Kingsguard

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The Kingsguard are the royal bodyguards of Westeros.

History

The Kingsguard was founded by Aegon the Conqueror of House Targaryen as an elite bodyguard for those of royal blood. A poetic name for them is "the White Swords", or "the White Cloaks". 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. 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.[1]

The knights of the guard wear all white capes, carry plain white shields and with some occasional exceptions wear little or no ornamentation or sigils on their armor. This plain but striking attire leads credence to their role of being seen and 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 has continuously existed since the Conquest. 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 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.

After the War of the Usurper, 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.

According to semi-canon sources, the Lord Commander is always chosen by the king, seniority and ability only playing parts in the decision.[2] The Kingsguard serve for life, even if maimed or seriously crippled with the other brothers taking on duties that the injured Kingsguard could not perform.[3]

Historical Members

Lord Commanders

Members

  • Ser Serwyn of the Mirror Shield. A legendary knight.
  • the Greatheart, a famous member.

Under Aerys Targaryen II just prior to the war of the Usurper

Recent Members

Under Robert I

It should be noted that after the War, King Robert was left in the awkward position of having to fill not one but five vacancies in the Kingsguard. This, along with the blatantly political appointments made by his wife, Queen Cersei Lannister, led many to regard this 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.

Under Joffrey I

The Kingsguard entered an even more controversial time after the death of King Robert. His heir, King Joffrey, dismissed Lord Commander Selmy, something never before done in the history of the Kingsguard. This time period also saw the appointment of a unanointed 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.

  • Lord Commander Barristan Selmy, dismissed in an unprecedented move by King Joffrey after Robert's death. Joins Daenerys Targaryen in the far east as her advisor and Queensguard.
  • Lord Commander Jaime Lannister, elevated after Selmy's dismissal. His right hand was amputated by the Brave Companions at Vargo Hoat's order after his capture. Returned to King's Landing by Brienne of Tarth.
  • Sandor Clegane, deserted during the Battle of the Blackwater. Controversially, Sandor was raised to the white cloak by King Joffrey in spite of his not being an anointed knight.

Under Tommen I


See also

References and Notes

  1. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 57, Sansa
  2. Archon Meeting (October 5, 2001) report So Spake Martin
  3. The Kingsguard. (May 22, 1999) So Spake Martin

This page uses content from the English Wikipedia. The original content was at Kingsguard.
The list of authors can be seen in the page history of Kingsguard.
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