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[[File:Laughing Tree COA.png|thumb|Knight of Laughing Tree Shield]]
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{{Character
The '''Knight of the Laughing Tree''' was a [[mystery knight]] who fought at the [[Tourney at Harrenhal]]. He defended the honor of [[Howland Reed]] by challenging and defeating three knights whose squires had bullied him, demanding that they chastise the squires in order to ransom back their horses and armor.
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| Character_name=[[File:Laughing Tree COA.png|50px|left]][[File:Laughing Tree COA.png|50px|right]]Knight of <br>the Laughing Tree
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| image = [[File:Laughing tree.jpeg|250px]]
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| image_caption = Art by Roman Papsuev
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| Alias =
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| Race =
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| Place_of_Death=
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| Date_of_Death =
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| Books = ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)
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}}
  
The Knight of the Laughing Tree is so called because of the blazon on his shield, a smiling [[weirwood|heart tree]]. His true identity remains unknown.
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The '''Knight of the Laughing Tree''' was a [[mystery knight]] who fought at the [[tourney at Harrenhal]] in {{date|281}}. He defended the honor of a [[crannogman]] by challenging and defeating three knights whose squires had bullied the crannogman, demanding that they chastise the squires in order to ransom back their horses and armor.
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The Knight of the Laughing Tree is so-called because of the blazon on his shield, a smiling [[weirwood]]. His true identity remains unknown. According to a semi-canon source, the bullied crannogman was [[Howland Reed]].{{ref|AWOIAF| Howland Reed}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Most of what is known about the Knight of the Laughing Tree comes from a story told by [[Meera Reed]] to [[Bran Stark]]. As an introduction to her story, Meera suggests that this knight "might have been a [[Crannogmen|crannogman]]". And [[Jojen Reed]] adds "or not". Jojen expects Bran to have heard this tale "a hundred times", but Bran denies any knowledge of the tale. {{Ref|aSoS|24}}
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Most of what is known about the Knight of the Laughing Tree comes from a story told by [[Meera Reed]] to [[Bran Stark]]. As an introduction to her story, Meera suggests that this knight "might have been a [[Crannogmen|crannogman]]", to which [[Jojen Reed]] adds "or not". Jojen expects Bran to have heard this tale "a hundred times" from his father, [[Eddard Stark]], but Bran denies any knowledge of the tale. He later explains that [[Nan|Old Nan]] was the one narrating stories to him, not his father.{{Ref|aSoS|24}}
  
According to Meera's tale, a [[Crannogmen|crannogman]] - most likely her own father, [[Howland Reed]] - attended the [[Tourney at Harrenhal]]. Finding there [[Aerys II Targaryen]] ("the king") and [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] ("the dragon prince"). With the Targaryens were the [[Kingsguard]] ("the White Swords"), there to welcome [[Jaime Lannister]] ("a new brother") into their ranks. Based on their known composition of the time, the knights present would be Lord Commander [[Gerold Hightower]], [[Jonothor Darry]], [[Arthur Dayne]], [[Lewyn Martell]], [[Barristan Selmy]], and [[Oswell Whent]]. {{Ref|aSoS|24}} <ref name="Citadel1"> [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/FAQ/Entry/Who_were_the_different_people_in_Meeras_story/ "The Citadel: FAQ, entry 6.2.6- Who were the different people in Meera's story?" (2007] </ref>
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According to Meera's tale, a crannogman—most likely her own father, [[Howland Reed]]—attended the [[tourney at Harrenhal]], finding there [[Aerys II Targaryen]] ("the king") and [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] ("the dragon prince"). With the Targaryens were the [[Kingsguard]] ("the White Swords"), there to welcome [[Jaime Lannister]] ("a new brother") into their ranks. Based on their known composition of the time, the knights present would be Lord Commander [[Gerold Hightower]], [[Jonothor Darry]], [[Arthur Dayne]], [[Lewyn Martell]], [[Barristan Selmy]], and [[Oswell Whent]].{{Ref|aSoS|24}}<ref name="Citadel1">[http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/FAQ/Entry/Who_were_the_different_people_in_Meeras_story/ "The Citadel: FAQ, entry 6.2.6- Who were the different people in Meera's story?" (2007]</ref>
  
Among the Lords present in the tourney were [[Robert Baratheon]] ("the storm lord") and [[Mace Tyrell]] ("the rose lord"). Notably absent was [[Tywin Lannister]] ("the great lion of [[Casterly Rock|the rock]]"). Meera reports that Tywin had quarelled with Aerys and intentionally stayed away. But many of the knights and bannermen of [[House Lannister]] did attend the Tourney. {{Ref|aSoS|24}} <ref name="Citadel1"/> Among the women present were [[Elia Martell]] ("the wife of the dragon prince") and a dozen of her lady companions. {{Ref|aSoS|24}} <ref name="Citadel1"/> [[House Whent]] hosted the Tourney . A daughter of the House reigned as [[Queen of Love and Beauty]] at the opening of the tourney, though her title had to be defended against challengers. Her champions were her four brothers and famous uncle Oswell Whent.{{Ref|aSoS|24}} <ref name="Citadel1"/>
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Among the lords present in the tourney were [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]] ("the storm lord") and [[Mace Tyrell]] ("the rose lord"). Notably absent was [[Tywin Lannister]] ("the great lion of [[Casterly Rock|the rock]]"). Meera reports that Tywin had quarelled with Aerys and intentionally stayed away. However, many of the knights and bannermen of [[House Lannister]] did attend the tourney.{{Ref|aSoS|24}}<ref name="Citadel1"/> Among the women present were [[Elia Martell]] ("the wife of the dragon prince") and a dozen of her lady companions.{{Ref|aSoS|24}}<ref name="Citadel1"/> [[Walter Whent]] of Harrenhal hosted the tourney. His daughter reigned as [[queen of love and beauty]] at the opening of the tourney, though her title had to be defended against challengers. Her champions were her four brothers and famous uncle, Oswell Whent.{{Ref|aSoS|24}}<ref name="Citadel1"/>
  
The crannogman found himself bullied by three squires, none older that fifteen-years-old. He had already "grown to manhood", however the boys were all larger than him in size. His only offensive weapon, a threepronged spear, was easily snatched away by his opponents. He was then thrown into the ground. His assailants repeatedly mocked him, shoved him, and kicked him. Help arrived in the person of [[Lyanna Stark]] ("the she-wolf"), who shouted indignantly that Reed was [[Rickard Stark|her father]]'s [[Feudalism|bannerman]]. She beat off his attackers with a tourney sword, scattering them away. {{Ref|aSoS|24}} <ref name="Citadel1"/>
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[[File:Knight of the Laughing Tree1.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Jousting illustration dating to 1881. Artwork by Alfred Fredericks, currently in the public domain. Used to illustrate the duel of the Knight of the Laughing Tree and the Porcupine Knight in the "Art of Ice and Fire" website.]]
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The crannogman found himself bullied by three squires, none older than fifteen-years-old. He had already "grown to manhood", but the boys were all larger than him in size. His only offensive weapon, a three-pronged spear, was easily snatched away by his opponents. He was then thrown into the ground. His assailants repeatedly mocked him, shoved him, and kicked him. Help arrived in the person of [[Lyanna Stark]] ("the she-wolf"), who shouted indignantly that Howland was [[Rickard Stark|her father]]'s [[Feudalism|bannerman]]. She beat off his attackers with a tourney sword, scattering them away.{{Ref|aSoS|24}}<ref name="Citadel1"/>
  
Reed was wounded and Lyanna took him back to her "lair", probably a tent. She cleaned his wounds and bound them with linen. Then introduced the guest to her brothers [[Brandon Stark]] ("the wild wolf"), [[Eddard Stark]] ("the quiet wolf"), and [[Benjen Stark]] ("the pup"). That evening, Lyanna persuaded Reed to attend the feast marking the start of the tournament. She insisted that he was highborn and had as much right to attend as anyone. The "wolf maid" was not easy to refuse. Benjen found a suitable garb for Reed. Within [[Harrenhal]], Reed ate and drank with the Starks. Their table also included certain Stark sworn swords, notably members of Houses [[House Hornwood|Hornwood]] ("moose"), [[House Mormont|Mormont]] ("bears"), and [[House Manderly|Manderly]] ("mermen"). {{Ref|aSoS|24}} <ref name="Citadel1"/>
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The crannogman was wounded and Lyanna took him back to her "lair", probably a tent. She cleaned his wounds and bound them with linen, then introduced the guest to her brothers [[Brandon Stark]] ("the wild wolf"), [[Eddard Stark]] ("the quiet wolf"), and [[Benjen Stark]] ("the pup"). That evening, Lyanna persuaded the crannogman to attend the feast marking the start of the tournament. She insisted that he was highborn and had as much right to attend as anyone. The "wolf maid" was not easy to refuse. Benjen found a suitable garb for the man. Within Harrenhal, he ate and drank with the Starks. Their table also included certain Stark sworn swords, notably members of Houses [[House Dustin|Dustin]] ("barrowdown men", men from the [[barrowlands]] or [[Barrowton]]), [[House Hornwood|Hornwood]] ("moose"), [[House Mormont|Mormont]] ("bears"), and [[House Manderly|Manderly]] ("mermen").{{Ref|aSoS|24}}<ref name="Citadel1"/>
  
During the feast [[Rhaegar Targaryen|Prince Rhaegar Targaryen]], a noted musician, performed a sad and beautiful song that made Lyanna weep; when Benjen teased her for crying, she poured wine over his head. A recruiting officer of the [[Night's Watch]] was there, trying to convince knights to join the Watch. Robert Baratheon was involved in a drinking contest with [[Richard Lonmouth]] ("the knight of skulls and kisses"). Meera notes in passing that Robert won the contest. Reed focused his attention on [[Ashara Dayne]] ("a maid with laughing purple eyes"), a companion of Elia, who was dancing in turns with various partners. First a member of the Kingsguard (either her brother Arthur Dayne or infatuated Barristan Selmy), secondly [[Oberyn Martell]] ("a red snake"), third [[Jon Connington]] ("the lord of griffins"), and lastly Eddard Stark. Eddard was too shy to ask her for a dance, so Brandon asked her on behalf of his brother. {{Ref|aSoS|24}} <ref name="Citadel1"/> {{Ref|aDwD|67}}
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During the feast Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, a noted musician, performed a sad and beautiful song that made Lyanna weep; when Benjen teased her for crying, she poured wine over his head. A [[wandering crow|recruiting officer]] of the [[Night's Watch]] was there, trying to convince knights to join the Watch. Robert Baratheon was involved in a drinking contest with [[Richard Lonmouth]] ("the knight of skulls and kisses"). Meera notes in passing that Robert won the contest. The crannogman focused his attention on [[Ashara Dayne]] ("a maid with laughing [[purple eyes]]"), a companion of Elia, who was dancing in turns with various partners. First a member of the Kingsguard (either her brother Arthur Dayne or infatuated Barristan Selmy), secondly [[Oberyn Martell]] ("a red snake"), third [[Jon Connington]] ("the lord of griffins"), and lastly Eddard Stark. Eddard was too shy to ask her for a dance, so Brandon asked her on behalf of his brother.{{Ref|aSoS|24}}<ref name="Citadel1"/>{{Ref|aDwD|67}}
  
St
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Still during the feast, both the crannogman and Lyanna recognized the three bullying squires. One served a pitchfork knight ([[House Haigh]]), one served a porcupine ([[House Blount]]), and the last boy served a knight of two towers ([[House Frey]]). She pointed them out to her brothers. Benjen offered to find the crannogman a horse and armor in order to avenge himself. He failed to reply, torn with indecision. His pride demanded vengeance, but he was afraid of losing and making a fool of himself, bringing shame to his people in the process. He was no knight and was not used to horses and lances. Before going to sleep at the tent of Eddard, as the "quiet wolf" had offered him hospitality, he prayed to the [[old gods]].{{Ref|aSoS|24}}<ref name="Citadel1"/>
  
There she identified the three squires who had attacked him as serving [[House Haigh]], [[House Blount]] and [[House Frey]]. [[Benjen Stark]] offered Reed a horse and armor in order to avenge himself, but although the crannogman dearly wished to do so, he had little experience with riding horses and none whatsoever with actual jousting. With no idea how to seek his revenge, Reed prayed that night to the [[old gods]] for help.
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During the first two days of the tournament, the porcupine knight, pitchfork knight, and the knight of the two towers each won a place among the champions, all in jousting. Late on the afternoon of the second day, a [[mystery knight]] "short of stature" appeared in the lists. His armor was made up of mismatched armor bits and pieces that appeared ill-fitting on him. His shield was blazoned with the image of "a white [[weirwood]] with a laughing red face". The tale earlier mentions that the crannogman had with him "a leathern shield" but does not specify whether this was the same shield. The mystery knight challenged and defeated all three of the previously mentioned knights, winning custody over their horses and armor. None of them were particularly popular, so the [[smallfolk]] cheered for the mysterious "Knight of the Laughing Tree". When the defeated trio sought to ransom back their former property, the knight declared his terms, that they ought to teach their rude squires honor. His voice sounded "booming" through his helm. The trio proceeded to chastise their squires sharply.{{Ref|aSoS|24}}
  
The tournament began the next day, and each of the knights whose squires had attacked Reed were victorious. On the second day, a mystery knight appeared to enter the lists. He was short of stature and clad in ill-fitting, mismatched armor, his shield blazoned with the image of a laughing heart tree. In a booming voice he challenged each of the three knights, and defeated them all. When they came to ransom their horses and armor, the mystery knight only charged them to teach their squires honor.
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The mystery knight attracted unwanted attention. Robert Baratheon and Richard Lonmouth were determined to unmask him, while King Aerys was certain that the man was his enemy.{{Ref|aSoS|24}} The king was convinced that the tree on the mystery knight's shield was laughing at him. He decided that the mystery knight was Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], who had returned to the tourney, defying Aerys's order to protect Queen [[Rhaella Targaryen|Rhaella]] and Prince [[Viserys Targaryen|Viserys]] in [[King's Landing]]. Aerys told his beliefs to every man who would listen, and furiously commanded his own knights to defeat the Knight of the Laughing Tree when the jousts resumed the next morning, to unmask and expose him.{{ref|twoiaf| The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring}}
  
That evening many swore to unmask the Knight of the Laughing Tree, but he did not appear the next day. The paranoid King [[Aerys II]], certain that the mystery knight had to be an enemy conspiring against him, ordered Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] to discover his identity, but all that could be found was the shield with the smiling weirwood, hanging from a tree.{{Ref|aSoS|24}}
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However, by the next day, it was discovered that the knight had disappeared. The king became angered by this, certain that someone close to him had given warning to "this traitor who will not show his face."{{ref|twoiaf| The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring}} An angry Aerys sent his men, including Prince Rhaegar, to search for the vanished knight, but only his shield could be found, abandoned in a tree.{{Ref|aSoS|24}}
  
 
==Theories==
 
==Theories==
The Knight of the Laughing Tree's identity is currently unknown, but Meera's story contains several potential clues.
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[[File:Warriortree_by_Luisa_Cruz.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Lyanna Stark as the Knight of the Laughing Tree, by Luisa Cruz]]
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:{{main|Knight of the Laughing Tree/Theories}}
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Meera's story contains several potential clues about the identity of the mystery knight. Fans have often based their evidence for his supposed identity on the disappearance of Lyanna shortly after the tournament.<ref name="Forum5">Conversation topic: [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/28283-the-knight-of-the-laughing-tree/ The Knight of the Laughing Tree] on [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/ Westeros Forum] </ref><ref name="Forum4"/>
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*The mystery knight must have been someone who knew about Howland Reed's experience with the squires and was motivated to avenge him. For the fans this points to the Stark siblings and Howland Reed himself, as the books do not mention anyone else noticing the incident.
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*His height was below average, or else it would not be noted in the first place.
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*The mismatched armor would point to the knight not having access to regular armor, or having regular armor with tell-tale markings on it.
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*The booming voice was most likely not the regular voice of the knight.
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*The weirwood image implies a connection to the old gods and the [[north]].<ref name="Citadel2"> [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/FAQ/Entry/Who_was_the_Knight_of_the_Laughing_Tree/ "The Citadel: FAQ, entry 6.2.7- Who was the Knight of the Laughing Tree?" (2011)]</ref><ref name="Forum1">Conversation topic: [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/60771-knight-of-the-laughing-tree/ Knight of the Laughing Tree] on [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/ Westeros Forum] </ref><ref name="Forum4"/>
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*He was competent enough at the joust to defeat three knights who had made it through the first day of the tourney, but as none of them were particularly well-known, he need not have been unusually skilled.
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*Meera was surprised that Bran had never heard the story before, which suggests that the knight may have been either a [[House Stark|Stark]], or someone close to the family.<ref name="Forum2">Conversation topic: [http://asoiaf.yuku.com/topic/2164/Who-Was-the-Knight-of-the-Laughing-Tree?page=2#.UBBOcipXvH4 Who was the Knight of the Laughing Tree?] on [http://asoiaf.yuku.com/directory#.UBBP7CpXvH4 asoiaf.yuku.com]</ref><ref name="Forum4">Conversation topic: [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/3280-howland-reed-knight-of-the-laughing-tree/page__st__40 Howland Reed=Knight of the Laughing Tree?] on [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/ Westeros Forum] </ref>
  
The mystery knight must have been someone who knew about Howland Reed's experience with the squires and was motivated to avenge him. He was significantly shorter than most knights, and had access to someone else's armor. He was competent enough at the joust to defeat three knights who had made it through the first day of the tourney, but as none of them were particularly well-known, he need not have been unusually skilled. Meera was surprised that Bran had never heard the story before, which suggests that the Knight may have been either a [[House Stark|Stark]], or someone close to the family.
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==References==
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{{references}}
  
Strong possibilities include:
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[[Category:Mystery knights]]
 
 
* '''Lyanna Stark'''. Lyanna was known to be something of a tomboy, and is strongly implied to have had an interest in learning to fight; as she was an extremely skilled rider, the idea that she might have secretly practiced jousting is highly plausible. Her brother [[Eddard Stark|Ned]] described her as headstrong, hot-tempered and somewhat reckless, and the story makes it clear that she was indignant on Reed's behalf. As a woman, it is likely that she would have been unusually short compared to most knights, and Benjen could have helped her find armor. Most intriguingly, this theory offers a possible answer to the mystery of why [[Rhaegar Targaryen]], who eventually won the tournament, passed over [[Elia Martell|his own wife]] to crown Lyanna his [[Queen of Love and Beauty]]; if Rhaegar succeeded in discovering that Lyanna was the Knight of the Laughing Tree, he might have seen it as a way to honor her valor without putting her in danger by revealing what she had done.
 
 
 
* '''Howland Reed''' himself. Like most crannogmen, he is known to have been short of stature. As Reed knew nothing of jousting, this theory requires the belief that the old gods answered his prayer by granting him supernatural skill. A related theory suggests that the Knight might have been a '''[[Children of the Forest|Child of the Forest]]''', sent by the old gods to act as Reed's champion. Bran suggests both of these theories.
 
 
 
* '''Benjen Stark'''. As a son of House Stark, he certainly would have been a trained fighter, and was still young enough to be shorter than most fully-grown men. He was the one who suggested the idea of seeking vengeance to Reed in the first place, and claimed that he knew where to find armor to borrow.
 
 
 
* '''Eddard Stark'''. Ned was a close friend of Howland Reed in later years, took House Stark's responsibility to defend its bannermen very seriously, and was certainly a well-trained fighter. However, there is nothing to indicate that he was unusually short, and the image of a ''laughing'' weirwood seems at odds with Ned's somber personality.
 
 
 
* '''[[Ashara Dayne]]'''. Dayne was present at the feast, where she spoke with both Ned and [[Brandon Stark]]. She might have learned of Reed's plight from one of them, and as she is rumored to have been in love with one or both brothers, could have planned to impress them by defending Reed. Whether Dayne had trained to fight is unknown, but it would not be terribly unusual for a [[Dorne|Dornishwoman]] to do so, although jousting is not a Dornish tradition. Furthermore, Meera describes Dayne as having "laughing purple eyes," which resonates with the Knight's chosen sigil of a laughing weirwood.
 
 
 
==References and Notes==
 
{{references}}
 
*[http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/FAQ/Entry/Who_was_the_Knight_of_the_Laughing_Tree/ The Citadel: FAQ - 6.2.7. ''Who was the Knight of the Laughing Tree?'']
 
 
[[Category:Terms]]
 
[[Category:Terms]]
  
[[fr:Chevalier d'Aubier rieur]][[zh:笑面树骑士]]
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[[es:Caballero del Árbol Sonriente]]
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[[fr:Chevalier d'Aubier rieur]]
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[[ru:Рыцарь Смеющегося Дерева]]
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Revision as of 05:20, 8 January 2019

Laughing Tree COA.png
Laughing Tree COA.png
Knight of
the Laughing Tree
Laughing tree.jpeg
Art by Roman Papsuev

Book A Storm of Swords (mentioned)

The Knight of the Laughing Tree was a mystery knight who fought at the tourney at Harrenhal in 281 AC. He defended the honor of a crannogman by challenging and defeating three knights whose squires had bullied the crannogman, demanding that they chastise the squires in order to ransom back their horses and armor.

The Knight of the Laughing Tree is so-called because of the blazon on his shield, a smiling weirwood. His true identity remains unknown. According to a semi-canon source, the bullied crannogman was Howland Reed.[1]

History

Most of what is known about the Knight of the Laughing Tree comes from a story told by Meera Reed to Bran Stark. As an introduction to her story, Meera suggests that this knight "might have been a crannogman", to which Jojen Reed adds "or not". Jojen expects Bran to have heard this tale "a hundred times" from his father, Eddard Stark, but Bran denies any knowledge of the tale. He later explains that Old Nan was the one narrating stories to him, not his father.[2]

According to Meera's tale, a crannogman—most likely her own father, Howland Reed—attended the tourney at Harrenhal, finding there Aerys II Targaryen ("the king") and Rhaegar Targaryen ("the dragon prince"). With the Targaryens were the Kingsguard ("the White Swords"), there to welcome Jaime Lannister ("a new brother") into their ranks. Based on their known composition of the time, the knights present would be Lord Commander Gerold Hightower, Jonothor Darry, Arthur Dayne, Lewyn Martell, Barristan Selmy, and Oswell Whent.[2][3]

Among the lords present in the tourney were Robert Baratheon ("the storm lord") and Mace Tyrell ("the rose lord"). Notably absent was Tywin Lannister ("the great lion of the rock"). Meera reports that Tywin had quarelled with Aerys and intentionally stayed away. However, many of the knights and bannermen of House Lannister did attend the tourney.[2][3] Among the women present were Elia Martell ("the wife of the dragon prince") and a dozen of her lady companions.[2][3] Walter Whent of Harrenhal hosted the tourney. His daughter reigned as queen of love and beauty at the opening of the tourney, though her title had to be defended against challengers. Her champions were her four brothers and famous uncle, Oswell Whent.[2][3]

Jousting illustration dating to 1881. Artwork by Alfred Fredericks, currently in the public domain. Used to illustrate the duel of the Knight of the Laughing Tree and the Porcupine Knight in the "Art of Ice and Fire" website.

The crannogman found himself bullied by three squires, none older than fifteen-years-old. He had already "grown to manhood", but the boys were all larger than him in size. His only offensive weapon, a three-pronged spear, was easily snatched away by his opponents. He was then thrown into the ground. His assailants repeatedly mocked him, shoved him, and kicked him. Help arrived in the person of Lyanna Stark ("the she-wolf"), who shouted indignantly that Howland was her father's bannerman. She beat off his attackers with a tourney sword, scattering them away.[2][3]

The crannogman was wounded and Lyanna took him back to her "lair", probably a tent. She cleaned his wounds and bound them with linen, then introduced the guest to her brothers Brandon Stark ("the wild wolf"), Eddard Stark ("the quiet wolf"), and Benjen Stark ("the pup"). That evening, Lyanna persuaded the crannogman to attend the feast marking the start of the tournament. She insisted that he was highborn and had as much right to attend as anyone. The "wolf maid" was not easy to refuse. Benjen found a suitable garb for the man. Within Harrenhal, he ate and drank with the Starks. Their table also included certain Stark sworn swords, notably members of Houses Dustin ("barrowdown men", men from the barrowlands or Barrowton), Hornwood ("moose"), Mormont ("bears"), and Manderly ("mermen").[2][3]

During the feast Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, a noted musician, performed a sad and beautiful song that made Lyanna weep; when Benjen teased her for crying, she poured wine over his head. A recruiting officer of the Night's Watch was there, trying to convince knights to join the Watch. Robert Baratheon was involved in a drinking contest with Richard Lonmouth ("the knight of skulls and kisses"). Meera notes in passing that Robert won the contest. The crannogman focused his attention on Ashara Dayne ("a maid with laughing purple eyes"), a companion of Elia, who was dancing in turns with various partners. First a member of the Kingsguard (either her brother Arthur Dayne or infatuated Barristan Selmy), secondly Oberyn Martell ("a red snake"), third Jon Connington ("the lord of griffins"), and lastly Eddard Stark. Eddard was too shy to ask her for a dance, so Brandon asked her on behalf of his brother.[2][3][4]

Still during the feast, both the crannogman and Lyanna recognized the three bullying squires. One served a pitchfork knight (House Haigh), one served a porcupine (House Blount), and the last boy served a knight of two towers (House Frey). She pointed them out to her brothers. Benjen offered to find the crannogman a horse and armor in order to avenge himself. He failed to reply, torn with indecision. His pride demanded vengeance, but he was afraid of losing and making a fool of himself, bringing shame to his people in the process. He was no knight and was not used to horses and lances. Before going to sleep at the tent of Eddard, as the "quiet wolf" had offered him hospitality, he prayed to the old gods.[2][3]

During the first two days of the tournament, the porcupine knight, pitchfork knight, and the knight of the two towers each won a place among the champions, all in jousting. Late on the afternoon of the second day, a mystery knight "short of stature" appeared in the lists. His armor was made up of mismatched armor bits and pieces that appeared ill-fitting on him. His shield was blazoned with the image of "a white weirwood with a laughing red face". The tale earlier mentions that the crannogman had with him "a leathern shield" but does not specify whether this was the same shield. The mystery knight challenged and defeated all three of the previously mentioned knights, winning custody over their horses and armor. None of them were particularly popular, so the smallfolk cheered for the mysterious "Knight of the Laughing Tree". When the defeated trio sought to ransom back their former property, the knight declared his terms, that they ought to teach their rude squires honor. His voice sounded "booming" through his helm. The trio proceeded to chastise their squires sharply.[2]

The mystery knight attracted unwanted attention. Robert Baratheon and Richard Lonmouth were determined to unmask him, while King Aerys was certain that the man was his enemy.[2] The king was convinced that the tree on the mystery knight's shield was laughing at him. He decided that the mystery knight was Ser Jaime Lannister, who had returned to the tourney, defying Aerys's order to protect Queen Rhaella and Prince Viserys in King's Landing. Aerys told his beliefs to every man who would listen, and furiously commanded his own knights to defeat the Knight of the Laughing Tree when the jousts resumed the next morning, to unmask and expose him.[5]

However, by the next day, it was discovered that the knight had disappeared. The king became angered by this, certain that someone close to him had given warning to "this traitor who will not show his face."[5] An angry Aerys sent his men, including Prince Rhaegar, to search for the vanished knight, but only his shield could be found, abandoned in a tree.[2]

Theories

Lyanna Stark as the Knight of the Laughing Tree, by Luisa Cruz

Meera's story contains several potential clues about the identity of the mystery knight. Fans have often based their evidence for his supposed identity on the disappearance of Lyanna shortly after the tournament.[6][7]

  • The mystery knight must have been someone who knew about Howland Reed's experience with the squires and was motivated to avenge him. For the fans this points to the Stark siblings and Howland Reed himself, as the books do not mention anyone else noticing the incident.
  • His height was below average, or else it would not be noted in the first place.
  • The mismatched armor would point to the knight not having access to regular armor, or having regular armor with tell-tale markings on it.
  • The booming voice was most likely not the regular voice of the knight.
  • The weirwood image implies a connection to the old gods and the north.[8][9][7]
  • He was competent enough at the joust to defeat three knights who had made it through the first day of the tourney, but as none of them were particularly well-known, he need not have been unusually skilled.
  • Meera was surprised that Bran had never heard the story before, which suggests that the knight may have been either a Stark, or someone close to the family.[10][7]

References