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* Ser [[Raymont Baratheon]]; prevented an assassination attempt on King [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys I]] during the [[Faith Militant uprising]]. | * Ser [[Raymont Baratheon]]; prevented an assassination attempt on King [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys I]] during the [[Faith Militant uprising]]. | ||
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+ | ===Kingsguard during the reign of King [[Maegor I Targaryen]] ({{Date|42}}-{{Date|48}})=== | ||
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+ | Two members Maegor's Kingsguard abandoned him when Prince [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys]] made his claim in {{Date|48}}.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Maegor I}} | ||
===Kingsguard during the reign of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] ({{Date|48}}-{{Date|103}})=== | ===Kingsguard during the reign of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] ({{Date|48}}-{{Date|103}})=== |
Revision as of 20:56, 22 December 2014
The Kingsguard, also known poetically as the White Swords or White Cloaks, are the royal bodyguards of the Iron Throne. Supposedly the finest knights in the Seven Kingdoms, they are sworn to protect their king and the royal family with their own lives, to obey his commands, and to keep his secrets. They are sworn for life and are forbidden from owning land, taking a wife, or fathering children.[1]
Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in 129 AC to 130 AC and Queen Daenerys Targaryen since 300 AC have operated with a Queensguard, instead of a Kingsguard. For more information about the Queensguard and their members, see here.
Contents
- 1 History
- 2 Equipment and Duties
- 3 Appointments
- 4 Historical Members
- 4.1 Lord Commanders
- 4.2 Unknown which King they served
- 4.3 Kingsguard during the reign of King Aegon I Targaryen (10 AC-37 AC)
- 4.4 Kingsguard during the reign of King Aenys I Targaryen (37 AC-42 AC)
- 4.5 Kingsguard during the reign of King Maegor I Targaryen (42 AC-48 AC)
- 4.6 Kingsguard during the reign of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen (48 AC-103 AC)
- 4.7 Kingsguard during the reign of King Viserys I Targaryen (103 AC-129 AC)
- 4.8 Kingsguard during the Dance of the Dragons (129 AC-131 AC)
- 4.9 Kingsguard during the reign of King Aegon III Targaryen (131 AC-157 AC)
- 4.10 Kingsguard during the reign of King Daeron I Targaryen (157 AC-161 AC)
- 4.11 Kingsguard during the reign of King Baelor I Targaryen (161 AC-171 AC)
- 4.12 Kingsguard during the reign of King Viserys II Targaryen (171 AC-172 AC)
- 4.13 Kingsguard during the reign of King Aegon IV Targaryen (172 AC-184 AC)
- 4.14 Kingsguard during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen (184 AC-209 AC)
- 4.15 Kingsguard during the reign of King Aerys I Targaryen (209 AC-221 AC)
- 4.16 Kingsguard during the reign of King Aegon V Targaryen (233 AC-259 AC)
- 4.17 Kingsguard during the reign of King Jaehaerys II Targaryen (259 AC-262 AC)
- 4.18 Kingsguard during the reign of King Aerys II Targaryen (262 AC-283 AC)
- 5 Recent Members
- 6 Kingsguard of claimants to the Iron Throne
- 7 See also
- 8 Quotes about the Kingsguard
- 9 References and Notes
History
The Kingsguard was founded by Aegon the Conqueror of House Targaryen as an elite bodyguard for those of royal blood. Historically composed of seven knights sworn to a lifetime of service, members are to serve unto death despite age or any physical or mental ailments, with an invalid member's duties being taken up by his sworn brothers.[2] During his time as a member of the Kingsguard, a member is not allowed to hold lands, sire children, marry, or have any worldly allegiance except to his monarch. Some of the greatest warriors, battle commanders, swordsmen, and famous historical figures in the history of Westeros have served in the Kingsguard, including members of House Targaryen itself. All members of the Kingsguard must be sworn knights.[3]
The first Kingsguard was actually created at the suggestion of Visenya Targaryen, after a Dornish assassination attempt on Aegon in the streets of King's Landing. She self-consciously modeled the Kingsguard vows of holding no lands or title on the ancient vows of the Night's Watch.[4]
The Kingsguard has continuously existed since the reign of Aegon I. Its uninterrupted history is recorded in the White Book, a volume maintained by the head of the Kingsguard, known as the Lord Commander, and stored in the Round Room of the White Sword Tower, a four-story tower built into one of the seaward walls of the Red Keep of King's Landing. In the White Book, officially known as The Book of Brothers, each member of the Kingsguard is given one page on which his personal history and a record of his deeds are written. Because of its status as the royal bodyguard and the many remarkable figures who have been members, the Kingsguard has been involved in many major historical events in Westeros.
Although the White Swords may not hold lands, certain titles may be retained or granted. Aemon Targaryen and Lewyn Martell continued to use the style of "prince", while Lord Commanders Ryam Redwyne and Criston Cole have also acted as Hand of the King. Ser Jaime Lannister for a time was also Warden of the East, and King Robert threatened to make him Hand as well (before he was Lord Commander). Finally, Eddard Stark speaks of Jaime being in line to inherit the title Warden of the West.[5]
After Robert's Rebellion, Robert Baratheon, the new king, chose to continue the tradition of the Kingsguard. He went as far as to elevate a member of Aerys II's Kingsguard, Ser Barristan Selmy, to the position of Lord Commander. Selmy held that position until dismissed in an unprecedented move by Robert's heir, Joffrey I. After Selmy's dismissal, the last of the remaining knights from Aerys II's Kingsguard, Joffrey's uncle Ser Jaime Lannister, was appointed Lord Commander. Sandor Clegane was chosen to replace the departed Ser Barristan, becoming the first member not to have been a sworn knight.
Equipment and Duties
The Kingsguard wear all white cloaks, carry plain white shields and with some occasional exceptions wear little or no ornamentation or sigils on their white armor. This plain but striking attire lends credence to their role of being seen but not heard until their advice is asked. Discretion and wisdom are often as important skills as martial ability being as they are expected to be with their king or queen at all times, privy to all their secrets, plans, and every aspect of their personal lives.
The Kingsguard wear intricate suits of white enameled scales, their fastenings for breastplate and other pieces made of silver.[6][3] Jaime Lannister, standing vigil for his father, wears a long hauberk, its scales mother-of-pearl chased with gold.[7] They alone bear the right to carry a pure white unemblazoned shield.[8]
In order to protect the royal family night and day, the seven-man Kingsguard must rely to some degree on others. Prince Joffrey has his own sworn shield, Sandor Clegane, other knights are trusted with the king's security when the entire Kingsguard meets in White Sword Tower, and the queen may be guarded by soldiers from her own household (as Queen Cersei has Vylarr and his red cloaks).
One of the Kingsguard always stands guard outside the council chambers when the small council is in session, and one is usually posted at the end of the bridge into Maegor's Holdfast.[9][10]
Appointments
The rite for making a new member of the White Swords can vary. In common there seems to be the fact that it is a solemn and formal event, in which the knight kneels as he makes his vows before the king, and he receives the white cloak of the Kingsguard from the Hand of the King or the Lord Commander himself.[11][12] The Lord Commander is always chosen by the king, with seniority and ability only playing parts in the decision.[13] Also the Lord Commander is generally chosen from the existing pool of the Kingsguard.
Historical Members
Lord Commanders
Unknown which King they served
- Ser Robert Flowers, Lord Commander, known as Red Robert Flowers.[14]
- Ser Alyn Connington, Lord Commander, called the Pale Griffin.[14]
- The Demon of Darry, Lord Commander.[14]
- The Greatheart, a famous member.[14]
- Ser Gyles, better known as Gyles Greycloak. He was a traitor.[14]
- Ser Jeffory Norcross, called Neveryield.[14]
- Ser Michael Mertyns, the White Owl.[14]
- Ser Orivel, the Open-Handed. He was a coward.[14]
- Unknown knight of House Cave.[15]
- Unknown knight of House Hardy.[15]
- Unknown knight of House Pyne.[15]
- Ser Rupert Crabb.[15]
- Ser Clarence Crabb, the Short.[15]
- Ser Rolland Darklyn, he was the youngest member to join the Kingsguard until Ser Jaime Lannister. He died just an hour after entering the Kingsguard. One of the seven Darklyn knights to join the order over the years.[14]
- Ser Tom Costayne, he was called Long Tom Costayne and was in the Kingsguard for sixty years.[14]
- Serwyn, better known as Serwyn of the Mirror Shield. A legendary hero; said in some tales to have been a knight of the Kingsguard but in fact lived in the days of the First Men, long before there were knights or a Kingsguard.
Kingsguard during the reign of King Aegon I Targaryen (10 AC-37 AC)
- Ser Corlys Velaryon, first Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.[16]
- Ser Robin Darklyn, known as Darkrobin.[16]
- Ser Richard Roote.[16]
- Ser Gregor Goode.[16]
- Ser Griffith Goode.[16]
- Ser Humfrey the Mummer, a hedge knight.[16]
- Ser Addison Hill, the Bastard of Cornfield.[16] Later became Lord Commander.[14] It is unknown whether this occured during Aegon I's reign.
Two members of Aegon's Kingsguard would die defending him.[16]
Kingsguard during the reign of King Aenys I Targaryen (37 AC-42 AC)
- Ser Raymont Baratheon; prevented an assassination attempt on King Aenys I during the Faith Militant uprising.
Kingsguard during the reign of King Maegor I Targaryen (42 AC-48 AC)
Two members Maegor's Kingsguard abandoned him when Prince Jaehaerys made his claim in 48 AC.[17]
Kingsguard during the reign of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen (48 AC-103 AC)
- Ser Ryam Redwyne, Lord Commander, thought to be one of the best knights and worst King's Hand that Westeros had ever seen.[18]
- Ser Clement Crabb.[15][19]
- Ser Lucamore Strong, he was called Lucamore the Lusty after it became known he secretly took three wives and fathered numerous children. For this, he was gelded by the rest of the Kingsguard and sent to the the Wall by Jaehaerys I.[14]
Kingsguard during the reign of King Viserys I Targaryen (103 AC-129 AC)
- Ser Ryam Redwyne, Lord Commander until his death in 105 AC.[18]
- Ser Harrold Westerling, served as Lord Commander until his own death in 112 AC.[18]
- Ser Erryk Cargyll, twin to Ser Arryk.[18]
- Ser Arryk Cargyll, twin to Ser Erryk.[18]
- Ser Criston Cole, joined in 105 AC, became the Lord Commander in 112 AC.
- Ser Willis Fell.[20]
- Ser Rickard Thorne.[20]
- Ser Steffon Darklyn.[20]
- Ser Lorent Marbrand.[20]
Kingsguard during the Dance of the Dragons (129 AC-131 AC)
The reign of King Aegon II covered the war of succession known as the Dance of the Dragons. During this war, both the eldest living son of late King Viserys I, Prince Aegon, and the eldest living child of King Viserys I, the child he had proclaimed his heir, Princess Rhaenyra, were crowned.
Kingsguard of King Aegon II Targaryen
- Ser Criston Cole, the Kingmaker, remained Lord Commander for King Aegon II until his death in 130 AC. Was active part of the greens, and placed the crown on King Aegon's head himself. Later also served as Hand of the King for King Aegon II. Is remembered as a controversial figure in history.[20]
- Ser Arryk Cargyll, twin to Ser Erryk.[20]
- Ser Rickard Thorne.[20]
- Ser Willis Fell.[20]
- Ser Marston Waters.[20]
- Ser Gyles Belgrave.[21]
Kingsguard who sided with Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and became part of her Queensguard
- Main: Queensguard
- Ser Steffon Darklyn, her 1st Lord Commander.[20]
- Ser Lorent Marbrand, her 2nd Lord Commander.[20]
- Ser Erryk Cargyll, twin to Ser Arryk.[20]
Kingsguard during the reign of King Aegon III Targaryen (131 AC-157 AC)
- Ser Marston Waters.
- Ser Mervyn Flowers.
- Ser Joffrey Staunton.
Kingsguard during the reign of King Daeron I Targaryen (157 AC-161 AC)
- Prince Aemon Targaryen, Lord Commander, also known as the Dragonknight. Participated in the Conquest of Dorne. Became a captive of the Dornish after the Conquest was undone in the Dornish Rebellion in 161 AC.
- Ser Olyvar Oakheart, the Green Oak. Participated in the Conquest of Dorne. Died beside King Daeron I in Dorne[22]
Kingsguard during the reign of King Baelor I Targaryen (161 AC-171 AC)
- Prince Aemon Targaryen, Lord Commander, also known as the Dragonknight. Rescued by King Baelor I Targaryen from the Dornish.
Kingsguard during the reign of King Viserys II Targaryen (171 AC-172 AC)
- Prince Aemon Targaryen, Lord Commander, also known as the Dragonknight.
Kingsguard during the reign of King Aegon IV Targaryen (172 AC-184 AC)
- Prince Aemon Targaryen, Lord Commander, also known as the Dragonknight. Killed defending his brother King Aegon IV from an assassination attempt by two brothers of House Toyne.
- Ser Terrence Toyne, executed for having an affair with one of the mistresses of King Aegon IV Targaryen.[14] His execution led to a failed assassination attempt by his two brothers resulting in the death of Prince Aemon.
Kingsguard during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen (184 AC-209 AC)
- Ser Gwayne Corbray. He battled Daemon Blackfyre for nearly an hour at the Battle of the Redgrass Field during the Blackfyre Rebellion in 196 AC, before being defeated.
- Ser Donnel of Duskendale.[14]
- Ser Willem Wylde.
- Ser Roland Crakehall.
Kingsguard during the reign of King Aerys I Targaryen (209 AC-221 AC)
- Ser Roland Crakehall.
Kingsguard during the reign of King Aegon V Targaryen (233 AC-259 AC)
- Ser Duncan the Tall, a famed knight of humble origins who became Lord Commander. Companion to Aegon V during the latter's childhood. Perished at the Tragedy of Summerhall.
Kingsguard during the reign of King Jaehaerys II Targaryen (259 AC-262 AC)
- Ser Gerold Hightower, also known as the White Bull
- Ser Barristan Selmy, called Barristan the Bold
Kingsguard during the reign of King Aerys II Targaryen (262 AC-283 AC)
- Ser Gerold Hightower, Lord Commander, also known as the White Bull. Killed at the Tower of Joy in 283 AC.
- Prince Lewyn Martell, killed by Ser Lyn Corbray at the Battle of the Trident in 283 AC.
- Ser Barristan Selmy, called Barristan the Bold. Fought in and survived the Battle of the Trident.
- Ser Gwayne Gaunt, was killed during the Defiance of Duskendale.
- Ser Oswell Whent, known for his dark humor. Killed at the Tower of Joy in 283 AC.
- Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. Deadliest of the Kingsguard in his time. Killed at the Tower of Joy in 283 AC.
- Ser Jonothor Darry, killed at the Battle of the Trident in 283 AC.
- Ser Harlan Grandison, a member during the reign of Aerys II. Died in his sleep in 281 AC.
- Ser Jaime Lannister, Ser Harlan's replacement. Survived the Sack of King's Landing in 283 AC, where he killed King Aerys II Targaryen. Also known as the Kingslayer ever since.
Recent Members
Kingsguard during the reign of King Robert I Baratheon (283 AC-298 AC)
After the War, King Robert was left in the position of having to fill five vacancies in the Kingsguard. This, along with the blatantly political appointments made by his wife, Queen Cersei Lannister, lead many to regard the present as a low point in the Kingsguard's history. The continued inclusion of Jaime Lannister despite his betrayal of Aerys II was poorly received by many outside of the Lannister inner circle.
- Ser Barristan Selmy, called Barristan the Bold. Pardoned by King Robert after Robert's Rebellion and promoted to Lord Commander.
- Ser Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer. Pardoned by King Robert after the Sack of King's Landing.
- Ser Arys Oakheart, named to the Kingsguard in 290 AC.
- Ser Boros Blount.
- Ser Mandon Moore.
- Ser Meryn Trant.
- Ser Preston Greenfield.
- {Arys Oakheart's predecessor}, died during the Greyjoy Rebellion.
A paper shield. [8]
– Varys, on King Robert's Kingsguard
Of these seven, only Ser Barristan Selmy is made of the true steel.[8]
- Varys, on King Robert's Kingsguard
Kingsguard during the reign of King Joffrey I Baratheon (298 AC-300 AC)
The Kingsguard entered an even more controversial time after the death of King Robert Baratheon. His heir, Joffrey, dismissed Lord Commander Selmy, something never before done in the history of the Kingsguard. This time period also saw the appointment of an unanointed knight and brutal House Lannister retainer, Sandor Clegane. These changes in the Kingsguard including the appointment of Lannister loyalists and Loras Tyrell of House Tyrell, Lannister allies in the War of the Five Kings, can be viewed as attempts to make political appointments in order to solidify Lannister power on the throne.
- Ser Barristan Selmy, Lord Commander, called Barristan the Bold. Dismissed by King Joffrey on the grounds of old age.
- Ser Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer, elevated to Lord Commander after Selmy's dismissal. Spent most of Joffrey's reign as a prisoner of King Robb Stark at Riverrun until freed by Lady Catelyn Stark. His right hand was severed by the Brave Companions after his recapture. Returned to King's Landing by Brienne of Tarth.
- Sandor Clegane, raised to the Kingsguard when Barristan Selmy was dismissed. During the Battle of the Blackwater Sandor fought bravely but later deserted due to his fear of fire. Controversially, Sandor was raised to the Kingsguard despite not being knighted.
- Ser Meryn Trant.
- Ser Arys Oakheart, sent to Dorne with Princess Myrcella Baratheon.
- Ser Boros Blount, removed for surrendering Prince Tommen Baratheon to Tommen's uncle, Tyrion Lannister. Despite this, Blount was later reinstated by Lord Tywin Lannister when Sandor Clegane deserted.
- Ser {Preston Greenfield}, killed by rioters in King's Landing in 299 AC.
- Ser Osmund Kettleblack, a former sellsword. Raised to the Kingsguard when Boros Blount was dismissed on the grounds of cowardice.
- Ser Balon Swann, raised to the Kingsguard after the death of Preston Greenfield.
- Ser {Mandon Moore}, attempted to kill Tyrion Lannister in 299 AC during the Battle of the Blackwater, and was instead killed by Tyrion's squire, Podrick Payne, in turn.
- Ser Loras Tyrell, known as the Knight of Flowers. Raised to the Kingsguard after the death of Mandon Moore.
Kingsguard during the reign of King Tommen I Baratheon (300 AC)
- Ser Jaime Lannister, Lord Commander, also known as the Kingslayer.
- Ser Loras Tyrell, known as the Knight of Flowers. Rumored to be near death after the Siege of Dragonstone in 300 AC.
- Ser Osmund Kettleblack, currently in a dungeon cell (300 AC).
- Ser Balon Swann, hunting Ser Gerold Dayne in Dorne, to avenge the death of Arys Oakheart.
- Ser Meryn Trant.
- Ser Boros Blount, made King Tommen's food taster.
- Ser {Arys Oakheart}, killed by Areo Hotah in Dorne in 300 AC, seduced into helping a failed coup by Arianne Martell.
- Ser Robert Strong, raised to the Kingsguard after Arys Oakheart's death. Rumors about his true identity have arisen amongst those at court.
Kingsguard of claimants to the Iron Throne
Kingsguard of Aegon VI (300 AC)
Upon landing in Westeros with the Golden Company, Aegon named his friend Rolly the first of his new Kingsguard.[23] Lord Jon Connington did not approve of the choice and asked Aegon to leave the other six slots open for knights of renown and sons of great Lords which would add luster to their cause.
- Lord Commander {open}
- Ser Rolly Duckfield.
- {open}
- {open}
- {open}
- {open}
- {open}
See also
- White Book
- Lord Commander of the Kingsguard/Queensguard
- Queensguard
- Rainbow Guard
- Robb Stark's Personal Guard
Quotes about the Kingsguard
The Kingsguard does not flee.[24]
– Ser Gerold Hightower, The White Bull
– Bran Stark's reflections on the Kingsguard
Our knees do not bend easily.[24]
– Ser Arthur Dayne, regarding the Kingsguard
Once a man puts on that cloak, it changes him.[26]
– Ser Jaime Lannister
Bran: Are they truly the finest knights in the Seven Kingdoms? Ned: No longer. But once they were a marvel, a shining lesson to the world.[27]
– Eddard Stark to Bran Stark
It is a rare and precious gift to be a knight, and even more so a knight of the Kingsguard. It is a gift given to few, a gift you scorned and sullied.[28]
– Brienne of Tarth to Ser Jaime Lannister
He wondered what Ser Arthur Dayne would have to say of this lot. "How is it that the Kingsguard have fallen so low," most like. "It was my doing", I would have to answer. "I opened the door, and did nothing when the vermin began to crawl inside." [30]
– Ser Jaime Lannister's thoughts on the present Kingsguard
References and Notes
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 6, Catelyn II.
- ↑ So Spake Martin. The Kingsguard (May 22, 1999)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 57, Sansa V.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 12, Eddard II.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 15, Sansa I.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 7, Cersei II.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 30, Eddard VII.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 3, Tyrion I.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 17, Cersei IV.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 58, Eddard XV.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 49, Tyrion XI.
- ↑ So Spake Martin Archon Meeting (October 5, 2001)
- ↑ 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 14.13 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 16, Jaime II.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 20, Brienne IV.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 16.7 The World of Ice & Fire, Aegon I.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, Maegor I.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 The Rogue Prince.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, Jaehaerys I.
- ↑ 20.00 20.01 20.02 20.03 20.04 20.05 20.06 20.07 20.08 20.09 20.10 20.11 The Princess and the Queen.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, Aegon III.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 13, The Soiled Knight.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 61, The Griffin Reborn.
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 39, Eddard X.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 8, Bran II.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 12, Cersei III.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 21, Bran III.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 11, Jaime II.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 68, Sansa VI.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Bad parameter 2: "67" is not a recognized chapter.
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