Difference between revisions of "Trial by combat"

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==History==
 
==History==
 
[[File:Duncan_Lyonel.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Lord Commander [[Dunk|Duncan the Tall]] fighting Lord [[Lyonel Baratheon]] in trial by combat, as depicted by Chase Stone in ''[[The World of Ice and Fire]]''.]]
 
[[File:Duncan_Lyonel.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Lord Commander [[Dunk|Duncan the Tall]] fighting Lord [[Lyonel Baratheon]] in trial by combat, as depicted by Chase Stone in ''[[The World of Ice and Fire]]''.]]
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During the [[Faith Militant uprising]], Ser [[Damon Morrigen]] challenged [[Maegor I Targaryen|King Maegor]] to a [[Trial of seven]] who which Maegor accepted. Ser Damon and six Warrior Sons against the King and his six champions. It was a conquest in which the Kingdom itself was at stake. In the end only King Maegor was left alive, the other thirteen lay dead. {{ref|twoiaf| Maegor I}}
  
 
Due to several unfortunate circumstances, the [[Ashford Tourney]] became the arena of a [[trial of seven]], with tragic results.{{ref|THK}}
 
Due to several unfortunate circumstances, the [[Ashford Tourney]] became the arena of a [[trial of seven]], with tragic results.{{ref|THK}}

Revision as of 13:25, 23 March 2015

Oberyn Martell vs Gregor Clegane - by Zippo514 ©

Trial by combat or trial by battle is a method to settle accusations in which two parties in dispute fight in single combat, possibly to the death. A variation is the trial of seven.[1]

Practice

Trial by battle - by Nicole Cardiff ©

A trial by combat:

  • May be requested at any point before or during a trial.
  • May be advised against, but even sovereign lords and members of the royal family rarely consider denying such a request outright.[1]
  • May be converted into a trial of seven if the accuser (or, presumably, the accused) so demands. Available evidence suggests that this request, too, cannot be denied without severe political consequences. In any case, trials of seven are exceedingly rare, happening perhaps less often than once in a century.[1]
  • May be fought by the parties themselves, but it is not unusual for either or both parties to choose champions to fight in their stead.[2]
  • Ends when either party yields or is killed; or when the accuser takes back his accusation; or (presumably) when the accused declares himself guilty.

History

Lord Commander Duncan the Tall fighting Lord Lyonel Baratheon in trial by combat, as depicted by Chase Stone in The World of Ice and Fire.

During the Faith Militant uprising, Ser Damon Morrigen challenged King Maegor to a Trial of seven who which Maegor accepted. Ser Damon and six Warrior Sons against the King and his six champions. It was a conquest in which the Kingdom itself was at stake. In the end only King Maegor was left alive, the other thirteen lay dead. [3]

Due to several unfortunate circumstances, the Ashford Tourney became the arena of a trial of seven, with tragic results.[1]

The rebellion of Lord Lyonel Baratheon against the Iron Throne during the reign of King Aegon V was eventually settled in a trial by combat between Lord Lyonel and King Aegon's champion, Ser Duncan the Tall who was Lord commander of the Kingsguard. [4]

Prior to the start of Robert's Rebellion, Lord Rickard Stark, demanded a trial by combat when called to answer for his son Brandon Stark's alleged crimes. King Aerys II Targaryen declared that the Targaryen champion was fire and to prove his innocence, all Rickard had to do was not burn.[5]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

When accused by Lady Lysa Arryn of the murder of Lord Jon Arryn and the attempted murder of Bran Stark, Tyrion Lannister requests trial by combat at the Eyrie. Bronn champions for Tyrion Lannister and Ser Vardis Egen, captain of the Arryn guard, champions for Lady Lysa’s.[2] Bronn wins and Tyrion is released.[6]

A Clash of Kings

King Joffrey Baratheon often rules that disputes should be resolved by trial by combat, usually to the death.[7][8][9]

A Storm of Swords

Sandor Clegane is accused of murdering Mycah. Ser Beric Dondarrion decides to judge him by combat and loses,[10] therefore decreeing Sandor innocent of that crime.

When Tyrion Lannister is accused in the murder of King Joffrey Baratheon, Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne offers to be his champion in trial by combat. His opponent, representing the accuser Cersei Lannister, is Ser Gregor Clegane.[11]

A Feast for Crows

The accusations directed towards Margaery Tyrell and Cersei Lannister make both consider demanding trial by combat. Their status as queens makes it necessary for both to choose from the Kingsguard members, at a time when their ranks are seriously depleted. Cersei writes a letter to Ser Jaime Lannister asking him to be her champion.[12]

A Dance with Dragons

After learning of Jaime's disappearance, Cersei must choose a new champion from the Kingsguard for her trial by combat.[13] Ser Robert Strong is the eventual choice.[14][15]

Quotes

The gods know the truth of my innocence. I will have their verdict, not the judgment of men. I demand trial by combat.[2]

Tyrion Lannister


The gods have seen fit to proclaim him innocent, child. We have no choice but to free him.[6]

- Lysa Tully to Robert Arryn regarding Tyrion Lannister


I am innocent, but I will get no justice here. You leave me no choice but to appeal to the gods. I demand trial by battle.[11]

- Tyrion Lannister to the throne room

See Also

References and Sources