A Wiki of Ice and Fire - User contributions [en]

Greensight

2026-08-04T21:03:20Z

Breassa:

[[File:Kristina Carroll greendream.jpg|The [[Three-eyed crow]] comes to [[Bran Stark]] in a green dream. By Kristina Carroll © FFG|thumb|350px|right]]

The '''greensight''' is the ability to have [[Dreams and prophecies|prophetic dreams]] called '''green dreams''' (also called '''greendreams''').

==About==
A person with the greensight may dream as other people do, but the green dreams are different, filled with symbolic meaning, images, and metaphors of what is to come.{{ref|ACOK|28}}

The meaning behind the dreams is not always obvious, but the dreamer experiences the fulfillment of visions in the unfolding of events. Supposedly these dreams can concern the dreamer or another person, but the dreamer will be able to tell the difference. Greenseers might also dream of their own deaths. [[Warg]]s have been known to also possess this ability.{{ref|ADWD|34}}

[[Greenseer]]s, the wise men of the [[children of the forest]], reputedly possessed the greensight. Some [[crannogmen]] are also known to have the greensight. One of them is [[Jojen Reed]], who has unnaturally green eyes. It is possible that this is the result of his advanced greensight abilities.{{Ref|aCoK|28}}

==Known Greendreamers==
*[[Jojen Reed]]

==See also==
*[[Greenseer]]
*[[Skinchanger]]
*[[Dragon dreams]]

==Quotes==
{{Quote|[[Jojen Reed|My brother]] has the greensight. He dreams things that haven't happened, but sometimes they do.{{ref|ACOK|28}}|[[Meera Reed]], to [[Bran Stark]]}}

{{Quote|I dreamed of a [[Bran Stark|winged wolf]] bound to earth with grey stone chains. It was a green dream, so I knew it was true. A [[three-eyed crow|crow]] was trying to peck through the chains, but the stone was too hard and his beak could only chip at them.{{ref|ACOK|28}}|[[Jojen Reed]], to [[Bran Stark]]}}

{{Quote|[[Jojen Reed|He]] had had a green dream, he said, and his green dreams did not lie.{{ref|ASOS|56}}|thoughts of [[Bran Stark]], about [[Jojen Reed]]}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Greensight| ]]
[[Category:Children of the forest]]
[[Category:Homages]]
[[Category:Magic]]

[[fr:Vervue]]
[[tr:Yeşilgörüş]]

Knight of the Laughing Tree

2026-07-29T18:30:00Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox character
| arms = Knight of the Laughing Tree
| epithet = Knight of the Laughing Tree
| image = [[File:Laughing tree.jpeg|250px]]
| image_caption = Art by Roman Papsuev
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance =
| Race =
| Culture =
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth=
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death=
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms = A smiling heart tree
}}

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.

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==
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 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 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"/>

[[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.]]
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"/>

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 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}}

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 knight]] ([[House Blount]]), and the last boy served a [[Knight of the two towers‎‎|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"/>

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 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}}

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==
[[File:Warriortree_by_Luisa_Cruz.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Lyanna Stark as the Knight of the Laughing Tree, by Luisa Cruz]]
:{{main|Knight of the Laughing Tree/Theories}}
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"/>
*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]].<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"/>
*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.<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>

==See Also==
*[[:Category:Images of the Knight of the Laughing Tree|Images of the Knight of the Laughing Tree]]

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Mystery knights]]
[[Category:Terms]]

[[tr:Gülen Ağacın Şövalyesi]]
[[es:Caballero del Árbol Sonriente]]
[[fr:Chevalier d'Aubier rieur]]
[[pt:Cavaleiro da Árvore que Ri]]
[[ru:Рыцарь Смеющегося Дерева]]
[[zh:笑面树骑士]]

Corlys Velaryon

2026-07-26T13:46:00Z

Breassa:

{{About|the Master of Driftmark during the Dance of the Dragons
|the ship|Sea Snake
|the planned television series|The Sea Snake
|the first Lord Commander of the Kingsguard|Corlys Velaryon (son of Daemon)
|the supporter of Stannis Baratheon|Corliss Penny}}
{{Infobox character
| title = Lord
| firstname = Corlys
| lastname = Velaryon
| arms = Velaryon
| epithet = the Sea Snake
| image = Z37tvql2m6m71.png
| image_caption = Art by Eve Venture, from the Unseen Westeros exhibition.
| Alias = The Sea Snake The Snake{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
| Title = [[Knight|Ser]] [[Lord of the Tides]] [[Master of Driftmark]] [[Lord admiral]] [[Master of ships]] [[Hand of the King|Hand of the Queen]] [[Regent|Lord Regent]] Captain of the ''[[Cod Queen]]'' Captain of the ''[[Summer Maid]]'' Captain of the ''[[Ice Wolf]]'' Captain of the ''[[Sea Snake]]''
| Allegiance = [[House Velaryon]] [[Blacks]] (formerly) [[Greens]]
| Race = [[Valyria]]n
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Father = [[Corwyn Velaryon]]
| Mother =
| Spouse = Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys Targaryen]]
| Lover = [[Marilda of Hull]] (rumored){{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| Issue = [[Laena Velaryon]] [[Laenor Velaryon]] [[Addam Velaryon]] (rumored) [[Alyn Velaryon]] (rumored)
| Place_of_Birth = [[Driftmark]]{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under Jaehaerys I}}
| Date_of_Birth = early {{Date|53}}{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under Jaehaerys I}}<ref group="N">Corlys was born in the first half of the year {{Date|53}} since he was born earlier than but in the same year as Princess [[Daenerys Targaryen (daughter of Jaehaerys I)|Daenerys Targaryen]] who was born in the seventh [[moon]] ''([[Fire & Blood]] - Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I)''. Moreover he is noted to have died at the age of 79 on the sixth day of the third moon of {{Date|132}}. As 132 AC is the year he would have turned 79, this means Corlys's [[name day]] had already occured that year prior to his death. Therefore Corlys's name day is early in the year in between the first day of the first moon and the sixth day of the third moon.</ref>
| Place_of_Death = [[Red Keep]], [[King's Landing]]{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}
| Date_of_Death = 6th day of the 3rd moon of {{Date|132}} {{S|aged 79}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}
| Date_of_Burial = 3rd moon of {{Date|132}}
| Place_of_Burial = Aboard the ''[[Sea Snake]]'', east of [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]]{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = [[w:Steve Toussaint|Steve Toussaint]]
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|2]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 3|3]]
}}

'''Corlys Velaryon''', known as '''the Sea Snake''', was a fabled [[Lord of the Tides]], [[Master of Driftmark|Master]] of [[Driftmark]], and head of [[House Velaryon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands: The Red Kraken}} In his younger years he made nine [[great voyages]] on ''[[Sea Snake]]'', a ship he designed and built himself. Corlys was the husband of Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys Targaryen]], the Queen Who Never Was. During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], he became [[Hand of the King|Hand]] to Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Corlys is portrayed by [[w:Steve Toussaint|Steve Toussaint]].<ref>HBO.com: [https://www.hbo.com/house-of-the-dragon/cast-and-characters House of the Dragon Cast & Characters]</ref>

==Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Corlys Velaryon|l1=Images of Corlys Velaryon}}
[[File:Corlys Velaryon by Chillyravenart.png |thumb|right|350px|Corlys Velaryon, by Chillyravenart ©]]
By the of age seven-and-thirty, Corlys was hailed as the greatest seafarer the [[Seven Kingdoms]] had ever known.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Corlys was said to be as brilliant as he was restless, and as adventurous as he was ambitious. Though he accomplished much and more in life, he was seldom satisfied.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Corlys was known to be intractable, even in old age.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} He was remembered as wise in peace and valiant in war.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} He was a proud man.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] thought him arrogant.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

During his elder years, Corlys liked to say that he was clinging to life "like a drowning sailor clinging to the wreckage of a sunken ship".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

==History==
===Early life===
Corlys was born in {{Date|53}} at [[Driftmark]] to [[Corwyn Velaryon]] and his lady wife.{{ref|trotd|6}}{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under Jaehaerys I}} Corwyn in turn was the eldest son of Lord [[Daemon Velaryon (son of Aethan)|Daemon Velaryon]].{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under Jaehaerys I}} He was [[named after]] his great-granduncle, Ser [[Corlys Velaryon (son of Daemon)|Corlys Velaryon]], who served King [[Aegon I Targaryen]] as the first [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under Jaehaerys I}}

Corlys took to the sea at a young age, first crossing the [[narrow sea]] to [[Pentos]] with an uncle when he was only six. Corlys would make such voyages every year that followed, working on the ships as a member of the crew. According to the captains he served under, they had never seen such a natural sailor as Corlys. He became a captain himself at the age of sixteen, when he sailed the ''[[Cod Queen]]'' from [[Driftmark]] to [[Dragonstone]] and back.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} By the age of twenty-three, Corlys was already a celebrated mariner.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} Corlys sailed to [[Oldtown]], [[Lannisport]], [[Lordsport]], [[Lys]], [[Tyrosh]], Pentos, and [[Myr]]. He sailed the ''[[Summer Maid]]'' to [[Volantis]] and the [[Summer Isles]], and he took ''Ice Wolf'' to [[Braavos]], [[Eastwatch-by-the-Sea]], [[Hardhome]], [[Lorath]], and the [[Port of Ibben]]. He also took ''Ice Wolf'' [[beyond the Wall]], but was unsuccessful in finding a northerly route in the [[Shivering Sea]] around [[Westeros]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Corlys was [[knight]]ed at some point.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}

Corlys sailed aboard his ''[[Sea Snake]]'', a ship he designed and built, on nine [[great voyages]] to [[Essos]]. During his first voyage, he sailed beyond the [[Jade Gates]] at [[Qarth]] to [[Yi Ti]] and [[Leng]]. Corlys returned with treasures like [[silk]], [[spices]], and [[jade]], doubling the wealth of [[House Velaryon]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} His second voyage took him to [[Asshai]], where he "lost his love and half his crew", according to the stories. At Asshai, Corlys also saw a ship docked in the harbor that he believed to have been the ''[[Sun Chaser]]'' of [[Elissa Farman]].{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} Corlys's third voyage led to him becoming the first Westerosi to navigate the [[Thousand Islands]] in the Shivering Sea and visit [[Nefer]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Nefer}} in [[N'ghai]] and [[Mossovy]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

During his ninth voyage on ''Sea Snake'', Corlys filled the ship's hold with gold and bought twenty more ships at Qarth, loading them with spices, [[elephants]], and silk. Only fourteen ships reached Driftmark and all the elephants died, but Corlys became vastly wealthy from the venture.{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} He took his nickname "Sea Snake" from his famous ship. Corlys's expeditions on the ''Sea Snake'' have been described by Maester [[Mathis]] in his book ''[[The Nine Voyages]]''.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}

===Lord of the Tides===
Ser Corlys became head of [[House Velaryon]] and [[Lord of the Tides]] after the death of his grandsire. Richer than Lords [[House Lannister|Lannister]] or [[House Hightower|Hightower]] through his expeditions, Lord Corlys used his great wealth to construct a new seat, [[High Tide]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} where he stored his eastern treasures. The towns of [[Hull]] and [[Spicetown]] sprang up and drew trade away from [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|90}}, Corlys married the sixteen-year old Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys Targaryen]], the only child of Prince [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon Targaryen]], who in turn was the eldest son of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]. Two years later, Corlys sailed his [[Velaryon fleet|fleet]] to [[Tarth]], to aid Prince Aemon in fighting the [[Myr]]ish exiles who had invaded the island. Shortly before they left, Corlys's wife announced she was pregnant. During the campaign, Prince Aemon died, leading King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] to appoint a new heir to the throne. He chose his second son [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon]] over Aemon's only heir, Rhaenys, thereby also passing over Corlys and Rhaenys's unborn child. Furious over this decision, Corlys gave up his admiralty and his place on the king's [[small council]] and returned to [[Driftmark]] with his wife.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}

In late {{Date|92}},<ref group="N">Earlier editions of ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' mentioned Rhaenys learning of her pregnancy in early 92 AC and giving birth to Laena in 93 AC. Later editions of ''Fire & Blood'' corrected Laena’s birth to late in the year 92 AC.</ref> Rhaenys gave birth to a daughter, [[Laena Velaryon|Laena]]. A son, [[Laenor Velaryon|Laenor]], followed in {{Date|94}}.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} When Prince Baelon died in {{Date|101}}, King Jaehaerys I's succession became unclear again, and reports reached the court that Corlys was gathering ships and men to defend the rights of his son.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}} When the king declared a [[Great Council]] would be held at [[Harrenhal]] to settle the succession, Corlys and his wife traveled there, using their wealth and influence to try and persuade the lords present to vote for Laenor, after Rhaenys and Laena had been passed over once again on account of their sex. Corlys' fame, reputation, and wealth did much to support Laenor's claim, but in the end, Baelon's son [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys]] received the majority of the votes, and was named [[Prince of Dragonstone]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}

Following the death of Queen [[Aemma Arryn]], in {{Date|105}}, [[Grand Maester]] [[Runciter]] suggested to King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] that he take Corlys's twelve-year-old daughter, Laena, to wife. King Viserys, however, chose [[Alicent Hightower]]. Angered by the third time his wife and children had been scorned by [[House Targaryen]], Corlys and his family did not attend the wedding in {{Date|106}}. Instead, he made an alliance with Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], King Viserys's younger brother, equally angered by the king's marriage. Corlys had suffered from the [[Triarchy]]'s rule over the [[Stepstones]], and together with Daemon was determined to conquer the Stepstones for themselves. The fighting began in {{Date|106}}, with Daemon leading their army and Corlys leading their fleet. They won many victories in the first few years, and by {{Date|109}} all but two of the islands and the waters in between were firmly under their control. When Daemon declared himself [[King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea]], Corlys placed the crown upon his brow.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} No further involvement of Corlys in the conflicts have been reported after {{Date|109}}.

[[File:Meet the Velaryons by Chillyravenart.jpg|thumb|right|350px|[[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys Targaryen]], [[Laena Velaryon]], [[Laenor Velaryon]], and Corlys Velaryon, by Chillyravenart ©]]
In {{Date|113}}, King Viserys I and his [[small council]] began discussions concerning a betrothal for Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], Viserys's heir. They eventually agreed on Corlys's son, Laenor. Laenor and Rhaenyra were married in {{Date|114}}. When Rhaenyra gave birth late that same year, Corlys overruled his son's wish and insisted that the child would be given a traditional Velaryon name. The boy was named [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]]. Two more sons, [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]], in {{Date|115}}, and [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey]], in {{Date|117}}, would follow.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

By {{Date|115}}, Corlys's daughter Laena had been betrothed for nearly a decade to the son of a former [[Sealord of Braavos]]. After the Sealord had died, the son had proven to be a wastrel and a fool, who lost all of his family's wealth and power, after which he turned up on Driftmark. Corlys lacked a graceful way to break the betrothal, but was unwilling to let the marriage occur, and had thus repeatedly postponed the wedding over the years. When Prince Daemon Targaryen arrived on Driftmark and asked for Laena's hand in marriage, Corlys thus agreed. Daemon mocked the late Sealord's son until the latter demanded a duel, in which he was slain by Daemon. A fortnight later, Corlys saw Laena and Daemon wed. Through this marriage, Corlys would have two more grandchildren: the twin girls [[Baela Targaryen|Baela]] and [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]], born in {{Date|116}}.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In the first few days of {{Date|120}}, Corlys's daughter Laena died several days after giving birth to her third child, who had died within an hour after birth. His son, Laenor, died not long after, stabbed to death by Ser [[Qarl Correy]] while attending a fair in [[Spicetown]]. That same year, Lord [[Lyonel Strong]] and his son, Ser [[Harwin Strong|Harwin]], died during a fire at Harrenhal. While there are many stories concerning this fire, the court fool [[Mushroom]] claims Corlys had been involved in the fire, as revenge on Harwin cuckolding his son.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

When Corlys fell ill with a sudden fever in {{Date|126}}, the issue of the succession of [[Driftmark]] arose. As both of his children were dead, according to law Laenor's eldest son Jacaerys stood to inherit. However, Jacaerys, as the eldest son to the [[Princess of Dragonstone]], already stood to inherit the [[Iron Throne]] after his mother, and as such, Corlys was being urged by Rhaenyra to name her second son by Laenor, Lucerys, as his heir. However, the eldest of Corlys's six nephews, Ser [[Vaemond Velaryon]], insisted that he should be proclaimed heir, insisting that Rhaenyra's three sons by Laenor had in truth been fathered by the late Ser Harwin Strong. When Prince Daemon seized and executed Vaemond, Vaemond's wife, children, and siblings fled to King's Landing, where they were [[Silent five|punished]] by King Viserys I for repeating the rumors regarding the paternity of Rhaenyra's eldest children.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Corlys eventually recovered from his [[illness]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

===Dance of the Dragons===
[[File:The Blacks by naomimakesart.jpg|thumb|450px|The Blacks, by Naomimakesart ©]]
When King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] died in early {{Date|129}}, and the king's eldest son [[Aegon II Targaryen]] ascended the throne, passing over Viserys's appointed heir [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], Corlys traveled to [[Dragonstone]] to lend his support in the struggle to his former daughter-in-law. He sat on [[black council|Rhaenyra's council]] and was the greatest lord to pledge his strength to her cause. More than half of Rhaenyra's army was made up of men sworn to [[House Velaryon]]. Corlys's fleets also gave the [[blacks]] superiority at sea.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

When Lord [[Bartimos Celtigar]] urged Rhaenyra to reduce King's Landing to ash and bone, Corlys strongly opposed the idea, telling him "we want to rule the city, not burn it to the ground".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Corlys' fleet closed off the [[Gullet]] and sailed back and forth from Dragonstone and [[Driftmark]], blocking all ships from entering or leaving [[Blackwater Bay]] and thereby choking off trade to and from King's Landing. Corlys was on Dragonstone when the black council learned of the death of [[Lucerys Velaryon]], and together with his wife was able to prevent Lucerys' younger brother [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey]] from mounting his own [[dragon]] to extract vengeance for his brother's death.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} According to [[Mushroom]], while Rhaenyra was so griefsick over Lucerys's death, command of the war council was given to Corlys and his wife [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]]. When Rhaenys flew to [[Rook's Rest]] to give aid to Lord [[House Staunton|Staunton]], who was besieged by the forces of Aegon II, she fell in [[Battle at Rook's Rest|battle]] against King Aegon II and [[Sunfyre]], and Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] and [[Vhagar]]. When news of Rhaenys's death reached Dragonstone, Corlys blamed Rhaenyra for Rhaenys's death, as she had forbidden her sons from accompanying Rhaenys. Corlys was brought back into the fold when Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] named him [[Hand of the Queen]]. Together, they planned an assault on [[King's Landing]]. For his plan, Jacaerys offered lands, riches and knighthood to anyone who could mount one of the riderless dragons. The fifteen-year-old [[Addam Velaryon|Addam of Hull]] managed to claim [[Seasmoke]], formerly ridden by Corlys's late son Laenor. Addam's mother [[Marilda of Hull|Marilda]] proclaimed that Addam and his younger brother [[Alyn Velaryon|Alyn]] had both been fathered by Laenor, and, apparently accepting this fact, Corlys petitioned Rhaenyra to legitimize them both, naming Addam his new heir.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} Marilda's claim regarding the parentage of her sons was considered remarkable by many, due to the rumors concerning Laenor's sexuality. The court fool [[Mushroom]], however, suggests in his ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom|Testimony]]'' that Addam and Alyn had both been fathered by Corlys himself, and that he had kept them far from court whilst his wife was still alive, but took the opportunity, after her death, to acknowledge them after a fashion.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

[[File:Addam and Corlys Velaryon by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|350px|right|Corlys and [[Addam Velaryon]] in the aftermath of the [[Battle of the Gullet]], by [https://riotarttherite.tumblr.com/ Riotarttherite] ]]
Late in {{Date|129}}, the Velaryon blockade in the [[Gullet]] was eventually broken by the [[Triarchy]] in the [[battle of the Gullet]]. During the battle, the Velaryon fleet lost one third of its strength, while sixty-two out of the ninety ships of the Triarchy were destroyed. The survivors of the Triarchy sacked [[High Tide]] and put it to the torch, destroying all of the treasures Corlys had gathered in the east. [[Spicetown]] was destroyed as well. When Corlys was congratulated on his victory over the Triarchy, he replied, “If this be victory, I pray I never win another.” Addam Velaryon spoke with Corlys after the battle, but it is unknown what they said to each other.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

In {{Date|130}}, Corlys's ships closed off [[Blackwater Bay]] when Rhaenyra [[fall of King's Landing|took King's Landing]]. Though Rhaenyra's forces were victorious in the [[Butcher's Ball]], the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]] resulted in a loss for the blacks. King Aegon II and his two younger children were missing, Prince Aemond was terrorizing the [[riverlands]] with [[Vhagar]], and Lord [[Ormund Hightower]]'s host, with Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]] and his dragon [[Tessarion]], was slowly advancing on the city. With these threats in mind, Lord Corlys suggested to Rhaenyra that she should offer pardons to Lord [[Borros Baratheon]], [[Ormund Hightower]] and [[House Lannister]], send Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] and Queen [[Helaena Targaryen]] to the [[Faith of the Seven|Faith]], make Aegon II's daughter [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]] Corlys's ward, and to marry her to [[Aegon III Targaryen|her own son Aegon]] in due time, while allowing her half-brothers to [[Night's Watch|take the black]]. Rhaenyra, however, insisted that her half-brothers had broken their vows before, and that the vows of the Night's Watch would mean little to them. Prince Daemon proposed to destroy both [[House Lannister]] and [[House Baratheon]], and granting their seats to [[Ulf White]] and [[Hugh Hammer]], two of the four [[dragonseeds]], but Corlys, horrified by this suggestion, insisted that half of the Westerosi lords would turn against them if they were to destroy two ancient and noble houses.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

After the [[Two Betrayers]] went over to Aegon II's side during the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]], Lord Corlys spoke in defense of the two remaining dragonseeds, [[Nettles]] and [[Addam Velaryon]]. He remarked that Addam and Alyn were "true heirs" and worthy of Driftmark, and that [[Nettles]] had fought valiantly in the [[Battle in the Gullet]]. His protests were in vain, however, and Rhaenyra commanded Ser [[Luthor Largent]] to arrest Addam in the [[Dragonpit]]. Corlys warned Addam, who made his escape on Seasmoke's back. Confronted by an angry Ser Luthor, Corlys did not deny the accusations of treachery. Corlys was bound and beaten before he was taken down into the [[Red Keep]]'s dungeons and thrown into a [[black cell]] to await trial and execution.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

When it became known that Corlys had been arrested, his men, who made up half of Rhaenyra's forces at King's Landing, began to abandon Rhaenyra by the hundreds. Those who remained could not be trusted. Some of Corlys's men joined the mob in [[Cobbler's Square]] that had gathered for the [[Riot of King's Landing (Dance of the Dragons)|riot of King's Landing]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Others attempted to scale the walls and free him,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} and yet others fled the city.{{Ref|TPATQ}} Two of lord Corlys' sworn swords, Ser [[Denys Woodwright]] and Ser [[Thoron True]], attempted to cut their way to the dungeons to release their liege but their plan was betrayed to Lady [[Mysaria]] by a whore Thoron had been bedding. Both men were hanged and Lord Corlys remained imprisoned.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Rhaenyra was eventually forced to [[Flight to Dragonstone|flee]] the city. According to Archmaester [[Gyldayn]], Corlys was released from the dungeons together with the other prisoners by the men of Ser [[Perkin the Flea]], when they took the Red Keep to install [[Trystane Truefyre]] on the Iron Throne.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} However, according to Maester [[Yandel]], Corlys was only released when King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s men took the city back.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}

Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] and Lord [[Larys Strong]] offered Corlys a full pardon, in exchange for his support of King Aegon II. Corlys, however, made demands of his own, insisting that all who had fought for Rhaenyra should be pardoned, that his granddaughter [[Baela Targaryen|Baela]] should be released immediately, and that [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]] and Princess Jaehaera should be wed and be proclaimed Aegon II's joint heirs. Although Queen Alicent was outraged by the proposals, Lord Larys Strong convinced her to accept the terms, and Corlys swore his loyalty to Aegon II. King Aegon II, however, was less willing to heed Corlys's counsel, and when the king insisted on ending Rhaenyra's line, either by making Aegon the Younger a [[eunuch]] or by having him [[Night's Watch|take the black]], and Ser [[Tyland Lannister]] argued for Aegon the Younger's immediate execution a horrified Corlys accused them of being "fools, liars, and oathbreakers" and stormed out. Lord Larys Strong afterwards went to Corlys to bring him back on the council, and together they secretly plotted to end the war. Following the defeat of Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] at the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]], with an army of [[riverlands|rivermen]] near the city, and a second host, led by Lord [[Cregan Stark]], coming down the [[kingsroad]], Corlys advised Aegon II to join the [[Night's Watch]]. The king refused, but was poisoned soon after, thereby ending the war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}

===Reign of Aegon III===
[[File:Corlys Velaryon Funeral (The Rise of the Dragon).jpg|thumb|300px|right|Funeral of Corlys Velaryon by Francisco Vegas for ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'']]
Following the death of [[Aegon II Targaryen]], Corlys sent envoys to [[Casterly Rock]], [[Storm's End]] and [[Oldtown]], who had been Aegon II's main supporters, suing for peace. When Lord [[Cregan Stark]] arrived in [[King's Landing]], he took power over the court and, insisting that the poisoners of Aegon II were punished, had twenty-two men arrested, including Corlys. This time became known as the [[Hour of the Wolf]]. Corlys was spared a trial. Instead, he was freed thanks to an edict of King [[Aegon III Targaryen]] that [[Baela Targaryen|Baela]] and [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]] had persuaded him to issue. [[Alysanne Blackwood]] promised Lord Cregan her hand in marriage if he would honor the edict, which he did.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}

Corlys served as one of the [[regent]]s for [[Aegon III Targaryen]] beginning in {{Date|131}}; Corlys was regarded as the most powerful of the regents. On the sixth day of the third moon of {{Date|132}}, however, Corlys collapsed while ascending the [[serpentine steps]] and, despite the efforts of [[Munkun]], died at the age of seventy-nine.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

Corlys's body was placed beneath the [[Iron Throne]] for a week.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} [[Marilda of Hull]] and her son, [[Alyn Velaryon]], sailed Corlys's remains to [[Driftmark]] on ''[[Mermaid's Kiss]]''. Corlys was then buried at sea east of Dragonstone on his ancient ''[[Sea Snake]]''. The [[Cannibal (dragon)|Cannibal]] allegedly flew overheard in salute when the ship sank, though [[Gyldayn]] is skeptical of the story.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

==Legacy==
After Corlys's death, his grandson and chosen heir, [[Alyn Velaryon]], and his granddaughter, [[Baela Targaryen]], hastily married in order to avoid Aegon III's regents choosing a husband for her without her consent. When Baela became pregnant, Alyn wished to name the child after Corlys. The child turned out to be a girl, however, and was instead named [[Laena Velaryon (daughter of Alyn)|Laena]] after [[Laena Velaryon|Corlys' daughter]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}

==Quotes by Corlys==
[[File:Corlys,_Rhaenys,_and_Joffrey_Velaryon_by_Paparinka_Art.jpg|thumb|right|450px|Corlys, [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys Targaryen]], and [[Joffrey Velaryon]] by Paparinka Art]]
{{Quote|Mayhaps [[Faith of the Seven|the Seven]] have preserved me for this fight.{{Ref|tpatq}}|Corlys at the start of the [[Dance of the Dragons]]}}

{{Quote|My knees are old and stiff and do not bend easy.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}|Corlys setting his terms to the [[green council]] at the end of [[Dance of the Dragons]]}}

==Quotes about Corlys==
{{Quote|He likes his boats better than he likes me.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}|complaint of [[Daella Targaryen (daughter of Jaehaerys I)|Daella Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|His captains said they had never seen such a natural sailor.{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

{{Quote|Seventy-nine years of age, he had served four kings and [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|a queen]], sailed to the ends of [[known world|the earth]], raised [[House Velaryon]] to unprecedented levels of wealth and power, married [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|a princess]] who might have been a queen, fathered [[dragonrider]]s, built towns and fleets, proved his valor in times of [[Dance of the Dragons|war]] and his wisdom in times of peace. The [[Seven Kingdoms]] would never see his like again.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

==Family==
{{Velaryon tree Dance}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Daemon Velaryon (son of Aethan)|Daemon Velaryon]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lord of the Tides]] [[Master of Driftmark]]|years={{Date|77}}/{{Date|89}}–{{Date|132}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Alyn Velaryon]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Manfryd Redwyne]]}}
{{S-ttl|order=5th|title=[[Master of ships]] [[Lord admiral]]|years={{Date|89|92}} {{s|1st term}} {{Date|131|132}} {{s|2nd term}}|under=[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] [[Aegon II Targaryen]]|rows=2}}
{{S-vac|unknown|parameter=after|unknnext=[[Tyland Lannister]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Tyland Lannister]]}}
{{S-vac|unknown|parameter=after|unknnext=[[Gedmund Peake]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Lords of the Tides}}
{{Hands of the King}}
{{Master of ships}}
{{Jaehaerys I small council}}
{{Aegon II small council}}
{{Aegon III small council}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Velaryon, Corlys}}
[[Category:House Velaryon|Corlys Velaryon]]
[[Category:53 AC births]]
[[Category:132 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Adventurers and explorers]]
[[Category:Blacks]]
[[Category:Builders]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands]]
[[Category:Deaths by natural causes]]
[[Category:Greens]]
[[Category:Hands of the King]]
[[Category:Knights]]
[[Category:Lords of the Tides|Corlys Velaryon]]
[[Category:Masters of ships]]
[[Category:Members of Jaehaerys I Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Rhaenyra Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Trystane Truefyre's court]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon II Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon III Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Nobles]]
[[Category:Regents]]
[[Category:Ship captains]]
[[Category:Shipwrights]]
[[Category:Turncloaks in the Dance of the Dragons]]
[[Category:Veterans of the Dance of the Dragons]]

[[tr:Corlys Velaryon]]
[[es:Corlys Velaryon]]
[[fr:Corlys Velaryon]]
[[nl:Corlys Velaryon (Zeeserpent)]]
[[pt:Corlys Velaryon]]
[[ru:Корлис Веларион]]
[[zh:科利斯·瓦列利安]]

Theories

2026-07-23T20:41:58Z

Breassa:

{{Theory_Policy}}
There are many still unanswered questions in [[A Song of Ice and Fire]]. Here we try to piece together answers from what we already know.

==Parentage==
===[[Aegon Targaryen/Theories|Aegon Targaryen]]===
Is Young Griff really [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon Targaryen]], son of [[Rhaegar Targaryen|Rhaegar]], heir apparent to the [[Iron Throne]]?

===[[Ben Plumm/Theories|Ben Plumm]]===
Does [[Ben Plumm]] have Targaryen blood?

===[[Brienne of Tarth/Theories|Brienne of Tarth]]===
Does [[Brienne of Tarth]] have a claim (albeit distant) to the [[Iron Throne]] of the Targaryen dynasty?

===[[Donnel Hill/Theories|Donnel Hill]] and [[Marei/Theories|Marei]]===
Are [[Donnel Hill]] and [[Marei]], or one of them, [[Bastardy|bastard]] children of [[Tywin Lannister]]?

===[[Hodor/Theories|Hodor]]===
Is Hodor descended from giants, Ser [[Duncan the Tall]], or the [[House Frey|Freys]]? Why does he keep saying 'Hodor'?

===[[Jon Snow/Theories|Jon Snow]]===
It remains unclear who [[Jon Snow]]'s mother is, and possibly even if [[Eddard Stark]] is in fact his father.

===[[Walgrave]] and [[Walys Flowers]]===
Are Archmaester [[Walgrave]] and Maester [[Walys Flowers|Walys]] father and son?

==True Identities==
===[[Alleras/Theories|Alleras the Sphinx]]===
It seems very likely that the novice [[Alleras]] is actually [[Sarella Sand]], one of [[Oberyn Martell]]'s illegitimate daughters.

===[[Azor Ahai/Theories|Azor Ahai]]===
[[Melisandre]] claims [[Stannis Baratheon]] with his magic sword is [[Azor Ahai]] come again, the prince who was promised. [[Maester Aemon]] remarks that his magic sword bears no heat though [[Lightbringer]] is supposed to be warm to behold and so believes someone else to be the prince who was promised.

===[[Coldhands/Theories|Coldhands]]===
While it seems clear [[Coldhands]] was, in life, a member of the [[Night's Watch]], it's unclear who exactly he was.

===[[Gravedigger/Theories|Gravedigger]]===
It is very possible that the novice gravedigger that [[Brienne]] encounters at the Monastery on the [[Quiet Isle]] is in fact [[Sandor Clegane]].

===[[Harpy/Theories|Harpy]]===
The [[Harpy]] is the alleged leader of the [[Sons of the Harpy]], a resistance group of [[Ghiscari]] noblemen from the city of [[Meereen]] who defy the reign of Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]]. However, the Harpy's existence has of yet been unproven. Under the assumption that the Harpy indeed exists, both characters in the books and readers of ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' have speculated about the Harpy's identity.

===[[Hooded man/Theories|Hooded man]]===
During the events of ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', [[Theon Greyjoy]] encounters a nameless [[hooded man]] at [[Winterfell]], who recognizes him and is hostile towards him. Readers have long speculated about the identity of this mysterious character.

===[[Knight of the Laughing Tree/Theories|Knight of the Laughing Tree]]===
A mystery knight named The [[Knight of the Laughing Tree]] fought at the [[Tourney at Harrenhal]]
and defended the honor of [[Howland Reed]]. His true identity remains unknown, but he could have been played by [[Lyanna Stark]], [[Howland Reed]], or one of the younger Stark brothers.

===[[Lemore/Theories|Septa Lemore]]===
Septa [[Lemore]]'s belly shows stretch marks suggesting she has given birth before, which is in stark contrast to the celibacy of septas. This gives to rise to theories about her former identity as well as that of her possible offspring.

===[[Maynard Plumm/Theories|Maynard Plumm]]===
It has been widely speculated that Ser [[Maynard Plumm]], a character in ''[[The Mystery Knight]]'', is really [[Brynden Rivers]] wearing a [[glamor]].

===[[Nettles/Theories|Nettles]]===
It has been speculated that [[Nettles]], the [[dragonrider|rider]] of the [[dragon]] [[Sheepstealer]] and alleged [[Daemon Targaryen]]'s [[paramour]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]], was actually a secret bastard daughter of Daemon instead of his lover.

===[[Night's King/Theories|Night's King]]===
It has been theorized that the [[Night's King]] was an avatar of the [[Great Other]], analogous to [[Azor Ahai]]/[[the prince that was promised]] being an avatar or champion of [[R'hllor]].

===[[Olyvar Frey/Theories|Olyvar Frey]]===
It has been theorized that [[Olyvar Frey]] might be the [[Ward of Gyles Rosby|unnamed ward]] of Lord [[Gyles Rosby]].

===[[Patchface/Theories|Patchface]]===
[[Patchface]] has a remarkable if largely unnoticed prophetic capability. His past and Lord [[Steffon Baratheon]]'s reasons for bringing him to Westeros are known only in very broad strokes. Could there be more to him than meets the eye? What is the origin and nature of his predictions?

===[[Perfumed seneschal]]===
[[Quaithe]] warns [[Daenerys Targaryen]] about the "perfumed seneschal", but who or what is it?

===[[The prince that was promised/Theories|The prince that was promised]]===
Who is the prince?

===[[Robert Strong/Theories|Robert Strong]]===
Little is known of [[Robert Strong]], but evidence suggests he is either Ser [[Gregor Clegane]], or a kind of Frankenstein's Monster created from Clegane's corpse.

===[[Roose Bolton/Theories|Roose Bolton]]===
Is [[Roose Bolton]] an immortal?

===[[Sailor's Wife/Theories|The Sailor's Wife]]===
It's possible the [[Sailor's Wife]] is actually [[Tysha]], [[Tyrion Lannister]]'s first wife.

===[[Urrathon Night-Walker/Theories|Urrathon Night-Walker]]===
It has been theorized that [[Urrathon Night-Walker]], a character supposedly living in [[Qarth]] mentioned in ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'', is actually [[Euron Greyjoy]] using an alias.

===[[Valonqar/Theories|Valonqar]]===
Who is the 'valonqar' destined to kill Cersei?

===[[Yoren/Theories|Yoren]]===
Is [[Yoren]] the member of the [[Night's Watch]] present at the [[Tourney at Harrenhal]] in {{Date|281}}?

==Unexplained Imaginings==
===[[Sansa Stark/Theories|Sansa Stark]]===
Why does Sansa think [[Sandor Clegane|the Hound]] [[UnKiss|kissed her]] in her bedroom during the [[Battle of the Blackwater]]?

==Unexplained Murders==
===[[Balon Greyjoy/Theories|Balon Greyjoy]]===
The people of [[Westeros]] are willing to believe [[Balon Greyjoy]] was simply swept off a bridge into the sea, but this may not be what truly happened.

===[[Walder Frey (son of Jammos)/Theories|Big Walder]] and [[Walder Frey (son of Ryman)/Theories|Black Walder Frey]]===
[[Walder Frey (son of Jammos)|Big Walder Frey]] is theorized to have murdered his cousin, [[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Little Walder Frey]], during the string of murders at [[Winterfell]] following the marriage of [[Ramsay Bolton]] and "[[Jeyne Poole|Arya Stark]]". [[Walder Frey (son of Ryman)|Black Walder Frey]] is theorized to have murdered his grandfather, Ser [[Stevron Frey]] following the [[Battle of Oxcross]]; during the battle, Ser Stevron took a minor wound, said to be nothing serious, but is found dead on his tent three days later.

===[[Frey Pies/Theories|Jared, Rhaegar and Symond Frey]]===
It seems likely that [[Wyman Manderly|Lord Manderly]] murdered three [[House Frey|Freys]] and had them baked into the pies he presented at [[Ramsay Bolton]]'s wedding feast.

===[[Death of Laenor Velaryon and Harwin Strong/Theories|Laenor Velaryon and Harwin Strong]]===
The main historical sources for these events differ in their suspicions on who may have been responsible—or if the two events were even directly related at all. A major linking thread is that [[Daemon Targaryen]] was suspected of murdering both of them. No single account suspected Daemon of both murders, however, but of one or the other (though the possibility remains he was responsible for both, or neither).

===[[Mandon Moore/Theories|Mandon Moore]]===
Readers have widely speculated about the possible reasons and instigators that pushed Ser [[Mandon Moore]] to attempt to kill [[Tyrion Lannister]].

===[[Yoren/Theories|Yoren]]===
Due to his manner of death, some readers have come to suspect that [[Yoren]] did not die at the hands of Ser [[Amory Lorch]]'s men, but rather at the hands of the criminal [[Rorge]], who Yoren had been bringing to the [[Wall]].

==Whereabouts==
===[[Benjen Stark]]===
[[Benjen Stark]] has been missing for some time. In [[A Clash of Kings]] the [[Jeor Mormont|Old Bear]] and [[Jon Snow]] discuss the empty [[wildling]] villages, realising that if Benjen found the villages empty, he would search for the reason.

===[[Horn of Winter/Theories|Horn of Winter]]===
Where is the true [[Horn of Winter]]?

===[[House Marsh]]===
Is [[House Marsh]] a noble house from the [[Neck]]?

===[[Howland Reed]]===
[[Howland Reed]] has also been missing for some time. In [[A Clash of Kings]], he sent his teenaged children, [[Jojen Reed|Jojen]] and [[Meera Reed|Meera]], to pledge the Reeds to [[Robb Stark]] and defended [[the Neck]] against invaders from [[House Lannister]] to [[Iron Islands|Ironmen]]. Despite being the Stark family's most loyal friend and the sole remaining survivor of the [[Tower of Joy]], he has been notably absent. Given the Crannogmen's small stature, could Jojen actually be Howland? Is Howland a [[warg]] operating through animals/people to aid the Starks behind the scenes?

===[[Jaqen H'ghar/Theories|Jaqen H'ghar]]===
Tracking a [[Jaqen H'ghar|man]] who can change his identity at will is a bit difficult, but not impossible.

===[[Loras Tyrell/Theories|Loras Tyrell]]===
[[Loras Tyrell]] may not have been grievously injured at Dragonstone, and may either be there for different reasons or elsewhere entirely.

===[[Stonesnake]]===
[[Stonesnake]] has been missing since [[Qhorin Halfhand]]'s group was sent to scout the Skirling Pass prior to the [[Battle of the Fist of the First Men]] and may or may not be alive.

===[[Eddard Stark|The bones of Eddard Stark]]===
After [[Eddard Stark]]'s execution in [[King's Landing]], Ser [[Cleos Frey]] brings his bones to [[Riverrun]]. [[Catelyn Tully]] asks [[Hallis Mollen]] to carry them north to be buried at the Stark crypt at Winterfell, not knowing that [[Moat Cailin]] has fallen to the [[ironborn]], blocking the only viable road. Since that time, Mollen's whereabouts, and Ned's bones, are unknown. When [[Barbrey Dustin]] and [[Theon Greyjoy]] investigate the crypt in [[A Dance with Dragons]], no evidence of them is found, implying that Mollen has not yet made it to Winterfell.

===[[Davos Seaworth|The fingerbones of Davos Seaworth]]===
[[Davos Seaworth]] lost his bag of fingerbones after the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], making frequent reference to this afterwards, as his lost luck. In [[A_Dance_with_Dragons-Chapter_31|ADWD]], when explaining the [[glamour]] used on [[Mance Rayder]], [[Melisandre]] makes specific mention of a bag of fingerbones as the sort of trinket that might strengthen an illusion. Could she have somehow acquired them after Davos lost them, and be planning to create a false Davos?

==Future events==
===[[Brotherhood without banners/Theories|The Brotherhood without banners]]===
The "Red Wedding 2.0" theory states that the Brotherhood without banners will carry out a massacre of Freys and Lannisters during the wedding of [[Daven Lannister]] to his Frey bride.

===Friends in the [[Reach]]===
[[Randyll Tarly]] and [[Mathis Rowan]] might go over to [[Aegon VI Targaryen]].
* Randyll's insistently denies the identities of Jon Connington and Aegon.
* Resentment over Brightwater Keep being awarded to House Tyrell instead of House Tarly, to which his wife, [[Melessa Florent]], has a claim.
* Mathis Rowan appers upset when Tywin Lannister talks about conceding justice to Doran Martell over the deaths of Elia Martell and her children during the Sack of King's Landing.

==Other==
===[[Bastard Letter/Theories|Bastard Letter]]===
Are its contents true, or was [[Bastard Letter|the letter]] even written by Ramsay?

===[[Dragon egg/Theories|Daenerys Targaryen's dragon eggs]]===
Were the [[dragon egg]]s that [[Elissa Farman]] stole from [[Rhaena Targaryen]] those of [[Drogon]], [[Viserion]], and [[Rhaegal]]?

===[[Great Council of 101 AC/Theories|Great Council of 101 AC]]===
Who are the three potential minor claimants to the [[Iron Throne]] not directly specified?

===[[House Cassel/Theories|House Cassel]]===
Is [[House Cassel]] related to the [[House Stark|Starks]] of [[Winterfell]], more particularly to [[Lonnel Snow]]?

===[[Lightbringer/Theories|Lightbringer]]===
Where is [[Lightbringer]]? Does it still exist? Is the account of its creation precise or metaphorical?

===[[Qhorin Halfhand‎]]===
Does [[Qhorin Halfhand‎]] hail from the [[Iron Islands]]?

===[[Tywin Lannister/Theories|Tywin Lannister]] and [[Chataya's brothel]]===
Is [[Tywin Lannister]] the [[Hand of the King]] "whose honor would not allow him to enter [a brothel] openly" who made dug a tunnel for him to enter [[Chataya]]'s [[Chataya's brothel|brothel]] in secret?

===[[Walgrave]]'s past colleagues and students===
Which prince was the original owner of Archmaester [[Walgrave]]'s gauntlet?

And since Walgrave often calls the novice [[Pate (novice)|Pate]] by the name Cressen, did he work with [[Cressen]], the maester at [[Dragonstone]], in the past?

==See Also==
While not actually theories, the following pages provide additional information concerning the following topics:
*'''[[House Estermont/Family Trees]]:''' Discrepancies on the information of [[House Estermont]] exists, causing confusion as to whether [[Eldon Estermont]] is a brother or the uncle of [[Cassana Estermont]] (the mother of [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]], [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]] and [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]]). The linked page contains all possible family trees and the information they are based on.
*'''[[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages|Years of Birth and Death]]''': Containing calculations of the years of birth and death of various characters, with as much detail as they can possibly be given in.

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Theories]]

[[tr:Teoriler]]
[[ru:Теории]]

Summerhall

2026-07-20T19:27:55Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox settlement
| name = Summerhall
| image =
{{Location map| File:The Stormlands
| label = '''Summerhall'''
| label_size = 90
| lat = 2
| long = -39
| position = right
| marksize = 12
| width = 350
| float = right
| caption =
| alt = The stormlands and the location of Summerhall
}}
| image_caption =

| settlement_type= Ruins of lightly fortified castle
| location = [[Westeros]], [[Dornish Marches]]
| seat =
| seat_type =

| religion =
| population =
| size =
| founded = {{Date|188}}
| destroyed = {{Date|259}}
| named_for =

| places =
| organizations =
}}

'''Summerhall''' is a ruined castle in the [[stormlands]]. Formerly a lightly fortified castle used by [[House Targaryen]] as a summer castle and royal residence, it was [[Tragedy at Summerhall|destroyed]] in a great fire in {{Date|259}}. While the heir apparent to the [[Iron Throne]] was known as the [[Prince of Dragonstone]], a younger son could be titled the [[Prince of Summerhall]].{{Ref|THK}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}

Located in or near the foothills of the [[Red Mountains]], the ruins of Summerhall are close to the stormlands' border with the [[Reach]], east of the [[Cockleswhent]] and southeast of the [[Blueburn]]. The [[Boneway]] runs south from Summerhall through the [[Dornish Marches]] to [[Yronwood]] in [[Dorne]].{{Ref|TLOIAF|Westeros}}

==History==
===Prince of Summerhall===
Summerhall was built in the [[Dornish Marches]] during the notably pro-Dornish reign of King [[Daeron II Targaryen|Daeron II]]. It was a [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] summer castle and royal residence used frequently by Daeron in his younger years. As he grew older, he left King's Landing less frequently and Summerhall passed to his youngest son, Prince [[Maekar I Targaryen|Maekar]]. The prince maintained a household there after the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Summerhall Summerhall], June 19, 1999</ref> This was possible since Daeron's heir, [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor]], had [[Dragonstone]], and [[Aerys I Targaryen|Aerys]] and [[Rhaegel Targaryen|Rhaegel]] seldom left the court. Maester [[Melaquin]] served at Summerhall.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Melaquin}} The holder of the castle became known as the [[Prince of Summerhall]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}

After the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]], Maekar wanted his son, Prince [[Aegon V Targaryen|Aegon]], to return to Summerhall. Ser [[Duncan the Tall]], a [[hedge knight]], took Aegon as his squire, however.{{Ref|THK}} Aegon had a [[dragon egg]] at Summerhall.{{Ref|TMK}} Maekar brooded at Summerhall after his brother, King [[Aerys I Targaryen]], named [[Brynden Rivers]] the [[Hand of the King]].{{Ref|TSS}}

===Tragedy at Summerhall===
[[File:Marc Simonetti The fire at the summer palaceIII.jpg|Summerhall aflame - by Marc Simonetti © |thumb|350px|right]]
:{{main|Tragedy at Summerhall}}
A great fire broke out in the castle in {{Date|259}}, which was a serious blow to House Targaryen. The fire left the castle ruined and resulted in several deaths, including King [[Aegon V Targaryen]], his eldest son and once heir, Prince [[Duncan Targaryen|Duncan the Small]], and the [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]], Ser [[Duncan the Tall]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|Duncan}}<ref>The Citadel: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/FAQ/Entry/What_happened_at_Summerhall FAQ: What happened at Summerhall]</ref> It is sometimes blamed on one of the many Targaryen attempts to bring dragons back by hatching ancient [[dragon egg]]s. [[Corso]] was the last maester to serve at Summerhall.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}<ref>[[Errata of The World of Ice & Fire#The Targaryen Kings|Errata of The World of Ice & Fire]]: Aegon V.</ref>

Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] was born at Summerhall{{Ref|AWOIAF|Rhaegar Targaryen}} on the day of the tragedy.{{Ref|AFFC|35}} The crown prince grew up with a complex fascination for the ruins. Here he was happiest, yet also saddened by the memory of the tragedy.{{Ref|ASOS|42}} He liked to visit by himself and sleep in the ruined hall of Summerhall beneath the [[moon]] and the stars. Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] thought Rhaegar's birth was associated with [[the prince that was promised]], but Rhaegar later thought the legend was associated with his own son, [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon]].{{Ref|AFFC|35}}

===Robert's Rebellion===
Upon the outbreak of [[Robert's Rebellion]], the lords of the stormlands varied in their allegiance to their king, [[Aerys II Targaryen]], and their lord, [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]]. The loyalist Lords [[Lord Fell|Fell]], [[Lord Cafferen|Cafferen]], and [[Lord Grandison|Grandison]] planned to join their strength at Summerhall and march on [[Storm's End]]. Robert was informed of their march, however, and defeated the three armies in succession in three [[battles at Summerhall]] before they could coordinate.{{Ref|ASOS|36}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[Tyrion Lannister]] expects that when [[Doran Martell]] comes to [[King's Landing]], he will take the [[Boneway]] from [[Dorne]] to Summerhall, and then head east to the [[kingsroad]].{{Ref|ASOS|19}} Tyrion is later surprised when [[Oberyn Martell]] arrives instead of Doran.{{Ref|ASOS|38}}

At [[High Heart]], the [[ghost of High Heart|dwarf woman]] tells [[Arya Stark]] that she experienced grief at Summerhall.{{Ref|ASOS|43}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
In [[Meereen]] Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] recalls that the children of King [[Aegon V Targaryen]] wed for love. Treason and turmoil followed, ending at Summerhall in [[tragedy at Summerhall|sorcery, fire, and grief]].{{Ref|ADWD|67}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|This talk of a stone dragon ... madness, I tell you, sheer madness. Did we learn nothing from [[Aerion Brightfire]], from the [[nine mages]], from the [[Alchemists' Guild|alchemists]]? Did we learn nothing from Summerhall? No good has ever come from these dreams of [[dragon]]s, I told [[Axell Florent|Axell]] as much.{{Ref|ASOS|25}}|[[Alester Florent]] to [[Davos Seaworth]]}}

{{Quote|And yet Summerhall was the place [[Rhaegar Targaryen|the prince]] loved best.{{Ref|ASOS|42}}|[[Arstan Whitebeard]] to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|I gorged on grief at Summerhall, I need none of yours.{{Ref|ASOS|43|}}|The [[ghost of High Heart]] to [[Arya Stark]]}}

==References==
{{References|2}}
{{EnWP|Strongholds of A Song of Ice and Fire#Summerhall|small=yes}}

{{Region Stormlands}}

[[Category:Summerhall| ]]
[[Category:Ruins]]
[[Category:Castles]]
[[Category:House Targaryen]]
[[Category:Palaces]]
[[Category:Places in the Stormlands]]

[[tr:Yaz Kalesi]]
[[es:Refugio Estival]]
[[fa:سامرهال]]
[[fr:Lestival]]
[[pt:Solarestival]]
[[ru:Летний замок]]
[[zh:盛夏厅]]

Grey Ghost

2026-07-19T16:21:17Z

Breassa:

{{For|the ironborn longship with the same name|Grey Ghost (ship)}}
{{Infobox animal character
| firstname = Grey Ghost
| image = Rudolf Hima-Grey-Ghost.jpg
| image_caption = Grey Ghost, by Rudolf Hima ©
| Alias =
| Title =
| Owner = None (wild)
| Species = [[Dragon]]
| Place_of_Birth = [[Dragonstone]]<ref group="N">The age of Grey Ghost is unknown. It can be reasonably assumed he was a young dragon by the time of the Dance of the Dragons, however. Because 1) he was first wrongly believed to have been killed by the Cannibal, who was known to kill young dragons and feed on them. And 2) Grey Ghost was killed by Sunfyre, who was referred to as "a splendid beast, though young" during the Dance.</ref>
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death = [[Dragonstone]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
}}

'''Grey Ghost''', or '''the Grey Ghost''', was the name given by the [[smallfolk]] of [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]] to a wild [[dragon]] living on the island during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

==Appearance and Character==
Grey Ghost was pale grey-white, the color of morning mist. He was a notably shy dragon, who avoided men and their works for years at a time. His avoidance of people, and his ability to hide in clouds and mist, gave him his name.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Grey Ghost preferred to feed on fish, and was often glimpsed flying low over the [[narrow sea]], snatching prey from the waters. He made his lair in a smoking vent high on the eastern side of the [[Dragonmont]]. He was never claimed nor ridden by any man, and was one of the three wild dragons of Dragonstone, along with [[Sheepstealer]] and the [[Cannibal (dragon)|Cannibal]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==History==
During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] [[Sowing|sought new dragonriders]] to fight the [[greens]]. Some of the [[dragonseed]]s looked for the Grey Ghost, but could not find him, as he was ever an elusive [[Bestiary|creature]]. [[Alyn Velaryon|Alyn of Hull]] first sought out Grey Ghost before attempting (and failing) to claim Sheepstealer.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

In {{Date|130}}, the crew of the ''[[Nessaria]]'' saw Grey Ghost and another dragon fighting in the sky above the Dragonmont. Grey Ghost was slain in the struggle. When Ser [[Robert Quince]] heard of Grey Ghost's death, he wrongly assumed this was the work of the Cannibal. In truth, Grey Ghost was vanquished and partially devoured by [[Sunfyre]] upon his return to [[Dragonstone]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}
{{Dragons}}

[[Category:130 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Sunfyre]]
[[Category:Dragons]]

[[tr:Grey Ghost]]
[[es:Fantasma Gris]]
[[fr:Gris Spectre]]
[[pt:Grey Ghost]]
[[ru:Серый Призрак]]
[[zh:灰影]]

Moondancer

2026-07-19T15:58:10Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox animal character
| firstname = Moondancer
| epithet =
| arms = Targaryen
| image = [[File:Lady Baela and her dragon Moondancer by Jota Saraiva.jpg|400px]]
| image_caption = Moondancer and [[Baela Targaryen]], by Jota Saraiva
| Alias =
| Title =
| Owner = [[Baela Targaryen]]
| Species = [[Dragon]]
| Place_of_Birth = [[Dragonstone]]
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death = [[Dragonstone]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|Season 2]]
}}

'''Moondancer''' was a young she-[[dragon]], ridden by Lady [[Baela Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}

According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the [[High Valyrian]] translation for Moondancer's name is '''Hūrlilio'''.<ref>The Languages of David J. Peterson: [https://wiki.languageinvention.com/index.php?title=H%C5%ABrlilio Hūrlilio]</ref>

==Appearance==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Moondancer|l1=Images of Moondancer}}
A beautiful dragon,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} Moondancer was a slender pale green. Her horns, crest and wingbones were pearl. She was very quick, both in the sky and on the ground.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Although in {{Date|129}} Moondancer was not yet considered large enough to carry the thirteen-year old Baela Targaryen upon her back, a year later Baela was able to mount the dragon. At the time, Moondancer was no larger than a [[Horse|warhorse]], and weighed less.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==History==
[[File:Baela Targaryen and Moondancer by Samantha Altarozzi.jpg|thumb|300px|Baela and Moondancer, , by Samantha Altarozzi ©.]]
[[File:Baela Targaryen and Moondancer by Fkaluis.jpg|thumb|300px|Baela and Moondancer, by Fkaluis.]]
Moondancer remained at [[Dragonstone]] with her rider, Lady [[Baela Targaryen]], for most of the first two years of the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. Around the time of the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]], it was noted that Baela had started riding Moondancer "not half a year past", which would be around late 129 AC (whether she began before or after the [[Battle of Rook's Rest]] is unclear). In that half year, Baela trained extensively on Moondancer, riding her every day to all parts of Dragonstone. She even rode Moondancer to nearby [[Driftmark]] and back.

When the corpse of the dragon [[Grey Ghost]] was sighted on the far side of the Dragonmont, it was suspected that the dragon known as [[Cannibal (dragon)|the Cannibal]] had killed him. Baela offered to take young Moondancer to hunt him down, boldly arguing that her smaller and more nimble dragon could outmaneuver him. However, Dragonstone's castellan, Ser [[Robert Quince]], felt it wasn't worth the risk, and had Baela confined to her chambers. Unknown at the time, Grey Ghost had not been killed by the Cannibal, but by the badly injured [[Sunfyre]], dragon of King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] himself. Sunfyre continued to hide on the other side of the island.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

When [[Fall of Dragonstone|Dragonstone fell]] to Aegon II Targaryen and his men, Baela was able to evade capture by escaping from her bedchambers as the door was being smashed down. She managed to reach Moondancer in her stable, loosed the dragon's chains, and strapped a saddle onto her. As Aegon II flew Sunfyre over [[Dragonmont]]'s smoking peak, planning to land triumphantly in the courtyard of the castle, Baela and Moondancer rose up to meet them.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

The two dragons fought fiercely in the air. The younger, smaller Moondancer was far more nimble than the half-crippled Sunfyre, and she managed to evade his [[Dragonflame|flames]], jaws, and claws for a time, while at the same time wounding Sunfyre heavily on his back and malformed wing. Moondancer was blinded when a blast of Sunfyre's flames hit her directly in the eyes. Despite the fire, Moondancer advanced on Sunfyre, slamming into him and falling to the ground with him. Although both dragons survived the fall, upon the ground Moondancer's speed could not defeat Sunfyre's size and weight. The younger dragon was eventually killed by Sunfyre, who then devoured her carcass.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Nonetheless, Moondancer had succeeded in mortally wounding her opponent. Sunfyre died in the last month of the year, from wounds received during the battle.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Known dragonriders of Moondancer==
* Lady [[Baela Targaryen]]

==Behind the Scenes==
Moondancer was originally supposed to briefly appear on screen late in the [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|first season]] of ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', but her scene was ultimately cut for time reasons.<ref>"House of the Dragon: Inside the Creation of a Targaryen Dynasty" by Gina McIntyre</ref>

==References==
{{References}}

{{Dragons}}

[[Category:130 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Sunfyre]]
[[Category:Dragons]]

[[tr:Moondancer]]
[[es:Danzarina Lunar]]
[[fr:Danselune]]
[[pt:Moondancer]]
[[ru:Лунная Плясунья]]

Sunfyre

2026-07-19T15:35:18Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox animal character
| firstname = Sunfyre
| epithet = the Golden
| arms = Targaryen
| image = Ertac Altinoz-Sunfyre.jpg
| image_caption = Sunfyre, by Ertaç Altınöz ©
| Alias = Sunfyre the Golden King Aegon's glory
| Title =
| Owner = [[Aegon II Targaryen]]
| Species = [[Dragon]]
| Place_of_Birth= Before {{Date|120}}, [[Dragonmont]]
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death= [[Dragonstone]]
| Date_of_Death = 9th day of the 12th moon of {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|2]]
}}

'''Sunfyre''', also known as '''Sunfyre the Golden''',{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} was a male [[dragon]] ridden by King [[Aegon II Targaryen]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} The [[House Targaryen|three-headed Targaryen dragon]] in the arms of Aegon was made golden to honor Sunfyre.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Appearance==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Sunfyre|l1=Images of Sunfyre}}
Sunfyre had gleaming gold scales,{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} which shone like beaten [[gold]] in the sunlight,{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} and pale pink wing membranes.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} His [[Dragonfire|flames]] were golden as well.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} According to Archmaester [[Gyldayn]], Sunfyre was the most beautiful dragon ever seen in the [[known world]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Huge and heavy, the splendid Sunfyre was a formidable fighter despite his youth.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==History==
===Youth===
[[File:Sunfyre and Aegon HOTD.png|350px|thumb|The golden-scaled Sunfyre nuzzles [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. From ''[[House of the Dragon]]'' © HBO]]
Sunfyre's [[dragon's egg|egg]] hatched on [[Dragonstone]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Although his exact year of birth has not been stated, he was described as being a "young" dragon in {{Date|120}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} and {{Date|129}}.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} Sunfyre is known to have been older than [[Tessarion]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} Although it is unknown when exactly Prince [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]] claimed Sunfyre as his mount, he is known to have been claimed by the prince by {{Date|120}}.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===Rook's Rest===
[[File:Sunfyre rook's rest.png|thumb|350px|Sunfyre above [[battle at Rook's Rest|Rook's Rest]], by Jordi Gonzalez Escamilla ©]]

King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] rode Sunfyre during the [[Dance of the Dragons]], the civil war fought between the [[greens]] of Aegon and the [[blacks]] of his half-sister, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

Ser [[Criston Cole]], Aegon's [[Hand of the King]], lured Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys Targaryen]] and her dragon, [[Meleys]], into a trap in the [[battle at Rook's Rest]], one of the first major battles of the war, in {{Date|129}}. While Meleys was burning Criston's army of greens besieging the castle, Aegon and his younger brother, Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]], appeared on their own dragons, Sunfyre and [[Vhagar]], and the three beasts fought a thousand feet above the field. When Meleys closed her jaws around Sunfyre's neck, Vhagar fell upon them from above, causing the three dragons to fall to the earth. Although Vhagar rose unscathed, Meleys was slain and Sunfyre had one wing half torn from his body.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

King Aegon, grievously injured and burned from the encounter, was taken to [[King's Landing]] to recuperate. Unable to fly and too huge and heavy to be moved, Sunfyre remained near [[Rook's Rest]] to allow him time to heal. Criston stationed men near the dragon to guard him. At first, the dragon fed on the burned carcasses of the slain soldiers, but after those were gone, Criston's men brought Sunfyre calves and sheep to eat.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

When [[Walys Mooton]], [[Lord of Maidenpool]], reconquered Rook's Rest from Aegon II's forces, he led his bravest men to Sunfyre, hoping to slay the dragon. Enraged by the attacks upon him, Sunfyre fought back with his tail and flames, killing threescore of his attackers, including Walys.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Within a fortnight of the attack, Sunfyre had disappeared. Although his wing had healed in an awkward angle,{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Sunfyre had recovered enough from his battle with Meleys to fly once again.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Ser [[Byron Swann]] was killed in an attempt to slay a dragon during the war, although sources vary as to which dragon he faced. Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] wrote that Byron desired to kill Sunfyre, but [[Archmaester]] [[Gyldayn]] expresses doubt because the golden dragon had gone missing from Rook's Rest.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

===Dragonstone===
[[File:Aegon II Targaryen and Sunfyre by Jota Saraiva.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Aegon II Targaryen]] and Sunfyre, by Jota Saraiva ©]]

Lord [[Larys Strong]] helped King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] escape the capital during the [[fall of King's Landing]] to the [[blacks]] of Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], and the king then hid in a remote fishing village on the isle of [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

According to the [[House Crabb|Crabbs]] and [[House Brune|Brunes]], Sunfyre hid in the dark piney woods and caves of [[Crackclaw Point]] before eventually making his way to Dragonstone.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} Gyldayn conjectured of a primal instinct for Sunfyre return to his birthplace, or urge to rejoin his rider, Aegon. Some even suggested that Sunfyre was able to feel Aegon II's urgent need of him. Because of Sunfyre's difficulty flying, [[Mushroom]] claimed the dragon was "a great golden fire-breathing chicken".{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Sailors on ''[[Nessaria]]'' observed two dragons—one of them with golden scales—fighting near the [[Dragonmont]], and the partially-devoured corpse of a wild dragon, the [[Grey Ghost]], was then found near the mountain's base. Ser [[Robert Quince]], castellan of [[Dragonstone]], wrongly assumed that the Grey Ghost had been killed by the [[Cannibal]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Intrigued by the mention of the golden scales, however, the disguised Aegon ventured forth with Ser [[Marston Waters]], [[Tom Tanglebeard]], and [[Tom Tangletongue]], and the party found Sunfyre in a hidden lair on the Dragonmont. Aegon flew upon Sunfyre every day, regaining strength, while the Two Toms and Marston sought supporters to help Aegon take Dragonstone from Rhaenyra.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Ser [[Alfred Broome]] aided in the [[fall of Dragonstone]] to Aegon's [[greens]]. Lady [[Baela Targaryen]] evaded capture, however, and reached her dragon, [[Moondancer]]. When Aegon victoriously flew a still-injured Sunfyre to the castle, Moondancer rose to meet him. Although younger and smaller, Moondancer was quicker than Sunfyre. Moondancer raked Sunfyre's side and attacked his malformed wing, but she was then blinded by a blast of Sunfyre's golden flames. The colliding dragons crashed into the ground, where the larger Sunfyre killed his younger adversary. Aegon broke both of his legs jumping clear, and Baela was taken captive by the greens.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

The battle with [[Moondancer]] left Sunfyre even more injured than he had been before. He was covered in fresh scars along his back, had huge wounds along his neck and scabs on his belly, and had lost his right eye. No longer able to fly, Sunfyre remained in the outer yard where he had fallen, feeding first on the carcass of Moondancer and later on slaughtered sheep.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Aegon had [[Grand Maester]] [[Gerardys]] strangled and disemboweled, allowing Sunfyre to feast upon the legs and innards. Aegon had the [[maester]]'s head and upper torso put on display at Dragonstone's gatehouse to welcome Rhaenyra for her eventual return, as the queen had fled [[King's Landing]] after the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

===Death===
[[File:Season5Dance of Dragons25.png|thumb|350px|The death of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' Blu-ray]]

When the ''[[Violande]]'' brought [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] to [[Dragonstone]] on the twenty-second day of the tenth moon of {{Date|130}}, she was taken captive by Ser [[Alfred Broome]] and the greens. Accounts differ on how the reunion between the half-siblings occurred. The pro-[[greens]] Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] says Rhaenyra laughed when she saw the crippled Sunfyre, whereas she reflected on the destruction of the war according to the pro-[[blacks]] [[Mushroom]]. In the end, Aegon fed his half sister to his dragon, and it is said that Sunfyre only reacted to Rhaenyra after her breast was pricked by Alfred's dagger, with the smell of her blood rousing the dragon. Sunfyre bathed her in a blast of flame before closing his jaws around her arm and shoulder. Sunfyre devoured Rhaenyra in six bites, leaving only her left leg below the shin. Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]] was forced to watch his mother die, and [[Elinda Massey]] allegedly gouged out her eyes in horror.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Although King Aegon II initially hoped that Sunfyre might recover enough to fly once again, the dragon weakened and eventually refused to eat. He died from his stinking wounds on the ninth day of the twelfth moon of {{Date|130}}. A weeping Aegon ordered that the captive [[Baela Targaryen]] be executed, but he was convinced to spare her life to avoid angering [[House Velaryon]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

Aegon II returned to [[King's Landing]] to rule precariously. He sent for [[dragon egg]]s from Dragonstone, hoping for "a new Sunfyre, prouder and fiercer than the last", but was unable to hatch one. Aegon the Elder was soon assassinated by [[poison]] and succeeded by Aegon the Younger, who ruled as Aegon III Targaryen.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

==Known dragonriders of Sunfyre==
[[File:Aegon_and_Sunfyre.jpg|thumb|Sunfyre and [[Aegon II Targaryen]] by Lopata Four]]

* King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|"Sunfyre" was the name given this [[dragon]] of the golden dawn.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

{{Quote|But who can presume to know the heart of a [[dragon]]?{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

{{Quote|And the [[Aegon II Targaryen|second Aegon]] fed [[Grand Maester]] [[Gerardys]] to his [[dragon]].{{ref|ASOS|12}}|[[Varys]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

==Behind the Scenes==
Since [[George R. R. Martin]] was a fan of the [[w:X-Men|X-Men]] in his youth<ref>[[Not A Blog]]: [https://georgerrmartin.com/notablog/2018/11/16/farewell-to-a-marvel/ Farewell to a Marvel], November 16, 2018</ref> and contributed to ''[[w:Heroes for Hope|Heroes for Hope: Starring the X-Men]]'' in 1985, the superhero [[w:Sunfire (comics)|Sunfire]] may be a possible inspiration for the dragon's name.

Though Sunfyre was named in the [[Common Tongue]], according to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the [[High Valyrian]] translation for Sunfyre's name is '''Vēsperzys'''.<ref>The Languages of David J. Peterson: [https://wiki.languageinvention.com/index.php?title=V%C4%93sperzys Vēsperzys]</ref>

==References==
{{References}}

{{Dragons}}

[[Category:130 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Cannibals]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons]]
[[Category:Dragons]]
[[Category:One-eyed characters]]

[[tr:Sunfyre]]
[[es:Fuegosol]]
[[fa:سان فایر]]
[[fr:Sunfyre]]
[[pt:Sunfyre]]
[[ru:Солнечный Огонь]]

Dreamfyre

2026-07-19T10:47:35Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox animal character
| firstname = Dreamfyre
| epithet =
| arms = Targaryen
| image = [[File:Kyidyl-Dreamfyre.jpg|400px]]
| image_caption = Dreamfyre, by Kyidyl ©
| Alias =
| Title =
| Owner = [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]] [[Helaena Targaryen]]
| Species = [[Dragon]]
| Spouse =
| Issue = Three{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}} hatchlings{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}} [[Drogon]] (unconfirmed){{Refn|group="N"|According to [[George R. R. Martin]], the three [[dragon egg]]s stolen by [[Elissa Farman]] are meant as a ''possible'' but not definitive answer to where [[Daenerys Targaryen]]'s three eggs came from.<ref name="notablog">[[Not A Blog]]: [https://georgerrmartin.com/notablog/2018/04/25/fire-blood-on-the-way/#comment-823 FIRE & BLOOD : On The Way (comment thread)] (April 25, 2018)</ref> They may have been laid by Dreamfyre, who was an adult she-dragon known to produce eggs living on [[Dragonstone]] at the time. See [[Dragon egg/Theories]] for more details.}} [[Rhaegal]] (unconfirmed) [[Viserion]] (unconfirmed)
| Place_of_Birth=
| Date_of_Birth = or shortly before {{date|32}}
| Place_of_Death= the [[Dragonpit]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Sons of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|2]]
}}

'''Dreamfyre''' was a she-[[dragon]], ridden by Princess [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]] and later by Queen [[Helaena Targaryen]].

==Appearance==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Dreamfyre|l1=Images of Dreamfyre}}

Dreamfyre was a slender she-dragon. Her coloration was primarily pale blue, with silver markings.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} She had silver crests and pale blue wings.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}} By {{Date|35}}, Dreamfyre was large enough for the twelve-year-old Rhaena Targaryen to mount her.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

==History==
===Rhaena Targaryen===
[[File:Rhaena and Dreamfyre by Samantha Altarozzi.jpg|400px|thumb|Dreamfyre and [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]], by Samantha Altarozzi ©]]
Dreamfyre was hatched during the reign of King [[Aegon I Targaryen]]. As a hatchling, she bonded with nine-year old Princess Rhaena Targaryen, Aegon I's first grandchild, in {{Date|32}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} Three years later, she became Dreamfyre's [[dragonrider|rider]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} In {{Date|41}} Rhaena was wed to her brother, [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]], and sent on a [[royal progress]] by their father King [[Aenys I Targaryen]]. Rhaena wished to take Dreamfyre with her, but her father forbade it, as Aegon had not yet claimed a dragon, and the king did not want his son to be seen riding a horse, while his wife rode a dragon. Dreamfyre remained in [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

Rhaena's father, King Aenys, died in {{Date|42}} and the crown was usurped by their uncle, [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]]. Rhaena and her husband smuggled themselves into [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|43}}, while Maegor was at [[Oldtown]]. Rhaena was reunited with Dreamfyre and Aegon finally claimed a dragon of his own, his father's dragon [[Quicksilver]]. Knowing they could not hold the [[Iron Throne]], they left King's Landing on their dragons to raise an army. When Aegon went to war against their uncle, Rhaena and Dreamfyre did not accompany them. Aegon, along with Quicksilver, was killed in the [[Battle Beneath the Gods Eye]] by Maegor mounted on [[Balerion|Balerion the Black Dread]]. Since Dreamfyre was younger and smaller than [[Quicksilver]], many historians believe that Dreamfyre would not have been much of a threat to the Black Dread.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

Princess Rhaena sent her twin daughters [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]] and [[Rhaella Targaryen (daughter of Aegon)|Rhaella]] into hiding. However, she felt that she could not hide herself, as she had Dreamfyre with her, who was not easily hidden. Therefore she flew Dreamfyre to [[Fair Isle]] off the coast in the [[Sunset Sea]], where they stayed at [[Faircastle]]. There they remained until {{Date|47}}, when Maegor commanded Rhaena to return to [[King's Landing]]. Not wanting to bring Maegor's wrath and Balerion's fires down on Fair Isle, Rhaena flew on Dreamfyre to the [[Red Keep]], only to find out that Maegor wished to make Rhaena his bride and that his [[Master of Whisperers|mistress of whisperers]], [[Tyanna of the Tower]], had found her daughters and used them as hostages.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

The next year, Rhaena fled the Red Keep upon Dreamfyre, together with her elder daughter [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]], and Maegor's [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Blackfyre]], to join her only surviving brother, [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

By {{Date|43}}, Dreamfyre had already produced two clutches of [[dragon eggs]].{{Ref|fab|The Sons of the Dragon}} During Rhaena's second residence at [[Fair Isle]] in {{Date|49|50}}, Dreamfyre laid another clutch of eggs. Dreamfyre's presence on the island made some of the residents anxious, and the eggs caused a [[begging brother]] to start preaching that Fair Isle "would soon be overrun by dragons" who would eat both sheep and men, and called for a [[dragonslayer]] to kill the [[dragon]]s to prevent it. The man was arrested, but nonetheless his words inspired fear wherever they were spread. Rhaena chose to depart Fair Isle, taking Dreamfyre and the eggs with her. After some time at [[Casterly Rock]], where Dreamfyre had been granted an entire stable, Lord [[Lyman Lannister]] expressed his interest in the three eggs and asked how they would hatch, and when that could be expected. Lady [[Jocasta Lannister]] suggested to Rhaena that gifting the Lannisters one or more of the three eggs would be a good way to demonstrate her gratitude. After Rhaena refused, Lord Lyman offered to buy the eggs.{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}

Rhaena left Casterly Rock and toured the [[westerlands]], but many Western lords desired a dragon of their own, and she grew uncomfortable with how they looked at Dreamfyre or her eggs. In {{date|51}} Rhaena visited King's Landing upon Dreamfyre to attend the second wedding of her siblings King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys]] and Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]], and explained her difficulties. Rhaena was eventually granted [[Dragonstone]] as her own seat.{{Ref|fab|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}} Dreamfyre made her lair in the dragon yards at Dragonstone, and the clutch of eggs laid at Fair Isle soon hatched. Rhaena introduced her daughter, Princess [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]], to Dreamfyre's hatchlings, and urged her to choose one and fly.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}

In {{Date|54}}, Rhaena discovered her former close friend and companion, [[Elissa Farman]], had stolen three dragon eggs from the Dragonstone hatcheries and fled to [[Pentos]], and flew Dreamfyre to King's Landing to inform her brother King Jaehaerys of the theft. Jaehaerys made plans with Rhaena to make war with their dragons [[Vermithor]] and Dreamfyre should hatchling dragons appear anywhere in the world, though this turned out to be unnecessary. Later that year, Rhaena flew Dreamfyre to [[Storm's End]] to reconcile with her mother, Dowager Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]], but arrived too late for Alyssa's death in childbirth. Still within that year, Rhaena's female companions were all murdered by her husband, [[Androw Farman]], using the [[tears of Lys]]. When his crime was discovered, Androw committed suicide by leaping from the window of the [[Chamber of the Painted Table]]; Rhaena had his body hacked to pieces and fed to Dreamfyre and the other dragons of Dragonstone.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}

[[File:Rhaena_%26_Dreamfyre.jpg|500px|thumb|right|[[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)]] scattering her daughter's ashes on Dreamfyre by Joto Saraiva]]

Near the end of {{Date|54}}, Rhaena discovered that her daughter Aerea had mounted Balerion and fled Dragonstone. Rhaena flew Dreamfyre to the [[Red Keep]], convinced that Aerea had gone there. Rhaena remained at court while Jaehaerys sent forth [[raven]]s across the realm, but after seven days, she declared that she was going to look for Aerea herself and left on Dreamfyre in search of her daughter.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}} For more than a year, Rhaena flew Dreamfyre all over [[Westeros]], from [[Oldtown]] to [[Highgarden]] to [[Crakehall]], [[Casterly Rock]] and [[Fair Isle]], to the [[barrowlands]] and the banks of the [[Fever River]], and as far south as the [[Red Mountains]] of [[Dorne]] and the canyons of the [[Torrentine]]. Rhaena and Dreamfyre were seen flying over the [[Fingers]] and the [[Mountains of the Moon]], the [[rainwood]] on [[Cape Wrath]], the [[Shield Islands]], and the [[Arbor]]; however, her search was in vain. In {{Date|56}}, while residing at [[Greenstone]], Rhaena received a message that Princess Aerea had returned to King's Landing on Balerion. She had been infected with an insidious disease that killed her that same day. By the time the raven carrying the news had reached Rhaena, Aerea had already been cremated. Rhaena returned to King's Landing and took possession of her daughter's ashes. Refusing Jaehaerys's offer to have Aerea's ashes interred on Dragonstone as Aerea had hated living there, Rhaena instead took the ashes into the sky upon Dreamfyre and released them into the wind, claiming that Aerea had "''wanted to fly''".{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

Rhaena went into self-imposed isolation at [[Harrenhal]] after her daughter's death. Although she still frequently rode Dreamfyre, she wished to be left alone. Dreamfyre remained at Harrenhal with Rhaena until her death in {{Date|73}}, after which Dreamfyre made her lair in the [[Dragonpit]] at [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

===Helaena Targaryen===
[[File:Helaena and Dreamfyre by Samantha Altarozzi.jpg|thumb|400px|Dreamfyre and [[Helaena Targaryen]], by Samantha Altarozzi ©]]

During the reign of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], Dreamfyre bonded with Princess [[Helaena Targaryen]]. Helaena was riding Dreamfyre by age eleven,{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} and the dragon was beloved to her.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], after Helaena's [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|six-year old son]] was slain during the civil war, Helaena spent her days in darkness, weeping, and was not capable of riding Dreamfyre anymore. Dreamfyre resided in the [[Dragonpit]], and it is said that when Helaena threw herself to her death from her window in [[Maegor's Holdfast]], Dreamfyre rose suddenly with a roar that shook the Dragonpit and snapped two of the chains that bound her.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

[[File:Storming of the Dragonpit by Douglas Wheatley.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Dreamfyre cracks the dome of the [[Dragonpit]] during the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]], as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.]]
Dreamfyre remained chained in the Dragonpit when the people of King's Landing [[Storming of the Dragonpit|stormed the pit]]. Out of the four dragons present, Dreamfyre was the only dragon able to break free of her chains when the mob broke in. She took wing, circled the cavernous interior of the dome and swooped down to attack the men below. She slew more men than the other three dragons combined. Archers and crossbowmen loosed arrows and quarrels at the her, and whenever she landed men swarmed her to attack, driving her back into the air. Eventually one of her eyes was nicked by a crossbow bolt. Half-blind and maddened, Dreamfyre flew into the Dragonpit's great dome above, which cracked on impact. Half of it came tumbling down, crushing her and the [[dragonslayer]]s under tons of broken stone and rubble.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Known dragonriders of Dreamfyre==
* Queen [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
* Queen [[Helaena Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|[[Westermen|They]] are all warm at first, but it does not last. Either I am unwelcome or too welcome. They murmur of the cost of keeping me and mine, but it is Dreamfyre who excites them. Some fear her, more want her, and it is those who trouble me most. They lust for [[dragon]]s of their own.{{Ref|fab|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}}|[[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]], to [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|It may well be that dragons somehow sense, and echo, the moods of their riders, for Dreamfyre came down out of the clouds like a raging storm that day...{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}|writings of [[Barth]]}}

{{Quote|[[Tyraxes]], [[Shrykos]], and [[Morghul]] [[Storming of the Dragonpit|killed scores]], there can be little doubt, but Dreamfyre slew more than all three of them combined.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

==Theories==
{{Main|Dragon egg/Theories}}
It is speculated that the [[dragon egg]]s that [[Elissa Farman]] stole from the [[Dragonstone]] hatcheries in {{Date|54}}, which may have been laid by Dreamfyre or another dragon resident on the island, were the same petrified eggs that [[Illyrio Mopatis]] gifted to [[Daenerys Targaryen]] in {{Date|297}}, those that hatched into [[Drogon]], [[Viserion]], and [[Rhaegal]].

==Behind the Scenes==
Though Dreamfyre was named in the [[Common Tongue]], according to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the [[High Valyrian]] translation for Dreamfyre's name is '''Ēdrurzys'''.<ref>The Languages of David J. Peterson: [https://wiki.languageinvention.com/index.php?title=%C4%92drurzys Ēdrurzys]</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Dragons}}

[[Category:30s AC births]]
[[Category:130 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons]]
[[Category:Dragons]]

[[tr:Dreamfyre]]
[[es:Dreamfyre]]
[[fa:دریم فایر]]
[[fr:Songefeu]]
[[pt:Dreamfyre]]
[[ru:Пламенная Мечта]]

Oldtown

2026-07-17T22:22:07Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox settlement
| name = Oldtown
| image = [[File:BtD Oldtown.png|350px]]
| image_caption = Oldtown by Douglas Wheatley ©
| settlement_type= port city
| location = the [[Reach]], [[Westeros]]
| seat = [[House Hightower]]
| seat_type = [[Feudalism|feudal lord]]
| religion = [[Faith of the Seven]]
| population =
| size =
| founded = Unknown
| named_for = oldest city in Westeros
| places = [[Hightower]], [[Starry Sept]], the [[Citadel]]
| organizations = [[Maesters]], [[City Watch of Oldtown]]
}}
{{Location map| File:The Reach
| label = '''Oldtown'''
| label_size = 140
| lat = -35
| long = -101
| position = right
| marksize = 15
| width = 350
| float = right
| caption = The [[Reach]] and the location of Oldtown
| alt = The Reach and the location of Oldtown
}}

'''Oldtown''' is a city located on [[Whispering Sound]] on the southwestern coast of the [[Reach]].<ref>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', [[A Dance with Dragons-Map of the South|Map of the South]]</ref> It was constructed around the [[Hightower]], the seat of [[House Hightower]] on [[Battle Isle]]. The [[Citadel]], home to [[maesters]] and their [[Conclave]], is located in Oldtown, and the city also contains the [[Starry Sept]], formerly the seat of the [[High Septon]] of the [[Faith of the Seven]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}

Built by the [[First Men]] before the [[coming of the Andals]], Oldtown is the largest and richest city in the [[Seven Kingdoms]], although the capital, [[King's Landing]], is now more populous.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} The demonym used for its inhabitants is "Oldtowner".{{Ref|ACOK|11}}{{Ref|AFFC|45}}

==City==
===Location===
Oldtown is located at the mouth of the [[Honeywine]] in the southwestern side of the [[Reach]]. North of the city are the castles [[Honeyholt]] and [[Brightwater Keep]]. To the east lies [[Uplands]], and to the west [[Blackcrown]] and [[Three Towers]]. To enter the port of Oldtown from the [[Sunset Sea]], one first needs to enter the [[Whispering Sound]]. The [[Roseroad]] travels from Oldtown to [[Highgarden]], from where it continued on to [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|tloiaf| Westeros}}

===Layout===
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Oldtown|Images of Oldtown]]''
Oldtown is built in stone, with all its streets cobbled,{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} which can make them wet and slippery on a damp day.{{Ref|AFFC|45}} Most bridges are made of stone, although some wooden bridges can be found as well.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}}{{Ref|AFFC|45}} The city itself is surrounded by massive, thick, high stone walls.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}

Oldtown is a labyrinth of wynds, crisscrossing alleys, narrow crookback streets, and markets. These include the [[Thieves Market]] and [[Ragpicker's Wynd]].{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}}

Beautiful{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} Oldtown is described as smelling as flowery as a perfumed dowager.{{Ref|ADWD|15}} During summer, it steams and swelters during daytime but comes alive at night. Foliage include melons, [[moonbloom]], [[nightshade]], peaches, and pomegranates.{{ref|AGOT|25}}

Many small isles are located in Oldtown; the [[Quill and Tankard]], an inn, stands on its own island in the Honeywine, for instance.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} The river road winds along beside the Honeywine through the heart of the city.{{Ref|AFFC|45}} West of the river, the Guildhalls line the river bank.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} [[Rat pits]] and black brothels are located in the undercity.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}}

[[File:Folko Streese the Citadel.png|thumb|350px|The [[Citadel]], by Folko Streese © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The [[Citadel]] is located upriver on both sides of the Honeywine, connected by stone bridges crowded with halls and houses.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} Boys and men gather there from all over Westeros to learn, study, and forge a [[maester]]'s chain. The Citadel is considered to be the greatest seat of knowledge in the [[known world]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}

Downriver{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} is the [[Starry Sept]] of the [[Faith of the Seven]], which was raised on the command of Lord [[Triston Hightower]]. It became the seat of the [[High Septon]]s for a thousand years, which made Oldtown the unquestioned center of the Faith for all of Westeros. Only following the construction of the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] in [[King's Landing]] during the second half of the second century after [[Aegon's Conquest]], did the Starry Sept lose its status.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} Besides the Sept of Oldtown, at least seven more septs honoring the Seven, built on the command of Lord [[Damon Hightower]], can be found nearby.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} These include the [[Sailor's Sept]] down by the harbor, the [[Lord's Sept]], and the [[Seven Shrines]] in their gardens across the Honeywine.{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}} Oldtown is also home to a [[motherhouse]].{{ref|ASOS|22}} Down by the wharves can be found temples that cater to foreigners, such as [[Summer Isles|Summer Islanders]] and [[red priests]] of the [[Lord of Light]].{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}}

The mighty [[Hightower]] is a massive stepped lighthouse located on [[Battle Isle]], where the Honeywine widens into Whispering Sound.{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} The Hightower has a great beacon on top, which shows ships the way to port.<ref name=ssm>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Arryns_and_the_Hightower The Arryns and the Hightower], May 9, 1999</ref> The Hightower is located on [[Battle Isle]]{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} in the center of Oldtown.<ref name=ssm/> The Hightower is the tallest tower in the world,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach}} higher than even the seven-hundred-foot [[Wall]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|Hightower}}

===People and Economy===
Oldtown is the richest city of [[Westeros]] and second in population only to [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} Trade features heavily,{{ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}} as the city is home to the realm's second most important port.{{Ref|ASOS|32}} Trading ships from all the world, including the rest of Westeros, the nine [[Free Cities]], the [[Summer Isles]], and more, are known to call upon Oldtown's port. Traders from the city often visit [[Qarth]].{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Oldtown is ruled from the Hightower by [[House Hightower]], who were originally [[Kings of the High Tower]] but later swore fealty to [[House Gardener]], the [[Kings of the Reach]]. They became vassals of the [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] after the Conquest,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} and own the [[Bank of Oldtown]].{{ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}} The city is protected by the [[City Watch of Oldtown]],{{ref|TMK}} currently commanded by Ser [[Moryn Tyrell]], an uncle of Lord [[Mace Tyrell]] of [[Highgarden]].{{ref|AGOT|Appendix}}

==History==
===Ancient History===
[[File:At the gates game of thrones lcg by jcbarquet-d87qsb4.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Sphinx]]es at the [[Citadel]], by Juan Carlos Barquet © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The origins of Oldtown are lost to time. The oldest [[Runes|runic]] records of the [[First Men]], as well as records from [[maesters]] that claim to have lived among the [[children of the forest]], confirm men have lived at the mouth of the [[Honeywine]] since the [[Dawn Age]]. Maester [[Jellicoe]] suggested the settlement at [[Whispering Sound]] began as a trading post where ships from [[Valyria]], [[Old Ghis]], and the [[Summer Isles]] could resupply and trade with so-called "elder races".{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}

In the [[Age of Heroes]], what is now the [[Ravenry]] of the [[Citadel]] was supposedly the stronghold of a [[pirate]] lord who robbed ships as they came down the Honeywine.{{ref|AFFC|45}} [[House Hightower]] lived within an ancient fortress of [[black stone]] on [[Battle Isle]] and subsequently built the [[Hightower]] above it.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}

Rival kings, pirates, and reavers coveted Oldtown's wealth as the city grew more powerful, but it was protected by only wooden palisades and ditches. In one century, the city was sacked by [[Samwell Dayne|Samwell the Starfire]], [[Qhored Hoare|Qhored the Cruel]], and [[Gyles I Gardener|Gyles the Woe]]. Three quarters of the city's inhabitants were reportedly sold into slavery by Gyles, but he failed to conquer the Hightower. [[Otho II Hightower|Otho II]], [[King of the High Tower]], built massive stone walls to protect Oldtown.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}

Oldtown joined the [[Kingdom of the Reach]] when King [[Lymond Hightower]] and King [[Garland II Gardener]] agreed to marry each other's daughters.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: The Gardener Kings}}

Oldtown survived the [[coming of the Andals]] by welcoming the newcomers instead of resisting them. Lord [[Dorian Hightower]] married an [[Andal]] princess, while his grandson [[Damon Hightower|Damon]] converted to the [[Faith of the Seven]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}

Oldtown was [[Anarchy in the Reach|besieged]] by a [[Dorne|Dornish]] king in the late reign of [[Garth X Gardener|Garth X]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Andals in the Reach}}

===Wars of Conquest===
At the time of [[Aegon's Conquest]], Oldtown was the greatest city in Westeros.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} The [[High Septon (Aegon's Conquest)|High Septon]] advised Lord [[Manfred Hightower (Aegon's Conquest)|Manfred Hightower]] to yield Oldtown without conflict, so the city was open to King [[Aegon I Targaryen]] when he marched south after the [[Field of Fire]] and the submission of King [[Torrhen Stark]]. Two years after [[Aegon's Landing]], Aegon the Conqueror's reign is dated from his coronation by the High Septon in the [[Starry Sept]]. Hundreds of lords attended the event in the sept, and thousands of people cheered the new king as he flew through the city on [[Balerion]].{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}}

Oldtown's walls repelled an attack by Ser [[Joffrey Dayne]] during the [[First Dornish War]], but the [[Dornishmen]] burned farmland and villages in the vicinity of the city before returning to the [[Red Mountains]].{{ref|FAB|Reign of the Dragon - The Wars of King Aegon I}}

King Aegon visited Oldtown many times during his [[royal progress]]es,{{ref|FAB|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}} and he visited the Starry Sept during each visit.{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

===Faith Militant Uprising===
[[File:Oldtown.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Oldtown, by Franz Miklis © Fantasy Flight Games]]
After the death of Aegon the Conqueror, his elder son [[Aenys I Targaryen]] traveled by land for his coronation in Oldtown.{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} The [[High Septon (Aenys I)|High Septon]] objected to Aenys's polygamous younger brother, Prince [[Maegor I Targaryen]], and to the incestual marriage of Aenys's children, Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]] and Princess [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena]], however.{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} Maegor later claimed the [[Iron Throne]] after Aenys's death.{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

Oldtown contained a chapter of the [[Warrior's Sons]] during the [[Faith Militant uprising]]. Ser [[Joffrey Doggett]] gathered an army of two thousand during his journey from [[Lannisport]] to Oldtown to seek the blessing of the [[High Septon (Aenys I)|High Septon]].{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} Lord [[Martyn Hightower]] called his banners to resist King Maegor the Cruel, and thousands fled Oldtown out of fear of the [[dragon]]s of [[House Targaryen]]. Oldtown submitted to Maegor and his mother, Dowager Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]], however, after the High Septon suddenly died. Maegor held court in Oldtown for half a year, dismantling the Warrior's Sons chapter and reconciling with his first wife, Queen [[Ceryse Hightower]].{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

In {{date|47}}, Maegor sent Princess [[Rhaella Targaryen (daughter of Aegon)|Rhaella Targaryen]] to Oldtown to be trained as a septa, while her twin sister [[Aerea Targaryen|Aera]] was named Maegor's heir and kept at court. After Rhaena fled [[King's Landing]] to join the cause of Prince [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] in opposition to Maegor the following year, the enraged king cause sent a rider to Oldtown, commanding Lord Hightower to behead Rhaella as punishment for Rhaena's betrayal. Lord Hightower instead imprisoned the messenger and declared for Jaehaerys.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

In {{Date|48}}, Septon [[Moon (septon)|Moon]] led thousands of followers of the [[Faith of the Seven|Faith]] across the Reach to pressure the "[[High Lickspittle]]" against Maegor. While encamped outside of Oldtown, his forces were joined by the armies of Lord [[Torgen Oakheart]] and Lord [[Rickard Rowan]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} Although most of Moon's followers remained camped outside Oldtown after Maegor's death, the horde fell apart after the septon was assassinated. [[Lorcas the Learned]] led a group in attacking Oldtown's gates, but all were killed by the city's defenders. After Lords Oakheart and Rowan returned to their seats, Lord [[Donnel Hightower]] had his men slaughter Moon's stragglers who refused to depart from Oldtown. The defeat of Septon's Moon followers allowed for Jaehaerys to be crowned in Oldtown.{{ref|FAB|Prince Into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}}

===Jaehaerys I===
[[File:Oldtown by eemuium.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Oldtown by eemuium]]
Lord [[Edwell Celtigar]], Jaehaerys I's [[master of coin]], imposed new taxes on the [[smallfolk]] of Oldtown, but the Hightowers refused to collect them.{{ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}

In {{Date|50}}, Lord [[Rogar Baratheon]] sent his brother, Ser [[Orryn Baratheon|Orryn]], to the [[motherhouse]] of the Starry Sept to demand that the High Septon turn over Rhaella, still a novice, so she could be taken to [[Storm's End]]. Rogar planned to force her to confess that she was the actual Princess Aerea, not Rhaella, and Rogar would crown her queen in opposition to Jaehaerys. [[Casper Straw]] led thirty armed septons in protecting Rhaella, however, and the Baratheon plot was foiled.{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}

As part of his royal reforms, Jaehaerys replaced the harbormaster of Oldtown.{{ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}} The king's spouse, Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]] brought to court a harpist from Oldtown.{{ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}} After the [[High Lickspittle|High Septon]] died in {{date|54}}, Jaehaerys and Alysanne flew on their dragons, [[Vermithor]] and [[Silverwing]], to ensure that the replacement would be a supporter of their [[Doctrine of Exceptionalism]]; [[Alfyn]] was eventually chosen.{{ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}

In {{date|56}}, [[Elissa Farman]] departed Oldtown on ''[[Sun Chaser]]'' to explore the [[Sunset Sea]] with ''[[Lady Meredith]]'' and ''[[Autumn Moon]]''.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

Oldtown lost a quarter of its population to the [[Shivers]] during the winter of {{Date|59|60}}.{{ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} Jaehaerys visited his daughter, Septa [[Maegelle Targaryen|Maegelle]], in Oldtown in {{date|89}}.{{ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} [[Corlys Velaryon]] visited Oldtown in his youth, and Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]] squired in the city.[[{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===Dance of the Dragons===
At the start of the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Ser [[Tyland Lannister]], a supporter of King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] instead of his rival, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], sent a third of the royal treasury to Oldtown for safekeeping.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Lord [[Ormund Hightower]] and Aegon's younger brother, Prince Daeron, marched an army from Oldtown on behalf of Aegon's [[greens]]. Their host participated in the [[Battle of the Honeywine]],{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} and they sent the children of [[Lady Caswell]] to captivity in Oldtown after the [[sack of Bitterbridge]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Ormond and Ser [[Bryndon Hightower]], the foremost knight of Oldtown, were slain by Lord [[Roderick Dustin]] in the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]],{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} however, and the remnants of their host fell to pieces after [[Second Battle of Tumbleton|Second Tumbleton]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

The Hightowers were slow to reply to Aegon II's call for more men from Oldtown after the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]], and the crippled king was soon after [[poison]]ed and succeeded by King [[Aegon III Targaryen]], son of the late Rhaenyra.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} Ormond's heir, [[Lyonel Hightower]], was convinced by his paramour, Lady [[Samantha Tarly]], to make peace.{{ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} The relationship between Lyonel and Sam outraged the [[High Septon (Regency of Aegon III)|High Septon]], as Sam had briefly been married to Lord Ormond before his death in the war.{{ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

===Regency of Aegon III===
Lord [[Alyn Velaryon]] stopped at Oldtown during his voyage west to confront Lord [[Dalton Greyjoy]], and Lord Lyonel provided twenty war galleys under the command of Ser [[Leo Costayne]] in support of the Oakenfist.{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}} Dalton, the Red Kraken, was killed at [[Faircastle]] before Alyn arrived in the west, and the Oakenfist spent more time with Lyonel and Lady Sam in Oldtown during his return journey.{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

Trade expanded in Oldtown during the [[Rogare Ascendency]]. After the collapse of the [[Rogare Bank]], House Hightower—which had, unlike others in Westeros, not entrusted its wealth to it—founded the [[Bank of Oldtown]] and became even more wealthy.{{ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

===Plagues===
During the [[Great Spring Sickness]] of {{Date|209}}, Oldtown suffered badly, second only to [[King's Landing]]. Ser [[Duncan the Tall]] met Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] when he and Prince [[Aegon V Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]] visited the city while returning from [[Dorne]] via ''[[White Lady]]''.{{ref|TSS}} The city steamed and sweltered during the summer of King [[Maekar I Targaryen]]'s reign.{{ref|AGOT|25}}

A generation later Oldtown was struck by the dreaded [[grey plague]], a more deadly and fast-acting cousin of [[greyscale]]. The outbreak occurred when [[Grand Maester]] [[Pycelle]] was young, and it wiped out half the city and three-quarters of the [[Citadel]] during its run. To prevent its spread, Lord [[Quenton Hightower]] ordered the gates barred, all the ships in harbor burned, and anyone trying to leave killed. These orders made him extremely unpopular, but the measures were successful. The day he rescinded the orders, after the plague had burnt itself out, Quenton and his young son were pulled from their horses and had their throats slit by the survivors.{{ref|AFFC|8}}

===Later History===
Around fifty years ago, [[Hother Umber]] disemboweled a whore in Oldtown, earning himself the nickname Whoresbane.{{ref|ADWD|17}} [[Varys]] visited Oldtown, King's Landing, and the [[Free Cities]] while part of a troupe of [[mummers]].{{ref|ACOK|44}}

Prince [[Oberyn Martell]] and Princess [[Elia Martell]] visited Oldtown on their way to [[Casterly Rock]] where their mother was to broker their marriage to the [[House Lannister|Lannister]] twins, [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]] and [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]].{{ref|ASOS|70}} Oberyn later studied at the Citadel of Oldtown, where he forged six links.{{ref|ASOS|38}} Oberyn fathered [[Obara Sand]] on an Oldtown whore.{{ref|AFFC|2}}

Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] defeated [[Blackshield]] in a [[tourney]] at Oldtown.{{ref|ASOS|67}}

===Baratheon Era===
[[Orland of Oldtown]] is a court musician for King [[Robert I Baratheon]].{{ref|ASOS|7}} Maester [[Pylos]] was sent from Oldtown to aid Maester [[Cressen]] at [[Dragonstone]] shortly before Stannis Baratheon closed the isle.{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}} [[Allard Seaworth]] has a relationship with an Oldtown girl.{{ref|ASOS|5}}

Lord [[Baelor Blacktyde]] spent eight years as a hostage in Oldtown after [[Greyjoy's Rebellion]].{{ref|AFFC|18}} Before fleeing in exile from Lord [[Eddard Stark]], Lord [[Jorah Mormont]] attended fairs and festivals in Oldtown with his wife, [[Lynesse Hightower]].{{ref|ACOK|12}} Archmaester [[Marwyn]] is known as Marwyn the Mage all across Oldtown.{{ref|ADWD|Prologue}} Lord [[Randyll Tarly]] is little loved in the city.{{ref|AFFC|45}} Oldtown knows the father of [[Penny]] and [[Groat]] as [[Hop-Bean]].{{ref|ADWD|33}}

Although Oldtown remains the largest and richest city of Westeros, the newer capital city of [[King's Landing]] has since grown more populous.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:The Hightower at Oldtown.jpg|350px|right|thumb|The [[Hightower]] at Oldtown, by [http://www.tednasmith.com/ Ted Nasmith] ©]]
The ''[[Myraham]]'' sails from Oldtown to [[Seagard]].{{ref|ACOK|11}} While at Oldtown, the ''[[Cinnamon Wind]]'' learns that King [[Robert I Baratheon]] has died.{{ref|ACOK|27}} [[Satin]], a former whore from Oldtown, arrives at [[Castle Black]] at the [[Wall]] and begins his training.{{Ref|ACOK|6}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[Carellen Smallwood]] is sent from [[Acorn Hall]] to safety at a [[motherhouse]] in Oldtown during the [[War of the Five Kings]].{{ref|ASOS|22}}

[[Garth of Oldtown]] is killed by [[Garth of Greenaway]] during the [[mutiny at Craster's Keep]].{{ref|ASOS|33}} Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] sends [[raven]]s from [[Castle Black]] to Oldtown and the [[Citadel]] warning of [[Mance Rayder]]'s host of [[wildlings]]. [[Satin]], a former whore from Oldtown and a current recruit of the [[Night's Watch]] at [[Castle Black]], participates in the defense of the [[Wall]] during the [[attack on Castle Black]]{{ref|ASOS|55}} and the [[battle beneath the Wall]].{{Ref|ASOS|55}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[Pate (novice)|Pate]], a novice of the Citadel, dies after meeting with an [[alchemist]] in the streets of Oldtown.{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}}

In response to the death in [[King's Landing]] of her father, [[Oberyn Martell]], [[Obara Sand]] desires to sack Oldtown.{{ref|AFFC|2}}

[[Garth Tyrell]], the choice of the late Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] to become [[master of coin]], travels to Oldtown to take ship for King's Landing. Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] instead appoints Lord [[Gyles Rosby]].{{ref|AFFC|7}}

[[Hotho Harlaw]] brings Lord [[Rodrik Harlaw]] a copy of ''[[Book of Lost Books]]'' from Oldtown.{{ref|AFFC|11}}

[[Timeon]] informs [[Brienne of Tarth]] that [[Urswyck]] was heading towards Oldtown with a small band of his fellow former [[Brave Companions]].{{Ref|AFFC|20}}

[[Euron Greyjoy]], the new [[King of the Isles and the North]], attacks the [[Reach]], conquering the [[taking of the Shields|Shield Islands]] and parts of the [[invasion of the Arbor|Arbor]] before trying to blockade the mouth of the Honeywine. An [[ironborn]] attack on the harbor is repulsed by the city's defenders. Aboard ''[[Honor of Oldtown]]'', Ser [[Gunthor Hightower]] commands a line of warships and a boom which protects the harbor.{{ref|AFFC|45}}

Jon Snow, the new [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], sends [[Samwell Tarly]] south to Oldtown so that he might study there to become a [[maester]] for [[Castle Black]]. Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] dies en route, but Sam reaches Oldtown. At the [[Seneschal's Court]] he is approached by the acolyte [[Alleras]], who introduces him to [[Archmaester]] [[Marwyn]] and [[Leo Tyrell (son of Moryn)|Leo Tyrell]]. After Marwyn leaves, the novice Pate gives Sam a cell near Archmaester [[Walgrave]]'s chamber.{{ref|AFFC|45}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Jon Snow sends from Castle Black to Oldtown for more maesters.{{ref|ADWD|7}}

Stories of [[Daenerys Targaryen]] and her [[dragon]]s have reached Oldtown.{{ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}

==Quotes==
{{quote|There are truths in [[known world|this world]] that are not taught at Oldtown.{{ref|ACOK|Prologue}}|[[Melisandre]] to [[Cressen]]}}

{{Quote|Oldtown was a veritable labyrinth of a city, all wynds and crisscrossing alleys and narrow crookback streets.{{Ref|AFFC|0}}|thoughts of [[Pate (novice)|Pate]]}}

{{quote|The city was never more beautiful than at break of day.{{Ref|AFFC|0}}|thoughts of [[Pate (novice)|Pate]]}}

{{quote|'''Doran''': [[Obara Sand|Obara]] would have me go to war. 
'''Nymeria''': Yes, she wants to set the torch to Oldtown. She hates that city as much as [[Sarella Sand|our little sister]] loves it.{{ref|AFFC|2}}|[[Doran Martell]] and [[Nymeria Sand]]}}

{{quote|Oldtown. Yes. I dreamt of Oldtown, Sam. I was young again and my brother [[Aegon V Targaryen|Egg]] was with me, with that [[Duncan the Tall|big knight]] he served. We were drinking in [[Quill and Tankard|the old inn]] where they make the fearsomely strong cider.{{ref|AFFC|26}}|[[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] to [[Samwell Tarly]]}}

==Chapters that take place at Oldtown==
*[[A Feast for Crows-Prologue|''A Feast for Crows'': Prologue]]
*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 45|''A Feast for Crows'': 45. Samwell V]]

==References==
{{references}}
{{Region Reach|state=uncollapsed}}
{{Cities}}

[[Category:Oldtown| ]]
[[Category:Cities]]
[[Category:Harbors]]
[[Category:Places in the Reach]]

[[tr:Eski Şehir]]
[[es:Antigua]]
[[fa:اولد تاون]]
[[fr:Villevieille]]
[[pt:Vilavelha]]
[[ru:Старомест]]
[[zh:旧镇]]

Syrax (goddess)

2026-07-17T21:19:20Z

Breassa:

'''Syrax''' was one of the [[old gods of Valyria]]. Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] [[Namesake|named]] her [[dragon]] [[Syrax]] after the goddess.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Deities]]
[[Category:Valyrian religion]]

[[tr:Syrax (tanrıça)]]
[[es:Syrax (dios)]]
[[fr:Syrax (déesse)]]
[[ru:Сиракс (богиня)]]

Syrax

2026-07-17T20:42:32Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox animal character
| firstname = Syrax
| epithet =
| arms = Targaryen
| image = [[File:Rhaenyra and Syrax by Nutchapol Thitinunthakorn (The Rise of the Dragon).jpg|400px]]
| image_caption = Syrax © Nutchapol Thitinunthakorn in ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]''
| Alias =
| Title =
| Owner = [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]
| Issue = [[Morning]]
| Race =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death = the [[Dragonpit]], [[King's Landing]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|2]]
}}

'''Syrax''' was a she-[[dragon]]. She was ridden solely by [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]. Her [[named after|name]] came from a [[Syrax (goddess)|goddess]] of [[Valyria]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Syrax|l1=Images of Syrax}}
Syrax had yellow scales. She was huge and formidable, but not as fearsome or experienced in battle as [[Caraxes]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} She was kept in chains and exceedingly well fed. At the time of the civil war called the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Syrax had not hunted for years.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==History==
[[File: Rhaenyra Targaryen and Syrax by Fkaluis.jpg|thumb|[[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and Syrax by Fkaluis|400px]]
Rhaenyra first took Syrax as a mount in {{Date|104}}, when the princess was seven years old. Syrax was described as a "young" dragon at the time, and Rhaenyra herself named her "Syrax" (after [[Syrax (goddess)|a Valyrian goddess]]) - strongly implying that Syrax had no previous rider.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Syrax laid "several" clutches of [[dragon egg|eggs]] during the reign of [[Viserys I Targaryen]]. One of her mates is believed to be [[Caraxes]].{{Ref|TROTD|7}} Her latest clutch was produced just prior to the civil war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} One of the eggs from that latest clutch was given to [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]], Rhaenyra's step-daughter. Rhaena's dragon [[Morning]] eventually hatched from one of Syrax's eggs.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

Following Rhaenyra's difficult [[Visenya Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|stillbirth]] at the beginning of the war, she was unable to fly on dragonback for a time. However, Rhaenyra recovered enough strength to fly on Syrax, along with her other dragonriders, when they [[Fall of King's Landing|assaulted and captured]] King's Landing, facing little opposition.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

In [[King's Landing]], Syrax was kept within the walls of the [[Red Keep]], in a stable in the outer ward that had been emptied of [[horse]]s and given over for her use. Heavy chains bound her to the ground. The chains were long enough to allow her to move from the stable to yard, but kept her from flying off riderless. The three other dragons belonging to the [[blacks]] were kept in the [[Dragonpit]], along with the [[greens]]'s [[Dreamfyre]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

About the same time of the [[Butcher's Ball]], Ser [[Byron Swann]] set out to slay a dragon. According to the court [[fool]] [[Mushroom]], Byron was killed in an attempt to slay Syrax, a claim confirmed by Ser Byron's [[squire]]. However, other sources suggested instead that Byron tried to kill [[Aemond Targaryen]]'s dragon [[Vhagar]] or [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]]'s dragon [[Sunfyre]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}{{Ref|ADWD|8}}

[[File:Syrax.jpeg|thumb|right|350px|Syrax in ''[[House of the Dragon]]'']]
Syrax was slain in the aftermath of the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]]. Prince [[Joffrey Velaryon]] had attempted to mount her to ride to the Dragonpit and save the other dragons from the mob, and perhaps mount his own dragon [[Tyraxes]] there. Dragons are not horses, however, and they will only accept one rider during that rider's lifetime. In mid-flight, Syrax shrugged off Joffrey, who fell to his death. Attracted by the bloodshed at the Dragonpit, Syrax flew there. [[Archmaester]] [[Gyldayn]] noted that Syrax could have simply stayed high in the air and made runs at the mob with her flames, but instead she descended upon the ground, killing dozens with tooth and claw. There are numerous and contradicting accounts about specifically how Syrax died, and Gyldayn does not give them in detail. What is certain, is that Syrax eventually died fighting the rioters.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
During their voyage on the [[Rhoyne]], [[Tyrion Lannister]] and [[Haldon Halfmaester]] debate Ser Byron Swann's death, and whether he faced Syrax or Vhagar.{{Ref|ADWD|8}}

==Known dragonriders of Syrax==
*[[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] - first and only rider

==References==
{{References}}

{{Dragons}}

[[Category:130 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Dragons]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons]]

[[tr:Syrax]]
[[es:Syrax]]
[[fr:Syrax]]
[[pt:Syrax]]
[[ru:Сиракс]]

Alys Rivers's son

2026-07-17T20:28:33Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox character
| nickname = Alys Rivers's son
| image =
| image_caption =
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance =
| Race =
| Culture = [[Rivermen]]
| Father = [[Aemond Targaryen]] (alleged)
| Mother = [[Alys Rivers]]
| Spouse =
| Issue =
| Place_of_Birth = [[Harrenhal]]
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned)
| Coat-of-arms =
}}

'''Alys Rivers's son''' was a boy claimed by [[Alys Rivers]] to be her child by Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]]. His given name is unknown.

==History==
During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] ordered the deaths of the remaining members of [[House Strong]] at [[Harrenhal]]. The [[dragonrider]] spared the life of [[Alys Rivers]], however, and took the older [[wet nurse]] for his bedmate as a spoil of war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] disagrees with [[Mushroom]]'s claim that Alys used [[love potion]]s and philtres to entice Aemond and Ser [[Criston Cole]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

While Criston marched south along the [[Gods Eye]], Aemond began burning the [[riverlands]] with [[Vhagar]]. When Lady [[Sabitha Frey]] seized the undefended Harrenhal, she found only Alys within, with the wet nurse claiming to be pregnant with Aemond's child. Alys eventually escaped with Aemond when the prince returned to Harrenhal and chased away Sabitha.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Later in the civil war, the pregnant Alys watched the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]] atop [[Kingspyre Tower]] in Harrenhal below. Aemond and Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] were both slain in their duel in {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

In {{Date|132}} during the [[regency of Aegon III]], Alys gathered a number of [[broken men]] and [[outlaw]]s to Harrenhal. Ser [[Tyland Lannister]], [[Hand of the King]], sent Ser [[Regis Groves]] of the [[Kingsguard]] and Ser [[Damon Darry]] with a hundred men to deal with the so-called "[[witch]] queen". Alys presented a boy to the knights, claiming that she was Aemond's widow and that the child was his trueborn son. Alys declared the boy was the rightful king and ordered Regis to submit to him. Refusing to kneel, Regis instead insulted Alys and her son. Regis abruptly died then under questionable circumstances, and Alys's followers forced Damon's host to retreat to [[Darry]]. When informed of Regis's death, the regents of King [[Aegon III Targaryen]] decided that a stronger force would be needed to deal with Alys's outlaws at Harrenhal. Their plans were interrupted by the outbreak of [[Winter Fever]] in {{date|133}}, however.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|I have [[Aemond Targaryen|the dragon's]] [[bastard]] in me. I can feel his fires licking at my womb.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|[[Alys Rivers]] to [[Sabitha Frey]]}}

{{quote|'''Regis''': A [[bastard]]? 
'''Alys''': [[Aemond Targaryen|His]] trueborn son and heir, and the rightful king of [[Westeros]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}|[[Regis Groves]] and [[Alys Rivers]]}}

{{quote|I do not kneel to [[bastard]]s, much less the baseborn whelp of a [[kinslayer]] and a [[wet nurse|milk cow]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}|[[Regis Groves]] to [[Alys Rivers]]}}

==Family==
{{Strong tree Dance}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Bastards|Rivers, Alys son]]
[[Category:Characters from the Riverlands|Rivers, Alys son]]
[[Category:House Targaryen|Rivers, Alys son]]
[[Category:Unnamed characters|Rivers, Alys son]]

[[tr:Alys Nehir'in oğlu]]

Alys Rivers

2026-07-17T20:18:46Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Alys
| lastname = Rivers
| arms1 = blank
| arms2 = Targaryen
| image = AlysRivers by Hylora.jpg
| image_caption = Alys Rivers, by Hylora
| Alias = Witch queen{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[House Strong]] [[House Targaryen]] [[Greens]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Rivermen]]
| Father = [[Lyonel Strong]] (disputed)
| Mother =
| Spouse = Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] (allegedly)
| Issue = Stillborn children{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} [[Alys Rivers's son|Son by Aemond]]{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = In or before {{Date|89}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Alys Rivers|Alys Rivers]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = [[w:Gayle Rankin|Gayle Rankin]]
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|Season 2]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 3|3]]
}}

'''Alys Rivers''' was a [[bastard]] of [[House Strong]], a [[wet nurse]] at [[Harrenhal]], and a bedmate of Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} She could allegedly see [[Dreams and prophecies|visions of the future]],{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} and she was considered a [[witch]] queen by some.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Alys is portrayed by [[w:Gayle Rankin|Gayle Rankin]].

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Alys Rivers|l1=Images of Alys Rivers}}
Alys had long black hair.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} She is said to have looked younger than her years.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

According to [[Aemond Targaryen]], Alys could see [[Dreams and prophecies|visions]] in storm clouds, pools of water, and flames.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

[[Septon]] [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] considered Alys to be a [[simple]] slattern.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

==History==
===Origin===
[[File:Alys Rivers by chillyravenart.png|thumb|350px|Alys Rivers, by Chillyravenart]]
According to [[Grand Maester]] [[Munkun]] and Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]], Alys was a [[bastard]] sired by Lord [[Lyonel Strong]] on an unknown woman when he was young. Munkun claims Alys was a serving wench with an interest in potions, while Eustace states she was a [[woods witch]]. However, the [[fool]] [[Mushroom]] claims Alys was from an older generation, and that she had served as a [[wet nurse]] to Lyonel's sons, [[Harwin Strong|Harwin]] and [[Larys Strong|Larys]], and possibly even to Lyonel. Mushroom wrote that Alys was an enchantress who bathed in [[maiden]]s' blood to remain youthful. Both Eustace and Munkun considered Mushroom's claims fantastical, but even they agreed that Alys looked unusually young for her age, as she had to be at least forty by the outbreak of the Dance of the Dragons.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

Although all of Alys's children were stillborn, she served as a wet nurse to many children at Harrenhal.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

===The Dance of the Dragons===
[[File:Alys Rivers by Fkaluis.jpg|thumb|350px|Alys Rivers, by Fkaluis]]
Alys was at least forty years of age during the [[Dance of the Dragons]], although she appeared younger. She survived the [[assault on Harrenhal]] by Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and the [[blacks]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

After the [[greens]] retook [[Harrenhal]], Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] ordered the deaths of the remaining members of [[House Strong]] at the castle. The [[dragonrider]] spared Alys's life, however, and took the older woman for his bedmate as a spoil of war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} When informed of the greens' defeat in the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]], Alys prevented an enraged Aemond from strangling the [[squire]] who brought the message to Harrenhal. Eustace disagrees with Mushroom's claim that Alys used [[love potion]]s and philtres to entice Ser [[Criston Cole]], [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] and [[Hand of the King]], in addition to Aemond.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

While Criston marched south along the [[Gods Eye]], Aemond began burning the [[riverlands]] with [[Vhagar]]. When Lady [[Sabitha Frey]] seized the undefended Harrenhal, she found only Alys within, with the wet nurse claiming to be pregnant with Aemond's child. Alys eventually escaped with Aemond when the prince returned to Harrenhal and chased away Sabitha.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

When Prince Aemond returned to Harrenhal to confront Prince Daemon and [[Caraxes]], he took the pregnant Alys with him. Aemond told Daemon that it was Alys who told him where to find him, as she had seen in her [[Dreams and prophecies|visions]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Aemond left Alys on the ground, kissing her one last time, before Vhagar and Caraxes leapt as one into the sky above the [[Gods Eye]] with their dragonriders. The pregnant Alys watched the ensuing [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]] atop [[Kingspyre Tower]] in Harrenhal below. Aemond and Daemon were both slain in their duel in {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

===Witch Queen===
[[File:Alys Rivers by Laura Avellino.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Alys Rivers, by Laura Avellino]]
[[Larys Strong]], [[Lord of Harrenhal]], was executed in {{Date|131}} during the [[Hour of the Wolf]].{{ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

In {{Date|132}} during the [[regency of Aegon III]], a number of [[broken men]] and predatory outlaws began to gather at [[Harrenhal]] under the rule of a sorcerous witch queen. Tasked by Ser [[Tyland Lannister]], [[Hand of the King]], with reclaiming the castle, Ser [[Regis Groves]] of the [[Kingsguard]] and Ser [[Damon Darry]] marched from [[King's Landing]] and [[Darry|Castle Darry]] to Harrenhal with a hundred men.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

The alleged witch queen was revealed to be Alys, who claimed to be the widow of Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]]. She presented [[Alys Rivers's son|a young boy]] as their trueborn son, who she said was the rightful king instead of [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. Regis abruptly died after insulting Alys. Some claim she used [[magic]] to burst his skull, while others state he was killed by crossbowmen or slingers. Alys's rabble then rode from Harrenhal and overwhelmed the loyalist men. Damon led thirty-two survivors back to Castle Darry.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

Alys sent a captured loyalist to Darry as a messenger the following day. The survivor claimed that a dozen other captives had been tortured to death, and that he had been cursed by Alys so that he would die if anyone laughed at his story. He said Alys had instructed him that any man who approached Harrenhal without submitting to its occupants would die. The man also insisted that he had seen a [[dragon]] inside. Despite Damon's assurance that no one would laugh at the messenger's story, an onlooker did so. The messenger then choked to death in moments, with some saying they had seen the imprints of a woman's fingers on his throat.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

Back in King's Landing, Tyland was troubled by Regis's death. Lord [[Unwin Peake]] disbelieved Damon's claims of dragons and magic, however, and the other regents agreed with Unwin's conclusion that outlaws were to blame. Aegon's regents concluded they would need to gather a larger force to recapture Harrenhal, but their plans were interrupted by the [[Winter Fever]] in {{Date|133}}.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

==Quotes by Alys==
{{Quote|I have [[Aemond Targaryen|the dragon's]] [[bastard]] in me. I can feel his fires licking at my womb.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|Alys to [[Sabitha Frey]]}}

{{Quote|'''Alys''': Kneel before [[Alys Rivers's son|your king]]. 
'''Regis''': I do not kneel to [[bastard]]s, much less the baseborn whelp of [[Aemond Targaryen|a kinslayer]] and [[Wet nurse|a milk cow]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}|Alys and [[Regis Groves]]}}

==Quotes about Alys==
{{Quote|Was she in truth a witch who lay with [[demon]]s, bringing forth dead children as payment for the knowledge they gave her? Was she a [[simple]]minded slattern, as [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] believes? A wanton who used her [[poison]]s and [[love potion|potions]] to bind men to her, body and soul?{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

{{Quote|'''Daemon''': Who told you where to find me? 
'''Aemond''': My lady. She saw you in a storm cloud, in a mountain pool at dusk, in the fire we lit to cook our suppers. She [[Dreams and prophecies|sees much and more]], my Alys.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|[[Daemon Targaryen]] and [[Aemond Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|Don't come again unless you mean to bend your knees, she says. Any man who comes near [[Harrenhal|her walls]] will die. There's power in them stones, and the widow's woken it. [[Faith of the Seven|Seven]] save us all, she has a [[dragon]]. I seen it.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}|Messenger to [[Damon Darry]]}}

==Family==
{{Strong tree Dance}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:House Strong]]
[[Category:House Targaryen]]
[[Category:Bastards|Rivers, Alys]]
[[Category:Characters from the Riverlands|Rivers, Alys]]
[[Category:Characters with black hair|Rivers, Alys]]
[[Category:Greens|Rivers, Alys]]
[[Category:Lords of Harrenhal]]
[[Category:Mistresses and paramours|Rivers, Alys]]
[[Category:Rebels|Rivers, Alys]]
[[Category:Wet nurses|Rivers, Alys]]
[[Category:Woods-witches|Rivers, Alys]]

[[tr:Alys Nehir]]
[[es:Alys Ríos]]
[[fr:Alys Rivers]]
[[pt:Alys Rivers]]

Criston Cole

2026-07-16T20:14:59Z

Breassa:

{{Redirect|Criston|others with the same name|Criston Wylde}}
{{Infobox character
| firstname = Criston
| lastname = Cole
| epithet = the Kingmaker
| arms = Cole
| arms2 = Kingsguard
| title = Ser
| image = Kingmaker by Naomimakesart.png
| image_caption = Criston Cole, by Naomimakesart ©
| Alias = Criston the Kingmaker Kingmaker
| Title = [[Knight|Ser]] [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] [[Hand of the King]]
| Allegiance = [[House Cole]] [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] (formerly) [[Kingsguard]] [[Greens]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Dornish Marches|Marcher]]
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|82}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}
| Place_of_Birth = [[Blackhaven]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
| Place_of_Death = south of the [[Gods Eye]]
| Spouse =
| Lover = Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] (rumored){{Ref|AFFC|13}}
| coat-of-arms =
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)
| Played_by = [[w:Fabien Frankel|Fabien Frankel]]
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|2]]
}}

'''Criston Cole''' was a [[knight]] from [[House Cole]] who rose to become [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] for [[Viserys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} His relationship with Viserys's daughter, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], was first friendly and then adversarial.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Criston convinced Viserys's son, Prince [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon the Elder]], to claim the rule of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] as his father lay dead. This led to the [[Dance of the Dragons]], a civil war between Aegon II and his elder half-sister, Rhaenyra, whom Viserys had long groomed as his successor. For this the knight became known as '''Criston the Kingmaker'''.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Criston also served as [[Hand of the King]] for Aegon II during part of the war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Criston is portrayed by [[w:Fabien Frankel|Fabien Frankel]].<ref>HBO.com: [https://www.hbo.com/house-of-the-dragon/cast-and-characters House of the Dragon Cast & Characters]</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Criston Cole|l1=Images of Criston Cole}}

Criston had coal black hair and pale green eyes. Many ladies described him as charming.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Criston was an exceptionally skilled warrior, particularly with his [[Armament#Flails|morningstar]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} He is also known to have wielded a [[longsword]] in battle.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} The Kingmaker rode a white [[horse]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==History==
===Early life===
Ser Criston was the son of [[Lord Dondarrion (82 AC)|Lord Dondarrion]]'s [[steward|steward]];{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} according to a semi-canon source, Criston was common-born.<ref>[[Not A Blog]]: [https://georgerrmartin.com/notablog/2021/04/15/comes-a-swordsman/ Comes A Swordsman], April 15, 2021</ref>

In {{Date|104}}, Criston won a melee at [[Tourney for King Viserys I's accession|the tourney]] at [[Maidenpool]] to celebrate the ascension of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] to the [[Iron Throne]], drawing the attention of the royal court by knocking [[Dark Sister]] from the hands of Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] with his morningstar. He gave the victor's laurel to the seven-year-old Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], whose favor he wore while unhorsing Daemon in the joust, as well as the twins Ser [[Arryk Cargyll|Arryk]] and Ser [[Erryk Cargyll]] of the [[Kingsguard]], before being unhorsed by Lord [[Lymond Mallister]]. Thereafter, King Viserys indulged Rhaenyra by naming Criston her personal [[sworn shield]]. In {{Date|105}}, the twenty-three-year-old Criston became a member of the Kingsguard, taking the place of the legendary Ser [[Ryam Redwyne]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Criston wore Rhaenyra's favor in [[History of Tourneys in Westeros#Great Tourney on the fifth anniversary of King Viserys I and Queen Alicent's marriage|a tournament]] in {{Date|111}} where he unhorsed Ser [[Gwayne Hightower]], younger brother and champion to King Viserys's second wife and queen, [[Alicent Hightower]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Half a year later, Daemon departed the capital after quarreling with his royal brother. According to [[Mushroom]], Daemon had given explicit lessons to Rhaenyra so that she could seduce the noble Criston. When Rhaenyra finally approached the knight, however, the horrified Criston rejected the girl.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===Lord Commander===
When Ser [[Harrold Westerling]], [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]], died in {{date|112}}, Criston was named his successor to lead the white cloaks.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|113}}, King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] arranged for his reluctant daughter [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], [[Princess of Dragonstone]], to wed Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]]. According to Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]], Criston slipped into Rhaenyra's bedchamber to confess his love, offering to abscond with her to one of the [[Free Cities]] where he would pledge his sword to some merchant prince. Rhaenyra refused him, however, saying a [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] was meant to be more than the wife of a [[sellsword]], and that if he could forget his Kingsguard vows, he could forget marriage vows.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} According to [[Mushroom]], however, it was Rhaenyra who unsuccessfully attempted to seduce Criston in [[White Sword Tower]]. The spurned princess took solace in Ser [[Harwin Strong]], called Breakbones. Whatever the way of it, Criston went from being her staunchest defender to her bitterest foe, and Rhaenyra soon left for [[Driftmark]] with Harwin as her new sworn shield.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|114}}, Ser Criston attended the wedding of Rhaenyra to Laenor, which included seven days of feasting and jousting. He fought with Queen [[Alicent Hightower]]'s token, and during a melee left Harwin with a broken collarbone and shattered elbow, prompting Mushroom to call him "Brokenbones" thereafter. Criston's morningstar also cracked the helm of Laenor's favorite, Ser [[Joffrey Lonmouth]], which the Knight of Kisses died from six days later. While many were angered at Criston for this, including King Viserys, Queen Alicent did not share their displeasure, and asked that he be made her personal sworn shield. Criston became a staunch supporter of Alicent and a member of the [[greens]] ever after.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Criston tutored Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] to be a skilled swordsman, despite Aemond's one eye.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===The Dance of the Dragons===
:{{Main|Dance of the Dragons}}
====Aegon II====
[[File:Aegon II crowned.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Aegon II Targaryen]] is crowned by Criston, by Douglas Wheatley ©]]
When King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] died in {{Date|129}}, Criston and Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] assembled the [[small council]] to discuss the succession, keeping the king's death a secret from the public. Criston objected to [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], [[Princess of Dragonstone]], or her husband, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], holding power, and he also repeated the rumor that Rhaenyra's children from Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]] were [[bastard]]s. Instead of Rhaenrya, the [[greens]] wanted to crown her younger half-brother, Prince [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon the Elder]]. According to Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]], Criston cut the throat of Lord [[Lyman Beesbury]], the only councilor to support Rhaenyra, while [[Mushroom]] claims that Criston instead flung Lyman to his death from a window; neither Eustace or Mushroom was present at the meeting, however.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

Any [[blacks]] who remained at court were taken by Criston into custody. When Criston went to Aegon to convince the prince to ascend the [[Iron Throne]], Mushroom wrote that Criston found him with a young girl in [[Flea Bottom]], while Eustace claimed Aegon was in a more respectable situation with the daughter of a trader. According to the septon, Criston told the prince that he and his siblings would be killed by Rhaenyra if he did not claim the Iron Throne.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

During Aegon's coronation in the [[Dragonpit]], Criston placed the crown of [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] on the young king's head.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Criston became known as the Kingmaker due to his support of Aegon II.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|AFFC|16}}

====Hand of the King====
[[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], who was at [[Dragonstone]] at the time of [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s coronation, refused to support her half-brother, beginning the great armed conflict which engulfed the Seven Kingdoms and became known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Many of the lords of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] were aware of [[Viserys I Targaryen]]'s wish to have Rhaenyra succeed him as [[House Targaryen]]'s first ruling queen, and threw their support behind the princess. As the [[blacks]] gathered their forces and allies, Aegon II became frustrated with Ser [[Otto Hightower]], his grandfather and [[Hand of the King]], and instead awarded the office to Criston.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

In response to [[Blood (the butcher)|Blood]] and [[Cheese (the rat-catcher)|Cheese]] having killed young Prince [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys Targaryen]], the new Hand ordered a reluctant Ser [[Arryk Cargyll]] of the [[Kingsguard]] to infiltrate Dragonstone in the guise of his twin, Ser [[Erryk Cargyll]], who was supporting Rhaenyra on the island. Grand Maester [[Munkun]] believed that Criston wanted Arryk to assassinate Rhaenyra herself, while Mushroom wrote that Arryk was supposed to kill Rhaenyra's sons, [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] and [[Joffrey Velaryon]]. Criston's scheme faltered when Arryk and Erryk came face to face, however, and the twins killed each other in combat.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Criston marched on [[Rosby]] and [[Stokeworth]] and forced their levies to join his host of [[greens]], and he then led the [[sack of Duskendale]]. The Kingmaker was prepared for the arrival of Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys Targaryen]] and [[Meleys]] at the [[Battle at Rook's Rest]], having planned for King Aegon II Targaryen on [[Sunfyre]] and Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] on [[Vhagar]] to wait in ambush. Rhaenys and Meleys were killed in the fighting, and Aegon was left crippled as well. Aemond and Criston killed the garrison of Rook's Rest and carried the head of [[Lord Staunton]] back to [[King's Landing]]. When Aemond became [[Protector of the Realm]] and [[Regent|Prince Regent]] because of Aegon's injuries, Criston remained Hand.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

====Harrenhal====
Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] and Criston desired to retake [[Harrenhal]] from Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], the husband of Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], who had gathered an army of [[rivermen]] to the great castle. While Lord [[Jason Lannister]] marched toward the [[Gods Eye]] with a host of [[westermen]] in support of King [[Aegon II Targaryen]], Criston departed [[King's Landing]] with another four thousand [[greens]] and Aemond on [[Vhagar]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Jason was killed in the [[Battle at the Red Fork]], however, and his westermen struggled on under Lord [[Humfrey Lefford]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

After defeating Ser [[Oswald Wode]] and Lords [[Lord Darry (Dance)|Darry]] and [[House Roote|Roote]] by the shores of the Gods Eye, Criston's host found Harrenhal to have been abandoned by the [[blacks]] when they finally arrived at the castle. Aemond saw it as a great victory, but he was outraged upon learning that Daemon had flown away on [[Caraxes]] to aid Rhaenyra with the [[fall of King's Landing]]. Meanwhile, Humfrey's [[House Lannister|Lannister]] host was shattered in the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]] by the rivermen and the [[Winter Wolves]]. In response to the blacks' victories, Criston urged Aemond to retreat south and join the host of greens led by Lord [[Ormund Hightower]] and Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]]. Aemond refused, however, and decided to instead burn the [[riverlands]] with Vhagar's [[dragonflame]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

====Butcher's Ball====
Criston marched south from [[Harrenhal]] with his remaining host of thirty-six-hundred greens to meet the [[House Hightower|Hightower]] host, traveling along the western shore of the [[Gods Eye]]. The [[blacks]] destroyed villages and befouled waters on his line of march, denying supplies to the [[greens]]. [[Rivermen]] such as young [[Benjicot Blackwood]], [[Lord of Raventree]],{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} harried Criston's host as they marched south, and a dozen greens were killed at [[Crossed Elms]] in an ambush planned by [[Black Trombo]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

While marching from the Gods Eye to the [[Blackwater Rush]], Criston's surviving host was met at a ridge by an army of thousands of blacks led by Ser [[Garibald Grey]], Ser [[Pate of Longleaf]], and [[Roderick Dustin]], [[Lord of Barrowton]]. Criston offered to yield if the blacks would spare the lives of his men, but he was refused. When Criston then challenged all three of his counterparts, Pate had [[Robb Rivers]] and his archers strike down the Kingmaker with three arrows. Hundreds of Criston's men were then killed by the rivermen and [[Winter Wolves]] in the ensuing [[Butcher's Ball]] in {{Date|130}}. Garibald and Pate brought Criston's head on a spear to the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Criston was eventually succeeded as [[Hand of the King]] by Lord [[Cregan Stark]], who served briefly,{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} and as [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] by Ser [[Willis Fell]], with both men serving [[Aegon III Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

==Legacy==
Criston's motives in supporting [[Aegon II Targaryen]] in the [[Dance of the Dragons]] are unclear. Some say that he acted from ambition as Aegon was more controllable than his willful half-sister, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], and that Rhaenyra's spurning of him added a personal dimension to the conflict.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} Others allow Criston nobler motives and claim he was defending ancient [[Andal]] custom giving precedence to sons over daughters,{{Ref|AFFC|13}} or that he did not wish to see Rhaenyra's children whom he believed to be [[House Strong|Strong]] bastards—[[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]], [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]], and [[Joffrey Velaryon]]—to inherit the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Criston is remembered as embodying some of the best and worst aspects of the [[Kingsguard]].{{Ref|AFFC|16}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
Trying to gain Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] of the [[Kingsguard]] for her plot to crown Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]], Princess [[Arianne Martell]] tells Arys that [[Anders Yronwood]], [[Lord of Yronwood]], is Criston Cole reborn, as Arianne believes that Anders supports her younger brother, Prince [[Quentyn Martell]]. Arys recalls a rumor that Criston had been Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s lover before he joined the Kingsguard.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}

While showing Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] the [[White Book]], Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], the [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]], mentions the controversial Criston.{{Ref|AFFC|16}}

==Quotes by Criston==
[[File:Criston_Cole_by_Jaenarra.png|350px|right|thumb|Criston by Jaenarra]]
{{Quote|[[Faith of the Seven|Seven]] save [[Seven Kingdoms|this realm]] if we seat [[Jacaerys Velaryon|a bastard]] on the [[Iron Throne]]. [[Blacks|They]] will turn the [[Red Keep]] into a brothel. No man's daughter will be safe, nor any man's wife. Even the boys ... we know what [[Laenor Velaryon|Laenor]] was.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}|Criston to the [[small council]] of [[Viserys I Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|'''Aegon''': My new [[Hand of the King|Hand]] is a steel fist. We are done with writing letters. 
'''Criston''': It is not for you to plead for support from your [[lord]]s, like a beggar pleading for alms. You are the lawful [[king]] of [[Westeros]], and those who deny it are traitors. It is past time they learned the price of treason.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}|[[Aegon II Targaryen]] and Criston}}

{{Quote|We can begin here, the four of us. One of me against the three of you. Will that be enough to [[Butcher's Ball|make a fight of it]]?{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|Criston to [[Garibald Grey]], [[Pate of Longleaf]], and [[Roderick Dustin]]}}

==Quotes about Criston==
{{Quote|My white knight.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|[[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|Ser Criston protects [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|the princess]] from her enemies, but who protects the princess from Ser Criston?{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|[[Alicent Hightower]] to the court of [[Viserys I Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|When he looks at you, he sees the little girl you were, not the woman you've become, but I can teach you how to make him see you as a woman.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|[[Daemon Targaryen]] to [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], according to [[Mushroom]]}}

{{Quote|I saved my [[maiden]]head for you. Take it now, as proof of my love. It will mean little and less to [[Laenor Velaryon|my betrothed]], and perhaps when he learns that I am not chaste he will refuse me.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|[[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] to Criston, according to [[Mushroom]]}}

{{Quote|I'll have no songs about how brave you died, Kingmaker. There's tens o' thousands dead on your account.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|[[Pate of Longleaf]] to Criston}}

{{Quote|Criston the Kingmaker had set brother against sister and divided the [[Kingsguard]] against itself, bringing on the terrible war the singers named the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|thoughts of [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|'''Loras''': The heroes will always be remembered. The best. 
'''Jaime''': The best and the worst. And a few who were a bit of both. Like him. 
'''Loras''': Who? Ten black pellets on a scarlet field. I do not know [[House Cole|those arms]]. 
'''Jaime''': They belonged to Criston Cole, who served the [[Viserys I Targaryen|first Viserys]] and the [[Aegon II Targaryen|second Aegon]]. They called him Kingmaker.{{Ref|AFFC|16}}|[[Loras Tyrell]] and [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|My new [[Hand of the King|Hand]] is a steel fist.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Aegon II Targaryen]]}}

==Behind the Scenes==
Criston may be a homage by [[George R. R. Martin]] to [[w:Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick|Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick]], who is remembered as Warwick the Kingmaker for having supported first [[w:Edward IV of England|Edward IV]] and then [[w:Henry VI of England|Henry VI]] as King of England during the [[w:Wars of the Roses|Wars of the Roses]].

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-start}}
{{S-new}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Sworn shield]] of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]|years={{Date|105|113}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Harwin Strong]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Harrold Westerling]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]]|years={{Date|112|130}}|under=[[Viserys I Targaryen]] [[Aegon II Targaryen]]}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Willis Fell]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Otto Hightower]]}}
{{S-ttl|order=19th|title=[[Hand of the King]]|years={{Date|129|130}}|under=[[Aegon II Targaryen]]}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Cregan Stark]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Kingsguard of Viserys I}}
{{Kingsguard of Aegon II}}
{{Lords Commander of the Kingsguard}}
{{Hands of the King}}
{{Viserys I small council}}
{{Aegon II small council}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cole, Criston}}
[[Category:House Cole|Criston Cole]]
[[Category:82 AC births]]
[[Category:130 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons]]
[[Category:Characters from the Stormlands]]
[[Category:Characters with green eyes]]
[[Category:Characters with black hair]]
[[Category:Deaths by shooting]]
[[Category:Greens]]
[[Category:Hands of the King]]
[[Category:Knights]]
[[Category:Lords Commander of the Kingsguard]]
[[Category:Members of the Kingsguard]]
[[Category:Members of Viserys I Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon II Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Nobles]]
[[Category:Sworn shields]]

[[tr:Criston Cole]]
[[es:Criston Cole]]
[[fr:Criston Cole]]
[[nl:Christan Coolsch]]
[[pt:Criston Cole]]
[[ru:Кристон Коль]]
[[zh:克里斯顿·科尔]]

Butcher's Ball

2026-07-15T16:07:43Z

Breassa:

{{Battlebox
|image = [[File:Butcher's Ball.png|350px]]
|caption = The death of Criston Cole, as depicted in ''The Dance of Dragons''
|battle_name = Butcher's Ball
|conflict = [[Dance of the Dragons]]
|date = {{Date|130}}
|place = south of [[Gods Eye]], [[riverlands]]
|result = decisive victory for the [[blacks]]
| colour_scheme =
| combatant1 = [[File:House Targaryen (Aegon II).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Greens]]'''
| combatant2 = [[File:House Targaryen (Rhaenyra).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Blacks]]'''
*[[File:House Dustin.svg|20px]] [[House Dustin]]
*[[House Grey]]
| commander1 = [[File:Kingsguard.svg|20px]] Ser [[Criston Cole]]†
| commander2 = [[File:House Dustin.svg|20px]] Lord [[Roderick Dustin]] Ser [[Garibald Grey]] Ser [[Pate of Longleaf]]
| strength1 = less than 3,600
| strength2 = 300 mounted knights 300 longbowmen 3,000 archers 3,000 spearmen hundreds of [[Winter Wolves]]
| casualties1 = hundreds Ser [[Criston Cole]]†
| casualties2 = unknown
}}

The '''Butcher's Ball''' was a battle fought south of the [[Gods Eye]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Prelude==
After the [[Battle at Rook's Rest]], Aegon II was badly injured and his brother Aemond was given command of the greens' forces in King's Landing, as [[regent]] for his brother until he recovered. An aggressive young man, Aemond decided to attack the blacks' forces gathering at [[Harrenhal]] under his uncle Daemon, before they had sufficient force to strike at the capital. Aemond devised a plan to catch the river lords on two fronts, by having the Lannister army invade the riverlands from the west while he led their forces from King's Landing to attack from the east.

Aemond led a force of 4,000 men in total out of King's Landing, also led by Ser [[Criston Cole]] of the Kingsguard, now [[Hand of the King]]. Aegon II, Aemond, and Criston had previously led an army of more than 2,400 to the [[Battle at Rook's Rest]], where they lost some 800 men. While in King's Landing Aemond reconstituted his forces and sent forth all their remaining strength for the advance on Harrenhal.

This was exactly what Daemon had hoped for, however, to lure Aemond away from King's Landing - leaving only a skeleton defense force behind, enough that a smaller force from Dragonstone and Driftmark could [[Fall of King's Landing|quickly seize the capital using dragons and the Velaryon fleet]]. Combined with the betrayal of the city watch, who were still loyal to Daemon, the city fell within a single day with little fighting.

Meanwhile, the main black land army at Harrenhal did not simply wait to be caught in a pincer, but abandoned Harrenhal to attack the Lannister army in the west. They succeeded in annihilating the entire Lannister host in the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]], though with heavy losses. It was now Aemond and Criston's host who were trapped between two fronts at Harrenhal: though they still had more men as well as the great dragon Vhagar, they were caught out of position in hostile territory, and with the river lords using scorched earth tactics to deny them new provisions.

Unaware of these developments, Aemond and Criston's host advanced northwest to Harrenhal. They faced little opposition, only to find the castle abandoned. Red Robb Rivers shot down messenger-ravens from the Lannister army to the west warning of their imminent destruction, so news of the twin disasters only arrived at Harrenhal after it was already too late.

Criston and Aemond disagreed on how respond. With their supplies running low, Criston decided to march south from Harrenhal though the [[riverlands]] to join the army of [[Ormund Hightower]], [[Lord of the Hightower]], and Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]], which was marching through the [[Reach]]. Rather than accompany Criston, Aemond One-Eye flew into a rage and decided to burn the riverlands with his [[dragon]], [[Vhagar]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Criston marched out of Harrenhal with 3,600 men - having lost about 400 due to enemy raids, disease, and desertion. They traveled south along the western shore of the [[Gods Eye]] lake, but their riverlord enemies practiced scorched earth tactics, burning their own forests and villages. The blacks used guerrilla warfare against the greens, and by the day more of Criston's host deserted or joined the blacks. On one occasion the greens came across a grisly display of feasting corpses, the bodies of men who had fallen at the Fishfeed. Later at the village of [[Crossed Elms]], Criston's forces were attacked by blacks disguised as corpses, losing twelve men before realizing [[Black Trombo]]'s ruse.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Battle==
While heading toward the [[Blackwater Rush]], Ser [[Criston Cole]] led his weakened [[greens]] into an ambush at a stony ridge south of the [[Gods Eye]]. The greens were outnumbered two to one by the forces of the [[riverlands]] and the [[north]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Criston held a parley with Ser [[Garibald Grey]], Ser [[Pate of Longleaf]], and [[Roderick Dustin]], [[Lord of Barrowton]]. Criston offered to surrender, but was refused by the three blacks. Criston, a famed knight who was also the [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] for [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] in addition to being the [[Hand of the King|King's Hand]], prepared to fight all three of his counterparts at once. Before he could do so, however, the Kingmaker was struck down by arrows fired by [[Red Robb Rivers]] and two of his longbowmen.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

With Criston dead, Lord Dustin sounded the charge of the blacks' vanguard, which consisted of his [[Winter Wolves]] and the river knights. The greens quickly collapsed, with hundreds of them killed while trying to flee the ridge.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Aftermath==
After the battle, Ser [[Garibald Grey]] remarked, "Today was butchery, not battle." Upon hearing Garibald's observation, [[Mushroom]] began calling the slaughter the Butcher's Ball.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Ser [[Criston Cole]]'s death in the Butcher's Ball marked the high point of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s fortunes. However, Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] and King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] still remained to carry on the [[greens]]' cause.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Quotes==
{{quote|'''Criston''': If I strike my banners, do you promise us our lives? 
'''Garibald''': I made my promise to the dead. I told them I would build a [[sept]] for them out of [[greens|traitors']] bones. I don't have near enough bones yet, so... 
'''Criston''': If there is to be battle here, many of your own will die as well. 
'''Roderick''': That's why we come. Winter's here. Time for us to go. No better way to die than sword in hand. 
'''Criston''': As you will it. We can begin here, the four of us. One of me against the three of you. Will that be enough to make a fight of it? 
'''Pate''': I'll want three more. I'll have no songs about how brave you died, Kingmaker. There's tens o' thousands dead on your account.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|[[Criston Cole]], [[Garibald Grey]], [[Roderick Dustin]], and [[Pate of Longleaf]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Dance of the Dragons}}

[[Category:Battles]]
[[Category:Dance of the Dragons]]
[[Category:House Dustin battles]]
[[Category:House Targaryen battles]]
[[Category:Riverlands]]

[[tr:Kasap Balosu]]
[[es:Batalla del Cruce de Olmos]]
[[fr:Bal du Boucher]]
[[pt:Baile do Açougueiro]]

Maelor Targaryen

2026-07-15T13:38:25Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Maelor
| lastname = Targaryen
| arms = Targaryen
| title = Prince
| image = Maelor Targaryen by riotarttherite.jpg
| image_caption = Maelor Targaryen, by riotarttherite ©
| Alias =
| Title = [[Prince]]
| Allegiance = [[House Targaryen]] [[Greens]]
| Race = [[Valyria]]n
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Father = [[Aegon II Targaryen]]
| Mother = [[Helaena Targaryen]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth = [[King's Landing]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|127}}
| Place_of_Death = [[Bitterbridge]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
}}

Prince '''Maelor Targaryen''' was the second son and third child of King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] and his sister-wife and Queen [[Helaena Targaryen]]. Maelor had older twin siblings, brother [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]], and sister [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

==Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Maelor Targaryen|l1=Images of Maelor Targaryen}}

Maelor possessed a [[dragon egg]], that was pale green with swirls of [[silver]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==History==
===Childhood===
Maelor was born in {{Date|127}}, the third child of his parents, Prince [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]] and Princess [[Helaena Targaryen]]. In {{Date|129}}, on the third day of the third moon, Maelor, his two elder siblings, and his mother, went to visit their grandfather, King [[Viserys I Targaryen]]. While Viserys told Maelor's siblings a fictional tale<ref group="N">Elio Garcia has stated that George R. R. Martin [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/148940-inconsistencies-plot-holes-and-missing-details-in-tsotd-trp-and-tpatq/&page=7#comment-8138013 confirmed to him] that this story was made up by Viserys to entertain his grandchildren.</ref> about their great-great-grandsire, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], Maelor himself was given a [[pearl]] ring from Viserys's finger to play with. That night, King Viserys died in his sleep.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===The Dance of the Dragons===
{{Main|Dance of the Dragons}}

At the time of the death of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], Maelor was two years old. His father, [[Aegon II Targaryen]], was crowned king by the [[greens]] in [[King's Landing]], but Aegon's older half-sister, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], who had been Viserys's proclaimed heir, was crowned queen by the [[blacks]] on [[Dragonstone]]. This provoked a civil war that became known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. With his father now king, the two-year-old prince became second in line to the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

[[File:Season5Dance of DragonsRoyalApartmentsentered.png|thumb|400px|[[Helaena Targaryen]] and her three young children, [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]] (left), Maelor (middle) and [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]] (right), are surprised by [[Blood (butcher)|Blood]] and [[Cheese (ratcatcher)|Cheese]]. From ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': Histories & Lore © HBO]]

At the start of the war, Maelor's uncle, Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]], killed Prince [[Lucerys Velaryon]], the second son of Queen Rhaenyra. Her husband Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] declared vengeance, writing that there would be "An eye for an eye, a son for a son".{{Ref|TPATQ}} Sometime thereafter, two men, remembered as [[Blood (butcher)|Blood]] and [[Cheese (ratcatcher)|Cheese]], snuck into the chambers of Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] in the [[Tower of the Hand]]. As was her custom, Queen [[Helaena Targaryen]] took her three children to visit their grandmother at dusk, before they went to bed. Once Helaena entered the chambers with Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor, Blood barred the door and slew Helaena's guardsman, while Cheese snatched Maelor. Cheese told Helaena that they were two "debt collectors", and asked which one of her sons she wanted to lose. The queen offered herself but the two killers refused, telling her that it had to be a son, a boy. As the queen agonized over the decision, Cheese warned her to make a choice soon, before Blood grew bored and raped Jaehaera. The weeping Helaena eventually named her youngest child, two-year-old Maelor, who she deemed to be too young to understand what was happening. Cheese told Maelor his mother wanted him dead, then grinned at Blood, who slew Prince Jaehaerys instead, striking off the boy's head with a single blow from his sword. The two men did no further harm to Helaena, Jaehaera, or Maelor, fleeing with Jaehaerys's head in hand while Helaena screamed.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

After Jaehaerys's death, Queen Helaena became deeply depressed and slowly sank into madness, and refused to eat, bathe, or leave her chambers. She couldn't stand to be in the presence of Maelor, having named him to die. Thus, King Aegon II took Maelor from her and gave him to Queen Alicent to raise as if he were her own. With the death of his older brother, Maelor became the king's heir. The deaths of both Prince Lucerys and Prince Jaehaerys set the civil war ablaze, with both sides calling for vengeance and unwilling to show any mercy.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

[[File:Rickard Thorne.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Ser [[Rickard Thorne]] defends Maelor, as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.]]
In {{date|130}}, during the [[Fall of King's Landing]], when [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s [[dragon]]s first appeared in the skies above the city, the [[master of whisperers]] Lord [[Larys Strong]] spirited Maelor out of the city along with his father, King Aegon II, and older sister, Jaehaera. Larys led them out through a [[secret passage]] of [[Maegor's Holdfast]], of which only he had knowledge. Maelor was put in the charge of Ser [[Rickard Thorne]] of the [[Kingsguard]], who swore to bring him safely to [[Oldtown]], while the Kingsguard [[Willis Fell]] was charged to bring Jaehaera to [[Storm's End]]. After the escape, Rhaenyra posted huge rewards for information leading to the capture of Aegon, Jaehaera, Maelor, Willis Fell, Rickard Thorne, and Larys Strong. When that failed to produce anything, Rhaenyra sent out hunting parties of "[[knights inquisitor]]" to seek out the escapees, and punish anyone who helped them.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

At the [[blacks]]-held [[Bitterbridge]], while traveling incognito and claiming Maelor was his son, Rickard Thorne attempted to stay at the [[Hogs Head]], a disreputable inn, but there were no rooms left. Rickard showed a [[silver]] [[currency|stag]] to the innkeep, [[Ben Buttercakes]], and Ben allowed him to stay in the stables, if he cleaned them first. Once Rickard did so, Ben offered him a drink, as a pretext for his stableboy to search for more money in Rickard's belongings. [[Sly (stableboy)|Sly]] did not find any coins, but he did find Maelor's [[dragon egg]], wrapped in Rickard's white cloak. When Sly informed the inn's common room of his discovery, Rickard fled the inn with Maelor, slaying Ben on his way out and stealing a horse from the stables, while a mob of people followed. Not long after, Rickard was killed by crossbowmen on the city's stone bridge, though the Kingsguard clung to his charge until the end. A washerwoman, [[Willow Pound-Stone]], had to tear a crying Maelor from his arms.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

However, once the mob killed Rickard and seized Maelor, they did not know what to do with him. They debated whether to bring him to far away King's Landing for Rhaenyra's reward, or take him to nearby [[Longtable]] and the camp of the [[greens|green]] Lord [[Ormund Hightower]], who might pay more for Maelor. A fight broke out between Sly the stableboy, the crossbowman who had killed Rickard, and Willow Pound-Stone, who said no one was going to hurt her new son. It is disputed what happened next: [[Mushroom]] claims Willow Pound-Stone accidentally crushed Maelor to death, [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] says he was chopped into six pieces by a butcher so everyone might have a piece, and [[Munkun]] writes that Maelor was torn apart by the mob. All that is known for sure is that by the time [[Lady Caswell]] and her knights arrived, Maelor was dead.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

===Legacy===
[[File:Maelor_Targaryen_by_Paparinka_Art.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Maelor by Paparinka Art]]
Lady Caswell, after hanging those responsible for the prince's death, had Ser Rickard's corpse and Maelor's head sent to Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] at [[King's Landing]]. She also sent Maelor's dragon egg to Lord [[Ormund Hightower]] at [[Longtable]], in hope that it might appease his fury. Mushroom says that Rhaenyra cried when presented with Maelor's head, whereas Eustace says she smiled, and ordered that the head be cremated per [[House Targaryen#Customs|Targaryen funeral customs]]. However, false rumors spread through King's Landing, perhaps spread by Larys Strong, that Rhaenyra had Maelor's head delivered to his mother, Queen Helaena, in a chamberpot.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

When the green army commanded by Lord Ormund Hightower arrived at Bitterbridge, Lady Caswell tried to yield in exchange for a safe conduct for her and her family. However, Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]] was furious about the death of his nephew, and granted no mercy. Bitterbridge was [[Sack of Bitterbridge|sacked and burned]], while the population was executed or pushed into the [[Mander]] to drown. The Hogs Head was the first building put to the torch. Lady Caswell begged Lord Ormund to spare her children, before she publicly hanged herself from her castle's gatehouse.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Historians speculated that the subsequent suicide of Helaena Targaryen was induced by Lady [[Mysaria]] telling the queen of the death of her son Maelor and the gruesome manner it had happened.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}{{refn|group="N"|In a now deleted blog post, [[George R. R. Martin]] confirmed that hearing of Maelor's death was what drove Helaena to commit suicide, out of grief and guilt.<ref>[[Not a Blog]]: [http://web.archive.org/web/20240904154210/https://georgerrmartin.com/notablog/2024/09/04/beware-the-butterflies/ Beware the Butterflies]. George R. R. Martin (September 4, 2024). Archived and retrieved September 4, 2024.</ref>}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|You hear that, little boy? [[Helaena Targaryen|Your Momma]] wants you dead.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}|[[Cheese (ratcatcher)|Cheese]], to Maelor}}

{{Quote|The gods will curse us all for this.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|[[Lady Caswell]], in response to Maelor's death}}

{{Quote|You shall receive the same terms you gave my nephew Maelor.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|[[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]], to [[Lady Caswell]]}}

==Family==
{{Targaryen tree Dance}}

==See also==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Maelor Targaryen|l1=Images of Maelor Targaryen}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:House Targaryen]]
[[Category:127 AC births|Targaryen, Maelor]]
[[Category:130 AC deaths|Targaryen, Maelor]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons|Targaryen, Maelor]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands|Targaryen, Maelor]]
[[Category:Deaths by crushing|Targaryen, Maelor]]
[[Category:Deaths by dismemberment|Targaryen, Maelor]]
[[Category:Greens|Targaryen, Maelor]]
[[Category:Members of Viserys I Targaryen's court|Targaryen, Maelor]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon II Targaryen's court|Targaryen, Maelor]]
[[Category:Nobles|Targaryen, Maelor]]

[[tr:Maelor Targaryen]]
[[es:Maelor Targaryen]]
[[fr:Maelor Targaryen]]
[[pt:Maelor Targaryen]]
[[ru:Мейлор Таргариен]]

Hugh Hammer

2026-07-12T18:07:17Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Hugh
| lastname = Hammer
| image = [[File:Hugh Hammer.jpeg]]
| image_caption = Art by [http://enife.deviantart.com/art/The-Princess-and-the-Queen-431753079 Enife]
| Alias = Hugh the Hammer{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Hard Hugh{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} The Betrayer{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Lord Hammer{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Hard Hugh Hammer{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
| Title = [[Knight|Ser]] [[King]] (claimant)
| Allegiance = [[Blacks]] [[Greens]] [[Two Betrayers]]
| Race = Uncertain ([[Valyrians|Valyrian]] descent)
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth = [[Dragonstone]]
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death = [[Second Battle of Tumbleton|Tumbleton]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|Season 2]]
| Played_by = [[w:Kieran Bew|Kieran Bew]]
}}

'''Hugh Hammer''', called '''Hugh the Hammer''', '''Hard Hugh''', and '''Lord Hammer''', was a [[dragonseed]] who became a [[dragonrider]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Hugh is portrayed by [[w:Kieran Bew|Kieran Bew]].<ref>Deadline: [https://deadline.com/2023/12/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-cast-teaser-trailer-1235649459/ Season 2 Cast and Teaser Trailer (December 2, 2023)]</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Hugh Hammer|l1=Images of Hugh Hammer}}
Hugh was tall and huge, with hands strong enough to twist [[steel]] bars. He wielded a warhammer. Hugh was not able to read or write.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==History==
Hugh was a blacksmith's [[bastard]] on [[Dragonstone]] when the [[Dance of the Dragons]] began.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} When Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] called for dragonriders in {{Date|129}}, Hugh was allowed to mount [[Vermithor]], the [[dragon]] of the late King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Hugh fought valiantly for the [[blacks]] in the [[Battle in the Gullet]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Hugh began to call himself Hugh Hammer.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

After the [[fall of King's Landing]], Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] suggested that Hugh be wed to the daughter of the late Lord [[House Rosby|Rosby]], but Rhaenyra declined. The queen instead granted [[knight]]hood to [[Ulf White]] and Hugh and granted them lands on [[Driftmark]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} According to [[Mushroom]], Hugh beat to death one of Rhaenyra's knights in a dispute over a maiden in the [[Street of Silk]]. When Daemon suggested that Houses [[House Baratheon|Baratheon]] and [[House Lannister|Lannister]] should be destroyed for their support to King [[Aegon II Targaryen]], he proposed granting [[Casterly Rock]] to Hugh, but after Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] opposed the idea, Rhaenyra refused the suggestion.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

In {{Date|130}}, Ulf and Hugh were sent to help the [[blacks]] defend the town of [[Tumbleton]] from Lord [[Ormund Hightower]]'s approaching host. During the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]], however, the [[Two Betrayers]] defected to the [[greens]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Calling himself Lord Hammer, Hugh desired to become a king. He gained support from the soldiery who believed a [[prophecy]] which spoke of a new king arising once a hammer falls on a dragon.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}<ref group="N">The prophecy was not fulfilled by Hugh during the Dance. However, it did come true a century and a half later when Lord [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]] led a [[Robert's Rebellion|rebellion]] against the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]] and used his warhammer to kill Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] at the decisive [[Battle of the Trident]].</ref> Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]] threw wine in his face when he made his claim known, and Hugh threatened to beat the boy. The next day Hugh wore a crown of black iron, which Ser [[Roger Corne]] knocked off. Hugh nailed three horseshoes to Roger's skull, and the ensuing fight between Hugh's and Roger's supporters led to three dead and twelve wounded. Hugh slept with the widow of a knight whom he had killed during First Tumbleton.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

The [[Caltrops]] conspired to kill Hugh and Ulf, but their plans were interrupted by the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]]. While Hugh was preparing for battle, Ser [[Jon Roxton]] killed the dragonseed with his [[Valyrian steel]] blade, [[Orphan-Maker]]. Jon was killed in turn by Hugh's men, allegedly after slipping on one of Hugh's entrails.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Quotes by Hugh==
{{Quote|Why be a [[lord]] when you can be a [[king]]?{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|Hugh to his supporters}}

{{quote|We need a strong man to lead us, not [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|a boy]]. [[Iron Throne|The throne]] should be mine.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}|Hugh to the [[greens]]}}

{{quote|'''Jon''': Lord Hammer, my condolences. '''Hugh''': For what? '''Jon''': You died in [[Second Battle of Tumbleton|the battle]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}|[[Jon Roxton]] and Hugh}}

==Quotes about Hugh==
{{quote|A crown does not make a man a king. You should wear a horseshoe on your head, blacksmith.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}|[[Roger Corne]] to Hugh}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Kings of Westeros}}

[[Category:130 AC deaths|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:Bastards|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:Blacks|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:Blacksmiths|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:Claimants to the Iron Throne|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:Greens|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:Dragonriders|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:Dragonseeds|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:House Targaryen retainers|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:Knights|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:Landed knights|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:Lowborn nobles|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:Smallfolk|Hammer, Hugh]]
[[Category:Turncloaks in the Dance of the Dragons|Hammer, Hugh]]

[[tr:Çekiç Hugh]]
[[es:Hugh Martillo]]
[[fr:Hugh Marteau]]
[[nl:Hugo Hamer]]
[[pt:Hugh Martelo]]
[[ru:Хью Молот]]

Jaehaera Targaryen

2026-07-12T08:47:02Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox character
| title = Queen
| firstname = Jaehaera
| lastname = Targaryen
| arms = Targaryen
| image = Jaehaera Targaryen by riotarttherite.jpg
| image_caption = Jaehaera Targaryen, by riotarttherite ©
| Alias =
| Title = [[Prince]]ss Queen
| Allegiance = [[House Targaryen]] [[Greens]]
| Race = [[Valyria]]n
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Father = [[Aegon II Targaryen]]
| Mother = [[Helaena Targaryen]]
| Spouse = King [[Aegon III Targaryen]]
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|123}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
| Place_of_Death = [[King's Landing]]
| Date_of_Death = 22nd day of the 9th moon of {{Date|133}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| Coat-of-arms =
| Played_by =
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|2]]
}}

Princess '''Jaehaera Targaryen''' was the daughter of King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] and his sister-wife and Queen [[Helaena Targaryen]]. She was the first wife and queen of her cousin King [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. Jaehaera had a twin brother, [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]], and a younger brother, [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]]. The [[dragon]] [[Morghul]] was bound to Jaehaera.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Jaehaera Targaryen|l1=Images of Jaehaera Targaryen}}
Jaehaera was born tiny and slow to grow. She did not cry or smile or act as babies normally do.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Her lack of emotion continued as she grew older.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}} Jaehaera is described as a sweet and [[Lackwit|simple]] girl at the time of the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} In the aftermath of the war, Jaehaera was a joyless child. She would wet the bed and weep uncontrollably when corrected. When she was eight years old, her ladies said she was more like a child nearing four.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

==History==
===Early life===
Princess Jaehaera was born in the year {{Date|123}}, barely a year after her parents had wed. A [[dragon egg]] was placed in Jaehaera's cradle, and another was placed in the cradle of her twin brother, Prince [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]]. Both eggs soon hatched, and for Jaehaera, the dragon [[Morghul]] was born.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

That same year, two of Jaehaera's half-siblings were born: a boy, whose mother was a [[whore]] in the [[Street of Silk]], and a girl, whose mother was a maidservant of Jaehaerys's grandmother, Queen [[Alicent Hightower]]. In {{Date|127}}, Jaehaera's trueborn brother Prince [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]] was born.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|TPATQ}}

In {{Date|129}}, on the third day of the third moon, Jaehaera, her brother Jaehaerys and Maelor, and their mother, Princess [[Helaena Targaryen]], went to visit their grandfather, King [[Viserys I Targaryen]]. There, Jaehaera listened to a fictional tale{{Refn|group="N"|Elio García has stated that George R. R. Martin confirmed to him that this story was made up by Viserys to entertain his grandchildren.<ref>A Forum of Ice and Fire: [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/148940-inconsistencies-plot-holes-and-missing-details-in-tsotd-trp-and-tpatq/page/7/#comment-8138013 Inconsistencies, plot holes, and missing details in TSOTD, TRP, and TPATQ] (February 28, 2018)</ref>}} Viserys told, about their great-great-grandsire, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], Jaehaerys's namesake, and how he had flown north of the [[Wall]] on his [[dragon]] to fight against [[wildlings]], [[giants]], and [[warg]]s. That night, King Viserys died in his sleep.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===The Dance of the Dragons===
{{Main|Dance of the Dragons}}

At the time of the death of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], Jaehaera and her twin were six years old. Her father, [[Aegon II Targaryen]], was crowned king by the [[greens]] in [[King's Landing]], but Aegon's older half-sister, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], who had been Viserys's proclaimed heir, was crowned queen by the [[blacks]] on [[Dragonstone]]. This provoked a civil war that became known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. With her father now king, Princess Jaehaera became third in line to the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

[[File:Season5Dance of DragonsRoyalApartmentsentered.png|thumb|400px|[[Helaena Targaryen]] and her three young children, Jaehaera (left), [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]] (middle) and [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]] (right), are surprised by [[Blood (butcher)|Blood]] and [[Cheese (ratcatcher)|Cheese]]. From ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': Histories & Lore © HBO]]

At the start of the war, Jaehaera's uncle, Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]], killed Prince [[Lucerys Velaryon]], the second son of Queen Rhaenyra. Her husband Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] declared vengeance, writing that there would be "An eye for an eye, a son for a son".{{Ref|TPATQ}} Sometime thereafter, two men, remembered as [[Blood (the butcher)|Blood]] and [[Cheese (the rat-catcher)|Cheese]], snuck into the chambers of Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] in the [[Tower of the Hand]]. As was her custom, Queen [[Helaena Targaryen]] took her three children to visit their grandmother at dusk, before they went to bed. Once Helaena entered the chambers with Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor, Blood barred the door and slew Helaena's guardsman, while Cheese snatched Maelor. Cheese told Helaena that they were two "debt collectors", and asked which one of her sons she wanted to lose. The queen offered herself but the two killers refused, telling her that it had to be a son, a boy. As the queen agonized over the decision, Cheese warned her to make a choice soon, before Blood grew bored and raped Jaehaera. The weeping Helaena eventually named her youngest child, two-year-old Maelor. Cheese told Maelor his mother wanted him dead, then grinned at Blood, who slew Prince Jaehaerys instead, striking off the boy's head with a single blow from his sword. The two men did no further harm to Helaena, Jaehaera, or Maelor, fleeing with Jaehaerys's head in hand while Helaena screamed. The deaths of both Prince Lucerys and Prince Jaehaerys set the civil war ablaze, with both sides calling for vengeance and unwilling to show any mercy.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

In {{date|130}} during the [[Fall of King's Landing]], when [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s [[dragon]]s first appeared in the skies above the city, the [[master of whisperers]] Lord [[Larys Strong]] spirited Jaehaera out of the city along with her father, King [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]], and younger brother, [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]]. Larys led them out through a [[secret passage]] of [[Maegor's Holdfast]], of which only he had knowledge. Jaehaera was put in the charge of Ser [[Willis Fell]] of the [[Kingsguard]], who swore to bring her safely to [[Storm's End]], while the Kingsguard [[Rickard Thorne]] was charged to bring Maelor to [[Oldtown]]. After the escape, Rhaenyra posted huge rewards for information leading to the capture of Aegon, Jaehaera, Maelor, Willis Fell, Rickard Thorne, and Larys Strong. When that failed to produce anything, Rhaenyra sent out hunting parties of "[[knights inquisitor]]" to seek out the escapees, and punish anyone who helped them.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Following the deaths of her parents, brothers, uncles, and dragon in the Dance, and the victory of the [[blacks]], Jaehaera [[Wedding of Aegon III Targaryen and Jaehaera Targaryen|was married]] to her cousin, King [[Aegon III Targaryen]], as part of the peace agreement. Since she was eight years old at the time of the [[marriage]] and Aegon was eleven, it was not consummated.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} Jaehaera's grandmother was rarely allowed contact with her at this time. When they finally did share a meal, Alicent told her to slit her husband's throat in his sleep, setting the child to screaming. Jaehaera's marriage was troubled from the start. The children had little contact with each other except for formal occasions, which were rare because Jaehaera disliked leaving her chambers. Munkun observed that both children were broken and joyless after the losing nearly their entire family, some of whose murders they had witnessed. Jaehaera would not laugh or play and was prone to wetting the bed and weeping. Some also feared what might happen if Aegon died without an heir, given that Jaehaera's claim to the throne was as strong as his was.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

===Death===
[[File:Jaehaera_Targaryen_by_Lopata_4.jpg|thumb|Jaehaera by Lopata Four ©]]
{{Main|Regency of Aegon III}}
Two years after her marriage, Jaehaera reportedly threw herself from her window in [[Maegor's Holdfast]], and was impaled on the spikes of the dry moat below. She lived for a half hour in agony before her death. With her, ended the line of the marriage of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] and his second wife, Queen [[Alicent Hightower]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}

Jaehaera's death was officially deemed a suicide, akin to that of her mother, Queen [[Helaena Targaryen]]. However, many suspected that she had been murdered at the instigation of Lord [[Unwin Peake]], the [[Hand of the King]] and one of the [[Regency of Aegon III|seven regents]] of Aegon III, as Unwin hoped to marry [[Myrielle Peake|his own daughter]] to Aegon instead. It was variously suggested that Jaehaera had been murdered by Ser [[Mervyn Flowers]] of the [[Kingsguard]], [[bastard]] half-brother of Lord Peake, who had been guarding at the door to her bedchamber when she died; or that Mervyn had merely stood aside to allow [[Tessario|Tessario the Tiger]], a [[sellsword]] in Lord Peake's service, to do the deed.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|These are not normal children. They have no joy in them; they neither laugh nor play. The girl wets her bed at night and weeps inconsolably when she is corrected. Her own ladies say that she is eight, going on four. Had I not laced her milk with sweetsleep before the wedding, I am convinced the child would have collapsed during the ceremony.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}|[[Grand Maester]] [[Munkun]]}}

==Family==
{{Targaryen tree Dance}}

==Behind the Scenes==
In a 1999 draft of the Targaryen family tree, she was not named Jaehaera. To Elio Garcia's recollection, she may have been named "Maelyra."<ref>Westeros.org: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCNEbNxXxT8 Odds and Ends 02] (10 July, 2024)</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Helaena Targaryen]]}}
{{S-ttl|order=14th|title=queen consort of the [[Seven Kingdoms]]|years={{Date|131|133}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Daenaera Velaryon]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Royal consorts of Westeros}}

[[Category:House Targaryen]]
[[Category:123 AC births|Targaryen, Jaehaera]]
[[Category:133 AC deaths|Targaryen, Jaehaera]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands|Targaryen, Jaehaera]]
[[Category:Deaths by impalement|Targaryen, Jaehaera]]
[[Category:Deaths by defenestration|Targaryen, Jaehaera]]
[[Category:Greens|Targaryen, Jaehaera]]
[[Category:Members of Viserys I Targaryen's court|Targaryen, Jaehaera]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon II Targaryen's court|Targaryen, Jaehaera]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon III Targaryen's court|Targaryen, Jaehaera]]
[[Category:Noblewomen|Targaryen, Jaehaera]]
[[Category:Royal consorts|Targaryen, Jaehaera]]
[[Category:Twins|Targaryen, Jaehaera]]

[[tr:Jaehaera Targaryen]]
[[es:Jaehaera Targaryen]]
[[fr:Jaehaera Targaryen]]
[[pt:Jaehaera Targaryen]]
[[ru:Джейхейра Таргариен]]

Second Battle of Tumbleton

2026-07-11T17:46:37Z

Breassa:

{{Battlebox
|image = [[File:Second Battle of Tumbleton.jpg|300px]]
|caption = [[Vermithor]] after killing [[Seasmoke]] during in Second Battle of Tumbleton as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.
|battle_name = Second Battle of Tumbleton
|conflict = [[Dance of the Dragons]]
|date = {{Date|130}}
|place = [[Tumbleton]]
|result = Victory for the [[blacks]]
| colour_scheme =
| combatant1 = [[File:House Targaryen (Rhaenyra).svg|30px]] '''[[Blacks]]'''
*[[File:House Blackwood.svg|20px]] [[House Blackwood]]
*[[File:House Darry.svg|20px]] [[House Darry]]
*[[House Deddings]]
*[[File:House Frey.svg|20px]] [[House Frey]]
*[[File:House Piper.svg|20px]] [[House Piper]]
*[[File:House Smallwood.svg|20px]] [[House Smallwood]]
*[[File:House Tully.svg|20px]] [[House Tully]]
*[[File:House Vance (Wayfarer's Rest).svg|20px]] [[House Vance of Wayfarer's Rest|House Vance]]
*[[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] [[House Velaryon]]
*[[File:House Vypren.svg|20px]] [[House Vypren]]
| combatant2 = [[File:House Targaryen (Aegon II).svg|30px]] '''[[Greens]]'''
*[[File:House Ambrose.svg|20px]] [[House Ambrose]]
*[[File:House Fossoway of Cider Hall.svg|20px]] [[House Fossoway of Cider Hall|House Fossoway]]
*[[File:House Graceford.svg|20px]] [[House Graceford]]
*[[File:House Hightower.svg|20px]] [[House Hightower]]
*[[File:House Leygood.svg|20px]] [[House Leygood]]
*[[File:House Norcross.svg|20px]] [[House Norcross]]
*[[File:House Peake.svg|20px]] [[House Peake]]
*[[File:House Risley.svg|20px]] [[House Risley]]
*[[House Rodden]]
*[[File:House Roxton.svg|20px]] [[House Roxton]]
*[[File:House Targaryen.svg|20px]] [[House Targaryen]]
| commander1 = [[File:House Velaryon.svg|20px]] Ser [[Addam Velaryon]]† [[File:House Tully.svg|20px]] Ser [[Elmo Tully]] [[File:House Blackwood.svg|20px]] Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood]] [[File:House Vance (Wayfarer's Rest).svg|20px]] Lord [[Hugo Vance]] [[File:House Darry.svg|20px]] Lord [[Derrick Darry]] [[File:House Smallwood.svg|20px]] Lord [[Joseth Smallwood]] Lord [[Lyonel Deddings]]† [[File:House Frey.svg|20px]] Lady [[Sabitha Frey]] [[File:House Piper.svg|20px]] Lord [[Stanton Piper]]†
| commander2 = [[File:House Hightower.svg|20px]] Ser [[Hobert Hightower]] [[File:House Targaryen.svg|20px]] Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Dareon Targaryen]]† Lord [[Hugh Hammer]]† [[File:House Peake.svg|20px]] Lord [[Unwin Peake]]
| strength1 = Near 4,000 [[Riverlands|rivermen]] 
*House Tully's fresh and full strength forces were the largest component
*From the other Houses, scraped-together survivors of previous battles supplemented by new levies of old men and young boys
Addam on [[Seasmoke]]†
| strength2 = Thousands from [[the Reach]] (including 100 knights and 900 men-at-arms under Lord [[Unwin Peake]]) [[Vermithor]]+ (riderless) [[Silverwing]] (riderless) [[Tessarion]]† (riderless)
| casualties1 = Less than 100 Ser [[Addam Velaryon]]† Lord [[Stanton Piper]]† Lord [[Lyonel Deddings]]† [[Seasmoke]]†
| casualties2 = More than 1,000 Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Dareon Targaryen]]† Lord [[Hugh Hammer]]† Lord [[Owen Fossoway]]† [[Marq Ambrose]]† Lord [[Jon Roxton]]† [[Richard Rodden]] † [[Vermithor]]† [[Tessarion]]†
}}

The '''Second Battle of Tumbleton''' or simply '''Second Tumbleton''' was a battle during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. It took place between [[the greens]] and [[the blacks]] at the town of [[Tumbleton]] in [[the Reach]], which was already ravaged from the earlier [[First Battle of Tumbleton]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}

==Prelude==
During the [[Battle of Tumbleton]], the market town of Tumbleton was [[Two Betrayers|betrayed]] by Ser [[Ulf White]] and Ser [[Hugh Hammer]], who had the dragons [[Vermithor]] and [[Silverwing]] burn the town. The greens then sacked the town and executed blacks who surrendered. Ser [[Hobert Hightower]] was the most senior Hightower remaining in the green army, as his cousin, Lord [[Ormund Hightower]], had been killed in the previous battle. Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]], sickened by the sack of Tumbleton, ordered Hobert to put a stop to the victors' behavior, but Hobert failed to do so.{{Ref|TPATQ}}

Ulf and Hugh were reluctant to help Daeron advance toward [[King's Landing]]. Lord [[Unwin Peake]] wanted to wait until the greens were reinforced by Lord [[Borros Baratheon]], while Hobert Hightower desired to retreat to gather supplies from the Reach. The greens' inaction caused their great host to slowly dissipate through desertion and disease.{{Ref|TPATQ}}

After hearing of unrest in King's Landing against the rule of Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], younger nobles such as Ser [[Jon Roxton]], Ser [[Roger Corne]], and Lord Peake called for advancing on the capital, but Hobert preached caution and the Two Betrayers remained stubborn. When Hugh crowned himself king and had his men attack Roger, thirteen loyalist lords known as the [[Caltrops]] plotted against the two baseborn dragonriders.{{Ref|TPATQ}}

Meanwhile, the baseborn dragonrider Ser [[Addam Velaryon]], whom Rhaenyra had condemned after hearing of the Two Betrayers, was resolved to defend his honor by retaking Tumbleton from Ulf and Hugh. He fled from King's Landing atop [[Seasmoke]] and allegedly sought counsel from the [[Green Men]] on the [[Isle of Faces]]. Addam set out to recruit a new army from the rivermen, by visiting every castle great or small and scraping together survivors of previous battles, along with old men and young boys. A brave and charming young man and glib of tongue, Addam succeeded in convincing many lords to contribute what aid they could - due to a combination of being impressed by his dragon, and being terrified of what green victory in the war would mean for them after the horrific sack of Tumbleton. Among them were [[Benjicot Blackwood]], the 12 year old Lord of Raventree Hall (whose father had died in the [[Battle of the Burning Mill]], and who later fought in the Fishfeed); [[Sabitha Vypren]], widowed Lady of the Twins whose husband Lord Frey had died fighting in the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]], who was now also joined by her father and brothers from [[House Vypren]]; Lord [[Stanton Piper]] and Lord [[Joseth Smallwood]] (who had survived defeat in the earlier [[Battle at Acorn Hall]]); Lord [[Derrick Darry]] (leading the survivors of Castle Darry after [[Vhagar]] burned it, killing the original Lord Darry); and Lord [[Lyonel Deddings]]. [[Hugo Vance (lord)|Hugo Vance]], the new Lord of [[House Vance of Wayfarer's Rest]] after the death of [[Tristan Vance]] at the [[Battle of the Red Fork]], came with three hundred of his own men plus [[Black Trombo]]'s company of [[Myr|Myrish]] sellswords (Hugo and Trombo had earlier fought in the [[Butcher's Ball]], destroying Ser [[Criston Cole]]'s trapped army). Most notably, [[House Tully]] finally joined the war, with its army full strength and fresh. Seasmoke's arrival and the fate of Tumbleton finally convinced the reluctant [[Elmo Tully]] to end their neutrality, against the wishes of his bedridden grandsire Lord [[Grover Tully]]. Altogether, Addam collected together a new army of rivermen nearly 4,000 strong.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Battle==
[[File:Death of Vermithor by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|350px|right|[[Silverwing]] and [[Vermithor]], by Jota Saraiva]]
On the day on which the Caltrops had decided to enact their coup against Ulf and Hugh, the greens in Tumbleton were awakened in the night by sounds of battle. Though Addam's 4,000 rivermen were outnumbered, they had the advantage of surprise. Columns of knights attacked from the north and the west, while archers fired their arrows. Seasmoke's dragonfire burned the greens' camps outside of Tumbleton, as well as buildings in the town which had survived its earlier sack.

Ulf White slept through the battle within the [[Bawdy Badger]], an inn in Tumbleton. Hugh Hammer rushed to the stables so he could ride to Vermithor, but he was slain by one of the Caltrops, Lord [[Jon Roxton]]. Prince Daeron the Daring died amongst his camp west of the town, although his method of death is disputed. The blacks tried to kill the sleeping Silverwing and Vermithor in the fields south of Tumbleton, but failed to do so. The riderless Vermithor slew two score knights who attacked him, then took to the air and fought indiscriminately. Lords [[Stanton Piper]] and [[Lyonel Deddings]] were burned by the dragon.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Addam and Seasmoke had been battling Daeron's dragon, [[Tessarion]], in a nimble fight. When Addam saw the raging Vermithor, he redirected Seasmoke to the larger dragon. Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood]] believed that Vermithor would have torn Seasmoke to pieces, but Tessarion suddenly joined the brawl and all three dragons fought. Vermithor slew Seasmoke, but then collapsed and died shortly after. Tessarion failed to take flight three times, so Lord Blackwood has his best archer, [[Billy Burley]], mercy kill the Blue Queen.{{Ref|TPATQ}}

The battle ended at dusk.{{Ref|TPATQ}}

==Aftermath==
The blacks were victorious in the Second Battle of Tumbleton, but their victory was incomplete. Although the river lords lost less than a hundred men and slew more than a thousand of [[Hobert Hightower]]'s green army, the blacks failed to retake Tumbleton. King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s green survivors retreated into Tumbleton and sealed the gates. The blacks, lacking siege equipment, retreated during the night after the battle. Three of the four dragons died, with only [[Silverwing]] surviving. The Caltrops continued their plotting against [[Ulf White]]; Hobert and Ulf died from drinking poisoned wine. Lord [[Unwin Peake]] succeeded Hobert as commander, but the great host which had marched from Oldtown was wracked with plundering deserters. Lord Peake led the remainder in a retreat from Tumbleton, ending the green threat to King's Landing.{{Ref|TPATQ}}

Apart from the losses in dragons, the battle was a decisive victory for the blacks, with under 100 men lost compared to over 1,000 greens killed despite their numerical superiority. Ultimately the battle was also a strategic victory for the blacks, given that the disintegrating Hightower army had to withdraw back to the south. Even so, while Addam's sacrifice had saved King's Landing from the Hightower army, the blacks had lost control of King's Landing itself anyway, when due to fear at the approach of the Hightowers the city was [[Riot of King's Landing (the Dance of the Dragons)|plunged into chaotic riots]]. Lord [[Grover Tully]] passed away shortly after Second Tumbleton, allowing Ser [[Elmo Tully]] to briefly become Lord of [[Riverrun]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Riverlands: House Tully}} The mostly intact river lord army of nearly 4,000 regrouped at Riverrun, where Elmo continued to gather more men - including the Mallisters and the Brackens - until within about two months their combined forces increased to nearly 6,000 men, and they marched east to face the Baratheon host in the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]] outside of King's Landing.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|The [[dragon]] was [[Seasmoke]], his rider Ser [[Addam Velaryon]], determined to prove that not all [[bastard]]s need be turncloaks. How better to do that than by retaking [[Tumbleton]] from the [[Two Betrayers]], whose treason had stained him?{{Ref|TPATQ}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Dance of the Dragons}}

[[Category:Dance of the Dragons|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:Battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:The Reach]]
[[Category:Tumbleton]]
[[Category:House Ambrose battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Blackwood battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Darry battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Deddings battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Frey battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Fossoway of Cider Hall battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Graceford battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Hightower battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Leygood battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Norcross battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Peake battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Piper battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Risley battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Rodden battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Roxton battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Smallwood battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Tully battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Vance of Wayfarer's Rest battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Velaryon battles|Tumbleton 2]]
[[Category:House Vypren battles|Tumbleton 2]]

[[tr:İkinci Tumbleton Savaşı]]
[[es:Segunda batalla de Ladera]]
[[fr:Seconde bataille de Chutebourg]]
[[pt:Segunda Batalha de Tumbleton]]
[[ru:Вторая битва при Тамблтоне]]

Two Betrayers

2026-07-11T17:45:37Z

Breassa:

The '''Two Betrayers''' is the historical reference given to [[Ulf White]] and [[Hugh Hammer]], two [[dragonseed]]s who betrayed the [[blacks]] for the [[greens]] in the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]] and had [[Silverwing]] and [[Vermithor]] [[Dragonflame|burn]] the market town of [[Tumbleton]].

==Quotes==
{{Quote|As neither man could read nor write, we shall never know what drove the Two Betrayers (as history has named them) [[First Battle of Tumbleton|to do what they did]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Bastards]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands]]
[[Category:Collective nicknames]]
[[Category:Dance of the Dragons]]
[[Category:Dragonriders]]
[[Category:Dragonseeds]]
[[Category:Lowborn nobles]]
[[Category:Smallfolk]]

[[tr:İki Hain]]
[[es:Dos Traidores]]
[[fr:Deux Traîtres]]
[[pt:Dois Traidores]]

First Battle of Tumbleton

2026-07-11T17:25:23Z

Breassa:

{{Battlebox
|image = [[File:First Battle of Tumbleton.jpg|300px]]
|caption = First Battle of Tumbleton as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.
|battle_name = First Battle of Tumbleton
|conflict = [[Dance of the Dragons]]
|date = {{Date|130}}
|place = [[Tumbleton]]
|result = Victory for the [[greens]]
| colour_scheme =
| combatant1 = [[File:House Targaryen (Rhaenyra).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Blacks]]'''
*[[File:House Caswell.svg|20px]] [[House Caswell]]
*[[File:House Dustin.svg|20px]] [[House Dustin]]
*[[File:House Footly.svg|20px]] [[House Footly]]
*[[House Grey]]
*[[File:House Merryweather.svg|20px]] [[House Merryweather]]
| combatant2 = [[File:House Targaryen (Aegon II).svg|30px]] '''[[House Targaryen]]/[[Greens]]'''
*[[House Bourney]]
*[[File:House Hightower.svg|20px]] [[House Hightower]]
*[[File:House Peake.svg|20px]] [[House Peake]]<ref group="N" name="Combatant">House Peake and House Roxton are not directly mentioned at this battle. However, they are known to have been part of the [[House Hightower|Hightower]] host at the [[Battle of the Honeywine]] and the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]]. Therefore it can be assumed that Peakes and Roxtons were present at this battle.</ref>
*[[File:House Roxton.svg|20px]] [[House Roxton]]<ref group="N" name="Combatant">House Peake and House Roxton are not directly mentioned at this battle. However, they are known to have been part of the [[House Hightower|Hightower]] host at the [[Battle of the Honeywine]] and the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]]. Therefore it can be assumed that Peakes and Roxtons were present at this battle.</ref>
*[[File:House Targaryen.svg|20px]] [[House Targaryen]]
| commander1 = Ser [[Garibald Grey]]† [[File:House Dustin.svg|20px]] Lord [[Roderick Dustin]]† [[File:House Footly.svg|20px]] [[Lord Footly]]†
| commander2 = [[File:House Hightower.svg|20px]] Lord [[Ormund Hightower]]† [[File:House Targaryen.svg|20px]] Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]] Ser [[Ulf White]] (switched) Ser [[Hugh Hammer]] (switched)
| strength1 = Tumbleton garrison (<40 men) Between 6,000 and 12,000 (including the [[Winter Wolves]])
| strength2 = Significantly more than 9,000 Daeron on [[Tessarion]] Hugh on [[Vermithor]] (post-betrayal) Ulf on [[Silverwing]] (post-betrayal)
| casualties1 = Ser [[Garibald Grey]]† Lord [[Roderick Dustin]]† Ser [[Pate of Longleaf]]† Ser [[Merrell the Bold]]† [[Lord Footly]]† All the Tumbleton garrison Thousands of townspeople
| casualties2 = Lord [[Ormund Hightower]]† Ser [[Bryndon Hightower]]†
}}

The '''Battle of Tumbleton''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} '''First Battle of Tumbleton''',{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} or simply '''First Tumbleton'''{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} was a battle fought between the [[greens]] and the [[blacks]] at [[Tumbleton]] in the [[Reach]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. It was known for the '''Treasons of Tumbleton''', in which the [[Two Betrayers]] burnt the town with [[dragonfire]], and the ensuing sack of Tumbleton by the victors. It was followed by another battle, the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]].

==Prelude==
Lord [[Ormund Hightower]] led an army of [[greens]] from the [[Reach]] toward [[King's Landing]], which at the time was held by Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and the [[blacks]]. Ser [[Ulf White]] and Ser [[Hugh Hammer|Hard Hugh Hammer]] were sent with their dragons, [[Vermithor]] and [[Silverwing]], to [[Tumbleton]], the seat of [[House Footly]] and the last stronghold of Rhaenyra's between the capital and Ormund's advancing army.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

The blacks defending the market town including thousands from [[House Caswell]] of [[Bitterbridge]], [[House Merryweather]] of [[Longtable]], and lands farther south. Ser [[Garibald Grey]], Ser [[Pate of Longleaf]], [[Robb Rivers|Red Robb Rivers]], and the [[Winter Wolves]] of Lord [[Roderick Dustin]] arrived victorious from the [[Butcher's Ball]]. Other defenders came from the [[Blackwater Rush]], including [[Moslander of Yore]], Ser [[Garrick Hall]], Ser [[Merrell the Bold]], Ser [[Roger Corne]], and Lord [[Owain Bourney]]. Total numbers vary between six thousand and twelve thousand, with ''[[True Telling]]'' using nearly nine thousand.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

The greens greatly outnumbered the blacks. Some greens infiltrated the town as refugees, and Roger and Owain were secretly loyal to King [[Aegon II Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Battle==
At the start of the battle, Ser [[Garibald Grey]] led six thousand blacks against the troops of Lord [[Ormund Hightower]], whose archers thinned Garibald's ranks. The bowmen of [[Robb Rivers]] defended Garibald's men as they retreated from Ormund's heavy horse. Lord [[Roderick Dustin]] then lead the [[Winter Wolves]] out a postern gate against the Hightowers. Although the [[northmen]] were outnumbered ten-to-one, the Winter Wolves managed to reach the commander of the greens. Roderick slew Ormund and his cousin, Ser [[Bryndon Hightower]], before succumbing to his wounds.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

The appearance of the dragon [[Tessarion]], mount of Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]], across the field did not dismay Tumbleton's defenders, as Tessarion was smaller than [[Vermithor]] and [[Silverwing]]. The defenders of Tumbleton thought the battle was won when the Hightowers were killed, but the [[Two Betrayers]], Ser [[Hugh Hammer]] and Ser [[Ulf White]], turned their dragons upon the town.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Buildings throughout Tumbleton burned to ash, and thousands burned to death or drowned trying to cross the [[Mander]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Outside of the walls, Ser [[Pate of Longleaf]] was unhorsed and trampled, while Garibald was burned by Tessarion's [[dragonflame]]. Ser [[Roger Corne]]'s men opened Tumbleton's gates to the greens, and Lord [[Owain Bourney]] betrayed Ser [[Merrell the Bold]] within the town's castle. Lord [[House Footly|Footly's]] men yielded, but they were then bound and beheaded by the greens.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Sack==
The battle was followed by a chaotic and lengthy sack of [[Tumbleton]] by the victorious green soldiers, who were left leaderless with the death of Lord [[Ormund Hightower]]. Women throughout the town were raped, including crones and girls as young as eight, and not even [[septa]]s and [[silent sisters]] were spared. Drunken soldiers killed every male they found, including old men and boys. Homes and shops were looted by bands of greens, and wealthy townspeople were tortured to reveal hidden fortunes. Even babies were impaled upon spears.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Ser [[Jon Roxton]] killed [[Lord Footly]] and claimed Lady [[Sharis Footly]] as a "prize of war",{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} and Ser [[Ulf White]] allegedly raped three maidens each night.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]] urged the most senior Hightower at Tumbleton, Ser [[Hobert Hightower|Hobert]], to bring the soldiers under control, but the unremarkable Hobert was unable to. Other nobles squabbled amongst themselves, and Lord [[Unwin Peake]] killed Lord [[Owain Bourney]] during a war council.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Aftermath==
After hearing of the Battle of Tumbleton and the blacks' defeat, Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] is said to have laughed, promising, "All they have sowed, now shall they reap."{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Many in [[King's Landing]] tried to flee, fearing that the fate of Tumbleton would happen to the capital, but Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] had the [[gold cloaks]] seal the city's gates.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Remaining at Tumbleton instead of continuing on to King's Landing, the green army diminished daily as men deserted with their plunder.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Disapproval of the Two Betrayers led to the formation of the [[Caltrops]] by highborn nobles,{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} and the greens then faced Ser [[Addam Velaryon]] and an army of rivermen in the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|It was the [[Field of Fire]] writ small, Grand Maester [[Munkun]] wrote.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

{{Quote|Seldom has any town or city in the history of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] been subject to as long or as cruel or as savage a sack as [[Tumbleton]] after the Treasons.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Dance of the Dragons}}

[[Category:Battles|Tumbleton 1]]
[[Category:Dance of the Dragons|Tumbleton 1]]
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[[Category:House Caswell battles|Tumbleton]]
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[[Category:House Footly battles|Tumbleton]]
[[Category:House Hightower battles|Tumbleton]]
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[[Category:House Targaryen battles|Tumbleton]]

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[[fr:Bataille de Chutebourg]]
[[pt:Primeira Batalha de Tumbleton]]
[[ru:Первая битва при Тамблтоне]]

Long Night

2026-07-11T16:20:40Z

Breassa:

[[File:The long night.jpg|thumb|350px|The Long Night that lasted a generation, from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' Blu-ray]]

{{For|the canceled TV series|Bloodmoon}}
The '''Long Night''' is how the [[Westeros]]i refer to a period when a terrible darkness fell across the [[known world]]. It occurred during the [[Age of Heroes]] approximately six{{Ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: The Long Night}} or eight thousand years before [[Aegon's Conquest]], in the midst of a great winter that lasted for years. The Long Night lasted a generation and laid waste through famine and terror.{{ref|AGOT|24}}

==History==
===Westeros===
[[File:Long night wight.jpg|thumb|350px|Raising the dead to fight the living, from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' Blu-ray]]
According to [[Westeros]]i legends, in the midst of this darkness a race of apparent demons, called the [[Others]], emerged from the uttermost north of Westeros, the polar regions of the [[Lands of Always Winter]]. They wielded razor-thin swords of ice and raised [[wight]]s to fight the living. The [[children of the forest]] and their allies, the [[First Men]], fought valiantly against them, but were driven southwards by their advance.{{Ref|AGOT|24}}

The Others were eventually checked when it was discovered that weapons made of [[dragonglass]] could kill them.{{ref|ASOS|33}} Legends from the [[north]] claim that the [[last hero]] made contact with the children.{{ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Long Night}} The first members of the [[Night's Watch]] drove the Others back in the [[Battle for the Dawn]].{{ref|ACOK|21}}

Steps were taken to ensure that the people would never be caught off guard by an invasion from the north again. [[Brandon the Builder|Bran the Builder]] supposedly raised the [[Wall]],{{ref|AGOT|24}} an imposing structure of solid ice and [[magic]], stretching one hundred leagues from the [[Gorge]] in the west to the [[Shivering Sea]] in the east, cutting off the Lands of Always Winter from the remainder of Westeros. The Night's Watch guarded the Wall and protected the people from threats [[beyond the Wall]].

It is said that the enmity between Houses Stark and [[House Bolton|Bolton]] goes back to the Long Night.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}}

===Essos===
====Rhoynar====
[[File:Zombies.jpeg|thumb|350px|[[Wight]]s eating human flesh, from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' Blu-ray]]
The [[Rhoynar]] tell of a darkness that made the [[Rhoyne]] of [[Essos]] dwindle and disappear, her waters frozen as far south as the joining of the [[Selhoru]], until a hero convinced the many children of [[Mother Rhoyne]], such as the [[Crab King]] and the [[Old Man of the River]], to put aside their bickering and join in a secret song that brought back the day.{{ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Long Night}} [[Lomas Longstrider]], in his ''[[Wonders Made by Man]]'', describes meeting descendants of the Rhoynar in the ruins of the festival city of [[Chroyane]] who recounted this tale to him.{{ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Long Night}}

====Further East====
Other legends from the [[Further East]], including [[Yi Ti]], state the [[Blood Betrayal]] began the Long Night. The [[Lion of Night]] was unleashed upon the world after the [[Maiden-Made-of-Light]] turned her back on it.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

According to a legend from Yi Ti, during the Long Night the sun hid its face for a lifetime, ashamed at something none could discover, and disaster was only averted by the deeds of a woman with a [[monkey]]'s tail.{{ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Long Night}}

A great hero, known in different cultures as [[Azor Ahai]], Hyrkoon the Hero, Yin Tar, Neferion, and Eldric Shadowchaser, wielded the flaming sword [[Lightbringer]] and led humanity to victory. Some say the [[Five Forts]] were built by the [[Pearl Emperor]] to guard against the Lion of Night and his demons.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

The legend of Azor Ahai spread from [[Asshai]] and is especially prevalent among the followers of [[R'hllor]].{{ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Long Night}} According to prophecy, Azor Ahai is to be reborn again as a champion sent by [[R'hllor]].{{ref|ADWD|10}} This will occur after a long summer when an evil, cold darkness descends upon the world.{{Ref|aCoK|10}} There is also a similar prophecy about [[the prince that was promised]].{{ref|ASOS|63}}{{ref|ASOS|78}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File: Marc simonetti beyonethewallOthers.jpg|thumb|An [[Other]] astride a [[giant ice spider]] [[beyond the Wall]] © Marc Simonetti]]
Since [[Bran Stark]] enjoys scary stories, [[Old Nan]] tells him about the Long Night.{{ref|AGOT|24}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
"[[The Night That Ended]]" is performed during the [[harvest feast]] at [[Winterfell]].{{ref|ACOK|21}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[Melisandre]], a [[red priest]]ess from [[Asshai]], believes there will be another long night.{{ref|ASOS|63}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|'''Nan''': Oh, my sweet summer child, what do you know of fear? Fear is for the winter, my little lord, when the snows fall a hundred feet deep and the ice wind comes howling out of the north. Fear is for the long night, when the sun hides its face for years at a time, and little children are born and live and die all in darkness while the [[direwolves]] grow gaunt and hungry, and the [[white walkers]] move through the woods. 
'''Bran''': You mean the [[Others]].{{ref|AGOT|24}}|[[Old Nan]] and [[Bran Stark]]}}

{{Quote|The oldest histories we have were written after the [[coming of the Andals|Andals came]] to [[Westeros]]. The [[First Men]] only left us [[runes]] on rocks, so everything we know about the [[Age of Heroes]] and the [[Dawn Age]] and the Long Night comes from accounts set down by [[septon]]s thousands of years later. There are [[archmaester]]s at the [[Citadel]] who question all of it.{{Ref|AFFC|5}}|[[Samwell Tarly]] to [[Jon Snow]]}}

==References==
{{references|2}}

{{Wars in Westeros}}

[[Category:Long Night| ]]
[[Category:Events]]
[[Category:Others]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:Westeros]]

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[[fr:Histoire des Sept Couronnes#La Longue Nuit (vers -8000)]]
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[[pt:Longa Noite]]
[[zh:长夜]]

Maiden-Made-of-Light

2026-07-11T16:07:15Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Maiden-Made-of-Light
| image = File:Maiden-Made-of-Light_by_gracielikegrapes.jpg
| image_caption = The Maiden by gracielikegrapes
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| Books = ''[[The World of Ice and Fire]]'' (mentioned)
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}}

The '''Maiden-Made-of-Light''' is a goddess in [[Yi Ti]].

According to tales told by the priestly scribes of [[Yin]], the Maiden-Made-of-Light was impregnated by the [[Lion of Night]]. This son was the [[God-on-Earth]], who ruled the [[Great Empire of the Dawn]] for ten thousand year before ascending to the heavens. The descendants of the God-on-Earth ruled the empire after him, each ruling a shorter time than the previous one, until the brother of the [[Amethyst Empress]] usurped her in the [[Blood Betrayal]] and crowned himself as the [[Bloodstone Emperor]], ushering in the [[Long Night]]. The Maiden-Made-of-Light turned her back upon the world and the Lion of Night came forth in all his wroth to punish the wickedness of man.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Deities]]
[[Category:Religion of Yi Ti]]

[[tr:Işıktan Kadın]]
[[es:Doncella de Luz]]
[[fr:Jouvencelle-de-Lumière]]
[[pt:Donzela-Feita-de-Luz]]
[[ru:Дева-из-Света]]
[[zh:光之女]]

Lion of Night

2026-07-11T16:03:25Z

Breassa:

[[File: Paolo Puggioni Lion of Night.png|thumb|350px|Lion of Night statue in the [[House of Black and White]], surrounded by candles. Art by Paolo Puggioni © FFG]]
The '''Lion of Night''' is a [[god]] of [[Yi Ti]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}{{Ref|AFFC|34}}

==Culture==
According to tales told by the priestly scribes of [[Yin]], the Lion of Night fathered a son on the [[Maiden-Made-of-Light]]. This son was the [[God-on-Earth]], who ruled the [[Great Empire of the Dawn]] for ten thousand years, before ascending to the heavens. The descendants of the God-on-Earth ruled the empire after him, each ruling a shorter time than the previous one, until the brother of the [[Amethyst Empress]] usurped her in the [[Blood Betrayal]] and crowned himself as the [[Bloodstone Emperor]], ushering in the [[Long Night]]. The Maiden-Made-of-Light turned her back upon the world, and the Lion of Night came forth in all his wroth to punish the wickedness of man.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

The [[Five Forts]], which predate the [[Golden Empire of Yi Ti]], are claimed by some to have been raised by the [[Pearl Emperor]] of the Great Empire of the Dawn, to keep the Lion of Night and his [[demons]] away from the realms of men.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

Worshippers of the Lion of Night may be found in [[Asshai]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Asshai-by-the-Shadow}}

The [[Faceless Men]] believe that the Lion of Night is one of the many aspects of the [[Many-Faced God]].{{Ref|AFFC|34}} In the [[House of Black and White]] in [[Braavos]], there are statues of thirty different gods, including one of the Lion of Night. Worshippers come to light candles by each statue. The shrine of the Lion of Night is most commonly visited by rich men.{{Ref|AFFC|22}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
When first entering the House of Black and White, [[Arya Stark]] notices an [[ebony]] statue of a man with a [[lion]]'s head seated on a throne.{{Ref|AFFC|6}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Religions}}

[[Category:Deities]]
[[Category:Religion of Yi Ti]]
[[Category:Statues]]

[[tr:Gecenin Aslanı]]
[[es:León de Noche]]
[[fr:Lion de la Nuit]]
[[pt:Leão da Noite]]
[[ru:Лев Ночи]]
[[zh:夜狮]]

Grey Waste

2026-07-11T15:50:18Z

Breassa:

The '''Grey Waste''' is a vast desert in the [[Further East]] of [[Essos]].{{ref|AWOIAF|The Grey Waste}}

==Geography==
The Grey Waste is a freezing desert in far eastern [[Essos]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}} It is located south of [[Mossovy]], between the [[Cannibal Sands]]. Southwest of the area is the city of [[K'Dath]].{{ref|TLOIAF|The Known World}}

==History==
Raiders out of the Grey Waste frequently attack the [[Five Forts]], which defend [[Yi Ti]] from the desert.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

Upon revealing to [[Alyssa Velaryon]] and [[Rogar Baratheon]] that she had wed her brother, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], in {{date|49}}, [[Alysanne Targaryen]] remarked that even if she was sent to the ends of the earth and forced to marry "the King of [[Mossovy]] or the Lord of the Grey Waste", she would still find her way back to her new husband.{{ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Deserts and wastelands]]
[[Category:Places in the Further East]]
[[Category:Regions]]

[[tr:Gri Hiçlik]]
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[[pt:Deserto Cinzento]]

Great Empire of the Dawn

2026-07-11T15:45:49Z

Breassa:

The '''Great Empire of the Dawn''' was a legendary realm which preceded the [[Golden Empire of Yi Ti]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}} The [[YiTish]] believe the Great Empire was where true civilization first developed, in contrast to claims regarding [[Asshai]], [[Ghis]], [[Qarth]], and [[Sarnor]].{{ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Rise of Valyria}}{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==Geography==
According to priestly scribes from [[Yin]], the Great Empire included all the land between the [[Bone Mountains]] and the [[Grey Waste]], and from the [[Shivering Sea]] to the [[Jade Sea]], including the isle of [[Leng]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==History==
===God-on-Earth===
The Golden Empire's first ruler was the [[God-on-Earth]], the only son of the [[Lion of Night]] and the [[Maiden-Made-of-Light]]. The God-on-Earth is said to have traveled in a [[palanquin]] carved from a single [[pearl]] and carried by a hundred queens, his wives. The God-on-Earth allegedly ruled for ten thousand years until he ascended to the stars to join his forebears.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

===Successors===
Dominion passed to the God-on-Earth's eldest son, the [[Pearl Emperor]], who ruled for a thousand years. Some believe the [[Five Forts]] were raised by the Pearl Emperor to protect against the Lion of Night and his [[demon]]s.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

Power then passed to the [[Jade Emperor]], the [[Tourmaline Emperor]], the [[Onyx Emperor]], the [[Topaz Emperor]], and the [[Opal Emperor]]. Each reigned for a shorter and more troubled time than the previous emperor, for wild men and beasts pressed the borders of the Empire, lesser kings grew proud and rebellious, and the common people gave themselves to sin.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

===Downfall===
[[File:Amethyst Empress by ryyyna.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The Amethyst Empress by Ryyyna]]
When the daughter of the Opal Emperor ascended to power as the [[Amethyst Empress]], her envious brother cast her down and proclaimed himself the [[Bloodstone Emperor]]. The new ruler began a reign of terror and [[slavery]], in which he practiced dark arts and [[necromancy]], took a [[tiger-woman]] for his bride, [[cannibalism|feasted on human flesh]] and cast down the gods of [[Yi Ti]] to worship a black stone fallen from the sky. This [[Blood Betrayal]], as it is known in the annals of the [[Further East]], ushered in the [[Long Night]], with the Maiden-Made-of-Light turning her back on the world, while the Lion of Night came forth to punish the wickedness of man.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

The darkness ended when a [[Azor Ahai|great warrior]] rose to lead the virtuous into battle with the sword [[Lightbringer]] in his hand. Light was restored, but the Great Empire was not reborn; the restored world was a broken place where every tribe of men went its own way, fearful of all the others, and war, lust, and murder had endured.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==Legacy==
[[Maesters]] are skeptical of the Great Empire and consider tales of the realm to be legends.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==Quotes==
{{quote|At the [[Citadel]] of [[Oldtown]] and other centers of learning in the west, [[maesters]] regard these tales of the Great Empire and its fall as legend, not history, yet none doubt that the YiTish civilization is ancient, mayhap even contemporary with the realms of the [[Fisher Queens]] beside the [[Silver Sea]]. In [[Yi Ti]] itself, the priests insist that mankind's first towns and cities arose along the shores of the [[Jade Sea]] and dismiss the rival claims of [[Sarnor]] and [[Ghis]] as the boasts of savages and children.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}|writings of [[Yandel]]}}

==References and Notes==
{{references}}

[[Category:Great Empire of the Dawn| ]]
[[Category:Nations]]
[[Category:Yi Ti]]

[[tr:Muazzam Şafak İmparatorluğu]]
[[es:Gran Imperio del Amanecer]]
[[fr:Grand Empire de l'Aube]]

Five Forts

2026-07-11T15:44:40Z

Breassa:

The '''Five Forts''' are massive fortresses along the northeastern boundaries of the [[Golden Empire of Yi Ti]], situated between the [[Bleeding Sea]] and the [[Mountains of the Morn]]. Northeast of the Five Forts are the [[Land of the Shrykes]], [[K'Dath]], [[Bonetown]], the [[Grey Waste]], and the [[Cannibal Sands]].{{ref|TLOIAF|The Known World}}

==Structure==
The forts' walls are slabs of fused [[black stone]] almost a thousand feet high. Some think the walls are [[Valyria]]n in origin, although there is no record of Valyrians having visited the area and they even predate the rise of the [[Valyrian Freehold|Freehold]]. Each fort can house ten thousand men.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==History==
The Five Forts predate the [[Golden Empire of Yi Ti]]. Some suggest they were built by the [[Pearl Emperor]] at the time of the [[Great Empire of the Dawn]] to defend against the [[demon]]s of the [[Lion of Night]]. They currently guard the Golden Empire from raiders out of the Grey Waste.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==Quotes==
{{quote|They still stand today, unmarked by time, guarding the marches of the [[Golden Empire of Yi Ti|Golden Empire]] against raiders out of the [[Grey Waste]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}|writings of [[Yandel]]}}

{{quote|The Five Forts are very old, older than the [[Golden Empire of Yi Ti|Golden Empire]] itself; some claim they were raised by the [[Pearl Emperor]] during the morning of the [[Great Empire of the Dawn|Great Empire]] to keep the [[Lion of Night]] and his [[demon]]s from the realms of men...and indeed, there is something godlike, or demonic, about the monstrous size of the forts, for each of the five is large enough to house ten thousand men, and their massive walls stand almost a thousand feet high.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}|writings of [[Yandel]]}}

==References and Notes==
{{references}}

[[Category:Great Empire of the Dawn]]
[[Category:Places in Yi Ti]]
[[Category:Strongholds]]

[[tr:Beş Kaleler]]
[[es:Cinco Fuertes]]
[[pt:Cinco Fortes]]

Golden Empire of Yi Ti

2026-07-11T15:07:41Z

Breassa:

{{Redirect|Golden Empire|the planned television series|The Golden Empire}}
The '''Golden Empire of Yi Ti''' is a realm located in the [[Yi Ti|eponymous region]] of the [[Further East]] of [[Essos]]. It is the supposed successor to the mythic [[Great Empire of the Dawn]], which, according to legend, fell during the [[Long Night]]. It is ruled by a [[God-Emperor]], who is worshiped as divine, though in the present day the God-Emperor has little actual power beyond the limits of the capital city.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==Capital==

Throughout the centuries, the capital Golden Empire has constantly moved as dynasties rose and fell. The [[grey emperors|grey]], [[indigo emperors|indigo]] and [[pearl-white emperors]] ruled from [[Yin]], on the shores of the [[Jade Sea]], whereas the [[scarlet emperors]] raised the now fallen city of [[Si Qo]] in the heart of the jungle; meanwhile, the [[purple emperors]] chose [[Tiqui]], whilst the [[maroon emperors]] kept court at [[Jinqi]], to better guard their borders against reavers from the [[Shadow Lands]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

The current capital is Yin, where the seventeenth [[azure emperors|azure emperor]] [[Bu Gai]] keeps his court. Yet, a [[sorcerer lord]] who claims to be the sixty-ninth [[yellow emperors|yellow emperor]] claims the throne from his seat at the city of [[Carcosa]] on the [[Hidden Sea]], beyond the limits of the Empire. And more recently, a general named [[Pol Qo]] has named himself first of the [[orange emperors]], with the city called [[Trader Town]] as his capital.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==Borders==
*North: The [[Plains of the Jogos Nhai]].
*Northeast: The [[Bleeding Sea]] and the [[Five Forts]], which separate the Empire from the [[Land of the Shrykes]].
*East: The [[Mountains of the Morn]]
*Southeast: The [[Shadow Lands]]
*South: The [[Jade Sea]]
*West: The [[Bone Mountains]] and the [[Great Sand Sea]]

==History==
Since its origins in the wake of the Long Night to the present, eleven dynasties have ruled over the Empire. Some lasted no more than half a century, whereas others endured for seven hundred years. Some gave way to others peacefully, others in war; and on four occasions, the end of a dynasty was followed by a period of anarchy and lawlessness when warlords and petty kings warred for supremacy, with the longest of these interregnums lasting more than a century.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

The Empire lives in a constant state of war against the [[Jogos Nhai]], with many an imperial general and three [[God-Emperor]]s having led armies across the plains to bring the nomads to heel, but such attempts seldom ended well and eventually the Jogos Nhai raids began anew, even when emperors compelled handfuls of ''jhats'' to vow them eternal fealty, as Jogos Nhai tended to flee rather than face armies in battle.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: The Plains of the Jogos Nhai}}

During his long reign, forty-second [[scarlet emperors|scarlet emperor]] [[Lo Han]] led three such invasions of the plains, yet by the time of his death the Jogos Nhai carried out bolder and more rapacious raids than when he began his reign. His successor, [[Lo Bu]] determined to end the threat of the nomads for all time. He assembled a mighty host, said to be three hundred thousand strong, and crossed the borders of the empire with slaughter as his only purpose. Tributes, hostages, oaths of fealty, or offerings of peace failed to sway him and his vast army swept the plains, leaving behind a burning wasteland.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: The Plains of the Jogos Nhai}}

When the nomads resorted to their traditional tactic of melting away at the approach of the army, Lo Bu divided his host into thirteen smaller armies and sent them forth in all directions to hunt down the zorse-riders. History tells a million Jogos Nhai died at their hands.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: The Plains of the Jogos Nhai}}

The rival clans of Jogos Nhai unified under ''[[jhattar]]'' [[Zhea]], who, in a period of two years isolated each of Lo Bu's thirteen armies, slew their scouts and foragers, starved them, denied them water, led them into wastelands and traps, thus destroying each army one by one. Finally, her riders fell on Lo Bu's own host and carried out a slaughter so terrible that every stream for twenty leagues around was choked in blood. Among the slain was Lo Bu himself, whose skull was stripped of flesh and dipped in gold, becoming Zhea's drinking cup.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: The Plains of the Jogos Nhai}}

==Dynasties==
{{See also|:Category:Ruling dynasties of Yi Ti}}

{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" | Dynasty
! Family name
! Known rulers
! Capital
|-
| style="width:10px;background-color:#808080" |
| [[Grey emperors|Grey]]
| Har
| [[Har Loi]], 1st grey emperor
| [[Yin]]
|-
| style="width:10px;background-color:#4B0082" |
| [[Indigo emperors|Indigo]]
| Choq
| [[Choq Choq]], 15th and last indigo emperor
| [[Yin]]
|-
| style="width:10px;background-color:#00A36C" |
| [[Jade-green emperors|Jade green]]
| Mengo
| [[Mengo Quen]], 3rd jade-green emperor
|
|-
| rowspan="4" style="width:10px;background-color:#FF2400" |
| rowspan="4" | [[Scarlet emperors|Scarlet]]
| rowspan="4" | Lo
| [[Lo Tho]], 22nd scarlet emperor
| rowspan="4" | [[Si Qo]]
|-
| [[Lo Doq]], 34th scarlet emperor
|-
| [[Lo Han]], 42nd scarlet emperor
|-
| [[Lo Bu]], 43rd and last scarlet emperor
|-
| style="width:10px;background-color:#FDFCFB" |
| [[Pearl-white emperors|Pearl white]]
|
| [[Nine Eunuchs]]
| [[Yin]]
|-
| rowspan="3" style="width:10px;background-color:#2E8B57" |
| rowspan="3" | [[Sea-green emperors|Sea green]]
| rowspan="3" | Jar
|[[Jar Har]], 6th sea-green emperor
| rowspan="3" |
|-
|[[Jar Joq]], 7th sea-green emperor
|-
|[[Jar Han]], 8th sea-green emperor
|-
| style="width:10px;background-color:#800080" |
| [[Purple emperors|Purple]]
|
|
| [[Tiqui]]
|-
| style="width:10px;background-color:#800000" |
| [[Maroon emperors|Maroon]]
|
|
| [[Jinqi]]
|-
| rowspan="2" style="width:10px;background-color:#FFFF00" |
| rowspan="2" | [[Yellow emperors|Yellow]]
| rowspan="2" | Chai
| [[Chai Duq]], 4th yellow emperor
| rowspan="2" |  
|-
| The [[sorcerer lord]] of Carcosa, rival claimant to the throne as 69th yellow emperor
|-
| style="width:10px;background-color:#007FFF" |
| [[Azure emperors|Azure]]
| Bu
| [[Bu Gai]], 17th and current azure emperor
| [[Yin]]
|-
| style="width:10px;background-color:#FFA500" |
| [[Orange emperors|Orange]]
| Pol
| [[Pol Qo]], rival claimant to the throne
| [[Trader Town]]
|-
|}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Nations]]
[[Category:Yi Ti]]

[[tr:Yi Ti'nin Altın İmparatorluğu]]
[[es:Imperio Dorado de Yi Ti]]
[[fr:Empire Doré de Yi Ti]]

Yi Ti

2026-07-09T21:52:27Z

Breassa:

[[File:Henrik-zahringer-unseenwesteros-yiti-gate.jpg|thumb|400px|[[Yin]], capital of Yi Ti, by Henrik Zahringer]]
{{Location map|The Known World|width=400|long=63|lat=30|mark=Dot.png|marksize=110|label=Yi Ti|caption=Location of Yi Ti in the [[known world]]}}
'''Yi Ti''' is a nation and region in [[Essos]], east of [[Qarth]] and the [[Bone Mountains]] and bordered by the [[Jade Sea]] to the south. Nearby islands in the Jade Sea are [[Leng]] and the [[Isle of Whips]]. North of Yi Ti are the [[Great Sand Sea]], the [[Shrinking Sea]], and the [[Bleeding Sea]]; a great river runs south from the Bleeding Sea through Yi Ti to the Jade Sea. East of Yi Ti are the [[Mountains of the Morn]], the [[Shadow Lands]], and the city of [[Asshai]].{{ref|TLOIAF|The East}} In the [[Common Tongue]], things relating to Yi Ti are known as "YiTish".{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Leng}}

The realm of the YiTish civilization is the [[Golden Empire of Yi Ti]],{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond}} which was, according to legend, preceded by the [[Great Empire of the Dawn]]. Maester [[Yandel]] speculates that the YiTish civilization was contemporary with the [[Realm of the Fisher Queens|realm]] of the [[Fisher Queens]], whereas the YiTish priests insist that mankind's first towns and cities arose along the shores of the Jade Sea, dismissing the rival claims of the [[Sarnori]] and [[Ghiscari]] as the boasts of savages and children.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==Region==
The land of Yi Ti has thick green patchwork farmland and dense sweltering jungles.{{ref|TLOIAF|The East}} Rumors have it that [[basilisk]]s roam the jungles of Yi Ti.{{Ref|AGOT|23}} There is a trade route from [[Asabhad]] to [[Yin]] along the coast of the Jade Sea.{{ref|TLOIAF|The East}} The [[Five Forts]] guard the northeastern marches of the empire.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

Throughout Yi Ti a great web of stone roads, built during the reign of the Eunuch Emperors, ensure that travelers can cross the lands of Yi Ti without much trouble. These roads are said to be equal to the dragonroads of the [[Valyrian Freehold]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

The [[zorse]]s of the [[Jogos Nhai]] have been bred by crossing regular horses with certain horselike creatures from the southern regions of Yi Ti.{{Ref|twoiaf|The Bones and Beyond: The Plains of the Jogos Nhai}} [[Daenerys Targaryen]] remembers that [[basilisk]]s infest the jungles of Yi Ti.{{Ref|aGoT|23}}

===Cities===
Yi Ti has more cities than any other land in the [[known world]], and according to [[Lomas Longstrider]] they are much larger and more splendid than cities in the west. According to [[Colloquo Votar]] there are three older cities buried beneath every YiTish city.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

Known cities in Yi Ti include [[Yin]] and [[Jinqi]], along the coast of the [[Jade Sea]], and [[Tiqui]] further to the north near the [[Great Sand Sea]]. The city of [[Asabhad]] is at the west boundary of Yi Ti near the [[Bone Mountains]] and the [[Jade Gates]].{{Ref|TLOIAF|The East}} Five massive forts known as the [[Five Forts]] are along the northeastern boundaries of Yi Ti, between the [[Bleeding Sea]] and the [[Mountains of the Morn]].{{Ref|TLOIAF|The East}}

During the time of the [[Golden Empire of Yi Ti]], several cities served as the capital city, depending on the reigning dynasty. The grey, indigo, and pearl-white emperors ruled from Yin on the shores of the Jade Sea. The scarlet emperors ruled from [[Si Qo]], which they built in the middle of the jungle, and which has fallen and been reclaimed by the jungle. The purple emperors ruled from Tiqui, in the western hills. The maroon emperors ruled from Jinqi. In the present day, under the rule of the azure emperor [[Bu Gai]], Yin again is the capital of Yi Ti.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

Over the last two thousand years, a dozen YiTish cities and a hundred towns, and many farms and fields have been reduced to ruins by the zorseriders of the [[Plains of the Jogos Nhai]].{{Ref|twoiaf|The Bones and Beyond: The Plains of the Jogos Nhai}}

The people of northern [[Leng]] in the [[Jade Sea]] are YiTish, while the south of the island is inhabited by the [[Lengii]].{{ref|AWOIAF|Leng}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

===Society===
[[File:YiTi man by Douglas Wheatley.jpg|thumb|300px|A YiTish man, by Douglas Wheatley for ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'']]

Yi Ti was one of the earliest civilizations where literacy arose. The most ancient YiTish records are cherished and jealously guarded. Yi Ti is the oldest surviving continuous civilization in the world, having existed under one dynasty or another since the Long Night 8,000 years ago - other ancient civilizations such as the Ghiscari or Valyrians have long since collapsed. As a result their scholars tend to look down on other, younger civilizations as children and barbarians. The grand cities of Yi Ti dwarf those of Westeros or even the Free Cities.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

Yi Ti is ruled by a [[god-emperor]]. [[Lomas Longstrider]] once described Yi Ti as "the land of a thousand gods and a hundred princes, ruled by one god-emperor." Of old, the god-emperors were extremely wealthy and powerful, and commanded large armies. In present times, however, three men claim the title of god-emperor, while their power does not extend past the cities in which they live. Instead, the hundred princes rule their own realms as they see fit, as do the brigands, priest-kings, sorcerers, warlords, imperial generals, and tax collectors outside their domains.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

There are many gods in Yi Ti's religion, but two of the major ones are the [[Lion of Night]] and the [[Maiden-Made-of-Light]]{{ref|AFFC|34}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}} According to legend, their child was the first god-emperor of Yi Ti, the [[God-on-Earth]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

A cult of sorcerers known as the [[Church of Starry Wisdom]] supposedly originates from Yi Ti as well, hated and feared by the general population. According to legend its founder was the [[Bloodstone Emperor]], and today its priests can be found in many cities throughout the [[known world]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

Men from Yi Ti are bright-eyed and wear [[monkey]]-tail hats.{{ref|AGOT|54}}

People from Yi Ti use their family name first, their personal name second - the reverse of how full names are given in Westeros and the Free Cities. For example the scarlet emperors were named "Lo Doq", "Lo Han", "Lo Bu", etc.

===Economics===
One of their major exports is [[w:Saffron|saffron]].{{ref|ACOK|40}} Other exporting goods include [[spices]] and [[silk]].{{ref|fab|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} Traders from Yi Ti travel to [[Vaes Dothrak]] to trade.{{Ref|agot|36}}{{Ref|agot|54}} [[Wine]]s from Yi Ti can be found as far west as [[Pentos]].{{Ref|aDwD|1}}

Yi Ti is legendarily wealthy. Its princes are said to live in houses of solid gold, and to eat sweetmeats with pearls and jade powdered over it.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

[[Braavos]], [[Pentos]], and [[Volantis]] are known to trade with Yi Ti.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}}

Yi Ti traded with the [[Tall Men|Sarnori]] when the [[Kingdom of Sarnor]] still existed.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}

==History==
===Great Empire of the Dawn===
{{Main|Great Empire of the Dawn}}
According to scribes of [[Yin]], all the lands between the [[Jade Sea]] and the [[Shivering Sea]], the [[Bone Mountains]] and the [[Grey Waste]] were part of the [[Great Empire of the Dawn]] and fell under the control of the [[God-on-Earth]], the only son of the [[Lion of Night]] and the [[Maiden-Made-of-Light]]. He is said to have had a hundred wives and to have reigned for ten thousand years, before ascending into the stars to join his forebears. He was succeeded by his eldest son, the [[Pearl Emperor]], who ruled for a thousand years. He was followed by the [[Jade Emperor]], the [[Tourmaline Emperor]], the [[Onyx Emperor]], the [[Topaz Emperor]], and the [[Opal Emperor]], who all reigned for centuries. Each successive ruler had a shorter reign and faced rising problems, as mankind grew greedy and corrupt.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

The Opal Emperor was succeeded by his daughter, the [[Amethyst Empress]]. Her younger brother slew her and usurped the throne, and event which is remembered as the Blood Betrayal. He proclaimed himself the [[Bloodstone Emperor]] and began a reign of terror, practicing dark magical arts and necromancy. He cast down the true gods to worship a black stone which had fallen from the sky. According to the annals of the east, the Blood Betrayal is attributed as the cause of the [[Long Night]], as it caused the Maiden-Made-of-Light to despair and turn her face away from mankind, while the Lion of Night sent the generation-long winter to punish mankind. In the chaos that followed, the Great Empire of the Dawn collapsed.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

According to [[Colloquo Votar]], as recounted in his ''[[Jade Compendium]]'', a legend from Yi Ti claims that disaster during the Long Night was only averted by "the deeds of a woman with a monkey's tail".{{Ref|twoiaf|Ancient History: The Long Night}}

The [[maester]]s of the [[Citadel]] in [[Oldtown]] doubt that the Great Empire of the Dawn ever truly existed, but most do agree that Yi Ti's culture is very ancient, and a few believe that they were contemporary with the [[Fisher Queens]] on the western side of the Bone Mountains.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

===Golden Empire===
After the collapse of the [[Great Empire of the Dawn]], the Golden Empire of Yi Ti began. Since the end of the [[Long Night]] eleven dynasties of emperors have ruled over Yi Ti, each known by a color honorific. Some of them ruled no more than half a century, but the longest ruled for seven hundred years. The transitions of power between dynasties did not always occur peacefully, and on four occasions, the end of a dynasty led to a prolonged period of civil war and anarchy. The longest of these lasted more than a hundred years.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

Under the sea-green emperors, Yi Ti reached the apex of its power. During the reign of god-emperor [[Jar Har]], [[Leng]] was conquered. His sons further expanded the power of Yi Ti; [[Jar Joq]] [[Great Moraq]], and [[Jar Han]] exacted tribute from [[Qarth]], [[Old Ghis]], [[Asshai]], and other lands.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

[[Chai Duq]], the fourth of the yellow emperors, married a noblewoman of [[Valyria]], and kept a [[dragon]] at his court.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

During the past two thousand years, Yi Ti has often fought against raiders of the [[Jogos Nhai]], whose lands are to the north. According to Maester [[Yandel]], the raiders of the Jogos Nhai have reduced a dozen YiTish cities, a hundred towns, and farms and fields beyond counting to ruins. To combat these attacks, many imperial generals and three god-emperors invaded the [[Plains of the Jogos Nhai]], but these attacks usually did not end well, as the Jogos Nhai would usually evade capture for such long periods of time that the YiTish invaders would give up and go home.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

[[Lo Han]], forty-second scarlet emperor, invaded the plains three times without success, returning home after being unable to catch his enemies. After Lo Han's death, his son, [[Lo Bu]], assembled a mighty host, supposedly of three hundred thousand men, and led his force into the plains, leaving a burning wasteland behind everywhere he went. During his campaign, millions of Jogos Nhai were killed. During the last two years of the struggle, the rival clans of the Jogos Nhai united against Lo Bu under a woman called [[Zhea]], whose riders eventually descended upon Lo Bu's host, slaughtering them all. Lo Bu was among those slain. Zhea had his head stripped of its flesh and his skull dipped in gold, so it could serve as her drinking cup. Every ''[[jhattar]]'' of the Jogos Nhai since Zhea has drunk fermented [[zorse]] milk from Lo Bu's skull.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}

Around [[100 BC]], the island [[Leng]] broke free of Yi Ti, although the northern two-thirds of the island are still under the control of the descendants of the original YiTish invaders.{{Ref|twoiaf|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}

On the first of his nine great voyages, [[Corlys Velaryon]] sailed to Yi Ti and Leng{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} on the ''[[Sea Snake]]'',{{Ref|FAB|The Heir of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} returning with such a large amount of spices, silks, and jade, which made [[House Velaryon]] the wealthiest house in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] for a while.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}

In the present day, Yi Ti is ruled from [[Yin]] by the seventeenth azure emperor, [[Bu Gai]]. However, the amount of power he has is weak compared to older god-emperors, and the local governors and tax-collectors have carved out a hundred princedoms among the provinces. In [[Carcosa]], on the [[Hidden Sea]], an exiled sorcerer lord resides, who claims to be the 69th yellow emperor. In addition, a general called [[Pol Qo]] has named himself the first of the orange emperors, using [[Trader Town]] as his capital.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
In the Western Market of [[Vaes Dothrak]], [[Daenerys Targaryen]] sees a fat cloth trader from Yi Ti haggling with a [[Pentos]]hi over the price of some green [[Hair dye|dye]].{{Ref|AGOT|54}}

Before Khal [[Drogo]]'s body is burnt on his funeral pyre, Ser [[Jorah Mormont]] begs Daenerys to come east with him, to Yi Ti, [[Qarth]], the [[Jade Sea]] and [[Asshai|Asshai-by-the-Shadow]], to see all the wonders yet unseen. {{Ref|AGOT|72}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
In [[Qarth]], [[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]] tries to entreat Daenerys to accompany him on his pleasure barge to the Jade Sea. He suggests that they journey around Yi Ti to search for the dreaming city of poets and to sip the [[wine]] of wisdom from a dead man's skull.{{ref|ACOK|40}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
In [[Meereen]], Daenerys reminds Jorah that after Drogo's death he had asked her to go with him to Yi Ti and the Jade Sea.{{Ref|ASOS|71}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[Garin (orphan)|Garin]] tells Princess [[Arianne Martell]] that according to sailors in [[Planky Town]], the [[grey plague]] has broken out in Yi Ti.{{ref|AFFC|21}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
When in the cellar of [[Illyrio's manse]] in Pentos, [[Tyrion Lannister]] notices that [[Illyrio Mopatis]] has wines from the fabled east in his stock, including wines from Yi Ti.{{Ref|ADWD|1}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|Even their ruins put ours to shame.{{ref|TWOIAF|8|4|1}}|[[Lomas Longstrider]]}}

{{Quote|Come east with me. Yi Ti, [[Qarth]], the [[Jade Sea]], [[Asshai]] by the Shadow. We will see all the wonders yet unseen, and drink what [[wine]]s the [[Religion|gods]] see fit to serve us.{{ref|AGOT|72}}|[[Jorah Mormont]] to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|Few caravans come [[Red waste|this]] way, that is so, yet there are great kingdoms to the east, and cities full of wonders. Yi Ti, Qarth, Asshai by the Shadow ...{{ref|ACOK|12}}|Jorah Mormont to Daenerys Targaryen}}

{{Quote|When Qarth begins to pall, we can journey round Yi Ti and search for the dreaming city of the poets, to sip the wine of wisdom from a dead man's skull.{{ref|ACOK|40}}|[[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]] to Daenerys Targaryen}}

{{Quote|[[Dragon]]s must be the least of the things a man might find in Qarth and Asshai and Yi Ti. These sailors' stories ...{{Ref|AFFC|prologue}}|[[Mollander]]}}

{{Quote|Should the [[Dragon egg|dragons]] turn up, anywhere from here to Yi Ti, we will demand their return.{{Ref|FAB|9}}|[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]}}

==Behind the Scenes==
[[George R. R. Martin]] has stated that Yi Ti is loosely a fantasy analog of [[w:Imperial China|Imperial China]] (similar to how Westeros is loosely analogous to [[w:medieval Britain|medieval Britain]])<ref>[[Not A Blog]]: [http://grrm.livejournal.com/375353.html?thread=19273017 Great Times at the Jean Cocteau], June 14, 2014</ref> or the [[w:Far East|Far East]].<ref>''New York Times'': [https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/21/arts/television/george-rr-martin-house-of-the-dragon.html George R.R. Martin Is Finally Getting the Show He Wanted], August 21, 2022</ref> This was confirmed by Elio Garcia and Linda Antonsson, co-authors of ''The World of Ice & Fire''.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q69aQeKWLQ&feature=youtu.be&t=34m20s Westeros.org Season 5 casting review]</ref>

==References==
{{references}}
{{Regions}}
{{Cultures}}

[[Category:Yi Ti| ]]
[[Category:Cultures]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Places in Yi Ti| ]]
[[Category:Places in the Further East]]

[[tr:Yi Ti]]
[[es:Yi Ti]]
[[fr:Yi Ti]]
[[pt:Yi Ti]]
[[ru:И Ти]]
[[zh:夷地]]

Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)

2026-07-07T22:03:10Z

Breassa:

{{see homonyms|Daeron Targaryen}}
{{Infobox character
| firstname = Daeron
| lastname = Targaryen
| arms = Targaryen
| title = Prince
| epithet = the Daring
| image = File:Daeron_the_Daring_by_Lopata4.jpg
| image_caption = Daeron by Lopata Four
| Alias = Daeron the Daring
| Title = [[Prince]] [[Knight|Ser]]
| Allegiance = [[House Targaryen]] [[Greens]]
| Race = [[Valyria]]n
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Father = [[Viserys I Targaryen]]
| Mother = [[Alicent Hightower]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth = [[King's Landing]]
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|114}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
| Place_of_Death = [[Second Battle of Tumbleton|Tumbleton]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and The Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = TBA
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 3|Season 3]]
}}

Prince '''Daeron Targaryen''', also known as '''Daeron the Daring''', was the third and youngest son of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] and his second wife, Queen [[Alicent Hightower]]. He was a younger brother to King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. Like his siblings, Daeron was a [[dragonrider]], and he rode the she-[[dragon]] [[Tessarion]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|l1=Images of Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)}}
[[File:Daeron Targaryen by DW.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Young Daeron, by Douglas Wheatley, as depicted in ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'']]
Daeron had the coloring of [[House Targaryen|the blood of the dragon]]. A handsome boy, Daeron was the most popular of the three sons of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower. He was courteous and clever, and was described as "the gentlest" of his brothers.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Daeron grew up in the shadow of his brothers, and therefore became more accustomed to following orders than giving them.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Daeron had a splendid [[silk]]en pavilion.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==History==
===Early life===
Late in {{Date|114}}, Daeron was born to King Viserys I Targaryen and his second wife, Queen Alicent Hightower. He had two elder brothers, [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]], and an older sister, [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]], as well as an older half-sister, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]]. Daeron was born only shortly after Rhaenyra's eldest son, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]. However, Rhaenyra did not get along with Daeron's mother, Alicent. Trying to prevent a similar enmity between his youngest son and eldest grandson, Viserys had the two children share a [[wet nurse]] until they were weaned, hoping that them being [[milk brother]]s would make a difference.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

The king's hope was in vain, because just as his older siblings, Daeron grew up to be a bitter rival to Jacaerys and his younger siblings, [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]] and [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey]]. While Daeron and his older siblings were forced to spend time with their cousins (i.e. attending the same feasts, and occasionally training at arms or studying with a [[maester]] together), it is said that this only increased the enmity.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

By the age of six, Daeron had a dragon of his own, [[Tessarion]], though he had yet to ride her. When Daeron was twelve in {{Date|126}}, he was sent to serve as a [[cupbearer]] and [[squire]] to Lord [[Ormund Hightower]], his mother Alicent's cousin, in [[Oldtown]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===The Dance of the Dragons===
[[File:Daeron Targaryen and Tessarion by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Daeron and Tessarion, by Jota Saraiva]]
In {{Date|129}}, after the death of Daeron's father, King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], the [[Dance of the Dragons]] began as Daeron's older brother claimed the [[Iron Throne]] as Aegon II Targaryen, despite the fact that their half-sister, Rhaenyra Targaryen, had been Viserys's declared heir. Daeron was still in [[Oldtown]], squiring for Lord Ormund Hightower.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

Daeron accompanied Lord Ormund Hightower's army as it marched from Oldtown. During the [[Battle of the Honeywine]], Ormund faced defeat until Daeron arrived on [[Tessarion]], saving his cousin and his army. For this act, Daeron was feasted by Ormund, who [[knight]]ed him with the [[Valyrian sword]] [[Vigilance]], dubbing the young prince "Daeron the Daring".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}

After King Aegon II was injured in the [[battle at Rook's Rest]], Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] took command. Aemond saw his uncle, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], Rhaenyra's husband, as the biggest threat to their rule, and was determined to defeat him in battle. Wanting sole glory for defeating Daemon and considering Daeron too young, Aemond did not ask Daeron for help when preparing to retake [[Harrenhal]] from Daemon.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

After the [[fall of King's Landing]] to Rhaenyra, Daeron was considered the greatest threat to her rule. He remained with Lord Ormund's army, and scouted ahead for them on his dragon. The [[Shield Islands]], [[House Oakheart]], and [[House Rowan]] submitted to the greens to avoid facing Daeron's Tessarion. Because his nephew, Prince [[Maelor Targaryen]], had died at [[Bitterbridge]], Daeron refused to be merciful to Lady [[House Caswell|Caswell]]. Daeron had Tessarion burn the town during the [[sack of Bitterbridge]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

[[Ulf White]] and [[Hugh Hammer]] were sent to [[Tumbleton]] to defend the town against Daeron, but the [[Two Betrayers]] defected to the greens during the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]]. Since Ormund had died during the battle, command of the greens' host was disputed by several nobles. Daeron ordered Ser [[Hobert Hightower]] to stop the sickening sack of Tumbleton, but Hobert was ineffective. Although Daeron named Ulf as Lord of Bitterbridge, the [[Two Betrayers]] refused to join Daeron in an attack on [[King's Landing]] if their demands were not met.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

With Aegon II missing after the fall of King's Landing and with Aemond killed in the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]], Prince Daeron became the first in line for the throne. Lord [[Unwin Peake]], one of the leaders at Tumbleton, insisted Daeron should be proclaimed [[Prince of Dragonstone]] immediately. Others, who believed Aegon II to be dead, wished Daeron to be crowned king. When Hugh declared that he should become king, Daeron threw [[wine]] in his face. Hugh was then seen wearing an iron crown. Offended by the arrogance of the Betrayers, the lords and knights of the Reach, later known as the [[Caltrops]], began to plot their deaths. While Daeron was not a member of the Caltrops, the men did not wish to proceed without his consent, which the prince gave swiftly.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Two days later, the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]] began. Prince Daeron died during the battle, though it is not known exactly how he died. The story most often told claims Daeron was cut down by [[Black Trombo]] with a morningstar whilst stumbling out of his tent with his clothes on fire, after the attacks of the dragon [[Seasmoke]] had begun. Another claims the same, except that the prince was slain by a man-at-arms with a sword, who was unaware of the identity of his victim. The third account, agreed upon by [[Munkun]] and [[Gyldayn]], states that Daeron's burning tent collapsed on top of him.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

===Legacy===
[[File:Daeron_the_Daring_by_Jaenarra.png|thumb|300px|right|Daeron by Jaenarra]]
Prince Daeron's death is regarded as mysterious, and his body was never identified.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} Because of this opportunity, several [[Daeron Pretenders|pretenders]] were able to claim to be Daeron during the reign of King [[Aegon III Targaryen]]. According to Maester [[Yandel]], it has been conclusively proven that these men were imposters.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}

After briefly regaining the [[Iron Throne]], King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] ordered the building of giant statues of his fallen brothers, [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] and Daeron, in [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} Ser [[Tyland Lannister]] halted the statues during the [[regency of Aegon III]], however.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

==Quotes by Daeron==
{{Quote|'''Ormund''': Ser Daeron the Daring. '''Daeron''': My Lord is kind to say so, but the victory belongs to [[Tessarion]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Ormund Hightower]] and Daeron}}

==Quotes about Daeron==
{{Quote|Little boys should be more mannerly when men are speaking. I think [[Viserys I Targaryen|your father]] did not beat you often enough. Take care I do not make up for his lack.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}|[[Hugh Hammer]] to Daeron}}

==Family==
{{Targaryen tree Dance}}

==References==
{{References|2}}

[[Category:House Targaryen]]
[[Category:114 AC births|Targaryen, Daeron]]
[[Category:130 AC deaths|Targaryen, Daeron]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons|Targaryen, Daeron]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands|Targaryen, Daeron]]
[[Category:Characters with silver hair|Targaryen, Daeron]]
[[Category:Cupbearers|Targaryen, Daeron]]
[[Category:Dragonriders|Targaryen, Daeron]]
[[Category:Greens|Targaryen, Daeron]]
[[Category:House Hightower wards|Targaryen, Daeron]]
[[Category:Knights|Targaryen, Daeron]]
[[Category:Members of Viserys I Targaryen's court|Targaryen, Daeron]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon II Targaryen's court|Targaryen, Daeron]]
[[Category:Nobles|Targaryen, Daeron]]
[[Category:Squires|Targaryen, Daeron]]

[[tr:Daeron Targaryen (Viserys I'in Oğlu)]]
[[es:Daeron Targaryen, hijo de Viserys I]]
[[fr:Daeron Targaryen (fils de Viserys I)]]
[[pt:Daeron Targaryen (filho de Viserys I)]]
[[ru:Дейрон Таргариен (сын Визериса I)]]

Tessarion

2026-07-07T21:14:47Z

Breassa:

{{Distinguish|Tessario}}
{{Infobox animal character
| firstname = Tessarion
| epithet = the Blue Queen
| arms = Targaryen
| image = Kyidyl-tessarion.jpg
| image_caption = Tessarion, by Kyidyl ©
| Alias = The Blue Queen{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| Title =
| Owner = Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]]
| Species = [[Dragon]]
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = or before {{Date|120}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
| Place_of_Death = [[Tumbleton]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and The Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|Season 2]]
}}

'''Tessarion''', also known as '''the Blue Queen''', was a she-[[dragon]] ridden by Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

==Appearance==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Tessarion|l1=Images of Tessarion}}
Tessarion was a beautiful blue she-dragon.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Her wings were a dark [[cobalt]], while her claws, crest, and belly scales were the color of bright beaten [[copper]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Her [[Dragonflame|flames]] were cobalt blue in color as well.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

By {{Date|129}}, Tessarion was of fighting size.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], she was the youngest dragon of fighting weight belonging to [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s supporters,{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} meaning she was younger than [[Vhagar]], [[Dreamfyre]], and [[Sunfyre]]. By {{Date|130}}, Tessarion was one-third in size to [[Vermithor]]. A young dragon at the time, Tessarion was nimble in the air.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==History==
===Reign of Viserys I===
By {{Date|120}}, Tessarion had bonded with Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]], although Daeron had not yet ridden her at the time.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Although unknown when Daeron first flew Tessarion, Daeron had become a [[dragonrider]] by {{Date|129}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

===Dance of the Dragons===
[[File:Daeron Targaryen and Tessarion by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Daeron and Tessarion, by Jota Saraiva]]
During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Daeron rode Tessarion into the [[Battle on the Honeywine]] in the [[Reach]] to save Lord [[Ormund Hightower]] and his army. Due to their arrival and participation in the battle, the Hightower army was victorious.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Daeron and Tessarion remained with the Hightower army as it marched up the [[Roseroad]] towards [[King's Landing]], which had [[Fall of King's Landing|fallen]] to [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s forces. During this time Daeron flew upon Tessarion ahead of the main [[column]] of the army to scout ahead, which proved invaluable to the southron host. Rhaenyra's loyalists often fled at the first glimps of Tessarion, being unwilling to face the dragon's [[Dragonflame|fire]] in battle.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

At [[Tumbleton]], a market town on the [[Mander]], the Hightower army met in battle in the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]] with a smaller force of supporters of Rhaenyra. Tessarion participated in the battle. Tessarion and her rider remained at Tumbleton with the Hightower army afterwards. There, Tessarion was unchained, free to fly and hunt as she wished. The she-dragon slept in her rider's camp to the west of the town, not a hundred yards from his pavilion.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Hugh Hammer, a [[dragonseed]] who had claimed [[Vermithor]] and who had changed his alliance from the [[blacks]] to the [[greens]] during the First Tumbleton, decided to make a claim for the Iron Throne after the disappearance of King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] and the death of Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]], the [[Lord Protector|Protector of the Realm]]. He felt secure in his decision as Tessarion, the only dragon of fighting weight with a rider still remaining to the greens, was one-third the size of his own dragon, and far less fearsome. Among the [[Caltrops]], the lords and knights who conspired to kill Hammer and his fellow dragonseed, [[Ulf the White]], Ser [[Tyler Norcross]] believed that Tessarion on her own should be enough to retake the Iron Throne, while Lord [[Unwin Peake]] argued that their victory would be more certain if they had the dragons of Hugh and Ulf in their possession as well.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Matters came to a head two days later, when a surprise night attack by [[Addam Velaryon]] upon [[Seasmoke]] started the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]]. Tessarion's rider was killed at the start of the battle. Riderless, Tessarion flew up, shrieking and spitting flame, and met Addam Velaryon and Seasmoke in battle. The dragons rushed one another time and time again and at one point, Tessarion vanished into the clouds, reappearing behind Seasmoke breathing flames. It was said afterward that the fight between Tessarion and Seasmoke seemed to be more a mating dance than a battle. When [[Vermithor]] took to the sky, Addam Velaryon turned Seasmoke towards the older dragon. In their struggle, Tessarion suddenly attacked. The battle between the three dragons had a mortal outcome for all. Seasmoke and Vermithor died early, but Tessarion was the last to die. On three occasions did she try to fly again, but failed every time again. By late afternoon the day after the battle, she seemed to be in pain. At the command of Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood]], [[Billy Burley]], Blackwood's best archer, shot three arrows into the dying dragon's eye, killing her.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Known dragonriders of Tessarion==
*Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]]{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

==Quotes about Tessarion==
{{Quote|Defeat seemed imminent ... until a shadow swept across the battlefield, and a terrible roar resounded overhead, slicing through the sound of steel on steel. A [[dragon]] had come.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Gyldayn]], retelling Tessarion's arrival at the [[Battle of the Honeywine]]}}

{{Quote|[[Battle of the Honeywine|The victory]] belongs to Tessarion.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]] following the [[Battle of the Honeywine]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

==External Links==
*{{WoW}}

{{Dragons}}

[[Category:2nd century AC births]]
[[Category:130 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons]]
[[Category:Dragons]]

[[tr:Tessarion]]
[[es:Tessarion]]
[[fr:Tessarion]]
[[pt:Tessarion]]
[[ru:Тессарион]]

Silverwing

2026-07-06T21:45:00Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox animal character
| firstname = Silverwing
| epithet =
| arms = Targaryen
| image = [[File:Queen Alysanne by Trishkell.jpg|400px]]
| image_caption = Silverwing, ridden by Queen Alysanne. By Emile Denis © Green Ronin Publishing
| Alias =
| Title =
| Owner = [[Alysanne Targaryen]] [[Ulf White]]
| Species = [[Dragon]]
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|36|42}}<ref name=cal>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued3)#Silverwing|Silverwing]] calculation''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|136|153}}<ref name=cal/>
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Sons of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)
| Played_by =
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|Season 2]]
}}

'''Silverwing''' was a silvery she-[[dragon]] of [[House Targaryen]].{{ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} She was ridden by Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]],{{Ref|ASOS|41}}{{Ref|AFFC|5}} and later by [[Ulf White]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Silverwing|l1=Images of Silverwing}}
Silverwing has been described as a silvery dragon.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} Her [[Dragonflame|flames]] were possibly blue.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{refn|name="Gullet"|group="N"|The fireballs spit by Silverwing (a silvery dragon) as well as [[Seasmoke]] (a silver-grey dragon), [[Sheepstealer]] (a muddy brown dragon), [[Vermax]] (a green and orange dragon) and [[Vermithor]] (a bronze and tan dragon) during the [[battle of the Gullet]] are described as "blue and orange, red and gold".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}}} She was considered relatively docile and friendly to strangers.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Silverwing often coiled with [[Vermithor]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==History==
===Alysanne Targaryen===
[[File: Alysanne and Jaehaerys on Silverwing and Vermithor.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]] on Silverwing and King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] on [[Vermithor]], by Sanrixian ©]]
According to legend, Silverwing hatched from a [[dragon's egg]] that had been placed in the cradle of [[Alysanne Targaryen]] by her sister [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena]], in {{Date|36}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

In {{Date|42}}, at [[Dragonstone]], Silverwing contributed her [[Dragonflame|flames]] to the funeral pyre of King [[Aenys I Targaryen]], together with the dragons [[Quicksilver]] and [[Vermithor]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

In {{Date|44}}, Alysanne, her brother [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys]], and their mother [[Alyssa Velaryon]] resided on Dragonstone as the hostages of Dowager Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]]. In the chaos following Visenya's death of natural causes that year, Alysanne, Jaehaerys, and Alyssa fled the island, along with Alysanne's dragon Silverwing and Jaehaerys's dragon Vermithor.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

Silverwing had accepted Alysanne as her [[dragonrider|rider]] by {{Date|48}}. After King [[Maegor I Targaryen]]'s death, Alysanne flew Silverwing to [[King's Landing]], together with her brother Jaehaerys and her sister [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena]] upon their dragons, Vermithor and [[Dreamfyre]], so Jaehaerys could claim the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

In {{date|49}}, Jaehaerys and Alysanne flew Vermithor and Silverwing from the [[Red Keep]] to Dragonstone to secretly marry, without the permission of the [[regent|Queen Regent]] [[Alyssa Velaryon]] or the [[Hand of the King]] [[Rogar Baratheon]]. Dragonstone remained their refuge for the remainder of the king's [[minority]].{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}}

During the course of Jaehaerys's long reign, he spent much time guesting with lords or holding audience in towns and villages. He would fly there upon Vermithor, with Queen Alysanne soaring on Silverwing beside him.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}

In {{Date|54}}, Alysanne flew Silverwing to [[Oldtown]] for the funeral of the [[High Lickspittle|High Septon]]. The dragon alighted atop the [[Hightower]], fanning the flames of the tower's beacon with her wings, which made the city gasp.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}} Later that year, Alysanne and Jaehaerys flew Silverwing and Vermithor to [[Storm's End]] so that they could be with their mother Alyssa when she died in labor. Still later, Alysanne flew Silverwing to Dragonstone, to comfort her sister Rhaena in her grief for the deaths of her companions. At the end of the year, when Rhaena flew to King's Landing in search of her missing daughter [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]], Silverwing and Vermithor rose up and roared at Dreamfyre's arrival, and those watching were afraid the dragons would fight.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}

In {{Date|56}}, when the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]] began to house dragons in the [[Dragonpit]], Silverwing and Vermithor did not join [[Balerion]] and three younger dragons, but instead remained at the [[Red Keep]], where they would be close to their riders.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

[[File:Queen Alysanne the Good.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Queen Alysanne and Silverwing at [[Queenscrown]], by guad ©]]
In {{Date|58}}, Alysanne flew Silverwing to [[White Harbor]], [[Winterfell]], and later the [[Wall]], on a planned royal progress that Jaehaerys was initially unable to accompany due to duties in King's Landing. In White Harbor, tens of thousands of northerners turned out to cheer Alysanne and gape at Silverwing with awe and terror. At Winterfell, Lord [[Alaric Stark]] refused to allow Silverwing within his walls, citing [[Burning of Harrenhal|the burning]] of [[Harrenhal]]. Later, Alysanne's charm convinced him to approach Silverwing, though warily. Alysanne grew restless waiting for Jaehaerys to arrive at Winterfell, and flew Silverwing to the Wall, stopping at [[Last Hearth]] and several smaller keeps (including [[Queenscrown]]) on the way.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}{{Ref|ASOS|40}} At [[Castle Black]], the men of the [[Night's Watch]] were as awed by Silverwing as the people of White Harbor had been, but Alysanne noted that Silverwing "does not like this Wall." The dragon would hiss and snap at every chilly gust of wind coming down from the Wall. Alysanne attempted on three occasions to fly Silverwing north beyond the Wall, but the dragon refused and veered south every time. Alysanne wrote to Jaehaerys that she was troubled by the fact that Silverwing refused to fly over the Wall, despite never refusing her commands previously. Alysanne later flew Silverwing back to Winterfell to reunite with Jaehaerys, and from there they flew to [[Torrhen's Square]], [[Barrowton]], and back to King's Landing.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

[[File: Alysanne and Silverwing by Samantha Altarozzi.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Queen Alysanne and Silverwing, by Samantha Altarozzi ©]]
In {{Date|82}}, Alysanne flew Silverwing to the [[Eyrie]], to be with her daughter [[Daella Targaryen (daughter of Jaehaerys I)|Daella Targaryen]] during her first pregnancy and childbirth.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}

In {{date|92}}, Alysanne quarreled with Jaehaerys over his decision to pass over his granddaughter [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]], the only heir of his deceased eldest son [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon]], in favor of his son [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon]], in the line of succession. Alysanne departed King's Landing and flew to Dragonstone on Silverwing, where she remained apart from Jaehaerys for two years, in an estrangement that became known as the [[Second Quarrel]]. The couple reconciled in {{Date|94}}, with the help of their daughter, Septa [[Maegelle Targaryen|Maegelle]], though they never reached accord on the succession.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|93}}, Silverwing was ridden by Alysanne for the last time. Alysanne wept as she climbed painfully from her dragon's back. Silverwing became riderless upon Alysanne's death in {{Date|100}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}

===Ulf White===
Silverwing returned to [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]] after Alysanne's death, where she made her lair in one of the smoking caverns of the [[Dragonmont]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} She remained there, riderless, until {{Date|129}}, during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} When Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] decided that his mother Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s faction, the [[blacks]], needed more [[dragonrider]]s, he sent out a call for men to claim one of the riderless dragons upon Dragonstone, in an event known as the [[Sowing of the Seeds]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

The court [[fool]] [[Mushroom]] relates a story in his ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom|Testimony]]'' about his attempt to mount Silverwing, considered to be the most docile of the masterless dragons. It is an amusing if unlikely tale, which ends with Mushroom running across the ward of Dragonstone with the seat of his pants on fire, and nearly drowning when he leaps into a well to quench the flames. Of the four riderless dragons who were claimed during the Sowing, Silverwing is the only one who is not described as killing any man who attempted to ride her. Ultimately, Silverwing accepted a [[dragonseed]] man-at-arms called [[Ulf the White]] as her new rider.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Ulf rode Silverwing to battle in the [[Battle in the Gullet]]. Along with [[Vermithor]], [[Sheepstealer]], [[Vermax]], and [[Seasmoke]], Silverwing descended upon the ninety warships sailing under the banners of the [[Three Daughters]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

[[File: First Battle of Tumbleton.jpg|thumb|right|400px|The [[First Battle of Tumbleton|first battle]] at [[Tumbleton]], as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]'']]
When King's Landing [[Fall of King's Landing|fell]] to Rhaenyra Targaryen's supporters, Ulf landed Silverwing upon the [[Hill of Rhaenys]], outside of the [[Dragonpit]]. In the Dragonpit, Silverwing made a lair before flying off to battle. Ulf rode Silverwing into battle during the [[First Battle of Tumbleton|first battle]] at [[Tumbleton]]. Ulf and fellow dragonseed [[Hugh Hammer]], who had claimed [[Vermithor]], changed their allegiance, betraying Rhaenyra in favor of [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. Silverwing, Vermithor, and [[Tessarion]], the dragon of Aegon II's brother Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]], let loose their flames upon Tumbleton, which was savagely sacked.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Ulf and Silverwing remained with the [[House Hightower|Hightower]] host at Tumbleton. Silverwing was kept unchained beyond the town walls, free to fly and hunt. During the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]], an army of four thousand men strong, led by Ser [[Addam Velaryon]] upon the dragon [[Seasmoke]], surprised the Hightower host at Tumbleton with their night-time attack. Ulf slept through the battle, but even without a rider Silverwing took to the sky during the battle. At one point, a crossbowman shot a bolt at the dragon. Silverwing avoided further battle and instead circled the battlefield for hours. She descended only again the next day, after the sun had gone down, and landed between the slain Vermithor, Seasmoke, and Tessarion. The singers claim that Silverwing attempted to lift Vermithor's wing on three occasions, but Archmaester [[Gyldayn]] considers this most likely to have been a fable. When the sun rose again, Silverwing began to fly listlessly across the field, where she fed on the burned carcasses of men and animals.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Silverwing's rider, Ulf White, insisted he should become the new king of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], as King Aegon II was missing, and Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] and [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]] had died. When Ser [[Hobert Hightower]], one of the [[Caltrops]], gave Ulf [[poison]]ed [[wine]], Silverwing became riderless once again.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

===Later life===
At [[Tumbleton]], Lord [[Unwin Peake]] offered a thousand [[Currency|golden dragons]] to any [[knight]] of noble birth able to claim Silverwing. Out of the three men who came forth, the first had his arm torn off and the second burned to death. The third man then changed his mind.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Silverwing was one of only four dragons still alive at the end of the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} Although accustomed to men, Silverwing became wild during the reign of [[Aegon III Targaryen]], and made her lair on a small island in [[Red Lake]] in the northwest of the [[Reach]]. When seeking a new dragon to replace the late [[Sunfyre]], Aegon rejected Lord [[Borros Baratheon]]'s suggestion of Silverwing, as he was too weak to travel across the war-torn country to Red Lake or mount a grown dragon.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

Silverwing continued living at Red Lake during the [[Regency of Aegon III|regency]] of King [[Aegon III Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[Bran Stark]] mentions Silverwing to [[Meera Reed|Meera]] and [[Jojen Reed]] when they arrive at [[Queenscrown]].{{Ref|ASOS|40}} [[Jon Snow]] tells [[Ygritte]] of Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]]'s visit to the [[Wall]] more than two centuries ago.{{Ref|ASOS|41}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
While riding in the chain winch at the [[Wall]], [[Samwell Tarly]] wonders if Silverwing may have left an egg at the Wall.{{Ref|AFFC|5}}

==Known dragonriders of Silverwing==
* Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]]
* Ser [[Ulf White]]

==Quotes==
{{quote|Send me to the ends of the earth and wed me to the King of [[Mossovy]] or the Lord of the [[Grey Waste]], Silverwing will always bring me back to [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys]].{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}}|[[Alysanne Targaryen]]}}

{{quote|Silverwing had carried her to [[Oldtown]], to the [[Wall]], and to a thousand places in between, and Alysanne saw them all as few others ever would, looking down from above the clouds.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}|words of [[Gyldayn]]}}

==Behind the Scenes==
Though Silverwing was named in the [[Common Tongue]], according to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the official language creator for the television adaptations of Martin's works, the [[High Valyrian]] translation for Silverwing's name is '''Gēliotīkun'''.<ref>The Languages of David J. Peterson: [https://wiki.languageinvention.com/index.php?title=G%C4%93liot%C4%ABkun Gēliotīkun]</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Dragons}}

[[Category:Dragons]]

[[tr:Gümüşkanat]]
[[es:Ala de Plata]]
[[fa:سیلور وینگ]]
[[fr:Aile-d'Argent]]
[[nl:Zilvervleugel]]
[[pt:Silverwing]]
[[ru:Среброкрылая]]
[[zh:银翼]]

Ulf White

2026-07-06T21:34:56Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Ulf
| lastname = White
| image = Ulf the White.jpeg
| image_caption = Art by [http://enife.deviantart.com/art/The-Princess-and-the-Queen-431753079 Enife]
| Alias = Ulf the White{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Ulf the Sot{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} The Betrayer{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}
| Title = [[Knight|Ser]] [[Lord of Bitterbridge]] [[Lord of Highgarden]] {{S|claimant}}
| Allegiance = [[Blacks]] [[Greens]] [[Two Betrayers]]
| Race = Uncertain {{S|[[Valyrians|Valyrian]] descent}}
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth = [[Dragonstone]]
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death = [[Tumbleton]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| Coat-of-arms =
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|Season 2]]
| Played_by = [[w:Tom Bennett (actor)|Tom Bennett]]
}}

'''Ulf White''',{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} also known as '''Ulf the White''' and '''Ulf the Sot''', was a [[dragonseed]] who became a [[dragonrider]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Ulf is portrayed by [[w:Tom Bennett (actor)|Tom Bennett]].<ref>Deadline: [https://deadline.com/2023/12/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-cast-teaser-trailer-1235649459/ Season 2 Cast and Teaser Trailer (December 2, 2023)]</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Ulf White|l1=Images of Ulf White}}

Ulf was pale-haired and named for his white hair.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Although Ulf had Valyrian features and was able to successfully bond with a dragon, his parentage was not stated - and it is possible that Ulf himself did not know exactly which Targaryen he descended from.

Ulf was known for his drinking.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} He could not read or write.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==History==
A [[dragonseed]] of [[Dragonstone]], Ulf the White was a [[man-at-arms]] when the [[Dance of the Dragons]] began. When Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] called for [[dragonrider]]s in {{Date|129}}, Ulf was able to mount [[Silverwing]]. Ulf and his fellow dragonseeds—[[Hugh Hammer]], [[Nettles]], and [[Addam Velaryon]]—fought valiantly besides Jacaerys in the [[Battle of the Gullet]], but Jace fell during the battle.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} The dragonrider began to call himself "Ulf White".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

After the [[fall of King's Landing]], Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] suggested that Ulf be wed to the daughter of the late Lord [[House Stokeworth|Stokeworth]], but Rhaenyra declined. The queen instead granted [[knight]]hood to Ulf and Hugh and granted them lands on [[Driftmark]]. According to [[Mushroom]], a drunken Ulf rode through [[Flea Bottom]] wearing only golden spurs.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} When Daemon suggested that Houses [[House Baratheon|Baratheon]] and [[House Lannister|Lannister]] should be destroyed for their support of King [[Aegon II Targaryen]], he proposed granting [[Storm's End]] to Ulf, but after Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] opposed the idea, Rhaenyra refused the suggestion.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

In {{Date|130}}, Ulf White and Hugh Hammer were sent to help the [[blacks]] defend the town of [[Tumbleton]] from Lord [[Ormund Hightower]]'s approaching [[host]]. During the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]], however, the [[Two Betrayers]] defected to the [[greens]]. Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]] named Ulf as Lord of [[Bitterbridge]], but Ulf desired to receive [[Highgarden]] as his seat, not considering Bitterbridge to be sufficient. According to Mushroom, Ulf raped three [[maiden]]s each night and fed those who displeased him to his [[dragon]], Silverwing.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Ulf took the [[Bawdy Badger]] as his favored inn.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

The [[Caltrops]] conspired to kill both Ulf and Hugh Hammer. Lord [[Unwin Peake]] had warrants for their executions drawn up, which were signed by Prince Daeron. The day that the Caltrops planned to strike, however, the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]] took place. Ulf survived the battle, drunkenly sleeping through every attempt to wake him. When he learned that Hugh had died during the battle, Ulf informed Lord Peake that he was going to claim the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

The next day, Ser [[Hobert Hightower]] brought Ulf two casks of [[wine]], one Dornish red and one [[Arbor gold]]. As Ulf preferred the sweeter vintage, the Arbor gold had been [[poison]]ed. Suspicious of Hobert's behavior, Ulf commanded the Dornish red to be set aside, and only dared drink from the poisoned Arbor gold after he had seen Hobert drink from it himself. After Hobert asked for a second cup, Ulf drank three cups himself, and soon fell asleep before dying peacefully due to the poison.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Quotes by Ulf==
{{Quote|'''Hugh''': We are [[knight]]s now, truly. '''Ulf''': Fie on that, we should be [[lord]]s.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Hugh Hammer]] and Ulf}}

==Quotes about Ulf==
{{Quote|Ser Ulf gave himself entirely over to drunkenness, drowning himself in wine and [[Prostitution|flesh]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=Son of [[Lord Caswell (Dance)|Lord Caswell]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lord of Bitterbridge]]|years={{Date|130}}}}
{{S-vac|unknown|parameter=after|unknnext=[[Armond Caswell]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Lords of Highgarden}}

[[Category:130 AC deaths|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Bastards|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Blacks|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Characters with white hair|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Deaths by poison|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Dragonseeds|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Dragonriders|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Greens|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:House Targaryen retainers|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Knights|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Landed knights|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Lords of Bitterbridge]]
[[Category:Lords of Highgarden]]
[[Category:Lowborn nobles|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Men-at-arms|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Smallfolk|White, Ulf]]
[[Category:Turncloaks in the Dance of the Dragons|White, Ulf]]

[[tr:Beyaz Ulf]]
[[es:Ulf el Blanco]]
[[fr:Ulf Blanc]]
[[pt:Ulf, o Branco]]
[[ru:Ульф Белый]]

Luthor Largent

2026-06-29T21:05:16Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox character
| title = Ser
| firstname = Luthor
| lastname = Largent
| arms = City Watch
| image = [[File:Luthor Largent.jpg|300px]]
| image_caption = Luthor Largent as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.
| Alias =
| Title = [[Knight|Ser]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Captain{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} [[Commander of the City Watch]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
| Allegiance = [[House Largent]] [[City Watch of King's Landing]] [[Greens]] [[Blacks]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death = [[Cobbler's Square]], [[King's Landing]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| Played_by = [[w:Tom Cullen|Tom Cullen]]
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 3|Season 3]]
| Coat-of-arms =
}}

'''Luthor Largent''' was a lowborn [[knight]] who served as an officer and later the commander of the [[City Watch of King's Landing]] during the reign of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] and the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Luthor is portrayed by [[w:Tom Cullen|Tom Cullen]].<ref>Variety: [https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-cast-barry-sloane-tom-cullen-joplin-sibtain-1236376028/ House of the Dragon Season 3 Cast] (April 23, 2025)</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
Archmaester [[Gyldayn]] describes Luthor as fierce, and measuring almost seven feet tall. Luthor was rumored to have once killed a [[Horse|warhorse]] with a single punch.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Luthor wielded a [[longsword]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==History==
During the reign of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], Luthor was a captain of the [[City Watch of King's Landing|City Watch]] commanding one of the seven city gates. He was promoted to the position of [[Commander of the City Watch|Commander]] in {{Date|129}}, as he was seen by the [[green council]] as the more fearsome of the officers sympathetic to Prince [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]]'s cause. The [[Hand of the King]], Ser [[Otto Hightower]], named his son, Ser [[Gwayne Hightower]], as Luthor's second to keep an eye on him.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

During the [[fall of King's Landing]], Luthor and his gold cloaks turned on the [[greens]], as they were loyal to Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], their former commander. Luthor personally killed his second-in-command, Gwayne.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} As a reward for his loyalty, Luthor was ennobled by Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]],{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} forming [[House Largent]].

When Queen [[Helaena Targaryen]] committed suicide, many of the [[smallfolk]] believed that Luthor killed her under the orders of Rhaenyra. Archmaester [[Gyldayn]] dismisses the idea, for there was proof Luthor was eating with three hundred gold cloaks at the barracks by the [[Gate of the Gods]] at the time of her death.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

During the [[riot of King's Landing (Dance of the Dragons)|riots in the city]], Luthor took four hundred spears to disperse sailors attacking the [[River Gate]] in an attempt to return to their ships.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Then he led five hundred gold cloaks down [[Cobbler's Square]] to disperse the thousands gathered around the [[Shepherd]]. Some say the first victim of the confrontation was a little girl trodden under Luthor's warhorse. When Luthor ordered his men to apprehend the escaping Shepherd, the crowd attacked the guardsmen. The gold cloaks, despite being well-armed and well-disciplined, were no match against ten thousand rioters. Luthor was pulled down from his armored warhorse, stabbed in the stomach, and bludgeoned to death. When his body was recovered by the corpse wagons the next day, his head had been so badly crushed that his body was only recognized by its size.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

The Captain of the [[Old Gate]], Ser [[Balon Byrch]], succeeded Luthor as Commander of the City Watch.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|[[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] gave us these cloaks and they're gold no matter how you turn them.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|Luthor to [[Gwayne Hightower]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-vac|unknown|parameter=before|unknlast=[[Daemon Targaryen]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=Commander of the [[City Watch of King's Landing]]|years={{Date|129|130}}|under=[[Aegon II Targaryen]] [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Balon Byrch]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Commander of the City Watch}}

[[Category:House Largent]]
[[Category:130 AC deaths|Largent, Luthor]]
[[Category:Blacks|Largent, Luthor]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons|Largent, Luthor]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands|Largent, Luthor]]
[[Category:Commanders of the City Watch (King's Landing)|Largent, Luthor]]
[[Category:Deaths by stabbing|Largent, Luthor]]
[[Category:Greens|Largent, Luthor]]
[[Category:House founders|Largent, Luthor]]
[[Category:Knights|Largent, Luthor]]
[[Category:Lowborn nobles|Largent, Luthor]]
[[Category:Members of the City Watch (King's Landing)|Largent, Luthor]]
[[Category:Nobles|Largent, Luthor]]
[[Category:Six-footers‎|Largent, Luthor]]
[[Category:Smallfolk|Largent, Luthor]]
[[Category:Turncloaks in the Dance of the Dragons|Largent, Luthor]]
[[tr:Luthor Largent]]
[[es:Luthor Largent]]
[[fr:Luthor Largent]]
[[pt:Luthor Largent]]
[[ru:Лютор Ларджент]]

Vermax

2026-06-24T17:47:00Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox animal character
| firstname = Vermax
| image = Prince Jacaerys Velaryon and his dragon Vermax by Jota Saraiva.jpg
| image_caption = Vermax and [[Jacaerys Velaryon]], by Jota Saraiva ©
| arms = Velaryon
| arms2 = Targaryen
| Alias =
| Title =
| Owner = [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]
| Species = [[Dragon]]
| Place_of_Birth=
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|114|120}}
| Place_of_Death= the [[Battle in the Gullet|Gullet]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| Date_of_Death = 5th day of the 1st moon of {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|2]]
}}

'''Vermax''' was a [[dragon]] ridden by Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Vermax|l1=Images of Vermax}}
In {{Date|129}}, Vermax was thriving and growing larger every year.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Vermax became ill-tempered when in proximity of snow, ice, and cold.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} Despite his youth, Vermax was strong.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}

Vermax's coloring is not stated in the books. However, he is depicted as green in illustrations from ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'';{{Ref|TROTD|8}} more specifically, in the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', he has olive green scales and pale orange wing membranes.<ref>HBO Official Dragon Index: [https://www.hbo.com/house-of-the-dragon/dragon-index#vermax Vermax]</ref> His [[Dragonflame|flames]] were possibly orange, too.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{refn|name="Gullet"|group="N"|The fireballs spit by Vermax (a green and orange dragon) as well as [[Seasmoke]] (a silver-grey dragon), [[Sheepstealer]] (a muddy brown dragon), [[Silverwing]] (a silvery dragon) and [[Vermithor]] (a bronze and tan dragon) during the [[battle of the Gullet]] are described as "blue and orange, red and gold".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}}}

==History==
[[File:Jacaerys introduces Sara Snow to Vermax by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|350px|right|[[Jacaerys Velaryon]] introduces [[Sara Snow]] to Vermax, by Jota Saraiva ©]]
===Dragon Egg===
Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s three eldest sons by her husband, Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]], were [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]] (b. {{Date|114}}), [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]] (b. {{Date|115}}), and [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey]] (b. {{Date|117}}). The [[Greens|rival faction]] at court, who supported her stepmother [[Alicent Hightower]] and her children, spread the accusation that Rhaenyra's three sons were not really Laenor's, but [[bastard]]s fathered by Ser [[Harwin Strong]]. Rhaenyra's father, King [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]], in an effort to confirm that he considered Rhaenyra and her sons the true heirs to the throne, decreed that a [[dragon egg]] would be put in the cradle of each of the boys, to bond with the dragons that hatched from them. Those who doubted the paternity of Rhaenyra's sons also doubted that the eggs would ever hatch, but they were quickly disappointed, as each of the eggs soon hatched in turn. The hatchlings were named Vermax (bonded with Jacaerys), [[Arrax]] (bonded with Lucerys), and [[Tyraxes]] (bonded with Joffrey). The exact date each hatched is not known, but the last seems to have hatched by no later than about {{Date|120}}.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===The Dance of the Dragons===
By the time the [[Dance of the Dragons]] began in {{Date|129}}, Vermax was big enough to ride. Prince Jacaerys flew [[north]] on his back, as a messenger for his mother, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], to treat with [[Jeyne Arryn]], the [[Lady of the Eyrie]], [[Desmond Manderly]], the [[Lord of White Harbor]], and [[Cregan Stark]], the [[Lord of Winterfell]]. The mission was a success, as all three declared for Rhaenyra and her [[blacks]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

Snow, ice, and cold made Vermax irritable, so Jacaerys did not stay in the north for long, despite receiving a warm welcome at [[Winterfell]]. In his [[The Testimony of Mushroom|testimony]], [[Mushroom]] claims that Vermax laid a clutch of [[dragon egg|eggs]] in the depths of the [[crypts of Winterfell]], but this tale is most likely false. [[Archmaester]] [[Gyldayn]] states it is difficult to tell the sex of a dragon, but that no other source mentions that Vermax ever produced an egg, and dismisses [[Septon]] [[Barth]]'s theory that dragons can change sex as "ludicrous".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}}

Prince Jacaerys used Vermax in battle, during the [[Battle in the Gullet]]. There, Vermax attacked the [[Triarchy]]'s fleet, and victory seemed at hand. But Vermax flew too low, possibly wounded from a [[crossbow]] bolt to the eye or pulled down by a grapnel, and crashed into a burning [[galley]]. Jacaerys leapt free and clung to the smoking wreckage of the ship, but was struck by [[Myrish]] crossbow quarrels until he sank into the sea, dead.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Known dragonriders of Vermax==
* [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] - first and only rider

==Behind the Scenes==
Vermax's name may be a reference to the dragon Vermithrax Pejorative, from the 1981 film ''[[w:Dragonslayer (1981 film)|Dragonslayer]]''. Martin has cited ''Dragonslayer'' as one of his favorite fantasy films, calling Vermithrax "the best dragon ever put on film" and the one with "the coolest dragon name as well".<ref>[https://www.thedailybeast.com/george-rr-martin-game-of-thrones-writers-top-10-fantasy-films ''‘Game of Thrones' Author George R.R. Martin's Top 10 Fantasy Films''], thedailybeast.com, 16 July 2017</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Dragons}}

[[Category:2nd century AC births]]
[[Category:130 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons]]
[[Category:Dragons]]
[[Category:Homages]]

[[tr:Vermax]]
[[es:Vermax]]
[[fr:Vermax]]
[[nl:Vermax]]
[[pt:Vermax]]
[[ru:Вермакс]]
[[zh:沃马克斯]]

Vigilance

2026-06-23T19:23:10Z

Breassa:

[[File:Vigilance by Mervynhaspeaked.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Vigilance, by [https://www.deviantart.com/mervynhaspeaked Mervynhaspeaked ©]]]
'''Vigilance''' is a [[Valyrian steel]] [[longsword]] belonging to [[House Hightower]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==History==
[[Ormund Hightower]], [[Lord of the Hightower]], wielded the blade during the [[Dance of the Dragons]], in which he fought for King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. After the [[Battle on the Honeywine]], he used it to knight Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]], his squire and the king's brother, dubbing him "Ser Daeron the Daring" for turning the battle in their favor with Daeron's [[dragon]], [[Tessarion]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Lord Ormund was killed by [[Roderick Dustin]], [[Lord of Barrowton]], during the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} It is unknown what happened to Vigilance afterwards.

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:House Hightower]]
[[Category:Valyrian steel blades]]
[[Category:Swords]]

[[tr:Teyakkuz]]
[[es:Vigilancia]]
[[fr:Vigilance]]
[[ru:Бдительность]]

Ormund Hightower

2026-06-23T18:55:06Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox character
| arms = Hightower
| title = Lord
| firstname = Ormund
| lastname = Hightower
| image = File:Ormund_Hightower_by_Lopata_4.jpg
| image_caption = Ormund by Lopata Four
| Alias =
| Title = [[Ser]] [[Beacon of the South]] [[Defender of Oldtown]] [[Defender of the Citadel]] [[Lord of Oldtown]] [[Lord of the Hightower]] [[Lord of the Port]] [[Voice of Oldtown]]
| Allegiance = [[House Hightower]] [[Greens]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Reach]]
| Father = [[Lord Hightower]]
| Mother =
| Spouse = 1st: Unknown{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} 2nd: Lady [[Samantha Tarly]]{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
| Issue = [[Lyonel Hightower]]{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} [[Martyn Hightower (son of Ormund)|Martyn Hightower]]{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} [[Garmund Hightower]]{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} [[Bethany Hightower]]{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = In or before {{Date|103}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Ormund Hightower|Ormund Hightower]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death = [[First Battle of Tumbleton|Tumbleton]]{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
| Books = ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned)
| Coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = [[w:James Norton (actor)|James Norton]]
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 3|Season 3]]
}}

'''Ormund Hightower''' was the Lord of the [[Hightower]] and the head of [[House Hightower]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. He wielded the [[Valyrian steel]] blade [[Vigilance]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Ormund was the nephew of Ser [[Otto Hightower]],{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} [[Hand of the King]] to [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]], [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]] and [[Aegon II Targaryen]].

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Ormund is portrayed by [[w:James Norton (actor)|James Norton]].<ref>WarnerMedia Pressroom: [https://press.wbd.com/na/media-release/hbo-0/house-dragon/hbo-original-drama-series-house-dragon-begins-production-season-three House of the Dragon Begins Production On Season Three]</ref>

==History==
Lord Ormund had three sons, [[Lyonel Hightower|Lyonel]], [[Martyn Hightower (son of Ormund)|Martyn]], and [[Garmund Hightower|Garmund]], and at least one daughter, [[Bethany Hightower|Bethany]] with his first wife. Some years after she died in childbed, he married again to [[Samantha Tarly]], who was only two years older than his eldest son.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

Ormund led the [[Reach]] forces for the [[greens]] during the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]], supporting his kinsman, King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. His host included a thousand [[knight]]s, a thousand archers, three thousand men-at-arms, and thousands more of less discipline.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Not all of the Reach's lords supported him, however. Ser [[Alan Beesbury]] and Lord [[Alan Tarly]] raided Ormund's camps and killed his scouts, while Lord [[Owen Costayne]] attacked his baggage train. Ormund wanted to wait for reinforcements from [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

During the [[Battle of the Honeywine]], Ormund and his forces were trapped on the banks of [[Honeywine|the river]] between the forces of Lord [[Thaddeus Rowan]] and [[Tom Flowers]] on one side and Owen and the two Alans on the other. Lord Hightower's lines were starting to crumble and defeat seemed all but a foregone conclusion. Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]], Ormund's squire and Aegon's brother, turned up on his [[dragon]], [[Tessarion]], however, and turned the battle for the greens. After the battle Ormund [[knight]]ed Daeron with [[Vigilance]], naming the prince "Ser Daeron the Daring".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

After the [[fall of King's Landing]], Ser [[Criston Cole]] marched south from [[Harrenhal]] with the intention of joining Ormund's host, but Criston was slain en route at the [[Butcher's Ball]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} After the [[siege of Longtable]], Ormund spared Lady [[House Merryweather|Merryweather]]. Ormund and Daeron led the [[sack of Bitterbridge]], however, as Daeron's nephew, Prince [[Maelor Targaryen]], had been killed in that town.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

During the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]], Lord Ormund's archers and heavy horse defeated the six thousand [[blacks]] of Ser [[Garibald Grey]]. After the surviving [[rivermen]] retreated into [[Tumbleton]], [[Roderick Dustin]], Lord of [[Barrowton]], led his [[Winter Wolves]] rode out to meet the greens. Screaming war cries, the [[northmen]] fought through ten times their own numbers till Roderick came face to face with Lord Hightower. Ormund's cousin, Ser [[Bryndon Hightower]], put himself between the northman and his liege, taking off his arm with his longaxe, yet Roddy the Ruin slew both before succumbing to his wounds.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

After losing their general at First Tumbleton, Lord Ormund's host was divided and without direction, with the [[Caltrops]] and the [[Two Betrayers]] competing for leadership. Ser [[Hobert Hightower]], Ormund's cousin, ineffectually claimed command.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} The army finally dissolved following the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

The fifteen-year-old Lyonel succeeded his father as [[Lord of the Hightower]] and took as his paramour Lady Sam, Ormund's second wife.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

==Family==
{{Hightower tree Dance}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Lord Hightower]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Beacon of the South]] [[Defender of the Citadel]] [[Voice of Oldtown]] [[Lord of the Hightower]] [[Lord of the Port]]|years=?–{{Date|130}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Lyonel Hightower]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Lords of the Hightower}}

[[Category:House Hightower]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons|Hightower, Ormund]]
[[Category:Characters from the Reach|Hightower, Ormund]]
[[Category:Greens|Hightower, Ormund]]
[[Category:Knights|Hightower, Ormund]]
[[Category:Lords of the Hightower]]
[[Category:Nobles|Hightower, Ormund]]
[[Category:Wielders of Vigilance|Hightower, Ormund]]

[[tr:Ormund Hightower]]
[[es:Ormund Hightower]]
[[fr:Ormund Hightower]]
[[ru:Ормунд Хайтауэр]]

Gwayne Hightower

2026-06-23T18:28:28Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Gwayne
| lastname = Hightower
| arms = Hightower
| arms2 = City Watch
| title = Ser
| image = [[File:Gwayne Hightower by marky.jpg|300px]]
| image_caption = Gwayne Hightower by TheMarkyGallery ©
| Alias =
| Title = [[Knight|Ser]]
| Allegiance = [[House Hightower]] [[City Watch of King's Landing]] [[Greens]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Reach]]
| Father = [[Otto Hightower]]
| Mother =
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = In or before {{Date|96}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued)#Gwayne Hightower|Gwayne Hightower]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death = [[Fall of King's Landing|King's Landing]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = Will Willoughby (season 1) [[w:Freddie Fox (actor)|Freddie Fox]] (season 2)
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|2]]
}}

'''Gwayne Hightower''' was a [[knight]] from [[House Hightower]] and an officer of the [[City Watch of King's Landing]]. He was the youngest son of Ser [[Otto Hightower]], and one of the brothers of Queen [[Alicent Hightower]], the second wife of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]].

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Gwayne is portrayed by [[w:Freddie Fox (actor)|Freddie Fox]] in the [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|second season]]. In the [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|first season]], he was portrayed by stunt performer Will Willoughby.

==History==
Gwayne came to court at the [[Red Keep]] in [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|101}} with his siblings and mother when his father, Ser [[Otto Hightower]], was named [[Hand of the King]] by King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|111}}, Gwayne participated in a [[tourney]] in King's Landing to celebrate the fifth anniversary of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]]'s marriage to Gwayne's sister, Queen [[Alicent Hightower]]. Gwayne served as one of his sister's champions during the tourney, but he was unhorsed by Ser [[Criston Cole]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

When the [[Dance of the Dragons]] began in {{Date|129}}, Gwayne was named the second-in-command of the [[City Watch of King's Landing]] by his father, who instructed him to keep an eye on Ser [[Luthor Largent]], the [[Commander of the City Watch]], for any signs of disloyalty towards his nephew and the newly crowned King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. Gwayne and Ser [[Arryk Cargyll]] were in the retinue of [[Grand Maester]] [[Orwyle]] when he traveled from King's Landing to [[Dragonstone]] in an unsuccessful attempt to reconcile Aegon II and his half-sister, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

When King's Landing was [[Fall of King's Landing|attacked]] by Queen Rhaenyra's [[blacks]] in {{Date|130}}, Gwayne rushed to the stables to sound the alarm, but he was seized, disarmed, and dragged before his own commander, Luthor Largent, who was still loyal to Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]]. When Gwayne denounced him as a [[turncloak]], Ser Luthor drove his sword through Hightower's belly and ordered the city gates to be opened to the blacks.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Family==
{{Hightower tree Dance}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:House Hightower]]
[[Category:1st century AC births|Hightower, Gwayne]]
[[Category:130 AC deaths|Hightower, Gwayne]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons|Hightower, Gwayne]]
[[Category:Characters from the Reach|Hightower, Gwayne]]
[[Category:Greens|Hightower, Gwayne]]
[[Category:Knights|Hightower, Gwayne]]
[[Category:Members of Jaehaerys I Targaryen's court|Hightower, Gwayne]]
[[Category:Members of Viserys I Targaryen's court|Hightower, Gwayne]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon II Targaryen's court|Hightower, Gwayne]]
[[Category:Members of the City Watch (King's Landing)|Hightower, Gwayne]]
[[Category:Nobles|Hightower, Gwayne]]

[[tr:Gwayne Hightower]]
[[es:Gwayne Hightower]]
[[fr:Gwayne Hightower]]
[[ru:Гвейн Хайтауэр]]

Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)

2026-06-23T18:03:29Z

Breassa:

{{For|other characters with the same name|Rhaena Targaryen}}
{{Infobox character
| title = Lady
| firstname = Rhaena
| lastname = Targaryen
| arms = Targaryen
| arms2 = Corbray
| arms3 = Hightower
| image = Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon) by Naomimakesart.png
| image_caption = Rhaena Targaryen, by Naomimakesart ©
| Alias = Rhaena of Pentos{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Rhae{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} Rhaena Corbray{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}} [[Dragon Twins|Dragon Twin]]{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
| Title = Lady{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Princess{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}
| Allegiance = [[House Targaryen]] [[House Corbray]] [[House Hightower]] [[Blacks]]
| Race = [[Valyria]]n
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|116}}
| Place_of_Birth = [[Pentos]]
| Date_of_Death =
| Place_of_Death =
| Father = Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]]
| Mother = Lady [[Laena Velaryon]]
| Spouse = 1st: Ser [[Corwyn Corbray]] 2nd: [[Garmund Hightower]]
| Issue = Six daughters
| coat-of-arms =
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| Played_by = [[w:Phoebe Campbell|Phoebe Campbell]] Eva Ossei-Gerning (young)
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|2]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 3|3]]
}}

Lady '''Rhaena Targaryen''', also known as '''Rhaena of Pentos'''{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} and '''Rhaena Corbray''',{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}} was one of the twin daughters of Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and Lady [[Laena Velaryon]]; [[Baela Targaryen]] was her older twin.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} Rhaena was the niece of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] and the cousin of King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. She was also the half-sister of Kings [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen]], as well as the stillborn [[Visenya Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Visenya Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Rhaena was a [[dragonrider]] who rode [[Morning]].{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Rhaena is portrayed by [[List of actors of House of the Dragon#Phoebe Campbell, Rhaena Targaryen|Phoebe Campbell]] and [[List of actors of House of the Dragon#Eva Ossei-Gerning, Young Rhaena Targaryen|Eva Ossei-Gerning]] (young).<ref name=HBO/><ref name=Warner/>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|l1=Images of Rhaena Targaryen}}
Rhaena and her twin, [[Baela Targaryen|Baela]], had fine features, silver-white hair, and [[purple eyes]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} As young girls, the twins had been inseparable and impossible to tell apart. Though they were both tall and slim by the age of sixteen, they no longer looked alike. Rhaena was slender and graceful, and Baela was lean and quick with hair as short as a boy's. Rhaena loved to dance whilst Baela preferred to ride and to fly.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

==History==
===Youth===
Rhaena and [[Baela Targaryen|Baela]] were born small and sickly in [[Pentos]] in {{Date|116}}. Rhaena was [[named after]] her maternal grandmother, Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} When they were half a year old, the twins sailed from Pentos to [[Driftmark]] with their mother, [[Laena Velaryon]]. In {{Date|117}}, Rhaena was presented at court by her father, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}

In {{Date|118}}, with the blessing of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], Rhaena was betrothed to her cousin, Prince [[Lucerys Velaryon]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Rhaena received a [[dragon egg]], but the hatchling dragon was unhealthy and died within hours of emerging from its egg. Eventually, an egg from another clutch, laid by [[Syrax]], was given to Rhaena, and it was said that she slept with it every night and prayed for a [[dragon]] to match her sister's, [[Moondancer]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

===Dance of the Dragons===
[[File:Jeyne Arryn and Rhaena of Pentos by Riotarttherite.png|thumb|350px|Rhaena, Lady [[Jeyne Arryn]], and Rhaena's dragon [[Morning]], by riotarttherite ©]]
During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Rhaena was chosen to accompany Prince [[Joffrey Velaryon]] to [[Gulltown]] for their protection, although they were told it was to defend the [[Vale of Arryn]] against King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s dragons. Rhaena brought three dragon eggs with her to the Vale, where she prayed nightly for their hatching.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Rhaena remained in the Vale throughout the duration of the civil war as the ward of [[Jeyne Arryn]], [[Lady of the Eyrie]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} In the Vale, Rhaena enjoyed a life of comfort and privilege, with maids brushing her hair and drawing her baths. Singers composed odes to her beauty, and [[knight]]s jousted for her favor. Rhaena befriended Ser [[Corwyn Corbray]] during her stay at the [[Eyrie]], and grew "especially fond" of him.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} Eventually one of her dragon eggs hatched, and Rhaena quickly bonded with the hatchling, which she named [[Morning]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} News of Morning's birth reached the [[greens]] around the start of {{Date|131}}, greatly troubling them, as they had lost all of their dragons during the fighting. Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] feared that the [[smallfolk]] would consider the [[blacks]] as more legitimate, due to Morning's birth.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} However, the war lasted only for another half a year,{{Ref|TPATQ}} during which time Morning was still too young to be ridden.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}

===Reign of Aegon III===
[[File:Baela and Rhaena Targaryen by Hylora.png|thumb|400px|[[Baela Targaryen|Baela]] and Rhaena Targaryen, by Hylora ©]]
At the end of the war, Rhaena and her dragon accompanied Lady Jeyne, sailing from [[Gulltown]] towards [[King's Landing]] with a great host. Once at the capital, Rhaena was reunited with her twin sister Baela, and the pair became the darlings of the city overnight. The [[smallfolk]] became ecstatic at the sight of Morning, one of the few still living dragons and the only one in King's Landing. However, Rhaena's half-brother, Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]], who had seen a dragon eat his mother [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], paled when he saw Morning for the first time and commanded his guards to "get that wretched creature out of my sight."{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

Rhaena and Baela were among the foremost of those pleading for a pardon for their grandfather, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]. They made their plea directly to Aegon, who went against the wishes of the [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Cregan Stark]], and pardoned the Sea Snake. [[Mushroom]], on the other hand, claimed that it was Lady [[Alysanne Blackwood]] who convinced Cregan to spare Corlys.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

After the ascension of her cousin and half-brother, as King [[Aegon III Targaryen]], Rhaena and her sister Baela were thought to be the only living [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]] aside from the king and his queen, [[Jaehaera Targaryen]], as Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] was presumed dead at the time. Rhaena and Baela were very popular in King's Landing, as they frequently traveled through the city, while Aegon and Jaehaera remained in the [[Red Keep]]. The twins often rode out to hunt or hawk, gave alms to the poor, served as hosts, and met with envoys and visiting [[lord]]s. Dozens of young lords competed for Rhaena's smiles, artists requested to draw or paint her, and the city’s finest dressmakers sought the honor of making her gowns. Everywhere Rhaena went was with Morning, her young dragon, usually coiled around her shoulders like a stole.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

===First marriage===
[[File:Rhaena_of_Pentos_by_Jaenarra.png|thumb|left|300px|Rhaena by Jaenarra ©]]
In {{Date|132}}, following the sudden death of Rhaena's grandfather, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], the [[Regency of Aegon III|council of regents]] began to discuss the matter of Aegon's heir. Baela and Rhaena were considered to be the only two claimants the realm would likely accept as the childless king's heirs. Despite the fact that Baela was the elder twin, the council considered Rhaena more suitable, as she was the less willful and more tractable of the two. Furthermore, Rhaena had her dragon, Morning, unlike Baela, whose [[Moondancer]] had died during the [[fall of Dragonstone]]. When [[Myles Mooton]] noted that Rhaena only had a hatchling, Lord [[Roland Westerling]] further pointed out that Baela had taken down King Aegon II, and that there were many who would be angered should she be crowned. Grand Maester [[Munkun]] attempted to end the debate, insisting that both Baela and Rhaena were female and thus disqualified altogether, as that the [[Dance of the Dragons]] had shown that they had to favor the male claimant per the ruling of the [[Great Council of 101 AC]]. However, the Hand [[Tyland Lannister]] pointed out that all the male claimants had been killed.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

The regents planned to [[marriage|marry]] Baela to Lord [[Thaddeus Rowan]] to curb her wilful ways and provide a proper consort to a possible queen. However, she greatly disagreed with their choice and escaped to [[Driftmark]] to marry Lord [[Alyn Velaryon]], her cousin and a legitimized [[bastard]]. This act confirmed the regents' opinion of Baela, and they feared she would soon become pregnant. They decided that Rhaena must be Aegon's heir, and that she should marry quickly. Rhaena agreed to do as the king and council wished, and when Ser Tyland asked if she had any preference from among her suitors, she named Ser [[Corwyn Corbray]], whom she had met in the Vale. Corwyn was not the ideal choice, as he was a second son who had been previously married and widowed. Still, [[House Corbray]] was old and prestigious, Corwyn was a great warrior and the bearer of the [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Lady Forlorn]], and his brother Lord [[Leowyn Corbray]] was [[Protector of the Realm]]. Rhaena and Corwyn were married within a fortnight.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

In second half of the year of {{Date|133}}, the court rejoiced when Rhaena announced that she was pregnant, but unfortunately she miscarried within a month. Later that year, young Queen Jaehaera apparently committed suicide, and some wondered if she had become despondent over Rhaena's miscarriage. Desiring to prevent the succession of Rhaena or Baela, the Hand [[Unwin Peake]] planned to betroth King Aegon to his maiden daughter [[Myrielle Peake|Myrielle]]. However, the other regents and the lords of the realm felt Lord Unwin had overstepped, and instead forced him to declare a ball to be held on [[Maiden's Day]], where the king himself would be able to choose his own bride. At the [[Maiden's Day Ball]], hundreds of young maidens were presented to the king, but when only a few remained, Baela and Rhaena suddenly arrived. Though Baela was heavily pregnant, and Rhaena pale and thin from her miscarriage, they were as one, dressed in black velvet and red [[ruby|rubies]], with the Targaryen [[sigil]] on their cloaks. Mounted on a pair of black chargers, the twins rode down the hall together, and Rhaena announced to Aegon that they had brought his new queen. Rhaena's husband Corwyn presented Baela's young [[ward]], [[Daenaera Velaryon]], and at the ball's conclusion, Aegon announced he would marry Daenaera. The twins were cheered by the people of King's Landing when Aegon wed Daenaera on the last day of {{Date|133}}.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}} However, Unwin Peake had never cared for Baela, but now disliked Rhaena as well; he was convinced both of them were working against him.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

[[File:Reunion of Aegon and Viserys by naomimakesart.png|thumb|400px|The reunion of King [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]] and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], attended by Rhaena and her family, by Naomimakesart ©]]
In {{Date|134}}, Rhaena and Corwyn accompanied the royal court to the harbor of King's Landing to welcome back Alyn Velaryon from his first great voyage, and the Oakenfist revealed that he had returned with Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], Aegon's long-lost younger brother. Viserys's return greatly pleased the regents as well as his family, as he was the undisputed heir apparent, ahead of any child born to Baela or Rhaena, or the twins themselves.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}}

Later that year, Corwyn became a member of the council of regents, and in the spring of {{Date|135}}, he was sent to the Vale to settle the [[Arryn Succession Conflict (134 AC)|matter of succession]] to [[House Arryn]] and restore peace. On the third day of the third moon of {{Date|135}}, Rhaena rode Morning for the first time. She only circled once around the city before returning to the [[Dragonpit]], but soon grew bolder and flew farther every day. However, she only once landed in the Red Keep, as King Aegon was still terrified of dragons, and shortly thereafter Rhaena flew across [[Blackwater Bay]] to stay at [[Dragonstone]] where, as she said, "Dragons and those who ride them are more welcome." Later that spring, Rhaena's husband Corwyn was killed at [[Runestone]] in the Vale while dealing with the Arryn succession. Baela traveled to Dragonstone to comfort her widowed twin, and to ensure that Rhaena would not use Morning to attempt to avenge her husband's death.{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

===Later life===
When preparations were being made in {{Date|136}} for a [[royal progress]] to be held after Aegon [[age of majority|turned sixteen]], Rhaena desired to accompany the king on Morning. However, this suggestion was delicately deflected by the council of regents.{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

Later in life, Rhaena married [[Garmund Hightower]], the younger brother of Lord [[Lyonel Hightower]],{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} by whom she had six daughters.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}}

==Quotes by Rhaena==
[[File:Rhaena_Targaryen_and_Morning_by_Fkaluis.jpg|thumb|350px|Rhaena and Morning by Fkaluis ©]]
{{Quote|So long as [my husband] is kind and gentle and noble, I know that I shall love him.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}|Rhaena, to the [[Regency of Aegon III|council of Aegon III's regents]]}}

{{Quote|Brother, if it please you, we have brought [[Daenaera Velaryon|your new queen]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}|Rhaena, to [[Aegon III Targaryen]]}}

==Quotes about Rhaena==
{{Quote|Lady Rhaena would make a splendid queen.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}|[[Leowyn Corbray]], to the [[Regency of Aegon III|regents]]}}

==Family==
===Ancestors===
{{Targaryen tree Dance}}

===Descendants===
{{Targaryen tree Daemon}}

==References==
{{References|refs=
<ref name=HBO>HBO.com: [https://www.hbo.com/house-of-the-dragon/cast-and-characters House of the Dragon Cast & Characters]</ref>
<ref name=Warner>WarnerMedia Pressroom: [https://pressroom.warnermedia.com/na/bio/house-dragon-character-descriptions House of the Dragon | Character Descriptions]</ref>
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Targaryen, Rhaena}}
[[Category:House Targaryen|Rhaena Targaryen]]
[[Category:House Corbray|Rhaena Targaryen]]
[[Category:House Hightower|Rhaena Targaryen]]
[[Category:116 AC births]]
[[Category:Blacks]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands]]
[[Category:Characters with purple eyes]]
[[Category:Characters with silver hair]]
[[Category:Dragonriders]]
[[Category:House Arryn wards]]
[[Category:Members of Viserys I Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Rhaenyra Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon III Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Noblewomen]]
[[Category:Twins]]

[[tr:Rhaena Targaryen (Daemon'un Kızı)]]
[[es:Rhaena Targaryen, hija de Daemon]]
[[fr:Rhaena Targaryen (fille de Daemon)]]
[[pt:Rhaena Targaryen (Rhaena de Pentos)]]
[[ru:Рейна Таргариен (дочь Деймона)]]
[[tr:Rhaena Targaryen (Daemon'un Kızı)]]
[[zh:雷妮亚·坦格利安(戴蒙之女)]]

Sheepstealer

2026-06-22T19:47:41Z

Breassa:

{{For|Harrag Sheepstealer|Harrag Sharp}}
{{Infobox animal character
| firstname = Sheepstealer
| epithet =
| arms =
| image = [[File:Nettles and her dragon Sheepstealer by Jota Saraiva.jpg|400px]]
| image_caption = Sheepstealer and Nettles by Jota Saraiva
| Alias =
| Title =
| Owner = [[Nettles]]
| Species = [[Dragon]]
| Allegiance = [[Nettles]]
| Race =
| Place_of_Birth = [[Dragonstone]]
| Date_of_Birth = or after {{Date|35}}<ref name=Calculation>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued3)#Sheepstealer|Sheepstealer]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|136|153}}<ref name=Calculation/> (presumably)
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|Season 2]]
}}

'''Sheepstealer''' was a wild male{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} [[dragon]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]] with a taste for mutton.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} He lived at the back of [[Dragonmont]] and would hunt between [[Driftmark]] and [[Wendwater]]. The [[smallfolk]] of [[Dragonstone]] named him for a self-evident reason. At the start of the [[Dance of the Dragons]], he was one of three wild dragons living on Dragonstone.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Sheepstealer|l1=Images of Sheepstealer}}
Sheepstealer's coloring was an ugly "mud brown".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} His [[Dragonflame|flames]] were possibly red or golden.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{refn|name="Gullet"|group="N"|The fireballs spit by Sheepstealer (a muddy brown dragon) as well as [[Seasmoke]] (a silver-grey dragon), [[Silverwing]] (a silvery dragon), [[Vermax]] (a green and orange dragon) and [[Vermithor]] (a bronze and tan dragon) during the [[Battle of the Gullet]] are described as "blue and orange, red and gold".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}}} He was not aggressive towards humans unless provoked, but could be vicious and ill-tempered. He had a taste for [[mutton]]. While he devoured the occasional sheep dog, he never harmed a shepherd.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Grand Maester [[Munkun]] described Sheepstealer and his rider Nettles as "a skinny brown girl on a skinny brown dragon", though it is also noted that Munkun never actually saw Nettles.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Thus the accuracy of Munkun's description is unknown. Sheepstealer was not a young dragon by the time Nettles bonded with him, well over fifty years old. On the other hand, [[Dreamfyre]] was even older than Sheepstealer, but was consistently described as "slender" - thus it's possible that Sheepstealer could have both been large and of slender build.

==History==
[[File:Netty.png|350px|thumb|[[Nettles]] takes a sheep to Sheepstealer, by Ashley Hunter Rice]]
Sheepstealer's [[dragon egg]] hatched when the Old King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] "was still young".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} It is unclear if that means in the early years of Jaehaerys's reign, thus in or after {{Date|48}}, or generically during his youth, thus in or after {{Date|35}} ({{Date|34}} is not counted, since it is implied Sheepstealer was younger than [[Vermithor]]).{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Sheepstealer made his lair in the caverns of the [[Dragonmont]] on [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]], and would hunt sheep as far as on [[Driftmark]] and at the [[Wendwater]]. Sheepstealer went unclaimed by any [[dragonrider|rider]] in his youth, which made him more and more unused to the presence of men and harder to claim with each passing year. Eventually he spent over seven decades living wild on Dragonstone, snatching sheep from pastures across Blackwater Bay.

During the early phase of the [[Dance of the Dragons]], [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] called upon any potential [[dragonseeds]] to try and claim a dragon to ride. During this event, which became known as the [[Sowing]], Sheepstealer was one of four dragons who people attempted to mount, and the only one who had never had a [[dragonrider|rider]] before. In the process, Sheepstealer killed more candidates than the other three dragons (Vermithor, [[Seasmoke]], and [[Silverwing]]) combined. [[Silver Denys]], who claimed to be a descendent of King [[Maegor I Targaryen]], had his arm torn off by Sheepstealer when he tried to master the dragon, and [[Alyn Velaryon|Alyn of Hull]] was burned by the dragon when he made his attempt.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

[[File:Fire-witch (The Rise of the Dragon).jpg|thumb|right|The "fire-witch," alleged to be Nettles and Sheepstealer, by Ertaç Altinöz for ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'']]
A bastard girl named [[Nettles]] eventually managed to tame the dragon, through a cunning method. She left out a freshly-slaughtered [[sheep]] for the dragon every morning, causing the dragon to grow accustomed to her presence, until he allowed her to mount him.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Along with [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s other dragonriders, Nettles and Sheepstealer took part in the [[Battle of the Gullet]] and the [[Fall of King's Landing|rapid capture of King's Landing]],{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} after which Sheepstealer made his lair in the [[Dragonpit]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Nettles and Sheepstealer joined Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and his dragon [[Caraxes]] in hunting [[Aemond Targaryen]] and [[Vhagar]] along the [[Trident]]. They remained at [[Maidenpool]], from where they continued their search every morning.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

When Queen Rhaenyra named Nettles a traitor, Nettles left Maidenpool with Sheepstealer early in the morning, after feeding Sheepstealer the largest black ram present at the castle. The dragon and its rider were last seen flying over the [[Bay of Crabs]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

When King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] regained the [[Iron Throne]] after Rhaenyra's death, there were reports that Sheepstealer had been seen at [[Crackclaw Point]] and the [[Mountains of the Moon]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} In {{Date|134}}, during the reign of King [[Aegon III Targaryen]], Ser [[Robert Rowan]] led a royal army to the [[Vale of Arryn]] to support Ser [[Joffrey Arryn]]. Robert's men encountered Sheepstealer and a ragged Nettles in a cave, and in the ensuing fight sixteen men were slain and threescore more were wounded. Nettles and her dragon were last seen flying deeper into the Mountains of the Moon.{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

An offshoot clan of the [[Painted Dogs]] in the Vale came to worship a "fire-witch", to whom they would send their boys with gifts for her. In exchange, they would face the flames of her dragon to prove their manhood. This offshoot clan was considered to be one of the most savage of the mountain clans, and stories are still told about this fire-witch to this day. Some of the [[maester]]s of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] believe that this practice was the origin of the tradition held nowadays by the [[Burned Men]], where young men must give some part of their body "to the fire" to prove they have the courage to be a man.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Vale}}{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

==Known dragonrider of Sheepstealer==
*[[Nettles]], the first and only rider.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Dragons}}

[[Category:Dragons]]
[[tr:Sheepstealer]]
[[es:Sheepstealer]]
[[fr:Voleur-de-Moutons]]
[[ru:Овцекрад]]

Green men

2026-06-22T17:40:51Z

Breassa:

The '''green men'''{{Ref|AGOT|2}}{{ref|AGOT|66}} or '''Green Men'''{{ref|tpatq}} are a sacred order entrusted with the guardianship of the [[Isle of Faces]] in the [[riverlands]]. Some nursery tales claim they are horned and have dark, green skin.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Coming of the First Men}} According to [[Old Nan]], the green men ride elks and sometimes have antlers.{{ref|ASOS|56}} Most [[maesters]] believe their clothes are green and they wear headdresses with horns.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Coming of the First Men}}

==History==
After many years of war between the [[First Men]] and the [[children of the forest]], their respective wise men came to the conclusion that the bloodshed had gone on too long. They came together to make peace on the Isle of Faces in the [[Gods Eye]], agreeing to the [[Pact]] which would give the First Men all the land except for the deep forests, which would remain under the dominion of the children of the forest. The First Men agreed they would cut down no more trees. So that the gods could bear witness to the historic agreement, all the trees on the island would have a face carved into it and the order of the green men would be created to guard them.{{ref|AGOT|66}}

The [[Andals]] were unable to destroy the green men during the [[Andal invasion]] of [[Westeros]], leading to conjecture that some children of the forest survived on the Isle of Faces with their aid.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Arrival of the Andals}}

During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], [[Addam Velaryon]] was said to have flown his dragon, [[Seasmoke]], to the Isle of Faces and taken counsel with the Green Men.{{ref|tpatq}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[Meera Reed|Meera]] and [[Jojen Reed]] tell [[Bran Stark]] the story of the [[Knight of the Laughing Tree]], in which a [[crannogman]] visited the green men. Bran wonders if the green men could help him to walk again.{{ref|ASOS|24}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Organizations]]
[[Category:Riverlands]]

[[tr:Yeşil adamlar]]
[[fr:Hommes verts]]
[[ru:Зеленые люди]]

Alicent Hightower

2026-06-20T14:43:42Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Alicent
| lastname = Hightower
| arms = Hightower
| arms2 = Targaryen
| title = Queen
| image = Queen Alicent.jpg
| image_caption = Alicent Hightower, as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.
| Alias = The Queen in Chains{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
| Title = Lady Queen Dowager Queen
| Allegiance = [[House Hightower]] [[House Targaryen]] [[Greens]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Reach]]
| Father = [[Otto Hightower]]
| Mother =
| Spouse = King [[Viserys I Targaryen]]
| Issue = [[Aegon II Targaryen]] [[Helaena Targaryen]] [[Aemond Targaryen]] [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]]
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|88}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Alicent Hightower|Alicent Hightower]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death = [[King's Landing]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|133}}{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| Played_by = [[w:Olivia Cooke|Olivia Cooke]] [[w:Emily Carey|Emily Carey]] (young)
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|2]]
}}

'''Alicent Hightower''' was a member of [[House Hightower]] who became the second wife to King [[Viserys I Targaryen]]. She was the daughter of Ser [[Otto Hightower]], who had been [[Hand of the King]] to [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]], Viserys I, and later his grandson [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]]. She was the mother of King Aegon II, Queen [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]], Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] and Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]].

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Alicent is portrayed by [[w:Olivia Cooke|Olivia Cooke]] and [[w:Emily Carey|Emily Carey]] (young).<ref>HBO.com: [https://www.hbo.com/house-of-the-dragon/cast-and-characters House of the Dragon Cast & Characters]</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category: Images of Alicent Hightower|l1=Images of Alicent Hightower}}
Alicent was described as precocious at fifteen and clever and lovely at the age of eighteen. After having given birth four times, Alicent remained as slender and graceful as before the first pregnancy.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Alicent's hair color is uncertain, since it is not described in the text: the illustrations within ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'', ''[[Fire & Blood]]'', and ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' all depict her with dark hair, but the fact King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] mistook her for one of his daughters may suggest she was blonde.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

==History==
===Early life===
Alicent was born in {{Date|88}} to [[Otto Hightower]], the younger brother of [[Lord Hightower]], the [[Lord of the Hightower]]. Alicent had several brothers, including [[Gwayne Hightower|Gwayne]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

When her father was named [[Hand of the King]] by King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] in {{Date|101}}, thirteen year-old Alicent accompanied him to court together with her brothers and mother. In {{Date|103}}, Alicent became the constant companion of King Jaehaerys, whose health was failing.<ref group="N">According to ''[[Fire & Blood]]'', Alicent arrived at the court in {{Date|101}} and became Jaehaerys's constant companion at fifteen. Since it's also said she was eighteen at {{Date|106}}, it means she was thirteen in {{Date|101}}, and became Jaehaerys's constant companion only in his last year, {{Date|103}}.</ref> She fetched his meals, helped him wash and dress, and read to him. In the end, King Jaehaerys sometimes mistook her for one of his daughters, especially [[Saera Targaryen]]. Jaehaerys eventually died the same year, while Alicent was reading to him.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Alicent stayed at court, as her father continued to occupy the position as Hand under Jaehaerys's grandson and successor, King [[Viserys I Targaryen]]. Already early in the reign of Viserys, Ser Otto and Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] were at odds with each other.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<ref group="N">According to ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'', the [[court fool]] [[Mushroom]] suggested that the quarrel between the two men began when Daemon [[Maiden|deflowered]] Alicent. However, in ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' that rumor is replaced with a different claim by Mushroom, regarding the relationship between Alicent and King Jaehaerys I. See also: asoiaf.westeros.org: [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/34958-the-asoiaf-wiki-thread/&page=120&tab=comments#comment-8427481 Daemon deflowering Alicent issue (August 31, 2019)]</ref>

===Marriage===
In the years that followed, Alicent caught the eye of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], whose first wife, Queen [[Aemma Arryn]], had died, and whose [[small council]] was urging him to wed again. Ignoring all advice from his council, Viserys choose Alicent as his wife. They [[Marriage|married]] in {{Date|106}}, despite the whispers of people who believed that the [[Hand of the King|Hand]] had risen above himself. Some doubted Alicent's virtue, as rumors began circling that she had slept with King Viserys while Queen Aemma was still alive; moreover, the notorious [[court fool]] [[Mushroom]] mischievously suggested that Alicent had been more than an aide to the late Jaehaerys. Nonetheless, Alicent was wed to Viserys. While this forestalled other potential marriage-alliances Viserys's small council would have preferred, it was not a completely unwise choice, as the Hightowers were still one of the leading families in [[Westeros]], with close ties to the [[Faith of the Seven]] (whose leadership were still based at the [[Starry Sept]] in [[Oldtown]] at the time).{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

[[File:The birth of the blacks and the greens by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|left|The birth of the [[blacks]] and the [[greens]]. Art by Jota Saraiva ©]]
Originally, Queen Alicent had a good relationship with her step-daughter, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]. But when Alicent gave birth to a son, Prince [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]], a daughter, Princess [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]], and another son, Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]], in rapid succession, and Rhaenyra remained Viserys's heir, those feelings started to change. Both women wanted to be the first lady of the realm, but there could only be one. One example of their growing enmity was when Alicent noticed that Rhaenyra paid much attention to Ser [[Criston Cole]] of the [[Kingsguard]], she publicly asked the court who was protecting the princess from her knight.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Alicent's biggest supporter was her own father, Ser [[Otto Hightower]]. He eventually pushed too far on the matter, and was stripped of his position as Hand. Having no place at court anymore, Otto returned to Oldtown. However, a "queen's party" remained, a group of powerful [[lord]]s who were friends with Queen Alicent, who supported the rights of Alicent's sons.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|111}}, a great [[tourney]] was held at [[King's Landing]] on the fifth anniversary of the king’s marriage to Queen Alicent. At the opening feast, Alicent wore a green gown, whilst Princess Rhaenyra dressed in [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] red and black. Note was taken, and thereafter it became the custom to refer to "[[greens]]" and "[[blacks]]" when talking of the queen's party and the party of the princess, respectively. In the tourney itself, the greens were defeated by the blacks, when Ser Criston Cole, wearing Rhaenyra's favor, unhorsed all of the queen's champions, including two of her cousins and her youngest brother, Ser [[Gwayne Hightower]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Prince Daemon Targaryen was opposed to Alicent and her sons, and after his return to King's Landing, he made fun of Alicent, Aegon and Aemond, and the other greens, to entertain Princess Rhaenyra. It is said he acted cool towards the princes Aegon and Aemond, because they had pushed him even lower in the line of succession.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

When Rhaenyra turned sixteen, the small council started looking for a suitable husband. Alicent had her own choice: her eldest son, Prince Aegon, who was only six years old. Viserys argued that the siblings had never gotten along, but Alicent urged her husband that was all the more reason to wed the two. Viserys refused, believing that Alicent only made the suggestion to get her own blood on the throne.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

By the time Princess Rhaenyra got married, in {{Date|114}}, Queen Alicent had found a new member for her greens: Ser Criston Cole, former companion to Princess Rhaenyra, who had broken from her for an unspecified reason. Criston fought in the tourney for Rhaenyra's wedding with Alicent's favor, and was named Alicent's personal [[sworn shield]] soon thereafter.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

[[File:The greens by Fkaluis.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Alicent and her four children, [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]], [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]], [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]], and [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]]. Art by [https://fkaluis.tumblr.com/ Fkaluis] ©]]
By {{Date|115}}, the enmity between the greens and the blacks had grown deep. While Alicent had given birth in {{Date|114}} to Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]], who unmistakably shared the Targaryen looks like his brothers and sister, Princess Rhaenyra had given birth to Princes [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]] and [[Lucerys Velaryon]], who both looked nothing like either Rhaenyra or her husband, Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]]. Alicent was convinced the children had actually been fathered by Ser [[Harwin Strong]], but King Viserys did not share these feelings. He had even ordered that Daeron and Jacaerys share a [[wet nurse]] until they were weaned, hoping that them being [[milk brother]]s would ease the enmity between Alicent and Rhaenyra.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|120}}, Alicent's second son became involved in an incident at [[Driftmark]] where he fought with Rhaenyra's three sons over his claiming of the [[dragon]] [[Vhagar]]. In the fight, Lucerys took out Aemond's right eye with his dagger after he mocked the three boys as "Strongs". Alicent, angered, demanded that the same would be done to Lucerys. After King Viserys refused, Princess Rhaenyra demanded that Aemond should be questioned "sharply" until he revealed where he heard her sons described as "Strongs" — as naming them such suggested they were [[bastard]]s, and therefore that Rhaenyra was guilty of high [[treason]] by sleeping with Ser Harwin Strong. Pressured by his father, Aemond eventually admitted hearing the name from his brother, Prince Aegon. After this incident, King Viserys decreed that anyone who mocked his grandsons as "Strongs" again would have their [[tongue mutilation|tongues pulled out with hot pincers]]. Viserys further declared that Alicent and her children would remain at court in King's Landing, whilst Rhaenyra and her family remained at [[Dragonstone]]. Later that year, as Rhaenyra gave birth to her first son by Prince Daemon, Alicent grew wroth upon learning the child had been named [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]], believing it to be a slight against her own firstborn, who had also been named Aegon.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|122}}, Prince Aegon the Elder and Princess Helaena were married per the Targaryen tradition of [[incest|sibling marriage]], and within a year they welcomed twins, Prince [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]] and Princess [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]], Alicent's first grandchildren. According to the scurrilous ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom|Testimony]]'' of the [[fool]] [[Mushroom]], Aegon also fathered two [[bastard]]s in {{Date|123}}, including a girl by one of Alicent's maidservants. When Alicent's youngest son, Daeron, turned twelve in {{Date|126}}, he was sent to serve as a [[cupbearer]] and [[squire]] to Lord [[Ormund Hightower]], Alicent's cousin, in [[Oldtown]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|126}}, King Viserys's hand became infected after he cut it on the [[Iron Throne]], and it was feared that he might die. However, he recovered, and on the first day of {{Date|127}}, the king held a feast to celebrate the return of his health. Alicent and Rhaenyra made a show of amity and love, each wearing the other's colors. Their families greeted each other with kisses and toasts, to Viserys's pleasure. However, after the king left the feast to rest, Aemond toasted his three Velaryon nephews, speaking in mock admiration of their brown hair, brown eyes, and strength, calling them "three strong boys". Aegon also became offended when Jacaerys asked Helaena to dance, and a fight between the princes was prevented by the intervention of the Kingsguard.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

After the death of [[Grand Maester]] [[Mellos]], Rhaenyra recommended that [[Gerardys]] take his place. However, Alicent wanted Maester [[Alfador]], who served [[House Hightower]], named to the office. Beset from both sides, Viserys chose neither, reminding both his wife and daughter that the [[Citadel]] would decide; in the end, they chose [[Orwyle]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===The Dance of the Dragons===
{{Main|Dance of the Dragons}}
[[File:Green plotting.jpg|thumb|right|400px|The [[Green council]] plotting just after the death of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.]]
When King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] died in his sleep in [[King's Landing]], on the third day of the third moon in {{Date|129}}, a servant warned Queen Alicent as instructed, without telling anyone else. According to Mushroom, who was away with [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] on [[Dragonstone]] at the time, Alicent [[poison]]ed Viserys' [[hippocras]]. Regardless, Alicent warned Ser [[Criston Cole]], now [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]], and together, they called the [[small council]], where plans were made to crown Alicent's son Prince [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]], instead of Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], who had been Viserys's heir. At the coronation ceremony held for Aegon II and [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]], Aegon's sister-wife, in the [[Dragonpit]], Alicent placed her own [[crown]] upon the head of Helaena and addressed her as "my queen".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

After Aegon heard of the rival coronation of Rhaenyra, he was incensed, demanding her execution. But Alicent, Helaena, and Grand Maester [[Orwyle]] urged Aegon to offer generous terms to Rhaenyra, allowing her to remain the [[lady of Dragonstone]] and for the lands to pass to Jaecerys after her death, for Driftmark to pass to Lucerys, and for her sons [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys]] to serve as the king's [[squire]] and [[cupbearer]], respectively, if she acknowledged him as king and made obeisance before the Iron Throne, also offering pardons to her supporters. However, Rhaenyra rejected these terms, and war was inevitable.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} After Aemond killed Lucerys in the [[fight above Shipbreaker Bay]], he did not receive a hero's welcome in King's Landing when he returned with the news. His mother Alicent paled and cried out for [[Mother (the Seven)|the Mother]]'s mercy, while his grandfather Otto asked him how he could have been so blind. Meanwhile, Prince Daemon swore revenge, promising Rhaenyra ''"a son for a son"''.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

After the coronation, Alicent had moved her chambers to the [[Tower of the Hand]], where her father resided. Every evening before bed, Queen Helaena brought her children to see their grandmother. Because the Tower of the Hand was less secure than [[Maegor's Holdfast]], [[Blood (the butcher)|Blood]] and [[Cheese (the rat-catcher)|Cheese]] were able to take advantage of this custom. They stole into Alicent's chambers, slew her [[bedmaid]], and bound and gagged Alicent. When Helaena arrived with the children, they slew Prince [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]], Aegon's eldest son and heir, as revenge for the death of Rhaenyra's son Lucerys, cutting off his head. Blood was captured and [[torture]]d for thirteen days; Alicent ordered that [[Lord Confessor]] [[Larys Strong]] learn his true name, so that she might bathe in the blood of his wife and children, but Archmaester [[Gyldayn]]'s [[Fire & Blood, Being a History of the Targaryen Kings of Westeros|sources]] could not determine if this occurred. Helaena subsequently went mad with grief, and Aegon gave his surviving son, Prince [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]], to his mother Alicent to raise.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

Alicent unsuccessfully defended her father, Ser [[Otto Hightower]], when Aegon II replaced him as [[Hand of the King]] with Ser [[Criston Cole]]. After the [[battle at Rook's Rest]], the [[smallfolk]] of King's Landing were greatly awed by the sight of the dragon [[Meleys]]'s head, drawn through the city on a cart. Thousands of people began fleeing the capital, until Dowager Queen Alicent ordered the gates closed and barred. In the battle, King Aegon's dragon [[Sunfyre]] was badly maimed and Aegon himself had been grievously injured. He slept nine hours out of every ten under the effects of [[milk of the poppy]], and only Alicent and Ser Criston were allowed to disturb his rest. Prince Aemond took over the rule in his stead as [[Regent|Prince Regent]] and [[Protector of the Realm]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

In {{date|130}}, when Rhaenyra's dragons first appeared in the skies above King's Landing, the [[master of whisperers]] Lord Larys Strong spirited Aegon out of the city, along with Alicent's grandchildren, Prince Maelor and Princess [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]].{{refn|group="N"|In a now deleted blog post, [[George R. R. Martin]] added that Alicent herself gave the initial order to smuggle Maelor and Jaehaera out of the capital.<ref>[[Not a Blog]]: [http://web.archive.org/web/20240904154210/https://georgerrmartin.com/notablog/2024/09/04/beware-the-butterflies/ Beware the Butterflies]. George R. R. Martin (September 4, 2024). Archived and retrieved September 4, 2024.</ref>}} Alicent yielded the [[Red Keep]] to Rhaenyra during the [[fall of King's Landing]], during which her brother, Ser [[Gwayne Hightower]], was killed by Ser [[Luthor Largent]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Alicent was bound in [[gold]]en fetters, but though her father, Ser Otto, and co-conspirators on the small council were beheaded for treason, Rhaenyra spared Alicent's life "for the sake of our father, who loved you once".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

[[File:Alicent pleads for peace by Doug Wheatley.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Alicent begs Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] for peace, on her knees before the [[Iron Throne]], as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.]]
Alicent's grandson Maelor died at [[Bitterbridge]] while on the run from Rhaenyra's [[knights inquisitor]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} After Alicent heard of Rhaenyra's planned campaigns against Prince Aemond and Prince Daeron, she pled for peace, on her knees before the Iron Throne. Alicent petitioned that the [[Seven Kingdoms]] should be divided between Rhaenyra and Aegon II, with her son taking the [[stormlands]], [[westerlands]] and the [[Reach]], ruling his new realm from [[Oldtown]], while Rhaenyra would rule the [[crownlands]], [[riverlands]], the [[Vale of Arryn]], the [[Iron Islands]] and the [[North]]. Her stepdaughter rejected this offer of peace, claiming that her brothers had given up their positions of honor by stealing her birthright and claiming the lives of her own sons. When Alicent claimed that only [[Bastardy|bastard]] blood had been spilled, whereas her grandsons had been innocent, Rhaenyra was enraged, and threatened to cut out her tongue if she spoke any more of bastardy. According to Mushroom, [[Mysaria]] suggested to Rhaenyra that Alicent and Helaena be forced to [[prostitute]] themselves in one of King's Landing's [[brothel]]s as an even crueler punishment than their tongues being cut out. However, [[Gyldayn]] discredits the story of the "[[Brothel Queens]]".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Alicent laughed when she heard of the [[Two Betrayers]] at the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]], promising that the blacks would now reap what they had sowed. However, Prince [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] died fighting Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] in the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]],{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} and Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]] died at the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} When Helaena's madness led her to commit suicide by jumping from her window, Alicent rent her garments and cursed her rival.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Rhaenyra fled the capital after the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]] and the [[Riot of King's Landing (Dance of the Dragons)|riot of King's Landing]], and Alicent was in attendance when Ser [[Perkin the Flea]] then placed his squire, [[Trystane Truefyre]], on the [[Iron Throne]]. Aegon II [[fall of Dragonstone|secretly captured Dragonstone]], and when Rhaenyra [[Flight to Dragonstone|arrived at the island]], he fed her to his dragon, [[Sunfyre]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

When Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] ended the [[Moon of the Three Kings]], Alicent negotiated the betrothal of her surviving son, King Aegon the Elder, to [[Cassandra Baratheon]]. Alicent was overcome with joy to learn that her granddaughter, Princess [[Jaehaera Targaryen]], had reached [[Storm's End]] in safety. Alicent did not trust the Sea Snake, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], but Larys Strong persuaded her to consent to his proposals, and she reluctantly agreed to betroth Jaehaera to Rhaenyra's son, Prince Aegon the Younger. Alicent, acting as proxy for King Aegon II, publicly pardoned Lord Corlys, and restored him to his place on the small council.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

After King Aegon II returned to King's Landing, he was determined to get revenge on those who had betrayed him, and was urged on in these plans by Alicent. When the greens learned that Lady [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]] had hatched [[Morning|a dragon]] in the [[Vale]], Alicent feared that the [[smallfolk]] would now consider the [[blacks]] as more legitimate, and Aegon made unsuccessful efforts to hatch a new dragon for himself. As the armies of the [[Lads]] and Lord [[Cregan Stark]] advanced on the capital, conspirators plotted against Aegon II. The king was found [[poison]]ed, and Alicent was arrested by [[House Velaryon|Velaryons]] and taken to the dungeons.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

===Further Life===
[[File:Alicent's last year by Jaydeewis.png|350px|thumb|right|Alicent in the last year of her life, haunted by the deaths of her children and grandchildren. Art by Jaydeewis ©]]
[[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s ten-year-old son took the throne as King [[Aegon III Targaryen]] in {{Date|131}}.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} When the [[Lads]] arrived at the Red Keep, they found that the late Aegon II Targaryen had been laid out on a bier before the Iron Throne, while Alicent stood crying beside it. During the [[Hour of the Wolf]], King Aegon III's [[Hand]], Lord [[Cregan Stark]], sentenced to death the men who had arrested Alicent.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} The Dowager Queen opposed the marriage of her granddaughter [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]] to the new king, and was absent from the ceremony.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

[[Regency of Aegon III|Aegon's new regents]] were divided on what to do with Alicent.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} While they did not desire Alicent's own execution, some from compassion and others for fear that doing so would reignite the war, they felt she could not be allowed to participate in court life. If she did, she was likely to curse at the young king, or snatch a dagger from a guard and try to attack him. Alicent could not even be trusted around her granddaughter; once when she was allowed to share a meal with the little queen, she terrified Jaehaera by suggesting she slit Aegon's throat while he was sleeping. Since Alicent refused to be reconciled, Ser [[Tyland Lannister]], the [[Hand of the King]], ordered a gentle imprisonment, confining her within her own apartments in [[Maegor's Holdfast]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

Alicent remained in her chambers for the last year of her life. Her only company was her [[septa]], serving girls, and guards. She was given books as well as needles and thread, but Alicent's guards reported she spent more time weeping than reading or sewing. One day she ripped all her clothing into pieces. By the end of the year, Alicent had begun talking to herself, and was known to abhor the color green. A few days into {{Date|133}}, the [[Winter Fever]] epidemic arrived in King's Landing, and Alicent became one of the victims of the [[disease]]. Though most infected became delirious, she regained some sanity, confessing her sins and telling her septa of her wish to see her children again. In her final hours, Alicent also often spoke of hoping to see King Jaehaerys, but oddly never of her husband, King Viserys. Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower died of the fever on a rainy night, at the [[hour of the wolf]], and her death was considered a mercy.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

==Quotes by Alicent==
[[File:Alicent_Hightower_by_Jaenarra.png|350px|thumb|right|Alicent by Jaenarra ©]]
{{Quote|Ser [[Criston Cole|Criston]] protects [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|the princess]] from her enemies, but who protects the princess from Ser Criston?{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|Alicent, to the court of [[Viserys I Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|Do keep trying, soon or late, you may get one who looks like you.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|Alicent to [[Laenor Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|[[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]] and his brothers are [[Viserys I Targaryen|the king’s]] trueborn sons, with a better claim to the throne than [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|her]] brood of [[bastard]]s. [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] will find some pretext to put them all to death. Even [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]] and her little ones. [[Lucerys Velaryon|One of these Strongs]] put out [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond’s]] eye, never forget. He was a boy, aye, but the boy is the father to the man, and bastards are monstrous by nature.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}|Alicent, to the [[green council]]}}

{{Quote|Mayhaps [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|the whore]] will die in childbirth.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}|Alicent, according to ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom]]''}}

{{Quote|'''Rhaenyra:''' Your sons might have had places of honor at my court if they had kept faith, but they sought to rob me of my birthright, and the blood of my sweet sons is on their hands. 
'''Alicent:''' [[Bastard]] blood, shed at war. [[Aegon II Targaryen|My son]]'s sons were innocent boys, cruelly murdered. How many more must die to slake your thirst for vengeance? 
'''Rhaenyra:''' I will hear no more lies. Speak again of bastardy, and I will [[tongue mutilation|have your tongue out]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|[[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and Alicent}}

{{Quote|All [[blacks|they]] have sowed, now shall they reap.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|Alicent, hearing of the [[Two Betrayers]]}}

{{Quote|I want to see my sons again, and [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]], my sweet girl, oh ... and King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys]]. I will read to him, as I did when I was little. He used to say I had a lovely voice.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}|the dying Alicent to her [[septa]]}}

==Quotes about Alicent==
[[File:Alicent Olivia Cooke2.jpg|thumb|350px|right|[[w:Olivia Cooke|Olivia Cooke]] as Alicent in ''[[House of the Dragon]]''.]]
{{Quote|[[[Viserys I Targaryen]]] would marry again, yes… but not to [[Laena Velaryon|a twelve-year-old girl]], and not for reasons of state. Another woman had caught
his eye. He announced his intention to wed Lady Alicent of [[House Hightower]], the clever and lovely eighteen-year-old daughter of [[Otto Hightower|the King’s Hand]], the girl who had read to King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys]] as he lay dying.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|words of [[Gyldayn]]}}

{{Quote|Queen Alicent had soon proved to be as fertile as she was pretty.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|words of [[Gyldayn]]}}

{{Quote|The [[Aegon II Targaryen|boy]] is Alicent's [[House Hightower|own blood]]. She wants him on the [[Iron Throne|throne]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|[[Viserys I Targaryen]] on Alicent's scheming}}

{{Quote|And so each of [[green council|the conspirators]] slashed their palms and clasped hands with one another, swearing brotherhood. Queen Alicent alone amongst them was excused from the oath, on account of her womanhood.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}|words of [[Gyldayn]]}}

==Family==
Alicent was the daughter of Ser [[Otto Hightower]]. She had an unknown number of brothers, including Ser [[Gwayne Hightower]]. Alicent had four children and three grandchildren.

Alicent's mother was never identified in the books, only briefly mentioned once: "Ser Otto brought his wife and children to court with him, and served King Jaehaerys faithfully for the years remaining to him."{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} The ''[[House of the Dragon]]'' TV series added the details that she passed early during the reign of King Viserys I Targaryen{{Ref|HBOHOTD|S01E01}} and that her name was Alyrie Florent.{{Ref|HBOHOTD|S02E01}} In the show canon, Alyrie was a devout woman and the reason for Alicent's piety.<ref>The Official House of the Dragon Podcast: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU7VA6nEuIs S1E2 The Rogue Prince]</ref>

{{Hightower tree Dance}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==Behind the Scenes==
[[George R. R. Martin]]'s notes dating back to 1999 named Alicent Hightower as "Lysa Hightower".<ref>Westeros.org: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a46ISMKyMLQ Odds and Ends 01] (4 July, 2024)</ref>

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Aemma Arryn]]}}
{{S-ttl|order=12th|title=queen consort of the [[Seven Kingdoms]]|years={{Date|106|129}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Helaena Targaryen]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Royal consorts of Westeros}}
{{Aegon II small council}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hightower, Alicent}}
[[Category:House Hightower|Alicent Hightower]]
[[Category:House Targaryen|Alicent Hightower]]
[[Category:88 AC births]]
[[Category:133 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Winter Fever]]
[[Category:Characters from the Reach]]
[[Category:Greens]]
[[Category:Members of Jaehaerys I Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Viserys I Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon II Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Trystane Truefyre's court]]
[[Category:Noblewomen]]
[[Category:Royal consorts]]

[[es:Alicent Hightower]]
[[fr:Alicent Hightower]]
[[tr:Alicent Hightower]]
[[nl:Alicent Hoogtoren]]
[[pt:Alicent Hightower]]
[[ru:Алисента Хайтауэр]]
[[zh:阿莉森·海塔尔]]

Caraxes

2026-06-05T17:01:28Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox animal character
| firstname = Caraxes
| epithet = the Blood Wyrm
| arms = Targaryen
| image = [[File:Caraxes at Harrenhal by Gaga Turmanishvili (The Rise of the Dragon).jpg|400px]]
| image_caption = Caraxes at Harrenhal by Gaga Turmanishvili for ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]''
| Alias = the Blood Wyrm{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys & Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
| Title =
| Owner = [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon Targaryen]] [[Daemon Targaryen]]
| Species = [[Dragon]]
| Place_of_Birth=
| Date_of_Birth = or before {{Date|72}}{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys & Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
| Place_of_Death = the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye|Gods Eye]]
| Date_of_Death = 22nd day of the 5th moon of {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|2]]
}}

'''Caraxes''', called '''the Blood Wyrm''', was a [[dragon]] ridden at first by Prince [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys & Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} and later by Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}

==Description==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Caraxes|l1=Images of Caraxes}}
Caraxes was red, huge, and lean. In battle he was formidable, fearsome, and experienced. By the end of his life, Caraxes was considered an old and cunning dragon.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Caraxes was about half the size of [[Vhagar]], the oldest and largest dragon alive at the time.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} [[Meleys]] was faster than both Caraxes and Vhagar.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys & Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}

==History==
===Aemon the Prince of Dragonstone===
It is unknown when Caraxes hatched from his [[Dragon egg|egg]] but by {{Date|72}} he was a young dragon of rideable size. That year, [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon Targaryen]], [[Prince of Dragonstone]] and heir apparent of the [[Iron Throne]], claimed Caraxes for the first time. The [[Dragonkeepers]] considered him to be the fiercest of all the young dragons of the [[Dragonpit]] and nicknamed him the "Blood Wyrm". The Targaryen siblings [[Alyssa Targaryen|Alyssa]], [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon]] and Aemon liked to fly together on their dragons ([[Meleys]], Vhagar, and Caraxes respectively).{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys & Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}

Aemon used Caraxes against the [[Dorne|Dornish]] fleet during the [[Fourth Dornish War]] in {{Date|83}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys & Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} When rogue [[Myr]]men [[Myrish Bloodbath|invaded]] parts of the island of [[Tarth]] in {{Date|92}}, Aemon flew to the island on Caraxes's back to help lords [[Cameron Tarth]] and [[Boremund Baratheon]] fight back the invaders. Caraxes easily outdistanced the [[Velaryon fleet]] led by Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] in the process. Caraxes was eating goats when Prince Aemon was killed by a crossbow bolt in the throat.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys & Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}

===Daemon the Rogue Prince===
[[File:TV_Caraxes.jpeg|Caraxes in ''[[House of the Dragon]]''|thumb|400px|right]]
By {{Date|105}}, Aemon's nephew, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], had claimed Caraxes as his mount. Daemon took his [[paramour]] [[Mysaria]] with him on Caraxes when he retreated from [[King's Landing]] for [[Dragonstone]]. Daemon used Caraxes during the [[War for the Stepstones]] ({{Date|106|115}}). During those years, Daemon divided his time between the Stepstones and Dragonstone where he would often fly with his niece, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], and her dragon [[Syrax]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

After Daemon remarried to Lady [[Laena Velaryon]], the newly wed toured the [[Free Cities]] of [[Essos]] with their dragons Caraxes and Vhagar. Huge crowds came to see both dragons everywhere they went.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} After their return to [[Westeros]], the couple often flew with Rhaenyra. It is believed that the princess's dragon, [[Syrax]], mated with Caraxes at that time.{{Ref|TROTD|7}}

At the start of the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Daemon landed Caraxes atop [[Kingspyre Tower]] during the [[assault on Harrenhal]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} Atop Caraxes later in the civil war, Daemon challenged [[Aemond Targaryen]] and [[Vhagar]] at Harrenhal. All four were killed in the ensuing [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]]. At the end of the fight, Vhagar locked with Caraxes and they fell into the [[Gods Eye]]. While in freefall, even as Vhagar's claws opened up Caraxes's belly and used her teeth to tear off one of his wing-arms, Caraxes locked his teeth onto the larger dragon's throat and tore it out. Vhagar did not survive the force of the fall. Somehow, Caraxes managed to live long enough to pull himself out of the water and onto the shore, even though his entrails were falling out and one of his arms had been torn clean off. The dragon soon died in front of the walls of Harrenhal.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Known dragonriders of Caraxes==
* Prince [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys & Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
* Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|He does love to [[Dragonflame|burn]].{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys & Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}|[[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon Targaryen]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Dragons}}

[[Category:1st century AC births]]
[[Category:130 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Aemond Targaryen]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Vhagar]]
[[Category:Dragons]]

[[es:Caraxes]]
[[fa:کراکسس]]
[[fr:Caraxès]]
[[pt:Caraxes]]
[[ru:Караксес]]
[[tr:Caraxes]]

Alysanne Blackwood

2026-05-29T22:13:15Z

Breassa:

{{For|the daughter of Beron Stark|Alysanne Stark}}
{{Infobox character
| title = Lady
| nickname =
| firstname = Alysanne
| particle =
| lastname = Blackwood
| epithet = Black Aly
| arms = Blackwood
| arms2 = Stark
| image = Alysanne Blackwood by Naomimakesart.png
| image_caption = Alysanne Blackwood, by Naomimakesart©
| Alias = Black Aly Blackwood{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}
| Title = Lady of [[Winterfell]]{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}
| Allegiance = [[House Blackwood]] [[Blacks]] [[Lads]] [[House Stark]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Rivermen]]
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|113}}<ref name=ages>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Alysanne Blackwood|Alysanne Blackwood]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|136|179}}<ref name=ages/>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Burial =
| Place_of_Burial =
| Father = Lord [[House Blackwood|Blackwood]]
| Mother =
| Spouse = Lord [[Cregan Stark]]{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}
| Lover = [[Sabitha Frey]] (rumored){{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}
| Issue = [[Sarra Stark]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}} [[Alys Stark]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}} [[Raya Stark]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}} [[Myriah Stark]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}
| coat-of-arms =
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned)
| Played_by = Annie Shapero
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 3|Season 3]]
}}

'''Alysanne Blackwood''', also known as '''Black Aly''', was a member of [[House Blackwood]]. She was the aunt of Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood]] of [[Raventree Hall]],<ref group="N">Earlier prints of ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' state that Alysanne is the sister of Lord Benjicot Blackwood (''The World of Ice & Fire'', The Stormlands: House Baratheon). However, Elio García has confirmed that the statement is in error (A Forum of Ice and Fire: [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/116403-looking-in-the-mush-for-some-world-book-content/&page=3#comment-6440919 Looking in the MUSH for some World Book content (November 11, 2014)]), stating "''Aly is Ben's aunt, BTW. Sister is an error in the book, we'll get it corrected.''". This error has been subsequently fixed in later editions (Reddit,
[https://www.reddit.com/r/asoiaf/comments/7bmaof/spoilers_main_an_errata_of_ice_and_fire_list_of/ (Spoilers Main) An Errata of Ice and Fire: list of fixed/confirmed/probable errors (November 8, 2017)]).</ref> and the second wife of Lord [[Cregan Stark]] of [[Winterfell]].

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Alysanne is portrayed by Annie Shapero.<ref>Deadline: [https://deadline.com/2025/07/house-of-the-dragon-cast-alysanne-blackwood-annie-shapero-1236473990/ Annie Shapero Cast As Fierce Fighter Alysanne Blackwood In Season 3 (July 30, 2025)]</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category: Images of Alysanne Blackwood|l1=Images of Alysanne Blackwood}}
Alysanne was tall and thin, with thick black curly hair, long enough to reach below her waist when loose. She had small breasts, but also long legs and strong arms. Although not noted for her beauty or softness, Alysanne was regarded as a fierce, fearless woman, with a bawdy tongue. She was said to smell of woodsmoke, a feature some found attractive.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

Black Aly was an excellent hunter, [[horse]]-breaker, and archer.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} She is rumored to have been fond of Lady [[Sabitha Frey]].{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

==History==
===Dance of the Dragons===
[[File:Alysanne Blackwood by Chillyravenart.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Alysanne Blackwood, by Chillyravenart ©]]

Alysanne lost her [[maiden]]head while horse-riding at the age of thirteen.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

Alysanne was sixteen years old in {{Date|129}}, when [[House Blackwood]] declared for the [[blacks]], the faction loyal to Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] during the civil war called the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. However, the Blackwoods' hereditary enemies, [[House Bracken]], supported King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] and the [[greens]]. During the [[Battle of the Burning Mill]], Ser [[Amos Bracken]] slew Lord [[Samwell Blackwood]] in single combat, but died immediately afterwards when a [[weirwood]] arrow was fired into the eye slit of his helm. According to the Blackwoods, that arrow was shot by Alysanne, avenging her brother's death.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Aly shared her tent with Lady [[Sabitha Frey]] while on campaign.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} Alysanne commanded three hundred archers of the [[riverlands]] during the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]] in {{Date|131}}. After her nephew, Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood]], broke the flank of Lord [[Borros Baratheon]]'s royalist [[greens]], Alysanne's archers slew the royalist [[knight]]s and unhorsed Borros, who was then slain by Lord [[Kermit Tully]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Stormlands: House Baratheon}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} The [[Lads]] and their armies then advanced on [[King's Landing]],{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} expecting to besiege the city, but arrived to discover King Aegon II Targaryen was dead, and their presence was welcomed.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

Alysanne was one of the few commanders on either side who fought in the civil war from its first battle (Burning Mill) to its last (the Muddy Mess).<ref group="N">It is unclear if Alysanne's young nephew Benjicot participated in the Battle of the Burning Mill. His father's death in that battle made him the new lord of House Blackwood, and afterward he is described as riding out with their army to the Fishfeed. The riverlands campaign was the main focus of the entire war, where it began and ended. There were of course other campaigns in the Reach and the westerlands, but they began later - i.e. [[Unwin Peake]] was part of the Hightower host from the beginning to end of the Reach campaign.</ref>

===Aftermath===
Within a fortnight of their arrival at the city, however, Lord [[Cregan Stark]] of [[Winterfell]] and his [[northmen]] reached King's Landing. Though Cregan supported the new king, Rhaenyra's eleven-year-old son [[Aegon III Targaryen]], he was incensed by the dishonorable [[poison]]ing of King [[Aegon II Targaryen]], and had those he suspected of being involved in the plot arrested. This period, when Cregan briefly served as [[Hand of the King]], dispensed [[justice]], and performed executions of the guilty, became known as the [[Hour of the Wolf]]. One of those arrested was Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], but he was pardoned by Aegon III, the half-brother of [[Dragon Twins|his granddaughters]]. Since Aegon was still under the [[age of majority]] and not yet anointed king, Cregan was within rights to ignore the pardon and execute Corlys, yet he did not do so.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} Scholars have wondered why and proposed theories, but according to [[Archmaester]] [[Gyldayn]], [[Mushroom]]'s ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom|Testimony]]'' has the best explanation: a bargain struck between Alysanne and Cregan. While accompanying her nephew Benjicot at court, Alysanne had met Cregan, and liked him despite his sternness. Cregan responded in kind, attracted to her atypical character and behavior, and soon began seeking her company. Therefore, when Alysanne came to him and asked him to let Aegon III's pardon of Corlys Velaryon stand, Cregan listened. She argued on behalf of the realm, honor, and peace; but in the end, requested it as a personal boon, in exchange for whatever he wished. In return, Cregan asked for her hand in marriage, and Alysanne gladly agreed.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} According to Mushroom, Alysanne's actions helped to bring peace after the civil war.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

[[File:The Marriage of Alysanne Blackwood and Cregan Stark by cabepfir.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Alysanne and [[Cregan Stark]] marry in the [[godswood of Winterfell]], by Cecilia Latella ©]]
Alysanne was present in King's Landing for the royal wedding of King Aegon III Targaryen and Queen [[Jaehaera Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} Afterwards, she and Cregan faced a problem — his army was comprised of many childless and homeless men, unwed men, old men, and younger sons,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} people who might become burdens in the upcoming [[winter]] if they returned north. Alysanne suggested that the northmen remain in the south to help rebuild the [[riverlands]], as many women had lost their husbands during the war. Strength and a willingness to help would be welcome in many homes. In the end, more than a thousand northmen accompanied Alysanne and Lord Benjicot Blackwood when they left for [[Raventree]] seventeen days after the wedding. Hundreds of marriages were made at the "[[Widow Fairs]]" held at Raventree, [[Riverrun]], [[Stoney Sept]], the [[Twins]], and [[Fairmarket]], and Alysanne's matchmaking was generally successful. The northmen who preferred to remain unmarried instead became [[sworn sword]]s to lords, to be their guards and [[men-at-arms]]. The resettled northmen strengthened the [[riverlords]] who welcomed them, especially [[House Tully]] and House Blackwood, and helped revive and spread the worship of the [[Old Gods]] in the south.{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

Alysanne [[married]] Cregan Stark in the [[godswood of Winterfell]] in {{Date|132}}. Despite howling snowstorms, Benjicot led a retinue up the [[kingsroad]] to [[Winterfell]] to stand witness at his aunt's splendid wedding. Cregan's young son [[Rickon Stark (son of Cregan)|Rickon Stark]] sang a song for his new stepmother during the wedding feast.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} Later, Alysanne gave Cregan four daughters: [[Sarra Stark|Sarra]], [[Alys Stark|Alys]], [[Raya Stark|Raya]], and [[Myriah Stark]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}

Near the end of that same year the [[Winter Fever]] struck Westeros, doing much harm in King's Landing, but dealing its worst damage in the North where the cold weather seemed to aid its spread. Too few able-bodied men were left to harvest grain and a famine set in. With the North so weakened, in the following year the wildling chieftain [[Sylas the Grim]] seized on the opportunity to lead three thousand of his warriors raiding south of the [[Wall]]. Cregan rallied what few remaining healthy men were left in the North to stop the invasion.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}<ref group="N">Alysanne Blackwood isn't mentioned in ''Fire & Blood'' again after her wedding to Cregan. The Winter Fever started a few months afterwards and lasted well into the next year, but despite how badly it hammered the North it appears Alysanne survived: she ultimately bore Cregan four daughters, which probably means she had four full-term pregnancies - which would have ended long after the plague subsided (barring the unlikely scenario that she had quadruplets in a single year, or other sets of twins in rapid succession).</ref>

Alysanne died at some unspecified later point in the many decades that Cregan Stark ruled Winterfell, after which he remarried to his distant cousin [[Lynara Stark]], who bore him four more sons and another daughter. Rickon only had two daughters before his death, who were both married by sons of Lynara to secure their inheritance. As a result, later generations of the main Stark line do not descend from Alysanne Blackwood.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}

==Quotes by Alysanne==
[[File:Cregan and Aly by Naomimakesart.png|thumb|right|350px|Alysanne and [[Cregan Stark]], by Naomimakesart ©]]
{{Quote|Grant me this boon, and I shall never ask another. Do this, and I shall know that you are as wise as you are strong, as kind as you are fierce. Give me this, and I shall give you whatever you may choose to ask of me.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}|Alysanne and [[Cregan Stark]], about the pardon of [[Corlys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|'''Cregan''': What if I ask you for your [[maiden]]head, my lady? 
'''Alysanne''': I cannot give you what I do not have, my lord. I lost my maidenhead in the saddle when I was three-and-ten. 
'''Cregan''': Some would say that you squandered on a [[horse]] a gift that by rights should have belonged to your future husband. 
'''Alysanne''': Some are [[fool]]s, and she was a good horse, better than most husbands I have seen.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}|[[Cregan Stark]] and Alysanne}}

{{Quote|'''Cregan''': Aye, I’ll grant your boon. 
'''Alysanne''': And in return? 
'''Cregan''': All I ask is all of you, forever. I claim your hand in marriage. 
'''Alysanne''': A hand for a head. Done.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}|[[Cregan Stark]] and Alysanne}}

==Quotes about Alysanne==
{{Quote|A lean tall creature was this wench, thin as a whip and flat-chested as a boy, but long of leg and strong of arm, with a mane of thick black curls that tumbled down past her waist when loosed.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}|writings of [[Mushroom]]}}

{{Quote|She smells of woodsmoke, not flowers.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}|[[Cregan Stark]] to Lord [[House Cerwyn|Cerwyn]]}}

==Family==
{{Blackwood tree (Dance of the Dragons)}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References|2}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Arra Norrey]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=Lady consort of [[Winterfell]]|years={{Date|132}}–?}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Lynara Stark]]}}
{{S-end}}

[[Category:House Blackwood]]
[[Category:House Stark]]
[[Category:113 AC births|Blackwood, Alysanne]]
[[Category:2nd century AC deaths|Blackwood, Alysanne]]
[[Category:Blacks|Blackwood, Alysanne]]
[[Category:Characters from the Riverlands|Blackwood, Alysanne]]
[[Category:Characters with black hair|Blackwood, Alysanne]]
[[Category:LGBT+ characters|Blackwood, Alysanne]]
[[Category:Noblewomen|Blackwood, Alysanne]]
[[Category:Veterans of the Dance of the Dragons|Blackwood, Alysanne]]
[[Category:Warrior Women|Blackwood, Alysanne]]

[[es:Alysanne Blackwood]]
[[fr:Alysanne Nerbosc]]
[[pt:Alysanne Blackwood]]
[[tr:Alysanne Blackwood]]

Daemon Targaryen

2026-04-14T19:32:42Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Daemon
| lastname = Targaryen
| arms = Targaryen
| arms2 = City Watch
| title = Prince
| image = [[File:Marc Simonetti Damon Prince-VillainII.jpg|300px]]
| image_caption = Prince Daemon as commander of the [[gold cloaks]], by Marc Simonetti ©
| Alias = [[King's Landing|Prince of the City]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Lord [[Flea Bottom]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} The rogue prince{{Ref|TRP}}
| Title = [[Prince]] [[Knight|Ser]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} [[City Watch of King's Landing#Known Commanders of the City Watch|Commander of the City Watch]] [[Master of coin]] [[Master of laws]] [[King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea]] [[Lord of Runestone]] {{S|claimant; briefly}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} [[Protector of the Realm]]
| Allegiance = [[House Targaryen]] [[Blacks]]
| Race = [[Valyria]]n
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Father = [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]]
| Mother = [[Alyssa Targaryen]]
| Spouse = 1st: Lady [[Rhea Royce]] 2nd: Lady [[Laena Velaryon]] 3rd: Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]
| Lover = [[Mysaria]] [[Nettles]] {{S|debated}}
| Issue = [[Baela Targaryen]] [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]] Stillborn son [[Aegon III Targaryen]] [[Viserys II Targaryen]] [[Visenya Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Visenya Targaryen]]
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|81}}{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
| Place_of_Death = the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye|Gods Eye]]
| Date_of_Death = 22nd day of the 5th moon of {{Date|130}} {{S|aged 49}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| Played_by = [[w:Matt Smith (actor)|Matt Smith]]
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|2]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 3|3]]
}}

Prince '''Daemon Targaryen''' was a member of [[House Targaryen]], being a younger son of Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]] and a brother of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]]. Daemon was the second husband of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], [[Princess of Dragonstone]], following Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Daemon was the most experienced warrior of his time and wielded the [[Valyrian steel]] blade [[Dark Sister]]. A dragonrider whose [[dragon]] was [[Caraxes]], Daemon declared himself the [[King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], he was a prominent supporter of his wife, Rhaenyra.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

Much of Daemon's life was written about by Archmaester [[Gyldayn]] in ''[[The Rogue Prince, or, A King's Brother]]''.<ref name="ssm">[[So Spake Martin]]: [https://grrm.livejournal.com/360936.html The Rogues Are Coming...] (March 12, 2014)</ref>{{Ref|TRP}}

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Daemon is portrayed by [[w:Matt Smith (actor)|Matt Smith]].<ref>HBO.com: [https://www.hbo.com/house-of-the-dragon/cast-and-characters House of the Dragon Cast & Characters]</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Daemon Targaryen|l1=Images of Daemon Targaryen}}
Daemon was described by Maester [[Yandel]] as dashing, daring, and dangerous, but mercurial and quick to take offense.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}} Archmaester [[Gyldayn]] wrote that Daemon was ambitious, impetuous, and moody, as charming as he was hot-tempered.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Daemon was a renowned warrior skilled in the joust, hunting, and swordplay.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} He was unfaithful to his third wife, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], taking [[Mysaria]] and possibly [[Nettles]] as his lovers.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Daemon made many friends in [[King's Landing]], especially in [[Flea Bottom]],{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} and among the [[gold cloaks]],{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} as well as in [[Pentos]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} However, he was intensely disliked by Ser [[Otto Hightower]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

While Commander of the [[City Watch of King's Landing]], he wore a gold cloak.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}} He wielded [[Dark Sister]], a [[Valyrian steel]] sword, and rode [[Caraxes]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

==History==
===Early life===
Daemon was born as the second son of Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]] and his sister-wife, Princess [[Alyssa Targaryen]], in {{Date|81}}, during the reign of his grandfather, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]. He had one older brother, [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys]], as well as one younger brother, [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Baelon)|Aegon]], who died in infancy.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}}{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} Within a fortnight of Daemon's birth, Alyssa took the child flying on [[Meleys]].{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} Daemon was free spirited and adventurous in his youth.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Daemon was [[knight]]ed at sixteen, and at some point King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] gave him [[Dark Sister]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{refn|group="N"|''[[Fire & Blood]]'' does not explicitly state when [[Dark Sister]] was given to Daemon Targaryen by [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|King Jaehaerys]]. It is plausible that happened between {{Date|101}}, after the previous wielder of Dark Sister, [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Prince Baelon]], died, and {{Date|103}}, before Jaehaerys's death.}}

In {{Date|97}}, Daemon married Lady [[Rhea Royce]], the heir to [[Runestone]], but he disliked both her and the [[Vale of Arryn]]; Daemon referred to his wife as his "[[bronze]] bitch".{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} During the [[Great Council of 101 AC]], Daemon supported the claim of Prince Viserys, as it would make Daemon the heir after his brother. Daemon gathered a small army of [[sworn sword]]s and [[men-at-arms]] when it was rumored that Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] was readying a [[Velaryon fleet|fleet]] to defend the rights of his son, [[Laenor Velaryon]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}

===Early reign of Viserys I===
[[File:Daemon_Targaryen_by_Jaenarra.png|thumb|350px|Daemon by Jaenarra]]
Ser [[Criston Cole]] twice defeated Daemon in the [[tourney for King Viserys I's accession]] in {{Date|104}}, besting him in first the melee and then the joust.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Daemon asked his brother to set aside his marriage to [[Rhea Royce]], but was refused.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Daemon served briefly as [[master of coin]] from {{Date|103}} until {{Date|104}} and [[master of laws]] for six months after that.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Governance bored Daemon, however, and the prince's demeanor made him a rival of the [[Hand of the King]], Ser [[Otto Hightower]], who could not stand Daemon's presence and had begged King Viserys to remove him from the [[small council]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Daemon was appointed Commander of the [[City Watch of King's Landing]], a position he thrived in and maintained for about a year to Otto's regret, as, with two thousand men at his command, he waxed more powerful than ever.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Daemon inspired loyalty with many of the rank-and-file men of the City Watch, improving their armaments and equipment. He gave every man a golden cloak, which led to the guards becoming known as the gold cloaks. Crime fell sharply under Daemon's command, likely due to his love of inflicting harsh punishments on thieves and cutpurses.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Daemon developed a dark reputation in the stews and brothels in [[Flea Bottom]], becoming familiar to every cutpurse, [[whore]], and gambler.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} He became acquainted with a prostitute named [[Mysaria]], known to her enemies as Misery. While Daemon called himself the "Prince of the City", he became known as "Lord Flea Bottom" among the residents of [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Daemon considered himself his brother's heir as Viserys had no living sons, and he coveted the title [[Prince of Dragonstone]], which the king refused to grant. Otto Hightower equally did not want Daemon to follow Viserys and proposed the idea that Viserys's daughter, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], should be named heir. Viserys did not address the issue of inheritance, hoping a future son would settle the issue.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Viserys's first wife, [[Aemma Arryn]], died birthing [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Baelon Targaryen]], Viserys' second son, the first having died in the cradle. Baelon died a day after his birth, however. Daemon was observed in a brothel in the [[Street of Silk]] making drunken japes about the "heir for a day". When word of this reached the grieving Viserys, the enraged king had Rhaenyra declared heir and Princess of Dragonstone in response to his ungrateful brother's apathy. The furious Daemon resigned from the gold cloaks and flew with Mysaria on [[Caraxes]] to [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]], and so was not present for Rhaenyra's ceremony in the [[Red Keep]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Living on Dragonstone, Daemon impregnated his lover, Mysaria. He wanted to present her with a [[dragon egg]], but the angry Viserys demanded that Daemon return the egg and return to Rhea in the Vale. Daemon sent Mysaria to [[Lys]], but Mysaria's ship sailed through a storm in the [[narrow sea]] and Mysaria lost the child. This hardened Daemon against his brother.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===Conquest of the Stepstones===
In {{Date|106}}, Daemon and [[Corlys Velaryon]], [[Lord of the Tides]], allied together for a private [[war for the Stepstones]], with Daemon desiring his own kingdom and Corlys wanting to rid the [[Stepstones]] of rule by the [[Triarchy]]. While Corlys provided the [[Velaryon fleet]], Daemon flew on his [[dragon]], [[Caraxes]], and led an army of adventurers and second sons.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Daemon made many enemies from [[Lys]], [[Myr]], and [[Tyrosh]], and he slew [[Craghas Drahar]] in {{date|108}}. After conquering all but two of the islands, Daemon declared himself [[King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea]] in {{Date|109}}, being crowned by Corlys the Sea Snake. The Triarchy launched a massive fleet under [[Racallio Ryndoon]] to retake the isles, and [[Dorne]] joined the alliance against Daemon.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===Return to Court===
[[File:Daemon's crown.jpg|thumb|400px|Daemon offers his crown to his brother, King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], by Chase Stone, as depicted in ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]''.]]
Bored with ruling his meager kingdom, Daemon returned to the capital of [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|111}} during the [[tourney]] that gave the [[greens]] and the [[blacks]] their names. He reconciled with [[Viserys I Targaryen]] by offering him his [[Stepstones]] crown. [[Viserys I Targaryen]] welcomed his brother's return and Daemon was given a seat on the [[small council]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Neither age or exile had changed Daemon's nature, however. He took up again with old companions in the [[City Watch of King's Landing|City Watch]] and returned to the brothels on the [[Street of Silk]]. Daemon was cold with Viserys' second wife, Queen [[Alicent Hightower]], and her children, who had pushed him further down in the line of succession. Daemon spent hours in the company of his niece, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], praising her beauty, enthralling her with tales of his adventures, taking her [[hawk]]ing, and mocking her stepmother Alicent and her greens. Daemon gave her books, [[pearl]]s, [[silk]]s, and a [[jade]] tiara once owned by the [[Empress of Leng]]. Daemon and Rhaenyra often flew to [[Dragonstone]] on their dragons, [[Caraxes]] and [[Syrax]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Six months after Daemon's return, the brothers fell out again, with Grand Maester [[Runciter]] referring to an unspecified quarrel and others claiming that Alicent wanted Daemon gone. Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] alleged that Daemon had seduced Rhaenyra, taking her [[maiden]]hood prior to her sixteenth [[name day]], and that the two had been found by Ser [[Arryk Cargyll]] of the [[Kingsguard]]. Eustace's tale has Rhaenyra expressing her love for Daemon. The notorious [[Mushroom]] instead claimed that Daemon had been providing explicit lessons to the girl in how to seduce her champion, Ser [[Criston Cole]] of the Kingsguard, whom the girl was supposedly in love with. When Rhaenyra approached Criston, however, he spurned her. [[Lyonel Strong]], [[Lord of Harrenhal]], counseled the livid Viserys that Daemon should be executed for treason. Eustace, however, reminded the council about the taint of [[kinslaying]], and Daemon was exiled instead. Daemon returned to [[Bloodstone]] in the Stepstones and resumed his struggle over his barren kingdom.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===Second marriage===
[[File:Daemon Laena Chillyravenart.png|thumb|250px|Daemon and [[Laena Velaryon]], by chillyravenart ©]]
Daemon's wife, [[Rhea Royce]], died from falling from a horse in {{Date|115}}. Daemon abandoned the [[Stepstones]] and flew to the [[Vale of Arryn]] to claim [[Runestone]], which had been Rhea's seat, but he was refused by [[House Royce]]. Sent away from the Vale by Lady [[Jeyne Arryn]], Daemon turned to [[Driftmark]], where he laid eyes upon the enchanting [[Laena Velaryon]], the daughter of his friend, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon|Corlys]], and he asked the Sea Snake for her hand in marriage. Laena was already betrothed to the son of a late [[Sealord of Braavos]], but Daemon killed the Braavosi with [[Dark Sister]] in a duel. While singers say Daemon fell in love with Laena at first sight, others state Daemon married into mighty [[House Velaryon]] to check his own descent from power, as he had been pushed far down the line of succession and made many enemies in his adventures.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Because the marriage had been without consent of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], Daemon and Laena left [[Westeros]] for [[Essos]]. [[Mushroom]] claims the pair went to the ruins of [[Valyria]], but more reliable sources indicate they toured the [[Free Cities]], visiting [[Pentos]], [[Volantis]], [[Qohor]], and [[Norvos]]. They returned for some time to [[Pentos]], where they learned that Laena was pregnant, causing their daughters [[Baela Targaryen|Baela]] and [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena]] to be born there in {{Date|116}}.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

When the twins were half a year old, the family returned to Driftmark. Daemon wrote his brother begging leave to present his daughters to court to receive a royal blessing. The [[small council]] advised the king to refuse, but Viserys told Grand Maester [[Mellos]], "Daemon is a father now. He will have changed."{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Viserys' daughter, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], was wed to Laena's brother, Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]]. While Rhaenyra disliked her stepmother, Queen [[Alicent Hightower]], she became fond of Laena: the two often flew together on their dragons, together with Daemon.{{Ref|TROTD|7}} With the blessing of King Viserys, Rhaenyra betrothed her two eldest sons, [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]] and [[Lucerys Velaryon]], to Baela and Rhaena.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Laena died in {{Date|120}}, the Year of the Red Spring, trying to birth a son who died as well. Later that year, Laenor was killed in [[Spicetown]] by his companion, Ser [[Qarl Correy]]. According to [[Mushroom]], it was Daemon who arranged the death of Laenor by paying Qarl to kill him.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} [[Lyonel Strong]], [[Lord of Harrenhal]], and his heir, Ser [[Harwin Strong|Harwin]], died in a fire at [[Harrenhal]] in {{Date|120}}. Since Harwin Breakbones was believed by some to have been the actual father of Rhaenyra's children with Laenor (Jacaerys, Lucerys, and [[Joffrey Velaryon]]), Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] counted Daemon as one of the possible suspects for the mysterious fire.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===Third marriage===
[[File:Daemon Rhaenyra Chillyravenart.png|thumb|250px|Daemon and [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], by chillyravenart ©]]
In {{Date|120}} at the age of thirty-nine, Daemon married again, this time to his niece, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], the twenty-three-year-old [[Princess of Dragonstone]]. This marriage was performed suddenly without the knowledge of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], and was scandalous since neither [[Laena Velaryon|Laena]] nor [[Laenor Velaryon]], Rhaenyra's previous husband, had been dead for six months.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Daemon and Rhaenyra had two sons together, Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]], born in {{Date|120}}, and Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys]], born in {{Date|122}}.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|126}}, Rhaenyra urged the ill Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] to name as his heir her second son, [[Lucerys Velaryon]]. When Corlys's nephew, Ser [[Vaemond Velaryon]], objected and claimed that Rhaenyra's first three children had been fathered by Ser [[Harwin Strong]], Rhaenyra had Vaemond seized by Daemon, beheaded, and then fed to [[Syrax]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===The Dance of the Dragons===
King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] died in {{Date|129}}, leading to the outbreak of the civil war called The [[Dance of the Dragons]]. While Viserys had previously decreed Daemon's wife, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], [[Princess of Dragonstone]], to be his heir, the [[greens]] kept the king's death a secret from [[Dragonstone]]. Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the father of Queen [[Alicent Hightower]], objected to the idea of Daemon as king consort, and Ser [[Criston Cole]] claimed that Rhaenyra and Daemon would turn the [[Red Keep]] into a brothel. Criston crowned Alicent's son, Aegon the Elder, as King [[Aegon II Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

Meanwhile on [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]], Rhaenyra gave birth to a stillborn daughter, Princess [[Visenya Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Visenya]]; Rhaenyra blamed the child's deathon the [[greens]]. During the meeting of the [[black council]], Daemon advised that the [[blacks]] should court the [[Great Houses]] who had not yet announced their support for Aegon II. During Rhaenyra's rival coronation on Dragonstone, Daemon placed the crown of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], which had been smuggled from the capital by Ser [[Steffon Darklyn]], on the head of his wife, proclaiming her queen and claiming himself [[Protector of the Realm]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

The experienced Daemon led the [[assault on Harrenhal]], capturing [[Harrenhal|the ruined castle]] from its castellan, Ser [[Simon Strong]], without conflict by landing [[Caraxes]] on top of [[Kingspyre Tower]]. Daemon's victory allowed the [[riverlands]] to rise up in support of Rhaenyra.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} Daemon later led the [[taking of Stone Hedge]] from the greens.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

After hearing of the death of his stepson, Prince [[Lucerys Velaryon]], at the hands of his nephew, Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]], at [[Storm's End]], Daemon, through his former mistress [[Mysaria]], hired [[Blood (the butcher)|Blood]] and [[Cheese (the rat-catcher)|Cheese]] to infiltrate the [[Red Keep]], and the two murdered Prince [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]], a son of Aegon II.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

[[File:Daemon vs Aemond.jpg|thumb|The [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]], by Douglas Wheatley, as depicted in [[Fire & Blood]].]]

The enemies made by Daemon during his earlier adventures came back to haunt the blacks when Ser [[Otto Hightower]], now the [[Hand of the King]] of Aegon II, recruited the [[Triarchy]] to send a fleet against them. The [[Battle of the Gullet]] broke the [[House Velaryon|Velaryon]] blockade of [[Blackwater Bay]] and killed Daemon's stepson, [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Daemon abandoned Harrenhal when Aemond and Criston began marching on the great castle with a host of [[greens]]. Instead, Daemon flew Caraxes back to the capital and assisted Rhaenyra with the [[fall of King's Landing]] to the blacks.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Daemon's lover, Mysaria, became [[mistress of whisperers]] in all but name. While Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] suggested peace with their enemies and pardons for the greens, Rhaenyra and Daemon were more bellicose and vengeful.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Rhaenyra sent Daemon and [[Nettles]] on their dragons, Caraxes and [[Sheepstealer]], to search the [[Trident]] for Aemond and [[Vhagar]], who were burning the riverlands. Making [[Maidenpool]] their base, Daemon kept Nettles, a seventeen-year-old [[dragonseed]], by his side at all times. Despite the fact that the lowborn Nettles was an unlikely paramour for a prince, according to [[Mushroom]]'s ''[[The Testimony of Mushroom|Testimony]]'', Daemon came to love the girl and took her as his bedmate. Though Mushroom's veracity is often questionable, Gyldayn considers this to be far more likely than most of his tales. Gyldayn further references Maester [[Norren (House Mooton)|Norren]]'s ''[[Chronicles of Maidenpool]]'', which recorded that "the prince and his [[bastard]] girl" slept in adjoining bedrooms, but that they ate together each night and morning. Norren wrote that Daemon doted upon Nettles "as a man might dote upon his daughter", and described Daemon teaching her common courtesies and giving her fine gifts such as an ivory hairbrush, a silvered looking glass, a velvet and satin cloak, and leather riding boots. Norren further wrote that Daemon showed Nettles how to wash herself properly, and recorded that maidservants reported they often shared a single tub, washing each other.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

After the betrayals of two dragonseeds, Ser [[Hugh Hammer]] and Ser [[Ulf White]], at the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]], Queen Rhaenyra's court at the Red Keep was outraged. Lady Mysaria fed Rhaenyra's growing distrust of the dragonseeds, informing her that Nettles was sharing Daemon's bed and saying that she would soon be pregnant with Daemon's bastard. Rhaenyra raged, declaring that Nettles used [[magic|spells]] to bond with Sheepstealer and to seduce her husband, and that Daemon could not be relied upon while in the girl's thrall. The queen sent a [[raven]] to [[Manfryd Mooton]], Lord of Maidenpool, ordering him to deliver Nettles's head but not to do Daemon any harm, only to tell him to return to the capital. However, according to Maester Norren, Manfryd and his advisors, fearful of how Daemon slept beside Nettles, unwilling to [[guest right|kill a guest]] or a young girl (or two guests, to prevent Daemon from becoming enraged at the death of the girl he was "more than fond of" and taking out his wrath on Maidenpool), disobeyed the queen and followed the maester's advice to pretend that they had never received the letter. When Maester Norren informed Daemon that Rhaenyra had declared Nettles a traitor, Daemon sadly replied, "A queen's words, a whore's work," recognizing Mysaria's hand in Rhaenyra's words, and thanked the maester for the warning. It is unknown how they spent their last night together, but at dawn Daemon helped Nettles saddle Sheepstealer one last time, before she escaped into the morning mists of the [[Bay of Crabs]]. According to Norren, no word of farewell was spoken between Daemon and Nettles, but as Sheepstealer flew away, Caraxes let out a scream that shattered all the windows of [[Jonquil's Tower]]. On the same day, Daemon publicly announced his departure for Harrenhal.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

The arrival of Daemon on Caraxes sent squatters fleeing from Harrenhal, so the prince waited for Aemond in solitude. Each evening at dusk he slashed the castle's [[heart tree]], a [[weirwood]] in the [[godswood]]. On the fourteenth day of Daemon's waiting, Aemond arrived on Vhagar with his paramour, [[Alys Rivers]]. While the two dragons grappled in the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]], Daemon leapt from his saddle and drove [[Dark Sister]] into Aemond's blind eye. Both dragons crashed into the [[Gods Eye]], with Caraxes crawling to the shore before dying. The bodies of Aemond and Vhagar were discovered in the lake years later. Daemon's body was not found, but historians are convinced he died there as well.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Legacy==
Since Daemon's body was never recovered from the Gods Eye, singers say that he lived to spend the rest of his days in secret with [[Nettles]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

Daemon never achieved his ambition to sit on the [[Iron Throne]], though his sons [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys II]] eventually did. In {{Date|170}}, Princess [[Daena Targaryen]] named her bastard son [[Daemon I Blackfyre|Daemon Waters]] after her grandfather.{{ref|twoiaf|4|11}}

The thirteen slashes made by Daemon on the [[weirwood]] of [[Harrenhal]] are said to bleed each spring.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

==Quotes by Daemon==
[[File:Rogues cover.jpg|thumb|Daemon and [[Caraxes]], by Ken Laager ©]]
{{Quote|[[Dark Sister]] was made for nobler tasks than slaughtering sheep. She has a thirst for blood.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|Daemon to [[Corlys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|[[Dance of the Dragons|The war]] will end when the heads of [[greens|the traitors]] are mounted on spikes above the [[King's Gate]], and not before.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|Daemon to [[Corlys Velaryon]]}}

{{Quote|'''Aemond''': You were a fool to come alone. 
'''Daemon''': Were I not alone, you would not have come. 
'''Aemond''': Yet you are, and here I am. You have lived too long, nuncle. 
'''Daemon''': On that much we agree.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|[[Aemond Targaryen]] and Daemon}}

==Quotes about Daemon==
[[File:Daemon_rhaenyra_Chillyravenart.jpg|thumb|350px|Daemon and [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] by chillyravenart]]
{{Quote|Over the centuries, [[House Targaryen]] has produced both great men and monsters. Prince Daemon was both. In his day there was not a man so admired, so beloved, and so reviled in all Westeros. He was made of light and darkness in equal parts. To some he was a hero, to others the blackest of villains.{{Ref|trp}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

{{Quote|On no account can Prince Daemon be allowed to ascend to the [[Iron Throne]]. He would be a second [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor the Cruel]], or worse. Better the [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Realm's Delight]] than Lord Flea Bottom.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|[[Otto Hightower]] writing to [[Lord Hightower|his brother]]}}

{{Quote|Make no mistake, should [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] ever sit the [[Iron Throne]], it will be Lord Flea Bottom who rules us, a king consort as cruel and unforgiving as [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]] ever was. My own head will be the first cut off, I do not doubt, but [[Alicent Hightower|your queen]], my daughter, will soon follow.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}|[[Otto Hightower]] to the [[small council]] of [[Viserys I Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|[[Rhaenyra Targaryen|The whore]] on [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]] is not the threat. No more than [[Thaddeus Rowan|Rowan]] and these traitors in the [[Reach]]. The danger is my uncle. Once Daemon is dead, [[blacks|all these fools]] flying our sister's banners will run back to their castles and trouble us no more.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|[[Aemond Targaryen]] to [[Criston Cole]]}}

{{Quote|'''Manfryd Mooton's captain of the guard''': This thing is easily done. The prince sleeps beside [[Nettles|her]], but he has grown old. Three men should be enough to subdue him should he try to interfere, but I will take six to be certain. Does my lord wish this done tonight? 
'''Manfryd Mooton's brother''': Six men or sixty, he is still Daemon Targaryen.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}|[[Manfryd Mooton]]'s captain of the guard and brother}}

{{Quote|Prince Daemon had been the wonder and the terror of his age.{{ref|twoiaf|4|11}}|writings of [[Yandel]]}}

{{Quote|Prince Daemon, a rogue if there ever was one.<ref name="ssm"/>|[[George R. R. Martin]]}}

==Family==
===Ancestors===
{{Targaryen tree Dance}}

===Descendants===
{{Targaryen tree Daemon}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Lyman Beesbury]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Master of coin]]|years={{Date|103|104}}|under=[[Viserys I Targaryen]]}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Lyman Beesbury]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-vac|unknown|parameter=before|unknlast=[[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon Targaryen]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Master of laws]]|years={{Date|104}}|under=[[Viserys I Targaryen]]}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Lyonel Strong]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-vac|unknown|parameter=before|unknlast=[[Robert Redwyne]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=Commander of the [[City Watch of King's Landing]]|years={{Date|104|105}}|under=[[Viserys I Targaryen]]}}
{{S-vac|unknown|parameter=after|unknnext=[[Luthor Largent]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-new}}
{{S-ttl|order=1st|title=[[King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea]]|years={{Date|109|111}}}}
{{S-vac|unknown|parameter=after|unknnext=[[Racallio Ryndoon]]|as=[[King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea|King of the Narrow Sea]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-pre}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]]}}
{{S-tul|title=[[Protector of the Realm]]|years={{Date|129|130}}|reason=Throne [[Dance of the Dragons|usurped]] by [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]]}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Royal consorts of Westeros}}
{{Master of coin}}
{{Master of laws}}
{{Commander of the City Watch}}
{{Viserys I small council}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Targaryen, Daemon}}
[[Category:House Targaryen|Daemon Targaryen]]
[[Category:81 AC births]]
[[Category:130 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Blacks]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Aemond Targaryen]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Vhagar]]
[[Category:Commanders of the City Watch (King's Landing)]]
[[Category:Dragonriders]]
[[Category:Kings of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea]]
[[Category:Kinslayers]]
[[Category:Knights]]
[[Category:Masters of coin]]
[[Category:Masters of laws]]
[[Category:Members of Jaehaerys I Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Viserys I Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Rhaenyra Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of the City Watch (King's Landing)]]
[[Category:Monarchs]]
[[Category:Nobles]]
[[Category:Protectors of the Realm]]
[[Category:Royal consorts]]
[[Category:Wielders of Dark Sister]]

[[es:Daemon Targaryen]]
[[fa:دیمون تارگرین]]
[[tr:Daemon Targaryen]]
[[fr:Daemon Targaryen]]
[[nl:Daemon Targaryen]]
[[pt:Daemon Targaryen]]
[[ru:Деймон Таргариен]]
[[zh:戴蒙·坦格利安]]

Sara Snow

2026-02-21T20:58:17Z

Breassa:

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Sara
| lastname = Snow
| arms =
| image = [[File:Sara_Snow_by_Riotarttherite.jpg|350px|]]
| image_caption = Sara by © [https://riotarttherite.tumblr.com/ Riotarttherite]
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[House Stark]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Northmen]]
| Father = [[Rickon Stark (son of Benjen)|Rickon Stark]]
| Mother =
| Spouse = Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] (possibly)
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned)
| Coat-of-arms =
}}

'''Sara Snow''' was, according to [[Mushroom]], a [[bastard]] daughter of Lord [[Rickon Stark (son of Benjen)|Rickon Stark]] of [[Winterfell]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

==History==
By [[Mushroom]]'s account, [[Jacaerys Velaryon]], the [[Prince of Dragonstone]], fell in love with Sara when he arrived at [[Winterfell]] in {{Date|129}} to secure the support of Sara's half-brother, Lord [[Cregan Stark]], for Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. According to Mushroom, Sara and Jacaerys slept together, and Cregan grew angry when he learned about this. However, he calmed when Sara claimed that she and Jacaerys had secretly wed, having spoken their vows in the [[godswood of Winterfell]] before she and Jacaerys had sex amidst the snows.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

Archmaester [[Gyldayn]] questions whether Sara ever existed and dismisses the tale of [[marriage]] as Mushroom's "fevered imaginings", stating that what is known about Jacaerys's character makes it unlikely he would break his betrothal of eleven years to Lady [[Baela Targaryen]] to protect the virtue of the [[north]]ern [[bastard]] girl. Although Gyldayn concedes that it is possible Jacaerys had bedded Sara, if she indeed existed, he considers the talk of [[marriage]] to be "preposterous".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

==Family==
{{Cregan Stark tree}}

==Behind the Scenes==
Sara Snow's story was among the content [[George R. R. Martin]] initially wrote for ''[[The World of Ice and Fire]]'' (2014) but was cut from the book due to space constraints.<ref>Westeros.org: [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/34958-the-asoiaf-wiki-thread/page/41/#comment-6827128 Ran's comment (March 19, 2015)]</ref> Sara was later mentioned in ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (2018) and ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (2022).

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:House Stark]]
[[Category:House Velaryon]]
[[Category:Bastards|Snow, Sara]]
[[Category:Characters from the North|Snow, Sara]]
[[Category:Noblewomen|Snow, Sara]]

[[tr:Sara Kar]]
[[es:Sara Nieve]]
[[fr:Sara Snow]]
[[pt:Sara Snow]]

Jacaerys Velaryon

2026-02-21T16:31:08Z

Breassa:

{{Redirect|Jace|the recruit of the Night's Watch|Jace (Night's Watch)}}
{{Infobox character
| arms1 = Velaryon
| arms2 = Targaryen
| title = Prince
| firstname = Jacaerys
| lastname = Velaryon
| image = File:Jacaerys Velaryon.jpg
| image_caption = Jacaerys in childhood, by Douglas Wheatley, as depicted in ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]''
| Alias = Jace Jacaerys "Strong"{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| Title = [[Prince of Dragonstone]]
| Allegiance = [[House Velaryon]] [[House Targaryen]] [[Blacks]]
| Race = [[Valyria]]n
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Father = [[Laenor Velaryon]] (officially) [[Harwin Strong]] (rumored)
| Mother = [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]
| Spouse = [[Sara Snow]] (possibly)
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = late {{Date|114}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| Place_of_Death = the [[Battle of the Gullet|Gullet]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| Date_of_Death = 5th day of the 1st moon of {{Date|130}} (aged 15)<ref group="N">Jacaerys died during the [[Battle of the Gullet]] which ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' includes among the battles of {{Date|129}}, but this was [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/152215-fire-and-blood-excerpt/&page=24&tab=comments#comment-8264969 changed] by [[George R. R. Martin]] to {{Date|130}} in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.</ref>
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = [[w:Harry Collett|Harry Collett]] Leo Hart (young)
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|2]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 3|3]]
}}

Prince '''Jacaerys Velaryon''', also known as '''Jace''', was the firstborn son of Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and her first husband, Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]]. When Rhaenyra was crowned queen during the [[Dance of the Dragons]], she named Jacaerys as [[Prince of Dragonstone]] and heir to the [[Iron Throne]]. Jacaerys was a [[dragonrider]] whose [[dragon]] was [[Vermax]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Jacaerys is portrayed by [[w:Harry Collett|Harry Collett]] and Leo Hart (young).<ref>HBO.com: [https://www.hbo.com/house-of-the-dragon/cast-and-characters House of the Dragon Cast & Characters]</ref><ref>WarnerMedia Pressroom: [https://pressroom.warnermedia.com/na/bio/house-dragon-character-descriptions House of the Dragon | Character Descriptions]</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Jacaerys Velaryon|l1=Images of Jacaerys Velaryon}}
Jace was a strapping boy,{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} who grew to become a handsome teenager.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Like his brothers, [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]] and [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey]], he had brown hair and eyes, and a pug nose. This made many at court suspect that Ser [[Harwin Strong]], the [[sworn shield]] of Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], was the brothers' true father.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}

Responsible,{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} bold,{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} and politically savvy,{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} Jace was protective of his family.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Jacaerys became skilled at arms by serving as a squire.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

==History==
===Early Years===
[[File:Laenor, Rhaenyra and baby Jace by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Jace and his parents [[Laenor Velaryon|Laenor]], and [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], by [https://www.instagram.com/jota.saraiva.art/ Jota Saraiva] ]]
Prince Jacaerys was born at the end of {{Date|114}} to [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], daughter of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] and [[Princess of Dragonstone]], and her husband Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]]. Laenor wished to name the boy Joffrey, in memory of his late friend, Ser [[Joffrey Lonmouth]], but he was overruled by his father, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]. Instead, the child was given a traditional [[House Velaryon|Velaryon]] name, Jacaerys, and nicknamed "Jace" by his friends and family.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Jace's uncle, Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]], was born soon afterwards to Viserys's second wife, Queen [[Alicent Hightower]]. Trying to prevent any enmity (as existed between Rhaenyra and Alicent), Viserys ordered that Jacaerys and Daeron share a [[wet nurse]] until they were weaned, hoping that them being [[milk brother]]s would make a difference.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Jace's brother [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]] was born in {{Date|115}}, followed by [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey]] in {{Date|117}}. By royal decree, each of Rhaenyra's sons was presented with a [[dragon egg]] while in the cradle. Those who doubted the paternity of the children whispered that the eggs would never hatch, but the birth of three dragons proved otherwise. Jacaerys's hatchling was named [[Vermax]]. According to Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]], while holding court King Viserys once told the young Jacaerys that the [[Iron Throne]] would one day be his.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

The king's hopes for peace between his sons and grandsons was futile. Alicent's three sons ([[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]], [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]], and Daeron Targaryen) became bitter rivals to Rhaenyra's three sons, resenting the Velaryons for stealing their birthright, the Iron Throne. The enforced closeness between the six boys (attending feasts, sometimes training together at arms, or studying under the same [[maester]]s) only increased this dislike.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|118}}, with the blessing of the king, Rhaenyra announced the betrothal of her two eldest sons to their cousins, the daughters of Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] and Lady [[Laena Velaryon]]. Jacaerys, four years old, was betrothed to [[Baela Targaryen|Baela]], two.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===The "strong boys"===
[[File:Jacaerys Velaryon and Rhaenyra Targaryen by Fkaluis.jpg|thumb|350px|Jacaerys and Rhaenyra Targaryen, by Fkaluis ©]]
Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]] died in {{Date|120}}, when his son Jacaerys was six years old, and King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] visited [[High Tide]] on [[Driftmark]] with his family for the funeral. Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] claimed [[Vhagar]], the eldest and largest of the dragons, but was caught by Jacaerys's youngest brother, [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey]]. Aemond mocked his three nephews as "[[House Strong|strong boys]]", alluding to the insinuation they had been fathered by Ser [[Harwin Strong]], and the four boys fought. When Aemond gained the upper hand against Jacaerys, Lucerys took out Aemond's right eye with his dagger. King Viserys decreed afterward that anyone who mocked his grandsons as "Strongs" again would have their tongues pulled out with hot pincers. Further, Rhaenyra and her sons were to stay at Dragonstone, while Alicent and her sons returned to [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Later in that year, Jacaerys's widowed mother, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], married her uncle, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]]. Jace's half-brother [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] was born at the end of the year, followed by [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys]] in {{Date|122}}. Unlike their Velaryon half-brothers, Rhaenyra's younger sons looked entirely [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|126}}, Jacaerys's grandfather, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], became ill. The question of who would succeed him as [[Lord of the Tides]] and [[Master of Driftmark]] became a debate, as his children Laenor and [[Laena Velaryon|Laena]] were dead, and Laenor's eldest son Jacaerys would eventually succeed his other grandfather and mother to the Iron Throne. Rhaenyra urged Corlys to name her second son, Lucerys, as his heir, but Corlys's eldest nephew, Ser [[Vaemond Velaryon]], protested on the grounds that Rhaenyra's Velaryon sons were not Laenor's, but the bastards of Harwin Strong. Rhaenyra had her husband seize Vaemond and strike off his head, and fed the body to her dragon, [[Syrax]]. Vaemond's [[Silent five|five cousins]] fled to [[King's Landing]] with Vaemond's wife and sons, [[Daemion Velaryon|Daemion]] and [[Daeron Velaryon]], to seek justice before the king. Viserys heard them out, but ordered each of the cousins' tongues to be removed when they called Rhaenyra's sons bastards.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Viserys's hand became infected after cutting it on the throne, and it was feared that he might die. On the first day of {{Date|127}}, the king held a feast to celebrate the return of his health, and Rhaenyra and Alicent made a show of amity and love. However, after the king left the feast, Aemond toasted his three Velaryon nephews, speaking in mock admiration of their brown hair, brown eyes, and strength, calling them "three strong boys". Later in the evening, Aegon took offense when Jacaerys asked his wife, [[Helaena Targaryen]], for a dance, but the [[Kingsguard]] prevented them from fighting.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===The Dance of the Dragons===
[[File:The Blacks by naomimakesart.jpg|thumb|450px|The Blacks, with Jacaerys fourth to the right, by Naomimakesart ©]]
In {{Date|129}}, King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] died in his sleep, and a succession war broke out between the [[blacks]] of Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], Viserys's choice of heir, and the [[greens]] of her younger half-brother, King [[Aegon II Targaryen]], Viserys's eldest son. At Aegon's first [[green council]], Ser [[Criston Cole]] objected to Rhaenyra's claim by stating that her heir, Prince Jacaerys, was a [[bastard]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

Jacaerys was fourteen years old at the start of the civil war that became known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. His dragon, [[Vermax]], was thriving, and growing every year. At Rhaenyra's first [[black council]] on [[Dragonstone]], Jacaerys and his brother, Prince [[Lucerys Velaryon]], volunteered to serve as her envoys to the [[lord]]s of [[Westeros]] to raise support for her claim. Rhaenyra allowed this, but she first made her young sons swear on ''[[The Seven-Pointed Star]]'' that they would not take part in any fighting. The next day, at Rhaenyra's coronation as [[Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]], she named Jacaerys as [[Prince of Dragonstone]] and heir to the Iron Throne. Aegon II sent terms saying if Rhaenyra would submit, he would grant her the possession of Dragonstone to eventually be inherited by Jacaerys, but she rejected the offer.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

[[File:Jacaerys introduces Sara Snow to Vermax by Jota Saraiva.jpg|right|thumb|450px|Jacaerys introduces [[Sara Snow]] to [[Vermax]], by Jota Saraiva ©]]
Jacaerys, as Rhaenyra's oldest son, was given the more difficult mission as an envoy. He flew Vermax to the [[Eyrie]], where Lady [[Jeyne Arryn]] agreed to support Rhaenyra if she defended the [[Vale of Arryn]] with [[dragonriders]]. The salacious [[Mushroom]] alleged that Jeyne offered her support if Jace could please her in bed, but Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] discounts the story. Jacaerys then gained the support of the [[Three Sisters]] by meeting with Lords [[House Borrell|Borrell]] and [[House Sunderland|Sunderland]] at [[Sisterton]]. At [[White Harbor]], Jacaerys negotiated with [[Desmond Manderly]] at [[White Harbor]] that the lord's youngest daughter would marry Prince [[Joffrey Velaryon]] once the war ended.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

According to Grand Maester [[Munkun]], Jacaerys befriended Lord [[Cregan Stark]] at [[Winterfell]], as the prince reminded the lord of a younger brother who had passed away. After drinking and hunting together, the pair swore an oath of brotherhood. Eustace, on the other hand, claimed that Jacaerys tried to convince Cregan to follow [[Faith of the Seven]] instead of the [[old gods]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} Mushroom states Jacaerys fell in love with Cregan's half-sister, [[Sara Snow]], and married her in secret in the [[godswood of Winterfell]], although Archmaester [[Gyldayn]] discounts the [[fool]]'s claim.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} Mushroom also claimed that Vermax laid a clutch of [[dragon egg]]s in the [[crypts beneath Winterfell]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} Jacaerys ultimately gained the [[north]] through the [[Pact of Ice and Fire]], promising that if he were to have children, his firstborn daughter would be betrothed to Cregan's heir, [[Rickon Stark (son of Cregan)|Rickon Stark]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

[[File:Jacaerys Rhaenyra Aegon III (The Rise of the Dragon).jpg|thumb|350px|right|Jacaerys and Aegon: the first and last heirs of Rhaenyra Targaryen by Tomasz Jedruszek for ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'']]
Queen Rhaenyra was consumed by grief after her second son, Prince Lucerys, was killed by his uncle, Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]], near [[Storm's End]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} According to Mushroom, Ser [[Arryk Cargyll]] was sent to Dragonstone to avenge the murder of Prince [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys Targaryen]] by assassinating Jacaerys and Joffrey. Arryk was killed by his twin, Ser [[Erryk Cargyll]], however.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys Targaryen]] was killed at the [[battle at Rook's Rest]], leaving her grieving husband, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], estranged from Rhaenyra. Jacaerys reconciled Corlys with Rhaenyra by naming him [[Hand of the Queen]], and Jace began plotting an attack on [[King's Landing]] with his grandfather. He sent his surviving younger brother, Prince Joffrey, to the Vale. Lady [[Baela Targaryen]] wanted to marry Jacaerys at Dragonstone, but Munkun claims that the prince preferred to wait until the war had ended.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

To make up for the losses of [[Arrax]] at Storm's End and [[Meleys]] at Rook's Rest, Mushroom claims he suggested that the blacks recruit [[dragonseeds]] to attempt to claim the six riderless dragons nesting on the island of [[Dragonstone]]; Munkun claims the [[Sowing of the Seeds]] was Jacaery's suggestion. The prince vowed that any man or woman who could master a dragon would be ennobled.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} Several dragonseeds succeeded in the Red Sowing, including Addam of [[Hull]], who was adopted by Lord Corlys into House Velaryon. On the request of Corlys and Jacaerys, Queen Rhaenyra legitimized the dragonseed as [[Addam Velaryon]] and made him heir to [[Driftmark]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Jacaerys arranged for the safety of his half brothers, [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]], nine, and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys]], seven, by reaching out to the [[Prince of Pentos]], who agreed to [[fostering|foster]] the boys. Near the end of {{Date|129}}, Aegon and Viserys boarded the ''[[Gay Abandon]]'' to set sail for [[Pentos]], but in the [[Gullet]] the ship ran into a fleet of warships sent by the [[Triarchy]], allies of the [[greens]], with ''Gay Abandon'' captured and its escort ships sunk or taken. Aegon the Younger escaped on his dragon [[Stormcloud]] to Dragonstone to tell the blacks of the attack, however.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

In the ensuing [[Battle of the Gullet]], Jacaerys and four dragonseeds attacked the Triarchy's fleet with [[dragonflame]]. An easy victory for the blacks seemed at hand, until Vermax flew too low, possibly wounded from a crossbow bolt to the eye or pulled down by a grapnel, and crashed into a burning galley. Jacaerys lept free and clung to the smoking wreckage of the ship, but was struck by [[Myr]]ish crossbow quarrels until he sank into the sea. The [[Velaryon fleet]] managed to push back the Triarchy's warships, but Driftmark was sacked by the [[Essos|Essosi]] soldiers during the battle.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

===Legacy===
The death of Jacaerys, [[Prince of Dragonstone]], was a terrible loss for the [[blacks]]. Many became further despondent after the [[Battle on the Honeywine]], but a vengeful [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] became focused on [[fall of King's Landing|capturing King's Landing]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

Near the end of the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Lord [[Cregan Stark]] led an army of [[northmen]] to [[King's Landing]] to honor the pledge he had made to the late Jacaerys.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

Jace's betrothed, Lady [[Baela Targaryen]], eventually wed Lord [[Alyn Velaryon]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

==Quotes by Jacaerys==
[[File:Jacaerys_Velaryon_by_Jaenarra.png|thumb|right|350px|Jacaerys by Jaenarra]]
{{Quote|We should bear those messages. [[Dragon]]s will win the [[lord]]s over quicker than [[raven]]s.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}|Jacaerys to the [[black council]]}}

==Quotes about Jacaerys==
{{Quote|One day [[Iron Throne|this]] will be your seat, lad.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|[[Viserys I Targaryen]] to Jacaerys}}

{{Quote|[[The Seven|Seven]] save [[Westeros|this realm]] if we seat a [[bastard]] on the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}|[[Criston Cole]] to the [[green council]]}}

{{Quote|Though his fifteenth [[nameday]] was still half a year away, Prince Jacaerys proved himself a man, and a worthy heir to the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

{{Quote|Broken after the [[Lucerys Velaryon|loss of one son]], [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] seemed to find new strength after the loss of a second. Jace's death hardened her, burning away her fears, leaving only her anger and hatred.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

==Family==
{{Targaryen tree Dance}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References|2}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]}}
{{S-ttl|order=6th|title=[[Prince of Dragonstone]]|years={{Date|129|130}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Joffrey Velaryon]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Velaryon, Jacaerys}}
[[Category:House Velaryon|Jacaerys Velaryon]]
[[Category:House Targaryen|Jacaerys Velaryon]]
[[Category:114 AC births]]
[[Category:130 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Blacks]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands]]
[[Category:Characters with brown eyes]]
[[Category:Characters with brown hair]]
[[Category:Characters with pug nose]]
[[Category:Deaths by shooting]]
[[Category:Dragonriders]]
[[Category:Members of Viserys I Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Rhaenyra Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Nobles]]
[[Category:Princes of Dragonstone]]
[[Category:Squires]]

[[es:Jacaerys Velaryon]]
[[tr:Jacaerys Velaryon]]
[[fr:Jacaerys Velaryon]]
[[nl:Jacaerys Velaryon]]
[[pt:Jacaerys Velaryon]]
[[ru:Джекейрис Веларион]]
[[zh:杰卡里斯·瓦列利安]]

Blackfyre Pretenders

2026-02-15T19:07:52Z

Breassa:

The '''Blackfyre Pretenders''' were a series of claimants to the [[Iron Throne]] of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], flying the banner of [[House Blackfyre]] in several Blackfyre Rebellions. The Blackfyres opposed the reign of [[House Targaryen]] from the reign of King [[Daeron II Targaryen|Daeron II]] until they were extinguished in the male line during the reign of King [[Jaehaerys II Targaryen |Jaehaerys II]].{{Ref|ASOS|45}}{{Ref|ASOS|67}}{{Ref|ADWD|5}}{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys II}}

==Background==
King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] legitimized all of his [[bastard]] children on his deathbed. Aegon's legitimate son, Prince [[Daeron II Targaryen]], succeeded his father, and did all he could to keep the [[Great Bastards]] close. However, rumours about Daeron's parentage, once started by King Aegon IV himself, claimed that Daeron was the illegitimate son of Aegon IV's brother, Ser [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Viserys II)|Aemon Targaryen]], the Dragonknight, and those rumours were not forgotten when Daeron took the throne.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}

King Aegon IV's reign had been corrupt, and when Daeron II ascended the throne in {{Date|184}}, the royal court was reformed. All the members of the [[small council]] were dismissed and replaced by men of Daeron's choosing. The [[City Watch of King's Landing]] was likewise "repaired", though it took more than a year to do so. Most importantly, Daeron sought to unify all of the Kingsdoms, by bringing [[Dorne]] under the authority of the [[Iron Throne]]. It took two years of negotiations before Prince [[Maron Martell]], Daeron II's good-brother and the [[Prince of Dorne]], agreed to be betrothed to Princess [[Daenerys Targaryen (daughter of Aegon IV)|Daenerys Targaryen]]. Their wedding, which occurred in {{Date|187}},{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}<ref>[[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Events#Weddings|Date for Maron Martell's and Daenerys' Martell's wedding]]</ref> finally united Dorne with the other Kingdoms under Targaryen rule.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}

Maron had won a few concessions for Dorne during the negotiations, and the lords of Dorne held significant rights and privileges that the other greater houses in the Seven Kingdoms did not. In addition, Daeron brought many Dornishmen to his court, who held important offices, causing others to believe that the Dornishmen held too much influence over the King. Over time, men began to long back to the times when the Dornish had been the enemies to battle against. In addition, Daeron was not at all a warrior. While his heir, Prince [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor]], was as much a warrior as could be desired, he had the appearance of a [[House Martell|Martell]]. With the memory of the Dornish as enemies still in their minds, many of the [[Dornish Marches]] came to mistrust King Daeron II and Prince Baelor.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}
[[File:Marc Simonetti knightingson.jpg|thumb|400px|King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] knights his bastard son, [[Daemon I Blackfyre|Daemon]], publicly acknowledging him as his own son, and grants him the [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] sword [[Blackfyre]] - by Marc Simonetti]]
These same people looked at [[Daemon I Blackfyre|Daemon Blackfyre]], the bastard son of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] and his cousin, Princess [[Daena Targaryen]], and saw in him a warrior, grown tall and powerful, with the hallmarks of Old [[Valyria]] (deep purple eyes, silver-gold hair down to his shoulders), who was described as having had an "almost inhumane beauty", being "half a god among mortal men".{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}<ref name=greatbastards/> Daemon had been knighted in {{Date|182}} at the age of twelve by King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] himself, after winning a squire's tourney. After knighting his bastard son, King Aegon had publicly bestowed the [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Blackfyre]] on him as well,{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} finally acknowledging him.<ref name=greatbastards>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Great_Bastards/ The Great Bastards (December 26, 2005)]</ref> There were some who felt that the sword symbolized the monarchy<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/SF_Targaryens_Valyria_Sansa_Martells_and_More SF, Targaryens, Valyria, Sansa, Martells, and More (June 26, 2001)]</ref> as it had been the sword of King [[Aegon I Targaryen]], the Conqueror, and had been passed on from king to king ever since. Aegon's public gift of the sword would eventually start the first talk that Daemon should be king.<ref name=targaryenhistory>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Targaryen_History Targaryen History (April 20, 2008)]</ref> Following the acquisition of the sword, Daemon took the name "Blackfyre" for himself.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}

It is claimed by Daemon's supporters that Daemon had desired to marry his younger half-sister, [[Daenerys Targaryen (daughter of Aegon IV)|Daenerys]], and that King Aegon, who had desired Daemon to marry the daughter of the [[Archon]] of [[Tyrosh]], had promised Daemon that he could have more than one wife. However, upon King Aegon's death, King Daeron II paid the [[dowry]] to the Archon, seeing Daemon wed to [[Rohanne of Tyrosh]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} Daemon and Rohanne would have seven sons, and at least two daughters.{{Ref|TSS}} Whether Daemon indeed loved Daenerys, and whether Daenerys indeed loved him as well, as Daemon's supporters and the singers would later claim, is unknown. However, no record of Daenerys mourning Daemon has ever been found.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}

Those lords and knights dissatisfied with Daeron II's reign began to seek Daemon out, but following Daenerys's wedding, it took eight more years before the rebellion bloomed. In {{Date|196}}, Daemon Blackfyre, the [[bastard]] son of Princess Daena and King Aegon IV, began his rebellion, which would last nigh on a year. For his sigil, Daemon took the Targaryen sigil with the colors reversed, a black dragon on red, giving him the nickname "the Black Dragon" (with Daeron being referred as the Red Dragon).
{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TMK}} Following the Blackfyre defeat in the first rebellion (which included the death of Daemon himself and his eldest two children, [[Aegon Blackfyre|Aegon]] and [[Aemon Blackfyre|Aemon]]), Daemon's bastard half-brother, Ser [[Aegor Rivers]], fled to [[Tyrosh]] with Daemon's remaining children and widow. From there, Daemon's descendants continued to plot. Four more rebellions would follow, until {{Date|260}}, when [[Maelys I Blackfyre]], the last male of [[House Blackfyre]], was slain on the [[Stepstones]] during the [[War of the Ninepenny Kings]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TMK}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys II}}

==The Rebellions==
===First Blackfyre Rebellion===
{{Main|First Blackfyre Rebellion}}

In {{Date|196}}, [[Daemon I Blackfyre|Daemon Blackfyre]], the bastard son of the late King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] and his cousin, Princess [[Daena Targaryen]], attempted to usurp the throne from King [[Daeron II Targaryen]], the legitimate son of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] and his sister-Queen, [[Naerys Targaryen|Naerys]]. This caused the second major civil war in the history of the Targaryen reign. The war lasted nigh on a year. Battles were fought in the [[Reach]], the [[westerlands]], the [[riverlands]], and more places. During the final battle of the war, the [[Battle of the Redgrass Field]], Daemon and his two eldest sons, [[Aegon Blackfyre|Aegon]] and [[Aemon Blackfyre|Aemon]], were killed, and his allies defeated. However, five of Daemon's sons and several daughters survived and were carried into exile to the [[Free Cities]] by [[Aegor Rivers]], known as "Bittersteel", Daemon's half-brother, who had been one of Daemon's biggest supporters. They ended up in [[Tyrosh]], the former home of Daemon's widow, [[Rohanne of Tyrosh|Rohanne]], where Daemon's descendants and Aegor Rivers continued plotting.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TMK}}

===Second Blackfyre Rebellion===
{{Main|Second Blackfyre Rebellion}}

In {{Date|212}}, Daemon I Blackfyre's third son, [[Daemon II Blackfyre]], disguised as "Ser John the Fiddler", and other Blackfyre loyalists attempted to launch a [[Second Blackfyre Rebellion|second rebellion]] under the pretense of gathering for [[Whitewalls tourney|a wedding tourney]] at [[Whitewalls]]. They were exposed by [[Hand of the King]] [[Brynden Rivers]], who ended the rebellion before it began. Rivers arrested Daemon and either executed or punished those lords who had been willing to support the Blackfyre cause. Daemon was kept alive and imprisoned to prevent Aegor Rivers from crowning Daemon's younger brother, [[Haegon I Blackfyre|Haegon]], as his successor.{{Ref|TMK}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I}}

===Third Blackfyre Rebellion===
{{Main|Third Blackfyre Rebellion}}
[[File:Marc Simonetti Bittersteel golden company.jpg|thumb|420px|Ser [[Aegor Rivers]] and his [[Golden Company]].]]

In {{Date|219}}, [[Aegor Rivers|Aegor "Bittersteel" Rivers]] launched a new invasion, after crowning [[Haegon I Blackfyre]]. Prince [[Maekar I Targaryen|Maekar Targaryen]], as well as two of his sons, Prince [[Aegon V Targaryen|Aegon]] and Prince [[Aerion Targaryen|Aerion]], fought in this conflict. Hand of the King [[Brynden Rivers]] once again duelled his half-brother, [[Aegor Rivers]] (their first duel having been during the [[Battle of the Redgrass Field]], during the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]]). The Third Blackfyre Rebellion ended with the death of Haegon I, and the arrest of Aegor. While Prince Aerion and Lord Brynden both argued that Aegor Rivers should be put to death, King [[Aerys I Targaryen]] agreed to send him to the [[Wall]] instead, to join the [[Night's Watch]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I}} However, the ship which transported Rivers north was attacked by the [[Golden Company]],{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I}} which had been founded by Bittersteel a year after the Second Blackfyre Rebellion had failed.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} Rivers escaped, and before the year had ended, had crowned Haegon's eldest son, [[Daemon III Blackfyre|Daemon]], Daemon III Blackfyre.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I}}

===Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion===
{{Main|Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion}}

In {{Date|236}}, as a cruel winter was ending, [[Daemon III Blackfyre]] and Aegor Rivers launched the Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion. Their army landed at [[Massey's Hook]]. While Daemon had the support of the [[Golden Company]], there were only few lords who flocked to their banners. The Rebellion ended with Daemon's death during the [[Battle of Wendwater Bridge]], where Ser [[Duncan the Tall]] of the [[Kingsguard]] slew him. Aegor Rivers once more retreated across the Narrow Sea,{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}} where he died several years later.

===War of the Ninepenny Kings===
{{Main|War of the Ninepenny Kings}}

In {{Date|258}}, nine outlaws, exiles, pirates and sellsword captains formed the [[Band of Nine]] in the [[Disputed Lands]] on [[Essos]]. Their goal was to carve out a kingdom for each of them. The Band of Nine swore their oath of mutual aid and support in carving out kingdoms for each of their members. Amongst them was the last Blackfyre, [[Maelys I Blackfyre|Maelys the Monstrous]], who had command of the Golden Company, and the kingdom they pledged to win for him was the Seven Kingdoms. Prince Duncan, when told of the pact, famously remarked that crowns were being sold nine a penny; thereafter the Band of Nine became known as the Ninepenny Kings in Westeros. It was thought at first that the Free Cities of Essos would surely bring their power against them and put an end to their pretensions, but nonetheless preparations were made, should Maelys and his allies turn on the Seven Kingdoms. But there was no great urgency to them, and King Aegon remained intent on his reign.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys II}}

The Band of Nine did not founder, however, they captured [[Tyrosh]] and took control of the [[Stepstones]] in {{Date|260}}, [[Westeros]] was their next target. King [[Jaehaerys II Targaryen]] responded swiftly to the threat, dispatching an army to the Stepstones to meet the Band of Nine in battle, instead of waiting for the threat to reach [[Westeros]]. The ensuing conflict was dubbed the [[War of the Ninepenny Kings]]. The threat to Targaryen rule was ended when Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] slew Maelys the Monstrous in single combat. As Maelys died, [[House Blackfyre]] died with him.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys II}}{{Ref|ADWD|5}}

==Aftermath==
After five generations, the Blackfyre Pretenders had all been killed.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys II}} The [[Golden Company]], raised in {{Date|212}} by Aegor Rivers,{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} still remains to this day, fighting as a mercenary force in [[Essos]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} It is considered to be one of the finest sellsword companies, consisting out of exiles and sons of exiles, all formidable fighters{{Ref|ADWD|5}} who dream of gold and home.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}

==The Pretenders==
History records five Blackfyre Pretenders:{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys II}}
* [[Daemon I Blackfyre]], the bastard son of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] and Princess [[Daena Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}
* [[Daemon II Blackfyre]], third born son of Daemon I.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I}}
* [[Haegon I Blackfyre]], fourth born son of Daemon I.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I}}
* [[Daemon III Blackfyre]], eldest son of Haegon I.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}
* [[Maelys I Blackfyre]], of unknown ancestry.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys II}}

Despite not being a Blackfyre Pretender, the fifth son of Daemon I, [[Aenys Blackfyre]], put his name forward in the [[Great Council#Great Council of 233 AC|Great Council]] of {{date|233}}. Invited to [[King's Landing]] to present his claim, he was dishonorably killed by Lord [[Brynden Rivers]], despite the previous promise of safe passage.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Maekar I}}

===House Blackfyre===
{{Blackfyre tree}}

==References==
{{References|2}}

[[Category:House Blackfyre| ]]
[[Category:Blackfyre Rebellions| ]]

[[es:Pretendientes Fuegoscuro]]
[[tr:Blackfyre İsyanları]]
[[fa:مدعیان بلک فایر]]
[[zh:黑火觊觎者]]

Daemon I Blackfyre

2026-02-15T18:14:03Z

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{{For|other characters with the same name|Daemon Blackfyre}}
{{Infobox character
| title = Ser
| firstname = Daemon
| regnalnumber = 1
| lastname = Blackfyre
| epithet = the Black Dragon
| arms = Blackfyre
| image = Daemon Blackfyre.jpg
| image_caption = Daemon, by [http://en.amokanet.ru/gallery/martin/ Amok] ©
| Alias = Daemon Waters{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}} The Black Dragon{{Ref|ADWD|5}} The King Who Bore the Sword{{Ref|TSS}} Daemon the Pretender{{Ref|TSS}}
| Title = [[Knight|Ser]] [[Prince]]{{Ref|tss}} [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]] (claimant) [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]] (claimant) [[Protector of the Realm]] (claimant)
| Allegiance = [[House Blackfyre]]
| Race = [[Valyria]]n
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Date_of_Birth = late {{Date|170}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
| Place_of_Birth = [[King's Landing]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Daemon Blackfyre}}
| Date_of_Death = late {{Date|196}}
| Place_of_Death = the [[Battle of the Redgrass Field|Redgrass Field]]
| Father = [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]
| Mother = [[Daena Targaryen]]
| Spouse = [[Rohanne of Tyrosh]]
| Issue = [[Aegon Blackfyre]] [[Aemon Blackfyre]] [[Daemon II Blackfyre]] [[Haegon I Blackfyre]] [[Aenys Blackfyre]] [[Calla Blackfyre]] Two sons Daughter(s)
| coat-of-arms = A black three headed-dragon on red ''(Gules, a dragon thrice-headed sable)''
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Sworn Sword]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Mystery Knight]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (mentioned)
}}

'''Daemon I Blackfyre''', born '''Daemon Waters''', was the [[bastardy|bastard]] son of Princess [[Daena Targaryen]] and King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]].<ref name=GreatBastards>[[So Spake Martin]]: [https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Great_Bastards/ The Great Bastards] (December 26, 2005)</ref> Daemon founded [[House Blackfyre]], named after the [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] [[Valyrian steel]] [[Blackfyre|sword]]. He fought against his trueborn half-brother, King [[Daeron II Targaryen]], for the [[Iron Throne]] in the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]].

Daemon was the first and greatest of the five [[Blackfyre Pretenders]]. As a bastard of [[House Targaryen]] Daemon bore the arms of House Targaryen with the colors reversed: a black three-headed [[dragon]] on a red field. Thus he became known as '''the Black Dragon'''. Supporters to his claim to the Iron Throne dubbed him '''the King Who Bore the Sword''' while those that supported his half-brother Daeron referred to him as '''Daemon the Pretender'''.

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Daemon I Blackfyre|l1=Images of Daemon Blackfyre}}

Daemon was tall and powerful, with broad shoulders, muscular arms, and a flat stomach. Targaryen on both sides, Daemon had all the hallmarks of his house. He had strong Targaryen features, with deep [[purple eyes]] and silver-gold hair which he wore long, flowing down to his shoulders in a silvery-gold mane. He always went clean-shaven, with neither beard nor mustache. Almost inhumanly beautiful, Daemon looked every inch the warrior, and many thought that he strongly resembled portraits of [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]].<ref name=GreatBastards/>

His armor was ornate and costly, all black and red plate, and his warhelm was distinctive, with batlike steel "dragon wings" on the sides.

Daemon matured into a man of considerable charm and strength, mastering all weapons of the battlefield, but with the sword [[Blackfyre]] in hand he was said to fight like [[Warrior (the Seven)|the Warrior]] himself. He won friends easily and women were drawn to him.<ref name=GreatBastards/> According to [[Eustace Osgrey]], he was no more pious than a king need be.{{Ref|TSS}}

==History==
===Early life===
In late {{Date|170}}<ref group="N">After Daemon's birth, King [[Baelor I Targaryen]] began a forty-day fast. At the forty-first day he collapsed. As Daemon's year of birth is {{Date|170}} and the year of Baelor's death is {{Date|171}}, Daemon's birth took place late in the year 170 AC, while Baelor died early the following year.</ref> Princess [[Daena Targaryen]] gave birth to Daemon{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} in [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|Daemon Blackfyre}} His mother [[named after|named him for]] her grandfather, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], "for the Prince Daemon who had been the wonder and the terror of his age". In later years, some considered this name a warning of what he became. Although Daena refused to name her son's father,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} some people suspected the involvement of her cousin, Prince [[Aegon IV Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]], even at the time of Daemon's birth.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}

Daemon was raised in the [[Red Keep]] and was taught arms by Ser [[Quentyn Ball]], the master-at-arms at the Red Keep.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} In {{Date|182}} or {{Date|183}}, when he was twelve years old, Daemon participated in a squire's tourney, which he won. King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] personally [[knight]]ed Daemon and publicly bestowed the [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Blackfyre]] on him,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} finally acknowledging him as his son.<ref name=GreatBastards/> There were some who felt that the sword symbolized the monarchy<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/SF_Targaryens_Valyria_Sansa_Martells_and_More SF, Targaryens, Valyria, Sansa, Martells, and More] (June 26, 2001)</ref> as it had been the sword of King [[Aegon I Targaryen]], the Conqueror, and had been passed on from king to king ever since. Aegon's public gift of the sword would eventually start the first talk that Daemon should be king.<ref name=targaryenhistory>[[So Spake Martin]]: [https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Targaryen_History Targaryen History] (April 20, 2008)</ref> Following the acquisition of the sword, Daemon took the name "Blackfyre" for himself.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}

[[File:Daemon Blackfyre by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|left|Daemon I Blackfyre, by Jota Saraiva ©]]

King Aegon IV negotiated a betrothal for Daemon to [[Rohanne of Tyrosh]]. Daemon's supporters would later claim that Daemon had desired to marry his younger half-sister, [[Daenerys Targaryen (daughter of Aegon IV)|Daenerys]], instead and that King Aegon, who desired the marriage alliance to [[Tyrosh]], had promised Daemon that he could have [[polygamy|more than one wife]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} In {{Date|184}}, while Aegon IV was on his deathbed, he legitimized all of his bastards; those born to noblewomen, including Daemon, became known as the [[Great Bastards]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} At this point Daemon may have been given the title Prince since he is referred to as such by Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]], however Ser Eustace was one of his followers so this may just be his reverence for Daemon showing instead of Daemon actually being granted the title of Prince.{{Ref|TSS}} Daemon's trueborn half-brother, [[Daeron II Targaryen]], ascended the throne following Aegon's death. He refused to allow Daemon more than one wife, paid the [[dowry]] his late father had promised to the [[Archon]] of [[Tyrosh]], and saw Daemon wed to Rohanne in early {{Date|184}}, granting him a tract of land near the [[Blackwater Rush|Blackwater]] on his wedding day, with the right to raise a castle.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} Daemon and Rohanne had a fertile marriage. Their twin sons, [[Aegon Blackfyre|Aegon]] and [[Aemon Blackfyre|Aemon]], were born later that same year.<ref>''See the calculations for [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Aegon Blackfyre|Aegon]] and [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Aemon Blackfyre|Aemon Blackfyre]]''</ref> They were followed by five more sons, and at least two daughters.{{Ref|TSS}}

In {{Date|187}}, Daemon participated in Princess Daenerys's wedding tourney. He was defeated in the final tilt by Prince [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor Targaryen]], Daeron II's eldest son.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}

Meanwhile, the growing influence of the [[Dorne|Dornish]] at court, the Dornish appearance of Daeron II's heir, the sudden change of Dornish enemies to Dornish allies, Daeron's rumored illegitimacy (started by King Aegon IV during his reign), and Aegon IV's previous public gift of [[Blackfyre]], the "sword of kings",{{ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}} to Daemon caused several nobles and knights to start mistrusting Daeron II and Baelor, while seeing promise in Daemon. Men began to approach Daemon, but it took them many years to convince Daemon to declare his claim. [[Maester]] [[Yandel]] considers it likely that it had been [[Aegor Rivers]], Daemon's younger half-brother, who had managed to convince Daemon in the end.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} According to King [[Maekar I Targaryen]], it had been both Aegor Rivers and Ser [[Quentyn Ball]], the master-at-arms at the [[Red Keep]], who had played the largest role in convincing Daemon.{{Ref|TMK}} Aegor pressed him to proclaim his claim for the [[Iron Throne]], and after Daemon agreed to a betrothal between his eldest daughter, [[Calla Blackfyre|Calla]], and Aegor, his efforts increased. Many lords and knights joined in.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} Besides the influences of his councillors, Daemon had come to resent having the status of [[bastardy|bastard]] and what it represented.<ref name=santafe>[[So Spake Martin]]: [https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Month/2004/05/ Private Meeting (Santa Fe, NM)] (May 4, 2004)</ref>

Following the Blackfyre defeat in the first rebellion (which included the death of Daemon himself and his eldest two children, [[Aegon Blackfyre|Aegon]] and [[Aemon Blackfyre|Aemon]]), Daemon's bastard half-brother, Ser [[Aegor Rivers]], fled to [[Tyrosh]] with Daemon's remaining children and widow. From there, Daemon's descendants continued to plot. Four more rebellions would follow, until {{Date|260}}, when [[Maelys I Blackfyre]], the last male of [[House Blackfyre]], was slain on the [[Stepstones]] during the [[War of the Ninepenny Kings]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TMK}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys II}}

===First Blackfyre Rebellion===
{{See also|Blackfyre Pretenders|First Blackfyre Rebellion}}
[[File:Daemon I Blackfyre The Black Dragon by Mike Hallstein.jpg|thumb|Daemon I Blackfyre, the Black Dragon, by Mike Hallstein ©]]
There was no final insult that resulted in the declaration of Daemon's claim.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} There are some who say that it was the wedding of Princess [[Daenerys Targaryen (daughter of Aegon IV)|Daenerys]] to the [[Dornish]] [[Prince of Dorne|Prince]] [[Maron Martell]] that led to the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]]. It was said that Daemon rebelled because she had been denied to him by Daeron.{{Ref|aDwD|67}}{{Ref|TSS}} However, while Daenerys' wedding took place in {{Date|187}}, Daemon did not rebel until eight years later.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} In {{Date|196}}, Daemon began his rebellion, which would last nigh on a year. For his sigil, Daemon took the Targaryen sigil with the colors reversed, a black dragon on red, giving him the nickname "the Black Dragon" (with Daeron being referred as the Red Dragon).{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TMK}}

Daemon's decision to claim the throne had been made rashly, and word soon reached Daeron's court that Daemon meant to declare within a month. It has been suggested by [[Archmaester]] [[Merion]] that [[Brynden Rivers]], another one of Aegon IV's bastard sons, was involved in the news reaching Daeron.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} The [[Kingsguard]] was sent to arrest Daemon, but, with the aid of the master-at-arms of the [[Red Keep]], Daemon managed to escape imprisonment.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}{{Ref|TMK}} Daemon's allies used this attempted arrest as a cause for war, claiming that Daeron had acted without reason.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}

Besides Aegor Rivers and Quentyn Ball, Daemon's supporters, according to Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]] of [[Standfast]], included [[Robb Reyne]], [[Gareth the Grey]], Ser [[Aubrey Ambrose]], Lord [[Gormon Peake]], Black [[Byren Flowers]], and [[Redtusk]]. Daemon's rebellion divided the [[Seven Kingdoms]]. Half the realm declared for him, though not all were eager to pledge their full support. Notably, Houses [[House Hightower|Hightower]], [[House Butterwell|Butterwell]], [[House Oakheart|Oakheart]] and [[House Tarbeck|Tarbeck]] gave support to both Daemon and Daeron, while others (e.g., [[Manfred Lothston]]) were willing to betray Daemon for Daeron. The thief [[Quickfinger]] attempted to steal [[dragon eggs]] for Daemon, but was caught.{{Ref|TSS}}

Daemon's rebellion ended [[Battle of the Redgrass Field|on the Redgrass Field]] in late {{Date|196}}.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} According to Ser Eustace Osgrey, who fought on Daemon's side, Daemon fought "like the [[Warrior (the Seven)|Warrior]] himself".{{Ref|TSS}} Daemon shattered the lines of Lord [[Donnel Arryn]]'s vanguard, leaving the loyalists in peril until Ser [[Gwayne Corbray]] of the [[Kingsguard]] arrived with reinforcements.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Vale: House Arryn}} Daemon and Ser Gwayne duelled, with both men using their Valyrian steel swords. The duel is said to have lasted nearly an hour before Daemon gained the upper hand. Corbray was wounded and Daemon dismounted to prevent Corbray from being trampled. He commanded that Corbray was to be taken off the field.{{Ref|TSS}}

In the meantime, [[Brynden Rivers]] with his archers, the [[Raven's Teeth]], had captured and assumed a position atop the [[Weeping Ridge]], which overlooked the battlefield and allowed them to rain arrows down among Daemon and his commanders. Daemon's heir [[Aegon Blackfyre|Aegon]] died first, followed by Daemon himself. When Daemon’s second son, Aegon's twin brother [[Aemon Blackfyre|Aemon]] took up Blackfyre, he was slain as well.{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}}

===Legacy===
[[File:Daemon_Blackfyre_by_j.haerys_.jpg|thumb|Daemon I Blackfyre, by j.haerys_ ©]]
With Daemon dead, the rebels began to rout. [[Aegor Rivers]] claimed Blackfyre and rallied the rebels by leading a charge against the Raven's Teeth, but was eventually forced to flee.{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Daeron II}} He took Daemon's widow and remaining children with him to the [[Free Cities]], eventually ending up in [[Tyrosh]].{{Ref|TMK}}{{Ref|TSS}} In exile, Daemon's descendants continued their struggle for the [[Iron Throne]], resulting in four more rebellions ([[Second Blackfyre Rebellion|Second]], [[Third Blackfyre Rebellion|Third]] and [[Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion]], and the [[War of the Ninepenny Kings]]), as well as one peacefull attempt during the [[Great Council of 233 AC]]. These attempts led to the arrest of Daemon's third son ([[Daemon II Blackfyre|Daemon]]), and the deaths of his fourth and fifth sons ([[Haegon I Blackfyre|Haegon]] and [[Aenys Blackfyre|Aenys]]), as well as the death of a grandson, also named [[Daemon III Blackfyre|Daemon]]. Daemon's last male descendant, [[Maelys I Blackfyre|Maelys]], was slain during the War of the Ninepenny Kings by Ser [[Barristan Selmy]], ending the Blackfyre threat{{Ref|TMK}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys II}}{{Ref|ADWD|5}} after sixty-four years.

Sixteen years after Daemon's death, some still made pilgrimages to the Redgrass Field to plant flowers on the spot where he died.{{Ref|TMK}}

==Quotes about Daemon==
{{Quote|The first and greatest of the [[Blackfyre Pretenders]] was the natural son of [[Daena Targaryen]], sister, betrothed, and (briefly) wife to King [[Baelor I Targaryen|Baelor the Blessed]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/More_Targaryen_Descriptions More Targaryen Descriptions] (December 24, 2005)</ref>|[[George R. R. Martin]]}}

{{Quote|Daemon was the name [[Daena Targaryen|Daena]] gave to this child, for Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] had been the wonder and terror of his age, and in later days that was seen as a warning of what the boy would become.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}|[[Yandel]]}}

[[File:Daemon_I_Blackfyre_by_Debustee.png|thumb|400px|Daemon I Blackfyre, by Debustee ©]]

{{Quote|The '''rightful''' king, Daemon Blackfyre. The King Who Bore the Sword.{{Ref|TSS}}|[[Eustace Osgrey]], to [[Duncan the Tall]]}}

{{Quote|With ax or lance or flail, he was as good as any knight I ever saw, but with the sword he was the [[Warrior (the Seven)|Warrior]] himself. When Prince Daemon had Blackfyre in hand, there was not a man equal him ... not [[Ulrick Dayne]] with [[Dawn]], no, nor even the [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Viserys II)|Dragonknight]] with [[Dark Sister]].{{Ref|TSS}}|Eustace Osgrey, to Duncan the Tall}}

{{Quote|Traitors have always paid with their lives.{{Ref|ASOS|36}}|[[Stannis Baratheon]], to [[Davos Seaworth]]}}

{{Quote|Daemon Blackfyre loved the [[Daenerys Targaryen (daughter of Aegon IV)|first Daenerys]], and rose in [[First Blackfyre Rebellion|rebellion]] when denied her.{{Ref|aDwD|67}}|[[Barristan Selmy]]'s thoughts}}

{{Quote|Daemon Blackfyre was a rebel and usurper.<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]</ref>|[[Stannis Baratheon]], to [[Justin Massey]]}}

==Family==
{{Blackfyre tree}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-pre}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Aegon IV Targaryen|Aegon IV]]}}
{{S-tul|title=[[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]] [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]] [[Protector of the Realm]]|line=1st [[Blackfyre Pretenders|Blackfyre Pretender]]|years={{Date|196}}|reason=throne inherited by [[Daeron II Targaryen|Daeron II]]}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Daemon II Blackfyre|Daemon II]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Great Bastards}}
{{Kings of Westeros}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Blackfyre, Daemon}}
[[Category:House Blackfyre|Daemon I Blackfyre]]
[[Category:House Targaryen|Daemon I Blackfyre]]
[[Category:170 AC births]]
[[Category:196 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Bastards]]
[[Category:Casualties of the First Blackfyre Rebellion]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Brynden Rivers]]
[[Category:Characters with purple eyes]]
[[Category:Characters with silver hair]]
[[Category:Claimants to the Iron Throne]]
[[Category:Deaths by shooting]]
[[Category:Great Bastards]]
[[Category:House founders]]
[[Category:Knights]]
[[Category:Landed knights]]
[[Category:Legitimized bastards]]
[[Category:Members of Baelor I Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Viserys II Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon IV Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Nobles]]
[[Category:Rebels of the First Blackfyre Rebellion]]
[[Category:Wielders of Blackfyre]]

[[es:Daemon Fuegoscuro]]
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[[fr:Daemon Feunoyr]]
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[[nl:Daemon Zwartvier]]
[[pt:Daemon I Blackfyre]]
[[ru:Дейемон Блэкфайр]]
[[zh:戴蒙·黑火]]