Jaime Lannister

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Jaime Lannister
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Jaime Lannister by AniaEm

Aliases
  • The Kingslayer
  • The Lion of Lannister
  • The Young Lion
  • Cripple
Titles
Allegiances
Culture Westerlands
Born In 266 AC[1][2]Casterly Rock
Books

Played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
TV series Season 1 | Season 2 | Season 3 | Season 4 | Season 5

Ser Jaime Lannister, known as the Kingslayer, is a knight from House Lannister. He is the second child and first-born son of Lord Tywin Lannister of Casterly Rock and his wife Lady Joanna, also of House Lannister. He is the twin brother of Queen Cersei Lannister.

Raised at the age of fifteen to the Kingsguard of the Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen, Jaime became the youngest member in the history of the prestigious knightly order.[3] He earned the derogatory nickname "Kingslayer" when he treasonously slew King Aerys near the end of Robert's Rebellion.[4][5] In A Storm of Swords, Jaime becomes a POV character. In the television adaptation Game of Thrones he is played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.[6]

Appearance and Character

See also: Images of Jaime Lannister

Jaime is a born warrior, and most of his skills lie in the area of martial expertise. He has little interest in politics and court intrigue; by his own admission, Jaime only feels truly alive when fighting or making love. Jaime has the quintessential Lannister look, with bright green eyes and golden hair. He is considered to be extremely handsome, his tall frame complemented with comely features and "a smile that cut like a knife"; Jon Snow thinks to himself that Jaime is "what a king should look like".[4] He dresses in white, like any member of the Kingsguard when on duty, but he also wears his family colors and distinctive armor of his own at other times: gold-plated, with a lion's-head helm.

Jaime comes across as arrogant, amoral, and dishonorable, behavioural traits similar to his sister twin Cersei. Because Jaime has done reprehensible acts he has such a bad reputation, everything he says is usually cast in the worst possible light. An offhand joke is taken as a grave threat by others, just because it is spoken by the Kingslayer. And as for honor, Jaime took his Kingsguard vows, but when they conflict, he chooses a course of action and follows it to its conclusion, no matter the consequence.

History

Early Years

Jaime is the eldest son of Lady Joanna and Lord Tywin Lannister, who is the head of House Lannister, the richest man in the Seven Kingdoms and the lord of the Westerlands. Jaime and his older twin sister Cersei were inseparable in their early childhood, even going so far as to experiment together in a sexual manner at a young age. During one of these encounters, they were caught by a servant who informed their mother. Jaime's bedchamber was immediately moved to the other side of the castle, and both twins were told never to do anything like that ever again.[7][8]

At an early age Jaime lost his mother, who died giving birth to Tyrion. Even though Tyrion is a malformed dwarf, Jaime seems to have treated him with kindness and respect unlike Cersei and Tywin.[9]

At the age of eleven, Jaime was sent to Crakehall to squire for old Lord Sumner Crakehall alongside Merrett Frey. Two years later, while still a squire, he won his first tourney melee.[10][11]

Raised to Knighthood

Jaime winning a tourney melee - by Amok ©

At the age of fifteen, Jaime participated in the campaign against the Kingswood Brotherhood, during which he saved Lord Crakehall from Big Belly Ben and crossed swords with the psychotic Smiling Knight. He was knighted on the battlefield by Ser Arthur Dayne.[10]

On his return to Casterly Rock, Jaime stopped in King's Landing to visit his sister, from whom he had been separated for years.[10] It was there that Cersei told him that Lord Tywin intended to marry him to Lysa Tully, second daughter of Lord Hoster Tully of Riverrun. Cersei suggested that Jaime become a member of the Kingsguard instead, replacing the recently deceased Ser Harlan Grandison, to be close to her and free himself of the unwanted marriage to Lysa. After a night of passionate sex, he gave his consent to Cersei's plan, although they both expected that their father would be opposed to it. She made the necessary arrangements over the next month and Jaime received news in Casterly Rock that he had been chosen for the Kingsguard.[10]

A moon's turn later, Jaime was raised to the Kingsguard by Lord Commander Ser Gerold Hightower in a ceremony during the tourney at Harrenhal, making him the youngest knight ever to be raised to the order.[3] That night, however, King Aerys II Targaryen soured the honor by sending him back to King's Landing to guard Queen Rhaella and Prince Viserys, depriving him of the chance to participate in Lord Walter Whent's tourney. Jaime realized then that the king had only chosen him for the Kingsguard as a slight against Lord Tywin, of whom Aerys was insanely jealous, to rob him of his heir.[12] Furthermore, the plan failed to bring Jaime and Cersei closer together, as they had intended. Lord Tywin, furious at the turn of events, used a pretext to resign as Hand of the King and returned with Cersei to Casterly Rock. Jaime remained at court, guarding the king.[10]

Kingsguard

Ser Jaime ‎- © John Picacio

During Jaime's time in the Kingsguard, Aerys's growing insanity and attendant cruelty became more and more apparent, and Jaime found himself conflicted and troubled by many of the king's actions. One night, he and Ser Jon Darry stood guard outside Queen Rhaella's bedchamber while Aerys raped and ravaged her. Jaime commented to Darry that they were sworn to protect the queen as well, to which Darry replied "We are, but not from him."[3]

Jaime had a similar reaction to the execution of Brandon and Lord Rickard Stark, and was reminded by Ser Gerold Hightower that he swore a vow to guard the king, not to judge him.[13] Jaime coped with much of Aerys's cruelty by "going away inside". He sometimes offers this advice to others, as a way to deal with a harsh reality and making an appalling task tolerable.[14][15]

As Robert's Rebellion grew, Aerys refused to let Jaime join the royal army, instead keeping him in King's Landing to be used as a potential hostage against Lord Tywin, who had yet to choose a side in the conflict. Aerys appointed several Hands throughout the war, but never invited Tywin to take up his old office. Eventually Jaime was the only white cloak in the capital.

After the Battle of the Bells, it became apparent to Aerys that the rebellion might be successful and that King's Landing might be lost. Aerys devised a plan with the help of his chief pyromancers that involved placing caches of wildfire all throughout the city. The plan was to burn the entire city to the ground rather than lose it to Robert. His new Hand, Lord Qarlton Chelsted, who had been elevated to the position after the exile of both previous Hands (Lord Owen Merryweather and Jon Connington), confronted Aerys about his plan, removing his chain of office in protest and flinging it to the floor. For that, Aerys burned him alive, and raised his favorite pyromancer Rossart to Hand. All the while, Jaime guarded the King, blankly observing the details of his plan and keeping his secrets.[5]

When Prince Rhaegar Targaryen left the Red Keep to face the rebels on the Trident, Jaime begged Rhaegar to take him along and let Ser Barristan Selmy or Ser Jon Darry protect the king for once. Rhaegar refused the suggestion, admitting that King Aerys wanted to keep Jaime close as he was afraid of Tywin Lannister more than anyone else. Rhaegar promised an angry and disappointed Jaime that changes would be made when he returned from the battlefield.[16] However, Rhaegar was killed in the Battle of the Trident and the defeat of his army all but decided the outcome of the war in favour of a rebel victory. Aerys had his pregnant queen, Rhaella, and surviving son, Viserys, sent to Dragonstone.

Ser Jaime Lannister slays King Aerys II - by Michael Komarck ©

The Kingslayer

After the Trident, Lord Tywin Lannister at last roused himself from Casterly Rock and called his banners. His main concerns were that his son was in King Aerys's hand and that the king, facing defeat, might kill Jaime just out of spite, as well as that Jaime himself could do something rash. The Lannister armies marched to the gates of King's Landing, pleading for entry. Though Varys called Lord Tywin a traitor, King Aerys listened to Grand Maester Pycelle, who told him that Lord Tywin had come to his defense, and heeded his advice to open the gates to Lord Tywin and his army. Once inside, Tywin betrayed Aerys and began the Sack of King's Landing.[5]

As the sole Kingsguard knight remaining in King's Landing, the defense of the Red Keep became Jaime's responsibility. Knowing that he did not stand a chance to defend the castle, he sent a messenger to the king, asking for leave to make terms with the attackers. The messenger came back with the Aerys's order that Jaime should bring him Lord Tywin's head to prove that he is no traitor. The messenger also informed him that Rossart was with the king, leading Jaime to believe that Aerys was about to command the destruction of the city.[5]

On the way to the throne room, Jaime came across Rossart, who was dressed as a common soldier and hurrying to a postern gate. Jaime attacked him, and while Rossart tried to defend himself, he stood no chance against the experienced knight, who gutted Rossart without mercy. Jaime then slipped into the throne room through the king's door, finding Aerys alone pacing through the room. When the king saw the blood on Jaime's sword, he demanded to know whether it was Lord Tywin's, renewing his command that Jaime should bring him his father's head, otherwise Jaime would burn with all the other traitors. He told Jaime that Rossart was on his way to give the enemies a warm welcome, asking again whose blood was on Jaime's sword. Jaime answered that it was Rossart's. The king became scared, his mouth dropping open in shock. Aerys lost control of his bowels, soiling himself. He turned and ran towards the Iron Throne. Jaime seized Aerys and hauled him bodily off the steps. The Mad King squealed like a pig as Jaime killed him with a single slash across the throat, thereby preventing him from giving the command to burn the city to some other pyromancer.[10][5]

Ser Jaime sits on the Iron Throne - by Michael Komarck ©

Lord Tywin's men, led by Ser Elys Westerling and Lord Roland Crakehall, burst into the throne room in time to see that Jaime had killed the king, forestalling any chance for Jaime to steal away and let someone else claim responsibility. Jaime told them to advise all who were still fighting that the king was dead and to spare anyone who yielded. Lord Crakehall then asked whether a new king should be proclaimed as well, indicating that it could be Lord Tywin or Robert Baratheon or that even a new Targaryen king could be installed. Jaime mused for a moment on the possibility of choosing Viserys Targaryen or Rhaegar's son, Aegon, as the new king with Lord Tywin as his Hand, but, realising that both boys shared the same blood as Aerys and thus the same propensity for madness, Jaime declared to Crakehall that it was all the same to him. He then seated himself on the Iron Throne, waiting to see who would come to claim it. He was found sitting there when Lord Eddard Stark rode into the hall with his men to claim the throne for Robert Baratheon.[10][17]

In the following days, Jaime secretly hunted down and killed the two other pyromancers involved in Aerys' plan, Belis and Garigus.[5] Although Eddard Stark urged Robert to strip him of the white cloak, arguing that Jaime should at the very least be made to join the Night's Watch, Robert listened to Jon Arryn instead and Jaime was pardoned by King Robert I and, along with Ser Barristan Selmy, continued to serve in the Kingsguard.[18] Robert also gave him the name Kingslayer.

Though reviled by the realm for his betrayal, Jaime considers the slaying of Aerys to be his finest act. His true motivation for killing King Aerys remains unknown to the masses.

Under King Robert

The Lannister twins by Enife.

Though Cersei was wed to Robert and made queen, she and Jaime renewed their illicit relationship and continued it throughout Robert's reign. In the following years, Cersei would give birth to three children: Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen. Though believed by the realm to be Robert's children, Jaime is the father of all three, and all three resemble their real parents.

One day, Jaime and his brother Tyrion, 13 years of age at the time, while on a nightly ride from Lannisport to Casterly Rock, saved a 14-year-old girl called Tysha who was followed by outlaws. While Jaime pursued the men, Tyrion took the girl to an inn. The two ended up sleeping together, the first time for both. Tyrion fell in love and secretly married the orphaned daughter of a crofter. However, Lord Tywin learned about this and decided to sabotage the marriage of his son to a lowborn girl. He instructed Jaime to lie to Tyrion that he had staged the whole affair, including the outlaws, because he had thought his brother finally needed a woman. Jaime was further ordered to tell Tyrion that Tysha was in fact a whore, for whom Jaime had paid double because she was still a maiden. Lord Tywin advised Jaime that all Tysha wanted was the gold of the Lannisters, which made her no better than a whore, so it would not even be a lie, predicting that Tyrion would thank his brother later in life. Jaime did as bid. Later, Lord Tywin, to teach his younger son a lesson, brought Tysha in and had his guards rape and pay her in Tyrion's presence, forcing Tyrion himself to go last. The experience traumatized Tyrion and determined his cynical opinion about love and his hatred for his father.[19][20] Jaime never told Tyrion the truth and later considered his role in ending his brother's marriage the sole instance when he was unkind to Tyrion.[21]

Recent Events

The Kingslayer - as depicted in the HBO series

A Game of Thrones

After the death of their foster-father Jon Arryn, King Robert Baratheon travels north to visit Lord Eddard Stark at Winterfell and persuade him to become Lord Arryn's successor as Hand of the King. Jaime himself is chosen by Robert as Jon's successor as Warden of the East rather than Robert Arryn, who would have been the traditional appointee.[17] The king is accompanied by much of the court, among them Jaime, Queen Cersei Lannister, and their brother Tyrion.[22]

While at Winterfell, Jaime and Cersei attend the feast given by House Stark. Later, they are caught having sex by Bran Stark. Bran is shocked and almost falls from the tower. Jaime pulls him up and then throws him out of the window, intending to kill him to keep the affair a secret. Bran survives but falls into a coma.[23]

Ned accepts Robert's invitation to be Hand, and in King's Landing he begins investigating the death of Jon Arryn.[24][25] In this investigation he discovers Jaime and Cersei's secret relationship by piecing together the fact that every time in history a Lannister wedded a Baratheon, they produced raven-haired children. Instead Cersei's children Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen are all fair-haired.[26]

Meanwhile, Catelyn Stark, Lady of Winterfell, captures Jaime's brother Tyrion on suspicion of involvement in a botched assassination attempt on Bran Stark.[27] In retaliation for Tyrion's capture, but ostensibly to create an uprising, Jaime breaks Kingsguard neutrality by leading Lannister men in an attack on Ned and his northmen in the streets of King's Landing, leading to numerous deaths on both sides.[28] Jaime then flees from King's Landing and joins his father, Lord Tywin Lannister, afield with his army to threaten Lady Catelyn's home in the Riverlands.[29] Lord Lannister appoints Jaime to command half the host of the Westerlands.

Jaime gets captured - by Mathia Arkoniel ©

Jaime's army marches against the river lords, smashing a small force beneath the Golden Tooth, followed by another victory against Ser Edmure Tully that results in the capture of the Tully heir and the siege of Riverrun.[30] However, Robb Stark's northern army steals a surprise march on Jaime, intent on relieving Riverrun. His men, flying Tully colors, raid Jaime's camps to draw him out. Robb surprises the Lannister army at the Battle of the Whispering Wood. Seeing the battle is lost, Jaime fights bravely to try and cut down Robb, managing to kill Daryn Hornwood, Eddard Karstark, and Torrhen Karstark before he is captured.[31] Afterwards, the Stark-Tully forces are able to best Jaime's leaderless troops in the Battle of the Camps, and Jaime is imprisoned in Riverrun. While there he is named Lord Commander of the Kingsguard after Ser Barristan Selmy is dismissed by his sister.[32]

A Clash of Kings

When Lord Tywin appoints Tyrion as Acting Hand of the King, Tyrion promises to help free Jaime to gain Cersei's support.[33] Tyrion's plan to free Jaime with disguised soldiers is unsuccessful. For breaking his word not to try to escape, Edmure transfers him to the dungeons. He is kept chained and malnourished.[34] During this period Cersei takes their cousin Lancel Lannister as her lover.

While the War of the Five Kings rages around him, Jaime continues to be imprisoned in Riverrun. Negotiations for his release lead to nothing. Tyrion swears in open court to trade Sansa and Arya Stark for the return of his brother. However, Robb Stark, now King in the North, declines this exchange. Distraught at the news of the alleged deaths of her sons Bran and Rickon Stark, Catelyn interrogates Jaime.[35]

A Storm of Swords

In return for Lady Lysa Arryn marrying Lord Petyr Baelish and returning to the king's peace, Lord Tywin Lannister decides to return the title of Warden of the East to Lord Robert Arryn from Jaime.[36]

Catelyn Tully, acting on her own, releases Jaime in an attempt to make an unofficial exchange for her daughters. Along with his cousin and fellow captive Ser Cleos Frey, and Lady Catelyn's sworn sword, Brienne of Tarth, Jaime begins the journey towards King's Landing. Due to his imprisonment at Riverrun for close to a year, Jaime lost a lot of weight and started to resemble a lion with his ungroomed facial hair. During his journey to King's Landing with Brienne and Cleos, he decides to shave his head so his golden locks would not be recognized, although he keeps the beard. The trio evade recapture by Ser Robin Ryger and his party from Riverrun, through Brienne's tactic of dropping boulders onto the chasing boat.[37] Jaime approves of Brienne's decision to ignore the travel advice of the "innkeeper" at the Inn of the Kneeling Man, suspecting he is in league with bandits.[10] Later, on the road between Maidenpool and Duskendale, Cleos is killed when the group is ambushed by bandits. Afterward, Jaime takes his sword and briefly duels Brienne in an attempt to escape, but both of them are caught unawares and captured by the Brave Companions led by Vargo Hoat, who have betrayed Lord Tywin and shifted allegiance to Robb Stark.[7]

Vargo suspects that his superior, Lord Roose Bolton, is thinking about going over to the Lannisters after their victory over Stannis Baratheon in the Battle of the Blackwater and their new alliance to House Tyrell. To prevent this, Vargo orders Zollo to chop Jaime's sword hand off, thinking that the blame will fall on Bolton.[7][5] Vargo also hopes to give Jaime to Lord Rickard Karstark, who seeks vengeance for Jaime having killed his sons Eddard and Torrhen.[14]

Jaime after losing his hand - by mustamirri ©

When the Brave Companions threaten to rape Brienne, Jaime advises her to "go away inside". For Jaime, the loss of his hand and with it his fighting ability destroys everything that he was. He falls into a deep depression and loses the will to live. Brienne reminds him that he has something to live for, namely, for his family and for revenge.[14]

While they are held at Harrenhal they share a bath in the bathhouse. Jaime divulges to Brienne the events surrounding the Sack of King's Landing, including King Aerys II Targaryen's wildfire plot. Brienne later remembers the incident as follows:

The bathhouse had been thick with the steam rising off the water, and Jaime had come walking through that mist naked as his name day, looking half a corpse and half a god.[38]

Later, at dinner, Roose hints that he will free Jaime as long as Jaime absolves him of the blame for the loss of his hand. Jaime agrees, and Lord Bolton orders Steelshanks Walton to escort him to King's Landing. Brienne is to remain behind as Lord Vargo's prize.[5]

When Roose leaves Harrenhal to join King Robb at the Twins, Jaime asks him to give Robb his regards. Walton begins the journey to King's Landing with Jaime and a disgraced maester, Qyburn. The latter's task is to keep Jaime healthy. When sleeping on a weirwood stump, Jaime has a dream about Brienne. Moved by this he goes back to Harrenhal and rescues Brienne from Vargo Hoat.[12]

Jaime rescues Brienne - by Marc Simonetti ©

During their travels Jaime and Brienne learn that Robb and Catelyn were killed in the Red Wedding, which was plotted by his father Tywin, Roose Bolton, and Walder Frey. Unbeknownst to Jaime, Roose told Robb that Jaime sent his regards and then stabbed the king. Jaime also learns that his biological son, King Joffrey Baratheon, died at his own wedding feast.[21]

As the party arrives at the Red Keep in King's Landing they encounter Ser Loras Tyrell, now a brother of the Kingsguard. Loras accuses Brienne of murdering Renly Baratheon. Again Jaime comes to her rescue and has Brienne arrested rather than allowing Loras to kill her. He then proceeds to the castle sept to see Cersei. Cersei is mourning Joffrey, whose corpse is being prepared for its funeral. Undaunted by this, Cersei and Jaime have sex in front of Joffrey's corpse.[21]

This turns out to be the last time that he and Cersei share intimate relations, as their relationship begins to fall apart. Jaime has been changed by his imprisonment and prolonged exposure to Brienne's stubborn adherence to a code of honour. Tywin gives him a Valyrian steel blade, crafted out of Eddard Stark's greatsword Ice, but Jaime feels insulted by his father's gift of a sword when he knows how useless he his without his sword hand. He quarrels with his father and refuses to resign from the Kingsguard.[21] He calls a meeting of the order in White Sword Tower to take the measure of his Sworn Brothers and to remind them of their true duties.[39]

Jaime passes the Valyrian sword, now named Oathkeeper, on to Brienne, tasking her to keep Sansa Stark safe from Cersei and noting the irony of her looking after Sansa with Eddard Stark's own steel. Ensuring that she is equally well provisioned by providing her with gold, a horse and armor, he also provides a letter sealed and signed by King Tommen Baratheon, declaring she is about the king's business and not to be hindered. The shield she is given is the one he bore from Harrenhal.[40]

Following Joffrey's death, Cersei accuses Tyrion of his murder. When both trial by words and trial by battle fail Tyrion, Jaime still does not believe that Tyrion is the murderer. He forces Lord Varys to arrange Tyrion's escape. During the escape Jaime confesses to his brother an old sin. Years ago Jaime had told him that Tysha, the girl Tyrion had secretly married, was a whore hired by Jaime. Their father Tywin had the girl raped by his soldiers and by Tyrion himself to teach them a lesson. However, Tysha was the crofter's daughter as she claimed to be and had loved Tyrion genuinely.

Incensed at this revelation, Tyrion hits Jaime, and, knowing that Joffrey was Jaime's son and not Robert's, falsely claims responsibility for his murder. As a final revenge he reveals that the truth about Cersei's sexual escapades with Lancel and Osmund Kettleblack.[20] Tyrion storms off and, unknown to Jaime but with the aid of Varys and a secret passage, enters Tywin's private chambers and kills their father.[20]

A Feast for Crows

Following the murder of his father by his brother Tyrion, Cersei offers Jaime the position of Hand of the King. He refuses stating,

A Hand without a hand? A bad jape, sister. Don't ask me to rule.[8]

Jaime remains in King's Landing and stands vigil over Tywin. During the night Cersei visits him again, begging him to accept the office of Hand but once again he refuses. Cersei leaves angrily, stating she was a fool for ever having loved him. In the morning service, the sight of Lord Tywin's rotting body distresses the young King Tommen, who flees, causing Jaime to pursue and comfort him, suggesting he "go away inside" to cope. Jaime suggests that Tommen and Margaery Tyrell be married.[15] When this occurs, Lord Mace Tyrell is released from his promise of not leaving King's Landing until Margaery's marriage.[41] During his next few days at King's Landing, Jaime finds himself increasingly at odds with his uncle, Ser Kevan Lannister, and his sister, Cersei. He attempts to give his best counsel to both, as well as to a Kingsguard, Ser Loras Tyrell.[3]

Following the funeral of Tywin, Cersei commands Jaime to leave King's Landing with the intention of lifting the siege of Riverrun. Jaime accepts, on the condition that he is allowed to bring the King's Justice, Ser Ilyn Payne. Riverrun is held by Ser Brynden Tully, and is one of the last strongholds still loyal to the late King Robb Stark. Before he departs the city Jaime has an armorer forge him a hand he can strap to his stump. The new hand, made of solid gold with mother of pearl fingernails, is sturdy and allows Jaime to clumsily strap a shield to his right hand.

Jaime with his Aunt Genna by Pojypojy ©

Jaime also takes with him Lewys Piper and Garrett Paege, who were made his squires as both of their families fought for House Stark. Josmyn Peckledon becomes another squire for Jaime as a reward for his bravery in the Battle of the Blackwater.

During the journey, Jaime spars with Ilyn during the nights, in order to train himself to fight left-handed. Along the way he stops at Harrenhal, where he installs Ser Bonifer Hasty as castellan and releases the few prisoners kept there, including Ser Wylis Manderly. He has an angry confrontation with Red Ronnet Connington when he insults Brienne of Tarth.[42] To rid himself of Ronnet and Gregor Clegane's men-at-arms he charges Ronnet to lead them to escort Wylis safely to Maidenpool, where Wylis will be put on a ship to his home of White Harbor.

After departing Harrenhal Jaime stops at Darry where his cousin, Lancel, confesses to having slept with Cersei. [11]

Jaime is met at Riverrun by his cousin, Ser Daven Lannister, the new Warden of the West. He holds a parley with Ser Brynden Tully, but is unsuccessful in convincing him to release the castle. He then speaks with Brynden's nephew, Edmure Tully, the current Lord of Riverrun, who is held prisoner by the besieging forces commanded by Jaime's uncle and Cleos's father, Ser Emmon Frey. Emmon has been halfheartedly threatening to hang Lord Edmure every day, but Brynden the Blackfish has remained unfazed.

Jaime, recognizing the need for a change in strategy, tells Edmure that he is to be released and returned to Riverrun. If he yields the castle, the garrison will be spared and all that wish to join the Night's Watch will be allowed to do so. If he does not surrender, the castle will be sacked and burned, and Jaime will return Edmure's child—by catapult—as soon as his wife Roslin Frey gives birth.[43] Edmure decides to yield the castle and be taken to Casterly Rock as a prisoner, but not before allowing Brynden to escape by swimming under the Water Gate at night. Jaime is furious at this and sends some of his men to find him, but they are unsuccessful.[44]

Soon after taking the castle, Jaime receives a letter from Cersei asking for help. She has been imprisoned by the High Septon and is to go on trial. Cersei requests Jaime as her champion in a potential trial by combat. Jaime does not reply to the letter and orders it to be burned.[44]

A Dance with Dragons

Jaime arrives at Raventree Hall, the last holdout of Robb Stark's supporters. The castle is under siege by Lord Jonos Bracken. Jaime finds the state of the siege to be dismal, and hopes to swiftly end it. His arrival is unexpected, and he strides into Bracken's tent while he is with a whore. Jonos fills Jaime in on the situation at hand, and Jaime finds the scene rooted in the age-old feud between Bracken and Blackwood.

Jaimes then treats with Lord Tytos Blackwood, who agrees to bend the knee to King Tommen and rescind his support of the Stark and Tully cause. In return, he must give up some of his lands to Jonos Bracken and send his son Hoster to the Red Keep as a hostage. Because of House Bracken's early support of Robb Stark, however, Jaime also requires Jonos to send one of his daughters to King's Landing as a hostage.

After settling matters at Raventree, Jaime and his men head back to Riverrun. They make camp at Pennytree, where the locals are still wary of travelers and "king's men," and will not allow Jaime's men to enter the holdfast. Jaime decides not to follow the advice of Ser Kennos of Kayce, who recommends that he storm the holdfast. While at Pennytree, Jaime receives an unexpected visit from Brienne of Tarth. She tells Jaime that she has found Sansa, who is a day's ride away. She claims, however, that Jaime must go with her alone or else the Hound will kill the girl.[45]

Quotes by Jaime

The things I do for love.[23]

– When pushing Bran Stark


Have no fear, Stark. I was only keeping it warm for our friend Robert. It’s not a very comfortable seat, I’m afraid.[17]

– When Eddard Stark arrives at the Red Keep


There are no men like me. There's only me.[13]

- Jaime to Catelyn Tully


I think it passing odd that I am loved by one for a kindness I never did, and reviled by so many for my finest act.[13]

- Jaime to Catelyn Tully


It was that white cloak that soiled me, not the other way around.[10]

– Jaime to Brienne of Tarth


Jaime had decided that he would return Sansa, and the younger girl as well if she could be found. It was not like to win him back his honor, but the notion of keeping faith when they all expected betrayal amused him more than he could say.[7]

– Jaime chooses to keep his oath to Catelyn Tully


By what right does the wolf judge the lion? By what right?[5]

- Jaime to Brienne of Tarth


Jaime, he thought, my name is Jaime.[5]

- Jaime with Brienne at the bathhouse of Harrenhal


Roose: You will give my warm regards to your father?
Jaime: So long as you give mine to Robb Stark.[12]

- Roose Bolton and Jaime


Jaime: Ser, you’ve been remiss in teaching our new brothers their duties.

Meryn: What duties?

Jaime: Keeping the king alive. How many monarchs have you lost since I left the city? Two, is it?[21]

– Jaime to Meryn Trant


I am the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, you arrogant pup. Your commander, so long as you wear that white cloak. Now sheathe your bloody sword, or I’ll take it from you and shove it up some place even Renly never found.[21]

– Jaime to Loras Tyrell


I crossed a thousand leagues to come to you, and lost the best part of me along the way. Don’t tell me to leave.[21]

– Jaime to Cersei Lannister


That boy had wanted to be Ser Arthur Dayne, but someplace along the way he had become the Smiling Knight instead.[39]

– Jaime's thoughts on himself


I learned from Ser Arthur Dayne, the sword of the morning, who could have slain all five of you with his left hand while he was taking a piss with the right.[39]

– Jaime to Loras Tyrell, Osmund Kettleblack, Balon Swann, Meryn Trant, and Boros Blount


I’ve lost a hand, a father, a son, a sister, and a lover, and soon enough I will lose a brother. And yet they keep telling me House Lannister has won this war.[40]

- thoughts of Jaime


I have made kings and unmade them. Sansa Stark is my last chance for honor.[40]

- Jaime to Brienne of Tarth


Defeated in the Whispering Wood by the Young Wolf Robb Stark during the War of the Five Kings. Held captive at Riverrun and ransomed for a promise unfulfilled. Captured again by the Brave Companions, and maimed at the word of Vargo Hoat their captain, losing his sword hand to the blade of Zollo the Fat. Returned safely to King's Landing by Brienne, the Maid of Tarth.[40]

- Jaime writing of himself in the White Book


Why would Cersei need the Warrior? She has me.[3]

- Jaime to Lancel Lannister


Make a habit of it, Lannister, and one day men might call you Goldenhand after all. Goldenhand the Just.[42]

- thoughts of Jaime after hanging outlaws

Quotes about Jaime

Ser Jaime Lannister was the twin to Queen Cersei; tall and golden, with flashing green eyes and a smile that cut like a knife. He wore crimson silk, high black boots, and a black satin cloak. On the breast of his tunic, the lion of his House was embroidered in gold thread, roaring its defiance. they called him the Lion of Lannister to his face and whispered "Kingslayer" behind his back. Jon found it hard to look away from him. "This is what a king should look like", he thought to himself as he passed.[4]

Jon Snow's first impression of Jaime


My brother is worth a hundred of your friend.[26]

-Cersei Lannister to Eddard Stark


He's more use alive than dead.[31]

-Robb Stark to Theon Greyjoy


Robert: Why should I mistrust him? He has done everything I have ever asked of him. His sword helped win the throne I sit on.

Eddard: He swore a vow to protect his king's life with his own. Then he opened that king's throat with a sword.
Robert: Seven hells, someone had to kill Aerys! if Jaime hadn't done it, it would have been left for you or me.

Eddard: We were not Sworn Brothers of the Kingsguard.[17]

Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark


His brother never untied a knot when he could slash it in two with his sword.[46]

Tyrion Lannister's thoughts on Jaime


The Kingslayer ... The false knight who profaned his blade with the blood of the king he had sworn to defend.[32]

Barristan Selmy


Jaime and I are more than brother and sister. We are one person in two bodies. We shared a womb together. He came into this world holding my foot, our old maester said. When he is in me, I feel... whole.[26]

Cersei Lannister, to Eddard Stark


Jaime Lannister had been allowed no razor since the night he was taken in the Whispering Wood, and a shaggy beard covered his face, once so like the queen's. Glinting gold in the lamplight, the whiskers made him look like some great yellow beast, magnificent even in chains. His unwashed hair fell to his shoulders in ropes and tangles, the clothes were rotting on his body, his face was pale and wasted... and even so, the power and the beauty of the man were still apparent.[35]

- Catelyn Tully's thoughts on Jaime after his year in captivity.


The eunuch should never have been pardoned. No more than the Kingslayer. At the least, Robert should have stripped the white cloak from him and sent him to the Wall as Lord Stark urged.[18]

Stannis Baratheon


Jaime Lannister sends his regards.[47]

- Roose Bolton before killing Robb Stark during the Red Wedding


He was weak from imprisonment, and chained at the wrists. No knight in the Seven Kingdoms could have stood against him at his full strength, with no chains to hamper him. Jaime had done many wicked things, but the man could fight! His maiming had been monstrously cruel. It was one thing to slay a lion, another to hack his paw off and leave him broken and bewildered. [48]

Brienne of Tarth remembering her fight with Jaime prior to Jaime losing his sword hand


Jaime: Are you calling me a coward?
Brynden: No. I am calling you a cripple.[42]

– Jaime and Brynden Tully


Jaime: Are there any terms you will accept?

Brynden: From you? No.
Jaime: Why did you even come to treat with me?

Brynden: A siege is deadly dull. I wanted to see this stump of yours and hear whatever excuses you cared to offer up for your latest enormities. They were feebler than I’d hoped. You always disappoint, Kingslayer. [42]

– Jaime and Brynden Tully


My brother, Jaime, thirsts for battle, not for power. He's run from every chance he's had to rule. [49]

Tyrion Lannister to Aegon Targaryen


Selmy had never approved of Jaime's presence in his precious Kingsguard. Before the rebellion, the old knight thought him too young and untried; afterward, he had been known to say that the Kingslayer should exchange that white cloak for a black one. [50]

Tyrion Lannister, musing on Barristan Selmy's contempt for his brother

Family

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tytos
 
Jeyne
Marbrand
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tywin
 
Joanna
Lannister
 
Kevan
 
Dorna
Swyft
 
Emmon
Frey
 
Genna
 
Tygett
 
Darlessa
Marbrand
 
Gerion
 
Briony
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robert
Baratheon
 
Cersei
 
Jaime
 
Tyrion
 
Sansa
Stark
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issue
 
 
 
 
 
Tyrek
 
Ermesande
Hayford
 
Joy
Hill
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Joffrey
Baratheon
 
Myrcella
Baratheon
 
Tommen
Baratheon
 
Amerei
Frey
 
Lancel
 
Willem
 
Martyn
 
Janei
 
 
 

References and Notes

  1. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II.
  2. The World of Ice & Fire, The Westerlands: House Lannister Under the Dragons.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 16, Jaime II.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 5, Jon I.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 37, Jaime V.
  6. HBO: Game of Thrones:Cast and Crew.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 21, Jaime III.
  8. 8.0 8.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 3, Cersei I.
  9. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 9, Tyrion I.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 11, Jaime II.
  11. 11.0 11.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 30, Jaime IV.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 44, Jaime VI.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 55, Catelyn VII.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 31, Jaime IV.
  15. 15.0 15.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 8, Jaime I.
  16. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 8, Daenerys I.
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 12, Eddard II.
  18. 18.0 18.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 36, Davos IV.
  19. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 42, Tyrion VI.
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 77, Tyrion XI.
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 21.6 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 62, Jaime VII.
  22. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 4, Eddard I.
  23. 23.0 23.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 8, Bran II.
  24. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 6, Catelyn II.
  25. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 25, Eddard V.
  26. 26.0 26.1 26.2 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 45, Eddard XII.
  27. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 28, Catelyn V.
  28. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 35, Eddard IX.
  29. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 39, Eddard X.
  30. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 55, Catelyn VIII.
  31. 31.0 31.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 63, Catelyn X.
  32. 32.0 32.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 57, Sansa V.
  33. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 3, Tyrion I.
  34. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 39, Catelyn V.
  35. 35.0 35.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 45, Catelyn VI.
  36. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 12, Tyrion II.
  37. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 1, Jaime I.
  38. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 9, Brienne II.
  39. 39.0 39.1 39.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 67, Jaime VIII.
  40. 40.0 40.1 40.2 40.3 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 72, Jaime IX.
  41. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 12, Cersei III.
  42. 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 27, Jaime III.
  43. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 38, Jaime VI.
  44. 44.0 44.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 43, Cersei X.
  45. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 48, Jaime I.
  46. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 38, Tyrion V.
  47. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 51, Catelyn VII.
  48. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 4, Brienne I.
  49. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 22, Tyrion VI.
  50. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 57, Tyrion XI.