throne]] and receives a royal pardon.{{ref|ASOS|72}} The Brackens then fight [[House Blackwood]], who remain loyal to [[House Stark]], on behalf of [[House Baratheon of King's Landing]].{{ref|ASOS|74}}
 
Following the death of King [[Robb Stark]] in the [[Red Wedding]], Jonos surrenders to the [[Iron Throne]] and receives a royal pardon.{{ref|ASOS|72}} The Brackens then fight [[House Blackwood]], who remain loyal to [[House Stark]], on behalf of [[House Baratheon of King's Landing]].{{ref|ASOS|74}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''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.{{ref|AFFC|31}} The Brackens besiege the Blackwoods at [[Raventree Hall]].{{ref|AFFC|38}}
+
Dead soldiers bearing the colors of House Bracken have washed up on the [[Quiet Isle]]. According to the [[Elder Brother (Quiet Isle)|Elder Brother]], they are buried next to their Blackwood enemies.{{ref|AFFC|31}} The Brackens besiege the Blackwoods at [[Raventree Hall]].{{ref|AFFC|38}}
  
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 
===''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]], [[Teats|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]].{{ref|ADWD|48}}
+
Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]] refuses to surrender to Jonos Bracken, leading Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] to attempt to resolve the [[siege of Raventree]]. Lord 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]], [[Teats|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]].{{ref|ADWD|48}}
  
 
It is also revealed a dozen Bracken men were killed in the [[Red Wedding]].{{ref|ADWD|48}}
 
It is also revealed a dozen Bracken men were killed in the [[Red Wedding]].{{ref|ADWD|48}}
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==House Bracken at the end of the third century==
 
==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:
 
The known Brackens during the timespan of the events described in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' are:
 
+
*Lord [[Jonos Bracken]], Lord of [[Stone Hedge]].
* Lord [[Jonos Bracken]], Lord of [[Stone Hedge]].
+
**Lady Bracken, his wife.{{ref|ADWD|48}}
** [[Barbara Bracken]], his daughter.
+
***[[Barbara Bracken]], their daughter.
** [[Jayne Bracken]], his daughter.
+
***[[Jayne Bracken]], their daughter.
** [[Catelyn Bracken]], his daughter.
+
***[[Catelyn Bracken]], their daughter.
** [[Bess Bracken]], his daughter.
+
***[[Bess Bracken]], their daughter.
** [[Alysanne Bracken]], his daughter.
+
***[[Alysanne Bracken]], their daughter.
** {[[Hendry Bracken]]}, his nephew.
+
*{[[Hendry Bracken]]}, his nephew.
  
 
With unspecified familiar relationship to the main branch of the house there is also:
 
With unspecified familiar relationship to the main branch of the house there is also:
 +
*{[[Harry Rivers]]}, ''the Bastard of Bracken'', the [[Bastardy|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.{{Ref|AGOT|71}}
  
* {[[Harry Rivers]]}, ''the Bastard of Bracken'', the [[Bastardy|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.{{Ref|AGOT|71}}
 
  
 
{{Bracken tree}}
 
{{Bracken tree}}
  
 
==Historical Members==
 
==Historical Members==
* [[Benedict I Justman|Benedict Rivers]], a [[bastard]] who became King Benedict I Justman.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}}
+
*[[Benedict I Justman|Benedict Rivers]], a [[bastard]] who became King Benedict I Justman.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}}
* Lord [[Lothar Bracken]], who betrayed Lady [[Agnes Blackwood]] and was starved by [[Harwyn Hoare]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}}
+
*Lord [[Lothar Bracken]], who betrayed Lady [[Agnes Blackwood]] and was starved to death by [[Harwyn Hoare]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands}}
* Unknown son of Lord Bracken, who, in {{Date|112}}, dueled the son of Lord [[House Blackwood|Blackwood]] for the hand of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]].{{ref|trp}}
+
*Ser [[Lyle Bracken]], a [[knight]] of the [[Warrior's Sons]] during the reign of King [[Maegor I Targaryen]].{{ref|TSotD}}
* [[Lord Bracken]], who served as [[Hand of the King]] to [[Aegon IV Targaryen]].{{ref|twoiaf| Aegon IV}}
+
*Unknown son of Lord Bracken, who, in {{Date|112}}, dueled the son of Lord [[House Blackwood|Blackwood]] for the hand of Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]].{{ref|trp}}
** [[Barba Bracken]], the fifth of Aegon IV's mistresses and mother of [[Aegor Rivers|Aegor "Bittersteel" Rivers]].{{ref|twoiaf| The nine mistresses of Aegon IV, the Unworthy}}  
+
*[[Lord Bracken]], who served as the [[Hand of the King|Hand]] to King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]].{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
** [[Bethany Bracken]], the seventh of Aegon IV's mistresses.{{ref|twoiaf| The nine mistresses of Aegon IV, the Unworthy}}  
+
**Lady [[Barba Bracken]], his eldest daughter, the fifth of [[Aegon IV Targaryen#Mistresses and Bastards|Aegon IV's mistresses]].{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
* Lord Bracken, unknown member of House Bracken, head of the House during the last part of the reign of King [[Daeron II Targaryen]], and the early part of the reign of King [[Aerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|THK}}{{Ref|TSS}}
+
***Ser [[Aegor Rivers]], known as ''Bittersteel'', son of Lady Barba and Aegon IV. One of the [[Great Bastards]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The nine mistresses of Aegon IV, the Unworthy}}
** His son and heir, an unknown son, died in the Spring Sickness.{{Ref|TSS}}
+
**Lady [[Bethany Bracken]], his younger daughter, the seventh of Aegon IV's mistresses.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
** Ser [[Otho Bracken]], known as the Brute of Bracken, the second son of Lord Bracken, and his heir during the reign of King [[Aerys I Targaryen]].{{ref|thk}}
+
*Lord Bracken, unknown member of House Bracken, head of the House during the last part of the reign of King [[Daeron II Targaryen]], and the early part of the reign of King [[Aerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|THK}}{{Ref|TSS}}
 +
**His unknown eldest son and heir, who died in the [[Great Spring Sickness]].{{Ref|TSS}}
 +
**Ser [[Otho Bracken]], known as ''the Brute of Bracken'', the second son of Lord Bracken, and his heir during the reign of Aerys I.{{ref|thk}}
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==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]]
+
{{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 [[Quentyn Blackwood|some fresh]] [[Otho Bracken|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==
 
{{references|3}}
 
{{references|3}}
  
{{Template:HousesRiverlands}}
+
{{HousesRiverlands}}
  
 
[[Category:House Bracken| ]]
 
[[Category:House Bracken| ]]

Revision as of 11:56, 9 July 2018

House Bracken of Stone Hedge
Bracken sigil coat.png
Coat of arms A red stallion upon a gold shield, on a brown field
(Tenné, on an escutcheon or a stallion rampant gules)
Seat Stone Hedge
Head Jonos Bracken
Region Riverlands
Title Lord of Stone Hedge
Overlords
Founded Age of Heroes

House Bracken of Stone Hedge is an old house from Stone Hedge in the riverlands, one of the main families sworn to House Tully of Riverrun. 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

Age of Heroes

The Brackens have the blood of the First Men in their veins and were kings of the riverlands during the Age of Heroes. They have an old and bitter feud against their neighbors, the Blackwoods. According to the Brackens, the Blackwoods were vassals who betrayed the Brackens and usurped their crown.[4]

Andal Riverlands

The Brackens and Blackwoods allied together against the Andal invasion, but they were defeated in the battle of the Bitter River.[5] The feud has continued throughout the years, aided by House Bracken's change to the Faith of the Seven after the Andal invasion.[6] 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] Benedict Rivers was a bastard born from both houses who eventually became King Benedict I Justman.[5]

When Lady Agnes Blackwood led the resistance of the river lords to King Harwyn Hoare, Lord Lothar Bracken attacked Agnes's army from behind. It is possible Lothar hoped to become King of the Trident after Harwyn defeated the Storm King Arrec Durrandon, but House Hoare instead took the riverlands for themselves. Harwyn starved Lothar to death when he later rose in rebellion.[5]

Targaryen Era

House Bracken aided Aegon the Conquerer during the Wars of Conquest and rebelled against Harwyn's grandson, King Harren the Black of Harrenhal.[7] The Brackens and the Blackwoods had been weakened by a private war a decade before Aegon's Conquest, however, and Aegon granted the new title of Lord Paramount of the Trident to Lord Edmyn Tully of Riverrun.[8]

Ser Lyle Bracken was one of the seven knights of the Warrior's Sons who fought against King Maegor I Targaryen in a trial of seven in 42 AC.[9]

A Bracken fought a duel with a Blackwood over Rhaenyra Targaryen in 112 AC, but the princess eventually wed Ser Laenor Velaryon.[10]

During the Dance of the Dragons, the Brackens declared for Aegon II Targaryen and the greens. Prince Daemon Targaryen and the Blackwoods defeated the Brackens at the battle of the Burning Mill and took Stone Hedge.[11][12]

Lord Bracken served as Hand of the King to King Aegon IV Targaryen. His elder daughter Barba was the fifth mistress of Aegon IV and the mother of Aegor Rivers, the Great Bastard known as Bittersteel. However, House Bracken fell from favor after Lord Bracken began talking openly of marrying Barba to Aegon IV after Queen Naerys nearly died in childbirth. Lord Bracken's second daughter, Bethany, was deliberately groomed by her father and elder sister to win back the king's favor by displacing Melissa Blackwood, with whom Aegon IV had replaced Barba as mistress.[13]

Bethany succeeded in displacing Melissa, but found the King's embraces distressing and she sought comfort in Ser Terrence Toyne of the Kingsguard.[13] After the affair was discovered, both Bethany and her father were executed.[13]

According to Ser Eustace Osgrey, Lord Bracken was to sail with Myrish crossbowmen to aid Daemon Blackfyre and Bittersteel during the First Blackfyre Rebellion, but was delayed by storms.[14]

Ser Otho Bracken slew Lord Quentyn Blackwood at a tourney in King's Landing in 206 AC, reinvigorating the feud. Three years later Otho and some Blackwoods participated in the tourney at Ashford Meadow.[15] Ser Steffon Fossoway considered convincing Otho or the Blackwoods to fight for Ser Duncan the Tall in his trial of seven, but decided it would be impossible to make them both fight on the same side.[15] 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 and heir had died in the Great Spring Sickness. The then Hand of the King, Lord Brynden Rivers, was half-Blackwood, and thus was considered unlikely to stop it.[14]

Lords Bracken and Blackwood came to Riverrun when Lysa Tully was young to put their feud before Lord Hoster Tully's judgment.[16] Hoster attempted to marry Ser Brynden Tully to Lord Bracken's daughter.[17] The daughter of Elys Waynwood was on her way to marry a Bracken when she was kidnapped by Burned Men and not heard from again.[18]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Three Bracken men-at-arms, Kurleket, Lharys and Mohor, assist Lady Catelyn Tully in arresting Tyrion Lannister at the inn at the crossroads.[19] The three die during the trek to the Vale of Arryn, slain by mountain clansmen.[20]

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 is listed among the nobles commanded by King Joffrey I Baratheon to do him fealty or be declared traitors.[21]

Jonos 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 of marching against Harrenhal. After Greatjon Umber speaks, Jonos joins the other river lords in declaring Robb Stark to be King in the North and King of the Trident.[22]

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.[23]

A Storm of Swords

Lord Quenten Banefort is held captive by House Bracken.[24] Among those claimed to have been murdered by the Lannisters by the brotherhood without banners was Harry Rivers, the Bastard of Bracken.[25] 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.[26]

Following the death of King Robb Stark in the Red Wedding, Jonos surrenders to the Iron Throne and receives a royal pardon.[27] The Brackens then fight House Blackwood, who remain loyal to House Stark, on behalf of House Baratheon of King's Landing.[28]

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.[29] The Brackens besiege the Blackwoods at Raventree Hall.[30]

A Dance with Dragons

Lord Tytos Blackwood refuses to surrender to Jonos Bracken, leading Ser Jaime Lannister to attempt to resolve the siege of Raventree. Lord 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]

It is also revealed a dozen Bracken men were killed in the Red Wedding.[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.[22]


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 4.5 4.6 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 48, Jaime I.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 The World of Ice & Fire, The Riverlands.
  6. So Spake Martin: Blackwood-Bracken Feud and Coinage
  7. So Spake Martin: Chicon 7 Reading (September 02, 2012)
  8. The World of Ice & Fire, The Riverlands: House Tully.
  9. 9.0 9.1 The Sons of the Dragon.
  10. 10.0 10.1 The Rogue Prince.
  11. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II.
  12. The Princess and the Queen.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 The Sworn Sword.
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 The Hedge Knight.
  16. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 80, Sansa VII.
  17. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 71, Daenerys VI.
  18. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 41, Alayne II.
  19. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 28, Catelyn V.
  20. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 31, Tyrion IV.
  21. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 57, Sansa V.
  22. 22.0 22.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 71, Catelyn XI.
  23. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 7, Catelyn I.
  24. A Storm of Swords, Appendix.
  25. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 34, Arya VI.
  26. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 35, Catelyn IV.
  27. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 72, Jaime IX.
  28. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 74, Arya XIII.
  29. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 31, Brienne VI.
  30. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 38, Jaime VI.
  31. The World of Ice & Fire, The nine mistresses of Aegon IV, the Unworthy.