Difference between revisions of "Storm's End"

From A Wiki of Ice and Fire
Jump to: navigation, search
(touch up)
(ASOS and AFFC)
(6 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 31: Line 31:
 
[[File:Stromsend.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Storm's End in the HBO guide of ''[[Game of Thrones]]''©]]
 
[[File:Stromsend.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Storm's End in the HBO guide of ''[[Game of Thrones]]''©]]
  
'''Storm's End''' is the seat of [[House Baratheon]] in the [[stormlands]]. The castle is located along the northern coast of [[Shipbreaker Bay]], south of [[Bronzegate]] and northeast of [[Griffin's Roost]]. The [[kingsroad]] runs north from Storm's End to [[King's Landing]], the capital of the [[Seven Kingdoms]]<ref>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', [[A Dance with Dragons-Map of the South|Map of the South]]</ref>
+
'''Storm's End''' is the seat of [[House Baratheon]], the [[Lord Paramount of the Stormlands|Lords Paramount of the Stormlands]]. The castle is located at [[Durran's Point]] on the northern coast of [[Shipbreaker Bay]],{{ref|TWOIAF| The Stormlands: Storm's End}} south of [[Bronzegate]] and northeast of [[Griffin's Roost]]. The [[kingsroad]] runs north from Storm's End through the [[stormlands]] to [[King's Landing]], the capital of the [[Seven Kingdoms]].<ref>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', [[A Dance with Dragons-Map of the South|Map of the South]]</ref>
  
One of the strongest castles in the [[Seven Kingdoms]], Storm's End was once the ancestral seat of the [[Storm King]]s of [[House Durrandon]] extending back many thousands of years. The castle is said to be protected by spells woven into its very walls that prevent [[magic]] from affecting it or passing through it. [[Renly Baratheon]], Lord of Storm's End, is served by Maester [[Jurne]].{{ref|ACOK|Appendix}}
+
One of the strongest castles in the realm, Storm's End was once the ancestral seat of the [[Storm King]]s of [[House Durrandon]] extending back many thousands of years. The castle is said to be protected by spells woven into its very walls that prevent [[magic]] from affecting it or passing through it. [[Renly Baratheon]], Lord of Storm's End, is served by Maester [[Jurne]].{{ref|ACOK|Appendix}}
  
 
==Layout==
 
==Layout==
 
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Storm's End|Images of Storm's End]]''
 
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Storm's End|Images of Storm's End]]''
Storm's End is surrounded by a massive outer curtain wall, one hundred feet high and forty feet thick on its thinnest side and nearly eighty feet thick on its seaward side. It is composed of a double course of stones with an inner core of sand and rubble. The wall is smooth and curving, the stones so well placed and so perfectly together that the wind can find no purchase. On the seaward side, there is a one hundred fifty foot drop below the wall into the sea.{{ref|acok|31}}
 
  
The castle itself consists of one huge drum tower crowned with formidable battlements, so that from a distance enemies can see what appears to be a single huge, spiked fist thrusting towards the sky in defiance. The tower is so large that it comfortably contains the granary, barracks, armory, feast hall, and [[lord]]'s chambers all at once.{{Ref|aCoK|31}} It is said that there are spells woven into the stonework.{{Ref|aCoK|42|p 621}} The seaward side of the castle stands upon a high white cliffs overlooking the sea, and there is a barred, watery passage through a cavern that leads beneath the castle.
+
Storm's End is surrounded by a massive outer curtain wall, one hundred feet high and forty feet thick on its thinnest side and nearly eighty feet thick on its seaward side. It is composed of a double course of pale grey stone with an inner core of sand and rubble. The wall is smooth and curving, the stones so well placed and so perfectly together that the wind can find no purchase. On the seaward side, there is a one hundred fifty foot drop below the wall into the sea.{{ref|acok|31}} There is no safe anchorage by the castle.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Stormlands: Storm's End}}
 +
 
 +
The curtain wall protects the castle's kitchens, stables, and yard. Storm's End has only one tower, a colossal drum crowned with formidable battlements, so that from a distance enemies can see what appears to be a single huge, spiked fist thrusting towards the sky in defiance. The tower is so large that it comfortably contains the granary, barracks, armory, feast hall, and [[lord]]'s chambers all at once.{{Ref|aCoK|31}} It is said that there are spells woven into the stonework.{{Ref|aCoK|42|p 621}} The seaward side of the castle stands upon [[Durran's Point]], a high white cliff overlooking the sea. There is a watery passage through a cavern that leads beneath the castle, protected by a portcullis, bars, and murder holes.{{ref|ACOK|42}}
  
 
The [[godswood]] of Storm's End has a [[weirwood]] [[heart tree]] carved with a solemn face.{{ref|ASOS|5}}
 
The [[godswood]] of Storm's End has a [[weirwood]] [[heart tree]] carved with a solemn face.{{ref|ASOS|5}}
 +
 +
Despite a good wind off [[Shipbreaker Bay]], the weather is hot at Storm's End in summertime.{{ref|AGOT|4}} There are fields and stony ridges in the vicinity.{{ref|ACOK|31}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
The mighty fortress called Storm's End has stood for centuries, facing the terrible weather of [[Shipbreaker Bay]] with little wear to show for it. Legend claims that it was built by [[Durran]], the first [[Storm King]] during the [[Dawn Age]], who declared a war against the gods after they killed his family and guests, ruining his wedding to their daughter [[Elenei]]. It was said he raised six castles, each larger and more formidable than the last, but all were destroyed by storms. The massive seventh castle, Storm's End, is also called Durran's Defiance{{ref|TPATQ}} because it was able to endure the storms.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Stormlands: Storm's End}} Some believe this was because the [[children of the forest]] took a hand in its construction, using their magics in the raising the castle walls which allow it to resist the storms. Others believe that a young boy who grew up to be [[Bran the Builder]] advised Durran on its construction.{{Ref|aCoK|31}}
+
===Origin===
 +
The mighty fortress called Storm's End has stood for centuries, facing the terrible weather of [[Shipbreaker Bay]] with little wear to show for it. Legend claims that it was built by [[Durran]], the first [[Storm King]] during the [[Dawn Age]], who declared a war against the gods after they killed his family and guests, ruining his wedding to their daughter [[Elenei]]. It was said Durran Godsgrief raised six castles, each larger and more formidable than the last, but all were destroyed by storms. The massive seventh castle, Storm's End, is also called Durran's Defiance{{ref|TPATQ}} because it was able to endure the storms.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Stormlands: Storm's End}} Some believe this was because the [[children of the forest]] took a hand in its construction, using their magics in raising the castle walls which allow it to resist the storms. Others believe that a young boy who grew up to be [[Bran the Builder]] advised Durran on its construction.{{Ref|aCoK|31}}
 +
 
 +
===House Durrandon===
 +
The [[Storm King]]s, Durran's descendents from [[House Durrandon]], used Storm's End as their seat as they consolidated control over the [[stormlands]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Stormlands}} In its long history the formidable fortress has never fallen to siege or storm.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Stormlands: Storm's End}}
 +
 
 +
During [[Andal invasion|their invasion of Westeros]], the [[Andals]] are said to have abandoned attempts to capture Storm's End from the [[First Men]] Storm Kings after seven failed sieges and assaults. Instead, the Durrandons and Andals eventually came together through marriage.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Stormlands: Andals in the Stormlands}} Archmaester [[Vyron]] speculates in his ''[[Triumphs and Defeats]]'' that the final form of the castle being the seventh shows a clear Andal influence and suggests the possibility that the final form was achieved in Andal times. The great tower and curtain wall appear beyond the capability of the ancient First Men, at least, as they often built ringforts which are now left in ruins.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Stormlands: Storm's End}}
 +
 
 +
[[Gyles III Gardener]], [[King of the Reach]], failed to conquer Storm's End after a siege of two years.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: Andals in the Reach}}
 +
 
 +
During [[Aegon's Conquest]], the last Storm King, [[Argilac Durrandon|Argilac the Arrogant]], abandoned his impressive defenses to meet [[Orys Baratheon]] in open battle and suffered accordingly in the [[Last Storm]]. Taking Argilac's daughter, [[Argella Durrandon|Argella]], as his bride, Orys became Aegon's [[Lord Paramount of the Stormlands]] and [[House Baratheon]] replaced the Durrandons as lords of Storm's End.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
 +
 
 +
===House Baratheon===
 +
Prince [[Lucerys Velaryon]] and his dragon, [[Arrax]], were slain by Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] and [[Vhagar]] outside Storm's End during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{ref|TPATQ}}
  
Storm's End has proven to be an exceptionally formidable fortress. In its long history it has never fallen to either siege or storm. During [[Andal invasion|their invasion of Westeros]], the [[Andals]] are said to have abandoned attempts to capture Storm's End after seven failed sieges and assaults. Instead, the [[House Durrandon|Durrandons]] and Andals eventually came together through marriage.{{ref|TWOIAF| Andals in the Stormlands}} Archmaester [[Vyron]] speculates in his ''[[Triumphs and Defeats]]'' that the claim that the final form of the castle was the seventh shows a clear Andal influence and suggests the possibility that the final form was achieved in Andal times.{{ref|TWOIAF| Storm's End}} [[Gyles III Gardener]], [[King of the Reach]], failed to conquer Storm's End after a siege of two years.{{ref|TWOIAF| Andals in the Reach}}
+
King [[Baelor I Targaryen]] recuperated at Storm's End for half a year after he returned from [[Dorne]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}
  
During [[Aegon I Targaryen]]'s [[War of Conquest]], the last Storm King, [[Argilac Durrandon|Argilac the Arrogant]], abandoned his impressive defenses to meet [[Orys Baratheon]] in open battle and suffered accordingly in the [[Last Storm]]. Taking Argilac's daughter, [[Argella Durrandon|Argella]], as his bride, Orys became Aegon's [[Lord Paramount of the Stormlands]] and [[House Baratheon]] replaced the Durrandons as lords of Storm's End.
+
Princess [[Rhaelle Targaryen]] served at Storm's End as Lord [[Lyonel Baratheon]]'s cupbearer and companion to his lady wife,{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}} and she wed Lyonel's heir, Lord [[Ormund Baratheon]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Stormlands: House Baratheon}}
  
Prince [[Lucerys Velaryon]] and his dragon, [[Arrax]], were slain by Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] and [[Vhagar]] outside Storm's End during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{ref|TPATQ}} Princess [[Rhaelle Targaryen]] served as a cupbearer to Lord [[Lyonel Baratheon]].{{ref|TPATQ| Aegon V}}
+
The ''[[Windproud]]'' of Lord [[Steffon Baratheon]] sank in [[Shipbreaker Bay]] within sight of Storm's End. The castellan at that time was Ser [[Harbert]], while the castle's maester was [[Cressen]].{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}}  
  
There was a [[tourney at Storm's End]] prior to [[Robert's Rebellion]]. During the rebellion, Storm's End was [[Siege of Storm's End|besieged for a year]] by the host of Lord [[Mace Tyrell]], who commanded the landward forces, whilst Lord [[Paxter Redwyne]]'s [[Redwyne fleet|fleet of the Arbor]] kept the castle cut off by sea. However, [[Stannis Baratheon]], commanding the defense, refused to yield and his men were reduced to eating rats. A smuggler named [[Davos Seaworth|Davos]] ran the blockade and resupplied the castle, allowing the garrison to outlast the siege.
+
There was a [[tourney at Storm's End]] prior to [[Robert's Rebellion]]. During the rebellion, Lord [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]] feasted and hunted with Lords [[Lord Cafferen|Cafferen]] and [[Lord Grandison|Grandison]] at Storm's End after defeating them at [[battles at Summerhall|Summerhall]].{{ref|ASOS|36}} Storm's End was then besieged for near a year by the host of Lord [[Mace Tyrell]], who commanded the landward forces, whilst Lord [[Paxter Redwyne]]'s [[Redwyne fleet|fleet of the Arbor]] kept the castle cut off by sea. However, [[Stannis Baratheon]], Robert's brother in command of the defense, refused to yield and his men were reduced to eating rats. The armorer [[Donal Noye]] lost an arm during the siege.{{ref|AGOT|19}} A smuggler named [[Davos Seaworth|Davos]] ran the blockade and resupplied the castle, allowing the garrison to outlast the [[siege of Storm's End]].{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}}
  
After Lord [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]] became king, he gave the castle to his youngest brother, [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]], and moved Stannis to the much poorer [[Dragonstone]], which led to many years of bitterness on Stannis's part. When Renly was away at court in [[King's Landing]] fulfilling his duties as Robert's [[master of laws]], the castle was held by its castellan, Ser [[Cortnay Penrose]].
+
After Lord [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]] became king, he gave the castle to his youngest brother, [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]], and granted Stannis the much poorer [[Dragonstone]], which led to many years of bitterness on Stannis's part. Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] squired at Storm's End, where he became acquainted with Renly.{{ref|ASOS|67}} When Renly is away at court in [[King's Landing]] fulfilling his duties as Robert's [[master of laws]], Storm's End is held by its castellan, Ser [[Cortnay Penrose]]. Robert's bastard, [[Edric Storm]], is fostered by Cortnay at the castle.{{ref|AGOT|30}}
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
 
[[File:Storms End.jpg|thumb|350px|right|© Fantasy Flight Games]]
 
[[File:Storms End.jpg|thumb|350px|right|© Fantasy Flight Games]]
 +
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 +
[[Renly Baratheon]], Lord of Storm's End, flees [[King's Landing]] with Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] after the death of his brother, King [[Robert I Baratheon]]. Lord [[Varys]], the [[master of whisperers]], thinks Renly is riding to Storm's End or [[Highgarden]] in the [[Reach]].{{ref|AGOT|49}} Renly weds [[Margaery Tyrell]] at Highgarden and is proclaimed [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]] by Lord [[Mace Tyrell]]. Storm's End calls the banners for Renly.{{ref|AGOT|69}}
 +
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
During the [[War of the Five Kings]], the many castles sworn to Storm's End help [[Renly Baratheon]] field a sizable force to support his claim on the [[Iron Throne]]. His elder brother, [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]], lays [[Siege of Storm's End (299)|siege to Storm's End]] instead of attacking [[King's Landing]].
+
During the [[War of the Five Kings]], the many castles sworn to Storm's End help Renly field a sizable force to support his claim on the [[Iron Throne]]. His elder brother, [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]], lays [[Siege of Storm's End (299)|siege to Storm's End]] instead of attacking King's Landing. Stannis's men cut down a nearby grove of trees for siege weapons, and it is where the rival kings hold an unsuccessful parley.{{ref|ACOK|31}} The night before the brothers are to battle, [[Catelyn Stark]] prays at the sept of a village located in sparse woodland near the castle. Despite the presence of his [[Rainbow Guard]], Renly is assassinated in his camp by [[shadow assassin|a shadow]] that night.{{ref|ACOK|33}}
  
Following Renly's death during the siege, the castellan Ser [[Cortnay Penrose]] refuses to yield, believing that [[Edric Storm]], fostered at Storm's End, would be harmed. [[Melisandre]] gives birth to [[shadow assassin|a shadow]] that assassinates Cortnay, but first she has [[Davos Seaworth]] smuggle her through the castle walls so that the spells of the castle do not ward out her magic.{{Ref|aCoK|42}}
+
Following Renly's death, the castellan Ser [[Cortnay Penrose]] refuses to yield in a parley beneath Storm's End's walls, believing that Robert's bastard, [[Edric Storm]], fostered within the castle, would be harmed.{{ref|ACOK|42}} The former smuggler [[Davos Seaworth]] sails [[Melisandre]] to the cavern beneath the walls so that the spells of the castle do not ward out her [[magic]], and she births a shadow{{ref|ACOK|42}} that throws Cortnay from the tower, an apparent suicide.{{Ref|aCoK|44}}
  
Soon after Cortnay's death, his lieutenant, Lord [[Elwood Meadows]], surrenders the castle to Stannis's forces. Stannis names Ser [[Gilbert Farring]] as the new castellan, with Elwood as his second-in-command. Before leaving for King's Landing, Melisandre has Stannis burn the [[godswood]] as an offering to the [[R'hllor|Lord of the Light]].{{Ref|aCoK|49}}{{ref|ACOK|52}}
+
Soon after Cortnay's death, his lieutenant, Lord [[Elwood Meadows]], names himself castellan and surrenders the castle to Stannis.{{ref|ACOK|45}} Melisandre has Stannis burn the [[godswood]] as an offering to the [[R'hllor|Lord of the Light]].{{Ref|aCoK|49}}{{ref|ACOK|52}}
 +
 
 +
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 +
Following the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], Stannis's [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Alester Florent]], negotiates with the [[Iron Throne]], suggesting that Stannis relinquish his royal claim and remain Lord of Dragonstone and Storm's End. Stannis has Alester imprisoned for treason.{{ref|ASOS|25}}
 +
 
 +
Ser [[Gilbert Farring]] serves Stannis as the castellan of Storm's End, with Elwood as his second-in-command and a garrison of two hundred{{ref|ASOS|36}} or three hundred.{{ref|ASOS|54}}
 +
 
 +
Loras admits to Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] that he buried Renly at a place known to them near Storm's End.{{ref|ASOS|67}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
In {{date|300}}, the castle [[Siege of Storm's End (300)|is besieged]] by a strong army under Mace Tyrell, but he only has the castle under siege for a few weeks before he abandons the siege to return to King's Landing after the arrest of his daughter [[Margaery Tyrell|Margaery]] by the [[Faith of the Seven|Faith]]. Mace leaves a token force with Lord [[Mathis Rowan]] to continue the siege but the castle continues to support Stannis's claim to the throne. Its defenders include Ser Gilbert, Lord Elwood, and Stannis's uncle, Ser [[Lomas Estermont]].{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
+
Princess [[Arianne Martell]] believes that Storm's End belongs to [[Tommen Baratheon]] by rights, but that the Iron Throne belongs to his elder sister, [[Myrcella Baratheon]].{{ref|AFFC|13}}
 +
 
 +
In {{date|300}}, Mace and Lord [[Mathis Rowan]] bring half the [[House Tyrell|Tyrell]] strength to [[Siege of Storm's End (300)|besiege Storm's End]].{{ref|AFFC|12}}{{ref|AFFC|16}} Some of the [[Redwyne fleet]] blockade [[Shipbreaker Bay]], preventing the castle from being resupplied.{{ref|AFFC|32}} Mace abandons the siege to return to King's Landing after the arrest of Margaery, Mace's daughter and Tommen's queen, by the [[Faith of the Seven|Faith]].{{ref|AFFC|43}} Mace leaves a token force with Lord Rowan to continue the siege but the castle continues to support Stannis's claim to the throne.{{ref|AWOIAF| Mathis Rowan}} Its defenders include Gilbert, Elwood, and Stannis's uncle, Ser [[Lomas Estermont]].{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
  
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
The [[Golden Company]] plans to take Storm's End as a base of operation. [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon Targaryen]] plans to lead the assault.{{ref|ADWD|61}}
+
The [[Golden Company]] plans to take Storm's End as a base of operation. [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon Targaryen]] intends to lead the assault.{{ref|ADWD|61}}
 +
 
 +
===''The Winds of Winter''===
 +
{{Warning|This information has thus far been released in a sample chapter for ''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', and might therefore not be in finalized form. Keep in mind that the content as described below is still subject to change.}}
 +
At [[Griffin's Roost]] [[Haldon Halfmaester]] informs Princess [[Arianne Martell]] that the Golden Company has taken Storm's End and that the [[Hand of the King|Hand]] awaits her there. He tells her that [[Mace Tyrell]]'s army is descending on the castle from [[King's Landing]] and that she will want to be safe inside the walls before the battle. Arianne decides to sail to Storm's End.<ref name=Ar2>[[Arianne II (The Winds of Winter)]]</ref>
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
Line 75: Line 107:
  
  
{{Quote|'''Stannis:''' I give you fair warning. If you force me to take my castle by storm, you may expect no mercy. I will hang you for traitors, every one of you.<br>
+
{{Quote|'''Stannis''': I give you fair warning. If you force me to take my castle by storm, you may expect no mercy. I will hang you for traitors, every one of you.<br>
'''Cortnay:''' Bring on your storm, my lord, and recall, if you do, the name of this castle.{{ref|acok|42}}}} – [[Stannis Baratheon]] and [[Cortnay Penrose]]
+
'''Cortnay''': As the gods will it. Bring on your storm, my lord—and recall, if you do, the '''name''' of this castle.{{ref|acok|42}}}} – [[Stannis Baratheon]] and [[Cortnay Penrose]]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
{{Quote|This Storm's End is an old place. There are spells woven into the stones. Dark walls that no shadow can pass—ancient, forgotten, yet still in place.{{Ref|aCoK|42|p 621}}}} – [[Melisandre]] to [[Davos Seaworth]]
  
  
{{Quote|This Storm's End is an old place. There are spells woven into the stones. Dark walls that no shadow can pass – ancient, forgotten, yet still in place.{{Ref|aCoK|42|p 621}}}} [[Melisandre]] to [[Davos Seaworth]]
+
{{quote|I mean to take Storm's End. A nigh-impregnable stronghold, and [[Stannis Baratheon]]'s last foothold in the south. Once taken, it will give us a secure fastness to which we may retreat at need, and winning it will prove our strength.{{ref|ADWD|61}}}} - [[Jon Connington]] to [[Harry Strickland]]
  
 
==Chapters that take place at Storm's End==
 
==Chapters that take place at Storm's End==

Revision as of 21:04, 15 July 2016

Storm's End
Legendary castle, Regional capital
Storm s end by feliche.jpg
Storm's End by Feliche©
Government House Durrandon (formerly)
House Baratheon, Feudal lord
Religion Faith of the Seven
Founded Age of Heroes
The stormlands and the location of Storm's End
The stormlands and the location of Storm's End
Storm's End
The stormlands and the location of Storm's End
Elenei protects Durran as Storm's End is constructed.
Art by Roman Papsuev
Storm's End in the HBO guide of Game of Thrones©

Storm's End is the seat of House Baratheon, the Lords Paramount of the Stormlands. The castle is located at Durran's Point on the northern coast of Shipbreaker Bay,[1] south of Bronzegate and northeast of Griffin's Roost. The kingsroad runs north from Storm's End through the stormlands to King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.[2]

One of the strongest castles in the realm, Storm's End was once the ancestral seat of the Storm Kings of House Durrandon extending back many thousands of years. The castle is said to be protected by spells woven into its very walls that prevent magic from affecting it or passing through it. Renly Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End, is served by Maester Jurne.[3]

Layout

See also: Images of Storm's End

Storm's End is surrounded by a massive outer curtain wall, one hundred feet high and forty feet thick on its thinnest side and nearly eighty feet thick on its seaward side. It is composed of a double course of pale grey stone with an inner core of sand and rubble. The wall is smooth and curving, the stones so well placed and so perfectly together that the wind can find no purchase. On the seaward side, there is a one hundred fifty foot drop below the wall into the sea.[4] There is no safe anchorage by the castle.[1]

The curtain wall protects the castle's kitchens, stables, and yard. Storm's End has only one tower, a colossal drum crowned with formidable battlements, so that from a distance enemies can see what appears to be a single huge, spiked fist thrusting towards the sky in defiance. The tower is so large that it comfortably contains the granary, barracks, armory, feast hall, and lord's chambers all at once.[4] It is said that there are spells woven into the stonework.[5] The seaward side of the castle stands upon Durran's Point, a high white cliff overlooking the sea. There is a watery passage through a cavern that leads beneath the castle, protected by a portcullis, bars, and murder holes.[6]

The godswood of Storm's End has a weirwood heart tree carved with a solemn face.[7]

Despite a good wind off Shipbreaker Bay, the weather is hot at Storm's End in summertime.[8] There are fields and stony ridges in the vicinity.[4]

History

Origin

The mighty fortress called Storm's End has stood for centuries, facing the terrible weather of Shipbreaker Bay with little wear to show for it. Legend claims that it was built by Durran, the first Storm King during the Dawn Age, who declared a war against the gods after they killed his family and guests, ruining his wedding to their daughter Elenei. It was said Durran Godsgrief raised six castles, each larger and more formidable than the last, but all were destroyed by storms. The massive seventh castle, Storm's End, is also called Durran's Defiance[9] because it was able to endure the storms.[1] Some believe this was because the children of the forest took a hand in its construction, using their magics in raising the castle walls which allow it to resist the storms. Others believe that a young boy who grew up to be Bran the Builder advised Durran on its construction.[4]

House Durrandon

The Storm Kings, Durran's descendents from House Durrandon, used Storm's End as their seat as they consolidated control over the stormlands.[10] In its long history the formidable fortress has never fallen to siege or storm.[1]

During their invasion of Westeros, the Andals are said to have abandoned attempts to capture Storm's End from the First Men Storm Kings after seven failed sieges and assaults. Instead, the Durrandons and Andals eventually came together through marriage.[11] Archmaester Vyron speculates in his Triumphs and Defeats that the final form of the castle being the seventh shows a clear Andal influence and suggests the possibility that the final form was achieved in Andal times. The great tower and curtain wall appear beyond the capability of the ancient First Men, at least, as they often built ringforts which are now left in ruins.[1]

Gyles III Gardener, King of the Reach, failed to conquer Storm's End after a siege of two years.[12]

During Aegon's Conquest, the last Storm King, Argilac the Arrogant, abandoned his impressive defenses to meet Orys Baratheon in open battle and suffered accordingly in the Last Storm. Taking Argilac's daughter, Argella, as his bride, Orys became Aegon's Lord Paramount of the Stormlands and House Baratheon replaced the Durrandons as lords of Storm's End.[13]

House Baratheon

Prince Lucerys Velaryon and his dragon, Arrax, were slain by Prince Aemond Targaryen and Vhagar outside Storm's End during the Dance of the Dragons.[9]

King Baelor I Targaryen recuperated at Storm's End for half a year after he returned from Dorne.[14]

Princess Rhaelle Targaryen served at Storm's End as Lord Lyonel Baratheon's cupbearer and companion to his lady wife,[15] and she wed Lyonel's heir, Lord Ormund Baratheon.[16]

The Windproud of Lord Steffon Baratheon sank in Shipbreaker Bay within sight of Storm's End. The castellan at that time was Ser Harbert, while the castle's maester was Cressen.[17]

There was a tourney at Storm's End prior to Robert's Rebellion. During the rebellion, Lord Robert Baratheon feasted and hunted with Lords Cafferen and Grandison at Storm's End after defeating them at Summerhall.[18] Storm's End was then besieged for near a year by the host of Lord Mace Tyrell, who commanded the landward forces, whilst Lord Paxter Redwyne's fleet of the Arbor kept the castle cut off by sea. However, Stannis Baratheon, Robert's brother in command of the defense, refused to yield and his men were reduced to eating rats. The armorer Donal Noye lost an arm during the siege.[19] A smuggler named Davos ran the blockade and resupplied the castle, allowing the garrison to outlast the siege of Storm's End.[17]

After Lord Robert Baratheon became king, he gave the castle to his youngest brother, Renly, and granted Stannis the much poorer Dragonstone, which led to many years of bitterness on Stannis's part. Ser Loras Tyrell squired at Storm's End, where he became acquainted with Renly.[20] When Renly is away at court in King's Landing fulfilling his duties as Robert's master of laws, Storm's End is held by its castellan, Ser Cortnay Penrose. Robert's bastard, Edric Storm, is fostered by Cortnay at the castle.[21]

Recent Events

© Fantasy Flight Games

A Game of Thrones

Renly Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End, flees King's Landing with Ser Loras Tyrell after the death of his brother, King Robert I Baratheon. Lord Varys, the master of whisperers, thinks Renly is riding to Storm's End or Highgarden in the Reach.[22] Renly weds Margaery Tyrell at Highgarden and is proclaimed Lord of the Seven Kingdoms by Lord Mace Tyrell. Storm's End calls the banners for Renly.[23]

A Clash of Kings

During the War of the Five Kings, the many castles sworn to Storm's End help Renly field a sizable force to support his claim on the Iron Throne. His elder brother, Stannis, lays siege to Storm's End instead of attacking King's Landing. Stannis's men cut down a nearby grove of trees for siege weapons, and it is where the rival kings hold an unsuccessful parley.[4] The night before the brothers are to battle, Catelyn Stark prays at the sept of a village located in sparse woodland near the castle. Despite the presence of his Rainbow Guard, Renly is assassinated in his camp by a shadow that night.[24]

Following Renly's death, the castellan Ser Cortnay Penrose refuses to yield in a parley beneath Storm's End's walls, believing that Robert's bastard, Edric Storm, fostered within the castle, would be harmed.[6] The former smuggler Davos Seaworth sails Melisandre to the cavern beneath the walls so that the spells of the castle do not ward out her magic, and she births a shadow[6] that throws Cortnay from the tower, an apparent suicide.[25]

Soon after Cortnay's death, his lieutenant, Lord Elwood Meadows, names himself castellan and surrenders the castle to Stannis.[26] Melisandre has Stannis burn the godswood as an offering to the Lord of the Light.[27][28]

A Storm of Swords

Following the Battle of the Blackwater, Stannis's Hand of the King, Lord Alester Florent, negotiates with the Iron Throne, suggesting that Stannis relinquish his royal claim and remain Lord of Dragonstone and Storm's End. Stannis has Alester imprisoned for treason.[29]

Ser Gilbert Farring serves Stannis as the castellan of Storm's End, with Elwood as his second-in-command and a garrison of two hundred[18] or three hundred.[30]

Loras admits to Ser Jaime Lannister that he buried Renly at a place known to them near Storm's End.[20]

A Feast for Crows

Princess Arianne Martell believes that Storm's End belongs to Tommen Baratheon by rights, but that the Iron Throne belongs to his elder sister, Myrcella Baratheon.[31]

In 300 AC, Mace and Lord Mathis Rowan bring half the Tyrell strength to besiege Storm's End.[32][33] Some of the Redwyne fleet blockade Shipbreaker Bay, preventing the castle from being resupplied.[34] Mace abandons the siege to return to King's Landing after the arrest of Margaery, Mace's daughter and Tommen's queen, by the Faith.[35] Mace leaves a token force with Lord Rowan to continue the siege but the castle continues to support Stannis's claim to the throne.[36] Its defenders include Gilbert, Elwood, and Stannis's uncle, Ser Lomas Estermont.[37]

A Dance with Dragons

The Golden Company plans to take Storm's End as a base of operation. Aegon Targaryen intends to lead the assault.[38]

The Winds of Winter

Content.png
Warning
This information has thus far been released in a sample chapter for The Winds of Winter, and might therefore not be in finalized form. Keep in mind that the content as described below is still subject to change.

At Griffin's Roost Haldon Halfmaester informs Princess Arianne Martell that the Golden Company has taken Storm's End and that the Hand awaits her there. He tells her that Mace Tyrell's army is descending on the castle from King's Landing and that she will want to be safe inside the walls before the battle. Arianne decides to sail to Storm's End.[39]

Quotes

The nightfires had burned low, and as the east began to lighten the immense mass of Storm's End emerged like a dream of stone while wisps of pale mist raced across the field, flying from the sun on wings of wind.[24]

- thoughts of Catelyn Stark


Stannis: I give you fair warning. If you force me to take my castle by storm, you may expect no mercy. I will hang you for traitors, every one of you.
Cortnay: As the gods will it. Bring on your storm, my lord—and recall, if you do, the name of this castle.[6]

Stannis Baratheon and Cortnay Penrose


This Storm's End is an old place. There are spells woven into the stones. Dark walls that no shadow can pass—ancient, forgotten, yet still in place.[5]

Melisandre to Davos Seaworth


I mean to take Storm's End. A nigh-impregnable stronghold, and Stannis Baratheon's last foothold in the south. Once taken, it will give us a secure fastness to which we may retreat at need, and winning it will prove our strength.[38]

- Jon Connington to Harry Strickland

Chapters that take place at Storm's End

References and Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 The World of Ice & Fire, The Stormlands: Storm's End.
  2. A Dance with Dragons, Map of the South
  3. A Clash of Kings, Appendix.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 31, Catelyn III.
  5. 5.0 5.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 42, Davos II, p 621.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 42, Davos II.
  7. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 5, Davos I.
  8. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 4, Eddard I.
  9. 9.0 9.1 The Princess and the Queen.
  10. The World of Ice & Fire, The Stormlands.
  11. The World of Ice & Fire, The Stormlands: Andals in the Stormlands.
  12. The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Andals in the Reach.
  13. The World of Ice & Fire, The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest.
  14. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I.
  15. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V.
  16. The World of Ice & Fire, The Stormlands: House Baratheon.
  17. 17.0 17.1 A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
  18. 18.0 18.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 36, Davos IV.
  19. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 19, Jon III.
  20. 20.0 20.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 67, Jaime VIII.
  21. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 30, Eddard VII.
  22. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 49, Eddard XIV.
  23. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 69, Tyrion IX.
  24. 24.0 24.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 33, Catelyn IV.
  25. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 44, Tyrion X.
  26. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 45, Catelyn VI.
  27. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 49, Tyrion XI.
  28. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 52, Sansa IV.
  29. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 25, Davos III.
  30. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 54, Davos V.
  31. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 13, The Soiled Knight.
  32. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 12, Cersei III.
  33. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 16, Jaime II.
  34. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 32, Cersei VII.
  35. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 43, Cersei X.
  36. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Mathis Rowan.
  37. A Feast for Crows, Appendix.
  38. 38.0 38.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 61, The Griffin Reborn.
  39. Arianne II (The Winds of Winter)

This page uses content from the English Wikipedia. The original content was at Strongholds of A Song of Ice and Fire. The list of authors can be seen in the page history of Strongholds of A Song of Ice and Fire. As with A Wiki of Ice and Fire, the content of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.