Tourney at Ashford Meadow

From A Wiki of Ice and Fire
Revision as of 14:29, 15 May 2018 by Abjiklam (talk | contribs)
Jump to: navigation, search

The tourney at Ashford Meadow[1][2] was a tourney hosted by House Ashford at Ashford Meadow in 209 AC. Lord Ashford staged the tourney to celebrate his daughter's thirteenth name day. His daughter was the queen of love and beauty and would have five champions to defend her honor. All other entrants were the challengers, and if anyone defeated a champion, they would take their place as the new champion. After three days of jousting, the champions would determine if Lord Ashford's daughter retained the title of queen or if another would wear it.[1]

Due to the accidental death of Prince Baelor Targaryen -- the Prince of Dragonstone, son and heir of King Daeron II Targaryen, and Hand of the King -- Ashford was one of the most famous and historically significant tourneys.

Ashford Tourney

The Joust

The jousting area had five lanes situated north-south, so none of the jousters would have the sun in their eyes. The viewing stand was raised on the eastern side of the lists with an orange canopy to shield the lords and ladies from sun and rain.[1]

The original five champions were:


Other Attendees

Ser Raymun Fossoway, Ser Steffon Fossoway, Prince Baelor Targaryen, Prince Maekar Targaryen, Ser Grance Morrigen, Ser Duncan the Tall, Prince Aegon Targaryen, Lord Ashford, Ser Manfred Dondarrion, Ser Otho Bracken, and Ser Gunthor Estermont.[1]

In addition, a semi-canonical list of attendees can be found in some editions of the Hedge Knight graphic novel.

The Trial of Seven

An altercation occurred between Ser Duncan the Tall and Prince Aerion Targaryen when the prince assaulted a girl, Tanselle. This resulted in Duncan striking the prince, claiming that he was only following the knight's vows to defend the weak. Aerion demanded a trial of seven to clear his name. Prince Daeron Targaryen also claimed to have been injured by Duncan, so he made a claim as well. The two sides met on Ashford Meadow.[1]

For the Defendant, Ser Duncan the Tall
Rhysling.png Ser Robyn Rhysling
House Hardyng Ser Humfrey Hardyng (fatally wounded)
House Baratheon Ser Lyonel Baratheon
Dunk Ser Duncan the Tall (wounded)
House Targaryen.svg Prince Baelor Targaryen (fatally wounded)
House Beesbury Ser Humfrey Beesbury (killed)
50px Ser Raymun Fossoway
For the Claimants, Princes Aerion & Daeron Targaryen
Kingsguard Ser Roland Crakehall
House Fossoway Ser Steffon Fossoway
House Targaryen (Daeron) Prince Daeron Targaryen (wounded)
House Targaryen (Aerion) Prince Aerion Targaryen (yielded)
House Targaryen (Maekar) Prince Maekar Targaryen
Kingsguard Ser Donnel of Duskendale
Kingsguard Ser Willem Wylde (wounded)

Ser Duncan made Princes Aerion and Daeron withdraw their claims, proving his innocence. However, during the fight, Ser Humfrey Beesbury was slain by Ser Donnel and Ser Willem Wylde had to be carried from the field. Prince Baelor died from a blow to his head, likely given by his brother Maekar. Ser Humfrey Hardyng also died afterwards from wounds received in the skirmish.[1]

Quotes

He remembered Tanselle's puppet show, and the wooden dragon that had started all the trouble there at Ashford. The memory made Dunk feel guilty, as it always did. Three good men dead, to save a hedge knight's foot. It made no sense, and never had.[3]

- thoughts of Duncan the Tall

References