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Jaehaerys Targaryen's uprising

2026-08-10T22:43:17Z

Hhwang: /* Aftermath */

{{Conjecture}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict_name = {{PAGENAME}}
| part_of =
| image = [[File:Michael KomarckMaegorIdiesonthethrone.png|400px]]
| image2 =
| caption = The death of [[Maegor I Targaryen]], by Michael Komarck for ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]''
| date = {{Date|48}}
| battles =
| location = [[Seven Kingdoms]]
| result = King [[Maegor I Targaryen]] found dead on the [[Iron Throne]] Prince [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys Targaryen]] crowned as King Jaehaerys I
| combatant1 = {{coa|Targaryen|m}} '''[[House Targaryen]]/Jaehaerys Targaryen'''
*{{coa-link|Velaryon|s}}
*{{coa|Baratheon|m}} [[Stormlands]], led by [[House Baratheon]]
*{{coa|Tyrell|m}} [[Reach]], led by [[House Tyrell]]
**{{coa-link|Hightower|s}}
**{{coa-link|Redwyne|s}}
*{{coa|Lannister|m}} [[Westerlands]], led by [[House Lannister]]
*{{coa|Arryn|m}} [[Vale of Arryn]], led by [[House Arryn]]
**{{coa-link|Royce|s}}
*{{coa-link|Kingsguard|s}} (2 switched sides)
| commander1 = {{Plainlist|
*{{coa|Targaryen|s}} Prince [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys Targaryen]]
*{{coa|Targaryen|s}} Queen [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]]
*{{coa|Baratheon|s}} Lord [[Rogar Baratheon]]
*{{coa|Velaryon|s}} Lord [[Daemon Velaryon (son of Aethan)|Daemon Velaryon]]
}}
| strength1 = {{Plainlist|
* [[Royal fleet]]
* 3 [[dragon]]s
}}
*[[Vermithor]]
*[[Silverwing]]
*[[Dreamfyre]]
| losses1 = None
| combatant2 = {{coa|Targaryen|m}} '''[[Iron Throne]]/[[House Targaryen]]/King Maegor I Targaryen'''
:*{{coa-link|Kingsguard|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Darklyn|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Massey|s}}
:*{{coa|Towers Harrenhal|s}} [[House Towers of Harrenhal|House Towers]]
:*{{coa-link|Staunton|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Bar Emmon|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Buckwell|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Rosby|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Stokeworth|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Hayford|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Harte|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Byrch|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Rollingford|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Bywater|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Mallery|s}}
| commander2 = {{Plainlist|
*{{coa|Targaryen|s}} King [[Maegor I Targaryen]]
*{{coa|Darklyn|s}} Lord [[Lord Darklyn (father of Jonquil Darke)|Darklyn]]
*{{coa|Massey|s}} Lord [[Albin Massey]]
*{{coa|Towers Harrenhal|s}} Lord [[Jordan Towers]]
*{{coa|Staunton|s}} Lord [[Lord Staunton (father of Cassella)|Staunton]]
}}
| strength2 = <4,000 men, including ~400 [[knight]]s 1 dragon: [[Balerion]]
| losses2 = {{Plainlist|
*King Maegor I Targaryen
*Lord Hayford
*Ser [[Owen Bush]] of the [[Kingsguard]]}}
}}
In {{Date|48}}, [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys Targaryen]] was declared the rightful king of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], defying his usurping uncle, King [[Maegor I Targaryen]], who held the [[Iron Throne]]. Half of [[Westeros]] soon followed in supporting the young [[prince]].

==Prelude==
In {{Date|42}}, Jaehaerys's father, King [[Aenys I Targaryen]], died on [[Dragonstone]]. Dowager Queen [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]] brought her son and Aenys's half-brother, Prince [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]], back from his exile in [[Essos]], and he declared himself king, supplanting Aenys's eldest son and heir, Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]]. In {{Date|43}}, Aegon attempted [[Aegon the Uncrowned's rebellion|a rebellion]] against his usurping uncle, but he and his [[dragon]] [[Quicksilver]] were slain by Maegor and his dragon [[Balerion]] in a [[Battle Beneath the Gods Eye|battle]] just south of the [[Gods Eye]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

By {{Date|44}}, Prince Jaehaerys, his sister [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]], and their mother, Dowager Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]], resided on Dragonstone as the [[hostage]]s of Dowager Queen Visenya. In the chaos following Visenya's death of natural causes that year, Jaehaerys and his mother and sister fled the island, along with Jaehaerys's dragon [[Vermithor]] and Alysanne's dragon [[Silverwing]], and taking Visenya's ancestral [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Dark Sister]]. In retaliation, King Maegor had Jaehaerys's older brother [[Viserys Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Viserys]], a hostage in [[King's Landing]], [[torture]]d to death. As a result, Prince Jaehaerys became the eldest living son of the late King Aenys, though he remained in hiding.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}

King Maegor had great difficulty getting a heir of his own body. Two of his wives, Queen [[Ceryse Hightower]] and Queen [[Tyanna]], appeared to be barren, and in {{Date|44}} he had Queen [[Alys Harroway]] tortured to death after she had given birth to a stillborn monstrosity. In {{Date|47}}, Maegor forced three widows of proven fertility to marry him in one ceremony. One of these [[Black Brides]] was Jaehaerys's eldest sister and Aegon's widow, [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]]. Still without a child of his own, Maegor officially disinherited Jaehaerys, and proclaimed Rhaena and Aegon's daughter [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]] as his heir.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}

In the meanwhile, the [[Faith of the Seven]] had been conflicting with [[House Targaryen]] over their practices of [[incest]] and [[polygamy]]. The [[Faith Militant uprising]] had begun during King Aenys's reign,{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} but as the Faith continued to resist Maegor's rule, he raised [[King Maegor's laws|a set of laws]] that forbade holy men from carrying arms,{{Ref|AFFC|43}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} and he punished [[lord]]s who spoke out against the suppression of the Faith.{{Ref|TSS}} King Maegor took brutal steps to put down the rebelling [[Faith Militant]] orders and the houses supporting them, including offering bounties for their heads.{{ref|AFFC|33}} Not even the death of the [[High Septon (Maegor I)|High Septon]] and his replacement by [[High Lickspittle|a more passive one]] stopped the determination of the Faith Militant. Thousands died during Maegor's campaigns against the Faith, which was also ruinously expensive. The [[master of coin]] continuously raised taxes and imposed new ones, and when these measures failed, Maegor demanded a tribute of [[gold]] from the high lords. Day by day, the [[Seven Kingdoms]] turned against its king, as both [[smallfolk]] and lords began to despise him for his tyranny and his many cruelties.{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}

==The Uprising==
In {{Date|48}}, on the shores of [[Shipbreaker Bay]], Lord [[Rogar Baratheon]] declared Prince [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys Targaryen]] the true and lawful [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]]. In turn, Jaehaerys named Rogar [[Protector of the Realm]] and [[Hand of the King]]. Jaehaerys's mother, the Dowager Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]], and his sister, Princess [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]], stood beside him as he unsheathed [[Dark Sister]] and vowed to end Maegor's rule, denouncing his uncle as a [[usurper]]. A hundred [[bannermen|banner lords]] and [[knight]]s from the [[stormlands]] cheered the proclamation.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

When word reached the [[Red Keep]] that Jaehaerys was gathering forces at [[Storm's End]], Queen [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]] stole the ancestral [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Blackfyre]] from Maegor as he slept. She also took her daughter and Maegor's heir, Princess [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]], and escaped on her [[dragon]] [[Dreamfyre]] to join her brother's cause.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

When Maegor woke and heard the news, his response was sluggish and confused. He went to command [[Grand Maester]] [[Benifer]] to send [[raven]]s to all his leal [[lord]]s and bannermen to gather at [[King's Landing]], only to find that the [[maester]] had fled to [[Pentos]]. Finding Princess Aerea gone, he sent a rider to [[Oldtown]] to demand the head of her twin sister [[Rhaella Targaryen (daughter of Aegon)|Rhaella]], but Lord [[Donnel Hightower]] instead imprisoned the messenger. Two of Maegor's [[Kingsguard]] vanished one night to join Jaehaerys, and Maegor lost a third Kingsguard when Ser [[Owen Bush]] was found dead outside a [[brothel]], his member stuffed into his mouth.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

[[Daemon Velaryon (son of Aethan)|Daemon Velaryon]], Maegor's own [[lord admiral]], was one of the first lords to declare for Jaehaerys. Because of this, Maegor lost the entire [[royal fleet]]. Houses [[House Tyrell|Tyrell]], [[House Hightower|Hightower]], [[House Redwyne|Redwyne]], [[House Lannister|Lannister]], [[House Arryn|Arryn]], [[House Royce|Royce]], and many others soon followed.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

Maegor had supporters of his own, but they were insignificant compared to Jaehaerys's: the Houses [[House Darklyn|Darklyn]], [[House Massey|Massey]], [[House Towers of Harrenhal|Towers]], [[House Staunton|Staunton]], [[House Bar Emmon|Bar Emmon]], [[House Buckwell|Buckwell]], [[House Rosby|Rosby]], [[House Stokeworth|Stokeworth]], [[House Hayford|Hayford]], [[House Harte|Harte]], [[House Byrch|Byrch]], [[House Rollingford|Rollingford]], [[House Bywater|Bywater]], and [[House Mallery|Mallery]] answered his call. Together, they commanded fewer than four thousand men, and only one in ten of those were knights. Despite this, Maegor refused to surrender. When Lord Hayford suggested that Maegor abdicate and [[Night's Watch|take the black]], Maegor had him beheaded and continued his war council with Lord Hayford's head mounted on a lance behind the [[Iron Throne]]. After the council, Maegor remained alone in the [[Great Hall (Red Keep)|throne room]] to brood.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

The uprising never had a chance to escalate into a true war, as Maegor was found the next morning by Queen [[Elinor Costayne]], dead upon the Iron Throne with his wrists cut and one of the swords pointing through his neck. His death remains a mystery; some say he was killed by Queen Elinor, others that he had been killed by a knight of his own Kingsguard, yet others say he was killed by a builder who escaped the [[Red Keep#History|massacre]] the king had ordered three years prior and desired revenge, and many believe that Maegor had been killed by the throne itself for his unworthiness. Others believe that Maegor killed himself by opening his wrists on the blades of the Iron Throne.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}{{Ref|ASOS|36}}

With Maegor dead, Prince Jaehaerys ascended the throne as King Jaehaerys, First of His Name.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} As Jaehaerys was only fourteen years of age, his mother, Dowager Queen Alyssa Velaryon, would serve as [[Regent|Queen Regent]] during the first two years of his reign. Lord Rogar, Protector of the Realm and Hand of the King, would also provide guidance.{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}}

==Aftermath==
[[File:Jaehaerys highsepton.jpg|thumb|right|350px|King Jaehaerys is crowned by the [[High Lickspittle|High Septon]], as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.]]
Jaehaerys arrived in King's Landing upon his [[dragon]] [[Vermithor]], ahead of Lord Rogar Baratheon's army. Most of Maegor's supporters had fled, and Jaehaerys imprisoned the few who still remained. After he was joined by his mother and Hand, King Jaehaerys decided to pardon the lords and knights who had served Maegor, restoring their lands and titles to them, although he required a son or daughter as a [[hostage]] from each, or the payment of a sum of [[gold]] to the crown. As the realm learned about Jaehaerys's willingness for granting pardons, the remainder of Maegor's adherents dismissed their armies and journeyed to King's Landing to swear fealty to the new king. An exception was made for some: the gaolers and [[confessor]]s who had assisted in the [[torture]] and death of Prince [[Viserys Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Viserys]] were all executed.{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}}

Of Maegor's Kingsguard, Ser [[Maladon Moore]] was executed for his alleged involvement in the murder of Maegor's queen [[Ceryse Hightower]], and his definite participation in the murder of Queen [[Tyanna of the Tower|Tyanna]]. The remaining five Kingsguard were given a choice between execution or [[Night's Watch|taking the black]], including Ser [[Olyver Bracken]] and Ser [[Raymund Mallery]], who had abandoned Maegor for Jaehaerys, but whose service was refused by the young king since he did not want oathbreakers serving him. All chose to take the black, except for Ser [[Harrold Langward]], who demanded a [[trial by combat]] and was slain by the Crown's champion, Ser [[Gyles Morrigen]]. Afterwards, Ser Gyles was made [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard|Lord Commander]] of Jaehaerys's Kingsguard.{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}}

In [[Oldtown]], Jaehaerys was blessed and crowned by the [[High Lickspittle|High Septon]] with [[Aenys I Targaryen|his late father's]] [[crown]] in the [[Starry Sept]]. Jaehaerys removed the bounties that King Maegor had placed on the heads of the [[Warrior's Sons]] and [[Poor Fellows]] during the [[Faith Militant uprising]],{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}} and pardoned all those who would put down their weapons.{{Ref|AFFC|33}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} The [[Faith of the Seven|Faith]] agreed to set aside their traditional right of judging their own and to accept justice from the throne,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}{{Ref|AFFC|43}} while Jaehaerys swore that the crown would always protect and defend the Faith.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} Additionally, Jaehaerys offered a white cloak to Ser [[Joffrey Doggett]], a former Warrior's Son, which the knight accepted. As such, Jaehaerys reconciled the Iron Throne and the Faith.{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|No man in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] could doubt that [[Maegor I Targaryen|the king]] was accursed now.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

{{Quote|[[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]] has only [[Balerion|one]] [[dragon]]. [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Our prince]] has two.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}|[[Rogar Baratheon]], to the [[stormlords]]}}

{{Quote|[[Maegor the Cruel]] was murdered in [[Iron Throne|that chair]]. ''By'' that chair, to hear some tell it.{{Ref|ASOS|36}}|[[Stannis Baratheon]], to [[Davos Seaworth]]}}

{{Quote|It was a reign that ended in the only way it could after the six years of terror that [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]] had visited upon [[Westeros|the realm]]. But [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|his nephew's]] reign would do much to mend the deep wounds he had made in the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}|writings of [[Yandel]]}}

{{Quote|There will be no trials, no [[torture]], and no executions. [[Westeros|The realm]] must see that I am not [[Maegor I Targaryen|my uncle]]. I shall not begin my reign by bathing in blood. Some came to my banners early, some late. Let the rest come now.{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}}|[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Wars in Westeros}}


[[Category:House Arryn wars]]
[[Category:House Baratheon wars]]
[[Category:House Buckwell wars]]
[[Category:House Byrch wars]]
[[Category:House Darklyn wars]]
[[Category:House Harte wars]]
[[Category:House Hayford wars]]
[[Category:House Hightower wars]]
[[Category:House Lannister wars]]
[[Category:House Mallery wars]]
[[Category:House Massey wars]]
[[Category:House Redwyne wars]]
[[Category:House Rollingford wars]]
[[Category:House Rosby wars]]
[[Category:House Royce wars]]
[[Category:House Staunton wars]]
[[Category:House Stokeworth wars]]
[[Category:House Targaryen wars]]
[[Category:House Towers wars]]
[[Category:House Tyrell wars]]
[[Category:House Velaryon wars]]
[[Category:Rebellions]]

Jaehaerys Targaryen's uprising

2026-08-10T22:40:11Z

Hhwang: /* The Uprising */

{{Conjecture}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict_name = {{PAGENAME}}
| part_of =
| image = [[File:Michael KomarckMaegorIdiesonthethrone.png|400px]]
| image2 =
| caption = The death of [[Maegor I Targaryen]], by Michael Komarck for ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]''
| date = {{Date|48}}
| battles =
| location = [[Seven Kingdoms]]
| result = King [[Maegor I Targaryen]] found dead on the [[Iron Throne]] Prince [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys Targaryen]] crowned as King Jaehaerys I
| combatant1 = {{coa|Targaryen|m}} '''[[House Targaryen]]/Jaehaerys Targaryen'''
*{{coa-link|Velaryon|s}}
*{{coa|Baratheon|m}} [[Stormlands]], led by [[House Baratheon]]
*{{coa|Tyrell|m}} [[Reach]], led by [[House Tyrell]]
**{{coa-link|Hightower|s}}
**{{coa-link|Redwyne|s}}
*{{coa|Lannister|m}} [[Westerlands]], led by [[House Lannister]]
*{{coa|Arryn|m}} [[Vale of Arryn]], led by [[House Arryn]]
**{{coa-link|Royce|s}}
*{{coa-link|Kingsguard|s}} (2 switched sides)
| commander1 = {{Plainlist|
*{{coa|Targaryen|s}} Prince [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys Targaryen]]
*{{coa|Targaryen|s}} Queen [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]]
*{{coa|Baratheon|s}} Lord [[Rogar Baratheon]]
*{{coa|Velaryon|s}} Lord [[Daemon Velaryon (son of Aethan)|Daemon Velaryon]]
}}
| strength1 = {{Plainlist|
* [[Royal fleet]]
* 3 [[dragon]]s
}}
*[[Vermithor]]
*[[Silverwing]]
*[[Dreamfyre]]
| losses1 = None
| combatant2 = {{coa|Targaryen|m}} '''[[Iron Throne]]/[[House Targaryen]]/King Maegor I Targaryen'''
:*{{coa-link|Kingsguard|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Darklyn|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Massey|s}}
:*{{coa|Towers Harrenhal|s}} [[House Towers of Harrenhal|House Towers]]
:*{{coa-link|Staunton|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Bar Emmon|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Buckwell|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Rosby|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Stokeworth|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Hayford|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Harte|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Byrch|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Rollingford|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Bywater|s}}
:*{{coa-link|Mallery|s}}
| commander2 = {{Plainlist|
*{{coa|Targaryen|s}} King [[Maegor I Targaryen]]
*{{coa|Darklyn|s}} Lord [[Lord Darklyn (father of Jonquil Darke)|Darklyn]]
*{{coa|Massey|s}} Lord [[Albin Massey]]
*{{coa|Towers Harrenhal|s}} Lord [[Jordan Towers]]
*{{coa|Staunton|s}} Lord [[Lord Staunton (father of Cassella)|Staunton]]
}}
| strength2 = <4,000 men, including ~400 [[knight]]s 1 dragon: [[Balerion]]
| losses2 = {{Plainlist|
*King Maegor I Targaryen
*Lord Hayford
*Ser [[Owen Bush]] of the [[Kingsguard]]}}
}}
In {{Date|48}}, [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys Targaryen]] was declared the rightful king of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], defying his usurping uncle, King [[Maegor I Targaryen]], who held the [[Iron Throne]]. Half of [[Westeros]] soon followed in supporting the young [[prince]].

==Prelude==
In {{Date|42}}, Jaehaerys's father, King [[Aenys I Targaryen]], died on [[Dragonstone]]. Dowager Queen [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]] brought her son and Aenys's half-brother, Prince [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]], back from his exile in [[Essos]], and he declared himself king, supplanting Aenys's eldest son and heir, Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]]. In {{Date|43}}, Aegon attempted [[Aegon the Uncrowned's rebellion|a rebellion]] against his usurping uncle, but he and his [[dragon]] [[Quicksilver]] were slain by Maegor and his dragon [[Balerion]] in a [[Battle Beneath the Gods Eye|battle]] just south of the [[Gods Eye]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

By {{Date|44}}, Prince Jaehaerys, his sister [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]], and their mother, Dowager Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]], resided on Dragonstone as the [[hostage]]s of Dowager Queen Visenya. In the chaos following Visenya's death of natural causes that year, Jaehaerys and his mother and sister fled the island, along with Jaehaerys's dragon [[Vermithor]] and Alysanne's dragon [[Silverwing]], and taking Visenya's ancestral [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Dark Sister]]. In retaliation, King Maegor had Jaehaerys's older brother [[Viserys Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Viserys]], a hostage in [[King's Landing]], [[torture]]d to death. As a result, Prince Jaehaerys became the eldest living son of the late King Aenys, though he remained in hiding.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}

King Maegor had great difficulty getting a heir of his own body. Two of his wives, Queen [[Ceryse Hightower]] and Queen [[Tyanna]], appeared to be barren, and in {{Date|44}} he had Queen [[Alys Harroway]] tortured to death after she had given birth to a stillborn monstrosity. In {{Date|47}}, Maegor forced three widows of proven fertility to marry him in one ceremony. One of these [[Black Brides]] was Jaehaerys's eldest sister and Aegon's widow, [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]]. Still without a child of his own, Maegor officially disinherited Jaehaerys, and proclaimed Rhaena and Aegon's daughter [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]] as his heir.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}

In the meanwhile, the [[Faith of the Seven]] had been conflicting with [[House Targaryen]] over their practices of [[incest]] and [[polygamy]]. The [[Faith Militant uprising]] had begun during King Aenys's reign,{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} but as the Faith continued to resist Maegor's rule, he raised [[King Maegor's laws|a set of laws]] that forbade holy men from carrying arms,{{Ref|AFFC|43}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} and he punished [[lord]]s who spoke out against the suppression of the Faith.{{Ref|TSS}} King Maegor took brutal steps to put down the rebelling [[Faith Militant]] orders and the houses supporting them, including offering bounties for their heads.{{ref|AFFC|33}} Not even the death of the [[High Septon (Maegor I)|High Septon]] and his replacement by [[High Lickspittle|a more passive one]] stopped the determination of the Faith Militant. Thousands died during Maegor's campaigns against the Faith, which was also ruinously expensive. The [[master of coin]] continuously raised taxes and imposed new ones, and when these measures failed, Maegor demanded a tribute of [[gold]] from the high lords. Day by day, the [[Seven Kingdoms]] turned against its king, as both [[smallfolk]] and lords began to despise him for his tyranny and his many cruelties.{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}

==The Uprising==
In {{Date|48}}, on the shores of [[Shipbreaker Bay]], Lord [[Rogar Baratheon]] declared Prince [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys Targaryen]] the true and lawful [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]]. In turn, Jaehaerys named Rogar [[Protector of the Realm]] and [[Hand of the King]]. Jaehaerys's mother, the Dowager Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]], and his sister, Princess [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]], stood beside him as he unsheathed [[Dark Sister]] and vowed to end Maegor's rule, denouncing his uncle as a [[usurper]]. A hundred [[bannermen|banner lords]] and [[knight]]s from the [[stormlands]] cheered the proclamation.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

When word reached the [[Red Keep]] that Jaehaerys was gathering forces at [[Storm's End]], Queen [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]] stole the ancestral [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Blackfyre]] from Maegor as he slept. She also took her daughter and Maegor's heir, Princess [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]], and escaped on her [[dragon]] [[Dreamfyre]] to join her brother's cause.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

When Maegor woke and heard the news, his response was sluggish and confused. He went to command [[Grand Maester]] [[Benifer]] to send [[raven]]s to all his leal [[lord]]s and bannermen to gather at [[King's Landing]], only to find that the [[maester]] had fled to [[Pentos]]. Finding Princess Aerea gone, he sent a rider to [[Oldtown]] to demand the head of her twin sister [[Rhaella Targaryen (daughter of Aegon)|Rhaella]], but Lord [[Donnel Hightower]] instead imprisoned the messenger. Two of Maegor's [[Kingsguard]] vanished one night to join Jaehaerys, and Maegor lost a third Kingsguard when Ser [[Owen Bush]] was found dead outside a [[brothel]], his member stuffed into his mouth.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

[[Daemon Velaryon (son of Aethan)|Daemon Velaryon]], Maegor's own [[lord admiral]], was one of the first lords to declare for Jaehaerys. Because of this, Maegor lost the entire [[royal fleet]]. Houses [[House Tyrell|Tyrell]], [[House Hightower|Hightower]], [[House Redwyne|Redwyne]], [[House Lannister|Lannister]], [[House Arryn|Arryn]], [[House Royce|Royce]], and many others soon followed.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

Maegor had supporters of his own, but they were insignificant compared to Jaehaerys's: the Houses [[House Darklyn|Darklyn]], [[House Massey|Massey]], [[House Towers of Harrenhal|Towers]], [[House Staunton|Staunton]], [[House Bar Emmon|Bar Emmon]], [[House Buckwell|Buckwell]], [[House Rosby|Rosby]], [[House Stokeworth|Stokeworth]], [[House Hayford|Hayford]], [[House Harte|Harte]], [[House Byrch|Byrch]], [[House Rollingford|Rollingford]], [[House Bywater|Bywater]], and [[House Mallery|Mallery]] answered his call. Together, they commanded fewer than four thousand men, and only one in ten of those were knights. Despite this, Maegor refused to surrender. When Lord Hayford suggested that Maegor abdicate and [[Night's Watch|take the black]], Maegor had him beheaded and continued his war council with Lord Hayford's head mounted on a lance behind the [[Iron Throne]]. After the council, Maegor remained alone in the [[Great Hall (Red Keep)|throne room]] to brood.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

The uprising never had a chance to escalate into a true war, as Maegor was found the next morning by Queen [[Elinor Costayne]], dead upon the Iron Throne with his wrists cut and one of the swords pointing through his neck. His death remains a mystery; some say he was killed by Queen Elinor, others that he had been killed by a knight of his own Kingsguard, yet others say he was killed by a builder who escaped the [[Red Keep#History|massacre]] the king had ordered three years prior and desired revenge, and many believe that Maegor had been killed by the throne itself for his unworthiness. Others believe that Maegor killed himself by opening his wrists on the blades of the Iron Throne.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}{{Ref|ASOS|36}}

With Maegor dead, Prince Jaehaerys ascended the throne as King Jaehaerys, First of His Name.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} As Jaehaerys was only fourteen years of age, his mother, Dowager Queen Alyssa Velaryon, would serve as [[Regent|Queen Regent]] during the first two years of his reign. Lord Rogar, Protector of the Realm and Hand of the King, would also provide guidance.{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}}

==Aftermath==
[[File:Jaehaerys highsepton.jpg|thumb|right|350px|King Jaehaerys is crowned by the [[High Lickspittle|High Septon]], as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.]]
Jaehaerys arrived in King's Landing upon his [[dragon]] [[Vermithor]], ahead of Lord Rogar Baratheon's army. Most of Maegor's supporters had fled, and Jaehaerys imprisoned the few who still remained. After he was joined by his mother and Hand, King Jaehaerys decided to pardon the lords and knights who had served Maegor, restoring their lands and titles to them, although he required a son or daughter as a [[hostage]] from each, or the payment of a sum of [[gold]] to the crown. As the realm learned about Jaehaerys's willingness for granting pardons, the remainder of Maegor's adherents dismissed their armies and journeyed to King's Landing to swear fealty to the new king. An exception was made for some: the gaolers and [[confessor]]s who had assisted in the [[torture]] and death of Prince [[Viserys Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Viserys]] were all executed.{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}}

Of Maegor's Kingsguard, Ser [[Maladon Moore]] was executed for his alleged involvement in the murder of Maegor's queen [[Ceryse Hightower]], and his definite particpation in the murder of Queen [[Tyanna of the Tower|Tyanna]]. The remaining five Kingsguard were given a choice between execution or [[Night's Watch|taking the black]], including Ser [[Olyver Bracken]] and Ser [[Raymund Mallery]], who had abandoned Maegor for Jaehaerys, but whose service was refused by the young king since he did not want oathbreakers serving him. All chose to take the black, except for Ser [[Harrold Langward]], who demanded a [[trial by combat]] and was slain by the Crown's champion, Ser [[Gyles Morrigen]]. Afterwards, Ser Gyles was made [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard|Lord Commander]] of Jaehaerys's Kingsguard.{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}}

In [[Oldtown]], Jaehaerys was blessed and crowned by the [[High Lickspittle|High Septon]] with [[Aenys I Targaryen|his late father's]] [[crown]] in the [[Starry Sept]]. Jaehaerys removed the bounties that King Maegor had placed on the heads of the [[Warrior's Sons]] and [[Poor Fellows]] during the [[Faith Militant uprising]],{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}} and pardoned all those who would put down their weapons.{{Ref|AFFC|33}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} The [[Faith of the Seven|Faith]] agreed to set aside their traditional right of judging their own and to accept justice from the throne,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}{{Ref|AFFC|43}} while Jaehaerys swore that the crown would always protect and defend the Faith.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} Additionally, Jaehaerys offered a white cloak to Ser [[Joffrey Doggett]], a former Warrior's Son, which the knight accepted. As such, Jaehaerys reconciled the Iron Throne and the Faith.{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|No man in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] could doubt that [[Maegor I Targaryen|the king]] was accursed now.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

{{Quote|[[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]] has only [[Balerion|one]] [[dragon]]. [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Our prince]] has two.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}|[[Rogar Baratheon]], to the [[stormlords]]}}

{{Quote|[[Maegor the Cruel]] was murdered in [[Iron Throne|that chair]]. ''By'' that chair, to hear some tell it.{{Ref|ASOS|36}}|[[Stannis Baratheon]], to [[Davos Seaworth]]}}

{{Quote|It was a reign that ended in the only way it could after the six years of terror that [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]] had visited upon [[Westeros|the realm]]. But [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|his nephew's]] reign would do much to mend the deep wounds he had made in the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}|writings of [[Yandel]]}}

{{Quote|There will be no trials, no [[torture]], and no executions. [[Westeros|The realm]] must see that I am not [[Maegor I Targaryen|my uncle]]. I shall not begin my reign by bathing in blood. Some came to my banners early, some late. Let the rest come now.{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}}|[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Wars in Westeros}}


[[Category:House Arryn wars]]
[[Category:House Baratheon wars]]
[[Category:House Buckwell wars]]
[[Category:House Byrch wars]]
[[Category:House Darklyn wars]]
[[Category:House Harte wars]]
[[Category:House Hayford wars]]
[[Category:House Hightower wars]]
[[Category:House Lannister wars]]
[[Category:House Mallery wars]]
[[Category:House Massey wars]]
[[Category:House Redwyne wars]]
[[Category:House Rollingford wars]]
[[Category:House Rosby wars]]
[[Category:House Royce wars]]
[[Category:House Staunton wars]]
[[Category:House Stokeworth wars]]
[[Category:House Targaryen wars]]
[[Category:House Towers wars]]
[[Category:House Tyrell wars]]
[[Category:House Velaryon wars]]
[[Category:Rebellions]]

Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)

2026-08-10T21:57:18Z

Hhwang: /* Queen in the East */

{{Infobox character
| title = Queen
| nickname =
| firstname = Rhaena
| particle =
| lastname = Targaryen
| epithet =
| arms = Targaryen
| arms2 = Farman
| image = [[File:Rhaena by Hylora.jpg|350px]]
| image_caption = Rhaena Targaryen, by Hylora ©
| Alias = [[Black Brides|Black Bride]] The Queen in the West The Queen in the East
| Title = Princess Queen Dowager Queen
| Allegiance = [[House Targaryen]]
| Race = [[Valyria]]n
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|23}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
| Place_of_Birth = [[Dragonstone]]{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|73}} (aged 50)
| Place_of_Death = [[Harrenhal]]{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
| Father = [[Aenys I Targaryen]]
| Mother = [[Alyssa Velaryon]]
| Spouse = 1st: Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon Targaryen]] 2nd: King [[Maegor I Targaryen]] 3rd: [[Androw Farman]]
| Lover = [[Elissa Farman]] [[Larissa Velaryon]] {{s|rumored}} [[Samantha Stokeworth]] {{s|rumored}} [[Melony Piper]] {{s|rumored}} [[Alayne Royce]] {{s|rumored}}
| Issue = [[Aerea Targaryen]] [[Rhaella Targaryen (daughter of Aegon)|Rhaella Targaryen]]
| coat-of-arms =
| 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)
| Played_by =
| TV_series =
}}
{{For|other characters with the same name|Rhaena Targaryen}}

'''Rhaena Targaryen''' was the eldest of the six children of King [[Aenys I Targaryen]] and Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}} She was a [[dragonrider]], and rode the dragon [[Dreamfyre]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

Rhaena was forcefully married to her uncle, King [[Maegor I Targaryen]], who had usurped and killed her husband [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]], becoming one of his [[Black Brides]]. Later, in the reign of her brother, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], Rhaena was called the '''Queen in the West''' during the time she spent in the [[westerlands]],{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}} and the '''Queen in the East''' during the years she held [[Dragonstone]].{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}}{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|l1=Images of Rhaena Targaryen}}
Rhaena had lively [[Purple eyes|lilac eyes]] and silver-gold hair. She was small at birth, but happy and healthy. By the age of fourteen, Rhaena had grown into a beautiful young girl.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

Rhaena was a shy, dreamy child, more comfortable with animals than other children. She would often hide behind her parents as a child when near strangers, and never warmed to any of the female companions her mother presented her with. She much more preferred books. After bonding with her dragon [[Dreamfyre]], however, Rhaena began to outgrow her shyness. After she had flown for the first time, though she remained a quiet child, she could no longer be considered timid. Shortly thereafter, Rhaena made her first friend. Numerous female favorites would follow throughout her life.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

Rhaena had an exquisite singing voice. At eighteen, Rhaena was considered brave, fierce and headstrong.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} As an adult, she was sometimes stern and sometimes shy, frequently brooding. Rhaena had no interest in other people's children, but was possessive of her own, and of people she loved. She was furious when betrayed, and scornful of those she did not trust.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}} Due to numerous betrayals and tragedies in her later life, Rhaena became withdrawn and detached. In her last years, her hair turned completely white.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

==History==
===Early life===
[[File: Aegon and Rhaena by Chillyravenart.png|thumb|350px|[[Aegon I Targaryen]] holds his infant granddaughter Rhaena, by chillyravenart ©]]
In {{Date|23}}, Rhaena was born{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} at [[Dragonstone]]{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}} to Prince [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys Targaryen]] and Lady [[Alyssa Velaryon]]. She was [[Named after|named in honor of]] Aenys's late mother, Queen [[Rhaenys Targaryen]]. Rhaena was the first grandchild of King [[Aegon I Targaryen]], and it is said that he wept the first time he held her.{{Ref|fab|The Sons of the Dragon}} Following Rhaena's birth, many wondered if her uncle Prince [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]] would fall behind her in the line of succession, as she was the eldest (and at the time, only) child of Aenys, the heir to the throne. That year,<ref group="N">Printed versions of ''Fire & Blood'' state that the suggestion of a [[betrothal]] occurred shortly after Maegor turned twelve, placing the event in {{Date|24}}. Maegor's age was adjusted to eleven in the ebook editions, placing the event in {{Date|23}}.</ref> Maegor's mother, Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]], proposed a [[betrothal]] between her son and Rhaena in order to settle the succession issue. However, both Rhaena's parents and the [[High Septon (Aegon I)|High Septon]] protested the match. The High Septon instead suggested his niece, Lady [[Ceryse Hightower]], as a bride for Maegor.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

As a child, Rhaena was shy, preferring the presence of animals instead of other people. At age of nine, Rhaena was presented with a [[dragon]] hatchling. She bonded instantly with the dragon, whom she named [[Dreamfyre]]. At the age of twelve, Rhaena flew upon Dreamfyre for the first time. Shortly thereafter, Rhaena became good friends with her cousin [[Larissa Velaryon]]. The two girls were inseparable, until Larissa was suddenly sent back to [[Driftmark]] to marry the second son of the [[Evenstar]] of [[Tarth]]. Rhaena soon befriended [[Samantha Stokeworth]], the daughter of Lord [[Alyn Stokeworth]], the [[Hand of the King]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} Rhaena would go on to have a number of favorites, all of whom she would shower with affection and attention to such extents that it was cause for whispering at the court.{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}

Rhaena and her next-eldest brother [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]] were close during their childhood, and Rhaena would sometimes take him with her to fly upon Dreamfyre. Rhaena doted on her siblings, and it was said that she placed a [[dragon egg]] in the cradles of her brother [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys]] and sister [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]], from which their dragons [[Vermithor]] and [[Silverwing]] hatched. Although she would sometimes take others flying with her upon her dragon, Rhaena most often flew Dreamfyre by herself.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

===Reign of Aenys I===
[[File:Rhaena and Dreamfyre by Samantha Altarozzi.jpg|thumb|350px|Rhaena and [[Dreamfyre]], by Samantha Altarozzi ©]]
In {{Date|37}}, King Aegon I Targaryen passed away, and his son [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys]], Rhaena's father, ascended the [[Iron Throne]]. That year, King Aenys went on a [[royal progress]] to [[Oldtown]], taking along his eldest three children, Rhaena, Aegon, and [[Viserys Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Viserys]]. Unfortunately, Rhaena loathed being separated from her dragon Dreamfyre, and her most recent favorite, [[Melony Piper]]. As she toured the realm with her father, she reverted back to her former shyness and became sullen at feasts, refusing to partake in any of the festivities. After Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]] summoned Lady Melony to join the progress, Rhaena's mood improved.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

Rhaena had numerous suitors, but she gave no encouragement to any of them, preferring to spend her time with her siblings, her [[cat]]s and [[dog]]s, and her newest favorite, [[Alayne Royce]]. When Rhaena [[age of majority|turned sixteen]], she declared herself to be free to fly wherever she wanted. Dreamfyre was seen in [[Harrenhal]], [[Tarth]], [[Runestone]], and [[Gulltown]]. It was rumored, although never proven, that on one of these flights Rhaena had given her [[maidenhead]] to a [[lowborn]] person. (Stories have named a [[hedge knight]], a singer, a blacksmith's son, or a village [[septon]].) Some have suggested that due to these rumors, King Aenys wished for Rhaena to marry as soon as possible.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

In {{Date|41}}, when Rhaena was eighteen, she was betrothed to her next-eldest brother, Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]], fifteen. According to [[Archmaester]] [[Gyldayn]], Rhaena and Aegon had likely expected to be wedded to one another ever since they were young, and were fond of each other, and so neither objected. However, the [[Faith of the Seven]] did not accept the [[incest]]uous match — they had ignored the marriage of Aegon the Conqueror and his sisters, but would not do the same for their grandchildren. (This was compounded by the fact that in {{date|39}} Prince Maegor had [[polygamy|taken a second wife]], [[Alys Harroway]], and had been exiled to [[Pentos]] for it.) The [[High Septon (Aenys I)|High Septon]] wrote that the marriage would be "an obscenity" and that any children born from the marriage would be "abominations in the sight of gods and men". This declaration was shared to the [[Faithful]] throughout the [[Seven Kingdoms]], by ten thousand septons. Despite this reaction, Rhaena and Aegon were wed in the [[Sept of Remembrance]] — while [[Warrior's Sons]] of the [[Faith Militant]] lined the streets, making note of every wedding guest.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

After the wedding, King Aenys decided to send Aegon and Rhaena on a royal progress, remembering the cheers of his own progress when he ascended the throne. Rhaena asked her father's leave to bring her dragon, but Aenys forbade it, fearing that Aegon, who had not yet claimed a dragon of his own, might be considered unmanly by the lords and commons if they saw his wife on dragonback but him on a [[horse|palfrey]]. During their entire journey, Rhaena, Aegon, and their escort were jeered by crowds. At one village, Rhaena and Aegon were pelted with dirt by a group of [[Poor Fellows]] that far outnumbered their escort, and Rhaena rode up to threaten them, saying that they would not be so bold if she returned on a dragon.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

Relationships between House Targaryen and the Faith continued to worsen. The [[Hand of the King]], Septon [[Murmison]], who had performed Rhaena and Aegon's wedding, was expelled from the Faith. When Aenys wrote to the High Septon asking for Murmison's restoration, the High Septon instead responded angrily, addressing Aenys as "King Abomination," declaring him a pretender and a tyrant, with no right to rule the Seven Kingdoms. The pious of the realm heeded his words, starting an [[Faith Militant uprising|uprising]] against the [[Iron Throne]]. Septon Murmison was attacked in the streets by Poor Fellows, who hacked him to pieces with axes. Rhaena and Aegon were forced to abandon their progress and take shelter in [[Crakehall]]. By the start of {{Date|42}}, Crakehall was besieged by thousands of Poor Fellows. Upon learning of the attack on his children, King Aenys collapsed, and died three days later on [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

===Reign of Maegor I===
[[File:Rhaena Aerea Rhaella Chillyravenart.png|thumb|350px|Rhaena with her daughters [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]] and [[Rhaella Targaryen (daughter of Aegon)|Rhaella]], by chillyravenart ©]]
Upon the death of King [[Aenys I Targaryen]], Dowager Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]] flew to [[Pentos]] to retrieve Aenys's brother, [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]], from his exile. On [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]], Maegor claimed the throne for his own, ignoring the claim of Rhaena's husband and Aenys's eldest son, [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

When the [[Poor Fellows]] who had besieged Crakehall finally departed for a march on [[King's Landing]], Rhaena and Aegon took their refuge at [[Casterly Rock]], where Lord [[Lyman Lannister]] protected them by extending [[guest right]]. There, Rhaena discovered she was pregnant. Her twin daughters, Princess [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]] and Princess [[Rhaella Targaryen (daughter of Aegon)|Rhaella]], were born at Casterly Rock in late {{Date|42}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}} After the birth of the twins, the High Septon proclaimed them to be abominations, born of lust and incest, cursed by the gods. According to the [[maester]] serving at Casterly Rock at the time, Rhaena begged Aegon to flee with her across the [[narrow sea]], out of Maegor's reach, stating that she would be willing to give her life for Aegon, but was unwilling to risk the lives of their children. Aegon refused, however, as he was determined to claim his throne.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

Although Lord Lyman refused all of Maegor's demands to turn over Aegon and Rhaena, he also refused to pledge his swords to Aegon's cause.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Westerlands: House Lannister Under the Dragons}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} Most of the knights and lords who accompanied Aegon and Rhaena on their progress had abandoned them, as well as Rhaena's handmaids and companions. Only Rhaena's friend [[Alayne Royce]] stayed by her side, and her former favorite [[Melony Piper]] arrived at [[Lannisport]] with her brothers to swear the loyalty of [[House Piper]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

In late {{Date|43}}, Rhaena and Aegon took advantage of Maegor's half-year absence from the capital. They managed to successfully infiltrate King's Landing with the help of several collaborators within the city. However, they did not dare seize the [[Iron Throne]], knowing they lacked the strength to hold it. Instead, they had come for Rhaena's Dreamfyre, and for a dragon for Aegon. When Rhaena and Aegon left King's Landing, they did so flying side by side, Rhaena on her Dreamfyre and Aegon on their late father's [[Quicksilver]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} Rhaena and Aegon returned to the [[westerlands]] to assemble an army, which gathered at [[Pinkmaiden Castle]]. However, when [[Aegon the Uncrowned's rebellion|Aegon marched to war against Maegor]], Rhaena did not accompany him, staying at Pinkmaiden with their daughters. It is not known whether the decision was Rhaena's or Aegon's, or if the presence of Dreamfyre would have made a difference later. In the [[Battle Beneath the Gods Eye]], Aegon and Quicksilver were killed by Maegor and [[Balerion]], and Aegon's army was slaughtered. When Rhaena received the news of the deaths of her husband Aegon and her loyal friend Melony, she responded with stony silence, saying she had no time for tears.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}

[[File:Rhaena_Targaryen_(daughter_of_Aenys_I)_by_ildraws.jpg|thumb|350px|Rhaena on her wedding day to [[Maegor Targaryen]] by ildraws©]]

Rhaena then took her daughters and fled to [[Lannisport]], and from there to [[Fair Isle]], where she was given sanctuary in [[Faircastle]] by Lord [[Marq Farman]], whose family had pledged to Aegon's cause. Aegon's elder daughter Aerea could now claim to be the rightful Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, but as she and her twin Rhaella were barely a year old, Rhaena worked quickly to protect them from Maegor's wrath. She disguised the girls and sent them away with allies, who placed them in foster families who had no idea of their true identities. This ensured that even Rhaena was unaware of where her daughters had been hidden, so she could not reveal their whereabouts under torture. However, though Rhaena could also disguise herself, it was impossible to hide her dragon Dreamfyre. Therefore, she remained on Fair Isle, only wondering how long it would be before Maegor sent for her. It is said that on Fair Isle, Rhaena grew "more than fond" of Lord Marq Farman's second son [[Androw Farman|Androw]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} (However, according to Faircastle's Maester [[Smike]], it was Androw's sister [[Elissa Farman|Elissa]] who was Rhaena's true love.{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}})

In {{Date|47}}, King Maegor was dealing with the issue of his lack of heirs, despite having already married three women. Lord [[Daemon Velaryon (son of Aethan)|Daemon Velaryon]], Rhaena's uncle and a member of Maegor's [[small council]], advised Maegor to wed Rhaena, to unite their claims and prevent new rebellions, and to gain her as a hostage against any potential schemes of Dowager Queen Alyssa. Later that year, Maegor summoned Rhaena to King's Landing, and she did not defy him, to not return the Farmans' kindness with destruction. At the Red Keep, Maegor married Rhaena in a triple ceremony, together with [[Elinor Costayne]] and [[Jeyne Westerling (wife of Maegor I)|Jeyne Westerling]]. As the three women were all widows of men Maegor had killed, they became known as the "[[Black Brides]]".{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} Although many believed that Rhaena would give a show of defiance at the wedding, Maegor's [[mistress of whisperers]], Queen [[Tyanna of the Tower|Tyanna]], revealed she had found Aerea and Rhaella, and ensured Rhaena's cooperation. But Rhaena spoke her vows icily, and she would later claim that during the wedding night, she attempted to kill Maegor with a [[dagger]] hidden beneath her pillow.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

Immediately following the wedding, Maegor declared Rhaena's elder daughter Aerea as his heir until he had sons of his own, while disinheriting Rhaena's youngest brother Jaehaerys in the same decree. Rhaena's younger daughter, Rhaella, was sent to [[Oldtown]] to be trained as a [[septa]]. Rhaena herself remained at the Red Keep until {{Date|48}}. When she learned that [[Jaehaerys Targaryen's uprising|Jaehaerys had announced his claim]] to the [[Iron Throne]], she escaped King's Landing in the night on Dreamfyre to join Jaehaerys's cause at [[Storm's End]]. Rhaena also took her daughter Aerea and the [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Blackfyre]], which she stole from Maegor while he slept. Enraged, Maegor sent a rider to Oldtown commanding Lord [[House Hightower|Hightower]] to behead Rhaella as punishment for Rhaena's betrayal. Lord Hightower refused, and instead imprisoned the messenger.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} Following Maegor's death, Rhaena and her siblings Jaehaerys and [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]] flew on their dragons to King's Landing to claim the throne for Jaehaerys.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

===Queen in the West===
[[File:The Four-Headed Beast by Warp Speed.jpg|thumb|350px|The [[Four-Headed Beast]]: Rhaena, [[Elissa Farman]], [[Samantha Stokeworth]], and [[Alayne Royce]], by Warp Speed ©]]
Afterwards, discussion arose as to who had the better claim to the [[Iron Throne]]. There were some who suggested that Rhaena's claim, as the firstborn child of King [[Aenys I Targaryen]] and Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]], was the strongest. Her gender argued against her, however, and Rhaena herself had come to loathe [[King's Landing]] and its court. The claims of her daughters were argued for as well. If Maegor was to be considered a usurper, the true king would have been Rhaena's husband, [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aegon]], who had claimed the throne before Jaehaerys had. As such, some suggested the throne should pass to one of his daughters by Rhaena, [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]] or [[Rhaella Targaryen (daughter of Aegon)|Rhaella]]. The young girls did not have much support, however, and Rhaena herself agreed that the crown should go to Jaehaerys instead.{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}}

In late {{Date|48}}, Rhaena traveled to [[Oldtown]] with the court for the coronation of Jaehaerys in the [[Starry Sept]] by the [[High Lickspittle|High Septon]]. Nine days later, Jaehaerys departed Oldtown for King's Landing with Rhaena's elder daughter Aerea, while her younger daughter Rhaella remained at the Starry Sept as a novice sworn to the Faith. At the time, it was widely believed that someone had switched Rhaena's twin daughters, disguising Aerea as Rhaella and Rhaella as Aerea, as their personalities had shifted, with Aerea now more bold and adventurous and Rhaella now timid and quiet. Archmaester [[Gyldayn]] has suggested that either Rhaena or her mother, Dowager Queen Alyssa, was the person responsible for the switch. However, no one questioned the decision, since Aerea was the heir to the Iron Throne until Jaehaerys had children of his own.{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}}

Rhaena accompanied Jaehaerys on his return journey until [[Highgarden]]. From there, she flew to [[Fair Isle]], to return to Lord [[Marq Farman]]'s seat.{{Ref|FAB|Prince into King - The Ascension of Jaehaerys I}} In the second week of {{Date|49}}, Rhaena married Marq's second son, [[Androw Farman|Androw]], in a quick and [[Wedding of Rhaena Targaryen and Androw Farman|small ceremony]]. Lord Farman presided over the wedding, and guests included Lord [[Lyman Lannister]], his wife, Lady [[Jocasta Lannister|Jocasta]], and two of Rhaena's friends, [[Samantha Stokeworth]] and [[Alayne Royce]]. Days after the wedding, a [[raven]] was sent to King's Landing from [[Casterly Rock]], to inform the new king and his court of the marriage. Rhaena's mother, [[Queen Regent]] Alyssa, was deeply offended that she had neither been informed of nor invited to the wedding. According to chroniclers in King's Landing, this caused a rift between the pair. Lord [[Rogar Baratheon]], the [[Hand of the King]], was furious that Rhaena had not asked the crown's leave to wed. However, the news was welcomed by King Jaehaerys himself and by Rhaena's younger sister Alysanne, who dispatched gifts in celebration.{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}}

Rhaena's choice of Androw as her husband was another matter. Lord Marq's second son possessed no martial skills, nor was he considered clever, and the maester of Fair Isle claimed he could hardly read or write. Some have suggested that Rhaena married Androw as a way of showing gratitude to his father, who had sheltered Rhaena after King Maegor had killed her husband. Maester [[Smike]] speculated that Rhaena had taken Androw for her husband not because she loved him, but because she loved his sister [[Elissa Farman|Elissa]].{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}}

Although Rhaena honored Lord [[Rogar Baratheon]], grudgingly, for supporting Jaehaerys against Maegor, she could not forgive nor forget his inaction when her husband [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]] had [[Battle Beneath the Gods Eye|fought]] Maegor. When her mother [[Golden Wedding|married]] Lord Rogar, later that same year, Rhaena did not attend the wedding, and remained on Fair Isle.{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}} Men in the [[westerlands]], the [[Reach]], and parts of the [[riverlands]] began referring to Rhaena as the "Queen in the West". As time passed, Rhaena began to resent the fact that her claim to the throne, and that of her daughters, had been dismissed in favor of Jaehaerys, to whom she began to refer as "my baby brother". In addition, Rhaena begrudged her mother for promoting Jaehaerys's claim over her own.{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}

On Fair Isle, Rhaena became fast friends with her sister-in-law, Elissa. Together with two of Rhaena's oldest friends, Alayne Royce and Samantha Stokeworth, they formed an inseparable group, that Ser [[Franklyn Farman]], Elissa and Androw's brother, called "the [[Four-Headed Beast]]". Yet despite the warm welcome Lord Farman had given her, others were less pleased with the presence of Rhaena and her dragon Dreamfyre on the isle, chief among them Franklyn. When Franklyn succeeded his father as the [[Lord of Fair Isle]] in the early weeks of {{Date|50}}, he ordered Rhaena to leave the island, and to take her dragon, friends, and husband with her. He also insisted that his sister Elissa would remain at Fair Isle, and soon marry a man of his choice. However, Rhaena and Elissa defied him — while Rhaena refused to stay where she was not welcome, and left on dragonback that same night, Elissa and the rest of Rhaena's companions departed the isle on Elissa's ship, the ''[[Maiden's Fancy]]''.{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}

Rhaena and her retinue were taken in at [[Casterly Rock]] by Lyman and Jocasta Lannister. They remained at Casterly Rock for more than a month, until Rhaena began to realize that Lord Lyman wanted more than a guest; he wanted an alliance with the Iron Throne by wedding either his [[bastard]] son, [[Tyler Hill]], or one of his trueborn sons to Rhaena, and he wanted a dragon of his own. Rhaena and her court took their leave of Casterly Rock and traveled the westerlands and the riverlands, visiting [[Ashemark]], [[Castamere]], the [[Golden Tooth]], [[Wayfarer's Rest]], and [[Pinkmaiden Castle]]. At every seat Rhaena encountered the same problems: all of the lords wanted to take advantage of her, or were afraid of her, or desired a [[dragon]] of their own. Eventually, in {{Date|51}}, Rhaena returned to King's Landing where she was a guest for the second wedding of her brother Jaehaerys and sister Alysanne. Rhaena met with Jaehaerys after the wedding, and told him of her troubles. Insisting on having a seat of her own, Rhaena requested to be granted [[Dragonstone]]. In addition, she asked for her daughter Aerea, Jaehaerys' heir who had been living with him at King's Landing, to be returned to her care. Jaehaerys granted both her requests.{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}}

===Queen in the East===
[[File:Rhaena Targaryen and her companions by feelenum.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Rhaena and her companions on Dragonstone by feelenum]]
On [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]], Rhaena came to be called "the Queen in the East".{{Ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}} Although Rhaena was content on Dragonstone, her friend [[Elissa Farman]] and daughter [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]] grew more and more unhappy on the island. Unfortunately, as Rhaena and Aerea had been separated for years, Rhaena knew nothing about her now seven-year-old daughter; furthermore, Aerea could not remember her mother, and additionally strongly disliked the dullness of Dragonstone compared to the excitement of the Red Keep. Elissa missed the western seas, and often spoke of returning to them. As Elissa was denied any incomes from [[Fair Isle]] by her brother, Lord [[Franklyn Farman|Franklyn]], she petitioned Rhaena for sufficient [[Currency|gold]] to build a ship to sail the [[sunset sea]]. Rhaena denied her request, stating she could not bear to see Elissa go, opening a rift in their relationship.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}

In {{Date|54}}, Elissa announced to Rhaena she was leaving the island. Rhaena received the news stone-faced. A fortnight after Elissa departed, it was brought to Rhaena's attention that Elissa had stolen three [[dragon egg]]s from the Dragonstone hatcheries. Enraged by the betrayal, Rhaena commanded Ser [[Merrell Bullock]], the commander of her garrison, to question the grooms and stableboys sharply, and expelled Merrell and his son [[Alyn Bullock|Alyn]] from the island when the questioning did not turn up answers. She further expelled a dozen others, and even summoned her own husband, [[Androw Farman]], to demand if he had known anything of his sister's theft. She only grew more enraged when he denied any knowledge, unable to believe he had not been Elissa's accomplice. When Androw asked to be appointed as Merrell's successor, Rhaena and her companions laughed in his face. Rhaena sent men after Elissa, but after the trail had gone cold, Rhaena traveled to [[King's Landing]] to inform her brother, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys]]. Jaehaerys warned her that if the eggs hatched, they would have no choice but to go to war, he on [[Vermithor]] and Rhaena on Dreamfyre against whoever held the hatchling dragons, and pledged her to secrecy on the matter.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}

[[File:Rogar Wakes the Dragon by Chillyravenart.jpg|thumb|350px|Rhaena threatens [[Rogar Baratheon]], by chillyravenart ©]]
Meanwhile, Rhaena's mother, Dowager Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]], had become pregnant with her second child by Lord [[Rogar Baratheon]]. Unfortunately, Alyssa became deathly ill a month before the child was due, with a complication of pregnancy. When Rhaena learned that her mother was on her deathbed, she flew to [[Storm's End]] on Dreamfyre. When Androw announced that he would accompany her, she mockingly refused him, just as she had refused his offer to accompany her to see Jaehaerys at King's Landing following the theft of the dragon eggs. Alone, Rhaena flew to make amends with her mother, but arrived too late, after Alyssa had died from being cut open to save the child. Rhaena was livid, blaming her mother's death on her husband Rogar. Rhaena grabbed Rogar's beard, and warned him to take care of Alyssa's children, her half-siblings. She threatened Rogar that if he ever married again, she would personally kill him, and [[burning of Harrenhal|make another Harrenhal]] of Storm's End. While Rogar Baratheon claimed not to be frightened of Rhaena's anger, he never wed again.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}

[[File:Androw confronts Rhaena by Douglas Wheatley.png|thumb|350px|Rhaena is confronted by [[Androw Farman]] while [[Lianna Velaryon]] dies in her arms, as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.]]
Following Rhaena's return to Dragonstone, a strange sickness fell over the island. Rhaena's maester, [[Culiper]], was the first to die, suddenly and mysteriously. One by one, Rhaena's close friends fell sick and died as well: [[Cassella Staunton]], Septa [[Maryam]], [[Alayne Royce]], [[Samantha Stokeworth]], and finally young [[Lianna Velaryon]], who died in Rhaena's arms. Rhaena had Dragonstone closed and barred, and sent word to King's Landing, where Lord [[Rego Draz]] recognized the described symptoms as the result of the [[tears of Lys]], a deadly [[poison]]. Jaehaerys dispatched a raven to his sister, and when Rhaena read the letter, she realized at once that her husband was the culprit. After a long search, she and her garrison found Androw in the [[Painted Table|Chamber of the Painted Table]], where he confessed. Rhaena ordered Androw to be [[Eunuch|gelded]], with his private parts to be cooked and fed to him before he would be allowed to die. However, Androw jumped from a castle window, denying Rhaena her revenge against him. Instead, Rhaena had his body hacked apart and fed to her dragons.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}

Following Androw's suicide and the deaths of her friends and companions, Rhaena plunged into a deep depression, and grew enraged at even the mention of her husband's name. Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]] came to visit Dragonstone in an attempt to comfort her sister, but Rhaena did not welcome her presence. She attempted to send Alysanne away three times, screaming at her in front of half the castle. Alysanne refused to leave, so Rhaena locked herself in her room, and Alysanne restored order to Dragonstone. She also attempted to comfort Aerea, but the girl also was angry and resistant. Aerea eventually admitted that she felt rejected by her mother and jealous of Alysanne's [[Daenerys Targaryen (daughter of Jaehaerys I)|daughter]], and finally begged to be taken back to King's Landing. Alysanne brought Aerea's request to Rhaena, who refused coldly, stating that Rhaena had nothing and Alysanne had everything, but would not take Rhaena's daughter as well. She concluded that "you have my throne, content yourself with that." Rhaena then called Aerea to her chambers, where they argued loudly about the matter. Eventually, when Alysanne left the island, she left alone.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}

Despite their troubled relationship, Rhaena had often encouraged Aerea to claim one of the dragons on Dragonstone for her own, making sure she was acquainted with Dreamfyre's hatchlings and allowing her to visit all the island's dragons. Near the end of {{Date|54}}, Rhaena discovered that Aerea had fled the island on the back of a dragon: [[Balerion]], the Black Dread. Rhaena mounted Dreamfyre and flew to the [[Red Keep]], convinced that Aerea had gone there, but learned otherwise. When Rhaena exclaimed that Aerea had chosen Maegor's dragon, the dragon that had killed [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|her father]], and wondered what sort of "mad child" could she be, Alysanne attempted to comfort her, and told her Aerea was just an angry little girl. Rhaena remained at court while Jaehaerys sent forth ravens across the realm in search of word of Aerea or Balerion; but after seven days, Rhaena declared that she needed to look for Aerea herself, and left on Dreamfyre in search of her daughter.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}

Rhaena first traveled to [[Oldtown]], in hopes her that Aerea might have gone to see her twin, [[Rhaella Targaryen (daughter of Aegon)|Rhaella]]. She was received courteously by Lord [[Donnel Hightower]] and the [[High Septon]], and was reunited with her younger daughter, but none could help her. When Rhaena told Rhaella she regretted that she had not been a better mother, the novice septa hugged her and said she was grateful Rhaena had given her the best mother any child could wish for, the [[Mother Above]].{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}

In {{Date|55}}, Rhaena visited [[Highgarden]], [[Crakehall]], and [[Casterly Rock]], but no trace of Aerea or Balerion could be found anywhere. Rhaena then traveled to Fair Isle, where Lord Franklyn Farman received her coldly, saying that if Aerea were to turn up at his island, he would "see her off" just as he had Rhaena. Rhaena wished Franklyn luck in "seeing off" Balerion, stating that the dragon had enjoyed eating Franklyn's brother, and by now might desire "another course."{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} Historians do not know where Rhaena went after she left Fair Isle. She would not be seen for the remainder of the year, although reports mention sightings of Dreamfyre at the [[barrowlands]], the [[Fever River]], the [[Red Mountains]] of [[Dorne]], the canyons of the [[Torrentine]], flying over the [[Fingers]], the [[Mountains of the Moon]], the forests of [[Cape Wrath]], the [[Shield Islands]], and the [[Arbor]]. Instead of seeking the company of others, Rhaena preferred to be on her own, and Gyldayn wonders if she was truly looking for Aerea, or for solitude. Near the end of {{Date|55}}, Rhaena was finally seen again at [[Estermont]], home to the first of her favorites, [[Larissa Velaryon]], who was now a widow and whose daughter had married [[House Estermont|Lord Estermont]]. Rhaena lingered for a while at [[Greenstone]] castle, seeking solace with her childhood companion.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

In {{Date|56}}, Princess [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]] landed in the Red Keep on Balerion, thin, fevered, and incoherent. She had been infected with an insidious disease from [[Valyria]], that killed her the same day she returned. By the time the raven carrying the news reached Greenstone, Aerea had already been cremated. When Rhaena returned to King's Landing, she could only take possession of her daughter's ashes. Jaehaerys offered to have Aerea's ashes interred on Dragonstone, per Targaryen tradition, but Rhaena refused. She said Aerea had hated Dragonstone, and "wanted to fly"; and so, Rhaena took Aerea's ashes into the sky on Dreamfyre, and scattered them on the wind.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

===Harrenhal===
After her daughter's death, Rhaena did not wish to return to [[Dragonstone]], as it only had bitter memories and ghosts for her. Nor did she wish to return to [[Greenstone]], where a "kinder ghost" was. King Jaehaerys offered Rhaena a place at court, even a seat on his [[small council]], but she could only laugh and say he would not care for her advice. She also angrily rejected Alysanne's suggestion of taking another husband and having more children. Rhaena eventually settled for [[Harrenhal]], where she became a guest of [[House Towers of Harrenhal|House Towers]]. She made her residence in the [[Widow's Tower]], and befriended the sickly and impoverished young Lord [[Maegor Towers]], who was the last of his line. When Maegor died in {{Date|61}}, she took his small household into her own care.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

Rhaena never again visited King's Landing or Dragonstone. Once a year, she would visit her daughter Septa [[Rhaella Targaryen (daughter of Aegon)|Rhaella]] at the [[Starry Sept]] in [[Oldtown]], but otherwise Rhaena remained at Harrenhal. Her hair turned white as she aged, and the [[smallfolk]] in the [[riverlands]] began to fear her as a [[witch]]. Nevertheless, Rhaena would grant hospitality to any traveler who came to Harrenhal, though she never sought their company. Rhaena continued to ride Dreamfyre until her death in {{Date|73}}. Her body was cremated at Harrenhal, and King Jaehaerys ordered that her ashes be interred there as well, near where her husband Aegon had died by the [[Gods Eye]].{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

==Quotes by Rhaena==
[[File:Rhaena Targaryen by Rae Lavergne.jpg|thumb|350px|Rhaena confronts the [[Poor Fellows]], by Rae Lavergne ©]]
{{Quote|You are fearless when facing a girl on a [[horse]], I see. The next time I come, I will be on a [[dragon]]. Throw dirt on me then, I pray you.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}|Rhaena, to the [[Poor Fellows]]}}

{{Quote|I do not have time for tears.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}|Rhaena, after hearing of the death of her husband [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]] in the [[Battle Beneath the Gods Eye]]}}

{{Quote|'''Jaehaerys:''' Should the [[dragon]]s turn up, anywhere from [[King's Landing|here]] to [[Yi Ti]], we will demand their return. They were stolen from us, they are ours by right. If that demand should be denied, then we must needs go and get them. Take them back if we can, kill them if not. No hatchlings can hope to stand against [[Vermithor]] and [[Dreamfyre]]. 
'''Rhaena:''' And [[Silverwing]]? [[Alysanne Targaryen|Our sister]]— 
'''Jaehaerys:''' —had no part in this. I will not put her at risk. 
'''Rhaena:''' She is [[Rhaenys Targaryen|Rhaenys]], and I am [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]]. I have never thought otherwise.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}|[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] and Rhaena, about the theft of three [[dragon eggs]]}}

{{Quote|[[Alyssa Velaryon|Her]] blood is on your hands. Her blood is on your cock. May you die screaming. [...] She gave you one son, that should have been enough. Save my wife, you should have said, but what are wives to men like you? Hear this, my lord. Do not think to wed again. Take care of the whelps my mother gave you, my [[Boremund Baratheon|half-brother]] and [[Jocelyn Baratheon|half-sister]]. See that they want for nothing. Do that, and I will let you be. If I should hear even a whisper of your taking some other poor maid to wife, I will make another
[[Harrenhal]] of [[Storm's End]], with you and her inside it.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}|Rhaena, to [[Rogar Baratheon]]}}

{{Quote|'''Franklyn:''' I cannot claim to know [[Aerea Targaryen|the princess]], but I would say she is well rid of you, as was [[Fair Isle]]. If she turns up here we shall see her off, just as we did her mother. 
'''Rhaena:''' You do not know Aerea, that much is true. If she does indeed find her way to these shores, my lord, you may find she is not as forbearing as her mother. Oh, and I wish you luck if you should try to ‘see off’ the Black Dread. [[Balerion]] quite enjoyed [[Androw Farman|your brother]], by now he may desire another course.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}|[[Franklyn Farman]] and Rhaena}}

{{Quote|It would seem that I am doomed to always come too late.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}|Rhaena, about her daughter [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]]'s death}}

{{Quote|I fed [[Androw Farman|my last husband]] to [[Dreamfyre|my dragon]]. If you make me take another, I may eat him myself.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}|Rhaena, to [[Alysanne Targaryen]]}}

==Quotes about Rhaena==
[[File: Rhaena_Targaryen_(daughter_of_Aenys_I)_by_maeflowers.jpg|thumb|400px|Rhaena by ophelias-lamentation]]
{{Quote|She is mad. Does she think to frighten me? ''Me?'' I did not fear the wroth of [[Maegor the Cruel]], should I fear hers?{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}|[[Rogar Baratheon]]}}

{{Quote|Whatever else she may be, Rhaena remains [[House Targaryen|the blood of the dragon]], and my sister, whom I love.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}|[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], to [[Myles Smallwood]]}}

{{Quote|My brother [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]] died at the hands of [[Maegor I Targaryen|our uncle]] in the [[Battle Beneath the Gods Eye]]. His wife, my sister Rhaena, was not with him at the battle, but she died that day as well.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}|[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], at Rhaena's funeral pyre}}

==Family==
{{Targaryen tree Rhaena}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Ceryse Hightower]]|before2=[[Alys Harroway]]}}
{{S-ttl|order=7th/8th/9th|title=queen consort of the [[Seven Kingdoms]]|years={{Date|47|48}}|with=[[Tyanna of the Tower]]|with2=[[Elinor Costayne]]|with3=[[Jeyne Westerling (wife of Maegor I)|Jeyne Westerling]]}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Alysanne Targaryen]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Maegor Towers]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lord of Harrenhal|Lady of Harrenhal]] '''''de facto'''''|years={{Date|61|73}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Bywin Strong]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Royal consorts of Westeros}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Targaryen, Rhaena}}
[[Category:House Targaryen|Rhaena Targaryen]]
[[Category:23 AC births]]
[[Category:73 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands]]
[[Category:Characters with purple eyes]]
[[Category:Characters with silver hair]]
[[Category:Deaths by natural causes]]
[[Category:Dragonriders]]
[[Category:LGBT+ characters‎]]
[[Category:Lords of Harrenhal|Rhaena Targaryen]]
[[Category:Members of Aegon I Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Aenys I Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Members of Maegor I Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Noblewomen]]
[[Category:Royal consorts]]
[[Category:Wives of Maegor I Targaryen]]

[[es:Rhaena Targaryen, hija de Aenys I]]
[[fa:رینا تارگرین]]
[[fr:Rhaena Targaryen (fille d'Aenys I)]]
[[nl:Rhaena Targaryen (Aenys I dochter)]]
[[pt:Rhaena Targaryen (filha de Aenys I)]]
[[ru:Рейна Таргариен (сестра Джейхейриса I)]]
[[zh:雷娜·坦格利安]]

House Durrandon

2026-07-09T23:13:14Z

Hhwang: /* Historical Members */

{{Noble House
| House_name = House Durrandon of Storm's End
| Rank = royal
| image = House Durrandon.svg
| image_caption =
| Coat_of_arms = A crowned stag black on a golden field (''Or, a stag crowned sable'')
| Words = Ours is the Fury
| textcolor = #000
| bgcolor = #fd0
| bordercolor = #ea0
| Seat = [[Storm's End]]
| Current_Lord =
| Region = [[Stormlands]] [[Riverlands]] (~400BC - ~100 BC)
| Title = [[Storm King]]
| Heir = Extinct
| Overlord =
| Ancestral_weapon =
| Cadet_branch = [[House Bolling]] (possibly) [[House Wensington]] (possibly)
| Founded = [[Age of Heroes]]
| Founder = [[Durran Godsgrief]]
| Died_out = [[Years before Aegon's Conquest|~2 BC/1 BC]]
}}

'''House Durrandon of Storm's End''' was the house of the [[Storm King]]s from the [[stormlands]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} Their seat was [[Storm's End]], an ancient castle raised by [[Durran Godsgrief]], the founder of their line. The Durrandon sigil was a crowned black [[stag]] on a field of gold.{{Ref|AGOT|4}} Their words were ''Ours is the Fury''. Both sigil and words were adopted by [[House Baratheon]], who descend from House Durrandon through the female line, during [[Aegon's Conquest]].

==Customs==
Traditionally, the [[Storm Kings]] named their firstborn son and heir after the founder of their House, [[Durran Godsgrief]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: House Durrandon}}

==History==
===Ancient History===
The line of the [[Storm King]]s dates back to the [[Age of Heroes]] when their kingdom was founded by King [[Durran Godsgrief]], a legendary hero.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: House Durrandon}} The [[First Men]] warred with [[Andals]] when the newcomers [[coming of the Andals|invaded the stormlands]], but the two peoples eventually made peace and intermarried.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: Andals in the Stormlands}}

The Storm Kings at times{{ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands}} ruled much of the eastern half of [[Westeros]], an area reaching from [[Cape Wrath]] to the [[Bay of Crabs]].{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}} Their dominion was protected from [[Dorne]] and the [[Kingdom of the Reach]] by the [[Dornish Marches]],{{ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands}} and they conquered the [[riverlands]] from [[House Teague]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}} The [[riverman]] resented Durrandon rule, however, and some joined [[Harwyn Hoare]], [[King of the Iron Islands]], when he took the [[Trident]] from [[Arrec Durrandon]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

===The Conquest===
[[File:Orys vs Argilac.JPG|thumb|[[Orys Baratheon]] facing [[Argilac Durrandon]] in the [[Last Storm]], by Douglas Wheatley ©]]
The Storm Kings' power dwindled in the centuries before [[Aegon's Conquest]]. The [[Kings of the Reach]] from [[House Gardener]] nibbled at their domains in the west, [[Dornishmen]] were threats to the south, and [[Harren Hoare]], [[King of the Isles and the Rivers]], took lands north of the [[Blackwater Rush]]. King [[Argilac Durrandon]] managed to stop this decline for a while, but by the time of the Conquest Argilac had grown old and his prowess at arms had faded.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}

During the Conquest, [[Orys Baratheon]], one of [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]]'s fiercest generals and his rumored [[bastard]] brother, slew Argilac the Arrogant, last of the Storm Kings, in the [[Last Storm]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} Orys married Argilac's daughter [[Argella Durrandon]] and adopted the sigil and words of his wife's ancestral line, creating [[House Baratheon]] of [[Storm's End]], with his descendants having the blood of the Durrandons flowing in their veins.{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}

==Historical Members==
* King [[Durran Godsgrief]], a legendary figure from the [[Age of Heroes]] who built [[Storm's End]] and founded House Durrandon.
** King [[Durran II Durrandon]], called "the Devout", his son who gave the [[rainwood]] back to the [[children of the forest]] after his father had taken it.
* King [[Durran Durrandon (Bronze-Axe)|Durran Durrandon]], called "Bronze-Axe", who finally seized the rainwood for good and all.
* King [[Durran Durrandon (the Dour)|Durran Durrandon]], called "the Dour", who, as either Durran V or VI, slew [[Lun the Last]], King of the Giants.
* King [[Durran Durrandon (the Ravenfriend)|Durran Durrandon]], called "the Ravenfriend", who saw the founding of the castle [[Stonedance]] by [[Maldon Massey]].
* King [[Durran Durrandon (the Young)|Durran Durrandon]], called "the Young", also called "the Butcher Boy", who turned back a Dornish invasion.
** [[Erich Durrandon (Kin-Killer)|Erich Durrandon]], called "Kin-Killer", who may have been his brother.
*** Erich's daughter.
* King [[Durran Durrandon (the Fair)|Durran Durrandon]], called "the Fair", who took the daughter of [[Edwyn Evenstar]] to wife and so brought [[Tarth]] into his realm.
** King [[Erich Durrandon (the Sailmaker)|Erich III Durrandon]], called "the Sailmaker", his grandson, who claimed [[Estermont]] and the isles further south.
* King [[Durran X Durrandon]], who extended his reign to the shores of the [[Blackwater Rush]].
** King [[Monfryd I Durrandon]], called "the Mighty", his son, who conquered [[Duskendale]] and [[Maidenpool]].
*** King [[Durran XI Durrandon]], called "the Dim", his son, who lost his father's gains and more besides.
**** King [[Barron Durrandon]], called "the Beautiful", who lost even more domains his grandfather had earned.
* King [[Durwald I Durrandon]], called "the Fat", whose long reign saw many revolts and whose writ did not extend beyond the walls of Storm's End.
* King [[Morden II Durrandon]], who was displaced by his bastard half-brother and confined to a tower-cell.
** King [[Ronard Storm]], called "the Bastard", who usurped his half-brother's rule and ruled for stable thirty years.
* King [[Erich VII Durrandon]], called "the Unready", who did not pay much heed to the news of the [[Andal Invasion]], while he was fighting other wars.
** King [[Qarlton II Durrandon]], called "the Conqueror", his grandson, who was the first Storm King to face the Andals in battle.
*** King [[Qarlton III Durrandon]], his successor, who continually fought the Andals throughtout his reign.
**** King [[Monfryd V Durrandon]], his son, who defeated the [[Holy Brotherhood]] of the Andals at the [[Battle of Bronzegate]] at the cost of his own life.
* King [[Baldric I Durrandon]], called "the Cunning", who played the Andals against each other.
* King [[Durran XXI Durrandon]], who sought out the children of the forest to form the [[Weirwood Alliance]] against the Andals.
* King [[Cleoden I Durrandon]], who made an Alliance with three Dornish kings against the Andals. He ruled a generation after Durran XXI.
* King [[Maldon IV Durrandon]], who took an Andal maiden as his wife.
** King [[Durran XXIV Durrandon]], called "Half-blood", his son, who continued his father's policy of intermarriage with the Andals.
* King [[Ormund III Durrandon]], who took the [[Faith of the Seven]] as his own religion and cast aside worship of the [[Old Gods]].
* King [[Durran the Third]], who invaded [[Dorne]] twice, and was defeated by [[Nymeria]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: Ten Thousand Ships}}
* King [[Arlan I Durrandon]], called "the Avenger", who expanded his kingdom as far as the Blackwater Rush and the headwaters of the Mander.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: Andals in the Stormlands}}
** King [[Arlan III Durrandon]], who conquered the [[riverlands]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}} Great-grandson of Arlan I.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: Andals in the Stormlands}}
* King [[Arrec Durrandon]], who lost the riverlands to [[House Hoare]].
** King [[Arlan V Durrandon]], eldest son and heir of Arrec.
*** King [[Argilac Durrandon]], called "the Arrogant", last of the Durrandon Storm Kings. Killed by Orys Baratheon during the [[Last Storm]].
**** Princess/Queen [[Argella Durrandon]], his daughter and heir. Married to [[Orys Baratheon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}

==Quotes==
{{quote|Today, the writ of [[House Baratheon]] runs to the south bank of the [[Wendwater]] and lower reaches of the [[kingswood]], and along the stony shores of the [[narrow sea]] up to the base of [[Massey's Hook]]...but before [[Aegon's Conquest]], before even the [[coming of the Andals]], the warrior kings of House Durrandon pushed their borders considerably farther.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands}}|writings of [[Yandel]]}}

{{quote|It is said that [[Orys Baratheon|Baratheon]] unchained her with his own hands, wrapped his cloak around her, poured her [[wine]], and spoke to her gently, telling her of [[Argilac Durrandon|her father's]] courage and the manner of [[Last Storm|his death]]. And afterward, to honor the fallen king, he took the arms and words of the Durrandon for [[House Baratheon|his own]]. The crowned [[stag]] became his sigil, [[Storm's End]] became his seat, and Lady [[Argella Durrandon|Argella]] his wife.{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

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

{{HousesStormlands}}

[[Category:House Durrandon| ]]
[[Category:Extinct houses|Durrandon]]
[[Category:Houses from the Stormlands|Durrandon]]
[[Category:Houses of First Men origin|Durrandon]]
[[Category:Noble houses|Durrandon]]
[[Category:Royal houses|Durrandon]]
[[Category:Storm Kings| ]]

[[es:Casa Durrandon]]
[[fr:Maison Durrandon]]
[[pt:Casa Durrandon]]
[[ru:Дюррандоны]]

House Blackwood

2026-07-09T21:32:28Z

Hhwang: /* Before the Conquest */

{{Noble House
| House_name = House Blackwood of Raventree Hall
| Rank = lordly
| image = House Blackwood.svg
| image_caption =
| Coat_of_arms = A flock of ravens on scarlet surrounding a dead weirwood upon a black escutcheon (''Gules, on an escutcheon sable a dead weirwood tree proper, all within an orle of ravens sable'')
| Words =
| Seat = [[Raventree Hall]]
| Current_Lord = Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]]{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
| Region = [[Riverlands]] [[North]] (formerly)
| Title = [[Lord of Raventree Hall]]{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}} [[River king]] (historical)
| Heir = [[Brynden Blackwood]]{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
| Overlord = [[House Bracken]] {{s|historical}} [[House Mudd]] {{s|historical}} [[House Justman]] {{s|historical}} [[House Teague]] {{s|historical}} [[House Durrandon]] {{s|historical}} [[House Hoare]] {{s|?–{{Date|-2}}}} [[House Tully]] {{s|{{Date|-2|300}}}} [[House Baelish]] {{s|{{Date|300}}–present}}
| Ancestral_weapon =
| Cadet_branch =
| Founded_in = [[Age of Heroes]]{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
| Founder =
| Died_out =
}}

'''House Blackwood of Raventree Hall''' is an old house from [[Raventree Hall]] in the [[riverlands]], one of the main families sworn to [[House Tully]] of [[Riverrun]]. They once ruled the riverlands as kings during the [[Age of Heroes]].{{ref|AWOIAF|Riverlands}} They blazon their arms with a flock of ravens on scarlet surrounding a dead [[weirwood]] upon a black [[escutcheon]].<ref>The Citadel. Heraldry: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Heraldry/Houses/4/ Houses in the Riverlands]</ref> Their words have not yet been revealed by [[George R. R. Martin]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Canadian_Signing_Tour_Toronto2 Canadian Signing Tour (Toronto)], January 09, 2006</ref> House Blackwood rules over wider domains and can field a much larger army than their overlord of [[House Tully]].{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

Raventree is located in [[Blackwood Vale]] north of [[Riverrun]] and the [[Red Fork]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|map of Westeros}}

==Traits==
Multiple Blackwoods have been described as tall and thin, including Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood|Benjicot]],{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} Lady [[Alysanne Blackwood|Alysanne]],{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} Lord [[Tytos Blackwood|Tytos]],{{ref|ADWD|48}} and [[Hoster Blackwood|Hoster]].{{ref|ADWD|48}} [[Melissa Blackwood]] is described as slender as well.{{ref|ADWD|48}} Only three Blackwoods have the coloring of their hair described in the books—Lady Alysanne, Lord Tytos and Queen [[Betha Blackwood|Betha]]—and all three have black hair.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}{{ref|ADWD|48}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}{{Refn|group="N"|Although their hair colors have not been described, official illustrations of [[:File:Benjicot Blackwood Muddy Mess (The Rise of the Dragon).jpg|Benjicot]], [[:File:Melissa Blackwood.jpg|Melissa]], and [[:File:Lucas Blackwood.jpg|Lucas]] depict them with dark hair of either black or dark brown.}}

Some Blackwoods are buried in the village [[Cairns]], while others are buried beneath the dead weirwood of [[Raventree Hall]].{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

==History==
===Age of Heroes===
[[File:Elena-Vacas-raventreehallweirwood.jpg|thumb|400px|The [[godswood of Raventree Hall]], with its enormous dead [[weirwood]] and hundreds of [[ravens]] - by [https://www.artstation.com/artist/ab3nd Elena María Vacas] ]]
The Blackwoods are an ancient house descended of the [[First Men]]. Family traditions state they ruled most of the [[wolfswood]] in the [[north]] before being driven south by the [[Kings of Winter]] from [[House Stark]], which Maester [[Barneby]]'s [[Runes|runic]] translations support.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}}

Petty [[river kings]] from House Blackwood claimed dominion over the mouth of the [[Blackwater Rush]] in the [[Age of the Hundred Kingdoms]].{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}}

The Blackwoods have an old and bitter feud against their neighbors in the [[riverlands]], the [[House Bracken|Brackens]] of the [[Stone Hedge]], coming from the [[Age of Heroes]] when both houses ruled as kings. According to the Blackwoods, the Brackens were petty lords and horse breeders who hired swords to usurp the Blackwood kings. The Brackens, in contrast, claim the Blackwoods were vassals who betrayed and usurped Bracken kings.{{ref|ADWD|48}} The Blackwoods believe these events occurred five hundred years before the arrival of the [[Andals]], but the ''[[True History]]'' states it was one thousand years before the Andals.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

===Andal Riverlands===
The Blackwoods and Brackens allied together against the [[coming of the Andals]] to the riverlands, but they were defeated in the [[Battle of the Bitter River]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}} The feud was aided by House Bracken's conversion to the [[Faith of the Seven]] after the Andal invasion.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/P15 Blackwood-Bracken Feud and Coinage], August 13, 2003</ref> In contrast, the Blackwoods kept the religion of the [[old gods]], being one of the few houses south of the [[Neck]] to do so. The Blackwoods accuse the Brackens of having poisoned the [[weirwood]] of [[Raventree Hall]].{{Ref|ADWD|48}} The [[Teats]], [[Battle Valley]], and the village of [[Blackbuckle]] are part of the disputed land. There have been numerous peaces between the Blackwoods and Brackens, many sealed by marriage, but the feud always restarts.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

Benedict Rivers was a bastard born from both houses who eventually became King [[Benedict I Justman]], with [[House Justman]] ruling the riverlands for about three centuries. There were Blackwoods among the many petty kings who disputed the riverlands in the tumultuous century after King [[Bernarr II Justman]]'s death.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

With the support of [[Arlan III Durrandon]], a [[Storm King]] from [[Storm's End]], Lord [[Roderick Blackwood]] rebelled against [[Humfrey I Teague]], [[King of the Rivers and the Hills]]. Roderick was killed in the [[Battle of Six Kings]], ending Arlan's attempt to restore the riverlands to the Blackwoods. After the river lords rejected the possibility of being ruled by Roderick's daughter, [[Shiera Blackwood]], Arlan added the riverlands to the realm of the Storm Kings.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

When the [[Kings of the Iron Islands]] from [[House Hoare]] invaded the riverlands three centuries later, Lady [[Agnes Blackwood]] led the rivermen's resistance. She was betrayed by Lord [[Lothar Bracken]], however, and then slain by King [[Harwyn Hoare]]. The [[ironborn]] then conquered the riverlands from the Storm King, [[Arrec Durrandon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

===Aegon's Conquest===
House Blackwood aided King [[Aegon I Targaryen]] during [[Aegon's Conquest|the Conquest]] and rebelled against Harwyn's grandson, [[Harren Hoare|Harren the Black]] of [[Harrenhal]], [[King of the Isles and the Rivers]].{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}} The Blackwoods and Brackens had fought a private war a decade before the rebellion, however, and Harren had dealt with them harshly. Instead of the weakened Blackwoods or Brackens, Aegon instead granted the new title of [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]] to Lord [[Edmyn Tully]] of [[Riverrun]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

===Dance of the Dragons===
[[File:Alysanne Blackwood by Rae Lavergne.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Alysanne Blackwood]] by Rae Lavergne ©]]
Lord Blackwood supported the claim of [[Laenor Velaryon]] in the [[Great Council of 101 AC]], but the council ultimately chose [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] as the heir of [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} [[Samwell Blackwood]] fought a duel with [[Amos Bracken]] over the favor of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] in {{Date|112}}, but the princess eventually wed Ser Laenor.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Lord Samwell supported the [[blacks]] of Rhaenyra during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. In {{Date|129}}, Samwell was slain by Amos in single combat during the [[Battle of the Burning Mill]], but Amos was then struck down by a [[weirwood]] arrow allegedly fired by Samwell's young sister, [[Alysanne Blackwood|Alysanne]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Samwell's heir, his eleven year old son [[Benjicot Blackwood]], Black Aly, and their kinsman [[Red Robb Rivers]], the Bowman of Raventree, participated in the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]], the [[Butcher's Ball]], and the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Lord Benjicot had one of his best archers, [[Billy Burley]], mercy kill the dragon [[Tessarion]] after the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

During the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]] in {{date|131}}, Benjicot led the army with his liege, [[Kermit Tully]], [[Lord of Riverrun]], and Kermit's brother, Ser [[Oscar Tully]].{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} Benjicot's rivermen broke the flank of Lord [[Borros Baratheon]]'s [[greens]] in the battle, allowing Alysanne's archers to bring down the green [[knight]]s and giving him the title of "Bloody Ben".{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: House Baratheon}}{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

After the civil war ended, Black Aly married Lord [[Cregan Stark]] in exchange for him confirming King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s pardon of Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kingss: Aegon III}} The [[House Tully|Tullys]] and Blackwoods in particular were strengthened by [[northmen]] who married widows at so-called [[Widow Fairs]] and remained in the riverlands after the war.{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

[[File:Melissa Blackwood and Brynden Rivers by Chillyravenart.png|thumb|350px|[[Melissa Blackwood]] and young [[Brynden Rivers]], by [https://chillyravenart.tumblr.com Chillyravenart] ]]

===Great Bastards===
Lady [[Melissa Blackwood]] was the sixth mistress of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] and the mother of three [[Great Bastards]], [[Mya Rivers|Mya]], [[Gwenys Rivers|Gwenys]], and [[Brynden Rivers]], the last of whom became known as Lord Bloodraven.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} Melissa was well liked at court, so the Blackwoods did not greatly suffer when Aegon dismissed her.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}

Ser [[Otho Bracken]], the Brute of Bracken, slew Lord [[Quentyn Blackwood]] in a [[tourney]] at [[King's Landing]] three years before the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]], reinvigorating the old feud.{{Ref|THK}} [[Bennifer Blackwood|Bennifer]], [[Robert Blackwood (209)|Robert]], [[Roland Blackwood|Roland]], and [[Roger Blackwood]] participated at Ashford. Ser [[Steffon Fossoway]] considered convincing Otho or the Blackwoods to fight for Ser [[Duncan the Tall]] in a [[trial of seven]], but decided it would be impossible to make them fight on the same side.{{Ref|THK}}

When [[Lord Bracken (father of Otho)|Lord Bracken]] lay dying, Septon [[Sefton Staunton|Sefton]] explained that Otho would inherit and the Blackwoods would not suffer him, meaning war. The then-[[Hand of the King]], Brynden Rivers, was half-Blackwood, so he was unlikely to stop it.{{Ref|TSS}} When Bloodraven marched on the [[wedding tourney at Whitewalls]] to quash the [[Second Blackfyre Rebellion]], among the river lords who came in support was Lord Blackwood.{{Ref|TMK}}

===Later History===
Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]] boasted that in the past members of important families married [[House Osgrey|Osgreys]], citing Blackwoods as one of the examples.{{Ref|TSS}} The queen consort of King [[Aegon V Targaryen]] was [[Betha Blackwood]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}} and [[Alyssa Blackwood]] was the fourth wife of [[Walder Frey]], [[Lord of the Crossing]].

Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], the [[Hand of the King]], decided to grant a mill to the Blackwoods to resolve a border dispute, but King [[Aerys II Targaryen]] instead decided to give it to the Brackens.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}}

Lords Blackwood and Bracken came to Riverrun when [[Lysa Arryn|Lysa Tully]] was young to put their feud before Lord [[Hoster Tully]]'s judgment.{{Ref|ASOS|80}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Tytos Blackwood Wibben.png|thumb|350px|[[Tytos Blackwood]] by Wibben © Fantasy Flight Games]]
When war breaks out after the death of King [[Robert I Baratheon]], Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] defeats the river lords and captures Ser [[Edmure Tully]] in a [[battle under the walls of Riverrun]]. Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]] leads the survivors inside [[Riverrun]], however, and defends the castle during Jaime's siege. With Tytos absent, Lord Blackwood's seat of [[Raventree Hall]] surrenders to the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]].{{Ref|AGOT|56}} Tytos is named among the nobles whom the new king, [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], insists must swear their loyalty or be declared traitors.{{Ref|AGOT|57}}

When [[Robb Stark]] attacks the Lannister camps outside Riverrun, Tytos leads a sortie from Riverrun and frees Edmure. Lord Blackwood and his feathered cloak are seen by [[Catelyn Stark]] in the [[godswood]] of Riverrun, praying with her son to the [[old gods]] after their victory in the [[Battle of the Camps]]. At the war council in Riverrun, Tytos urges to continue fighting the Lannisters and march against Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] at [[Harrenhal]]. He joins the other river lords in declaring Robb to be [[King in the North]].{{Ref|AGOT|71}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Tytos Blackwood by Amuelia (uncropped).png|thumb|350px|[[Tytos Blackwood]] by Amuelia ©]]
During the [[War of the Five Kings]], Tytos sweeps the Lannister forces from the lands of House Blackwood, but the invaders leave [[Blackwood Vale]] a scorched desert.{{Ref|ACOK|7}}

Maester [[Luwin]] suggests that the widowed [[Donella Hornwood]] marry a Blackwood.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

Tytos's second-eldest son, [[Lucas Blackwood]], is one of the highborn companions of Catelyn in the delegation to King [[Renly Baratheon]]'s camp.{{Ref|ACOK|22}}

Blackwoods participate in the [[Battle of the Fords]].{{Ref|ACOK|39}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
Ser [[Garth Greenfield]] is held captive at Raventree Hall.{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}} Lord Tytos is among the seven nobles who launch Lord [[Hoster Tully]]'s funeral boat at Riverrun.{{Ref|ASOS|35}}

Lucas is slain by Ser [[Hosteen Frey]] at the [[Red Wedding]].{{Ref|ASOS|51}} After the Brackens surrender to the [[Iron Throne]] and are welcomed back to the king's peace, they attack the Blackwoods, who refuse to yield along with Ser [[Brynden Tully]] at Riverrun and Lord [[Jason Mallister]] at [[Seagard]]. Lord [[Jonos Bracken]] besieges Raventree.{{Ref|ASOS|74}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
Dead soldiers bearing the colors of House Blackwood have washed up on the [[Quiet Isle]]. According to the [[Elder Brother (Quiet Isle)|Elder Brother]], they are buried next to their Bracken enemies.{{Ref|AFFC|31}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
With the [[Siege of Riverrun|surrender of Riverrun]], Raventree remains the last Stark loyalist stronghold. Jaime Lannister successfully negotiates the [[Siege of Raventree|surrender of Raventree]] with Tytos and takes [[Hoster Blackwood]] as a hostage. Jonos Bracken desires to gain the east bank of the [[Widow's Wash]], from [[Crossbow Ridge]] to [[Rutting Meadow]], [[Grindcorn Mill]], [[Lord's Mill]], [[Muddy Hall]], the [[Ravishment]], [[Battle Valley]], [[Oldforge]], [[Buckle]], [[Blackbuckle]], [[Cairns]], [[Claypool]], [[Mudgrave]], [[Waspwood]], [[Lorgen's Wood]], [[Greenhill]], [[Teats|Missy's Teats]], and [[Honeytree]]. However, Tytos only agrees to transfer [[Woodhedge]], Crossbow Ridge, Buckle, Lord's Mill, and Honeytree.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

Hoster accompanies Jaime to [[Pennytree]],{{ref|ADWD|48}} where the [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] goes missing.{{ref|ADWD|54}}

==House Blackwood at the end of the third century==
The known Blackwoods during the timespan of the events described on ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' are:
*Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]], Lord of [[Raventree Hall]].
**[[Brynden Blackwood]], his eldest son and heir.
**{[[Lucas Blackwood]]}, his second son. Slain at the [[Red Wedding]].
**[[Hoster Blackwood]], his third son. Also called "Hos".{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
**[[Edmund Blackwood]], his fourth son. Also called "Ben".{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
**[[Alyn Blackwood]], his fifth son.
**[[Bethany Blackwood]], his daughter.
**{[[Robert Blackwood]]}, his sixth son. Died of [[illness]] during the [[siege of Raventree]].{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
*Unknown brother.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
*Unknown brother.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
*Unknown sister.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
*Two widowed aunts, and various nieces, nephews, and cousins.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

With unspecified familiar relationship to the main branch of the house there is also:
*{[[Alyssa Blackwood]]}, the fourth wife of old Lord [[Walder Frey]], and mother to five [[House Frey|Freys]], [[Lothar Frey|Lothar]], [[Jammos Frey|Jammos]], [[Whalen Frey|Whalen]], [[Morya Frey|Morya]] and [[Tyta Frey|Tyta]].

{{Blackwood tree}}

==Historical Members==
===Before the Conquest===
* [[Benedict I Justman|Benedict Rivers]], a [[bastard]] who became King Benedict I Justman.
* Lord [[Roderick Blackwood]], slain in the [[Battle of Six Kings]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** [[Shiera Blackwood]], Roderick's eldest child who was married into [[House Durrandon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** A daughter married to King [[Arlan III Durrandon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** A son who succeeded him as Lord of Raventree Hall.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** Brothers.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
* Lady [[Agnes Blackwood]], slain by King [[Harwyn Hoare]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** At least 4 sons.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

===After the Conquest===
[[File: Aegon V Targaryen and Betha Blackwood by Chillyravenart.png|thumb|350px|King [[Aegon V Targaryen]] and Queen [[Betha Blackwood]], by [https://chillyravenart.tumblr.com Chillyravenart] ]]
* [[Lord Blackwood (Aegon's Conquest)|Lord Blackwood]] ruling during the [[Conquest]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}<ref group="N">Named "Lucas Blackwood" in ''[[House of the Dragon]]''.</ref>
** Daughters.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
* Blackwood who took a [[House Bracken|Bracken]] for wife during a double wedding ceremony organised by Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}}
* Blackwood who took a [[House Bracken|Bracken]] for husband during a double wedding ceremony organised by Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|79}}, the father of Royce.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
** [[Royce Blackwood]], a member of House Blackwood during the reign of [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] and suitor of Princess [[Daella Targaryen (daughter of Jaehaerys I)|Daella Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|101}}, who supported [[Laenor Velaryon]]'s claim to the [[Iron Throne]] at the [[Great Council]] at [[Harrenhal]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|112}}, father of Samwell and Alysanne.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
** Lord [[Samwell Blackwood]], his son and successor. The Lord of Raventree Hall at the beginning of the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}
*** Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood]], Lord Samwell's son and heir, known as "Bloody Ben" and Lord of [[Raventree Hall]], who fought in the Dance of the Dragons.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
** [[Alysanne Blackwood]], known as "Black Aly", his daughter. She married Lord [[Cregan Stark]] after the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}
* [[Robb Rivers]], called "Red Robb Rivers" and "the Bowman of Raventree", a bastard of House Blackwood.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
* [[Melissa Blackwood]],{{Ref|ADWD|48}} King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]'s sixth mistress.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
** [[Mya Rivers]], her eldest bastard child by Aegon IV.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
** [[Gwenys Rivers]], her second bastard child by Aegon IV.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
** [[Brynden Rivers]], her youngest bastard child by Aegon IV. Later in life known as "Bloodraven".{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
* Lord [[Quentyn Blackwood]], slain in a tourney during the reign of [[Daeron II Targaryen]].{{Ref|THK}}
* [[Bennifer Blackwood]], listed as a participant in the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]] in {{Date|209}}.{{Ref|THK|[[The Hedge Knight (comics)|Graphic Novel]]}}
* [[Robert Blackwood (209)|Robert Blackwood]], listed as a participant at [[Ashford Meadow]].{{Ref|THK|[[The Hedge Knight (comics)|Graphic Novel]]}}
* [[Roland Blackwood]], listed as a participant at Ashford Meadow.{{Ref|THK|[[The Hedge Knight (comics)|Graphic Novel]]}}
* [[Roger Blackwood]], listed as a participant at Ashford Meadow.{{Ref|THK|[[The Hedge Knight (comics)|Graphic Novel]]}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|212}}, who was part of the army taken to [[Whitewalls]] by [[Brynden Rivers]].{{Ref|TMK}}
* [[Melantha Blackwood]], wife to Lord [[Willam Stark]], mother of [[Edwyle Stark|Edwyle]] and [[Jocelyn Stark]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|220}}, Betha's father.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}
** [[Betha Blackwood]], his daughter. The queen consort of King [[Aegon V Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}}
*[[Lord Blackwood (Aerys II)|Lord Blackwood]], ruling during the reign of King [[Aerys II Targaryen]].{{Ref|ASOS|80}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|When did Blackwood and [[House Bracken|Bracken]] agree about anything that was not certain, I ask you?{{ref|ACOK|39}}|[[Edmure Tully]] to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Every Blackwood is born a [[turncloak]].{{ref|ADWD|48}}|[[Jonos Bracken]] to [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|We've had a hundred peaces with the [[House Bracken|Brackens]], many sealed with marriages. There's Blackwood blood in every Bracken, and Bracken blood in every Blackwood. [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|The Old King's]] Peace lasted half a century. But then [[Otho Bracken|some fresh]] [[Quentyn Blackwood|quarrel broke out]], and the old wounds opened and began to bleed again. That's how it always happens, [[Tytos Blackwood|my father]] says. So long as men remember the wrongs done to their forebears, no peace will ever last. So we go on century after century, with us hating the Brackens and them hating us. My father says there will never be an end to it.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}|[[Hoster Blackwood]] to [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{HousesRiverlands}}
{{HousesNorth}}

[[Category:House Blackwood| ]]
[[Category:Houses from the Riverlands|Blackwood]]
[[Category:Houses from the North|Blackwood]]
[[Category:Houses of First Men origin|Blackwood]]
[[Category:Kings of the Trident and Kings of the Rivers and the Hills| ]]
[[Category:Lords of Raventree Hall| ]]
[[Category:Noble houses|Blackwood]]
[[Category:Royal houses|Blackwood]]

[[es:Casa Blackwood]]
[[fr:Maison Nerbosc]]
[[nl:Huis Zwartewoud]]
[[pt:Casa Blackwood]]
[[ru:Блэквуд]]
[[zh:布莱伍德家族]]

House Blackwood

2026-07-09T20:55:59Z

Hhwang: /* House Blackwood at the end of the third century */

{{Noble House
| House_name = House Blackwood of Raventree Hall
| Rank = lordly
| image = House Blackwood.svg
| image_caption =
| Coat_of_arms = A flock of ravens on scarlet surrounding a dead weirwood upon a black escutcheon (''Gules, on an escutcheon sable a dead weirwood tree proper, all within an orle of ravens sable'')
| Words =
| Seat = [[Raventree Hall]]
| Current_Lord = Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]]{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
| Region = [[Riverlands]] [[North]] (formerly)
| Title = [[Lord of Raventree Hall]]{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}} [[River king]] (historical)
| Heir = [[Brynden Blackwood]]{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
| Overlord = [[House Bracken]] {{s|historical}} [[House Mudd]] {{s|historical}} [[House Justman]] {{s|historical}} [[House Teague]] {{s|historical}} [[House Durrandon]] {{s|historical}} [[House Hoare]] {{s|?–{{Date|-2}}}} [[House Tully]] {{s|{{Date|-2|300}}}} [[House Baelish]] {{s|{{Date|300}}–present}}
| Ancestral_weapon =
| Cadet_branch =
| Founded_in = [[Age of Heroes]]{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
| Founder =
| Died_out =
}}

'''House Blackwood of Raventree Hall''' is an old house from [[Raventree Hall]] in the [[riverlands]], one of the main families sworn to [[House Tully]] of [[Riverrun]]. They once ruled the riverlands as kings during the [[Age of Heroes]].{{ref|AWOIAF|Riverlands}} They blazon their arms with a flock of ravens on scarlet surrounding a dead [[weirwood]] upon a black [[escutcheon]].<ref>The Citadel. Heraldry: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Heraldry/Houses/4/ Houses in the Riverlands]</ref> Their words have not yet been revealed by [[George R. R. Martin]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Canadian_Signing_Tour_Toronto2 Canadian Signing Tour (Toronto)], January 09, 2006</ref> House Blackwood rules over wider domains and can field a much larger army than their overlord of [[House Tully]].{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

Raventree is located in [[Blackwood Vale]] north of [[Riverrun]] and the [[Red Fork]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|map of Westeros}}

==Traits==
Multiple Blackwoods have been described as tall and thin, including Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood|Benjicot]],{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} Lady [[Alysanne Blackwood|Alysanne]],{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} Lord [[Tytos Blackwood|Tytos]],{{ref|ADWD|48}} and [[Hoster Blackwood|Hoster]].{{ref|ADWD|48}} [[Melissa Blackwood]] is described as slender as well.{{ref|ADWD|48}} Only three Blackwoods have the coloring of their hair described in the books—Lady Alysanne, Lord Tytos and Queen [[Betha Blackwood|Betha]]—and all three have black hair.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}{{ref|ADWD|48}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}{{Refn|group="N"|Although their hair colors have not been described, official illustrations of [[:File:Benjicot Blackwood Muddy Mess (The Rise of the Dragon).jpg|Benjicot]], [[:File:Melissa Blackwood.jpg|Melissa]], and [[:File:Lucas Blackwood.jpg|Lucas]] depict them with dark hair of either black or dark brown.}}

Some Blackwoods are buried in the village [[Cairns]], while others are buried beneath the dead weirwood of [[Raventree Hall]].{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

==History==
===Age of Heroes===
[[File:Elena-Vacas-raventreehallweirwood.jpg|thumb|400px|The [[godswood of Raventree Hall]], with its enormous dead [[weirwood]] and hundreds of [[ravens]] - by [https://www.artstation.com/artist/ab3nd Elena María Vacas] ]]
The Blackwoods are an ancient house descended of the [[First Men]]. Family traditions state they ruled most of the [[wolfswood]] in the [[north]] before being driven south by the [[Kings of Winter]] from [[House Stark]], which Maester [[Barneby]]'s [[Runes|runic]] translations support.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}}

Petty [[river kings]] from House Blackwood claimed dominion over the mouth of the [[Blackwater Rush]] in the [[Age of the Hundred Kingdoms]].{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}}

The Blackwoods have an old and bitter feud against their neighbors in the [[riverlands]], the [[House Bracken|Brackens]] of the [[Stone Hedge]], coming from the [[Age of Heroes]] when both houses ruled as kings. According to the Blackwoods, the Brackens were petty lords and horse breeders who hired swords to usurp the Blackwood kings. The Brackens, in contrast, claim the Blackwoods were vassals who betrayed and usurped Bracken kings.{{ref|ADWD|48}} The Blackwoods believe these events occurred five hundred years before the arrival of the [[Andals]], but the ''[[True History]]'' states it was one thousand years before the Andals.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

===Andal Riverlands===
The Blackwoods and Brackens allied together against the [[coming of the Andals]] to the riverlands, but they were defeated in the [[Battle of the Bitter River]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}} The feud was aided by House Bracken's conversion to the [[Faith of the Seven]] after the Andal invasion.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/P15 Blackwood-Bracken Feud and Coinage], August 13, 2003</ref> In contrast, the Blackwoods kept the religion of the [[old gods]], being one of the few houses south of the [[Neck]] to do so. The Blackwoods accuse the Brackens of having poisoned the [[weirwood]] of [[Raventree Hall]].{{Ref|ADWD|48}} The [[Teats]], [[Battle Valley]], and the village of [[Blackbuckle]] are part of the disputed land. There have been numerous peaces between the Blackwoods and Brackens, many sealed by marriage, but the feud always restarts.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

Benedict Rivers was a bastard born from both houses who eventually became King [[Benedict I Justman]], with [[House Justman]] ruling the riverlands for about three centuries. There were Blackwoods among the many petty kings who disputed the riverlands in the tumultuous century after King [[Bernarr II Justman]]'s death.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

With the support of [[Arlan III Durrandon]], a [[Storm King]] from [[Storm's End]], Lord [[Roderick Blackwood]] rebelled against [[Humfrey I Teague]], [[King of the Rivers and the Hills]]. Roderick was killed in the [[Battle of Six Kings]], ending Arlan's attempt to restore the riverlands to the Blackwoods. After the river lords rejected the possibility of being ruled by Roderick's daughter, [[Shiera Blackwood]], Arlan added the riverlands to the realm of the Storm Kings.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

When the [[Kings of the Iron Islands]] from [[House Hoare]] invaded the riverlands three centuries later, Lady [[Agnes Blackwood]] led the rivermen's resistance. She was betrayed by Lord [[Lothar Bracken]], however, and then slain by King [[Harwyn Hoare]]. The [[ironborn]] then conquered the riverlands from the Storm King, [[Arrec Durrandon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

===Aegon's Conquest===
House Blackwood aided King [[Aegon I Targaryen]] during [[Aegon's Conquest|the Conquest]] and rebelled against Harwyn's grandson, [[Harren Hoare|Harren the Black]] of [[Harrenhal]], [[King of the Isles and the Rivers]].{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}} The Blackwoods and Brackens had fought a private war a decade before the rebellion, however, and Harren had dealt with them harshly. Instead of the weakened Blackwoods or Brackens, Aegon instead granted the new title of [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]] to Lord [[Edmyn Tully]] of [[Riverrun]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

===Dance of the Dragons===
[[File:Alysanne Blackwood by Rae Lavergne.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Alysanne Blackwood]] by Rae Lavergne ©]]
Lord Blackwood supported the claim of [[Laenor Velaryon]] in the [[Great Council of 101 AC]], but the council ultimately chose [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] as the heir of [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} [[Samwell Blackwood]] fought a duel with [[Amos Bracken]] over the favor of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] in {{Date|112}}, but the princess eventually wed Ser Laenor.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Lord Samwell supported the [[blacks]] of Rhaenyra during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. In {{Date|129}}, Samwell was slain by Amos in single combat during the [[Battle of the Burning Mill]], but Amos was then struck down by a [[weirwood]] arrow allegedly fired by Samwell's young sister, [[Alysanne Blackwood|Alysanne]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Samwell's heir, his eleven year old son [[Benjicot Blackwood]], Black Aly, and their kinsman [[Red Robb Rivers]], the Bowman of Raventree, participated in the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]], the [[Butcher's Ball]], and the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Lord Benjicot had one of his best archers, [[Billy Burley]], mercy kill the dragon [[Tessarion]] after the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

During the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]] in {{date|131}}, Benjicot led the army with his liege, [[Kermit Tully]], [[Lord of Riverrun]], and Kermit's brother, Ser [[Oscar Tully]].{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} Benjicot's rivermen broke the flank of Lord [[Borros Baratheon]]'s [[greens]] in the battle, allowing Alysanne's archers to bring down the green [[knight]]s and giving him the title of "Bloody Ben".{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: House Baratheon}}{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

After the civil war ended, Black Aly married Lord [[Cregan Stark]] in exchange for him confirming King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s pardon of Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kingss: Aegon III}} The [[House Tully|Tullys]] and Blackwoods in particular were strengthened by [[northmen]] who married widows at so-called [[Widow Fairs]] and remained in the riverlands after the war.{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

[[File:Melissa Blackwood and Brynden Rivers by Chillyravenart.png|thumb|350px|[[Melissa Blackwood]] and young [[Brynden Rivers]], by [https://chillyravenart.tumblr.com Chillyravenart] ]]

===Great Bastards===
Lady [[Melissa Blackwood]] was the sixth mistress of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] and the mother of three [[Great Bastards]], [[Mya Rivers|Mya]], [[Gwenys Rivers|Gwenys]], and [[Brynden Rivers]], the last of whom became known as Lord Bloodraven.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} Melissa was well liked at court, so the Blackwoods did not greatly suffer when Aegon dismissed her.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}

Ser [[Otho Bracken]], the Brute of Bracken, slew Lord [[Quentyn Blackwood]] in a [[tourney]] at [[King's Landing]] three years before the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]], reinvigorating the old feud.{{Ref|THK}} [[Bennifer Blackwood|Bennifer]], [[Robert Blackwood (209)|Robert]], [[Roland Blackwood|Roland]], and [[Roger Blackwood]] participated at Ashford. Ser [[Steffon Fossoway]] considered convincing Otho or the Blackwoods to fight for Ser [[Duncan the Tall]] in a [[trial of seven]], but decided it would be impossible to make them fight on the same side.{{Ref|THK}}

When [[Lord Bracken (father of Otho)|Lord Bracken]] lay dying, Septon [[Sefton Staunton|Sefton]] explained that Otho would inherit and the Blackwoods would not suffer him, meaning war. The then-[[Hand of the King]], Brynden Rivers, was half-Blackwood, so he was unlikely to stop it.{{Ref|TSS}} When Bloodraven marched on the [[wedding tourney at Whitewalls]] to quash the [[Second Blackfyre Rebellion]], among the river lords who came in support was Lord Blackwood.{{Ref|TMK}}

===Later History===
Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]] boasted that in the past members of important families married [[House Osgrey|Osgreys]], citing Blackwoods as one of the examples.{{Ref|TSS}} The queen consort of King [[Aegon V Targaryen]] was [[Betha Blackwood]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}} and [[Alyssa Blackwood]] was the fourth wife of [[Walder Frey]], [[Lord of the Crossing]].

Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], the [[Hand of the King]], decided to grant a mill to the Blackwoods to resolve a border dispute, but King [[Aerys II Targaryen]] instead decided to give it to the Brackens.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}}

Lords Blackwood and Bracken came to Riverrun when [[Lysa Arryn|Lysa Tully]] was young to put their feud before Lord [[Hoster Tully]]'s judgment.{{Ref|ASOS|80}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Tytos Blackwood Wibben.png|thumb|350px|[[Tytos Blackwood]] by Wibben © Fantasy Flight Games]]
When war breaks out after the death of King [[Robert I Baratheon]], Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] defeats the river lords and captures Ser [[Edmure Tully]] in a [[battle under the walls of Riverrun]]. Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]] leads the survivors inside [[Riverrun]], however, and defends the castle during Jaime's siege. With Tytos absent, Lord Blackwood's seat of [[Raventree Hall]] surrenders to the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]].{{Ref|AGOT|56}} Tytos is named among the nobles whom the new king, [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], insists must swear their loyalty or be declared traitors.{{Ref|AGOT|57}}

When [[Robb Stark]] attacks the Lannister camps outside Riverrun, Tytos leads a sortie from Riverrun and frees Edmure. Lord Blackwood and his feathered cloak are seen by [[Catelyn Stark]] in the [[godswood]] of Riverrun, praying with her son to the [[old gods]] after their victory in the [[Battle of the Camps]]. At the war council in Riverrun, Tytos urges to continue fighting the Lannisters and march against Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] at [[Harrenhal]]. He joins the other river lords in declaring Robb to be [[King in the North]].{{Ref|AGOT|71}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Tytos Blackwood by Amuelia (uncropped).png|thumb|350px|[[Tytos Blackwood]] by Amuelia ©]]
During the [[War of the Five Kings]], Tytos sweeps the Lannister forces from the lands of House Blackwood, but the invaders leave [[Blackwood Vale]] a scorched desert.{{Ref|ACOK|7}}

Maester [[Luwin]] suggests that the widowed [[Donella Hornwood]] marry a Blackwood.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

Tytos's second-eldest son, [[Lucas Blackwood]], is one of the highborn companions of Catelyn in the delegation to King [[Renly Baratheon]]'s camp.{{Ref|ACOK|22}}

Blackwoods participate in the [[Battle of the Fords]].{{Ref|ACOK|39}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
Ser [[Garth Greenfield]] is held captive at Raventree Hall.{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}} Lord Tytos is among the seven nobles who launch Lord [[Hoster Tully]]'s funeral boat at Riverrun.{{Ref|ASOS|35}}

Lucas is slain by Ser [[Hosteen Frey]] at the [[Red Wedding]].{{Ref|ASOS|51}} After the Brackens surrender to the [[Iron Throne]] and are welcomed back to the king's peace, they attack the Blackwoods, who refuse to yield along with Ser [[Brynden Tully]] at Riverrun and Lord [[Jason Mallister]] at [[Seagard]]. Lord [[Jonos Bracken]] besieges Raventree.{{Ref|ASOS|74}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
Dead soldiers bearing the colors of House Blackwood have washed up on the [[Quiet Isle]]. According to the [[Elder Brother (Quiet Isle)|Elder Brother]], they are buried next to their Bracken enemies.{{Ref|AFFC|31}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
With the [[Siege of Riverrun|surrender of Riverrun]], Raventree remains the last Stark loyalist stronghold. Jaime Lannister successfully negotiates the [[Siege of Raventree|surrender of Raventree]] with Tytos and takes [[Hoster Blackwood]] as a hostage. Jonos Bracken desires to gain the east bank of the [[Widow's Wash]], from [[Crossbow Ridge]] to [[Rutting Meadow]], [[Grindcorn Mill]], [[Lord's Mill]], [[Muddy Hall]], the [[Ravishment]], [[Battle Valley]], [[Oldforge]], [[Buckle]], [[Blackbuckle]], [[Cairns]], [[Claypool]], [[Mudgrave]], [[Waspwood]], [[Lorgen's Wood]], [[Greenhill]], [[Teats|Missy's Teats]], and [[Honeytree]]. However, Tytos only agrees to transfer [[Woodhedge]], Crossbow Ridge, Buckle, Lord's Mill, and Honeytree.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

Hoster accompanies Jaime to [[Pennytree]],{{ref|ADWD|48}} where the [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] goes missing.{{ref|ADWD|54}}

==House Blackwood at the end of the third century==
The known Blackwoods during the timespan of the events described on ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' are:
*Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]], Lord of [[Raventree Hall]].
**[[Brynden Blackwood]], his eldest son and heir.
**{[[Lucas Blackwood]]}, his second son. Slain at the [[Red Wedding]].
**[[Hoster Blackwood]], his third son. Also called "Hos".{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
**[[Edmund Blackwood]], his fourth son. Also called "Ben".{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
**[[Alyn Blackwood]], his fifth son.
**[[Bethany Blackwood]], his daughter.
**{[[Robert Blackwood]]}, his sixth son. Died of [[illness]] during the [[siege of Raventree]].{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
*Unknown brother.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
*Unknown brother.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
*Unknown sister.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
*Two widowed aunts, and various nieces, nephews, and cousins.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

With unspecified familiar relationship to the main branch of the house there is also:
*{[[Alyssa Blackwood]]}, the fourth wife of old Lord [[Walder Frey]], and mother to five [[House Frey|Freys]], [[Lothar Frey|Lothar]], [[Jammos Frey|Jammos]], [[Whalen Frey|Whalen]], [[Morya Frey|Morya]] and [[Tyta Frey|Tyta]].

{{Blackwood tree}}

==Historical Members==
===Before the Conquest===
* [[Benedict I Justman|Benedict Rivers]], a [[bastard]] who became King Benedict I Justman.
* Lord [[Roderick Blackwood]], slain in the [[Battle of Six Kings]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** [[Shiera Blackwood]], Roderick's daughter who was married into [[House Durrandon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** Other daughter(s).{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** A son who succeeded him as Lord of Raventree Hall.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** Brothers.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
* Lady [[Agnes Blackwood]], slain by King [[Harwyn Hoare]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** At least 4 sons.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

===After the Conquest===
[[File: Aegon V Targaryen and Betha Blackwood by Chillyravenart.png|thumb|350px|King [[Aegon V Targaryen]] and Queen [[Betha Blackwood]], by [https://chillyravenart.tumblr.com Chillyravenart] ]]
* [[Lord Blackwood (Aegon's Conquest)|Lord Blackwood]] ruling during the [[Conquest]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}<ref group="N">Named "Lucas Blackwood" in ''[[House of the Dragon]]''.</ref>
** Daughters.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
* Blackwood who took a [[House Bracken|Bracken]] for wife during a double wedding ceremony organised by Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}}
* Blackwood who took a [[House Bracken|Bracken]] for husband during a double wedding ceremony organised by Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|79}}, the father of Royce.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
** [[Royce Blackwood]], a member of House Blackwood during the reign of [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] and suitor of Princess [[Daella Targaryen (daughter of Jaehaerys I)|Daella Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|101}}, who supported [[Laenor Velaryon]]'s claim to the [[Iron Throne]] at the [[Great Council]] at [[Harrenhal]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|112}}, father of Samwell and Alysanne.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
** Lord [[Samwell Blackwood]], his son and successor. The Lord of Raventree Hall at the beginning of the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}
*** Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood]], Lord Samwell's son and heir, known as "Bloody Ben" and Lord of [[Raventree Hall]], who fought in the Dance of the Dragons.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
** [[Alysanne Blackwood]], known as "Black Aly", his daughter. She married Lord [[Cregan Stark]] after the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}
* [[Robb Rivers]], called "Red Robb Rivers" and "the Bowman of Raventree", a bastard of House Blackwood.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
* [[Melissa Blackwood]],{{Ref|ADWD|48}} King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]'s sixth mistress.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
** [[Mya Rivers]], her eldest bastard child by Aegon IV.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
** [[Gwenys Rivers]], her second bastard child by Aegon IV.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
** [[Brynden Rivers]], her youngest bastard child by Aegon IV. Later in life known as "Bloodraven".{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
* Lord [[Quentyn Blackwood]], slain in a tourney during the reign of [[Daeron II Targaryen]].{{Ref|THK}}
* [[Bennifer Blackwood]], listed as a participant in the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]] in {{Date|209}}.{{Ref|THK|[[The Hedge Knight (comics)|Graphic Novel]]}}
* [[Robert Blackwood (209)|Robert Blackwood]], listed as a participant at [[Ashford Meadow]].{{Ref|THK|[[The Hedge Knight (comics)|Graphic Novel]]}}
* [[Roland Blackwood]], listed as a participant at Ashford Meadow.{{Ref|THK|[[The Hedge Knight (comics)|Graphic Novel]]}}
* [[Roger Blackwood]], listed as a participant at Ashford Meadow.{{Ref|THK|[[The Hedge Knight (comics)|Graphic Novel]]}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|212}}, who was part of the army taken to [[Whitewalls]] by [[Brynden Rivers]].{{Ref|TMK}}
* [[Melantha Blackwood]], wife to Lord [[Willam Stark]], mother of [[Edwyle Stark|Edwyle]] and [[Jocelyn Stark]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|220}}, Betha's father.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}
** [[Betha Blackwood]], his daughter. The queen consort of King [[Aegon V Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}}
*[[Lord Blackwood (Aerys II)|Lord Blackwood]], ruling during the reign of King [[Aerys II Targaryen]].{{Ref|ASOS|80}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|When did Blackwood and [[House Bracken|Bracken]] agree about anything that was not certain, I ask you?{{ref|ACOK|39}}|[[Edmure Tully]] to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Every Blackwood is born a [[turncloak]].{{ref|ADWD|48}}|[[Jonos Bracken]] to [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|We've had a hundred peaces with the [[House Bracken|Brackens]], many sealed with marriages. There's Blackwood blood in every Bracken, and Bracken blood in every Blackwood. [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|The Old King's]] Peace lasted half a century. But then [[Otho Bracken|some fresh]] [[Quentyn Blackwood|quarrel broke out]], and the old wounds opened and began to bleed again. That's how it always happens, [[Tytos Blackwood|my father]] says. So long as men remember the wrongs done to their forebears, no peace will ever last. So we go on century after century, with us hating the Brackens and them hating us. My father says there will never be an end to it.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}|[[Hoster Blackwood]] to [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{HousesRiverlands}}
{{HousesNorth}}

[[Category:House Blackwood| ]]
[[Category:Houses from the Riverlands|Blackwood]]
[[Category:Houses from the North|Blackwood]]
[[Category:Houses of First Men origin|Blackwood]]
[[Category:Kings of the Trident and Kings of the Rivers and the Hills| ]]
[[Category:Lords of Raventree Hall| ]]
[[Category:Noble houses|Blackwood]]
[[Category:Royal houses|Blackwood]]

[[es:Casa Blackwood]]
[[fr:Maison Nerbosc]]
[[nl:Huis Zwartewoud]]
[[pt:Casa Blackwood]]
[[ru:Блэквуд]]
[[zh:布莱伍德家族]]

House Blackwood

2026-07-09T20:42:16Z

Hhwang: /* References */

{{Noble House
| House_name = House Blackwood of Raventree Hall
| Rank = lordly
| image = House Blackwood.svg
| image_caption =
| Coat_of_arms = A flock of ravens on scarlet surrounding a dead weirwood upon a black escutcheon (''Gules, on an escutcheon sable a dead weirwood tree proper, all within an orle of ravens sable'')
| Words =
| Seat = [[Raventree Hall]]
| Current_Lord = Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]]{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
| Region = [[Riverlands]] [[North]] (formerly)
| Title = [[Lord of Raventree Hall]]{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}} [[River king]] (historical)
| Heir = [[Brynden Blackwood]]{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
| Overlord = [[House Bracken]] {{s|historical}} [[House Mudd]] {{s|historical}} [[House Justman]] {{s|historical}} [[House Teague]] {{s|historical}} [[House Durrandon]] {{s|historical}} [[House Hoare]] {{s|?–{{Date|-2}}}} [[House Tully]] {{s|{{Date|-2|300}}}} [[House Baelish]] {{s|{{Date|300}}–present}}
| Ancestral_weapon =
| Cadet_branch =
| Founded_in = [[Age of Heroes]]{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
| Founder =
| Died_out =
}}

'''House Blackwood of Raventree Hall''' is an old house from [[Raventree Hall]] in the [[riverlands]], one of the main families sworn to [[House Tully]] of [[Riverrun]]. They once ruled the riverlands as kings during the [[Age of Heroes]].{{ref|AWOIAF|Riverlands}} They blazon their arms with a flock of ravens on scarlet surrounding a dead [[weirwood]] upon a black [[escutcheon]].<ref>The Citadel. Heraldry: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Heraldry/Houses/4/ Houses in the Riverlands]</ref> Their words have not yet been revealed by [[George R. R. Martin]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Canadian_Signing_Tour_Toronto2 Canadian Signing Tour (Toronto)], January 09, 2006</ref> House Blackwood rules over wider domains and can field a much larger army than their overlord of [[House Tully]].{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}

Raventree is located in [[Blackwood Vale]] north of [[Riverrun]] and the [[Red Fork]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|map of Westeros}}

==Traits==
Multiple Blackwoods have been described as tall and thin, including Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood|Benjicot]],{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} Lady [[Alysanne Blackwood|Alysanne]],{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} Lord [[Tytos Blackwood|Tytos]],{{ref|ADWD|48}} and [[Hoster Blackwood|Hoster]].{{ref|ADWD|48}} [[Melissa Blackwood]] is described as slender as well.{{ref|ADWD|48}} Only three Blackwoods have the coloring of their hair described in the books—Lady Alysanne, Lord Tytos and Queen [[Betha Blackwood|Betha]]—and all three have black hair.{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}}{{ref|ADWD|48}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}{{Refn|group="N"|Although their hair colors have not been described, official illustrations of [[:File:Benjicot Blackwood Muddy Mess (The Rise of the Dragon).jpg|Benjicot]], [[:File:Melissa Blackwood.jpg|Melissa]], and [[:File:Lucas Blackwood.jpg|Lucas]] depict them with dark hair of either black or dark brown.}}

Some Blackwoods are buried in the village [[Cairns]], while others are buried beneath the dead weirwood of [[Raventree Hall]].{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

==History==
===Age of Heroes===
[[File:Elena-Vacas-raventreehallweirwood.jpg|thumb|400px|The [[godswood of Raventree Hall]], with its enormous dead [[weirwood]] and hundreds of [[ravens]] - by [https://www.artstation.com/artist/ab3nd Elena María Vacas] ]]
The Blackwoods are an ancient house descended of the [[First Men]]. Family traditions state they ruled most of the [[wolfswood]] in the [[north]] before being driven south by the [[Kings of Winter]] from [[House Stark]], which Maester [[Barneby]]'s [[Runes|runic]] translations support.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}}

Petty [[river kings]] from House Blackwood claimed dominion over the mouth of the [[Blackwater Rush]] in the [[Age of the Hundred Kingdoms]].{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}}

The Blackwoods have an old and bitter feud against their neighbors in the [[riverlands]], the [[House Bracken|Brackens]] of the [[Stone Hedge]], coming from the [[Age of Heroes]] when both houses ruled as kings. According to the Blackwoods, the Brackens were petty lords and horse breeders who hired swords to usurp the Blackwood kings. The Brackens, in contrast, claim the Blackwoods were vassals who betrayed and usurped Bracken kings.{{ref|ADWD|48}} The Blackwoods believe these events occurred five hundred years before the arrival of the [[Andals]], but the ''[[True History]]'' states it was one thousand years before the Andals.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

===Andal Riverlands===
The Blackwoods and Brackens allied together against the [[coming of the Andals]] to the riverlands, but they were defeated in the [[Battle of the Bitter River]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}} The feud was aided by House Bracken's conversion to the [[Faith of the Seven]] after the Andal invasion.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/P15 Blackwood-Bracken Feud and Coinage], August 13, 2003</ref> In contrast, the Blackwoods kept the religion of the [[old gods]], being one of the few houses south of the [[Neck]] to do so. The Blackwoods accuse the Brackens of having poisoned the [[weirwood]] of [[Raventree Hall]].{{Ref|ADWD|48}} The [[Teats]], [[Battle Valley]], and the village of [[Blackbuckle]] are part of the disputed land. There have been numerous peaces between the Blackwoods and Brackens, many sealed by marriage, but the feud always restarts.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

Benedict Rivers was a bastard born from both houses who eventually became King [[Benedict I Justman]], with [[House Justman]] ruling the riverlands for about three centuries. There were Blackwoods among the many petty kings who disputed the riverlands in the tumultuous century after King [[Bernarr II Justman]]'s death.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

With the support of [[Arlan III Durrandon]], a [[Storm King]] from [[Storm's End]], Lord [[Roderick Blackwood]] rebelled against [[Humfrey I Teague]], [[King of the Rivers and the Hills]]. Roderick was killed in the [[Battle of Six Kings]], ending Arlan's attempt to restore the riverlands to the Blackwoods. After the river lords rejected the possibility of being ruled by Roderick's daughter, [[Shiera Blackwood]], Arlan added the riverlands to the realm of the Storm Kings.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

When the [[Kings of the Iron Islands]] from [[House Hoare]] invaded the riverlands three centuries later, Lady [[Agnes Blackwood]] led the rivermen's resistance. She was betrayed by Lord [[Lothar Bracken]], however, and then slain by King [[Harwyn Hoare]]. The [[ironborn]] then conquered the riverlands from the Storm King, [[Arrec Durrandon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

===Aegon's Conquest===
House Blackwood aided King [[Aegon I Targaryen]] during [[Aegon's Conquest|the Conquest]] and rebelled against Harwyn's grandson, [[Harren Hoare|Harren the Black]] of [[Harrenhal]], [[King of the Isles and the Rivers]].{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}} The Blackwoods and Brackens had fought a private war a decade before the rebellion, however, and Harren had dealt with them harshly. Instead of the weakened Blackwoods or Brackens, Aegon instead granted the new title of [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]] to Lord [[Edmyn Tully]] of [[Riverrun]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

===Dance of the Dragons===
[[File:Alysanne Blackwood by Rae Lavergne.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Alysanne Blackwood]] by Rae Lavergne ©]]
Lord Blackwood supported the claim of [[Laenor Velaryon]] in the [[Great Council of 101 AC]], but the council ultimately chose [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] as the heir of [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} [[Samwell Blackwood]] fought a duel with [[Amos Bracken]] over the favor of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] in {{Date|112}}, but the princess eventually wed Ser Laenor.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Lord Samwell supported the [[blacks]] of Rhaenyra during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. In {{Date|129}}, Samwell was slain by Amos in single combat during the [[Battle of the Burning Mill]], but Amos was then struck down by a [[weirwood]] arrow allegedly fired by Samwell's young sister, [[Alysanne Blackwood|Alysanne]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Samwell's heir, his eleven year old son [[Benjicot Blackwood]], Black Aly, and their kinsman [[Red Robb Rivers]], the Bowman of Raventree, participated in the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]], the [[Butcher's Ball]], and the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Lord Benjicot had one of his best archers, [[Billy Burley]], mercy kill the dragon [[Tessarion]] after the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

During the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]] in {{date|131}}, Benjicot led the army with his liege, [[Kermit Tully]], [[Lord of Riverrun]], and Kermit's brother, Ser [[Oscar Tully]].{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} Benjicot's rivermen broke the flank of Lord [[Borros Baratheon]]'s [[greens]] in the battle, allowing Alysanne's archers to bring down the green [[knight]]s and giving him the title of "Bloody Ben".{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: House Baratheon}}{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

After the civil war ended, Black Aly married Lord [[Cregan Stark]] in exchange for him confirming King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]'s pardon of Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kingss: Aegon III}} The [[House Tully|Tullys]] and Blackwoods in particular were strengthened by [[northmen]] who married widows at so-called [[Widow Fairs]] and remained in the riverlands after the war.{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

[[File:Melissa Blackwood and Brynden Rivers by Chillyravenart.png|thumb|350px|[[Melissa Blackwood]] and young [[Brynden Rivers]], by [https://chillyravenart.tumblr.com Chillyravenart] ]]

===Great Bastards===
Lady [[Melissa Blackwood]] was the sixth mistress of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]] and the mother of three [[Great Bastards]], [[Mya Rivers|Mya]], [[Gwenys Rivers|Gwenys]], and [[Brynden Rivers]], the last of whom became known as Lord Bloodraven.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} Melissa was well liked at court, so the Blackwoods did not greatly suffer when Aegon dismissed her.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}

Ser [[Otho Bracken]], the Brute of Bracken, slew Lord [[Quentyn Blackwood]] in a [[tourney]] at [[King's Landing]] three years before the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]], reinvigorating the old feud.{{Ref|THK}} [[Bennifer Blackwood|Bennifer]], [[Robert Blackwood (209)|Robert]], [[Roland Blackwood|Roland]], and [[Roger Blackwood]] participated at Ashford. Ser [[Steffon Fossoway]] considered convincing Otho or the Blackwoods to fight for Ser [[Duncan the Tall]] in a [[trial of seven]], but decided it would be impossible to make them fight on the same side.{{Ref|THK}}

When [[Lord Bracken (father of Otho)|Lord Bracken]] lay dying, Septon [[Sefton Staunton|Sefton]] explained that Otho would inherit and the Blackwoods would not suffer him, meaning war. The then-[[Hand of the King]], Brynden Rivers, was half-Blackwood, so he was unlikely to stop it.{{Ref|TSS}} When Bloodraven marched on the [[wedding tourney at Whitewalls]] to quash the [[Second Blackfyre Rebellion]], among the river lords who came in support was Lord Blackwood.{{Ref|TMK}}

===Later History===
Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]] boasted that in the past members of important families married [[House Osgrey|Osgreys]], citing Blackwoods as one of the examples.{{Ref|TSS}} The queen consort of King [[Aegon V Targaryen]] was [[Betha Blackwood]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}} and [[Alyssa Blackwood]] was the fourth wife of [[Walder Frey]], [[Lord of the Crossing]].

Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], the [[Hand of the King]], decided to grant a mill to the Blackwoods to resolve a border dispute, but King [[Aerys II Targaryen]] instead decided to give it to the Brackens.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}}

Lords Blackwood and Bracken came to Riverrun when [[Lysa Arryn|Lysa Tully]] was young to put their feud before Lord [[Hoster Tully]]'s judgment.{{Ref|ASOS|80}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Tytos Blackwood Wibben.png|thumb|350px|[[Tytos Blackwood]] by Wibben © Fantasy Flight Games]]
When war breaks out after the death of King [[Robert I Baratheon]], Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] defeats the river lords and captures Ser [[Edmure Tully]] in a [[battle under the walls of Riverrun]]. Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]] leads the survivors inside [[Riverrun]], however, and defends the castle during Jaime's siege. With Tytos absent, Lord Blackwood's seat of [[Raventree Hall]] surrenders to the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]].{{Ref|AGOT|56}} Tytos is named among the nobles whom the new king, [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], insists must swear their loyalty or be declared traitors.{{Ref|AGOT|57}}

When [[Robb Stark]] attacks the Lannister camps outside Riverrun, Tytos leads a sortie from Riverrun and frees Edmure. Lord Blackwood and his feathered cloak are seen by [[Catelyn Stark]] in the [[godswood]] of Riverrun, praying with her son to the [[old gods]] after their victory in the [[Battle of the Camps]]. At the war council in Riverrun, Tytos urges to continue fighting the Lannisters and march against Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] at [[Harrenhal]]. He joins the other river lords in declaring Robb to be [[King in the North]].{{Ref|AGOT|71}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Tytos Blackwood by Amuelia (uncropped).png|thumb|350px|[[Tytos Blackwood]] by Amuelia ©]]
During the [[War of the Five Kings]], Tytos sweeps the Lannister forces from the lands of House Blackwood, but the invaders leave [[Blackwood Vale]] a scorched desert.{{Ref|ACOK|7}}

Maester [[Luwin]] suggests that the widowed [[Donella Hornwood]] marry a Blackwood.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

Tytos's second-eldest son, [[Lucas Blackwood]], is one of the highborn companions of Catelyn in the delegation to King [[Renly Baratheon]]'s camp.{{Ref|ACOK|22}}

Blackwoods participate in the [[Battle of the Fords]].{{Ref|ACOK|39}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
Ser [[Garth Greenfield]] is held captive at Raventree Hall.{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}} Lord Tytos is among the seven nobles who launch Lord [[Hoster Tully]]'s funeral boat at Riverrun.{{Ref|ASOS|35}}

Lucas is slain by Ser [[Hosteen Frey]] at the [[Red Wedding]].{{Ref|ASOS|51}} After the Brackens surrender to the [[Iron Throne]] and are welcomed back to the king's peace, they attack the Blackwoods, who refuse to yield along with Ser [[Brynden Tully]] at Riverrun and Lord [[Jason Mallister]] at [[Seagard]]. Lord [[Jonos Bracken]] besieges Raventree.{{Ref|ASOS|74}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
Dead soldiers bearing the colors of House Blackwood have washed up on the [[Quiet Isle]]. According to the [[Elder Brother (Quiet Isle)|Elder Brother]], they are buried next to their Bracken enemies.{{Ref|AFFC|31}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
With the [[Siege of Riverrun|surrender of Riverrun]], Raventree remains the last Stark loyalist stronghold. Jaime Lannister successfully negotiates the [[Siege of Raventree|surrender of Raventree]] with Tytos and takes [[Hoster Blackwood]] as a hostage. Jonos Bracken desires to gain the east bank of the [[Widow's Wash]], from [[Crossbow Ridge]] to [[Rutting Meadow]], [[Grindcorn Mill]], [[Lord's Mill]], [[Muddy Hall]], the [[Ravishment]], [[Battle Valley]], [[Oldforge]], [[Buckle]], [[Blackbuckle]], [[Cairns]], [[Claypool]], [[Mudgrave]], [[Waspwood]], [[Lorgen's Wood]], [[Greenhill]], [[Teats|Missy's Teats]], and [[Honeytree]]. However, Tytos only agrees to transfer [[Woodhedge]], Crossbow Ridge, Buckle, Lord's Mill, and Honeytree.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

Hoster accompanies Jaime to [[Pennytree]],{{ref|ADWD|48}} where the [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] goes missing.{{ref|ADWD|54}}

==House Blackwood at the end of the third century==
The known Blackwoods during the timespan of the events described on ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' are:
*Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]], Lord of [[Raventree Hall]].
**[[Brynden Blackwood]], his eldest son and heir.
**{[[Lucas Blackwood]]}, his second son. Slain at the [[Red Wedding]].
**[[Hoster Blackwood]], his third son. Also called "Hos".{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
**[[Edmund Blackwood]], his fourth son. Also called "Ben".{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
**[[Alyn Blackwood]], his fifth son.
**[[Bethany Blackwood]], his daughter.
**{[[Robert Blackwood]]}, his sixth son.
*Unknown brother.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
*Unknown brother.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
*Unknown sister.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}
*Two widowed aunts, and various nieces, nephews, and cousins.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

With unspecified familiar relationship to the main branch of the house there is also:
*{[[Alyssa Blackwood]]}, the fourth wife of old Lord [[Walder Frey]], and mother to five [[House Frey|Freys]], [[Lothar Frey|Lothar]], [[Jammos Frey|Jammos]], [[Whalen Frey|Whalen]], [[Morya Frey|Morya]] and [[Tyta Frey|Tyta]].

{{Blackwood tree}}

==Historical Members==
===Before the Conquest===
* [[Benedict I Justman|Benedict Rivers]], a [[bastard]] who became King Benedict I Justman.
* Lord [[Roderick Blackwood]], slain in the [[Battle of Six Kings]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** [[Shiera Blackwood]], Roderick's daughter who was married into [[House Durrandon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** Other daughter(s).{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** A son who succeeded him as Lord of Raventree Hall.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** Brothers.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
* Lady [[Agnes Blackwood]], slain by King [[Harwyn Hoare]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** At least 4 sons.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

===After the Conquest===
[[File: Aegon V Targaryen and Betha Blackwood by Chillyravenart.png|thumb|350px|King [[Aegon V Targaryen]] and Queen [[Betha Blackwood]], by [https://chillyravenart.tumblr.com Chillyravenart] ]]
* [[Lord Blackwood (Aegon's Conquest)|Lord Blackwood]] ruling during the [[Conquest]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}<ref group="N">Named "Lucas Blackwood" in ''[[House of the Dragon]]''.</ref>
** Daughters.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
* Blackwood who took a [[House Bracken|Bracken]] for wife during a double wedding ceremony organised by Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}}
* Blackwood who took a [[House Bracken|Bracken]] for husband during a double wedding ceremony organised by Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|79}}, the father of Royce.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
** [[Royce Blackwood]], a member of House Blackwood during the reign of [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] and suitor of Princess [[Daella Targaryen (daughter of Jaehaerys I)|Daella Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|101}}, who supported [[Laenor Velaryon]]'s claim to the [[Iron Throne]] at the [[Great Council]] at [[Harrenhal]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|112}}, father of Samwell and Alysanne.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
** Lord [[Samwell Blackwood]], his son and successor. The Lord of Raventree Hall at the beginning of the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}
*** Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood]], Lord Samwell's son and heir, known as "Bloody Ben" and Lord of [[Raventree Hall]], who fought in the Dance of the Dragons.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
** [[Alysanne Blackwood]], known as "Black Aly", his daughter. She married Lord [[Cregan Stark]] after the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}
* [[Robb Rivers]], called "Red Robb Rivers" and "the Bowman of Raventree", a bastard of House Blackwood.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
* [[Melissa Blackwood]],{{Ref|ADWD|48}} King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]'s sixth mistress.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
** [[Mya Rivers]], her eldest bastard child by Aegon IV.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
** [[Gwenys Rivers]], her second bastard child by Aegon IV.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
** [[Brynden Rivers]], her youngest bastard child by Aegon IV. Later in life known as "Bloodraven".{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
* Lord [[Quentyn Blackwood]], slain in a tourney during the reign of [[Daeron II Targaryen]].{{Ref|THK}}
* [[Bennifer Blackwood]], listed as a participant in the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]] in {{Date|209}}.{{Ref|THK|[[The Hedge Knight (comics)|Graphic Novel]]}}
* [[Robert Blackwood (209)|Robert Blackwood]], listed as a participant at [[Ashford Meadow]].{{Ref|THK|[[The Hedge Knight (comics)|Graphic Novel]]}}
* [[Roland Blackwood]], listed as a participant at Ashford Meadow.{{Ref|THK|[[The Hedge Knight (comics)|Graphic Novel]]}}
* [[Roger Blackwood]], listed as a participant at Ashford Meadow.{{Ref|THK|[[The Hedge Knight (comics)|Graphic Novel]]}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|212}}, who was part of the army taken to [[Whitewalls]] by [[Brynden Rivers]].{{Ref|TMK}}
* [[Melantha Blackwood]], wife to Lord [[Willam Stark]], mother of [[Edwyle Stark|Edwyle]] and [[Jocelyn Stark]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}
* Lord Blackwood ruling in {{Date|220}}, Betha's father.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}
** [[Betha Blackwood]], his daughter. The queen consort of King [[Aegon V Targaryen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}}
*[[Lord Blackwood (Aerys II)|Lord Blackwood]], ruling during the reign of King [[Aerys II Targaryen]].{{Ref|ASOS|80}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|When did Blackwood and [[House Bracken|Bracken]] agree about anything that was not certain, I ask you?{{ref|ACOK|39}}|[[Edmure Tully]] to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Every Blackwood is born a [[turncloak]].{{ref|ADWD|48}}|[[Jonos Bracken]] to [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|We've had a hundred peaces with the [[House Bracken|Brackens]], many sealed with marriages. There's Blackwood blood in every Bracken, and Bracken blood in every Blackwood. [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|The Old King's]] Peace lasted half a century. But then [[Otho Bracken|some fresh]] [[Quentyn Blackwood|quarrel broke out]], and the old wounds opened and began to bleed again. That's how it always happens, [[Tytos Blackwood|my father]] says. So long as men remember the wrongs done to their forebears, no peace will ever last. So we go on century after century, with us hating the Brackens and them hating us. My father says there will never be an end to it.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}|[[Hoster Blackwood]] to [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{HousesRiverlands}}
{{HousesNorth}}

[[Category:House Blackwood| ]]
[[Category:Houses from the Riverlands|Blackwood]]
[[Category:Houses from the North|Blackwood]]
[[Category:Houses of First Men origin|Blackwood]]
[[Category:Kings of the Trident and Kings of the Rivers and the Hills| ]]
[[Category:Lords of Raventree Hall| ]]
[[Category:Noble houses|Blackwood]]
[[Category:Royal houses|Blackwood]]

[[es:Casa Blackwood]]
[[fr:Maison Nerbosc]]
[[nl:Huis Zwartewoud]]
[[pt:Casa Blackwood]]
[[ru:Блэквуд]]
[[zh:布莱伍德家族]]

Nymeria Sand

2026-07-06T20:50:06Z

Hhwang:

{{See homonyms | Nymeria (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Nymeria
| lastname = Sand
| arms = Volantis
| image = Nymeria-Sand-eldritch-historian.png|250px
| image_caption = Nymeria Sand, by Eldritch-historian©
| Alias = Lady Nym{{Ref|AFFC|2}}
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[House Martell]]
| Race =
| Father = [[Oberyn Martell]]
| Mother = [[Nymeria Sand's mother]]
| Culture = [[Dornishmen]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth = [[Volantis]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Nymeria Sand}}
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|274}} or {{Date|275}} (age 25)<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Nymeria Sand|Nymeria Sand]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appears) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (appears) ''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = [[w:Jessica Henwick|Jessica Henwick]]
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 5|Season 5]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 6|6]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 7|7]]
}}

'''Nymeria Sand''', nicknamed '''Lady Nym''', is a [[bastard]] daughter of [[Oberyn Martell]] and [[Nymeria Sand's mother|a noblewoman]] from [[Volantis]]. She is the second oldest of the infamous [[Sand Snakes]], so named for their bastard origin and the nickname of their father, the "Red Viper".

In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', Nymeria is portrayed by [[w:Jessica Henwick|Jessica Henwick]] and stated to be the daughter of a [[Yi Ti|YiTish]] noblewoman instead of a Volantene one.

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Nymeria Sand|l1=Images of Nymeria Sand}}
[[File:Lady nym by quickreaver.jpg|thumb|left|Lady Nym by quickreaver © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Nymeria is twenty-five years old, slim and slender as a willow, with straight black hair worn in a long braid which pulls back from a widow's peak.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}} She has dark eyes{{Ref|AFFC|2}} which are large and lustrous.{{Ref|ADWD|38}} Her full lips are [[wine]] red and curve in a silken smile,{{Ref|AFFC|2}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}} and she has high cheekbones.{{Ref|AFFC|2}} [[Areo Hotah]] describes Nym as having pale white skin in ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'',{{Ref|AFFC|2}} a fact confirmed by the [[canon|semi-canon]] app ''[[A World of Ice and Fire]]'',{{Ref|AWOIAF|Nymeria Sand}} but mentions her olive skin in ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]''.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}

Nymeria has all the beauty that her elder sister [[Obara Sand|Obara]] lacks but is no less deadly.{{Ref|AFFC|2}} Although elegant, Nym is vengeful.{{Ref|ADWD|38}} Like her father, Prince [[Oberyn Martell]], Nymeria is notorious.{{ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}

Nymeria dresses gracefully in shimmering lilac robes with a [[silk]] cape of cream and [[copper]],{{Ref|AFFC|2}} and she also owns a yellow silk gown so sheer it reveals spun [[gold]] and [[Jewelry|jewels]] worn underneath.{{Ref|ADWD|38}} Nymeria rides a pretty gold [[sand steed]] with a mane like white silk.{{Ref|AFFC|2}} Nym usually conceals a dozen daggers on her person{{Ref|ADWD|38}} and is proficient with the hidden blades.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}

Nymeria is good friends with [[Jeyne Fowler|Jeyne]] and [[Jennelyn Fowler]].{{Ref|AFFC|40}} [[Tyene Sand]] keeps nothing from her half-siblings, Obara and Nymeria.{{ref|AFFC|40}}

==History==
[[Nymeria Sand's mother|Nymeria's mother]] comes from the [[Old Blood|noblest blood]] of [[Volantis]],{{Ref|AFFC|2}} the [[Free City]] where Nym was born.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Volantis}}

Young Nym sometimes joined in play at the [[Water Gardens]] with her sister, [[Tyene Sand]], her cousin, Princess [[Arianne Martell]], [[Garin (orphan)|Garin]], [[Andrey Dalt]], [[Sylva Santagar]], the [[Fowler twins]], and the [[Archon's green-haired daughter]].{{Ref|AFFC|40}} Arianne keeps in her boot a throwing knife gifted to her by Nymeria.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:AurelienHubert LadyNymsGuard.jpg|thumb|350px|Nymeria Sand and her guard, by Aurelien Hubert © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Nymeria is abed with the [[House Fowler|Fowler]] twins, [[Jeyne Fowler|Jeyne]] and [[Jennelyn Fowler|Jennelyn]], when she is told of the death of her father, Prince [[Oberyn Martell]], in [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|AFFC|2}} Ser [[Daemon Sand]] sends her a [[raven]] explaining how Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] was [[poison]]ed by Oberyn and is now dying.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}

[[Obara Sand]], Nymeria's elder sister, meets with [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]] and Oberyn's elder brother, at the [[Water Gardens]]. Seeking vengeance for Oberyn's death, Obara suggests leading a host from the [[Prince's Pass]] to attack [[Oldtown]] while Nymeria leads another host against the [[kingsroad]] from the [[Boneway]]. Doran refuses, however.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}

Accompanied by a dozen mounted spearmen, Nymeria meets Doran en route from the Water Gardens to [[Sunspear]]. She likewise demands vengeance for the death of her father, and she rejects the offer Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] made Doran for Gregor's head. Instead of open war, Nymeria wants to assassinate Tywin as vengeance for her late aunt [[Elia Martell]], Tywin's children [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]] and [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] for Elia's children [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Rhaegar)|Rhaenys]] and [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon Targaryen]], and lastly Tywin's grandchild, King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]], for Oberyn's murder. Doran responds that Oberyn died in single combat for which he had volunteered.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}

After meeting with another of Nymeria's sisters, [[Tyene Sand]], Doran orders [[Areo Hotah]] to take all eight [[Sand Snakes]] into custody. Areo is to begin with the confinement of the more dangerous three elder sisters in the [[Spear Tower]].{{ref|AFFC|2}} The younger girls, daughters of [[Ellaria Sand]], are confined to the Water Gardens.{{ref|AFFC|40}}

Doran's daughter, Princess [[Arianne Martell]], fails in an conspiracy to crown Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]].{{ref|AFFC|21}} Doran has Arianne imprisoned in the Spear Tower as well.{{ref|ADWD|40}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Doran has Obara, Nym, Tyene, and Arianne released from their cells in the Spear Tower.{{ref|ADWD|38}}

Nymeria is present at the feast at Sunspear when Ser [[Balon Swann]] presents the [[Mountain's skull]] to Doran. Balon seems discomforted by Nym's silk gown. When Balon tells the manner of Gregor's death, Nymeria celebrates his suffering. When [[Ricasso]] raises a toast to King Tommen, Nym declines with a flick of her wrist.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}

In Doran's chambers, Nymeria regrets that Tywin did not die by her hand. Doran has Obara, Tyene, and Nym swear their loyalty before telling them about Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]]'s plan to have Prince [[Trystane Martell]] killed. Doran sends Nymeria to King's Landing to take the vacant [[Dorne|Dornish]] seat on the [[small council]].{{Ref|ADWD|38}}

==Quotes by Nymeria==
[[File:Smirtouille Nymeria Sand.png|thumb|350px|Nymeria Sand by Smirtouille © Fantasy Flight Games]]
{{Quote|You know the [[House Fowler|Fowler]] words? Let Me Soar! That is all I ask of you. Let me soar, Uncle.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}| Nymeria to [[Doran Martell]]}}

{{Quote|'''Nymeria''': [[Obara Sand|Obara]] would make [[Oldtown]] our father's funeral pyre, but I am not so greedy. Four lives will suffice for me. Lord [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin's]] golden twins, as payment for [[Elia Martell|Elia's]] children. The old lion, for Elia herself. And last of all [[Tommen Baratheon|the little king]], for [[Oberyn Martell|my father]]. '''Doran''': The boy has never wronged us. '''Nymeria''': Only royal blood can wash out my father's murder.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}| Nymeria and [[Doran Martell]]}}

{{Quote|'''Ellaria''': Where does it end? '''Nymeria''': It ends in blood, as it began. It ends when [[Casterly Rock]] is cracked open, so the sun can shine on the maggots and the worms within. It ends with the utter ruin of [[Tywin Lannister]] and all his works. '''Ellaria''': The man died at the hand of [[Tyrion Lannister|his own son]]. What more could you wish? '''Nymeria''': I could wish that he died at my hand. If he had, his dying would not have been so easy.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}| [[Ellaria Sand]] and Nymeria}}

{{Quote|'''Doran''': We need a voice in [[small council|council]], an ear at court. Be careful, though. [[King's Landing]] is a pit of [[snake]]s. '''Nymeria''': Why, Uncle, I love snakes.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}| [[Doran Martell]] and Nymeria}}

==Quotes about Nymeria==
[[File:NymeriaSand BellaBergolts.jpg|thumb|350px|Nymeria Sand by Bella Bergolts ©]]
{{Quote|Nymeria was least dangerous when nearly naked. Elsewise she was sure to have a dozen blades concealed about her person.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}| thoughts of [[Areo Hotah]]}}

{{Quote|Hotah studied each of them in turn. [[Obara Sand|Obara]], rusted nails and boiled leather, with her angry, close-set eyes and rat-brown hair. Nymeria, languid, elegant, olive-skinned, her long black braid bound up in red-gold wire. [[Tyene Sand|Tyene]], blue-eyed and blond, a child-woman with her soft hands and little giggles.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}| thoughts of [[Areo Hotah]]}}

{{Quote|The Lady Nym. But no lady, if even half of what [[Qyburn]] reports is true. A [[bastard]] daughter of the Red Viper, near as notorious as her father and intent on claiming the council seat that Prince [[Oberyn Martell|Oberyn]] himself had occupied so briefly.{{Ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}| thoughts of [[Kevan Lannister]]}}

==Family==
{{Martell tree}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Oberyn Martell]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=Acting advisor {{S|in place of [[Doran Martell]]}}|years={{Date|300}}–present|under=[[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]]}}
{{S-inc}}
{{S-end}}

{{Tommen I small council}}

[[Category:House Martell]]
[[Category:Bastards|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Bilingual characters|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Characters from Dorne|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Characters from Volantis|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Characters with black hair|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Characters with dark eyes|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Characters with fair skin|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Characters with olive skin|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:LGBT+ characters‎|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Members of the small council|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Noblewomen|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Sand Snakes]]

[[es:Nymeria Arena]]
[[fr:Nymeria Sand]]
[[pt:Nymeria Sand]]
[[ru:Нимерия Сэнд]]
[[zh:娜梅莉亚·沙德]]

Tyene Sand

2026-07-06T20:37:18Z

Hhwang: /* A Feast for Crows */

{{Infobox character
| arms =
| title =
| firstname = Tyene
| lastname = Sand
| image = [[File: Bella Bergolts Tyene Sand.jpg|300px]]
| image_caption = Tyene Sand by Bella Bergolts
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[House Martell]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Dornishmen]]
| Father = [[Oberyn Martell]]
| Mother = [[Tyene Sand's mother]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth = [[Westeros]]{{ref|AWOIAF|Tyene Sand}}
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|276}} or {{Date|277}} (age 23)<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued3)#Tyene Sand|Tyene Sand]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appears) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (appears) ''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = Rosabell Laurenti Sellers
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 5|Season 5]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 6|6]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 7|7]]
}}

'''Tyene Sand''' is the [[bastard]] daughter of Prince [[Oberyn Martell]] and an [[Tyene Sand's mother|unnamed septa]]. She is one of the infamous [[Sand Snakes]].

In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', Tyene is portrayed by [[w:Rosabell Laurenti Sellers|Rosabell Laurenti Sellers]].

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Tyene Sand|l1=Images of Tyene Sand}}
[[File:Tyene_Sand_by_Nyanmi_EuphoriA.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Tyene Sand by Nyanmi EuphoriA ©]]
Tyene is fair, with golden hair and deep blue eyes{{Ref|AFFC|2}} from [[Tyene Sand's mother|her mother]].{{ref|AWOIAF|Tyene Sand}} Dimples bloom in Tyene's cheeks, and she has a gentle, sweet voice.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}} According to a semi-canon source, Tyenne has a widow's peak like [[Sand Snakes|her sisters]],{{ref|AWOIAF|Tyene Sand}} and they all have the [[viper]] eyes of their father, [[Oberyn Martell]].{{ref|AFFC|2}}

Princess [[Arianne Martell]] is especially close with Tyene, considering her cousin to be the sister she never had.{{ref|AFFC|13}}{{ref|AFFC|40}} Tyene is also close with her sisters [[Obara Sand|Obara]] and [[Nymeria Sand|Nymeria]].{{ref|AFFC|40}}

Despite her innocent and pious persona, Tyene is regarded as treacherous. Her soft pale hands are as deadly as Obara's callused ones.{{Ref|ADWD|38}} She shares her father Oberyn's knowledge of [[poison]]s, her chosen weapon.{{Ref|AFFC|2}} Tyene disapproves of the cautious nature of her uncle, [[Doran Martell]], [[Prince of Dorne]].{{ref|AFFC|2}}{{ref|ADWD|38}}

Tyene owns a clinging gown of pale blue samite with sleeves of [[Myr]]ish lace,{{Ref|AFFC|2}} as well as a modest cream and green gown with long lace sleeves.{{Ref|ADWD|38}} Tyene is envious of Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]]'s curls.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}

==History==
When Tyene was in the cradle [[Tyene Sand's mother|her mother]], a [[septa]], read to her from ''[[The Seven-Pointed Star]]''.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}

Tyene spent her youth at the [[Water Gardens]] with her cousin, Princess [[Arianne Martell]], as well as with [[Sylva Santagar]], [[Andrey Dalt]], and [[Garin (orphan)|Garin]]. Tyene and Arianne grew as close as sisters, learning to read, ride, and dance together. They have shared meals, [[jewelry]], beds, and onetime a flagon of [[wine]] stolen by Arianne. The two would have lost their virginity together to Andrey as well, but he was premature in Tyene's hands during the encounter.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}

Arianne once crossed the [[Mander]] with three of the [[Sand Snakes]] to visit Tyene's mother.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} Tyene and Arianne once fled [[Sunspear]] to try to marry Arianne to [[Willas Tyrell]] at [[Highgarden]], but they were caught by Tyene's father, [[Oberyn Martell]], at [[Vaith]].{{Ref|AFFC|40}} Oberyn also once brought Tyene with Arianne and [[Sarella Sand]] to [[Shandystone]], where he showed Tyene how to milk [[viper]]s for their venom.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

[[Doran Martell]], [[Prince of Dorne]], kept a [[secret marriage pact|marriage pact]] hidden from Arianne because he feared his daughter would not have kept it a secret from Tyene, who would then have informed her sisters, [[Obara Sand|Obara]] and [[Nymeria Sand]].{{Ref|AFFC|40}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:Gabrielle Portal Tyene SandIII.png|350px|thumb|right|Tyene Sand by Gabrielle Portal © Fantasy Flight Games]]

Tyene waits for [[Doran Martell]], [[Prince of Dorne]], in the throne room of [[Sunspear]] to demand vengeance for her father, [[Oberyn Martell]], who was slain by Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] in [[King's Landing]]. She works on an embroidery of a smiling Oberyn armored in red atop a [[sand steed]].{{Ref|AFFC|2}}

[[Nymeria Sand]] wants Tyene to aid her in assassinating Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]], Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], and King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]]. Tyene instead wants to crown Tommen's older sister, Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]], as queen, offering to arrange the wedding between Mycella and Doran's youngest son, Prince [[Trystane Martell]]. If the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] and [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] invade [[Dorne]] in response to Myrcella's crowning, they would then be slain in the Dornish mountains and sands. After Doran states that he will think about her proposal, Tyene asks for his blessing. Since Doran laid his hand on Tyene's head before she departed, Maester [[Caleotte]] searches for scratches and puncture marks, demonstrating a fear of her knowledge of [[poison]]s.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}

Doran has his captain, [[Areo Hotah]], detain Tyene and [[Sand Snakes|her sisters]] in the [[Spear Tower]] as a gesture of good will towards Tommen's court, with Areo tasked with securing Tyene, [[Nymeria Sand|Nymeria]] and [[Obara Sand|Obara]] before their younger siblings.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}

Princess [[Arianne Martell]] is also retained in the Spear Tower after her own plot to crown Myrcella is foiled by Areo.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Doran has Arianne, Obara, Nymeria, and Tyene released from their cells in the Spear Tower. All are present when Ser [[Balon Swann]] presents the [[Mountain's skull]] to the Prince of Dorne. Tyene is pleased to learn that Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] had died screaming for days from [[poison]]. When [[Ricasso]] raises a toast to King Tommen during the feast, Tyene declines with a murmur.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}

After the feast, Arianne and her elder cousins meet with Doran in his solar. [[Ellaria Sand]], Oberyn's paramour and the mother of his youngest daughters, disapproves of the vengeful plans of Obara, Nym, and Tyene. After Ellaria departs, Doran has the sisters swear their allegiance so he can confide in them his plans. Doran tasks Nymeria with returning Myrcella to King's Landing and joining the [[small council]]. Tyene is to accompany her sister to the capital and, disguised as a [[septa]], gain the confidence of the [[High Sparrow]] at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]].{{Ref|ADWD|38}}

==Quotes by Tyene==
[[File:Tyene sand by hardcoremiike.jpg|thumb|350px|Tyene Sand by Hardcoremiike ©]]
{{Quote|'''Doran''': [[Obara Sand|Obara]] cries to me for war. [[Nymeria Sand|Nym]] will be content with murder. And you? 
'''Tyene''': War, though not my sister's war. [[Dornishmen]] fight best at home, so I say let us hone our spears and wait. When the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] and the [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] come down on us, we shall bleed them in the passes and bury them beneath the blowing sands, as we have a hundred times before.{{ref|AFFC|2}}|[[Doran Martell]] and Tyene}}

{{Quote|'''Tyene''': You think too much, Uncle. '''Doran''': Do I? '''Tyene''': Father said so. '''Doran''': [[Oberyn Martell|Oberyn]] thought too little. '''Tyene''': Some men think because they are afraid to do. '''Doran''': There is a difference between fear and caution. '''Tyene''': Oh, I must pray that I never see you frightened, Uncle. You might forget to breathe. '''Areo''': My lady, you presume. Step from the dais, if it please you. 
'''Tyene''': I meant no harm, Captain. I love my uncle, as I know he loved my father. I have said all I came to say, Uncle. Forgive me if I gave offense; my heart is broken all to pieces. Do I still have your love? '''Doran''': Always.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}|Tyene, [[Doran Martell]], and [[Areo Hotah]]}}

{{Quote|Sisters, truly, I know the poison [[Oberyn Martell|Father]] used. If his spear so much as broke the Mountain's skin, [[Gregor Clegane|Clegane]] is dead, I do not care how big he was. Doubt your little sister if you like, but never doubt our sire.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}|Tyene to [[Obara Sand]] and [[Nymeria Sand]]}}

{{Quote|'''Obara''': If Ser [[Balon Swann|Balon]] is allowed to carry tales back to [[King's Landing]], drums will sound and blood will flow. He should not be allowed to leave. '''Tyene''': We could kill him, to be sure, but then we would need to kill the rest of his party too, even those sweet young squires. That would be ... oh, so messy.{{ref|ADWD|38}}|[[Obara Sand]] and Tyene}}

{{Quote|'''Doran''': The [[Faith Militant|Swords and the Stars]] have been re-formed, and this [[High Sparrow|new High Septon]] is not the puppet that the others were. Try and get close to him. '''Tyene''': Why not? White suits my coloring. I look so ... pure.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}|[[Doran Martell]] and Tyene}}

==Quotes about Tyene==
[[File:Drazenka Kimpel TSand.png|thumb|350px|Tyene Sand by Drazenka Kimpel © Fantasy Flight Games]]
{{Quote|Lady Tyene's voice was gentle, and she looked as sweet as summer strawberries. [[Tyene Sand's mother|Her mother]] had been a [[septa]], and Tyene had an air of almost otherworldy innocence about her.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}|thoughts of [[Areo Hotah]]}}

{{Quote|I have never been as fearless as [[Sand Snakes|my cousins]], for I was made with weaker seed, but Tyene and I are of an age and have been close as sisters since we were little girls. We have no secrets between us. If she can be imprisoned, so can I, and for the same cause ... this of [[Myrcella Baratheon|Myrcella]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|[[Arianne Martell]] to [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

{{Quote|Her hands are dangerous.{{Ref|AFFC|40}}|thoughts of [[Arianne Martell]]}}

{{Quote|Hotah studied each of them in turn. [[Obara Sand|Obara]], rusted nails and boiled leather, with her angry, close-set eyes and rat-brown hair. [[Nymeria Sand|Nymeria]], languid, elegant, olive-skinned, her long black braid bound up in red-gold wire. Tyene, blue-eyed and blond, a child-woman with her soft hands and little giggles.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}|thoughts of [[Areo Hotah]]}}

==Family==
{{Martell tree}}

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

[[Category:House Martell]]
[[Category:Bastards|Sand, Tyene]]
[[Category:Characters from Dorne|Sand, Tyene]]
[[Category:Characters with blond hair|Sand, Tyene]]
[[Category:Characters with blue eyes|Sand, Tyene]]
[[Category:Sand Snakes]]
[[Category:Spies|Sand, Tyene]]

[[es:Tyene Arena]]
[[fr:Tyerne Sand]]
[[ru:Тиена Сэнд]]
[[pt:Tyene Sand]]
[[zh:特蕾妮·沙德]]

Nymeria Sand

2026-07-06T20:20:34Z

Hhwang: /* A Feast for Crows */

{{See homonyms | Nymeria (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Nymeria
| lastname = Sand
| arms = Volantis
| image = Nymeria-Sand-eldritch-historian.png|250px
| image_caption = Nymeria Sand, by Eldritch-historian©
| Alias = Lady Nym{{Ref|AFFC|2}}
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[House Martell]]
| Race =
| Father = [[Oberyn Martell]]
| Mother = [[Nymeria Sand's mother]]
| Culture = [[Dornishmen]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth = [[Volantis]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Nymeria Sand}}
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|274}} or {{Date|275}} (age 25)<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Nymeria Sand|Nymeria Sand]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appears) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (appears) ''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = [[w:Jessica Henwick|Jessica Henwick]]
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 5|Season 5]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 6|6]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 7|7]]
}}

'''Nymeria Sand''', nicknamed '''Lady Nym''', is a [[bastard]] daughter of [[Oberyn Martell]] and a [[Nymeria Sand's mother|a noblewoman]] from [[Volantis]]. She is the second oldest of the infamous [[Sand Snakes]], so named for their bastard origin and the nickname of their father, the "Red Viper".

In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', Nymeria is portrayed by [[w:Jessica Henwick|Jessica Henwick]] and stated to be the daughter of a [[Yi Ti|YiTish]] noblewoman instead of a Volantene one.

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Nymeria Sand|l1=Images of Nymeria Sand}}
[[File:Lady nym by quickreaver.jpg|thumb|left|Lady Nym by quickreaver © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Nymeria is twenty-five years old, slim and slender as a willow, with straight black hair worn in a long braid which pulls back from a widow's peak.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}} She has dark eyes{{Ref|AFFC|2}} which are large and lustrous.{{Ref|ADWD|38}} Her full lips are [[wine]] red and curve in a silken smile,{{Ref|AFFC|2}}{{Ref|ADWD|38}} and she has high cheekbones.{{Ref|AFFC|2}} [[Areo Hotah]] describes Nym as having pale white skin in ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'',{{Ref|AFFC|2}} a fact confirmed by the [[canon|semi-canon]] app ''[[A World of Ice and Fire]]'',{{Ref|AWOIAF|Nymeria Sand}} but mentions her olive skin in ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]''.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}

Nymeria has all the beauty that her elder sister [[Obara Sand|Obara]] lacks but is no less deadly.{{Ref|AFFC|2}} Although elegant, Nym is vengeful.{{Ref|ADWD|38}} Like her father, Prince [[Oberyn Martell]], Nymeria is notorious.{{ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}

Nymeria dresses gracefully in shimmering lilac robes with a [[silk]] cape of cream and [[copper]],{{Ref|AFFC|2}} and she also owns a yellow silk gown so sheer it reveals spun [[gold]] and [[Jewelry|jewels]] worn underneath.{{Ref|ADWD|38}} Nymeria rides a pretty gold [[sand steed]] with a mane like white silk.{{Ref|AFFC|2}} Nym usually conceals a dozen daggers on her person{{Ref|ADWD|38}} and is proficient with the hidden blades.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}

Nymeria is good friends with [[Jeyne Fowler|Jeyne]] and [[Jennelyn Fowler]].{{Ref|AFFC|40}} [[Tyene Sand]] keeps nothing from her half-siblings, Obara and Nymeria.{{ref|AFFC|40}}

==History==
[[Nymeria Sand's mother|Nymeria's mother]] comes from the [[Old Blood|noblest blood]] of [[Volantis]],{{Ref|AFFC|2}} the [[Free City]] where Nym was born.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Volantis}}

Young Nym sometimes joined in play at the [[Water Gardens]] with her sister, [[Tyene Sand]], her cousin, Princess [[Arianne Martell]], [[Garin (orphan)|Garin]], [[Andrey Dalt]], [[Sylva Santagar]], the [[Fowler twins]], and the [[Archon's green-haired daughter]].{{Ref|AFFC|40}} Arianne keeps in her boot a throwing knife gifted to her by Nymeria.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:AurelienHubert LadyNymsGuard.jpg|thumb|350px|Nymeria Sand and her guard, by Aurelien Hubert © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Nymeria is abed with the [[House Fowler|Fowler]] twins, [[Jeyne Fowler|Jeyne]] and [[Jennelyn Fowler|Jennelyn]], when she is told of the death of her father, Prince [[Oberyn Martell]], in [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|AFFC|2}} Ser [[Daemon Sand]] sends her a [[raven]] explaining how Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] was [[poison]]ed by Oberyn and is now dying.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}

[[Obara Sand]], Nymeria's elder sister, meets with [[Doran Martell]], the [[Prince of Dorne]] and Oberyn's elder brother, at the [[Water Gardens]]. Seeking vengeance for Oberyn's death, Obara suggests leading a host from the [[Prince's Pass]] to attack [[Oldtown]] while Nymeria leads another host against the [[kingsroad]] from the [[Boneway]]. Doran refuses, however.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}

Accompanied by a dozen mounted spearmen, Nymeria meets Doran en route from the Water Gardens to [[Sunspear]]. She likewise demands vengeance for the death of her father, and she rejects the offer Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] made Doran for Gregor's head. Instead of open war, Nymeria wants to assassinate Tywin as vengeance for her late aunt [[Elia Martell]], Tywin's children [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]] and [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] for Elia's children [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Rhaegar)|Rhaenys]] and [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon Targaryen]], and lastly Tywin's grandchild, King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]], for Oberyn's murder. Doran responds that Oberyn died in single combat for which he had volunteered.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}

After meeting with another of Nymeria's sisters, [[Tyene Sand]], Doran orders [[Areo Hotah]] to take all eight [[Sand Snakes]] into custody. Areo is to begin with the confinement of the more dangerous three elder sisters in the [[Spear Tower]].{{ref|AFFC|2}} The younger girls, daughters of [[Ellaria Sand]], are confined to the Water Gardens.{{ref|AFFC|40}}

Doran's daughter, Princess [[Arianne Martell]], fails in an conspiracy to crown Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]].{{ref|AFFC|21}} Doran has Arianne imprisoned in the Spear Tower as well.{{ref|ADWD|40}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Doran has Obara, Nym, Tyene, and Arianne released from their cells in the Spear Tower.{{ref|ADWD|38}}

Nymeria is present at the feast at Sunspear when Ser [[Balon Swann]] presents the [[Mountain's skull]] to Doran. Balon seems discomforted by Nym's silk gown. When Balon tells the manner of Gregor's death, Nymeria celebrates his suffering. When [[Ricasso]] raises a toast to King Tommen, Nym declines with a flick of her wrist.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}

In Doran's chambers, Nymeria regrets that Tywin did not die by her hand. Doran has Obara, Tyene, and Nym swear their loyalty before telling them about Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]]'s plan to have Prince [[Trystane Martell]] killed. Doran sends Nymeria to King's Landing to take the vacant [[Dorne|Dornish]] seat on the [[small council]].{{Ref|ADWD|38}}

==Quotes by Nymeria==
[[File:Smirtouille Nymeria Sand.png|thumb|350px|Nymeria Sand by Smirtouille © Fantasy Flight Games]]
{{Quote|You know the [[House Fowler|Fowler]] words? Let Me Soar! That is all I ask of you. Let me soar, Uncle.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}| Nymeria to [[Doran Martell]]}}

{{Quote|'''Nymeria''': [[Obara Sand|Obara]] would make [[Oldtown]] our father's funeral pyre, but I am not so greedy. Four lives will suffice for me. Lord [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin's]] golden twins, as payment for [[Elia Martell|Elia's]] children. The old lion, for Elia herself. And last of all [[Tommen Baratheon|the little king]], for [[Oberyn Martell|my father]]. '''Doran''': The boy has never wronged us. '''Nymeria''': Only royal blood can wash out my father's murder.{{Ref|AFFC|2}}| Nymeria and [[Doran Martell]]}}

{{Quote|'''Ellaria''': Where does it end? '''Nymeria''': It ends in blood, as it began. It ends when [[Casterly Rock]] is cracked open, so the sun can shine on the maggots and the worms within. It ends with the utter ruin of [[Tywin Lannister]] and all his works. '''Ellaria''': The man died at the hand of [[Tyrion Lannister|his own son]]. What more could you wish? '''Nymeria''': I could wish that he died at my hand. If he had, his dying would not have been so easy.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}| [[Ellaria Sand]] and Nymeria}}

{{Quote|'''Doran''': We need a voice in [[small council|council]], an ear at court. Be careful, though. [[King's Landing]] is a pit of [[snake]]s. '''Nymeria''': Why, Uncle, I love snakes.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}| [[Doran Martell]] and Nymeria}}

==Quotes about Nymeria==
[[File:NymeriaSand BellaBergolts.jpg|thumb|350px|Nymeria Sand by Bella Bergolts ©]]
{{Quote|Nymeria was least dangerous when nearly naked. Elsewise she was sure to have a dozen blades concealed about her person.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}| thoughts of [[Areo Hotah]]}}

{{Quote|Hotah studied each of them in turn. [[Obara Sand|Obara]], rusted nails and boiled leather, with her angry, close-set eyes and rat-brown hair. Nymeria, languid, elegant, olive-skinned, her long black braid bound up in red-gold wire. [[Tyene Sand|Tyene]], blue-eyed and blond, a child-woman with her soft hands and little giggles.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}| thoughts of [[Areo Hotah]]}}

{{Quote|The Lady Nym. But no lady, if even half of what [[Qyburn]] reports is true. A [[bastard]] daughter of the Red Viper, near as notorious as her father and intent on claiming the council seat that Prince [[Oberyn Martell|Oberyn]] himself had occupied so briefly.{{Ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}| thoughts of [[Kevan Lannister]]}}

==Family==
{{Martell tree}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Oberyn Martell]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=Acting advisor {{S|in place of [[Doran Martell]]}}|years={{Date|300}}–present|under=[[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]]}}
{{S-inc}}
{{S-end}}

{{Tommen I small council}}

[[Category:House Martell]]
[[Category:Bastards|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Bilingual characters|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Characters from Dorne|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Characters from Volantis|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Characters with black hair|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Characters with dark eyes|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Characters with fair skin|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Characters with olive skin|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:LGBT+ characters‎|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Members of the small council|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Noblewomen|Sand, Nymeria]]
[[Category:Sand Snakes]]

[[es:Nymeria Arena]]
[[fr:Nymeria Sand]]
[[pt:Nymeria Sand]]
[[ru:Нимерия Сэнд]]
[[zh:娜梅莉亚·沙德]]

House Darry

2026-06-28T13:06:00Z

Hhwang: /* House Darry at the end of the third century */

{{Noble House
| House_name = House Darry of Darry
| Rank = lordly
| image = [[File:House Darry.svg|250px]]
| image_caption =
| Coat_of_arms = A black plowman on brown (''Brunâtre, a plowman sable'')
| Words =
| Seat = [[Darry]]
| Current_Lord = Lady [[Mariya Darry]]
| Region = The [[riverlands]]
| Title = [[Lord of Darry]]
| Heir =
| Overlord = [[House Tully]] (AGOT) [[House Baelish]] (ADWD)
| Ancestral_weapon =
| Cadet_branch =
| Founded_in = [[Coming of the Andals]]
| Founder =
| Died_out = {{Date|299}} (legitimate male line)
}}

'''House Darry of Darry''' is a noble house from [[Darry|Castle Darry]] in the [[riverlands]]. Historically it had been one of the more prominent and powerful houses of the [[Trident]], until the fall of the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]] in [[Robert's Rebellion]]. Their blazon is a black plowman on brown;{{Ref|ACOK|16}} the central building where the Darrys have their apartments is called the [[Plowman's Keep]].{{Ref|AFFC|30}} Their words do not appear in the books.

==History==
===First Men and Andals===
House Darry traces their rule to the days when the [[Andals]] cast down the [[First Men]].{{Ref|AFFC|30}} During the [[coming of the Andals]], three sons of Lord Darry held back the Andals of [[Vorian Vypren]] at the [[Widow's Ford]] before being slain.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

Lord Darry died in the fighting between the [[House Teague|Teagues]] and the [[Storm King]] [[Arlan III Durrandon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}

===Targaryen Era===
[[File:JB Casacop Castle Darry.jpg|thumb|[[Darry|Castle Darry]] by JB Casacop © Fantasy Flight Games]]
After King [[Maegor I Targaryen]] exterminated [[House Harroway]] in {{Date|44}}, he divided up the Harroway holdings among his remaining supporters, granting [[Harrenhal]] to Ser [[Walton Towers]], [[Lord Harroway's Town]] to Lord [[Alton Butterwell]], and the rest of the Harroway holdings to Lord [[Darnold Darry]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} Lord Darry praised King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] during the [[Golden Wedding]].{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}}

House Darry supported [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. The Darrys helped to capture [[taking of Stone Hedge|Stone Hedge]],{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} but Ser [[Criston Cole]] later defeated [[Lord Darry (Dance)|Lord Darry]], Lord [[House Roote|Roote]], and Ser [[Oswald Wode]] along the [[Gods Eye]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] had his dragon, [[Vhagar]], burn Castle Darry and the surrounding fields. Lady Darry and her younger children survived below the keep, but Lord Darry and his heir were killed on the battlements.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Lord [[Derrick Darry]] participated in the [[Second Battle of Tumbleton]],{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} and Lord [[Roland Darry]] was slain by Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] in the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

During the [[regency of Aegon III]], Ser [[Damon Darry]] and Ser [[Regis Groves]] marched to subdue [[Alys Rivers]]'s rabble at Harrenhal. Damon was forced to flee back to Darry after Regis was slain.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}} [[Rosamund Darry]] attended the [[Maiden's Day Ball]] in [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}} Darrys participated in Ser [[Robert Rowan]]'s host which supported Ser [[Joffrey Arryn]] in the [[Vale of Arryn|Vale]].{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

The Darrys were Targaryen loyalists, supporting King [[Daeron II Targaryen]] over [[Daemon I Blackfyre]] in the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]]. Lord Darry destroyed the black dragon sign of the [[Clanking Dragon]], as he saw in it the sigil of [[House Blackfyre]].{{Ref|AFFC|37}}

Ser [[Desmond Darry]] participated in the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]] in {{Date|209}},{{Ref|thk| [[The Hedge Knight (comics)|Graphic Novel]]}} his arms identified by Ser [[Duncan the Tall]] among the gathered attendees heraldry at the [[tourney]].{{Ref|THK}}

The [[Demon of Darry]] became [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]].{{Ref|ASOS|67}} The song of Lord [[Deremond]] at the [[Bloody Meadow]] may be about a Lord of Darry.{{Ref|ACOK|45}}

[[Norbert Vance]] squired together with [[Brynden Tully]] for the Lord Darry of their time.{{Ref|AFFC|38}}

During the reign of King [[Aerys II Targaryen]], Ser [[Willem Darry]] was master-at-arms of the [[Red Keep]]. When [[Rhaegar Targaryen]], [[Prince of Dragonstone]], decided that he wanted to be a warrior, he asked Willem to provide him sword and armor.{{Ref|ASOS|8}} Ser [[Jonothor Darry]] was a member of Aerys II's [[Kingsguard]].{{Ref|ASOS|67}}

===Robert's Rebellion===
During [[Robert's Rebellion]], the Darrys defended King [[Aerys II Targaryen]] against [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]], [[Lord of Storm's End]], in defiance of their liege, [[Hoster Tully]], [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]].{{Ref|AGOT|28}} After the [[Battle of the Bells]], Ser [[Jonothor Darry]] and his sworn brother of the [[Kingsguard]], Ser [[Barristan Selmy]], were sent to [[Stoney Sept]] to rally remnants of the loyalist army of [[Jon Connington]], [[Lord of Griffin's Roost]].{{Ref|ASOS|37}}

Jonothor was one of three Kingsguard knights who accompanied Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] and the royal army to confront the rebels at the [[Battle of the Trident]], where he was slain during the battle.{{Ref|AFFC|8}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Fall of the Dragons: Robert's Rebellion}} Ser [[Raymun Darry]] lost his three older brothers at the [[Trident]] as well.{{Ref|AGOT|16}} Ser [[Willem Darry]] and four loyal men smuggled Aerys's surviving children, Prince [[Viserys Targaryen|Viserys]] and Princess [[Daenerys Targaryen]], to [[Braavos]] before the [[assault on Dragonstone]] by [[Stannis Baratheon]]. Willem would later die of a wasting sickness in a [[House with the red door|house with a red door]] in Braavos while caring for the Targaryen children.{{Ref|AGOT|3}}

The defeat of the Targaryens cost the Darrys half of their lands, most of their wealth, and almost all their power.{{Ref|ASOS|Epilogue}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Aleksander Karcz Ser Raymun DarryII.jpg|thumb|Ser [[Raymun Darry]], by Aleksander Karcz © Fantasy Flight Games]]
House Darry is among the houses that the exiled [[Viserys Targaryen]] believes will rise for him if he lands in [[Westeros]].{{Ref|AGOT|3}}

During the hunt for [[Arya Stark]] and [[Mycah]], King [[Robert I Baratheon]] and his party stay at [[Darry|Castle Darry]].{{Ref|AGOT|16}}

Ser [[Raymun Darry]] is summoned with all his strength to [[Riverrun]] by Ser [[Edmure Tully]]. Meanwhile, Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] and [[Mountain's men|his men]] raid the [[riverlands]]. [[Hoster Tully]], [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]] sends Raymun with Ser [[Marq Piper]] and Ser [[Karyl Vance]] to report the incident to the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|AGOT|43}}

Raymun is part of the expedition commanded by [[Beric Dondarrion]], [[Lord of Blackhaven]], to kill Gregor. The party is ambushed by Gregor and [[House Lannister]], however, and Raymun is killed in the [[battle at the Mummer's Ford]].{{Ref|AGOT|55}} According to a semi-canon source, the current [[Lord Darry (father of Raymun)|Lord Darry]], Raymun's father, dies in the battle as well.<ref name=RPG>''[[A Game of Thrones (game)|A Game of Thrones: d20-based Open Gaming RPG]]'', The World of A Game of Thrones: Riverlands</ref>

After [[Robb Stark]]'s victory at the [[Battle of the Camps]], Marq and Karyl arrive at Riverrun with Raymun's son, the young [[Lyman Darry]], the new Lord Darry. Lyman attends the council at Riverrun where Robb is proclaimed [[King in the North]]. Lyman assures that he will never call a Lannister his king.{{Ref|AGOT|71}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Little Walder Frey]] quarters his shield to depict in one quarter the Darry plowman of his mother's house.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

When Robb, [[King of the Trident]], gives leave to the river lords to return to their castles, Lyman returns to Darry. Just after he arrives, Gregor returns and [[Sack of Darry|kills Lyman and all his garrison]]. Lyman was only eight, and the last trueborn heir of Darry through the male line.{{Ref|ACOK|7}}

[[Catelyn Stark]] sees Darry men with the other river lords near Riverrun prior to the [[Battle of the Fords]].{{Ref|ACOK|39}}

The Lannister garrison eventually surrenders to Ser [[Helman Tallhart]] in the [[siege of Darry]]. [[Roose Bolton]], [[Lord of the Dreadfort]], sends word to Helman from [[Harrenhal]] that Robb has ordered the surrendered garrison to be executed and for Helman to put the castle to the torch and leave.{{Ref|ACOK|65}}

After the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] awards Ser [[Lancel Lannister]] the lands, castle and rights of House Darry, creating [[House Lannister of Darry]]. This lordship is given in favor of a living bastard Darry cousin.{{Ref|ACOK|65}} The move is arranged by Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] to thank his loyal brother, Ser [[Kevan Lannister|Kevan]], who is Lancel's father.{{Ref|AFFC|7}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
Darry men are left lordless and lawless during the [[War of the Five Kings]].{{Ref|ASOS|37}}

[[Tom of Sevenstreams]] accuses [[Sandor Clegane]] of the deaths of Raymun and Lyman Darry, although both were killed by his brother, Gregor.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}

[[Merrett Frey]] thinks that his marriage with [[Mariya Darry]], the daughter of Lord Darry, was unfortunate, as the Darrys lost all their prominence after [[Robert's Rebellion]].{{Ref|ASOS|Epilogue}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
Because Castle Darry was occupied by [[broken men]] after the northmen's departure, Ser Kevan Lannister sends Ser [[Harwyn Plumm]], called the Hardstone, to expel them.{{Ref|AFFC|12}}

Kevan marries his son Lancel to [[Amerei Frey]], the eldest daughter of the female heir to Darry, to strengthen his claim over the Darry lands.{{Ref|AFFC|7}} She brings to Darry a score of [[House Frey|Freys]], including her Darry-born mother, Mariya, one sister, and some uncles and cousins. Probably after Kevan's recommendation, Lancel quarters his Lannister lion with the Darry plowman in the arms of House Lannister of Darry. Kevan helps Lancel to rebuild Darry, but departs soon due to disagreements with his son and his new religious zeal.{{Ref|AFFC|30}}

Jaime and his company spend a night at Castle Darry on their way to the [[siege of Riverrun]]. Jaime recalls that as King Robert's party journeyed north to [[Winterfell]], Jaime and his brother [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]] discovered hidden tapestries of the Targaryen kings at Castle Darry, uncovering that the Darrys were still Targaryen loyalists.{{Ref|AFFC|30}} [[Genna Lannister]] complains that Darry, though smaller, is a safer place than Riverrun and would have preferred it for her spouse [[Emmon Frey]], since the male line of the Darrys is already extinguished.{{Ref|AFFC|33}}

While discussing the graves of dead soldiers who have washed up on the [[Quiet Isle]], the [[Elder Brother (Quiet Isle)|Elder Brother]] says that Darry and Frey men are buried side by side.{{Ref|AFFC|31}}

==House Darry at the end of the third century==
The known Darrys during the timespan of the events described in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' are:

* {[[Lord Darry (father of Raymun)|Lord Darry]]}, [[Raymun Darry|Raymun]], [[Mariya Darry|Mariya]] and [[Jeyne Darry]]'s father.{{Ref|ASOS|Epilogue}}{{Ref|AFFC|33}} Slain at the [[Battle at the Mummer's Ford|Mummer's Ford]], according to a semi-canon source.<ref name=RPG/>
** Ser {[[Raymun Darry]]}, Lord Darry's fourth son. Slain at the [[Battle at the Mummer's Ford|Mummer's Ford]].{{Ref|agot|55}} It is unclear if he was also Lord of Darry before his son Lyman.{{refn|group=N|Ser [[Raymun Darry]] is never formally called [[Lord of Darry]] in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'', both in text and appendices, although [[Eddard Stark]] and [[Jaime Lannister]] think of him as [[Darry]]'s lord.{{Ref|AGOT|16}}{{Ref|AFFC|30}} [[Tom of Sevenstreams]] mentions "Ser Raymun Darry, Lord Darry, young Lord Darry" among [[House Lannister]]'s victims; it is possible that "Lord Darry" and "young Lord Darry" refer respectively to Raymun's father and son, implying that Raymun was never a lord.{{Ref|ASOS|34}} According to a semi-canon source, "Lord Darry ruled the House, but Ser Gregor Clegane kills both him and his heir Ser Raymun at Mummer’s Ford at the Red Fork of the Trident. Ser Raymun’s eight- or nine-year-old son succeeds to the lordship of the House."<ref name=RPG>''[[A Game of Thrones (game)|A Game of Thrones: d20-based Open Gaming RPG]]'', The World of A Game of Thrones: Riverlands</ref> It is possible that Lord Darry was still alive at the start of ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'', having retired from active rule in the years after [[Robert's Rebellion]], with Raymun being the ''de facto'' lord.<ref name=retirement>Westeros.org: [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/153070-small-questions-v-10106/page/32/&tab=comments#comment-8516987 Small Questions], April 30, 2020</ref>}}
*** {[[Lyman Darry]]}, Lord of [[Darry]]. Slain during the [[War of the Five Kings]].{{Ref|ACOK|7}}
* Ser Raymun's three elder brothers, who died during the [[Battle of the Trident]].{{Ref|AGOT|16}}
* Lady [[Mariya Darry]], Ser Raymun's sister. Wife of [[Merrett Frey|Merrett]], the ninth son of Lord [[Walder Frey]]. Mother to [[Amerei Frey|Amerei]], [[Walda Frey (daughter of Merrett)|Fat Walda]], [[Marissa Frey|Marissa]] and [[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Little Walder]].{{Ref|AFFC|33}}
* Lady [[Jeyne Darry]]: Ser Raymun's sister and Mariya's younger sister. Married to Ser [[Cleos Frey]]. Mother to [[Tywin Frey|Tywin]] and [[Willem Frey|Willem]].{{Ref|AFFC|33}}
With unspecified familiar relationship to the main branch of the house there is also:
* Ser {[[Willem Darry]]}, [[master-at-arms]] of the [[Red Keep]] before [[Robert's Rebellion]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}} He departed to [[Dragonstone]] with Queen [[Rhaella Targaryen|Rhaella]] and Prince [[Viserys Targaryen|Viserys]],{{Ref|agot|39}} and later fled with Viserys and Princess [[Daenerys Targaryen|Daenerys]] to [[Braavos]].{{Ref|awoiaf| Daenerys Targaryen}} An old man, he died in Braavos from [[illness]].{{Ref|aGoT|3}}
* Ser {[[Jonothor Darry]]}, a [[knight]] of King [[Aerys II Targaryen]]'s [[Kingsguard]]. Died at the Trident.{{Ref|affc|8}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Fall of the Dragons: Robert’s Rebellion}} Brother to Ser Willem.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Aeryss_Kingsguard Aerys's Kingsguard, (May 27, 1999)]</ref>
* A [[bastard]] cousin.{{Ref|ACOK|65}}

{{Darry tree}}

==Historical Members==
* Lord Darry, during the time of [[Vorian Vypren]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
** His three sons, who held back the [[Andals]] of [[Vorian Vypren]] at the Widow's Ford before being slain.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
* Lord Darry, during the reign of [[Humfrey I Teague]] who died at the [[Battle of Six Kings]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands}}
* Lord [[Darnold Darry]], head of the House during the reign of King [[Maegor I Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}}
* [[Lord Darry (Dance)|Lord Darry]], one of the [[blacks]] during the Dance of the Dragons. He died on the battlements of [[Darry]] burned by [[Vhagar]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
** Lady Darry, his wife who survived the attack on [[Darry]] by [[Vhagar]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
*** His son and heir, who died on the battlements with his father.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
*** Younger children, who survived the attack on [[Darry]] by [[Vhagar]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}
* Lord [[Derrick Darry]], one of the [[blacks]] during the Dance of the Dragons.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}
* Lord [[Roland Darry]], one of the blacks during the Dance.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
* Ser [[Damon Darry]], who fought [[Alys Rivers]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}
* [[Rosamund Darry]], who suffered the "Maiden's Day curse" before the [[Maiden's Day Ball]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}
* The [[Demon of Darry]], a famous [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard|Lord Commander]] of the [[Kingsguard]].{{Ref|ASOS|67}}
* Lord Darry, during the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]] who cut down the black dragon sign at the [[Inn at the Crossroads]].{{Ref|AFFC|37}}
* Ser [[Desmond Darry]], who participated in the [[tourney at Ashford Meadow]] in {{Date|209}}.{{Ref|thk| [[The Hedge Knight (comics)|Graphic Novel]]}}
* Lord [[Deremond]] was presumably a Darry. There is a song about his exploits at the Bloody Meadow. Some of its verses are: "And there he stood with sword in hand, the last of Darry's ten...".{{Ref|acok|45}}
* Lord Darry, [[Brynden Tully]] and [[Norbert Vance]] were his squires in their youth.{{Ref|AFFC|38}}
* Lord Darry, [[Raymun Darry|Raymun]], [[Mariya Darry|Mariya]] and [[Jeyne Darry]]'s grandfather.{{Ref|AFFC|30}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

{{HousesRiverlands}}

[[Category:House Darry| ]]
[[Category:Houses from the Riverlands|Darry]]
[[Category:Houses of First Men origin|Darry]]
[[Category:Lords of Darry| ]]
[[Category:Noble houses|Darry]]

[[es:Casa Darry]]
[[fr:Maison Darry]]
[[ru:Дарри]]
[[zh:戴瑞家族]]

Maerie the Whore

2026-06-12T20:46:08Z

Hhwang: /* Quotes */

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Maerie
| epithet = the Whore
| nametemplate = /firstname/epithet
| image =
| image_caption =
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance =
| Race =
| Culture = [[Rivermen]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death = [[Riverlands]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|299}}
| Books = ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
}}

'''Maerie the Whore''' is an inhabitant of the [[riverlands]].

==Recent Events==
===''A Storm of Swords''===
Maerie is killed by the forces of [[House Lannister]] during the [[War of the Five Kings]]. When [[Sandor Clegane]] was captured by the [[brotherhood without banners]] and put on trial for crimes committed by his fellow [[House Lannister|Lannister]] forces, Maerie was among the long list of Lannister victims named by [[Tom of Sevenstreams]] whose murders Clegane was to stand trial for.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|'''Tom''': [[Alyn]] of [[Winterfell]], [[Joth Quickbow]], [[Little Matt]] and his sister [[Randa]], [[Anvil Ryn]]. Ser [[Ormond (knight)|Ormond]]. Ser [[Dudley]]. [[Pate of Mory|Pate]] of [[Mory]], [[Pate of Lancewood|Pate]] of [[Lancewood]], [[Old Pate]], and [[Pate of Shermer's Grove|Pate]] of [[Shermer's Grove]]. Blind [[Wyl the Whittler]]. [[Maerie (goodwife)|Goodwife Maerie]]. Maerie the Whore. [[Becca the Baker]]. Ser [[Raymun Darry]], [[Lord Darry (father of Raymun)|Lord Darry]], young [[Lyman Darry|Lord Darry]]. The [[Harry Rivers|Bastard of Bracken]]. [[Fletcher Will]]. [[Harsley]]. Goodwife [[Nolla]]— '''Sandor''': Enough. You're making noise. These names mean nothing. Who were they? '''Beric''': People. People great and small, young and old. Good people and bad people, who died on the points of [[House Lannister|Lannister]] spears or saw their bellies opened by Lannister swords.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}|[[Tom of Sevenstreams]], [[Sandor Clegane]], and [[Beric Dondarrion]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Casualties of the War of the Five Kings]]
[[Category:Characters from the Riverlands]]
[[Category:Prostitutes]]
[[Category:Smallfolk]]

[[es:Maerie]]
[[fr:Maerie la Catin]]

Nolla

2026-06-12T20:44:29Z

Hhwang: /* Quotes */

{{Infobox character
| title = Goodwife
| firstname = Nolla
| image =
| image_caption =
| Alias =
| Title = [[Goodwife]]
| Allegiance =
| Race =
| Culture = [[Rivermen]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death = [[Riverlands]]
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
}}

Goodwife '''Nolla''' is an inhabitant of the [[riverlands]].

==Recent Events==
===''A Storm of Swords''===
Nolla is killed by the forces of [[House Lannister]] during the [[War of the Five Kings]]. When [[Sandor Clegane]] is captured by the [[brotherhood without banners]] and put on trial for crimes committed by his fellow [[House Lannister|Lannister]] forces, Maerie is among the long list of [[rivermen]] victims named by [[Tom of Sevenstreams]] whose murders Sandor is to stand trial for.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|'''Tom''': [[Alyn]] of [[Winterfell]], [[Joth Quickbow]], [[Little Matt]] and his sister [[Randa]], [[Anvil Ryn]]. Ser [[Ormond (knight)|Ormond]]. Ser [[Dudley]]. [[Pate of Mory|Pate]] of [[Mory]], [[Pate of Lancewood|Pate]] of [[Lancewood]], [[Old Pate]], and [[Pate of Shermer's Grove|Pate]] of [[Shermer's Grove]]. Blind [[Wyl the Whittler]]. [[Maerie (goodwife)|Goodwife Maerie]]. [[Maerie the Whore]]. [[Becca the Baker]]. Ser [[Raymun Darry]], [[Lord Darry (father of Raymun)|Lord Darry]], young [[Lyman Darry|Lord Darry]]. The [[Harry Rivers|Bastard of Bracken]]. [[Fletcher Will]]. [[Harsley]]. Goodwife Nolla— 
'''Sandor''': Enough. You're making noise. These names mean nothing. Who were they? 
'''Beric''': People. People great and small, young and old. Good people and bad people, who died on the points of [[House Lannister|Lannister]] spears or saw their bellies opened by Lannister swords.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}| [[Tom of Sevenstreams]], [[Sandor Clegane]], and [[Beric Dondarrion]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Casualties of the War of the Five Kings]]
[[Category:Characters from the Riverlands]]
[[Category:Goodwives]]
[[Category:Smallfolk]]

[[es:Nolla]]
[[fr:Nolla]]

A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 48

2026-06-12T20:31:26Z

Hhwang: /* Synopsis */

{{Infobox Chapter ADwD
| pov = [[Jaime Lannister]]
| place = [[Raventree Hall]] - [[Pennytree]]
| title = Jaime
| page = 632
| previous = [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 47|Tyrion X]]
| current = Jaime
| next = [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 49|Jon X]]
| arc previous = [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 44|Jaime VII]] ''A Feast for Crows''
| arc next =
}}

Jaime lifts the siege at [[Raventree Hall]]. On his way to Riverrun and King's Landing, he encounters [[Brienne of Tarth]].

==Synopsis==
[[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] arrives at [[Raventree Hall]], under siege by [[Jonos Bracken]]. The siege here is much smaller than the one at [[Riverrun]] as the intentions are not to storm the castle but rather to starve them out. The siege has been going on for six months and there is not much hope of rescue for [[Tytos Blackwood]] as it is only a matter of time.

Jaime meets first with Lord Jonos who is in an intimate position with [[Hildy]]. After she leaves, Jaime inquires as to what Jonos seeks from the situation. Jonos insists on acquiring a quarter of the [[House Blackwood]] lands, saying that they were stolen from them long ago, and that [[Tywin Lannister]] promised them to Jonos if he subdued the Blackwoods. Jaime chides the [[House Bracken|Bracken]] man saying that they were once an enemy of the king when they sided with the [[House Stark|Starks]], and keeping his head is more than enough compensation for what the [[Gregor Clegane|Mountain]] did to his lands. Bracken protests that he will keep faith with the crown as he did with the Starks; Jonos adds that a dozen good men of his died at the [[Red Wedding]] with [[Robb Stark]] and he bent the knee because he saw no point in fighting on for a lost cause. Jaime remarks that Lord Jonos is a prudent man on hearing this, yet privately thinks Blackwood might be considered more honorable.

Jaime then goes to parley with [[Tytos Blackwood]]. Inside he sees the castle's massive [[weirwood]] tree from which the castle derives its name; the tree is black and leafless. Tytos tells Jaime that it is the fault of the Brackens, poisoned and barren for a thousand years, and in another thousand it will turn to stone as weirwoods never rot. As they treat, Jaime tells him that he does not have to physically kneel to him. They agree to a confession, fealty, pardon, and financial sum as well as lands. Finally they discuss the matter of a hostage, and Jaime asks for [[Bethany Blackwood|Bethany]], his daughter, but Tytos refuses as she is his only daughter. They eventually agree to sending [[Hoster Blackwood|Hoster]] as he is a bookish boy who may enjoy his time in [[King's Landing]] and all the books there. Jaime then leaves quickly as he has appointments in Riverrun and King's Landing. The boy is ready to leave with him within an hour. Before departing, he meets Lord [[Jonos Bracken|Jonos]] to tell him the resolution, but also informs him that a daughter of his is to attend to the queen in the capital, as she too is to be a hostage.

Jaime rides to the village [[Pennytree]] with Hoster, who tells him of the history of the lands and animosity between the Blackwoods and Brackens. In the village stands an ancient [[oak]] tree with pennies nailed to it, the namesake of the village. There, [[Brienne of Tarth]] finds them, bandaged on her face, and with the sword [[Oathkeeper]]. Brienne claims that she has found [[Sansa Stark]], and that Jaime must accompany her alone or else the [[Sandor Clegane|Hound]] will kill the girl.<ref group="N">Brienne was last seen in ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 42|Chapter 42]]; Sansa, in ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 41|Chapter 41]]; and Sandor, in ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'', [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 74|Chapter 74]]. Brienne's story is almost certainly false, given the last known situations of all three characters.</ref>

==Character List appearing/mentioned==
{{Columns|3|
* [[Jaime Lannister]]
* [[Jonos Bracken]]
* [[Tommen Baratheon]]
* [[Cersei Lannister]]
* [[High Sparrow|High Septon]]
* [[Josmyn Peckledon]]
* [[Lancel Lannister]]
* [[Osmund Kettleblack]]
* [[Moon Boy]]
* [[Hildy]]
* [[Myrcella Baratheon]]
* [[Doran Martell]]
* [[Robert Baratheon]]
* [[Brynden Tully]]
* [[Tytos Blackwood]]
* [[Gregor Clegane]]
* [[Robb Stark]]
* [[Walder Frey]]
* [[Kennos of Kayce]]
* [[Edmure Tully]]
* [[Bethany Blackwood]]
* [[Edmund Blackwood]]
* [[Robert Blackwood]]
* [[Lucas Blackwood]]
* [[Brynden Blackwood]]
* [[Hoster Blackwood]]
* [[Harry Rivers]]
* [[Beric Dondarrion]]
* [[Thoros of Myr]]
* [[Sandor Clegane]]
* [[Catelyn Stark|Lady Stoneheart]]
* [[Ryman Frey]]
* [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]
* [[Barba Bracken]]
* [[Melissa Blackwood]]
* [[Tyrion Lannister]]
* [[Walderan Tarbeck]]
* [[Ellyn Tarbeck]]
* [[Rhaegar Targaryen]]
* [[Eddard Stark]]
* [[Sansa Stark]]
* [[Arya Stark]]
* [[Brienne of Tarth]]
* [[Harry Merrell]]
* [[Harsley]]
* [[Ormond (knight)|Ormond]]
* [[Lacey]]
}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==External links==
*[https://www.tor.com/2015/07/09/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-dance-with-dragons-part-28/ A Read of Ice and Fire: A Dance with Dragons, Part 28] Analyses and summary of the chapter by Leigh Butler.

[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|Dance 48]]
[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Jaime Lannister|Dance 48]]
[[Category:Chapters which take place in the Riverlands|Dance 48]]

[[es:Danza de Dragones-Capítulo 48]]
[[fr:A Dance with Dragons, Chapitre 49, Jaime]]
[[pt:A Dança dos Dragões - Capítulo 48]]
[[ru:Танец с драконами, Джейме I]]
[[zh:魔龙的狂舞-章节 48]]

A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 48

2026-06-12T20:25:12Z

Hhwang: /* Character List appearing/mentioned */

{{Infobox Chapter ADwD
| pov = [[Jaime Lannister]]
| place = [[Raventree Hall]] - [[Pennytree]]
| title = Jaime
| page = 632
| previous = [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 47|Tyrion X]]
| current = Jaime
| next = [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 49|Jon X]]
| arc previous = [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 44|Jaime VII]] ''A Feast for Crows''
| arc next =
}}

Jaime lifts the siege at [[Raventree Hall]]. On his way to Riverrun and King's Landing, he encounters [[Brienne of Tarth]].

==Synopsis==
[[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] arrives at [[Raventree Hall]], under siege by [[Jonos Bracken]]. The siege here is much smaller than the one at [[Riverrun]] as the intentions are not to storm the castle but rather to starve them out. The siege has been going on for six months and there is not much hope of rescue for [[Tytos Blackwood]] as it is only a matter of time.

Jaime meets first with Lord Jonos who is in an intimate position with [[Hildy]]. After she leaves, Jaime inquires as to what Jonos seeks from the situation. Jonos insists on acquiring a quarter of the [[House Blackwood]] lands, saying that they were stolen from them long ago, and that [[Tywin Lannister]] promised them to Jonos if he subdued the Blackwoods. Jaime chides the [[House Bracken|Bracken]] man saying that they were once an enemy of the king when they sided with the [[House Stark|Starks]], and keeping his head is more than enough compensation for what the [[Gregor Clegane|Mountain]] did to his lands. Bracken protests that he will keep faith with the crown as he did with the Starks; Jonos adds that a dozen good men of his died at the [[Red Wedding]] with [[Robb Stark]] and he bent the knee because he saw no point in fighting on for a lost cause. Jaime remarks that Lord Jonos is a prudent man on hearing this, yet privately thinks Blackwood might be considered more honorable.

Jaime then goes to parley with [[Tytos Blackwood]]. Inside he sees the castle's massive [[weirwood]] tree from which the castle derives its name; the tree is black and leafless. Tytos tells Jaime that it is the fault of the Brackens, poisoned and barren for a thousand years, and in another thousand it will turn to stone as weirwoods never rot. As they treat, Jaime tells him that he does not have to physically kneel to him. They agree to a confession, fealty, pardon, and financial sum as well as lands. Finally they discuss the matter of a hostage, and Jaime asks for [[Bethany Blackwood|Bethany]], his daughter, but Tytos refuses as she is his only daughter. They eventually agree to sending [[Hoster Blackwood|Hoster]] as he is a bookish boy who may enjoy his time in [[King's Landing]] and all the books there. Jaime then leaves quickly as he has appointments in Riverrun and King's Landing. The boy is ready to leave with him within an hour. Before departing, he meets Lord [[Jonos Bracken|Jonos]] to tell him the resolution, but also informs him that a daughter of his is to attend to the queen in the capital, as she too is to be a hostage.

Jaime rides to the village [[Pennytree]] with Hoster, who tells him of the history of the lands and animosity between the Blackwoods and Brackens. In the village stands an ancient [[oak]] tree with pennies nailed to it, the namesake of the village. There, [[Brienne of Tarth]] finds them, bandaged on her face, and with the sword [[Oathkeeper]]. Brienne claims that she has found [[Sansa Stark]], and that Jaime must accompany her alone or else [[Sandor Clegane]] will kill the girl.<ref group="N">Brienne was last seen in ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 42|Chapter 42]]; Sansa, in ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 41|Chapter 41]]; and Sandor, in ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'', [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 74|Chapter 74]]. Brienne's story is almost certainly false, given the last known situations of all three characters.</ref>

==Character List appearing/mentioned==
{{Columns|3|
* [[Jaime Lannister]]
* [[Jonos Bracken]]
* [[Tommen Baratheon]]
* [[Cersei Lannister]]
* [[High Sparrow|High Septon]]
* [[Josmyn Peckledon]]
* [[Lancel Lannister]]
* [[Osmund Kettleblack]]
* [[Moon Boy]]
* [[Hildy]]
* [[Myrcella Baratheon]]
* [[Doran Martell]]
* [[Robert Baratheon]]
* [[Brynden Tully]]
* [[Tytos Blackwood]]
* [[Gregor Clegane]]
* [[Robb Stark]]
* [[Walder Frey]]
* [[Kennos of Kayce]]
* [[Edmure Tully]]
* [[Bethany Blackwood]]
* [[Edmund Blackwood]]
* [[Robert Blackwood]]
* [[Lucas Blackwood]]
* [[Brynden Blackwood]]
* [[Hoster Blackwood]]
* [[Harry Rivers]]
* [[Beric Dondarrion]]
* [[Thoros of Myr]]
* [[Sandor Clegane]]
* [[Catelyn Stark|Lady Stoneheart]]
* [[Ryman Frey]]
* [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]
* [[Barba Bracken]]
* [[Melissa Blackwood]]
* [[Tyrion Lannister]]
* [[Walderan Tarbeck]]
* [[Ellyn Tarbeck]]
* [[Rhaegar Targaryen]]
* [[Eddard Stark]]
* [[Sansa Stark]]
* [[Arya Stark]]
* [[Brienne of Tarth]]
* [[Harry Merrell]]
* [[Harsley]]
* [[Ormond (knight)|Ormond]]
* [[Lacey]]
}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==External links==
*[https://www.tor.com/2015/07/09/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-dance-with-dragons-part-28/ A Read of Ice and Fire: A Dance with Dragons, Part 28] Analyses and summary of the chapter by Leigh Butler.

[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|Dance 48]]
[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Jaime Lannister|Dance 48]]
[[Category:Chapters which take place in the Riverlands|Dance 48]]

[[es:Danza de Dragones-Capítulo 48]]
[[fr:A Dance with Dragons, Chapitre 49, Jaime]]
[[pt:A Dança dos Dragões - Capítulo 48]]
[[ru:Танец с драконами, Джейме I]]
[[zh:魔龙的狂舞-章节 48]]

Harsley

2026-06-12T19:20:12Z

Hhwang: /* Quotes */

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Harsley
| image =
| image_caption =
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance =
| Race =
| Culture = [[Rivermen]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death = [[Pennytree]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|298}} or {{Date|299}}
| Books = ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
}}

'''Harsley''' was an inhabitant of the [[Riverlands]].

==Recent Events==
===''A Storm of Swords''===
Harsley was slain by the forces of [[House Lannister]] during the [[War of the Five Kings]]{{Ref|ASOS|34}} at [[Pennytree]].{{Ref|ADWD|48}} When [[Sandor Clegane]] was captured by the [[brotherhood without banners]] and put on trial for crimes committed by his fellow [[House Lannister|Lannister]] forces, Harsley was among the long list of Lannister victims named by [[Tom of Sevenstreams]] whose murders Clegane was to stand trial for.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
When Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] passes through Pennytree on his way through the riverlands and introduces his party as king's men, the villagers cite Harsley's death at the hands of king's men as one of the reasons they are distrustful of him.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|'''Tom''': [[Alyn]] of [[Winterfell]], [[Joth Quickbow]], [[Little Matt]] and his sister [[Randa]], [[Anvil Ryn]]. Ser [[Ormond (knight)|Ormond]]. Ser [[Dudley]]. [[Pate of Mory|Pate]] of [[Mory]], [[Pate of Lancewood|Pate]] of [[Lancewood]], [[Old Pate]], and [[Pate of Shermer's Grove|Pate]] of [[Shermer's Grove]]. Blind [[Wyl the Whittler]]. [[Maerie (goodwife)|Goodwife Maerie]]. [[Maerie the Whore]]. [[Becca the Baker]]. Ser [[Raymun Darry]], [[Lord Darry (father of Raymun)|Lord Darry]], young [[Lyman Darry|Lord Darry]]. The [[Harry Rivers|Bastard of Bracken]]. [[Fletcher Will]]. Harsley. Goodwife [[Nolla]]— '''Sandor''': Enough. You're making noise. These names mean nothing. Who were they? '''Beric''': People. People great and small, young and old. Good people and bad people, who died on the points of [[House Lannister|Lannister]] spears or saw their bellies opened by Lannister swords.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}|[[Tom of Sevenstreams]], [[Sandor Clegane]], and [[Beric Dondarrion]]}}

{{Quote|They was king's men burned our village. Before that, some other king's men took our sheep. They were for a different king, but that didn't matter none to our sheep. King's men killed Harsley and Ser [[Ormond (knight)|Ormond]], and raped [[Lacey]] till she died.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}|a [[Pennytree]] villager to [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Casualties of the War of the Five Kings]]
[[Category:Characters from the Riverlands]]
[[Category:Smallfolk]]

[[es:Harsley]]
[[fr:Harsley]]
[[ru:Харсли]]

Harsley

2026-06-12T19:14:11Z

Hhwang: /* Quotes */

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Harsley
| image =
| image_caption =
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance =
| Race =
| Culture = [[Rivermen]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death = [[Pennytree]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|298}} or {{Date|299}}
| Books = ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
}}

'''Harsley''' was an inhabitant of the [[Riverlands]].

==Recent Events==
===''A Storm of Swords''===
Harsley was slain by the forces of [[House Lannister]] during the [[War of the Five Kings]]{{Ref|ASOS|34}} at [[Pennytree]].{{Ref|ADWD|48}} When [[Sandor Clegane]] was captured by the [[brotherhood without banners]] and put on trial for crimes committed by his fellow [[House Lannister|Lannister]] forces, Harsley was among the long list of Lannister victims named by [[Tom of Sevenstreams]] whose murders Clegane was to stand trial for.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
When Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] passes through Pennytree on his way through the riverlands and introduces his party as king's men, the villagers cite Harsley's death at the hands of king's men as one of the reasons they are distrustful of him.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|'''Tom''': [[Alyn]] of [[Winterfell]], [[Joth Quickbow]], [[Little Matt]] and his sister [[Randa]], [[Anvil Ryn]]. Ser [[Ormond (knight)|Ormond]]. Ser [[Dudley]]. [[Pate of Mory|Pate]] of [[Mory]], [[Pate of Lancewood|Pate]] of [[Lancewood]], [[Old Pate]], and [[Pate of Shermer's Grove|Pate]] of [[Shermer's Grove]]. Blind [[Wyl the Whittler]]. [[Maerie (goodwife)|Goodwife Maerie]]. [[Maerie the Whore]]. [[Becca (baker)|Becca]] the Baker. Ser [[Raymun Darry]], [[Lord Darry (father of Raymun)|Lord Darry]], young [[Lyman Darry|Lord Darry]]. The [[Harry Rivers|Bastard of Bracken]]. [[Fletcher Will]]. Harsley. Goodwife [[Nolla]]— '''Sandor''': Enough. You're making noise. These names mean nothing. Who were they? '''Beric''': People. People great and small, young and old. Good people and bad people, who died on the points of [[House Lannister|Lannister]] spears or saw their bellies opened by Lannister swords.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}|[[Tom of Sevenstreams]], [[Sandor Clegane]], and [[Beric Dondarrion]]}}

{{Quote|They was king's men burned our village. Before that, some other king's men took our sheep. They were for a different king, but that didn't matter none to our sheep. King's men killed Harsley and Ser [[Ormond (knight)|Ormond]], and raped [[Lacey]] till she died.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}|a [[Pennytree]] villager to [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Casualties of the War of the Five Kings]]
[[Category:Characters from the Riverlands]]
[[Category:Smallfolk]]

[[es:Harsley]]
[[fr:Harsley]]
[[ru:Харсли]]

Ormond (knight)

2026-06-12T19:11:37Z

Hhwang: /* A Dance with Dragons */

{{See homonyms|Ormond}}
{{Infobox character
| title = Ser
| firstname = Ormond
| image =
| image_caption =
| Alias =
| Title = [[Knight|Ser]]
| Allegiance =
| Race =
| Culture = [[Rivermen]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death = [[Pennytree]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|299}}
| Books = ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
}}

'''Ormond''' is a [[knight]] from the [[riverlands]].

==Recent Events==
===''A Storm of Swords''===
Ser Ormond is slain by forces of [[House Lannister]] during the [[War of the Five Kings]]. When [[Sandor Clegane]] is captured by the [[brotherhood without banners]] and put on trial for crimes committed by his fellow [[House Lannister|Lannister]] forces, Ormond is among the long list of [[rivermen]] victims named by [[Tom of Sevenstreams]] whose murders Sandor is to stand trial for.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
When Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] passes through [[Pennytree]] on his way through the [[riverlands]] and introduces his party as king's men, the villagers cite Ser Ormond's death at the hands of king's men as one of the reasons they are distrustful of him.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|'''Tom''': [[Alyn]] of [[Winterfell]], [[Joth Quickbow]], [[Little Matt]] and his sister [[Randa]], [[Anvil Ryn]]. Ser Ormond. Ser [[Dudley]]. [[Pate of Mory|Pate]] of [[Mory]], [[Pate of Lancewood|Pate]] of [[Lancewood]], [[Old Pate]], and [[Pate of Shermer's Grove|Pate]] of [[Shermer's Grove]]. Blind [[Wyl the Whittler]]. [[Maerie (goodwife)|Goodwife Maerie]]. [[Maerie the Whore]]. [[Becca the Baker]]. Ser [[Raymun Darry]], [[Lord Darry (father of Raymun)|Lord Darry]], young [[Lyman Darry|Lord Darry]]. The [[Harry Rivers|Bastard of Bracken]]. [[Fletcher Will]]. [[Harsley]]. Goodwife [[Nolla]]— 
'''Sandor''': Enough. You're making noise. These names mean nothing. Who were they? 
'''Beric''': People. People great and small, young and old. Good people and bad people, who died on the points of [[House Lannister|Lannister]] spears or saw their bellies opened by Lannister swords.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}|[[Tom of Sevenstreams]], [[Sandor Clegane]], and [[Beric Dondarrion]]}}

{{Quote|They was king's men burned our village. Before that, some other king's men took our sheep. They were for a different king, but that didn't matter none to our sheep. King's men killed [[Harsley]] and Ser Ormond, and raped [[Lacey]] till she died.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}|a [[Pennytree]] villager to [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Casualties of the War of the Five Kings]]
[[Category:Characters from the Riverlands]]
[[Category:Knights]]

[[es:Ormond]]
[[fr:Ormond]]
[[ru:Ормонд]]

Harsley

2026-06-12T19:07:40Z

Hhwang: /* A Dance with Dragons */

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Harsley
| image =
| image_caption =
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance =
| Race =
| Culture = [[Rivermen]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death = [[Pennytree]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|298}} or {{Date|299}}
| Books = ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
}}

'''Harsley''' was an inhabitant of the [[Riverlands]].

==Recent Events==
===''A Storm of Swords''===
Harsley was slain by the forces of [[House Lannister]] during the [[War of the Five Kings]]{{Ref|ASOS|34}} at [[Pennytree]].{{Ref|ADWD|48}} When [[Sandor Clegane]] was captured by the [[brotherhood without banners]] and put on trial for crimes committed by his fellow [[House Lannister|Lannister]] forces, Harsley was among the long list of Lannister victims named by [[Tom of Sevenstreams]] whose murders Clegane was to stand trial for.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
When Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] passes through Pennytree on his way through the riverlands and introduces his party as king's men, the villagers cite Harsley's death at the hands of king's men as one of the reasons they are distrustful of him.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|'''Tom''': [[Alyn]] of [[Winterfell]], [[Joth Quickbow]], [[Little Matt]] and his sister [[Randa]], [[Anvil Ryn]]. Ser [[Ormond (knight)|Ormond]]. Ser [[Dudley]]. [[Pate of Mory|Pate]] of [[Mory]], [[Pate of Lancewood|Pate]] of [[Lancewood]], [[Old Pate]], and [[Pate of Shermer's Grove|Pate]] of [[Shermer's Grove]]. Blind [[Wyl the Whittler]]. [[Maerie (goodwife)|Goodwife Maerie]]. [[Maerie the Whore]]. [[Becca (baker)|Becca]] the Baker. Ser [[Raymun Darry]], [[Lord Darry (father of Raymun)|Lord Darry]], young [[Lyman Darry|Lord Darry]]. The [[Harry Rivers|Bastard of Bracken]]. [[Fletcher Will]]. Harsley. Goodwife Nolla— '''Sandor''': Enough. You're making noise. These names mean nothing. Who were they? '''Beric''': People. People great and small, young and old. Good people and bad people, who died on the points of [[House Lannister|Lannister]] spears or saw their bellies opened by Lannister swords.{{Ref|ASOS|34}}|[[Tom of Sevenstreams]], [[Sandor Clegane]], and [[Beric Dondarrion]]}}

{{Quote|They was king's men burned our village. Before that, some other king's men took our sheep. They were for a different king, but that didn't matter none to our sheep. King's men killed Harsley and Ser [[Ormond (knight)|Ormond]], and raped [[Lacey]] till she died.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}|a [[Pennytree]] villager to [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Casualties of the War of the Five Kings]]
[[Category:Characters from the Riverlands]]
[[Category:Smallfolk]]

[[es:Harsley]]
[[fr:Harsley]]
[[ru:Харсли]]

A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 48

2026-06-12T18:36:44Z

Hhwang: /* Character List appearing/mentioned */

{{Infobox Chapter ADwD
| pov = [[Jaime Lannister]]
| place = [[Raventree Hall]] - [[Pennytree]]
| title = Jaime
| page = 632
| previous = [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 47|Tyrion X]]
| current = Jaime
| next = [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 49|Jon X]]
| arc previous = [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 44|Jaime VII]] ''A Feast for Crows''
| arc next =
}}

Jaime lifts the siege at [[Raventree Hall]]. On his way to Riverrun and King's Landing, he encounters [[Brienne of Tarth]].

==Synopsis==
[[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] arrives at [[Raventree Hall]], under siege by [[Jonos Bracken]]. The siege here is much smaller than the one at [[Riverrun]] as the intentions are not to storm the castle but rather to starve them out. The siege has been going on for six months and there is not much hope of rescue for [[Tytos Blackwood]] as it is only a matter of time.

Jaime meets first with Lord Jonos who is in an intimate position with [[Hildy]]. After she leaves, Jaime inquires as to what Jonos seeks from the situation. Jonos insists on acquiring a quarter of the [[House Blackwood]] lands, saying that they were stolen from them long ago, and that [[Tywin Lannister]] promised them to Jonos if he subdued the Blackwoods. Jaime chides the [[House Bracken|Bracken]] man saying that they were once an enemy of the king when they sided with the [[House Stark|Starks]], and keeping his head is more than enough compensation for what the [[Gregor Clegane|Mountain]] did to his lands. Bracken protests that he will keep faith with the crown as he did with the Starks; Jonos adds that a dozen good men of his died at the [[Red Wedding]] with [[Robb Stark]] and he bent the knee because he saw no point in fighting on for a lost cause. Jaime remarks that Lord Jonos is a prudent man on hearing this, yet privately thinks Blackwood might be considered more honorable.

Jaime then goes to parley with [[Tytos Blackwood]]. Inside he sees the castle's massive [[weirwood]] tree from which the castle derives its name; the tree is black and leafless. Tytos tells Jaime that it is the fault of the Brackens, poisoned and barren for a thousand years, and in another thousand it will turn to stone as weirwoods never rot. As they treat, Jaime tells him that he does not have to physically kneel to him. They agree to a confession, fealty, pardon, and financial sum as well as lands. Finally they discuss the matter of a hostage, and Jaime asks for [[Bethany Blackwood|Bethany]], his daughter, but Tytos refuses as she is his only daughter. They eventually agree to sending [[Hoster Blackwood|Hoster]] as he is a bookish boy who may enjoy his time in [[King's Landing]] and all the books there. Jaime then leaves quickly as he has appointments in Riverrun and King's Landing. The boy is ready to leave with him within an hour. Before departing, he meets Lord [[Jonos Bracken|Jonos]] to tell him the resolution, but also informs him that a daughter of his is to attend to the queen in the capital, as she too is to be a hostage.

Jaime rides to the village [[Pennytree]] with Hoster, who tells him of the history of the lands and animosity between the Blackwoods and Brackens. In the village stands an ancient [[oak]] tree with pennies nailed to it, the namesake of the village. There, [[Brienne of Tarth]] finds them, bandaged on her face, and with the sword [[Oathkeeper]]. Brienne claims that she has found [[Sansa Stark]], and that Jaime must accompany her alone or else [[Sandor Clegane]] will kill the girl.<ref group="N">Brienne was last seen in ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 42|Chapter 42]]; Sansa, in ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 41|Chapter 41]]; and Sandor, in ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'', [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 74|Chapter 74]]. Brienne's story is almost certainly false, given the last known situations of all three characters.</ref>

==Character List appearing/mentioned==
{{Columns|3|
* [[Jaime Lannister]]
* [[Jonos Bracken]]
* [[Tommen Baratheon]]
* [[Cersei Lannister]]
* [[High Sparrow|High Septon]]
* [[Josmyn Peckledon]]
* [[Lancel Lannister]]
* [[Osmund Kettleblack]]
* [[Moon Boy]]
* [[Hildy]]
* [[Myrcella Baratheon]]
* [[Doran Martell]]
* [[Robert Baratheon]]
* [[Brynden Tully]]
* [[Tytos Blackwood]]
* [[Gregor Clegane]]
* [[Walder Frey]]
* [[Kennos of Kayce]]
* [[Edmure Tully]]
* [[Bethany Blackwood]]
* [[Robert Blackwood]]
* [[Lucas Blackwood]]
* [[Brynden Blackwood]]
* [[Hoster Blackwood]]
* [[Harry Rivers]]
* [[Beric Dondarrion]]
* [[Thoros of Myr]]
* [[Sandor Clegane]]
* [[Catelyn Stark|Lady Stoneheart]]
* [[Ryman Frey]]
* [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]
* [[Barba Bracken]]
* [[Melissa Blackwood]]
* [[Tyrion Lannister]]
* [[Ellyn Tarbeck]]
* [[Eddard Stark]]
* [[Harry Merrell]]
* [[Harsley]]
* [[Ormond (knight)|Ormond]]
* [[Lacey]]
* [[Brienne of Tarth]]
* [[Sansa Stark]]
}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==External links==
*[https://www.tor.com/2015/07/09/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-dance-with-dragons-part-28/ A Read of Ice and Fire: A Dance with Dragons, Part 28] Analyses and summary of the chapter by Leigh Butler.

[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|Dance 48]]
[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Jaime Lannister|Dance 48]]
[[Category:Chapters which take place in the Riverlands|Dance 48]]

[[es:Danza de Dragones-Capítulo 48]]
[[fr:A Dance with Dragons, Chapitre 49, Jaime]]
[[pt:A Dança dos Dragões - Capítulo 48]]
[[ru:Танец с драконами, Джейме I]]
[[zh:魔龙的狂舞-章节 48]]

A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 48

2026-06-12T18:13:25Z

Hhwang: /* Synopsis */

{{Infobox Chapter ADwD
| pov = [[Jaime Lannister]]
| place = [[Raventree Hall]] - [[Pennytree]]
| title = Jaime
| page = 632
| previous = [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 47|Tyrion X]]
| current = Jaime
| next = [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 49|Jon X]]
| arc previous = [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 44|Jaime VII]] ''A Feast for Crows''
| arc next =
}}

Jaime lifts the siege at [[Raventree Hall]]. On his way to Riverrun and King's Landing, he encounters [[Brienne of Tarth]].

==Synopsis==
[[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] arrives at [[Raventree Hall]], under siege by [[Jonos Bracken]]. The siege here is much smaller than the one at [[Riverrun]] as the intentions are not to storm the castle but rather to starve them out. The siege has been going on for six months and there is not much hope of rescue for [[Tytos Blackwood]] as it is only a matter of time.

Jaime meets first with Lord Jonos who is in an intimate position with [[Hildy]]. After she leaves, Jaime inquires as to what Jonos seeks from the situation. Jonos insists on acquiring a quarter of the [[House Blackwood]] lands, saying that they were stolen from them long ago, and that [[Tywin Lannister]] promised them to Jonos if he subdued the Blackwoods. Jaime chides the [[House Bracken|Bracken]] man saying that they were once an enemy of the king when they sided with the [[House Stark|Starks]], and keeping his head is more than enough compensation for what the [[Gregor Clegane|Mountain]] did to his lands. Bracken protests that he will keep faith with the crown as he did with the Starks; Jonos adds that a dozen good men of his died at the [[Red Wedding]] with [[Robb Stark]] and he bent the knee because he saw no point in fighting on for a lost cause. Jaime remarks that Lord Jonos is a prudent man on hearing this, yet privately thinks Blackwood might be considered more honorable.

Jaime then goes to parley with [[Tytos Blackwood]]. Inside he sees the castle's massive [[weirwood]] tree from which the castle derives its name; the tree is black and leafless. Tytos tells Jaime that it is the fault of the Brackens, poisoned and barren for a thousand years, and in another thousand it will turn to stone as weirwoods never rot. As they treat, Jaime tells him that he does not have to physically kneel to him. They agree to a confession, fealty, pardon, and financial sum as well as lands. Finally they discuss the matter of a hostage, and Jaime asks for [[Bethany Blackwood|Bethany]], his daughter, but Tytos refuses as she is his only daughter. They eventually agree to sending [[Hoster Blackwood|Hoster]] as he is a bookish boy who may enjoy his time in [[King's Landing]] and all the books there. Jaime then leaves quickly as he has appointments in Riverrun and King's Landing. The boy is ready to leave with him within an hour. Before departing, he meets Lord [[Jonos Bracken|Jonos]] to tell him the resolution, but also informs him that a daughter of his is to attend to the queen in the capital, as she too is to be a hostage.

Jaime rides to the village [[Pennytree]] with Hoster, who tells him of the history of the lands and animosity between the Blackwoods and Brackens. In the village stands an ancient [[oak]] tree with pennies nailed to it, the namesake of the village. There, [[Brienne of Tarth]] finds them, bandaged on her face, and with the sword [[Oathkeeper]]. Brienne claims that she has found [[Sansa Stark]], and that Jaime must accompany her alone or else [[Sandor Clegane]] will kill the girl.<ref group="N">Brienne was last seen in ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 42|Chapter 42]]; Sansa, in ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 41|Chapter 41]]; and Sandor, in ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'', [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 74|Chapter 74]]. Brienne's story is almost certainly false, given the last known situations of all three characters.</ref>

==Character List appearing/mentioned==
{{Columns|3|
* [[Jaime Lannister]]
* [[Jonos Bracken]]
* [[Tommen Baratheon]]
* [[Cersei Lannister]]
* [[High Sparrow|High Septon]]
* [[Josmyn Peckledon]]
* [[Lancel Lannister]]
* [[Osmund Kettleblack]]
* [[Moon Boy]]
* [[Hildy]]
* [[Myrcella]]
* [[Doran Martell]]
* [[Robert Baratheon]]
* [[Brynden Tully]]
* [[Tytos Blackwood]]
* [[Gregor Clegane]]
* [[Walder Frey]]
* [[Kennos of Kayce]]
* [[Edmure Tully]]
* [[Bethany Blackwood]]
* [[Robert Blackwood]]
* [[Lucas Blackwood]]
* [[Brynden Blackwood]]
* [[Hoster Blackwood]]
* [[Harry Rivers]]
* [[Beric Dondarrion]]
* [[Thoros of Myr]]
* [[Sandor Clegane]]
* [[Catelyn Tully|Lady Stoneheart]]
* [[Ryman Frey]]
* [[Aegon IV Targaryen]]
* [[Barba Bracken]]
* [[Melissa Blackwood]]
* [[Tyrion Lannister]]
* [[Ellyn Tarbeck]]
* [[Eddard Stark]]
* [[Brienne of Tarth]]
* [[Harry Merrell]]
* [[Harsley]]
* [[Ormond (knight)|Ormond]]
* [[Lacey]]
}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==External links==
*[https://www.tor.com/2015/07/09/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-dance-with-dragons-part-28/ A Read of Ice and Fire: A Dance with Dragons, Part 28] Analyses and summary of the chapter by Leigh Butler.

[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|Dance 48]]
[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Jaime Lannister|Dance 48]]
[[Category:Chapters which take place in the Riverlands|Dance 48]]

[[es:Danza de Dragones-Capítulo 48]]
[[fr:A Dance with Dragons, Chapitre 49, Jaime]]
[[pt:A Dança dos Dragões - Capítulo 48]]
[[ru:Танец с драконами, Джейме I]]
[[zh:魔龙的狂舞-章节 48]]

A Feast for Crows-Chapter 38

2026-06-12T17:26:02Z

Hhwang: Jaime did not take the crown; he ordered Ryman to leave it behind, which Ryman apparently did not do. Consequently, after Ryman's group is ambushed by the Brotherhood and he is hanged, Brienne sees the resurrected Catelyn with the crown in her hands

{{Infobox Chapter AFfC
| pov = [[Jaime Lannister]]
| title = Jaime VI
| place = [[Riverrun]]
| page = 561
| previous = [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 37|Brienne VII]]
| current = [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 38|Jaime VI]]
| next = [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 39|Cersei IX]]
| arc previous = [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 33|Jaime V]]
| arc next = [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 44|Jaime VII]]
}}

==Synopsis==
Ser [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] and Ser [[Brynden Tully|Brynden]] face each other across the drawbridge to [[Riverrun]], alone for a parley during the [[siege of Riverrun]]. The Blackfish is aware of the oath Jaime swore to [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]], but the member of the [[Kingsguard]] makes it known he does not have the [[House Stark|Stark]] girls. He offers [[Edmure Tully]] in exchange for Lady [[Sybell Spicer]] and her children, but Brynden refuses, telling him he swore to [[Robb Stark|his king]] to keep [[Jeyne Westerling|his wife]] safe and won't hand her over to a Frey noose. Jaime responds that the girl has been pardoned and no harm will come to her, nor anyone else if Brynden yields Riverrun; they will be free to go or [[Night's Watch|take the black]] as they choose, but Brynden dismisses the offer, claiming that he and his men would rather die with swords in their hands than ''"be paraded through [[King's Landing]] to die like [[Eddard Stark]]"''. Brynden adds that he is well provisioned for a siege and the Lannister and Frey casualties will be far higher than his own if they storm Riverrun.

The Blackfish also makes it clear that he believes Lord [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin]] had a hand in the [[Red Wedding]], though that will never absolve the [[House Frey|Freys]] for their breach of the sacred laws of hospitality. Jaime challenges the older knight to single combat, with each choosing a champion. When Brynden prods Jaime to face him himself, Jaime cannot help but rise to the bait. But the Blackfish is not so foolish as to trust that Jaime's terms would be honored. The parley over, Jaime rides back to his camp and calls his captains for a war council, resolved that he must break his vow to Lady Catelyn and storm Riverrun.

The lords of the [[riverlands]] who have bent the knee to the [[Iron Throne]] do not tolerate the Freys' presence at the war council. Ser [[Ryman Frey|Ryman]] is too drunk to attend, but [[Edwyn Frey|Edwyn]] and [[Walder Rivers|Bastard Walder]] are present. When confronted by Lord [[Clement Piper]] as to the condition of his son, Ser [[Marq Piper|Marq]], Edwyn replies that he is still held at the [[Twins]] to ensure that [[Pinkmaiden]] is truly loyal to the Iron Throne. When Bastard Walder and Lord Clement nearly come to blows when Piper challenges Edwyn to a duel over a threat to Lord Clement's heir, Jaime silences them, ending the council prematurely. Lord Clement storms out, and Lord Vance explains to Jaime that as well as his first born son, several of Lord Clement's cousins and nephews accompanied Marq to the Twins, and are either captives or dead. When Edwyn denounces them as traitors and rebels, Jaime coldly retorts that the Freys first rebelled against the Crown with Robb Stark and then betrayed him, making them twice the traitors House Piper are. Jaime takes enjoyment out of watching Edwyn's smug attitude evaporate at that remark.

Summoning Ser [[Ilyn Payne]] and Ser [[Lyle Crakehall]], Jaime heads straight for the Frey camp. He first has Payne cut loose Edmure Tully, and when Edwyn and his father, Ser Ryman, come forth to protest, he warns them to keep quiet. When Ryman persists, stating that he is the heir to the Crossing, Jaime punches him in the face with his golden hand. He then dismisses Ryman back to the Twins, sick of the man's whoring and drinking, and commands him to leave behind the bladed crown that his whore wears. When Jaime places Edwyn in charge of the Freys, Jaime witnesses a glimpse of the contempt Edwyn feels for his own father. Jaime also demands that Lord [[Walder Frey|Walder]] release all the hostages that he has imprisoned at the Twins.

Jaime asks that Ser Ryman's singer accompany him back to his pavilion, and has his squires draw a bath for Edmure. Jaime informs Edmure that he will be returned to Riverrun forthwith, and if he yields the castle, all will end well for him.

The terms are that the [[smallfolk]] can stay and serve Lord [[Emmon Frey]], Ser Brynden will be permitted to take the black along with any of the garrison who choose the same, and Edmure and his pregnant wife [[Roslin Frey|Roslin]] will be well-treated prisoners at [[Casterly Rock]]. If their child is a boy, Jaime says he will serve House Lannister as a page and squire, and they will grant the boy some lands when he gets his knighthood. If it is a girl, the Lannisters will make sure she has a good [[dowry]] when she is old enough to wed.

When Edmure asks what will happen should he refuse to yield, Ser Jaime indicates that he will assault Riverrun's walls in waves. The ex-Tully bannermen will attack first, as fodder, followed by the Freys, and finally his cousin [[Daven Lannister|Daven]]'s westermen. After the castle falls, Jaime will see that Riverrun is demolished and put all within its walls to the sword. Jaime also delivers a personal threat: should Roslin give birth before the siege is lifted, he will deliver the child to Edmure, within the castle, by trebuchet. As Jaime leaves the tent, commanding [[Tom of Sevenstreams|Ryman's singer]] to play "[[The Rains of Castamere]]" for Edmure, the former Lord of Riverrun pleads, ''"No. Not him. Get him away from me."''

==References==
*The synopsis was copied from AOL member vbkorik27 previously at [http://web.archive.org/web/20080228051425/members.aol.com/vbkorik27/summary/legend.html].

==External links==
*[http://www.tor.com/blogs/2014/08/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-feast-for-crows-part-27 A Read of Ice and Fire: A Feast for Crows, Part 27]. Analyses and summary of the chapter by Leigh Butler.

[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|Feast 38]]
[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Jaime Lannister|Feast 38]]
[[Category:Chapters which take place in Riverrun|Feast 38]]

[[es:Festín de Cuervos-Capítulo 38]]
[[fr:A Feast for Crows, Chapitre 39, Jaime]]
[[pt:O Festim dos Corvos - Capítulo 38]]
[[ru:Пир стервятников, Джейме VI]]
[[zh:群鸦的盛宴-章节 38]]

Donella Hornwood

2026-06-11T19:32:31Z

Hhwang:

{{Infobox character
| title = Lady
| firstname = Donella
| lastname = Hornwood
| arms = Manderly
| arms2 = Hornwood
| arms3 = Bolton
| image = [[File:Katherine Dinger Donella Hornwood.jpg|300px]]
| image_caption = Donella, by [https://www.deviantart.com/jezebel Katherine Dinger] © Fantasy Flight Games
| Alias = Donella Manderly
| Title = [[Lord of the Hornwood|Lady of the Hornwood]]
| Allegiance = [[House Manderly]] [[House Hornwood]] [[House Bolton]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Northmen]]
| Date_of_Birth = In or before {{Date|257}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Donella Manderly|Donella Manderly]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|299}}
| Place_of_Death = [[Hornwood (forest)|tower on Hornwood land]]
| Spouse = 1st: Lord [[Halys Hornwood]] 2nd: [[Ramsay Snow]]
| Issue = [[Daryn Hornwood]]
| coat-of-arms =
| Books = ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appears) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
}}

'''Donella Hornwood''' is the [[Lord of the Hornwood|Lady of the Hornwood]], wife of Lord [[Halys Hornwood]], and mother of [[Daryn Hornwood]]. Originally from [[House Manderly]], she is a cousin of [[Wyman Manderly]], [[Lord of White Harbor]].{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Donella Hornwood|l1=Images of Donella Hornwood}}
The gentle and modest Donella is past her childbearing years, yet still comely.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

==History==
Donella did not receive much attention from men when she was a [[maid]].{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
Donella's husband [[Halys Hornwood|Halys]], [[Lord of the Hornwood]], is killed in the [[battle on the Green Fork]],{{Ref|AGOT|62}} and her son [[Daryn Hornwood|Daryn]] is killed by Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] in the [[battle in the Whispering Wood]].{{Ref|AGOT|63}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Donella Manderly.jpg|thumb|Donella, by sir-heartsalot ©]]
Houses [[House Flint|Flint]], [[House Karstark|Karstark]], and [[House Tallhart|Tallhart]] are expected to compete for the grief-stricken Donella's lands, as they have Hornwood ties through the female line. Additionally, [[House Glover]] is fostering Halys's bastard, [[Larence Snow]], and [[House Bolton]] has lands which adjoin those of the Hornwoods.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

When Lady Donella sends someone to ask [[Ramsay Snow]] about his massing men at the [[Dreadfort]], Ramsay replies that no Bolton would be questioned by a woman. Donella loathes that Ramsay acts like he is a trueborn Bolton.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

After arriving at [[Winterfell]] for the [[harvest feast (299)|harvest feast]], [[Wyman Manderly]], [[Lord of White Harbor]], proposes that he or his son, Ser [[Wendel Manderly|Wendel]], could marry Donella.{{Ref|ACOK|16}} Lady Donella arrives at Winterfell with only six men-at-arms. On Maester [[Luwin]]'s urging, she promises that she will store a fourth of her harvest for winter in the future instead of a fifth as she has done until now.{{Ref|ACOK|16}} She does not want to marry suitors such as the brutish [[Mors Umber]] and her large cousin, Wyman, but hints to Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] that he himself would be a suitable candidate.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

[[Bran Stark]] urges Rodrik to marry Donella, but the [[knight]] thinks he is too old and points out that the Hornwood issue would arise again after his death. When Bran then suggests that Larence Snow should become the heir of Hornwood, Rodrik answers that this would please the Glovers but upset Donella.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

Mors asks for leave to wed Donella.{{Ref|ACOK|16}} [[Leobald Tallhart]] proposes that his younger son, [[Beren Tallhart|Beren]], could become Donella's foster child and ultimately heir of Hornwood, a proposal that might be acceptable to Donella because the boy's mother, [[Berena Hornwood]], is Lord Halys's sister. Luwin proposes that [[Robb Stark]], [[King in the North]], might want Donella to marry someone from the [[riverlands]], such as a [[House Blackwood|Blackwood]] or a [[House Frey|Frey]].{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

Bran sends [[salmon]] to a disinterested and wan Lady Hornwood during the harvest feast. Rodrik asks Donella to dance, but she declines and leaves the festivities.{{Ref|ACOK|21}}

On her return to [[Hornwood]] from the harvest feast, Lady Donella is seized by Ramsay Snow and forcibly married to him that night{{ref|ACOK|28}} in front of a [[septon]] and a [[heart tree]].{{Ref|ACOK|35}} After the wedding, Ramsay locks Donella in a tower and fails to feed her.{{Ref|ACOK|35}} Lord Manderly seizes her castle to protect her holdings from the [[House Bolton|Boltons]].{{Ref|ACOK|28}}

When Ser Rodrik eventually smashes down the door to her room in the tower, he finds Donella dead with blood around her mouth and her fingers chewed off.{{Ref|ACOK|35}} Ramsay's actions lead to [[fighting in the Hornwood]] between Boltons and [[House Manderly|Manderlys]].{{Ref|ACOK|35}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[Theon Greyjoy]], a tortured prisoner in the dungeons of the Dreadfort, thinks of Lady Hornwood whenever he closes his eyes.{{Ref|ADWD|12}}

[[Wylla Manderly]] reminds the [[Merman's Court]] of Ramsay's mistreatment of Donella.{{Ref|ADWD|19}}

Ramsay, Lord of the Hornwood, weds "[[Arya Stark]]" (actually [[Jeyne Poole]]) so he can claim Winterfell.{{Ref|ADWD|37}} Within the [[crypts of Winterfell]], [[Barbrey Dustin]], [[Lady of Barrowton]], tells Theon that the Hornwood men who are at Winterfell for Ramsay's wedding have not forgotten how Ramsay treated Lady Donella.{{Ref|ADWD|41}}

==Quotes by Donella==
{{Quote|'''Bran''': We are very sorry for all you have suffered, my lady. [[Winterfell]] will remember. 
'''Donella''': That is good to know.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}|[[Bran Stark]] and Donella}}

{{Quote|'''Rodrik''': You will be safe enough, my lady ... though perhaps in time, when your grief is passed, you may find it prudent to wed again. 
'''Donella''': I am past my childbearing years, what beauty I had long fled, yet men come sniffing after me as they never did when I was a maid.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}|[[Rodrik Cassel]] and Donella}}

{{Quote|'''Rodrik''': We shall try and find you a prospect more to your taste. 
'''Donella''': Perhaps you need not look very far, ser.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}|[[Rodrik Cassel]] and Donella}}

==Quotes about Donella==
{{Quote|She was born a [[House Manderly|Manderly]], you know. Perhaps, when her grief has run its course, she would like to be a Manderly again, eh? As it happens, I am a widower these past eight years. Past time I took another wife, don't you agree, my lords? A man does get lonely. Or if the lady fancies a younger lad, well, my son [[Wendel Manderly|Wendel]] is unwed as well. He is off south guarding Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]], but no doubt he will wish to take a bride on his return. A valiant boy, and jolly. Just the man to teach her to laugh again, eh?{{Ref|ACOK|16}}|[[Wyman Manderly]] to [[Bran Stark]], [[Luwin]], and [[Rodrik Cassel]]}}

{{Quote|She was a pale husk of a woman, every line of her face etched with grief.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}|thoughts of [[Bran Stark]]}}

{{Quote|'''Mors''': Who better to protect the widow's lands than an [[House Umber|Umber]], and what Umber better than me? 
'''Luwin''': Lady Donella is still grieving. 
'''Mors''': I have a cure for grief under my furs.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}|[[Mors Umber]] and [[Luwin]]}}

{{Quote|And do you imagine the [[Hornwood]] men have forgotten [[Ramsay Snow|the Bastard's]] last marriage, and how his lady wife was left to starve, chewing her own fingers? What do you think passes through their heads when they hear [[Jeyne Poole|the new bride]] weeping?{{Ref|ADWD|41}}|[[Barbrey Dustin]] to [[Theon Greyjoy]]}}

==Family==
{{Manderly tree}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Halys Hornwood]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lord of the Hornwood|Lady of the Hornwood]]|years={{Date|298|299}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Ramsay Snow]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hornwood, Donella}}
[[Category:House Manderly|Donella Manderly]]
[[Category:House Hornwood|Donella Hornwood]]
[[Category:House Bolton|Donella Hornwood]]
[[Category:Characters from the North]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Ramsay Snow]]
[[Category:Deaths by starvation]]
[[Category:Lords of the Hornwood|Hornwood, Donella]]
[[Category:Noblewomen]]
[[Category:Ruling ladies]]
[[Category:Supporters of Robb Stark in the War of the Five Kings]]

[[es:Donella Manderly]]
[[fr:Donella Corbois]]
[[it:Donella Manderly]]
[[nl:Donella Hoornwoud]]
[[pt:Donella Hornwood]]
[[ru:Донелла Хорнвуд]]
[[zh:唐娜拉·曼德勒]]

Knight of the Laughing Tree/Theories

2026-06-11T18:54:51Z

Hhwang: /* Howland Reed */

{{Theory_Policy}}
Fans have speculated a lot about the possible identity of the [[Knight of the Laughing Tree]]. Below a summary of the major candidates including the arguments for each candidate.

==Facts from Meera's story==
[[Meera Reed]] tells [[Bran Stark]] the story about the Knight of the Laughing Tree, in which she notes the following things about the Knight:
*The [[mystery knight]] must have been someone who knew about [[Howland Reed]]'s experience with the squires (or someone who might have been similarly bullied by the three squires) and was motivated to avenge him.
*He was short of height
*He wore mismatched armor, which implies that the Knight did not have access to regular armor, or to having regular armor with tell-tale markings on it.
*He had a booming voice.
*His sigil was a laughing weirwood tree. The [[weirwood]] image implies a connection to the [[old gods]] and [[the North]].
*He was competent enough at the joust to defeat three [[knight]]s who had made it through the first day of the tourney.
*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.

==Possible candidates==
===Lyanna Stark===
Lyanna fights off the three squires to defend Howland Reed, and at the feast that evening feels the need to point them out to her brother.{{Ref|ASOS|24}} Eddard compares his tomboyish daughter [[Arya Stark|Arya]] to [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]] in both appearance and personality, adding that Lyanna probably would have carried a sword if [[Rickard Stark|their father]] had allowed it.{{Ref|aGoT|22}} She might even have been practised in sword fighting; Bran Stark sees a vision in ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' where he witnesses a young girl defeating a young boy when playing at swordfighting with wooden branches in the godswood of Winterfell. At first, he mistakes the girl for Arya, before he realises that is not the case.{{Ref|ADWD|34}} Due to Lyanna's similarity in appearance to Arya, the fact that Lyanna would have carried a sword if her father had allowed her to do so,{{Ref|AGoT|22}} and the fact that the children refer to [[Old Nan]],{{Ref|ADWD|34}} it has been speculated that the girl Bran sees is a young Lyanna, and the boy a young [[Benjen Stark]]. If this is indeed the case, it would suggest that Lyanna practised in secret. Lyanna is noted to have been an extremely skilled rider.{{Ref|aSoS|17}}{{Ref|aDwD|32}}{{Ref|aDwD|41}} According to a semi-canon source, Lyanna also practiced at tilting at rings.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Lyanna Stark}} Horsemanship skills are necessary for jousting and "riding at rings" is standard training for squires, preparing them for actual jousting. Additionally, according to [[Jaime Lannister]], jousting is three-quarters horsemanship.{{Ref|AFFC|16}} Provided she had the necessary skill and some luck, Lyanna could defeat three knights of uncertain ability. Benjen could have provided armor for her, as he offered to do for Howland Reed, and as a girl of about fourteen years of age, she could be shorter than the average man, while the helm she wore would make her voice sound "booming".

The theory would also explain how she met [[Rhaegar Targaryen]], who had been sent out to find the Knight of the Laughing Tree, and crowned Lyanna as his [[Queen of Love and Beauty]] at the end of the tourney, and they had no known previous interactions.

Negative points of this theory would be doubts concerning the skill of Lyanna, and her youth. The existence of swordfighting, riding skills and practicing at tilting at rings does not necessarily mean she was good at jousting. Also this would be the first real test for her skills, and as a novice in the sport, her victory would be far from guaranteed.

===Howland Reed===
According to Meera, Howland Reed "was small like all crannogmen".{{Ref|ASOS|24}} She even calls [[crannogmen]] "small people", in comparison to the "big people" around them;{{Ref|ASOS|9}} therefore, he would be shorter than average. He had the strongest reasons to defend his honor, as he had been the one they had attacked, providing him with the best motive. He was no knight, but his tale notes the man was "brave and smart and strong", and "bolder than most" crannogmen.{{Ref|asos|24}} His hesitation to fight may have been only a temporary obstacle. The text seems to pay attention to his prayer to the old gods, said while focusing at the direction of the [[Isle of Faces]]. Earlier the tale has him knowing "the magic of the crannogs" and spending an entire winter with the [[Green Men]]. His prayer may have been answered with supernatural assistance. Bran himself, the listener of the story, strongly suspects that "the little crannogman" and the Knight were the same person, believing that the crannogman could have been turned into a knight, "even if it was only for a day". Bran also offers the alternative that the Knight could be a Green Man, with "dark green skin and leaves instead of hair"; someone sent by the old gods. Meera does not confirm or deny any of Bran's theories, simply narrating "the old gods gave strength to his arm".{{Ref|aSoS|24}}

Negative points for this theory would be that Howland goes from the victim of the story to its hero in minimal time. He would suddenly display skills that Meera claimed the crannogmen do not have. The theory relies on Howland Reed having beginner's luck, justice, or the supernatural on his side. If the Green Men, the [[children of the forest]], or the old gods intervened on this relatively minor occasion, one would expect them to also intervene in major events, but their lack of intervention is what makes the people of [[Westeros]] doubt their continued existence. The story might also undermine the loyalty of Howland Reed to [[House Stark]]. He avenged himself, therefore he would not be bonded to the Starks by a debt of gratitude.

===Benjen Stark===
As a son of House Stark, he certainly would have been a trained fighter. Noble boys seem to start training in the martial arts at an early age, and the Starks seem to take their training seriously. He was even younger than Lyanna and probably shorter. He was the one who suggested the idea of seeking vengeance to Howland Reed in the first place, and claimed that he could find a horse and some armor for the crannogman. He could have used this horse and armor himself. He also would not be the first underage participant in a jousting match. For example, [[Barristan Selmy]] had been only ten years old the first time he disguised himself as a mystery knight.{{Ref|aSoS|24}}

Negative points for this theory would be the voice of [[Benjen Stark|Benjen]] and his incomplete training. The [[w:voice break|voice break]] from the vocal pitch of a boy to the deeper pitch of a man typically takes place in mid-to-late adolescence. The voice of a younger Benjen would still sound like a child, far from being powerful or stentorian. [[Barristan Selmy]] himself recalls his first jousting match with details. He was still ten and was inexperienced even as a squire. He borrowed a warhorse and found his "ill-fitting" armor in the armory of Lord [[House Dondarrion|Dondarrion]]. He had trouble keeping his lance straight, and was easily defeated in the first tilt by [[Duncan Targaryen]].{{Ref|aDwD|59}}

===Eddard Stark===
[[Jojen Reed]] insists that Bran must have heard the tale of the Knight "a hundred times". He later specifically asks "You never heard this tale from your father?" Later still, Jojen keeps insisting: "Are you certain you never heard this tale before, Bran? Your lord father never told it to you?"{{Ref|aSoS|24}} The implication would be that [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]] knew this story well, even though he never passed it to his children, raising the question if this was Eddard's own tale. While Brandon was the best swordsman and lancer in the family, Eddard would also have received combat training.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Benjen_Stark About Benjen Stark (December 15, 2000)]</ref> According to [[Catelyn Tully]], he was shorter than his tall brother Brandon.{{Ref|ASOS|45}}

This theory would also explain Howland's personal loyalty to Eddard. He would go on to serve as one of Eddard's closest companions during [[Robert's Rebellion]], even serving as one of the few men who followed Lord Stark to the [[Tower of Joy]].{{Ref|aSoS|45}}

The main problem with the theory would be that there is no indication of Eddard being notably short. It would be possible for him to have a late growth spurt following the Tourney, gaining the last few inches of his height, but no character seems to describe or hint at such a change. Also the image of a ''laughing'' weirwood seems at odds with Eddard's somber{{Ref|ASOS|45}} personality.

===Brandon Stark===
While known to be taller than Eddard, it has not been confirmed that Brandon was particularly tall either. There have been consistent descriptions that members of Houses [[House Baratheon|Baratheon]], [[House Clegane|Clegane]], and [[House Umber|Umber]] tend to be tall, even towering above their contemporaries, but there is no such description for the Starks. Starks seem to tend on the short side; a grown [[Robb Stark]] was shorter than [[Catelyn Tully|his mother]]. [[Brandon Stark|Brandon]] (and Eddard) could then be taller than [[Petyr Baelish]] and still be shorter than the average knight. Brandon is the only Stark with confirmed jousting skills. He was one of the last men standing in the final day of the Tourney, only defeated by Rhaegar Targaryen, the eventual champion.{{Ref|aSoS|45}}{{Ref|aGoT|58}}

Negative points of this theory would be the unconfirmed height of Brandon and his seeming lack of motivation. Catelyn seemed notably disappointed that Eddard was not as tall as his brother, which could mean that Brandon was a relatively tall man. Additionally, Brandon was already formally competing in the Tourney, making it unlikely that he would participate as a mystery knight as well, since the mystery knight appeared on the second day of the jousting, and Brandon was only defeated on the third day.{{Ref|aSoS|45}}{{Ref|aGoT|58}}

===Ashara Dayne===
[[Ashara Dayne]] had been present at the opening feast, and danced with Eddard Stark after Brandon had asked her in his place. The theory goes that as a [[Dorne|Dornishwoman]], Ashara could have received formal training in sword and lance. Competing in the tourney could then be her unusual way to court Eddard Stark, wearing a weirwood sigil as a tribute to him. Her "laughing eyes" would explain the choice of a laughing sigil.{{Ref|aSoS|24}}

Negative points of this theory is that there is no confirmation that all Dornishwomen receive military training. The [[Sand Snakes]] did receive such training, but they might be atypical for their culture. Ashara could have been raised to act "lady-like". Also questionable would be her motivation for avenging Howland, who she didn't know.

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Theories]]

Harrenhal

2026-06-11T16:24:04Z

Hhwang: /* House Whent */

{{Infobox settlement
| name = Harrenhal
| image = [[File:Lino Drieghe Harrenhal.jpg|350px]]
| image_caption = Harrenhal, on the north shore of the [[Gods Eye]], by Lino Drieghe © Fantasy Flight Games

| settlement_type =
| location = [[Riverlands]], [[Westeros]]
| seat = [[House Hoare]] (extinct) [[House Qoherys]] (extinct) [[House Harroway]] (extinct) [[House Towers]] (extinct) [[House Strong]] (extinct) [[House Lothston]] (extinct) [[House Whent]] (dispossessed) [[House Slynt]] (dispossessed) [[House Baelish]]
| seat_type = [[Feudalism|feudal lord]]
| lord = Lady [[Shella Whent]] (AGOT) Lord [[Petyr Baelish]] (ADWD)

| religion = [[Faith of the Seven]]
| population =
| size =
| founded = [[Years before Aegon's Conquest#Years 2 Before the Conquest|2 BC]]
| named_for = King [[Harren Hoare]], its founder

| places = [[Kingspyre Tower]], [[Tower of Dread]], [[Tower of Ghosts]], [[Wailing Tower]], [[Widow's Tower]], [[Hall of a Hundred Hearths]], [[Barracks Hall]], [[Hunter's Hall]], [[Flowstone Yard]]
| organizations =
}}
{|
{{Location map| File:The Riverlands
| label = '''Harrenhal'''
| label_size = 90
| lat = -38
| long = 36
| position = right
| marksize = 10
| width = 350
| float = right
| caption = The [[riverlands]] and the location of Harrenhal
| alt = The riverlands and the location of Harrenhal
}}
|}

'''Harrenhal''', the largest castle in the [[Seven Kingdoms]], is the seat of [[House Whent]] in the [[riverlands]], on the north shore of the [[Gods Eye]]. Since the [[burning of Harrenhal]] by [[dragonfire]] in [[Aegon's Conquest]], however, the castle has become a dark and ruinous place.

Harrenhal's holdings are some of the richest in [[Westeros]], claiming vast tracts of green fertile land{{ref|ACOK|17}}{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}} which reach as far as the hills of [[House Wode]] near the [[crownlands]].{{ref|AFFC|27}} [[Harrentown]] is found near the castle.{{ref|ACOK|14}}

==Household==
Servants at Harrenhal include the blacksmiths [[Lucan]] and [[Ben Blackthumb]]. [[Tuffleberry]] maintains the brewhouse, and [[Pia]] works in the buttery. Goodwives include [[Amabel]] and [[Harra]], while [[Weese]] and [[Mebble]] are servants at the [[Wailing Tower]]. [[Tothmure]] may be the castle's maester.

==Layout==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Harrenhal|l1=Images of Harrenhal}}
According to a semi-canon source, Harrenhal is immensely strong.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1160 A Number of Questions], May 12, 2001</ref> The castle has five towers of dizzying size, with equally monstrous curtain walls. The walls are incredibly thick and its rooms are built on a scale that would be more comfortable for [[giants]] than humans.{{Ref|ACOK|30}} Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] thinks of the castle as [[Harren Hoare|Black Harren's]] folly.{{ref|ASOS|27}}

Harrenhal covers three times as much ground as [[Winterfell]] and its buildings are so much larger that they can scarcely be compared.{{ref|ACOK|30}} King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] chose the castle as the location of the [[Great Council of 101 AC]] because it was not known how many would attend, and the crown wanted space for at least five hundred lords and their entourages; more than a thousand came.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Much of Harrenhal has far gone into decay, however, and many places in the castle have not been used in decades.{{ref|ACOK|30}}{{ref|ACOK|64}}

===Walls===
[[File:Harenhal by MarcSimonetti.jpg|thumb|350px|Harrenhal, by Marc Simonetti ©]]

Harrenhal has massive walls of black stone.{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}} Its gatehouse is as large as the [[Great Keep (Winterfell)|Great Keep of Winterfell]], and its stone is discolored and fissured.{{ref|ACOK|30}} From outside the gatehouse, only the tops of the towers can be seen because of the great height of the walls.{{ref|ACOK|30}}

The main gate has walls so thick that no less than a dozen murder holes are passed before one reaches the yard on the other side.{{ref|AFFC|27}} The east gate is smaller than the main gate{{ref|ASOS|44}} and is located near the [[Tower of Ghosts]].{{ref|ACOK|64}}

===Towers===
Like its walls, the five immense round{{ref|ASOS|31}} towers of Harrenhal are made of black stone.{{ref|AFFC|27}} Harrenhal's shortest tower is half again as high as the tallest one in Winterfell, yet none of the towers are proper, being bent, lumped, and cracked from the melting of the stone during the [[burning of Harrenhal]] by [[Balerion]], the [[dragon]] of King [[Aegon I Targaryen]], three centuries earlier. Their original names were lost with the death of [[Harren Hoare|Harren the Black]], and the towers are said to be haunted by [[ghosts|fiery spirits]].{{Ref|ACOK|30}}

* The [[Kingspyre Tower]] contains the castellan's chambers. It connects to the Widow's Tower via a stone bridge.{{ref|ACOK|38}}
* The [[Tower of Dread]] is near the middle bailey and the mews.{{ref|ACOK|47}}
* The [[Tower of Ghosts]] is near the postern gate on the east wall and the collapsed [[sept]].{{ref|ACOK|64}}
* The [[Wailing Tower]] contains storerooms on the ground floor and cavernous vaults beneath.{{ref|ACOK|30}}
* The [[Widow's Tower]] connects to the Kingspyre Tower via a stone bridge.{{ref|ACOK|38}} Underneath there is a great cell that is used to keep prisoners.{{ref|ACOK|47}}

[[House Whent]] uses only the lower thirds of two of the five towers, letting the rest go to ruin. Bats infest the tops of some of the towers.{{Ref|ACOK|30}}

===Buildings===
[[File:Harenhal_tvseries.jpg|350px|thumb|Harrenhal in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
* The [[Hall of a Hundred Hearths]] is the castle's great hall. It is the largest chamber in [[Westeros]], even larger than the [[Great Hall (Red Keep)|throne room]] of the [[Red Keep]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}} The hall has only thirty-three or thirty-five hearths, but is said to be able to entertain an army.{{Ref|ACOK|30}} Its floors are smooth [[slate]] and there are steps to two galleries above.{{ref|ASOS|37}}

* The kitchens are located in a round stone building with a domed roof containing nothing but kitchens. Harrenhal's kitchens are as large as the [[Great Hall of Winterfell]].{{Ref|ACOK|30}}

* The [[Barracks Hall]] above the armory is where the men-at-arms take their meals.{{Ref|ACOK|30}}

* Adjoining the armory is the smithy, a long building in the shape of a tunnel. It has twenty forges, stone water troughs, and a high roof.{{ref|ACOK|38}}

* [[Hunter's Hall]] is another hall of the castle.{{ref|AFFC|27}}

* The bathhouse is a low-ceilinged room filled with great stone tubs large enough to hold six or seven after the fashion of the [[Free Cities]].{{Ref|ASOS|37}} The bathhouse is made of stone and timber, with only one entrance to the room.{{Ref|ACOK|26}}

* Followers of the [[Faith of the Seven|Seven]] can pray in Harrenhal's [[sept]].{{ref|ACOK|43}} Near the [[Tower of Ghosts]] there is also a collapsed sept which has been abandoned since [[Aegon's Conquest]].{{ref|ACOK|64}}

* The long stables have slate roofs and can house a thousand [[horse]]s.{{ref|ASOS|44}}

* The mews are said to be haunted by the spirits of dead [[falcon]]s.{{ref|ACOK|47}}

===Other locations===
* The [[godswood of Harrenhal]] is walled over twenty acres{{ref|ACOK|30}} and has a small stream running through it.{{ref|ACOK|47}} The wood contains [[oak]]s, [[pine]]s, and [[sentinel]]s.{{ref|ACOK|47}}{{ref|ACOK|64}} Its [[heart tree]], a [[weirwood]], appears to have a terrible visage full of hatred, with a twisted mouth and flaring eyes.{{ref|ACOK|47}} The heart tree has thirteen deep marks carved into it dating to the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]] in {{Date|130}} during the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. These marks still bleed every spring.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

* The [[Flowstone Yard]] is where [[men-at-arms]] exercise and drill and squires clean arms and armor. It has a lumpy surface and is located near the Wailing Tower. There is a covered gallery above the yard with arches looking towards it.{{Ref|ACOK|30}}{{Ref|ASOS|44}}

* The [[bear]] pit is ten yards by five yards across, walled in stone, floored with sand, and encircled by six tiers of [[marble]] benches.{{Ref|ASOS|44}} It is located in the middle ward.{{ref|ACOK|47}}

==History==
===House Hoare===
[[File:Balerion the black.jpg|thumb|350px|right|The [[burning of Harrenhal]], by Marc Simonetti]]

The seat of [[Halleck Hoare]], [[King of the Isles and the Rivers]], was a modest tower house at [[Fairmarket]] on the [[Blue Fork]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands: The Black Blood}} His son, [[Harren Hoare|Harren the Black]], built Harrenhal along the [[Gods Eye]] as a monument to himself, intending it to be the greatest of all castles in [[Westeros]] and for it to dwarf any other.{{ref|ACOK|7}}

The construction of Harren's dream took forty years. Thousands of captives died in the quarries chained to sledges or laboring on the five huge towers. Men froze by winter and sweltered in summer. [[Weirwood]]s that had stood three thousand years were cut down to provide rafters and beams. Harren beggared the [[riverlands]] and the [[Iron Islands]] alike to ornament his dream.{{ref|ACOK|7}}

Upon its completion, Harren boasted that his new fortress was impregnable. However, he did not account for [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] and his [[dragon]]s invading Westeros. On the day Harren took up residence, Aegon came ashore at what would become [[King's Landing]]. Aegon flew his dragon [[Balerion]], the Black Dread, above the high walls and forbidding towers and then roasted Harren alive in the tallest of the towers, now known as [[Kingspyre]]. Harren and all his line perished in the [[burning of Harrenhal]]. Due to the extreme heat of dragonflame, the castle took on a charred, melted appearance.{{Ref|ACOK|7}}

Since [[Aegon's Conquest]], the castle has become a [[w:white elephant|white elephant]]. It is too big to garrison effectively and too expensive to maintain.{{ref|ACOK|8}} Harren allegedly mixed human blood into the mortar for the stonework;{{Ref|ACOK|26}} some believe that the castle is cursed and haunted due to Harren's hubris and the horrors that have occurred within the castle's walls, with the early deaths of its many rulers as proof.{{ref|ACOK|7}} The curse is thought to prevent any lord from holding Harrenhal indefinitely.{{ref|AFFC|23}}

===House Qoherys===
[[File:Harrenhall by crisurdiales.jpg|350px|thumb|Harrenhal, by Cris Urdiales ©]]
King [[Aegon I Targaryen]] granted Harrenhal to [[Quenton Qoherys]], although Lord [[Edmyn Tully]] of [[Riverrun]] was named [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}} [[House Qoherys]] died out during the reign of King [[Aenys I Targaryen]], however, when Lord [[Gargon Qoherys|Gargon the Guest]] was slain during [[Harren the Red]]'s rebellion.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}}

===House Harroway===
Lord [[Lucas Harroway]] succeeded Gargon as Lord of Harrenhal, and [[House Harroway]] helped to defeat Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon Targaryen]] in the [[Battle Beneath the Gods Eye]]. The Harroways of Harrenhal and [[Lord Harroway's Town]] were extinguished by King [[Maegor I Targaryen]] in {{date|44}}, however.<ref>A Forum of Ice and Fire: [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/119534-twoiaf-spoilers-inconsistency-or-intentional/&page=12#comment-6419084 Inconsistency or Intentional?]</ref> It began to be said that the castle was cursed.{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

===House Towers===
Ser [[Walton Towers]] was named the new Lord of Harrenhal after winning a melee announced by Maegor, though he died of his wounds within two weeks of the event. [[Jordan Towers]] received Harrenhal, though not all of the lands formerly belonging to House Harroway, as [[Lord Harroway's Town]] was granted to Lord [[Alton Butterwell]] and the rest of the Harroway holdings to Lord [[Darnold Darry]].{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} [[House Towers of Harrenhal|House Towers]] became extinct when Lord [[Maegor Towers]] died without heirs in {{date|61}}.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}}{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

===Rhaena Targaryen===
Since the sickly and impoverished Lord Maegor only utilized one of Harrenhal's five towers, the [[Tower of Dread]], King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] settled his widowed sister, Queen [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]] in Harrenhal. Rhaena, who lived in the [[Widow's Tower]], became friends with poor Maegor, and she took care of his household after their lord's passing. After Rhaena died at Harrenhal in {{date|73}}, the king had her remains burned and interred in the castle.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

===House Strong===
[[File:Season5Dance of Dragons16.png|thumb|400px|[[Caraxes]] and [[Vhagar]] leap into the sky as the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]] begins, from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' Season 5 Blu-ray]]
King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] granted Harrenhal to Ser [[Bywin Strong]] after Rhaena's death.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} The [[Great Council of 101 AC]], in which Prince [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys]] was chosen as the Old King's successor, was hosted by [[House Strong]] of Harrenhal.{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Lord Lyonel and his heir [[Harwin Strong|Harwin]] died in a fire at Harrenhal in {{date|120}}. It was blamed on the curse of Harrenhal, although non-mystical suspects included Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], Lyonel's younger son [[Larys Strong]], and even King Viserys I.{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Early in the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Ser [[Simon Strong]] surrendered the castle to Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] during his [[assault on Harrenhal]]. Daemon used it as a base for the [[blacks]] to launch attacks in the nearby area. Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] and Ser [[Criston Cole]] led an army of [[greens]] to retake the great castle, but found it abandoned by the blacks when they arrived. Aemond killed Simon and his kin.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

After the [[Battle by the Lakeshore]], Criston led his soldiers south along the [[Gods Eye]]. Aemond rode [[Vhagar]] and ravaged the riverlands, including burning all wooden structures in Harrenhal. Lady [[Sabitha Frey]], who had occupied Harrenhal in the meantime, was forced to hide in a privy to survive the [[dragonflame]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Daemon and Aemond later fought in the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]], a duel which killed both princes and their dragons, [[Caraxes]] and Vhagar, although Daemon's body was never found.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Lord [[Larys Strong]] was executed during the [[Hour of the Wolf]] in {{date|131}}, ending House Strong.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}}

===Alys Rivers===
[[Alys Rivers]] was the so-called "witch queen" who ruled Harrenhal during the [[regency of Aegon III]], following the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. She claimed to Ser [[Regis Groves]] and Ser [[Damon Darry]] that she was the widow of Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]], and that [[Alys Rivers's son|their young son]] was trueborn and the rightful heir to the [[Iron Throne]]. Regis did not survive the encounter and Damon fled back to [[Darry]]. An ill-fated messenger sent to Darry claimed that he had seen a [[dragon]] inside Harrenhal. The regents in [[King's Landing]] planned to gather a large army to recover Harrenhal, but their plans were interrupted by the [[Winter Fever]] of {{date|133}}.{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

===House Lothston===
King [[Aegon III Targaryen]] gave the ruined castle to Ser [[Lucas Lothston (husband of Falena)|Lucas Lothston]] in {{date|151}}.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}} The [[Bastard of Harrenhal]] was defeated by Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree]] in a melee in {{date|193}}.{{ref|THK}}

[[Manfred Lothston]] was involved in the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]] in {{date|196}},{{ref|TSS}} and Lady [[Danelle Lothston]] helped to suppress the [[Second Blackfyre Rebellion]] with the might of Harrenhal in {{date|212}}.{{ref|TMK}} [[House Lothston]] was cast down during the reign of King [[Maekar I Targaryen]] ({{date|221|233}}), however, as Danelle descended into madness.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}}

===House Whent===
[[File: Rhaeg lyanna-winterfelll.jpg|thumb|350px|The [[tourney at Harrenhal]], by M.Luisa Giliberti ©]]
[[House Whent]], originally knights sworn to Harrenhal, became lords of the castle for their part in defeating the Lothstons.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}}

Lord [[Walter Whent]] hosted a great [[tourney at Harrenhal]] in {{Date|281}}. The famous tournament resulted in the crowning of [[Rhaegar Targaryen]], [[Prince of Dragonstone]], as its champion, and is also noted for the participation of the mysterious [[Knight of the Laughing Tree]].{{ref|ASOS|24}} Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] was named to the [[Kingsguard]] of [[Aerys II Targaryen]] during the tourney.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring}}

Prior to the outbreak of [[Robert's Rebellion]], Rhaegar abducted [[Lyanna Stark]] less than ten leagues from Harrenhal.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring}} The Whents have been noted for their own tragedies.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
Ser [[Willis Wode]], a landed knight sworn to Lady [[Shella Whent]] of Harrenhal, supports [[Catelyn Stark]] when she arrests [[Tyrion Lannister]] at the [[crossroads inn]].{{ref|ACOK|28}}

When war breaks out after the death of King [[Robert I Baratheon]], Shella [[yielding of Harrenhal|yields Harrenhal]] to Lord [[Tywin Lannister]].{{ref|AGOT|56}}

Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] grants the castle to [[Janos Slynt]], Commander of the [[City Watch of King's Landing]], in return for his service in the [[arrest of Eddard Stark]]. Many nobles at the [[Red Keep]] are angered that the lowborn Janos has been named [[Lord of Harrenhal]].{{ref|AGOT|57}} Tywin is also shocked when he hears of Janos receiving Harrenhal, and he returns to the castle from the [[crossroads inn]] after learning of the [[Battle of the Camps]].{{ref|AGOT|69}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:The Ghost in HarrenhalMarc Simonetti.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Arya Stark]] in Harrenhal, by Marc Simonetti © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Tyrion, acting as [[Hand of the King|Hand]] in [[King's Landing]] as Tywin is still in the field during the [[War of the Five Kings]], revokes Janos's title and sends him to the [[Wall]].{{ref|ACOK|8}}

The [[Mountain's men]] capture [[Arya Stark]], [[Gendry]], and [[Hot Pie]] and bring the youths to Harrenhal.{{ref|ACOK|26}} Tywin's garrison include bannermen lead by Ser [[Amory Lorch]] and Ser [[Gregor Clegane]], and they are bolstered by the [[Brave Companions]]. The men treat the [[smallfolk]] of the castle cruelly. Amory's men and the Brave Companions feud, resulting in more deaths. Three dozen prisoners from the [[battle on the Green Fork]] are kept prisoner in the [[Tower of Dread]]; six [[House Frey|Freys]] are ransomed, but [[north]]ern prisoners remain. The wounded Lord [[Medger Cerwyn]] dies in captivity.{{ref|ACOK|30}} Arya has [[Jaqen H'ghar]] assassinate [[Chiswyck]] and [[Weese]], and some attribute the deaths to the ghost of [[Harren Hoare]].{{ref|ACOK|30}}{{ref|ACOK|38}}

Tywin departs Harrenhal, leaving Amory as castellan.{{ref|ACOK|38}} Ser [[Edmure Tully]] tasks Lord [[Roose Bolton]] and Ser [[Helman Tallhart]] with taking Harrenhal for [[Robb Stark]], [[King in the North]], so that Tywin can be blocked by [[Riverrun]], the [[Red Fork]], and Harrenhal.{{ref|ACOK|39}}

A new group of northern prisoners, including [[Robett Glover]], are brought to Harrenhal by the Brave Companions. Arya convinces Jaqen to help her free the prisoners and revolt against Amory's Lannisters. At the same time, the Brave Companions butcher the Lannister bannermen and all who are loyal to them, then hand the castle to Lord Bolton. Amory is killed within the bear pit for entertainment after the [[fall of Harrenhal]].{{ref|ACOK|47}} Arya serves Roose as his cupbearer.{{ref|ACOK|64}}

Following the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] awards Harrenhal to Lord [[Petyr Baelish]] for his role in securing an alliance between the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] and [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] through the engagement of Joffrey and [[Margaery Tyrell]]. Petyr is also named [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]], replacing [[Hoster Tully]] of Riverrun; Hoster is a supporter of [[Robb Stark]], the [[King in the North]].{{ref|ACOK|65}}

Harrenhal remains occupied by Roose Bolton's northmen and Ser [[Aenys Frey]]'s rivermen. Roose punishes and executes some of the castle's servants for having served House Lannister.{{ref|ACOK|64}} Arya practices her [[water dance]] in the [[godswood of Harrenhal]].{{ref|ACOK|64}} Arya thinks of herself as the ghost in Harrenhal,{{ref|ACOK|47}} but she flees with Gendry and Hot Pie from the castle when she learns Roose intends to grant it to [[Vargo Hoat]], the leader of the Brave Companions.{{ref|ACOK|64}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[File:Tomasz Jedruszek Harrenhal.png|thumb|350px|[[Jaime Lannister]] fights the bear in Harrenhal, by Tomasz Jedruszek © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Vargo had changed his allegiance from [[House Lannister]] to [[House Stark]] in order to receive Harrenhal from [[Roose Bolton]]. After Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] escapes [[Riverrun]], Vargo, fearing the vengeance of Jaime's father [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin]], desires to wed Lord [[Rickard Karstark]]'s daughter, [[Alys Karstark|Alys]], and claim the safer and more distant [[Karhold]].{{ref|ASOS|37}} Vargo's [[Brave Companions]] capture Jaime near [[Maidenpool]]. Fearing that Roose will return Jaime to Ser [[Edmure Tully]] at Riverrun or even to Tywin in [[King's Landing]], Vargo has [[Zollo]] maim Jaime by cutting off the knight's sword hand.{{ref|ASOS|21}} Lord Karstark is eventually executed by Robb Stark for his own treason.{{ref|ASOS|20}}

The Bloody Mummers bring Jaime and [[Brienne of Tarth]] to Harrenhal,{{ref|ASOS|31}} and within the castle's bathhouse Jaime reveals the [[wildfire plot]] to Brienne.{{ref|ASOS|37}} While departing Harrenhal for Edmure's wedding at the [[Twins]], Lord Bolton sends [[Steelshanks Walton]] to escort Jaime to King's Landing. Brienne remains in Vargo's control.{{ref|ASOS|37}} After a dream during his journey to the capital, however, Jaime insists on returning to Harrenhal, arriving in time to rescue Brienne from a bear in the castle's bear pit. Jaime brings Brienne with him to safety in King's Landing.{{ref|ASOS|44}}

Following Robb's death in the [[Red Wedding]], Tywin Lannister, the [[Hand of the King]] for [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], intends to be lenient toward any opponent who surrenders, with the exception of Vargo at Harrenhal.{{ref|ASOS|53}} Most Brave Companions flee the castle.{{ref|ASOS|62}} After the [[capture of Harrenhal]],{{ref|ASOS|60}} Gregor departs to [[King's Landing]] to participate in the [[trial by combat]] of [[Tyrion Lannister]].{{ref|ASOS|74}}

Though he has never set foot within Harrenhal's walls, Petyr Baelish remains its lord. The castle's large dominion elevates Petyr's social position enough to marry [[Lysa Arryn]], the widowed-Lady Regent of the [[Vale of Arryn]].{{ref|ASOS|19}}{{ref|ASOS|68}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
It is reported that Harrenhal's former lady, [[Shella Whent]], has died,{{ref|AFFC|23}} as has [[Gregor Clegane]].{{ref|AFFC|17}} [[Timeon]] informs Brienne that Gregor had mutilated and eventually killed [[Vargo Hoat]] before the Mountain departed for King's Landing.{{ref|AFFC|20}} The [[Lords Declarant]] try to convince [[Petyr Baelish]] to take possession of Harrenhal, but Littlefinger manipulates them and remains in the Vale.{{ref|AFFC|23}}

Sent to bring peace to the [[riverlands]], [[Jaime Lannister]] returns to Harrenhal and learns it is leaderless. Gregor had appointed [[Polliver]] as its castellan, but Polliver was killed by [[Sandor Clegane]] at the [[inn at the crossroads]].{{ref|ASOS|74}} Jaime clears out the [[Mountain's men]] and replaces the garrison with the pious regiment known as the [[Holy Hundred]]. Jaime appoints their leader, Ser [[Bonifer Hasty]], as castellan until the time when Lord Baelish claims his castle.{{ref|AFFC|27}} Jaime releases Ser [[Wylis Manderly]] from imprisonment and has Ser [[Ilyn Payne]] execute one of the Mountain's men for having raped [[Pia]].{{ref|AFFC|27}}

==Curse==
Harrenhal is said to be cursed, as many Houses and individuals who have held the castle have eventually come to bad ends.{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}}{{ref|AGOT|69}}{{ref|ACOK|7}}{{ref|ACOK|14}}{{ref|ACOK|16}}{{ref|ACOK|17}}{{ref|ACOK|65}}

===Rulers of Harrenhal===
[[File:MadDanelleLothston by scrapchap.jpg|thumb|[[Danelle Lothston]], by scrapchap ©]]
* [[House Hoare]], wiped out during the [[burning of Harrenhal]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
* [[House Qoherys]] held Harrenhal from {{date|1}}-{{date|37}}, wiped out by [[Harren the Red]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}}
* [[House Harroway]] held Harrenhal from {{date|37}}-{{date|44}}, wiped out by King [[Maegor I Targaryen]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}}
* [[House Towers of Harrenhal|House Towers]] held Harrenhal from {{date|44}}-{{date|61}}, dying out without heirs.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
* The widowed Queen [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]] held Harrenhal from {{date|61}}-{{date|73}}, when she died.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
* [[House Strong]] held Harrenhal from {{date|73}}-{{date|131}}, last of the line executed by Lord [[Cregan Stark]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}}
* [[Alys Rivers]] was the "witch queen" of Harrenhal during the [[regency of Aegon III]].{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}
* [[House Lothston]] held Harrenhal from {{date|151}}-unknown, line was brought down in the reign of King [[Maekar I Targaryen]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}}
* [[House Whent]] held Harrenhal for three generations. Lady [[Shella Whent]] yielded the castle in {{Date|298}} to the forces of Lord [[Tywin Lannister]].{{ref|AGOT|56}}
* [[House Slynt]] was awarded Harrenhal for a short period of time in {{Date|299}}.{{ref|AGOT|57}}{{ref|ACOK|8}}
* [[House Baelish]] was awarded Harrenhal in {{Date|299}}.{{ref|ACOK|65}}

===Individuals who have held Harrenhal since {{Date|298}}===
* [[Shella Whent]], last of House Whent. Said to have died at the beginning of winter, under as of yet unknown circumstances.{{ref|AFFC|23}}
* [[Janos Slynt]], made [[Lord of Harrenhal]]. Stripped of title a short while later by [[Tyrion Lannister]]{{ref|ACOK|8}} and sent to the [[Wall]] where he is later executed by [[Jon Snow]].{{ref|ADWD|7}}
* [[Tywin Lannister]], took possession of Harrenhal near the start of the [[War of the Five Kings]]. Later slain with a crossbow by his son, Tyrion, while seated on a privy in the [[Tower of the Hand]].{{ref|ASOS|77}}
* [[Amory Lorch]], named [[castellan]]. Fed to a bear in Harrenhal's bear pit.{{ref|ACOK|47}}
* [[Roose Bolton]], held Harrenhal for a short time.{{ref|ACOK|47}}{{ref|ASOS|44}}
* [[Petyr Baelish]], named Lord of Harrenhal and [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]],{{ref|ACOK|65}} though he has yet to take possession of the castle.{{ref|AFFC|23}}
* [[Vargo Hoat]], given Harrenhal by Lord Bolton and eventually tortured to death within Harrenhal by [[Gregor Clegane]].{{ref|AFFC|20}}
* [[Gregor Clegane]], died of poison applied to the spear of [[Oberyn Martell]] in [[King's Landing]] during the trial by combat of [[Tyrion Lannister]].{{ref|AFFC|17}}
* [[Polliver]], named castellan. Eventually killed by [[Sandor Clegane]] at the [[crossroads inn]].{{ref|ASOS|74}}
* [[Bonifer Hasty]], named castellan by [[Jaime Lannister]].{{ref|AFFC|27}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Matthew Cowdery.Harrenhal.png|thumb|350px|Harrenhal by Matthew Cowdery © Fantasy Flight Games]]
[[File:Maegor Towers and Danelle Lothston by coldraindropsss.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Maegor Towers and Danelle Lothston, the last of their lordly lines by coldraindropsss ©]]
{{quote|Whose notion was it to make this [[Janos Slynt]] a [[Lord of Harrenhal|lord]]? The man's father was a butcher, and they grant him Harrenhal. Harrenhal, that was the seat of kings! Not that he will ever set foot inside it, if I have a say.{{ref|AGOT|69}}|[[Tywin Lannister]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|Every child of the [[Trident]] knew the tales told of Harrenhal, the vast fortress that King [[Harren Hoare|Harren the Black]] had raised beside the waters of [[Gods Eye]] three hundred years past, when the [[Seven Kingdoms]] had been seven kingdoms, and the [[riverlands]] were ruled by the [[ironmen]] from the islands. In his pride, Harren had desired the highest hall and tallest towers in all [[Westeros]]. Forty years it had taken, rising like a great shadow on the shore of the lake while Harren's armies plundered his neighbors for stone, lumber, [[gold]], and workers. Thousands of captives died in his quarries, chained to his sledges, or laboring on his five colossal towers. Men froze by winter and sweltered in summer. [[Weirwood]]s that had stood three thousand years were cut down for beams and rafters. Harren had beggared the riverlands and the [[Iron Islands]] alike to ornament his dream. And when at last Harrenhal stood complete, on the very day King Harren took up residence, [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] had come ashore at [[Aegon's Landing|King's Landing]].{{ref|ACOK|7}}|thoughts of [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{quote|'''Tyrion''': You're a bold man to take Harrenhal for your seat. Such a grim place, and huge ... costly to maintain. And some say cursed as well. 
'''Janos''': Should I fear a pile of stone?{{ref|ACOK|8}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] and [[Janos Slynt]]}}

{{quote|That is an ill place. Cursed, they say. Not that I am the sort to swallow such tales, but still, there it is.{{ref|ACOK|16}}|[[Wyman Manderly]] to [[Rodrik Cassel]]}}

{{Quote|Harrenhal was deceptive from afar, because it was so huge. Its colossal curtain walls rose beside [[Gods Eye|the lake]], sheer and sudden as mountain cliffs, while atop their battlements the rows of wood-and-iron [[scorpion (weapon)|scorpions]] looked as small as [[scorpion|the bugs]] for which they were named.{{ref|ACOK|30}}|thoughts of [[Arya Stark]]}}

{{Quote|'''Sansa''': Yes, but the castle is yours. 
'''Petyr''': Ah, and what a castle it is. Cavernous halls and ruined towers, [[ghosts]] and draughts, ruinous to heat, impossible to garrison ... and there’s that small matter of a curse. 
'''Sansa''': Curses are only in songs and stories. 
'''Petyr''': Has someone made a song about [[Gregor Clegane]] dying of a [[poison]]ed spear thrust? Or about [[Vargo Hoat|the sellsword]] before him, whose limbs Ser Gregor removed a joint at a time? That one [[fall of Harrenhal|took the castle]] from Ser [[Amory Lorch]], who received it from Lord [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin Lannister]]. A [[bear]] killed one, [[Tyrion Lannister|your dwarf]] the other. [[Shella Whent|Lady Whent's]] died as well, I hear. [[House Lothston|Lothstons]], [[House Strong|Strongs]], [[House Harroway|Harroways]] ... Harrenhal has withered every hand to touch it.{{ref|AFFC|23}}|[[Sansa Stark]] and [[Petyr Baelish]]}}

{{quote|Across the pewter waters of [[Gods Eye|the lake]] the towers of [[Harren Hoare|Black Harren's]] folly appeared at last, five twisted fingers of black, misshapen stone grasping for the sky.{{ref|AFFC|27}}|thoughts of [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|Gods, but I hate this bloody castle. Harrenhal had witnessed more horror in its three hundred years than [[Casterly Rock]] had witnessed in three thousand.{{ref|AFFC|27}}|thoughts of [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|'''Jaime''': This castle has an ill repute, and one that's well deserved. It's said that [[Harren Hoare|Harren]] and his sons still walk the halls by night, afire. Those who look upon them burst into flame. 
'''Bonifer''': I fear no [[shades|shade]], ser. It is written in ''[[The Seven-Pointed Star]]'' that spirits, [[wights]], and [[revenants]] cannot harm a pious man, so long as he is armored in his faith. 
'''Jaime''': Then armor yourself in faith, by all means, but wear a suit of mail and plate as well. Every man who holds this castle seems to come to a bad end. [[Gregor Clegane|The Mountain]], [[Vargo Hoat|the Goat]], even [[Tywin Lannister|my father]] ...{{ref|AFFC|27}}|[[Jaime Lannister]] and [[Bonifer Hasty]]}}

==Chapters that take place at Harrenhal==
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 26|''A Clash of Kings'': 26. Arya VI]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 30|''A Clash of Kings'': 30. Arya VII]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 38|''A Clash of Kings'': 38. Arya VIII]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 47|''A Clash of Kings'': 47. Arya IX]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 64|''A Clash of Kings'': 64. Arya X]]
*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 31|''A Storm of Swords'': 31. Jaime IV]]
*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 37|''A Storm of Swords'': 37. Jaime V]]
*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 44|''A Storm of Swords'': 44. Jaime VI]]
*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 27|''A Feast for Crows'': 27. Jaime III]]

==Behind the Scenes==
In a 1993 draft of the map of Westeros, Harrenhal was located in the [[Vale of Arryn|Vale]], not the [[riverlands]].<ref>Clint Stevenson, [https://twitter.com/ClintWStevenson/status/1579521260203413504 Updated pic of the original map of Westeros, turned in to George RR Martin's editor in 1993 along with the first manuscript] (Twitter.com), Oct 10, 2022</ref>

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

{{EnWP|Strongholds of A Song of Ice and Fire|small=yes}} 

{{Region Riverlands}}

[[Category:Harrenhal| ]]
[[Category:Black castles]]
[[Category:Castles]]
[[Category:Gods Eye]]
[[Category:Places in the Riverlands]]
[[Category:House Hoare]]
[[Category:House Qoherys]]
[[Category:House Harroway]]
[[Category:House Towers]]
[[Category:House Targaryen]]
[[Category:House Strong]]
[[Category:House Lothston]]
[[Category:House Whent]]
[[Category:House Slynt]]
[[Category:House Baelish]]
[[Category:Brave Companions]]
[[Category:Ruins]]

[[es:Harrenhal]]
[[fa:هارن هال]]
[[fr:Harrenhal]]
[[ru:Харренхолл]]
[[zh:赫伦堡]]

Rickon Stark

2026-06-11T15:26:11Z

Hhwang: /* A Clash of Kings */

{{For|other characters with the same name|Rickon Stark (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox character
| firstname = Rickon
| lastname = Stark
| arms = Stark
| image = File:Rickon Stark and Shaggydog by Amok.jpg
| image_caption = Rickon and [[Shaggydog]], by Amok ©
| Alias =
| Title = [[Prince]]{{Ref|ACOK|69}}
| Allegiance = [[House Stark]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Northmen]]
| Father = [[Eddard Stark]]
| Mother = [[Catelyn Tully]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth = [[Winterfell]], the [[North]]{{Ref|AWOIAF| Rickon Stark}}
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|295}} (age 4)<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued3)#Rickon Stark|Rickon Stark]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (appears) ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appears) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = [[w:Art Parkinson|Art Parkinson]]
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|2]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 3|3]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 6|6]]}}

'''Rickon Stark''' is [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]] and [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]]'s youngest child, only three years old when the series begins. Rickon is a naturally aggressive and strong-willed child, but his youth makes it difficult for him to cope with the terrible changes that come to his family and life. He is usually accompanied by his [[direwolf]], [[Shaggydog]].

In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', Rickon is portrayed by [[List of actors of Game of Thrones#Art Parkinson, Rickon Stark|Art Parkinson]].<ref name=HBO/>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Rickon Stark|l1=Images of Rickon Stark}}
Rickon favors his mother [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]] in appearance, having the bright blue eyes, auburn hair, and easy smile of a [[House Tully|Tully]].{{Ref|AGOT|7}}{{Ref|AGOT|14}}{{Ref|AGOT|19}}

Young Rickon is playful, but temperamental and stubborn.{{Ref|AGOT|24}}{{Ref|ACOK|35}} He has breathless laughter{{Ref|ADWD|69}} and fiercely tries to be like his older brothers.{{Ref|ACOK|55}} Rickon's family often thinks of him as a baby.{{Ref|AGOT|22}}{{Ref|ACOK|18}}{{Ref|ASOS|40}}

Rickon wears an ermine mantle.{{Ref|ACOK|21}} His bedchamber is half a turn below Bran's in a tower at [[Winterfell]].{{Ref|ACOK|50}}

==History==
Born at Winterfell in {{Date|295}}, Rickon is the third son and youngest child of [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]] and [[Eddard Stark]], [[Lord of Winterfell]]. [[Maester]] [[Luwin]] helped deliver the child.{{Ref|AGOT|6}} Rickon's brothers are [[Robb Stark|Robb]] and [[Bran Stark|Bran]], while his sisters are [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] and [[Arya Stark|Arya]]. Rickon also has a [[bastard]] half-brother, [[Jon Snow]], from whom Rickon begs sweets.{{Ref|AGOT|19}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File: Chris Casciano Rickon Stark.JPG|thumb|350px|Rickon and [[Shaggydog]] in the [[crypts of Winterfell]], by Chris Casciano © Fantasy Flight Games]]

Lord [[Eddard Stark]] allows his children to adopt a litter of [[direwolves]] found by [[Jon Snow]].{{Ref|AGOT|1}} Rickon is initially afraid of his pup,{{Ref|AGOT|2}} which he eventually names [[Shaggydog]].{{Ref|agot|8}} At the feast welcoming King [[Robert I Baratheon]] to [[Winterfell]], Jon prods his half brother on when Rickon stops to visit him during the procession.{{Ref|AGOT|5}}

When Eddard departs for [[King's Landing]] to serve Robert as [[Hand of the King]], he leaves his youngest son at Winterfell with the boy's mother, [[Catelyn Stark]], and eldest brother, [[Robb Stark|Robb]].{{Ref|AGOT|6}} [[Bran Stark]] was supposed to join his sisters, [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] and [[Arya Stark|Arya]], with Eddard in the capital, but Rickon's older brother becomes comatose after falling from the [[First Keep]].{{Ref|AGOT|8}}

A grief-stricken Catelyn lingers at Bran's bedside, so Rickon follows Robb around, crying. After Bran wakes from his coma, Catelyn departs Winterfell to inform Eddard of the [[catspaw]] assassin, leaving Robb to rule the castle.{{Ref|AGOT|14}} Rickon enjoys running with Shaggydog, [[Grey Wind]], and [[Summer]]—the direwolves of Robb and Bran—in the castle's yard.{{Ref|AGOT|24}} Rickon becomes upset whenever Robb departs Winterfell to address matters in the [[north]].{{Ref|AGOT|24}} When the direwolves threaten [[Tyrion Lannister]], Rickon calls Shaggy back to him.{{Ref|AGOT|24}}

Having learned that Robb is marching south to rescue their father from imprisonment in King's Landing, an upset Rickon hides in the [[crypt of Winterfell]]. Rickon slashes at Robb's men with a rusty sword, and Shaggydog wounds [[Gage]] and [[Mikken]]. Rickon cries even more when Shaggy is chained in [[Farlen]]'s kennel, and the boy refuses to bid farewell when Robb departs Winterfell.{{Ref|AGOT|53}}

Bran has a [[dream]] of Eddard in the crypt, so [[Osha]] and [[Maester]] [[Luwin]] bring the boy to the vaults so he can see that his father's tomb is empty. Shaggydog jumps out of the shadows and wounds Luwin, however, and Summer begins fighting with Shaggy. Four-year-old Rickon, who had freed Shaggy from the kennel, explains that he had also dreamed that Eddard would be coming home. Rickon accompanies the group to Luwin's tower, and the maester shows [[obsidian]] arrowheads to the boys. Rickon cries when a [[raven]] then arrives at the tower bringing word that Eddard has been executed by order of King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] in the capital.{{Ref|AGOT|66}}

After the [[Battle of the Camps]], Robb is proclaimed [[King in the North]] at [[Riverrun]] by [[northmen]] and [[rivermen]],{{Ref|AGOT|71}} and his brothers become princes.{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Rickon and Shaggydog by Nicholas Gregory.jpg|350px|thumb|Rickon and [[Shaggydog]], by Nicholas Gregory © Fantasy Flight Games]]

Rickon is initially upset when [[Walder Frey (son of Jammos)|Big Walder]] and [[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Little Walder Frey]] arrive at Winterfell as [[ward]]s, according to the alliance between Houses [[House Stark|Stark]] and [[House Frey|Frey]].{{Ref|ACOK|4}} When Little Walder knocks the Rickon into a pool while playing [[lord of the crossing]], Shaggydog bites him. Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]], the [[castellan]] of Winterfell, confines Shaggydog and Summer, both direwolves at Winterfell, to the [[godswood of Winterfell|godswood]].{{Ref|ACOK|4}}

Rickon then becomes friends with the Frey cousins, playing other games like [[monsters and maidens]], [[rats and cats]], and [[come-into-my-castle]]. Bran is angered when his brother shows the crypt of Winterfell to their guests.{{Ref|ACOK|4}} Rickon sits near the Freys during the [[harvest feast]].{{Ref|ACOK|21}}

With his mother Catelyn away in the south, Rickon refuses to have his hair cut, and instead bites a girl who tries to cut his long, unruly hair.{{Ref|ACOK|21}} [[Maester]] [[Luwin]] discounts the dreams which Bran and Rickon experienced before Winterfell was informed of Lord Eddard's death,{{Ref|ACOK|28}} while [[Jojen Reed]] explains he has had [[green dreams]] of the Stark brothers in the crypt{{Ref|ACOK|35}} and also of the boys being flayed by [[Ramsay Snow|Reek]].{{Ref|ACOK|35}}

[[Theon Greyjoy]] and his [[ironborn]] raiders [[capture of Winterfell|capture]] Winterfell. Rickon, Bran, and the Reed siblings become his [[hostage]]s. [[Meera Reed]] protects Rickon when [[Stygg]] kills [[Mikken]].{{Ref|ACOK|46}} After [[Osha]], [[Hodor]], the direwolves, and the Reed and Stark siblings vanish from the castle, Theon and Reek hunt for them in the [[wolfswood]] to no avail.{{Ref|ACOK|50}} The hunters instead kill two [[miller's sons]] at the [[Acorn Water]]; Reek [[flay]]s the children's bodies, and Theon presents their tarred heads to Winterfell as those of the missing Starks.{{Ref|ACOK|56}}

In [[King's Landing]], [[Varys]] receives word of Bran and Rickon's murder, and informs acting [[Hand of the King]] [[Tyrion Lannister]], who informs his sister, Queen [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]]. Both fear that Catelyn Stark will kill Robb's hostage, their brother [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]], in revenge. Cersei notes that they still hold their own hostage, [[Sansa Stark]], and Tyrion reminds her that they must take good care of her.{{Ref|ACOK|54}}

At [[Riverrun]], Catelyn receives word of Bran and Rickon's murder, and decides to free Jaime Lannister to exchange for her daughters.{{Ref|ACOK|55}}{{Ref|ASOS|1}}{{Ref|ASOS|2}} During the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], Sansa Stark sings a prayer for her siblings.{{Ref|ACOK|57}} At [[Harrenhal]], [[Arya Stark]] becomes teary-eyed after learning of her brothers' fate.{{Ref|ACOK|64}}

In actuality, Rickon and his companions have secretly hidden from Theon in the crypts, and they survive the [[sack of Winterfell]] by Reek, who is actually [[Ramsay Snow]].{{Ref|ACOK|66}}{{Ref|ACOK|69}} The group emerges from the crypts to find Winterfell in ruins. In the godswood, they discover a mortally wounded Maester Luwin, who tells them that Bran and Rickon need to be separated and taken into hiding. Osha agrees to look after Rickon, taking the prince and Shaggydog to parts unknown.{{Ref|ACOK|69}}

[[File:Osha and Rickon by amuelia.jpg|350px|thumb|Rickon Stark and [[Osha]], by Amuelia ©]]

===''A Storm of Swords''===
Traveling north toward the [[Wall]], [[Bran Stark]] wonders if [[Osha]] took his brother to [[White Harbor]] or the [[Last Hearth]].{{Ref|ASOS|24}}

[[Robb Stark]], the [[King in the North]], sleeps with [[Jeyne Westerling]] at the [[Crag]] after having been informed of his brothers' supposed deaths. Robb then marries Jeyne, breaking his promise to marry a daughter of Lord [[Walder Frey]].{{Ref|ASOS|14}}

After Lord [[Hoster Tully]] dies at Riverrun, Catelyn thinks her father will be awaited in the afterlife by his grandsons, Bran and Rickon.{{Ref|ASOS|35}}

When [[Jon Snow]] returns to [[Castle Black]] after the [[great ranging]] and spying on a group of [[free folk]], Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] informs him of his brothers' murders and of the burning of Winterfell. Jon cannot quite believe Theon would do that.{{Ref|ASOS|48}}

Sansa, expecting to marry [[Willas Tyrell]], hopes to one day name sons after Rickon, Bran, and Eddard.{{Ref|ASOS|16}} However, Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] forces her to marry [[Tyrion Lannister]],{{Ref|ASOS|19}}{{Ref|ASOS|28}} so that [[House Lannister]] can one day claim Winterfell.{{Ref|ASOS|35}} To prevent that possibility, King Robb names his half brother Jon as his heir.{{Ref|ASOS|45}}{{Ref|AWOIAF|Robb Stark}} Robb and Catelyn are then murdered by [[House Frey|Freys]] and [[House Bolton|Boltons]] in the [[Red Wedding]].{{Ref|ASOS|51}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Most of [[Westeros]] believes Rickon dead, but Lord [[Wyman Manderly]] and [[Robett Glover]] learn from [[Wex Pyke]], Theon's onetime [[squire]] and a survivor of the sack of Winterfell, that the boy is alive. Wex tells them—via writing and chalk drawings since he is mute—that Ramsay killed Rodrik Cassel, not Theon, in the [[battle at Winterfell]], and that Wex followed a boy, a woman, and a direwolf after they left the castle.{{Ref|ADWD|29}} Wex learned that Osha was taking Rickon to [[Skagos]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|Wex Pyke}}

When Lord [[Davos Seaworth]] attempts to convince Lord Manderly to take up [[Stannis Baratheon]]'s cause, Wyman brings Wex into their meeting in the [[New Castle]] and explains to Davos what Wex witnessed. Wyman explains that in order for [[House Manderly]] to accept Stannis as king, Davos must use his smuggling skills to retrieve Wyman's liege lord from Skagos—Rickon, the heir of [[House Stark]] with Robb dead and Bran's fate unknown.{{Ref|ADWD|29}}

Ramsay, who is now [[Lord of Winterfell]],{{Ref|ADWD|37}} tells his father, [[Roose Bolton]], that he intends to kill Bran and Rickon with [[Bastard's girls|his hounds]] if the Stark boys reappear.{{Ref|ADWD|32}}

Theon, who has been [[torture]]d by Ramsay, is hated and considered a [[kinslayer]] for his alleged murder of Bran and Rickon.{{Ref|ADWD|46}}{{Ref|ADWD|51}} Theon has a difficult time remembering what really happened,{{Ref|ADWD|32}} but eventually recalls more clearly.{{Ref|ADWD|46}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
[[Northmen]] in Stannis's army at the [[crofters' village]] want the king to execute Theon for having killed Bran and Rickon. Theon incoherently tries to explain his true actions to his sister, [[Asha Greyjoy]].<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]</ref>

==Quotes by Rickon==
[[File: Rickon Stark.PNG|350px|thumb|[[w:Art Parkinson|Art Parkinson]] as Rickon in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]

{{Quote|'''Rickon''': You let [[Eddard Stark|my father]] be. You let him be. 
'''Bran''': Rickon. Father's not [[crypt of Winterfell|here]]. 
'''Rickon''': Yes he is. I saw him. I saw him last night.{{Ref|AGOT|66}}|Rickon to [[Luwin]] and [[Bran Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Are we going [[Winterfell|home]]? I want my [[horse]]. And I want applecakes and butter and honey, and [[Shaggydog|Shaggy]]. Are we going where Shaggydog is?{{Ref|ACOK|69}}|Rickon to [[Bran Stark]]}}

==Quotes about Rickon==
{{Quote|Rickon needs you. He's only three, he doesn't understand what's happening. He thinks everyone has deserted him, so he follows me around all day, clutching my leg and crying. I don't know what to do with him.{{Ref|AGOT|14}}|[[Robb Stark]] to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|His baby brother had been wild as a winter storm since he learned [[Robb Stark|Robb]] was riding off to [[War of the Five Kings|war]], weeping and angry by turns.{{Ref|AGOT|53}}|thoughts of [[Bran Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Though he knew Lord [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]] was dead, sometimes Rickon forgot ... willfully, Bran suspected. His little brother was stubborn as only a boy of four can be.{{Ref|ACOK|35}}|thoughts of [[Bran Stark]]}}

{{Quote|'''Brienne''': I ... there are no words, my lady. My good lady. Your sons, they ... they're with [[Faith of the Seven|the gods]] now. '''Catelyn''': Are they? What god would let this happen? Rickon was only a baby. How could he deserve such a death?{{Ref|ACOK|55}}|[[Brienne of Tarth]] and [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|[[Roose Bolton]] has Lord Eddard's [[Arya Stark|daughter]]. To thwart him [[White Harbor]] must have [[Eddard Stark|Ned's]] son ... and [[Shaggydog|the direwolf]]. The wolf will prove the boy is who we say he is, should the [[Dreadfort]] attempt to deny him. That is my price, Lord Davos. Smuggle me back my liege lord, and I will take [[Stannis Baratheon]] as my king.{{Ref|ADWD|29}}|[[Wyman Manderly]] to [[Davos Seaworth]]}}

==Family==
{{Stark tree}}

==References==
{{References|refs=
<ref name=HBO>HBO.com: [https://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/cast-and-crew Game of Thrones Cast & Characters]</ref>
}}

==External links==
*{{WP}}
*{{WoW}}

[[Category:House Stark]]
[[Category:295 AC births|Stark, Rickon]]
[[Category:Characters from the North|Stark, Rickon]]
[[Category:Characters with blue eyes|Stark, Rickon]]
[[Category:Characters with red hair|Stark, Rickon]]
[[Category:Nobles|Stark, Rickon]]
[[Category:Hostages of House Greyjoy in the War of the Five Kings|Stark, Rickon]]
[[Category:Skinchangers|Stark, Rickon]]

[[es:Rickon Stark]]
[[fa:ریکان استارک]]
[[fr:Rickon Stark]]
[[it:Rickon Stark]]
[[pt:Rickon Stark]]
[[ru:Рикон Старк]]
[[tr:Rickon Stark]]
[[zh:瑞肯·史塔克]]

Brandon Stark

2026-06-11T14:07:42Z

Hhwang: /* Appearance and Character */

{{For|other characters with the same name}}
{{Infobox character
| firstname = Brandon
| lastname = Stark
| arms = Stark
| image = Brandon stark the wild wolf by mike hallstein-dadi0nx.jpeg
| image_caption = Brandon Stark, by [https://www.deviantart.com/mike-hallstein Mike Hallstein] ©
| Alias = The wild wolf{{Ref|ASOS|24}}<ref name="Citadel">The Citadel: [https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/FAQ/Entry/Who_were_the_different_people_in_Meeras_story/ FAQ - 6.2.6. Who were the different people in Meera's story? (March 14, 2007)]</ref>
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[House Stark]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Northmen]]
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|262}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}}
| Place_of_Birth = [[Winterfell]], the [[North]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Brandon Stark}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|282}}
| Place_of_Death = [[Great Hall (Red Keep)|Great Hall]], [[King's Landing]]
| Place_of_Burial = [[Crypt of Winterfell]]
| Father = [[Rickard Stark]]
| Mother = [[Lyarra Stark]]
| Spouse =
| Lover = [[Barbrey Dustin|Barbrey Ryswell]]
| Issue =
| coat-of-arms =
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
| Played_by = Unidentified
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 1|Season 1]] (deleted scene)
}}

'''Brandon Stark''' was the oldest son of Lord [[Rickard Stark]] and Lady [[Lyarra Stark]] and the heir to [[Winterfell]] prior to [[Robert's Rebellion]]. His younger siblings were [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]], [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]], and [[Benjen Stark|Benjen]].

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Brandon Stark|l1=Images of Brandon Stark}}
The grey-eyed{{Ref|AGOT|40}} Brandon was taller than his younger brother [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]],{{Ref|ASOS|45}}{{Ref|AWOIAF|Brandon Stark}} and [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]] found Brandon more handsome than Eddard.{{ref|ASOS|45}} He was also wilder and more mirthful than the somber Eddard.{{ref|ASOS|45}} Brandon was rather hot-blooded,{{Ref|AGOT|22}}{{Ref|ASOS|45}} a trait his father, Lord [[Rickard Stark]], described as originating from "the [[wolf blood]]". Brandon shared this trait with his sister, [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]], and Eddard believes this led them both to early deaths.{{Ref|AGOT|22}}

Brandon was a better [[sword]]sman and [[joust]]er than his younger brothers, Eddard and [[Benjen Stark]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|Brandon Stark}}{{ref|ssm|1142}} He loved to hone his sword, preferring it to be as sharp as possible.{{Ref|ADWD|41}} He also loved to ride, and has been described by [[Barbrey Dustin]] as a [[centaur]] in that regard.{{Ref|ADWD|41}} Lord [[Hoster Tully]] considers Brandon to have been a gallant fool.{{ref|ACOK|55}}

Brandon was not shy about taking what he wanted, including women.{{Ref|ADWD|41}} [[Barbrey Dustin]], one of Brandon's lovers, believes he enjoyed taking her [[maiden|virginity]].{{Ref|ADWD|41}} When asked if Brandon had any issue, [[George R. R. Martin]] responded:
{{Quote|It'd be an exaggeration to say that Brandon died before he could have children. It's established in the books that he was no virgin. He could very well have left behind some little [[bastard|Snows]] in the various places he visited. But what's absolutely clear is that he had no legitimate children.{{ref|ssm|6539}}}}

==History==
===Early Life===
[[File:Brandon Stark by Chillyravenart.png|thumb|right|350px|Brandon Stark, by Chillyravenart ©]]
Born in {{Date|262}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}} at [[Winterfell]],{{Ref|AWOIAF|Brandon Stark}} Brandon was the eldest son and heir of Lord [[Rickard Stark|Rickard]] and Lady [[Lyarra Stark]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark lineage}}

Brandon was [[fostered]] at [[Barrowton]] with Lord [[House Dustin|Dustin]], father of [[Willam Dustin]], and he spent most his time riding in the [[Rills]].{{ref|ADWD|41}} He took the [[maiden]]head of [[Barbrey Dustin|Barbrey Ryswell]], who was infatuated with him, and her father [[Rodrik Ryswell|Rodrik]], [[Lord of the Rills]], desired to wed her to the heir of Winterfell.{{Ref|ADWD|41}} However, Lord Stark eventually [[betrothed]] Brandon to [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]] of [[Riverrun]].{{Ref|ADWD|41}}{{Ref|AGOT|6}} Brandon swore to Barbrey he did not want to marry Catelyn, but Rickard's ambitions did not allow him to marry the daughter of a northern [[bannerman]].{{Ref|ADWD|41}}

In {{Date|281}}, Brandon attended the [[tourney at Harrenhal]], where he was introduced by his sister, [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]], to [[Howland Reed]], a [[crannogman]] from the [[Neck]].{{ref|ASOS|24}} Brandon laughed during the festivities.{{ref|AGOT|58}} At the opening feast of the tourney, Brandon asked [[Ashara Dayne]] to dance with his younger brother [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]], who was too shy to ask her himself.{{Ref|ASOS|24}} Brandon entered the lists, but he was unhorsed by [[Rhaegar Targaryen]], [[Prince of Dragonstone]].{{Ref|AGOT|58}}{{Ref|ASOS|24}} After Rhaegar won the tournament, he crowned Lyanna as his [[queen of love and beauty]], passing over his own wife, Princess [[Elia Martell]].{{Ref|AGOT|58}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring}} Brandon had to be restrained from confronting Rhaegar, as he took the prince's action as a slight upon Lyanna's honor, since Lyanna was already betrothed to Eddard's friend, Lord [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring}}

In {{Date|282}},<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Events#The Riverlands|Petyr Baelish's duel against Brandon Stark]]'' calculation.</ref> Brandon was present at Riverrun when the date for his wedding to Catelyn was announced.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Petyr Baelish}} [[Petyr Baelish]], the [[ward]] of Catelyn's father, Lord [[Hoster Tully]], challenged Brandon to a duel for her hand. Catelyn begged Brandon to spare Petyr's life, and Brandon promised her to do so.{{Ref|AGOT|18}} Catelyn gave Brandon her favor to wear during the duel.{{ref|ACOK|45}} Brandon [[armor]]ed himself for battle, aided by Catelyn's young brother, [[Edmure Tully]], who served as Brandon's [[squire]]. When Brandon saw that the smaller Petyr wore only a helm, a breastplate, and mail, he took off most of his own armor. Brandon was more than a match for the much younger Petyr. He offered the boy several chances to yield during their duel in the castle's lower bailey, but when Petyr kept refusing, Brandon ended the duel by injuring Petyr severely.{{Ref|AGOT|40}} Afterwards he departed Riverrun, promising Catelyn to return soon so they could wed.{{Ref|AGOT|63}}

===Death===
[[File:Brandon Rickard Deaths.png|thumb|400px|Deaths of Brandon and [[Rickard Stark]], as depicted in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': ''Complete Guide to Westeros'' © HBO ]]
From [[Riverrun]], Brandon left to join his father [[Rickard Stark]]'s wedding party, coming down from the [[north]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|Catelyn Tully}} They were on their way back to Riverrun when word reached Brandon of Lyanna's abduction by Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]]. Brandon, along with his squire, [[Ethan Glover]], and companions [[Kyle Royce]], [[Elbert Arryn]], and [[Jeffory Mallister]], rode to [[King's Landing]] immediately.{{Ref|ACOK|55}} Upon entering the [[Red Keep]], Brandon shouted for Rhaegar to "come out and die". Rhaegar was not present, however, and Brandon and his companions were arrested by King [[Aerys II Targaryen]] and charged with plotting Rhaegar's murder. Their fathers were called to court to answer the charges.{{Ref|ACOK|55}}{{Ref|AGOT|53}}

Rickard demanded a [[trial by combat]], which King Aerys granted, but he declared that fire was the champion of [[House Targaryen]]. Rickard was suspended from the rafters of the [[Great Hall (Red Keep)|throne room]], above a fire lit by [[pyromancers]]. Brandon's hands were chained behind his back, and a leather cord was wrapped around his neck, attached to a [[Tyrosh]]i device that would tighten the cord as it was pulled on. However, his legs were free, and his sword was placed just beyond his reach. Brandon was forced to watch as his father was burned alive in his own armor, and he strangled himself attempting to get to the sword so he could save his father. He was twenty years old at the time.{{Ref|AGOT|4}}{{Ref|ACOK|55}} With the exception of Ethan, Brandon's companions and their fathers were also killed by the Mad King.{{ref|ACOK|55}}

After executing Lord Rickard and Brandon, King Aerys sent word to the [[Eyrie]] for Lord [[Jon Arryn]] to behead his former wards, [[Eddard Stark]] and [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]]. Jon's refusal began [[Robert's Rebellion]].{{ref|AGOT|2}} Instead of Brandon, [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]] wed Eddard at [[Riverrun]], with Lord Arryn marrying Catelyn's sister [[Lysa Arryn|Lysa]] at the same time.{{ref|AGOT|2}} [[House Targaryen]] was overthrown during the war, and Lyanna and Ethan died [[tower of joy|in the south]].{{ref|AGOT|12}}{{ref|AGOT|39}}

===Legacy===
Brandon was buried in the [[crypt of Winterfell|crypts beneath Winterfell]], beside his father.{{Ref|AGOT|4}} Though only the [[King in the North|kings]] and lords of [[Winterfell]] normally have statues in their likeness placed beside their tombs, both Brandon and his sister [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]] were given statues by their brother, Lord [[Eddard Stark]], as he had loved them very much.{{Ref|AGOT|4}}{{Ref|AGOT|66}}

Eddard named his second trueborn son [[Bran Stark|Brandon]] (affectionately known as "Bran") in his elder brother's memory.{{Ref|ACOK|69}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
Lord [[Eddard Stark]] and King [[Robert I Baratheon]] see the tombs of Brandon, Lord [[Rickard Stark]], and [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]] in the [[crypt of Winterfell]].{{Ref|AGOT|4}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[Theon Greyjoy]] has a nightmare involving a feast of the dead at [[Winterfell]]. Many of the dead men and women attending are people that Theon knew personally or were slain by his own hand and/or command. Yet he also notices faces that he had never known in life. Among them is Brandon, standing with his father and sister.{{Ref|ACOK|56}}

When Bran, [[Rickon Stark|Rickon]], [[Osha]], [[Hodor]], and [[Meera Reed|Meera]] and [[Jojen Reed]] escape the crypts after the [[Sack of Winterfell]], Bran takes with him the sword of Brandon's statue, from the crypts. As he does so, he notes the relevance of using the [[steel]] of his [[namesake]].{{Ref|ACOK|69}}

When [[Catelyn Stark]] visits Ser [[Jaime Lannister]]'s cell in [[Riverrun]], he tells her the tale of Brandon's death after he notices she does not know the details. Catelyn calls the story so hideous that it must be true.{{Ref|ACOK|55}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Theon and Lady [[Barbrey Dustin]] discuss Brandon while in the the crypts of Winterfell. Reek notices that Brandon's sword is missing, prompting Barbrey to state that Brandon would not be happy.{{Ref|ADWD|41}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Brandon Stark by Denis Maznev.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Brandon Stark, by Denis Maznev ©]]
{{Quote|A bloody [[sword]] is a beautiful thing.{{Ref|ADWD|41}}|Brandon, to [[Barbrey Dustin]]}}

==Quotes about Brandon==
{{Quote|Brandon. Yes. Brandon would know what to do. He always did. It was all meant for Brandon. You, [[Winterfell]], everything. He was born to be a [[Hand of the King|King's Hand]] and father to queens. I never asked for this cup to pass to me.{{Ref|AGOT|6}}|[[Eddard Stark]] to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|'''Robert''': What [[Aerys II Targaryen|Aerys]] did to your brother Brandon was unspeakable. The way [[Rickard Stark|your lord father]] died, that was unspeakable. And [[Rhaegar Targaryen|Rhaegar]]... how many times do you think he raped [[Lyanna Stark|your sister]]? How many hundreds of times?{{ref|AGOT|12}}|[[Robert I Baratheon]], to [[Eddard Stark]]}}

{{quote|'''Eddard''': I understand you knew my brother Brandon as well. 
'''Petyr''': Rather too well. I still carry a token of his esteem. Did Brandon speak of me too? 
'''Eddard''': Often, and with some heat.{{ref|AGOT|20}}|[[Eddard Stark]] and [[Petyr Baelish]]}}

{{Quote|She remembered how [[Hoster Tully|her own father]] had raged when the news had been brought to [[Riverrun]]. The gallant fool, was what he called Brandon.{{Ref|ACOK|55}}|thoughts of [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|'''Jaime''': Brandon was different from [[Eddard Stark|his brother]], wasn't he? He had [[wolf blood|blood in his]] veins instead of cold water. More like me. 
'''Catelyn''': Brandon was nothing like you. 
'''Jaime''': If you say so.{{Ref|ACOK|55}}|[[Jaime Lannister]] and [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Brandon was never shy about taking what he wanted. I am old now, a dried-up thing, too long a widow, but I still remember the look of my [[maiden]]'s blood on his cock the night he claimed me. I think Brandon liked the sight as well. A bloody [[sword]] is a beautiful thing, yes. It hurt, but it was a sweet pain.{{Ref|ADWD|41}}|[[Barbrey Dustin]], to [[Theon Greyjoy]]}}

==Family==
{{Stark tree}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:House Stark]]
[[Category:262 AC births|Stark, Brandon]]
[[Category:282 AC deaths|Stark, Brandon]]
[[Category:Characters from the North|Stark, Brandon]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Aerys II Targaryen|Stark, Brandon]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Rossart|Stark, Brandon]]
[[Category:Deaths by strangulation|Stark, Brandon]]
[[Category:Executions for treason|Stark, Brandon]]
[[Category:House Dustin wards|Stark, Brandon]]
[[Category:Nobles|Stark, Brandon]]
[[Category:Statues|Stark, Brandon]]

[[es:Brandon Stark]]
[[fa:برندون استارک]]
[[fr:Brandon Stark]]
[[it:Brandon Stark (Lupo Selvaggio)]]
[[nl:Brandon Stark]]
[[pt:Brandon Stark]]
[[ru:Брандон Старк]]
[[zh:布兰登·史塔克]]

Eddard Stark

2026-06-11T13:43:07Z

Hhwang: /* Tourney at Harrenhal */

{{redirect2|Ned|Eddard|other uses|Eddard Karstark||Ned (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox character
| title = Lord
| firstname = Eddard
| lastname = Stark
| arms = Stark
| image = [[File:Eddard Amoka.jpg|300px]]
| image_caption = Eddard Stark by [http://en.amokanet.ru/gallery/martin/martin.html Amok] ©
| Alias = Ned{{Ref|AGOT|2}} The quiet wolf{{Ref|ASOS|24}}<ref name="Citadel">[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> The Ned{{Ref|ADWD|62}}
| Title = [[Lord of Winterfell]] [[Warden of the North]] [[Hand of the King]] [[Protector of the Realm]] (claimant) [[Regent|Lord Regent]] (claimant)
| Allegiance = [[House Stark]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Northmen]]
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|263}}<ref name=Calculation>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued)#Eddard Stark|Eddard Stark]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Birth = [[Winterfell]], the [[North]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Eddard Stark}}
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|299}} (aged 35-36)<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Events#Main Series|Main Series calculations, 298AC to 299AC]].''</ref>
| Place_of_Death = [[Great Sept of Baelor]], [[King's Landing]]{{Ref|AGOT|65}}
| Father = Lord [[Rickard Stark]]
| Mother = Lady [[Lyarra Stark]]
| Spouse = Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]]
| Lover = [[Wylla]] (supposedly) [[Ashara Dayne]] (rumored) Fisherman's daughter (rumored)
| Issue = [[Robb Stark]] [[Jon Snow]] [[Sansa Stark]] [[Arya Stark]] [[Bran Stark]] [[Rickon Stark]]
| coat-of-arms =
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (POV) ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (mentioned)
| Played_by = [[w:Sean Bean|Sean Bean]] Sebastian Croft (child) Robert Aramayo (young)
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 6|6]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 7|7]]
}}

'''Eddard Stark''', also called '''"Ned"''', is the head of [[House Stark]], Lord of [[Winterfell]], and [[Warden of the North]]. He is a close friend to King [[Robert I Baratheon]], with whom he was raised. Eddard is one of the major [[POV character]]s in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]''.

In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', Eddard is portrayed by [[w:Sean Bean|Sean Bean]], Sebastian Croft (as a child), and Robert Aramayo (as a young man).<ref name=IMDB />

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Eddard Stark|l1=Images of Eddard Stark}}

Eddard has a long face{{Ref|AGOT|6}} and long brown hair.{{Ref|AGOT|1}} His closely-trimmed beard is beginning to grey, making him look older than his thirty-five years.{{Ref|AGOT|1}} His dark grey eyes{{Ref|AGOT|1}} reflect his moods, turning soft as fog or hard as stone.{{Ref|ACOK|39}} Eddard is shorter and less handsome than his older brother [[Brandon Stark|Brandon]] had been, according to [[Catelyn Stark]]; however, she also states that Ned has a "good sweet heart beneath his solemn face".{{Ref|ASOS|45}} He keeps faith with the [[old gods]].{{Ref|AGOT|2}} He is fiercely protective of his wife and children, whom he loves deeply.

Eddard is known for his unwavering sense of honor{{Ref|AGOT|12}}{{Ref|AGOT|58}} and [[Laws and justice of the Seven Kingdoms|justice]] and his family finds him kind, although some consider his reserved personality a sign of coldness and disdain.{{Ref|AGOT|33}} He has a reputation for always telling the truth.{{ref|ASOS|6}} Among his enemies, Eddard is seen as having cold, judgmental eyes{{Ref|ASOS|44}} thought to reflect his frozen heart.{{Ref|ACOK|27}}

While riding his [[Horse|great warhorse]] in the [[north]], Ned wears furs and leathers.{{Ref|AGOT|1}} Ned also wears silk{{Ref|AGOT|25}} and linen{{Ref|AGOT|47}} tunics and a belt of heavy silver links.{{Ref|AGOT|47}} His surcoat is fine white velvet with a [[direwolf]] badge over the heart.{{Ref|ACOK|39}} Ned's cloaks are grey with white,{{Ref|AGOT|27}} as well as black wool.{{Ref|AGOT|43}}

Lord Stark wields sword{{Ref|AGOT|35}} and dagger,{{Ref|AGOT|20}} although he uses [[Ice]], a [[Valyrian steel]] [[greatsword]], for ceremonial purposes.{{Ref|AGOT|1}}

==History==
===Youth===
Eddard was born at [[Winterfell]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Eddard Stark}} as the second son of Lord [[Rickard Stark]] and Lady [[Lyarra Stark]]. He had one older brother, [[Brandon Stark|Brandon]], and two younger siblings, [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]] and [[Benjen Stark|Benjen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}

Eddard was [[fostering|fostered]] by Lord [[Jon Arryn]] at the [[Eyrie]] from the age of eight.{{Ref|AGOT|2}}{{Ref|aGoT|6}} There, Eddard befriended his fellow ward, [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]], while Lord Jon became like a second father to him.{{Ref|AGOT|2}} When he reached the age of sixteen, Eddard was a man grown, and divided his time between Winterfell and the Eyrie.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Some_Questions Some Questions (March 16, 2000)]</ref> During one of his visits to Winterfell, Eddard carried a wedding proposal from Robert to his father, Lord Rickard, who agreed to betroth his daughter Lyanna to Eddard's friend.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Eddard Stark}}{{Ref|AGOT|35}} When Lyanna later expressed her belief that Robert would never keep to one bed, having heard about [[Mya Stone]], Robert's bastard daughter in the [[Vale of Arryn]], Eddard recalled having seen the child, and was unable to deny her existence.{{Ref|AGOT|35}} Lord [[Rodrik Ryswell]] hoped to wed his daughter [[Barbrey Dustin|Barbrey]] to Brandon or Eddard.{{ref|ADWD|41}}

===Tourney at Harrenhal===
[[File:Rhaeg lyanna-winterfelll.jpg|thumb|left|[[Rhaegar Targaryen]], Eddard, and [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]], by M.Luisa Giliberti ©]]
In {{Date|281}}, at the age of eighteen, Eddard came down from the Eyrie to attend the [[tourney at Harrenhal]].{{Ref|AGOT|58}} Also present were Eddard's foster brother Robert, his foster father Jon, and his three siblings, Brandon, Lyanna, and [[Benjen Stark|Benjen]].{{Ref|ASOS|24}} It was during this tourney that Eddard met [[Howland Reed]], one of his father's bannermen. Howland and Eddard remained friends for the rest of their lives. During the opening feast, Eddard saw [[Ashara Dayne]], a lady-in-waiting to Princess [[Elia Martell]]. He danced with her later that night, but only after his older brother Brandon had spoken to her on his behalf, since he himself was too shy.{{Ref|ASOS|24}} Eddard was present during the final jousts, where Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] passed over his own wife, Elia, to crown Lyanna the [[queen of love and beauty]]. Eddard would remember this moment as "the moment when all smiles died" years later.{{Ref|AGOT|58}}

The following year, Eddard's sister Lyanna was abducted by Prince Rhaegar.{{Ref|AGOT|66}} Brandon rode to [[King's Landing]] in anger, but he was arrested when he threatened the crown prince. Lord Rickard Stark was summoned to King's Landing to answer for the crimes of his son, and rode to the capital with two hundred men. When he demanded a [[trial by combat]], both he and Brandon were executed at the command of King [[Aerys II Targaryen]].{{Ref|ACOK|55}} Aerys's next step was to demand that Jon Arryn send him the heads of his former wards, Eddard and Robert. Jon refused and instead called his banners.{{Ref|AGOT|2}}

===Robert's Rebellion===
[[File:Tomasz Jedruszek Robert and Ned.jpg|thumb|[[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]] and Eddard, by Tomasz Jedruszek © Fantasy Flight Games]]
With his father and brother dead, Eddard was now the [[Lord of Winterfell]]. He wanted to raise his banners to join [[Robert's Rebellion]], but getting from the [[Vale of Arryn]] to the [[north]] was complicated by the loyalty to the [[Iron Throne]] of [[Gulltown]], the Vale's chief port.{{Ref|AFFC|23}}{{Ref|ADWD|9}} Eddard crossed the [[Mountains of the Moon]] to the [[Fingers]] and hired a fisherman to bring him to [[White Harbor]] with a boat. They were caught by a storm on the [[Bite]] and the fisherman drowned. However, his daughter brought Eddard to the [[Three Sisters]]. When he arrived at [[Sisterton]], [[House Borrell]]'s maester urged [[Lord Borrell (father of Godric)|Lord Borrell]] to deliver Eddard's head to King [[Aerys II Targaryen]], but Lord Borrell, knowing that Jon Arryn and Robert Baratheon had [[taking of Gulltown|taken Gulltown]] in the meantime, was unsure who would prevail in the conflict. Thus he let Ned leave for White Harbor, telling him to remain silent about his stay in Sisterton in case the rebellion failed.{{Ref|aDwD|9}}

Eddard called his banners, and marched south to join Robert, arriving with Lord [[Hoster Tully]] in time to turn the tide at the [[Battle of the Bells]].{{Ref|ASOS|29}} Afterward, he went to [[Riverrun]] to marry Hoster's elder daughter, [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]], who had been betrothed to his brother [[Brandon Stark|Brandon]] before his death.{{Ref|AGOT|6}} Jon Arryn married Hoster's younger daughter, [[Lysa Arryn|Lysa]], in the same ceremony. [[Weddings of Catelyn and Lysa Tully|The double wedding]] bound [[House Tully]] to the rebels' cause.{{Ref|AGOT|2}}

The rebels won their decisive victory in the [[Battle of the Trident]], in which Robert killed Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] in single combat at the [[ruby ford]]. Because Robert had been wounded by Rhaegar, it fell on Eddard to pursue the remnants of Aerys's armies to [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|AGOT|12}}

[[File:Eddard Jaime Aerys Iron Throne Room.jpg|thumb|Eddard, [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]], and [[Aerys II Targaryen|Aerys]] in the [[Iron Throne]] room, by Amok © Fantasy Flight Games]]

When Eddard arrived at the capital, Lord [[Tywin Lannister]]'s force had already sacked the city. Eddard had developed contempt for [[House Lannister]] during the rebellion, as Tywin had remained neutral in an apparent attempt to join the winning side in the end. Eddard's contempt increased when he learned that Tywin had conquered the city by treachery and that his men had brutally killed Rhaegar's wife, [[Elia Martell]], and children, [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Rhaegar)|Rhaenys]] and [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon]]. In addition, Lannister flags were flying over the [[Red Keep]] when Eddard arrived and, as he rode into the throne room to claim the crown for Robert, he found King Aerys's body at the steps leading to the [[Iron Throne]], on which the king's killer, Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], was sitting.{{Ref|AGOT|12}}

Eddard felt the [[Sack of King's Landing]] dishonored Robert's cause. He was disappointed that Robert, upon arriving in the city, did not share his moral outrage and in particular defended the murder of Rhaegar's children. He also ignored Eddard's counsel that Jaime should be made to join the [[Night's Watch]] for breaking his oath as a knight of the [[Kingsguard]] by not protecting the king. Their disagreements created a rift between Eddard and Robert that not even Jon Arryn was able to breach.{{Ref|AGOT|2}}{{Ref|AGOT|12}}{{Ref|ASOS|36}}

Eddard left Robert in King's Landing and went to [[Storm's End]], where he lifted the [[Siege of Storm's End|siege of the castle]]. Lord [[Mace Tyrell]] and his armies yielded to Eddard without a fight.{{Ref|ASOS|19}} Afterwards, Eddard traveled to the [[Red Mountains]] of [[Dorne]] to liberate his sister [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]], who apparently was held at the [[tower of joy]]. When Eddard arrived along with six companions, he found the tower guarded by three members of the Kingsguard, [[Arthur Dayne]], [[Oswell Whent]], and Lord Commander [[Gerold Hightower]]. The resulting [[combat at the tower of joy|skirmish]] saw the deaths of all but Eddard and one companion, [[Howland Reed]].{{Ref|AGOT|39}} Eddard is said to have killed Arthur, the [[Sword of the Morning]], in single combat.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Dorne: The Andals Arrive}}

[[File:Ned Lyanna Death Promise.jpg|thumb|Eddard makes a promise to [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]] before her death, by Amok © Fantasy Flight Games]]

Unfortunately, when Eddard found Lyanna, she was already dying.{{Ref|AGOT|4}} Before her death, she made Eddard promise her something;{{Ref|AGOT|4}} what he promised her has not yet been revealed. The experience haunts Eddard and he recalls her ''"promise me"'' on multiple occasions.{{Ref|AGOT|12}}{{Ref|AGOT|47}}{{Ref|AGOT|58}} However, the shared grief over Lyanna led to his reconciliation with his friend, now King Robert I.{{Ref|AGOT|12}}

When Eddard returned home to [[Winterfell]], he brought with him his bastard son, [[Jon Snow]]. This strained the relationship with his wife [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]], who had given birth to their son [[Robb Stark|Robb]] at [[Riverrun]] during the war. Eddard refused to speak to her about Jon's mother. However, stories concerning her identity circulated nonetheless. When Catelyn heard rumors that the boy's mother was the [[Dorne|Dornish]] noblewoman [[Ashara Dayne]], she confronted Eddard about it, but he told her in a brusque manner that the child was his blood and that was all she needed to know. He subsequently silenced the rumors about Ashara.{{Ref|AGOT|6}} [[Sansa Stark]] recalls hearing whispers that Jon's mother was common born.{{ref|AGOT|15}} Lord [[Edric Dayne]] believes that, rather than his aunt Ashara, Jon Snow's mother was a woman called [[Wylla]], who worked for [[House Dayne]] and at one point served as Edric's wet-nurse.{{Ref|ASOS|43}} When asked about the mother of his bastard son by King [[Robert I Baratheon]], Eddard also mentions the name Wylla.{{Ref|AGOT|12}} However, Lord [[Godric Borrell]] claims that the daughter of the fisherman who sneaked Eddard away from the Fingers gave birth to Jon Snow.{{Ref|ADWD|9}}

Eddard buried the bones of his deceased kin in the [[crypt of Winterfell]]. Breaking the tradition of only Stark kings and lords having statues, Ned had them carved for Brandon and Lyanna next to that of Lord Rickard.{{Ref|AGOT|66}} [[Barbrey Dustin]], now Lady of [[Barrowton]], resented that Eddard returned the horse but not the bones of her husband, Lord [[Willam Dustin|Willam]], who had died fighting alongside Ned in Dorne.{{Ref|ADWD|41}} Ned's younger brother, [[Benjen Stark|Benjen]], joined the [[Night's Watch]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|Benjen Stark}}

===Lord of Winterfell===
[[File:Ned & Ice.jpg|thumb|Eddard with [[Ice]] in the [[godswood of Winterfell]], by Michael Komarck ©]]
As a second son, Eddard had never expected to become the [[Lord of Winterfell]], and as such did not always feel equal to the task, determined it had all been meant for his elder brother Brandon.{{Ref|AGOT|6}} Lord Stark has taken little interest in affairs south of the [[Neck]].{{Ref|AGOT|12}} Eddard had a [[Lady Catelyn's sept|small sept]] built at Winterfell so that his new wife [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]] could pray to [[Faith of the Seven|the Seven]].{{ref|AGOT|2}}

In {{Date|289}}, Eddard traveled south to help Robert suppress [[Greyjoy's Rebellion]], and he participated in the decisive [[battle at Pyke]]. Greyjoy's Rebellion was the most recent time that Eddard saw Robert.{{ref|AGOT|4}} After Lord [[Balon Greyjoy]]'s surrender, Eddard took Balon's only surviving son, [[Theon Greyjoy|Theon]], to Winterfell as a ward and hostage.{{Ref|AGOT|4}} While Eddard tried to be like a father to Theon from time to time,{{Ref|ACOK|11}} the boy still found Lord Stark to be cold.{{Ref|ACOK|11}}

Eddard last saw Prince [[Tommen Baratheon]] when the boy was breastfeeding from his mother, Queen [[Cersei Lannister]].{{ref|AGOT|2}}

When Lord [[Jorah Mormont]] tried to sell poachers he had caught on his lands into [[slavery]] in {{date|293}}, Eddard traveled to [[Bear Island]] to bring him to justice for his crime. Upon arrival, Ned found that Jorah and [[Lynesse Hightower]] had fled into exile, however.{{Ref|AGOT|12}}

During his marriage to Catelyn, Eddard had five children with her: [[Robb Stark|Robb]], [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]], [[Arya Stark|Arya]], [[Bran Stark|Bran]], and [[Rickon Stark|Rickon]].{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}} Eddard has taught Robb and [[Jon Snow]], his bastard son, about command in battle.{{Ref|ASOS|55}}

Arya has visited [[White Harbor]] twice with her father,{{Ref|AFFC|22}} and Theon Greyjoy accompanied Lord Stark during a visit to Ser [[Helman Tallhart]] at [[Torrhen's Square]]{{Ref|ACOK|37}} and several visits to the [[House Glover|Glovers]] at [[Deepwood Motte]].{{Ref|ACOK|24}} The [[northern mountain clans|hill clans]] have always treated Lord Stark generously when he visited the [[northern mountains]],{{Ref|ADWD|17}} calling him "the Ned".{{Ref|ADWD|42}} Eddard hosted Lord [[Rickard Karstark]] and his daughter, [[Alys Karstark|Alys]], when the girl was six.{{Ref|ADWD|44}} [[Mance Rayder]] was part of [[Lord Commander Qorgyle]]'s expedition to Winterfell to see Lord Stark.{{Ref|ASOS|7}} Eddard is wary of [[Roose Bolton]], Lord of the [[Dreadfort]].{{Ref|ADWD|35}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:B60f4c34cb78842db2ee648d90676a7a-d8ij096.jpg|thumb|Eddard in the [[Red Keep]], by Jake Murray © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Lord Eddard executes [[Gared]], a deserter of the [[Night's Watch]] who claims to have been attacked by [[Others]], at a [[holdfast in the hills]]. On the return to [[Winterfell]], the party discovers a [[direwolf]] dead near a bridge, her throat pierced by a [[stag]] she had slain. Swayed by his bastard son, [[Jon Snow]], Eddard decides not to slay her newborn pups, and instead allow his children to raise them.{{Ref|AGOT|1}}

That same day, a [[raven]] arrives bearing word of the death of Lord [[Jon Arryn]], who fostered Eddard as well as [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]], and who had long served Robert as [[Hand of the King]].{{Ref|AGOT|2}} Soon Robert arrives with half the court, and the king insists that Eddard bring him to the [[crypt of Winterfell|crypts]] so he can pay his respects to Eddard's late sister, [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]].{{ref|AGOT|4}} The Starks hold a [[feast in honor of King Robert's visit to Winterfell]].{{Ref|AGOT|5}} Eddard grudgingly accepts Robert's offer to replace Lord Arryn as Hand, as well as a betrothal of Prince [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]] to his daughter [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]].{{Ref|AGOT|6}}

Another message arrives, this one from [[Lysa Arryn]], Jon's widow and the sister of Eddard's wife [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]], sent to Winterfell in secret. Lysa warns the Starks that the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] were involved in her husband's death.{{Ref|AGOT|6}} When Eddard's son Bran falls and slips into a coma, Eddard and the royal court remain at Winterfell for almost another fortnight,{{Ref|AGOT|10}} though they eventually decide to leave.

During the journey south, Eddard and Robert are at odds whether or not to be concerned about the wedding of the exiled Princess [[Daenerys Targaryen]] to Khal [[Drogo]] of the [[Dothraki]].{{Ref|AGOT|12}} Eddard's youngest daughter [[Arya Stark|Arya]] is involved in an incident in which crown prince [[Joffrey Baratheon]] is injured by Arya's direwolf, [[Nymeria]].{{Ref|AGOT|15}} When Nymeria cannot be found, Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] demands the death of Sansa's direwolf, [[Lady (direwolf)|Lady]], and Eddard executes the wolf himself at [[Darry]]. In order to prevent Queen Cersei from acquiring the pelt, he has her body sent north to be buried at Winterfell.{{Ref|AGOT|16}}

Upon arriving at [[King's Landing]], Eddard is summoned to a [[small council]] meeting. Afterwards, Lord [[Petyr Baelish]] takes Eddard to one of his brothels, where he has been hiding Eddard's wife, Catelyn. She reveals how a [[catspaw]] tried to kill their son [[Bran Stark|Bran]] with a [[Littlefinger's blade|Valyrian steel dagger]]. Petyr, known as Littlefinger, claims that the dagger used to be his, but was won in a bet by [[Tyrion Lannister]]. Littlefinger promises to aid Eddard.{{Ref|AGOT|20}} After receiving Maester [[Luwin]]'s message that Bran is awake, Lord Stark and his daughters stay overnight in the godswood of the Red Keep.{{Ref|AGOT|25}}

Eddard is shocked to learn that the crown is heavily indebted due to Robert's extravagance, and Jon Arryn and the small council had been unable to restrain him. Robert decrees a great tournament is to be held in honor of Eddard's appointment as Hand of the King, despite Eddard's protests of the cost.{{Ref|AGOT|20}} The [[Hand's tourney]], featuring a joust, melee, and archery contest, attracts knights and freeriders from all over the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|AGOT|20}}{{Ref|AGOT|22}}{{Ref|AGOT|27}} Ned and Ser [[Barristan Selmy]], [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]], convince Robert not to participate in the melee.{{Ref|ADWD|30}}

Eddard discovers that his daughter Arya is in the possession of a sword, [[Needle]], but decides to have her trained in how to use it, instead of taking her sword away. He hires [[Syrio Forel]], a former [[First Sword of Braavos]].{{Ref|AGOT|22}} While Ned later wonders whether Syrio is a proper teacher for Arya, he allows the lessons to continue,{{Ref|AGOT|30}} and is eventually willing to ask Syrio to continue his work at Winterfell.{{Ref|AGOT|44}}

Eddard investigates Jon Arryn's activities before his death, and he discovers that Jon spent a great deal of time with Lord [[Stannis Baratheon]] and had been visiting several of Robert's bastard children in the city.{{Ref|AGOT|27}}{{Ref|AGOT|35}} Grand Maester [[Pycelle]] provides the Hand with ''[[The Lineages and Histories of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms]]'', which Jon had been reading.{{Ref|AGOT|27}}

When news reaches King's Landing that Daenerys is pregnant, Robert holds a council meeting demanding she be put to death. Eddard and Barristan are the only ones to speak out against the move, but Robert, driven by his hatred of the Targaryens, insists on the assassination. Eddard, unwilling to cooperate, resigns his office in protest.{{Ref|AGOT|33}}

Before his planned departure from King's Landing to return to Winterfell, Eddard visits another of Robert's bastard children, a girl named [[Barra]], found by Lord Baelish. Returning from this meeting he is ambushed by Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], who wants revenge for the seizure of his brother Tyrion by Catelyn at the [[crossroads inn]],{{Ref|AGOT|35}} a fact Eddard had learned the day before from [[Yoren]], a [[wandering crow]].{{Ref|AGOT|32}}{{Ref|AGOT|33}} Eight men{{Ref|AGOT|39}} die from the ensuing melee, including [[Jory Cassel]], [[Heward]], [[Wyl (guard)|Wyl]], and [[Tregar]], and Ned's leg is broken when his horse falls upon him.{{Ref|AGOT|35}} Pycelle treats Ned, who has a fever dream of the [[combat at the tower of joy|tower of joy]]. While recovering, Robert visits his friend, pardoning him and returning him to office as Hand of the King.{{Ref|AGOT|39}}

[[File:Ned Stark's execution.jpg|thumb|Eddard's execution by [[Ilyn Payne]], by Magali Villeneuve © Penguin Random House]]

Eddard sits on the [[Iron Throne]] and hears petitions while Robert is out on a hunt. Ser [[Raymun Darry]], Ser [[Marq Piper]], and Ser [[Karyl Vance]] bring the news that several villages near the border of the [[westerlands]] have been ravaged by Ser [[Gregor Clegane]]. Eddard sends Lord [[Beric Dondarrion]], [[Thoros of Myr]], and a number of knights, and members of his [[House Stark guards|own household guard]] to bring the Mountain to justice for his crimes against the [[riverlands]].{{Ref|AGOT|43}}

While investigating Jon Arryn's interest in Robert's bastard children, Eddard discovers to his horror that Robert's three legitimate children are the product of incest between Queen Cersei and her brother, Jaime.{{ref|AGOT|44}} Eddard decides to confront Cersei, giving her a chance to flee with her children while she still can.{{ref|AGOT|45}} However, Cersei has orchestrated Robert's assassination. As Robert lays on his deathbed, Eddard rebuffs both the suggestion of Robert's youngest brother, Lord [[Renly Baratheon]], that they seize control of the royal children, and Petyr Baelish's urgings to rule as [[regent]] while Cersei and Jaime's thirteen-year-old son, Prince Joffrey, accedes to the Iron Throne, instead planning to deliver it to the elder of Robert's younger brothers, Lord [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]].{{Ref|AGOT|47}} Littlefinger promises Eddard the support of the [[City Watch of King's Landing]]. [[Vayon Poole]] arranges for Sansa and Arya to return north on the ''[[Wind Witch]]'',{{Ref|AGOT|45}} and Ned orders [[Tomard]] to deliver a letter to Stannis at [[Dragonstone]].{{Ref|AGOT|47}}

Not wanting to have her betrothal to Joffrey broken, Sansa informs Queen Cersei of her father's plan to leave King's Landing.{{Ref|ASOS|51}} When Ned confronts Cersei in the throne room, he is betrayed by Littlefinger. [[House Lannister guards|Red cloaks]] and [[Janos Slynt]]'s gold cloaks kill Eddard's remaining men, and Littlefinger takes the Valyrian dagger from Lord Stark.{{Ref|AGOT|49}} Syrio allows Arya to escape Ser [[Meryn Trant]],{{Ref|AGOT|50}} but Sansa is captured by the Lannisters.{{Ref|AGOT|51}}

In response to [[arrest of Eddard Stark|his father's imprisonment for treason]] by Cersei, [[Robb Stark]] calls the northern banners to Winterfell and marches south.{{Ref|AGOT|53}} For his part in Ned's downfall, Janos Slynt is named [[Lord of Harrenhal]] by King Joffrey.{{Ref|AGOT|57}}

Varys visits Eddard Stark in the dungeons, informing him that if he confesses to treason his life will be spared and he will be given the opportunity to join the [[Night's Watch]]. Eddard initially refuses but agrees to swallow his honor to save the life of his daughter Sansa, who is in Lannister custody.{{Ref|AGOT|58}} He is taken to the steps of the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] where, unbeknownst to him, Yoren, his daughter Arya, and the disguised Barristan are amongst the crowd.{{Ref|AGOT|65}}{{Ref|ADWD|11}} Eddard makes a false public confession but the plan goes awry when King Joffrey declares that Eddard must be executed, to the evident shock of Cersei, Varys, and the [[High Septon (fat one)|High Septon]]. Ser [[Ilyn Payne]] beheads Eddard with his own greatsword, [[Ice]].{{Ref|AGOT|65}} Joffrey has Eddard's head placed on a spike and forces Sansa to view it.{{Ref|AGOT|67}}

Bran and [[Rickon Stark]] dream of their father's death before a raven arrives at Winterfell.{{Ref|AGOT|66}} After the [[Battle of the Camps]], Robb is proclaimed [[King in the North]] by northmen and rivermen at [[Riverrun]].{{Ref|AGOT|71}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Daarken Make an Example.JPG|thumb|Eddard's impaled head at the [[Red Keep]], by Daarken © Fantasy Flight Games]]
A stonemason creates a granite statue in Ned's image within the [[crypt of Winterfell]].{{Ref|ACOK|4}}

[[Tyrion Lannister]] orders the heads of Eddard and other victims to be removed from the spikes of the [[Red Keep]].{{Ref|ACOK|3}} He then sends Eddard's bones to [[Riverrun]].{{Ref|ACOK|25}}{{Ref|ACOK|39}} [[Catelyn Stark]] tasks [[Hallis Mollen]] to take the bones north so Eddard can be buried in the [[crypt of Winterfell]] beside his [[Rickard Stark|father]], [[Brandon Stark|brother]] and [[Lyanna Stark|sister]].{{Ref|ASOS|45}} The [[ironborn]] [[Fall of Moat Cailin|take Moat Cailin]] soon after, however, and it is unknown if Eddard's bones made it past the Moat before its fall to [[House Greyjoy]].{{Ref|ACOK|46}}{{Ref|ACOK|50}}{{Ref|ASOS|45}}

Eddard's execution at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] has caused a serious deterioration in relations between the crown and the [[Faith of the Seven]], as the High Septon claims that Stark's beheading there profaned the sept with blood.{{Ref|ACOK|3}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[Sansa Stark]] would like to name a son Eddard if she were to wed [[Willas Tyrell]], but Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] instead arranges for her [[wedding of Tyrion Lannister and Sansa Stark|to wed]] his son, [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]].{{Ref|ASOS|28}} [[Jeyne Westerling]], Robb's queen, would like to name her children Eddard and Brandon if they have twins.{{Ref|ASOS|20}} Robb is slain in the [[Red Wedding]], however.{{Ref|ASOS|51}}

Tywin has [[Tobho Mott]] reforge Ned's [[Valyrian steel]] greatsword, [[Ice]],{{ref|ASOS|32}} into two smaller longswords which become known as [[Widow's Wail]]{{ref|ASOS|59}} and [[Oathkeeper]].{{ref|ASOS|72}}

After the [[battle beneath the Wall]], [[Stannis Baratheon]] offers to name [[Jon Snow]] as [[Lord of Winterfell]], so that a son of Eddard can help Stannis win the [[north]].{{Ref|ASOS|73}} Jon refuses the offer, however, and is instead chosen [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]].{{Ref|ASOS|79}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Recalling that [[Janos Slynt]] had helped kill his father, Jon beheads Janos at [[Castle Black]] for insubordination.{{Ref|ADWD|7}}

In [[White Harbor]], [[Wylla Manderly]] recalls Eddard's death when declaring her support for [[Stannis Baratheon]] instead of [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]].{{Ref|ADWD|19}}

[[Bran Stark]], while training to become a [[greenseer]], sees a vision of his father in the past through the eyes of the [[heart tree]] in the [[godswood of Winterfell]]. Through the [[weirwood]], Bran hears his father's prayers that his wife will forgive him and that [[Jon Snow|Jon]] and [[Robb Stark|Robb]] will grow together as brothers.{{Ref|ADWD|34}}

[[Theon Greyjoy]] leads Lady [[Barbrey Dustin]] into the [[crypts of Winterfell]], where they see Eddard's statue. Barbrey blames Eddard for the death of her husband, Lord [[Willam Dustin]]. She tells Theon that if she ever discovers the location of Eddard's bones, she will never allow them to be buried in the crypts along with his ancestors, in revenge for Eddard's failure to return her husband's bones to her.{{Ref|ADWD|41}} Many other northern houses remember Eddard fondly, however, and are willing to march to war against [[House Bolton]] to rescue the Bolton-controlled "[[Arya Stark]]" (actually [[Jeyne Poole]]), the daughter of "The Ned".{{Ref|ADWD|42}}{{Ref|ADWD|62}}

During the [[walk of atonement]] by [[Cersei Lannister]] through [[King's Landing]], the face of one of the [[smallfolk]] reminds her of Eddard.{{Ref|ADWD|65}}

==Quotes by Eddard==
[[File:Collage lb image page7 5 1.jpg|thumb|Eddard with [[Ice]], by Mark Evans © Fantasy Flight Games]]
{{Quote|'''Bran''': Can a man still be brave if he’s afraid? 
'''Eddard''': That is the only time a man can be brave.{{Ref|AGOT|1}}|[[Bran Stark]] and Eddard}}

{{Quote|The blood of the [[First Men]] still flows in the veins of the [[House Stark|Starks]], and we hold to the belief that the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. If you would take a man's life, you owe it to him to look into his eyes and hear his final words. And if you cannot bear to do that, then perhaps the man does not deserve to die.{{Ref|AGOT|1}}|Eddard to [[Bran Stark]]}}

{{Quote|A ruler who hides behind paid executioners soon forgets what death is.{{Ref|AGOT|1}}|Eddard to [[Bran Stark]]}}

{{Quote|'''Eddard''': We are not the boys we were. 
'''Robert''': You were never the boy you were.{{Ref|AGOT|12}}|[[Robert I Baratheon]] and Eddard}}

{{Quote|When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone [[wolf]] dies, but the pack survives.{{Ref|AGOT|22}}|Eddard to [[Arya Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Know the men who follow you and let them know you. Don't ask your men to die for a stranger.{{Ref|AGOT|22}}|Eddard to [[Robb Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Some secrets are safer kept hidden. Some secrets are too dangerous to share, even with those you love and trust.{{Ref|AGOT|33}}|Eddard's thoughts}}

{{Quote|Black and white and grey, all the shades of truth.{{Ref|AGOT|43}}|Eddard's thoughts}}

{{Quote|"If it came to that, the life of some child I did not know, against [[Robb Stark|Robb]] and [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] and [[Arya Stark|Arya]] and [[Bran Stark|Bran]] and [[Rickon Stark|Rickon]], what would I do? Even more so, what would [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]] do, if it were [[Jon Snow|Jon]]'s life, against the children of her body?" He did not know. He prayed he never would.{{Ref|AGOT|45}}|Eddard's thoughts}}

{{Quote|'''Cersei''': You should have taken [[Seven Kingdoms|the realm]] for yourself. It was there for the taking. [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] told me how you found him on the [[Iron Throne]] the day [[Sack of King's Landing|King's Landing fell]], and made him yield it up. That was your moment. All you needed to do was climb those steps, and sit. Such a sad mistake. 
'''Eddard''': I have made more mistakes than you can possibly imagine, but that was not one of them.{{Ref|AGOT|45}}|[[Cersei Lannister]] and Eddard}}

{{Quote|In this world only winter is certain. We may lose our heads, it's true ... but what if we prevail?{{Ref|ADWD|9}}|Eddard to the [[House Borrell|Borrells]]}}

==Quotes about Eddard==
[[File:Sean Bean as Eddard Stark.png|thumb|Sean Bean as Eddard in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
{{Quote|You are too hard on yourself, Ned. You always were. Damn it, no woman wants [[Baelor I Targaryen|Baelor the Blessed]] in her bed.{{Ref|AGOT|12}}|[[Robert I Baratheon]] to Eddard}}

{{Quote|Damn you, Ned Stark. You and [[Jon Arryn]], I loved you both. What have you done to me? You were the one should have been king, you or Jon.{{Ref|AGOT|30}}|[[Robert I Baratheon]] to Eddard}}

{{Quote|You never could lie for love nor honor, Ned Stark.{{Ref|AGOT|30}}|[[Robert I Baratheon]] to Eddard}}

{{Quote|No, my lord, when the swords come out in earnest, you will be the only true friend [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]] will have.{{Ref|AGOT|30}}|[[Varys]] to Eddard}}

{{Quote|You wear your honor like a suit of armor, Stark. You think it keeps you safe, but all it does is weigh you down and make it hard for you to move.{{Ref|AGOT|47}}|[[Petyr Baelish]] to Eddard}}

{{Quote|You are an honest and honorable man, Lord Eddard. Ofttimes I forget that. I have met so few of them in my life ... When I see what honesty and honor have won you, I understand why.{{Ref|AGOT|58}}|[[Varys]] to Eddard}}

{{Quote|Ned Stark a traitor? Not bloody likely. The [[Long Summer]] will come again before that one would besmirch his precious honor.{{Ref|ACOK|27}}|[[Jorah Mormont]] to [[Quhuru Mo]]}}

{{Quote|As for your Ned, he should have kissed the hand that killed [[Aerys II Targaryen|Aerys]], but he preferred to scorn the arse he found sitting on [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert's]] [[Iron Throne|throne]].{{Ref|ACOK|55}}|[[Jaime Lannister]] to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|I knew Ned Stark as well. Your father was no friend of mine, but only a fool would doubt his honor or his honesty.{{Ref|ASOS|76}}|[[Stannis Baratheon]] to [[Jon Snow]]}}

{{Quote|A long time ago, she remembered her father saying that when the cold wind blows the lone [[wolf]] dies but the pack survives. He had it all backwards. Arya, the lone wolf, still lived, but the wolves of the pack had been taken and slain and skinned.{{Ref|AFFC|6}}|thoughts of [[Arya Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Your father was a stubborn man as well. Honor, he called it. Well, honor has its costs, as Lord Eddard learned to his sorrow.{{Ref|ADWD|17}}|[[Stannis Baratheon]] to [[Jon Snow]]}}

==Family==
{{Stark tree}}

===Patrilineal descent===
#Lord [[Benjen Stark (lord)|Benjen Stark]], Lord of Winterfell
#Lord [[Rickon Stark (son of Benjen)|Rickon Stark]], Lord of Winterfell
#Lord [[Cregan Stark]], Lord of Winterfell
#Lord [[Brandon Stark (son of Cregan)|Brandon Stark]], Lord of Winterfell
#Lord [[Beron Stark]], Lord of Winterfell
#Lord [[Willam Stark]], Lord of Winterfell
#Lord [[Edwyle Stark]], Lord of Winterfell
#Lord [[Rickard Stark]], Lord of Winterfell

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], Eddard has similarities with [[w:William Hastings, 1st Baron Hastings|Lord Hastings]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1436 Boskone (Boston, MA; February 17-19)], February 17, 2006</ref>

In an early draft of ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'', [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]] takes [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]] prisoner at Ned's behest.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/asoiaf/comments/1belw08/spoilers_extended_secrets_of_the_cushing_library/ Secrets of the Cushing Library: A Game of Thrones] - gsteff on Reddit</ref>

==References==
{{References|2|refs=
<ref name=IMDB>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/fullcredits#cast Cast of Game of Thrones on IMDB]</ref>
}}

==External Links==
*{{WP|Ned Stark}}
*{{WoW}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Rickard Stark]]|rows=2}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lord of Winterfell]]|years={{Date|282|299}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Robb Stark]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Warden of the North]]|years={{Date|283|299}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Roose Bolton]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Jon Arryn]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Hand of the King]]|years={{Date|298}}|under=[[Robert I Baratheon]]}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Tywin Lannister]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-pre}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Robert I Baratheon|Robert I]]}}
{{S-tul|title=[[Protector of the Realm]]|years={{Date|298}}|reason=[[Arrest of Eddard Stark|arrested on the orders of Cersei Lannister]]}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{POV Characters}}
{{Hands of the King}}
{{Lords of Winterfell}}
{{Robert I small council}}
{{Joffrey I small council}}


[[Category:House Stark]]
[[Category:263 AC births|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:299 AC deaths|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Casualties of the War of the Five Kings|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Characters from the North|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Ilyn Payne|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Joffrey Baratheon|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Characters killed with Ice|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Characters with brown hair|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Characters with grey eyes|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Characters with long face|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Deaths by beheading|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Executions for treason|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Hands of the King|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Hostages of House Lannister in the War of the Five Kings|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:House Arryn wards|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Lords of Winterfell]]
[[Category:Members of Robert I Baratheon's court|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Nobles|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:POV characters|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Protectors of the Realm|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Rebels of Robert's Rebellion|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Regents|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Statues|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Veterans of Greyjoy's Rebellion|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Veterans of Robert's Rebellion|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Wardens of the North|Stark, Eddard]]
[[Category:Wielders of Ice|Stark, Eddard]]


[[es:Eddard Stark]]
[[fa:ادارد استارک]]
[[fr:Eddard Stark]]
[[nl:Eddard Stark]]
[[pt:Eddard Stark]]
[[ru:Эддард Старк]]
[[tr:Eddard Stark]]
[[zh:艾德·史塔克]]

Sansa Stark

2026-06-11T12:45:06Z

Hhwang:

{{For|the historical figure|Sansa Stark (daughter of Rickon)}}
{{Infobox character
| arms = Stark
| arms2 = Lannister
| firstname = Sansa
| lastname = Stark
| image = Sansa Stark by Vanessa Cole.jpg
| image_caption = Sansa Stark, by Vanessa Cole ©
| Alias = Wolf girl{{Ref|AGOT|15}} Little bird{{Ref|AGOT|29}} Jonquil{{ref|ACOK|18}} Alayne Stone{{Ref|ASOS|68}} Lady Lannister{{Ref|ADWD|3}}
| Title = [[Prince]]ss{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}} [[Lord of Winterfell|Lady of Winterfell]]{{Ref|ASOS|32}}{{Ref|ASOS|70}}
| Allegiance = [[House Stark]] [[House Lannister]] (through marriage) [[House Arryn]] (as Alayne Stone) [[House Baelish]] (as Alayne Stone)
| Race =
| Culture = [[Northmen]]
| Father = Lord [[Eddard Stark]]
| Mother = Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]]
| Spouse = [[Tyrion Lannister]]
| Place_of_Birth = [[Winterfell]], the [[north]]
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|286}} (age 13)<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued3)#Sansa Stark|Sansa Stark]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (POV) ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (POV) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (POV) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (POV) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (POV)
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = [[w:Sophie Turner|Sophie Turner]]
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|2]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 3|3]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 4|4]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 5|5]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 6|6]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 7|7]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 8|8]]
}}

'''Sansa Stark''' is a noblewoman of [[House Stark]] and is the elder daughter of Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]] and Lord [[Eddard Stark]]. She has three brothers: [[Robb Stark|Robb]], [[Bran Stark|Bran]] and [[Rickon Stark|Rickon]]; a younger sister: [[Arya Stark|Arya]]; and a half-brother: [[Jon Snow]]. Sansa Stark is one of the major [[POV character]]s in the books.

In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', Sansa is portrayed by [[List of actors of Game of Thrones#Sophie Turner, Sansa Stark|Sophie Turner]].<ref>HBO.com: [https://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/cast-and-crew Game of Thrones Cast & Characters]</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
[[File:Linda Tso Sansa Stark better than the songs.jpg|thumb|350px|left|Sansa Stark, by Linda Tso © Fantasy Flight Games]]
{{See also|:Category:Images of Sansa Stark|l1=Images of Sansa Stark}}
Sansa is a beautiful girl who resembles her mother, Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]] of [[House Tully]].{{ref|AGOT|51}}{{ref|ASOS|68}} She has the Tully features{{ref|AGOT|7}}{{Ref|AGOT|14}} of deep blue eyes{{ref|ASOS|60}} and thick, soft auburn hair,{{ref|AGOT|7}}{{Ref|AGOT|14}}{{Ref|ACOK|55}}{{ref|AFFC|9}} which is lighter than her mother's.{{Ref|ACOK|55}} Sansa also has fine high cheekbones like Catelyn,{{ref|AGOT|7}} which they share with Catelyn's mother, Lady [[Minisa Tully|Minisa]] of [[House Whent]].{{ref|ACOK|7}}

Sansa is eleven years old at the start of ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]''.{{ref|AGOT|4}} As she has grown up, her figure has been described as tall,{{ref|AFFC|23}} graceful,<ref name="twow">''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Alayne I (The Winds of Winter)|Alayne I]]</ref> and womanly.{{ref|ASOS|16}} Sansa is described as soft-spoken and sweet-smelling.{{ref|ASOS|19}}

Raised as a lady, the courteous{{ref|ACOK|55}}{{ref|ASOS|39}}{{ref|AFFC|9}} Sansa is adept at sewing{{ref|AGOT|7}} and dancing.{{ref|AGOT|7}} The youth has learned numerous songs by heart{{ref|ACOK|45}} and sings sweetly,{{ref|ASOS|22}} and she can play the high [[harp]] and the bells.{{ref|AGOT|7}} Sansa dresses herself appropriately.{{ref|AGOT|7}}{{ref|AGOT|15}}{{ref|AGOT|29}}{{ref|AGOT|57}}{{ref|AFFC|23}}{{ref|AFFC|41}} She can read and write better than her brothers{{ref|AGOT|51}} and is skilled at poetry,{{ref|AGOT|7}} but has difficulty with sums{{ref|AGOT|51}} and figures.{{ref|AGOT|7}}

Like many girls her age, Sansa is enthralled by songs and stories of romance{{ref|ADWD|34}} and adventure, particularly those depicting handsome princes, honorable [[knight]]s, chivalry, and love.{{Ref|AGOT|7}} Sansa keeps faith with both the [[old gods]] and the [[Faith of the Seven|Seven]],{{ref|AGOT|57}} though she favors the new gods of her mother.{{ref|ACOK|18}}

Sansa's relationship with her younger sister [[Arya Stark|Arya]] is often strained, and the two are opposites in most respects.{{ref|AGOT|7}} She always refers to the [[bastard]]-born [[Jon Snow]] as her half-brother.{{ref|AGOT|19}} Sansa's dearest friend is [[Jeyne Poole]], the daughter of [[Vayon Poole]], the steward of [[Winterfell]].{{ref|AGOT|7}}

Sansa is fond of [[lemon cake]]s,{{ref|ASOS|6}} with [[Gage]] making the treats whenever possible.<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]</ref>

==History==
Sansa was born at [[Winterfell]],{{ref|AWOIAF| Sansa Stark}} with [[Maester]] [[Luwin]] aiding [[Catelyn Stark]] during the delivery.{{ref|AGOT|6}} In her eleven years, she has been tutored by [[Septa]] [[Mordane]] in the traditional womanly activities.{{ref|AGOT|7}} Luwin has also educated the Stark children.{{ref|AFFC|6}} Sansa shared a bedchamber with her younger sister, [[Arya Stark|Arya]], before getting her own.{{Ref|ASOS|80}}

[[Jon Snow]], having covered himself with flour to appear as a ghost, once tried to scare his younger siblings in the [[crypt of Winterfell]]. While Sansa and [[Bran Stark|Bran]] were frightened, Arya instead punched their half-brother.{{ref|AGOT|50}}

Sansa became infatuated with Ser [[Waymar Royce]] when the young man stopped at Winterfell on his way to [[Castle Black]].{{ref|AFFC|23}} [[Theon Greyjoy]], the ward of Lord [[Eddard Stark]], has pondered marrying Sansa and being accepted by Eddard as a son.{{ref|ADWD|12}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Lady by smirtouille.jpg|thumb|350px|Sansa with [[Lady (direwolf)|Lady]], by Smirtouille © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Sansa names her [[direwolf]] pup [[Lady (direwolf)|Lady]].{{ref|AGOT|7}} With her father [[Eddard Stark]]'s appointment as [[Hand of the King]], Sansa is delighted at the prospect of life at court in [[King's Landing]] and is thrilled by her [[marriage|betrothal]] to the handsome Prince [[Joffrey Baratheon]].{{ref|AGOT|7}}

On their journey to the capital, Sansa is frightened when she meets Ser [[Ilyn Payne]], the [[King's Justice]], at the [[crossroads inn]]. Joffrey courts Sansa at the insistence of his mother, Queen [[Cersei Lannister]]. The two are walking together near the [[ruby ford]] when they come upon her sister, [[Arya Stark|Arya]], playing at swords with the boy [[Mycah]]. Joffrey draws his sword, [[Lion's Tooth]], and threatens Mycah, but Arya fights with him; her direwolf [[Nymeria (direwolf)|Nymeria]] disarms and superficially wounds him.{{Ref|AGOT|15}}

Later recounting the tale to Joffrey's father, King [[Robert I Baratheon]], at [[Darry]], Arya tells the truth while Joffrey lies, saying that Mycah, Arya, and Nymeria attacked him without provocation. Sansa, not wishing to betray her future husband, lies and refuses to verify either story, pleading that she does not remember. Cersei uses the opportunity to insist that the direwolf that attacked her son be killed. Arya, having anticipated this, had driven Nymeria away. To assuage the queen, Sansa's direwolf Lady is killed by Eddard instead.{{Ref|AGOT|16}}

Sansa feuds with Arya in King's Landing, placing the majority of the blame on her sister for Lady's death. Sansa remains infatuated with Joffrey, largely overlooking his violent mood swings, and she develops a close relationship with Queen Cersei as well. Attending the [[Hand's tourney]] celebrating her father's appointment, Sansa finds many of her notions of [[knight]]ly valor and chivalry reinforced, seeing the events as worthy of one of her favored stories. To warn Sansa about dangers she faces, [[Sandor Clegane]] tells the girl how his brother, Ser [[Gregor Clegane]], burned his face. She also develops a crush on Ser [[Loras Tyrell]], the Knight of Flowers; when he gives her a red [[rose]], she is certain she is living in a romantic song.{{Ref|AGOT|29}}

[[File:Sansa-ANobleCause-DrazenkaKimpel.jpg|thumb|350px|Sansa pleading for the life of her father, [[Eddard Stark]], by Drazenka Kimpel © Fantasy Flight Games]]

After Eddard discovers the truth of Joffrey's parentage and tells his daughters that he is returning them to [[Winterfell]] on the ''[[Wind Witch]]'', Sansa, in an act of defiance, runs to the queen and tells her of her father's plans, pleading that she might be allowed to stay and marry Joffrey. Her doing so unwittingly aids Cersei's plot against her father.{{Ref|AGOT|44}}{{Ref|AGOT|50}} After [[Arrest of Eddard Stark|Eddard's arrest]], Sansa is detained in [[Maegor's Holdfast]], and her friend [[Jeyne Poole]] is taken away by Lord [[Petyr Baelish]].{{ref|AGOT|51}} Sansa is forced to call her father a traitor. She pleads in front of the king and his retainers for mercy. Joffrey, now king after Robert's death, promises to be merciful,{{ref|AGOT|57}} but on the steps of the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] he orders Ilyn to behead Eddard as Sansa helplessly looks on and screams hysterically.{{ref|AGOT|65}}

Even after Eddard's execution, Cersei declares that Joffrey should still be married to Sansa upon her flowering. Sansa, horrified at the prospect and only wanting to return home, has no choice but to remain in King's Landing during the deteriorating situation, as a hostage, and denounce her father and brother as traitors. Joffrey shows Sansa her father's head, which has been placed on a spike in the [[Red Keep]]. Sansa briefly considers pushing the prince to his death, even if it means she will die as well, but Sandor subtly stops her.{{ref|AGOT|67}}

After the [[Battle of the Camps]], Sansa's brother [[Robb Stark|Robb]] is proclaimed [[King in the North]] at [[Riverrun]].{{ref|AGOT|71}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Mathia_Arkoniel_the_riot.jpg|thumb|350px|The [[Sandor Clegane|Hound]] rescues Sansa during the [[riots in King's Landing]], by Mathia Arkoniel ©]]
Now effectively a hostage in the [[Red Keep]], Sansa armors herself in her lady's courtesies as she dutifully goes through the motions of denouncing her family as traitors and pleading to them for peace. King [[Joffrey I Baratheon]] frequently orders her to be beaten by his [[Kingsguard]]{{ref|ACOK|2}} as punishment for actions taken by her rebellious brother [[Robb Stark|Robb]].{{ref|ACOK|32}} At the [[tourney on King Joffrey's name day]], Sansa realizes she has lost her romantic notions about knightly and courtly love. Ser [[Dontos Hollard]] disgraces himself by showing up too drunk to compete. Joffrey decides he should be killed, causing a horrified Sansa to make up a convincing lie which [[Sandor Clegane]] backs up. Sansa pleads successfully with the king to spare Dontos, and a placated Joffrey instead strips him of his knighthood and makes him a court [[fool]], as Sansa suggested.{{Ref|ACOK|2}}

When [[Tyrion Lannister]] arrives in [[King's Landing]] and assumes the position of acting [[Hand of the King]], he sees an end to the more overt abuses directed at Sansa, including stopping Ser [[Meryn Trant]] from stripping the girl naked and beating her.{{ref|ACOK|32}} Sansa develops a unique relationship with Sandor, who despite his brusque words and hideous demeanor treats her gently, protects her, and refuses to beat her at Joffrey's command. He privately mocks her for her naive nature but also displays sympathy for her predicament.{{ref|ACOK|18}}

One night Sansa finds a note in her room, directing her to come to the [[godswood of the Red Keep]] if she wants to go home. It is from Dontos, who promises that a plan is in place to free her from the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] and bring her to [[Winterfell]]. Wary of a trap, she agrees to Dontos's promise, who in turn counsels patience and perseverance. Feigning a newfound piety to the [[old gods]], Sansa makes frequent trips to the godswood to meet with Dontos, at first seeing him as a gallant rescuer who seeks redemption for the shame he brought upon himself, though she eventually comes to doubt his competence. They refer to each other as [[Florian the Fool|Florian]] and [[Jonquil]].{{Ref|ACOK|18}}{{Ref|ACOK|52}}

During the [[riots in King's Landing]] after the departure of Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]] to [[Dorne]], Ser [[Mandon Moore]] abandons Sansa to protect Joffrey and the girl is separated from the royal party. Sandor rescues the wounded Sansa from the mob and returns her to the Red Keep.{{ref|ACOK|41}}

[[File:Luaprata91 sandor sansa eve of battle.JPG|thumb|350px|[[Sandor Clegane|Sandor]] takes a song from Sansa during the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], by Luaprata91 ©]]

As [[Stannis Baratheon]]'s army approaches the city, Sansa experiences her first [[flowering]], making her officially a woman.{{Ref|ACOK|52}} During the [[Battle of the Blackwater]] Sansa takes refuge with many of the other ladies of the court in the [[royal sept]] of the Red Keep and the [[Queen's Ballroom]] in Maegor's Holdfast. She remains strong and attempts to calm many of the other frightened women, despite the bitter and cynical words of a drunk Cersei, who spends her time sniping at Sansa and the other attendant ladies before storming out.{{ref|AGOT|57}}{{ref|ACOK|60}}{{ref|ACOK|62}}

When Sansa returns to her chambers, she finds Sandor hidden in her room, broken from the threat of [[wildfire]]. He drunkenly offers to take Sansa with him as he flees the city. She refuses, and he makes her sing for him at knifepoint.{{Ref|ACOK|62}} After he leaves, Sansa puts on Sandor's bloody cloak, then keeps it in a chest with her summer dresses. Later on, Sansa remembers [[UnKiss|something more]] happening, she believes Sandor kissed her that night. Dontos later informs Sansa that Stannis was defeated by the arrival of Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] and [[House Tyrell]].{{ref|ACOK|62}}

After the Lannister victory, it is announced that Sansa's betrothal to Joffrey is at an end, for the Crown's alliance with the Tyrells includes a marriage pact between Joffrey and Lord [[Mace Tyrell]]'s daughter, [[Margaery Tyrell]]. Joffrey assures Sansa he will still get to have her sexually, stating as a king he can take whomever he wants to bed. Sansa remains in King's Landing, still a hostage to the Lannisters; Dontos assures her the plan to get her home is still in place after the wedding, giving her a [[silver hair net]] adorned with dark purple [[amethyst]]s.{{Ref|ACOK|65}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[File:Flawed by algesiras.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Wedding of Tyrion Lannister and Sansa Stark|Sansa's wedding]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]], by Algesiras ©]]
Since [[Bran Stark|Bran]] and [[Rickon Stark]] are believed to have been murdered by [[Theon Greyjoy]], Lady [[Catelyn Stark]] releases Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] from captivity at [[Riverrun]], in return for his promise to return with her daughters, Sansa and [[Arya Stark]].{{ref|ASOS|1}}{{ref|ASOS|2}}

Sansa remembers the night Sandor left, and she wishes he was still there. Sansa is asked to sup with [[Margaery Tyrell]] and her grandmother [[Olenna Tyrell|Olenna]]. Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] takes her breath away with his beauty and compliments, but he does not appear to remember her or the rose from the [[Hand's tourney]]. When Olenna tries to find out more about Joffrey, Sansa confesses that the king is a monster and begs Margaery not to marry him. Margaery insists that she will be safe with her brother Loras's addition to the [[Kingsguard]], and brushes off the concerns. The Tyrell women raise the possibility of Sansa being taken to [[Highgarden]] to be married to the Tyrell heir, [[Willas Tyrell|Willas]], who is crippled, but kind, intelligent, and capable. Sansa readily agrees, anxious to be free of the Lannisters, and she becomes friends with Margaery for a time.{{Ref|ASOS|6}}

Sansa shares the Tyrell plot with Ser [[Dontos Hollard]], but the fool advises against it, fearfully noting that the Tyrells are not as gentle as they seem. Sansa, frustrated with the apparent lack of progress in Dontos's own plans, disregards his warnings.{{ref|ASOS|16}} Unbeknownst to Sansa, Dontos informs his employer, Lord [[Petyr Baelish]], and Petyr in turn informs the Lannisters.{{ref|ASOS|19}}{{ref|ASOS|61}}

Not wishing to lose their hostage, Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] acts quickly to marry Sansa to [[Tyrion Lannister]] against the wishes of both parties.{{ref|ASOS|19}} Sansa, now thirteen, does her best to hide her feelings toward her disfigured [[dwarf]] husband, remaining courteous despite her disgust with his appearance and her deep unhappiness with the marriage. The [[wedding of Tyrion Lannister and Sansa Stark|wedding of Tyrion and Sansa]] is held in the [[Red Keep]]. Tyrion does not require that she consummate the marriage, for which Sansa is grateful,{{ref|ASOS|28}} particularly after learning of the deaths of her mother, Catelyn, and brother, King [[Robb Stark|Robb]], at the [[Red Wedding]].{{ref|ASOS|59}} Sansa's maids include [[Brella]] and [[Shae]], the latter of whom is Tyrion's secret lover.{{ref|AGOT|58}}

[[File:Natascha Roeoesli Sansa hairnet.jpg|thumb|350px|left|Sansa with her [[silver hair net]], by Natascha Röösli © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Sansa wears the hair net she had received from Dontos to the wedding between Joffrey and Margaery. When Joffrey [[Purple Wedding|chokes and dies]] at the wedding feast, Sansa flees and meets with Dontos. He escorts her to a boat that takes her to a ship in [[Blackwater Bay]], where she is greeted by Lord Baelish, known as Littlefinger. He explains that Joffrey's death was due to [[strangler|a poison]] that had been smuggled into the feast, disguised as the amethysts on her hair net, and shares with Sansa some of the details of the plot between himself and Lady Olenna to kill Joffrey. Littlefinger also has Dontos killed and dumped overboard, explaining that while he had played his part well, a drunk such as Dontos could never be entrusted to keep such sensitive information secret for long.{{ref|ASOS|61}}

Tyrion is arrested for Joffrey's death and put on trial.{{ref|ASOS|66}} With Sansa having disappeared, it is widely believed that she conspired with her husband. One rumor states she vanished in a puff of brimstone after helping Tyrion murder the king, with a ghostly [[direwolf]] with bloody jaws then haunting the [[Red Keep]],{{ref|ASOS|62}} while another rumor claims that Sansa killed Joffrey with [[magic]], changed into a wolf with the wings of a [[bat]], and flew from the castle.{{ref|ASOS|74}} Queen Cersei places Sansa's maids in a tower cell,{{ref|ASOS|62}} and Loras thinks that Sansa attempted to poison his sister Margaery as well as Joffrey.{{ref|ASOS|67}} Jaime Lannister tasks [[Brienne of Tarth]] with finding Sansa and bringing her to safety.{{ref|ASOS|72}}

[[File:MKomarck SansaEyrie.jpg|thumb|350px|Sansa building [[Winterfell]] out of snow at the [[Eyrie]], by Michael Komarck © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The ''[[Merling King]]'' takes Sansa to [[Drearfort|Petyr's tower]] at the [[Fingers]] in the [[Vale of Arryn|Vale]]. Petyr coaches her on a story to pass her off as his bastard daughter, '''Alayne Stone''', to avoid detection.<ref group="N">When put together, the alias "Alayne" used by Sansa and the alias "Cat" used by her sister [[Arya Stark]], they form the first name of their mother, [[Catelyn Stark]].</ref> Sansa's aunt, Lady [[Lysa Arryn]], meets with them and [[Wedding of Petyr Baelish and Lysa Arryn|weds Petyr at the tower]]. Upon returning to her bed for the night, Sansa is accosted by Lysa's singer, [[Marillion]], who tries to rape her. Sansa is saved by the intervention of Ser [[Lothor Brune]], Littlefinger's personal guard. After briefly thinking that it is Sandor and not Lothor who rescued her, Sansa dreams of Sandor in her marriage bed, as well as the deaths of Joffrey and Robb.{{ref|ASOS|68}}

The morning after her wedding, Lysa reveals she knows Sansa is her niece. Lysa agrees to assist in the deception, providing the girl with [[hair dye]] to color her most obvious [[House Tully|Tully]] feature, her auburn hair. Lysa also proposes to secretly wed Sansa to her sickly son, Lord [[Robert Arryn]]. Sansa is appalled by this, but keeps her true feelings to herself.{{ref|ASOS|68}}

"Alayne" meets Lord [[Nestor Royce]]{{ref|AFFC|10}} when Lysa's retinue stops at the [[Gates of the Moon]] on the way to the Eyrie.{{ref|AFFC|41}} Sansa becomes homesick in the Eyrie. When snow falls in the [[godswood of the Eyrie|castle's godswood]], she makes an elaborate snow fort, which eventually takes the shape of [[Winterfell]]. Lord Baelish appears and helps her with the castle, but he then surprises her with a kiss. Before Sansa has time to digest what happened, Robert comes out and begins destroying the castle with his doll. Sansa rips the doll while trying to stop Robert, and he goes into a [[shaking sickness|shaking spell]].{{ref|ASOS|80}}

Lysa soon summons Sansa to the [[High Hall]] of the Eyrie. Sansa believes Lysa would punish her for bothering Robert, but actually Lysa witnessed the kiss. The jealous Lysa accuses Sansa of trying to seduce her new husband, and she attempts to shove the girl through the [[Moon Door]]. Littlefinger arrives in time to intervene, however. After Lysa confesses to having poisoned her first husband, Lord [[Jon Arryn]], on Petyr's orders, Littlefinger shoves Lysa out of the Moon Door to her death, framing Marillion for the murder.{{ref|ASOS|80}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:I am Alayne father by Denis Maznev.jpg|thumb|350px|Alayne Stone, by Denis Maznev ©]]
[[Brienne of Tarth]] searches the [[crownlands]] and the [[riverlands]] for Sansa, whom she claims is her sister.{{ref|AFFC|4}}{{ref|AFFC|14}} Along the road to [[Duskendale]], Brienne meets Ser [[Shadrich|Shadrich of the Shady Glen]], a hedge knight seeking the girl for a gold bounty.{{ref|AFFC|4}} Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] regrets having followed King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]]'s commands to beat Sansa.{{ref|AFFC|13}}

During a meeting of the new [[small council]] of King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]], Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] is angered that Sansa, whom Cersei believes she tried to mentor, helped to [[Purple Wedding|murder her son]], and threatens [[torture]] and worse should Sansa be found.{{Ref|AFFC|17}}

Sansa, still in the guise of "Alayne Stone", becomes the ''de facto'' Lady of the [[Eyrie]]. She takes care of and comforts her sickly young cousin, Lord [[Robert Arryn]], who she calls Sweetrobin. Robert, who is no longer able to share his mother's bed since her death, wanders the Eyrie at night looking for other beds to share. He frequently crawls into Sansa's bed, which she would not mind, except that he tries to nuzzle at her breasts, and his [[shaking sickness]] causes him to wet her bed. Therefore, she has Ser [[Lothor Brune]] lock Robert in his own room at night.{{ref|AFFC|10}}

[[Petyr Baelish]], [[Lord Protector of the Vale]], tutors Sansa in some of the finer points of courtly intrigue, and convinces her that lies are not harmful if meant kindly. Petyr also convinces Sansa that if he were to be found out as Lysa Arryn's killer, she would be accused of the crime as well. When Lord [[Nestor Royce]] visits the Eyrie, she tells him that [[Marillion]] killed Lysa, not Littlefinger. She also deduces that Petyr grants the [[Gates of the Moon]] to Nestor to gain his political support.{{ref|AFFC|10}} When Ser [[Lyn Corbray]] draws his sword during a parlay at the Eyrie between Petyr and the [[Lords Declarant]], Littlefinger leverages the breach of etiquette to demand a trial period of [[regency]] over the little Lord Robert. She correctly surmises that Lyn is under Petyr's employ, which Littlefinger confirms.{{ref|AFFC|23}}

Lysa's jewels and wardrobe of silks, satins, velvets, and furs are given by Petyr to Alayne, although most of the clothing is too large for her. She also must be careful not to wear Arryn colors or anything too luxurious, lest Alayne appear to be stepping above her [[bastard]] status. Sansa also must avoid Tully colors, or her resemblance to her mother Catelyn might be noticed. Alayne's hair dye turns her auburn hair into a burnt brown, or chestnut, but it is seldom long before the red begins creeping back at the roots. Alayne worries what she will do when the dye runs out.{{ref|AFFC|23}}

The Arryn court departs the Eyrie for the Gates of the Moon because of the onset of [[winter]]. Preparing for departure, Alayne lets Sweetrobin kiss her, but when his lips touch hers, she remembers Sandor kissing her. Alayne befriends Lord Nestor's daughter, [[Myranda Royce]], and helps Robert during the journey down the [[Giant's Lance]]. Alayne tells Myranda that she is fourteen, a year older than Sansa actually is at the time.{{ref|AFFC|41}}

Once at the Gates of the Moon, Alayne is introduced to Petyr's newly hired hedge knights, Shadrich, Ser [[Byron the Beautiful]], and Ser [[Morgarth the Merry]]. Petyr later reveals his plan to Alayne for the eventual marriage of Sansa to the heir of the Vale of Arryn, Ser [[Harrold Hardyng]], and to reveal her true identity to the Lords of the Vale and to reclaim [[Winterfell]] in her name.{{ref|AFFC|41}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Drazenka KimpelAlayne Stone.png|thumb|350px|Alayne Stone, by Drazenka Kimpel © Fantasy Flight Games]]
[[Stannis Baratheon]] wants to bestow [[Winterfell]] on [[Jon Snow]], now [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], but Jon insists the castle is his half-sister Sansa's birthright.{{ref|ADWD|3}} Stannis discounts the claim of "Lady Lannister", however.{{ref|ADWD|3}}{{ref|ADWD|17}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
To find a means of meeting her betrothed, Alayne suggests that a personal guard be formed to protect Lord [[Robert Arryn]], named the [[Brotherhood of Winged Knights]], whose initial members would be selected in a [[tourney]]. She meets the newly-knighted [[Harrold Hardyng]] when he comes to the [[Gates of the Moon]] to compete for a position in the brotherhood. When he first meets Alayne, he treats her with contempt for her [[bastard]] status. Sansa remembers that [[Joffrey Baratheon]] was attractive as well, but cruel, while the ugly [[Tyrion Lannister]] was kinder. At the behest of Petyr, she attempts to beguile Harrold during a feast held that evening.<ref name="twow"/>

==Quotes by Sansa==
[[File:M.Luisa Giliberti Sansa Stark.jpg|thumb|350px|Sansa Stark, by M.Luisa Giliberti ©]]
{{Quote|All she wanted was for things to be nice and pretty, the way they were in the songs.{{ref|AGOT|15}}|Sansa's thoughts}}

{{Quote|The [[Sandor Clegane|Hound]] is right ... I am only a little bird, repeating the words they taught me.{{Ref|AGOT|67}}|Sansa's thoughts}}

{{Quote|Once, she had loved Prince [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]] with all her heart, and admired and trusted his mother, [[Cersei Lannister|the queen]]. They had repaid that love and trust with [[Eddard Stark|her father]]'s head. Sansa would never make that mistake again.{{Ref|ACOK|2}}|Sansa's thoughts}}

{{Quote|If I am ever a queen, I'll make them love me.{{ref|ACOK|60}}|Sansa's thoughts}}

[[File:Sansa_Stark_by_Jaenarra.png|thumb|350px|Sansa Stark, by Jaenarra ©]]

{{Quote|'''Tyrion''': You hide behind courtesy as if it were a castle wall. 
'''Sansa''': Courtesy is a lady's armor.{{ref|ASOS|28}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] and Sansa}}

{{Quote|My skin has turned to porcelain, to [[ivory]], to [[steel]].{{ref|ASOS|61}}|Sansa's thoughts}}

{{quote|'''Petyr''': Can you be my daughter in your heart? 
'''Sansa''': I ... I am Alayne, Father. Who else would I be? 
'''Petyr''': With my wits and [[Catelyn Stark|Cat's]] beauty, [[known world|the world]] will be yours, sweetling.{{ref|AFFC|10}}|[[Petyr Baelish]] and Sansa}}

{{Quote|As [[Robert Arryn|the boy's]] lips touched her own she found herself thinking of [[UnKiss|another kiss]]. She could still remember how it felt, when [[Sandor Clegane|his cruel mouth]] pressed down on her own. He had come to Sansa in the darkness as [[wildfire|green fire]] filled the sky. He took a song and a kiss, and left me nothing but a bloody cloak.{{Ref|AFFC|41}}|Sansa's thoughts}}

==Quotes about Sansa==
[[File:Magali Villeneuve Sansa StarkII.jpg|thumb|350px|Sansa Stark, by Magali Villeneuve © Fantasy Flight Games]]
{{Quote|You're like one of those birds from the [[Summer Isles]], aren't you? A pretty little talking bird, repeating all the pretty little words they taught you to recite.{{Ref|AGOT|29}}|[[Sandor Clegane]] to Sansa}}

{{Quote|Life is not a song, sweetling. Someday you may learn that, to your sorrow.{{ref|AGOT|44}}|[[Petyr Baelish]] to Sansa}}

{{Quote|I think I may find it in me to be a [[knight]] again, sweet lady. And all because of you ... your grace, your courage. You saved me, not only from [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]], but from myself.{{ref|ACOK|18}}|[[Dontos Hollard]] to Sansa}}

{{Quote|Sansa was a lady at three, always so courteous and eager to please. She loved nothing so well as tales of [[knight]]ly valor. Men would say she had my look, but she will grow into a woman far more beautiful than I ever was, you can see that. I often sent away her maid so I could brush her hair myself. She had auburn hair, lighter than mine, and so thick and soft... the red in it would catch the light of the torches and shine like [[copper]].{{Ref|ACOK|55}}|[[Catelyn Stark]] to [[Brienne Tarth]]}}

{{Quote|The man who weds Sansa Stark can claim [[Winterfell]] in her name.{{ref|ASOS|28}}|[[Kevan Lannister]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

[[File:The North Remembers by Isabel Westling.jpg|thumb|350px|Sansa Stark, by Isabel Westling ©]]

{{Quote|'''Tyrion''': Sansa is too young. 
'''Tywin''': She is old enough to be [[Lord of Winterfell|Lady of Winterfell]] once her brother is dead. Claim her [[maiden]]hood and you will be one step closer to claiming the [[north]]. Get her with child, and the prize is all but won.{{Ref|ASOS|32}}|[[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]] and [[Tywin Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|She is just as comely as [[Margaery Tyrell|the Tyrell girl]]. Her hair was a rich [[autumn]] auburn, her eyes a deep [[House Tully|Tully]] blue. Grief had given her a haunted, vulnerable look; if anything, it had only made her more beautiful. He wanted to reach her, to break through the armor of her courtesy.{{ref|ASOS|60}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]]'s thoughts}}

{{Quote|My brother [[Doran Martell|Doran]] would be most pleased to meet the rightful heir to [[Casterly Rock]]... especially if he brought his lovely wife, the [[Lord of Winterfell|Lady of Winterfell]].{{Ref|ASOS|70}}|[[Oberyn Martell]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{quote|'''Shadrich''': A little lost sister, is it? With blue eyes and auburn hair? You are not the only hunter in the woods. I seek for Sansa Stark as well. '''Brienne''': Who is this Sansa Stark, and why do you seek her? 
'''Shadrich''': For love, why else? 
'''Brienne''': Love? 
'''Shadrich''': Aye, love of [[gold]].{{ref|AFFC|4}}|[[Shadrich]] and [[Brienne Tarth]]}}

[[File:Sansa_Stark_by_Hylora.jpg|thumb|350px|Sansa Stark, by Hylora ©]]

{{quote|Sansa was a little lady, always courteous and eager to please. She loved tales of [[knight]]ly valor. She will grow into a woman far more beautiful than I, you can see that. I would often brush her hair myself. She had auburn hair, thick and soft ... the red in it would shine like [[copper]] in the light of the torches.{{ref|AFFC|9}}|[[Catelyn Stark]] to [[Brienne Tarth]]}}

{{quote|You have [[Catelyn Stark|your mother's]] eyes. Honest eyes, and innocent. Blue as a sunlit sea. When you are a little older, many a man will drown in those eyes.{{ref|AFFC|10}}|[[Petyr Baelish]] to Sansa}}

{{quote|I ought to have shown her to the [[black cells]] as the daughter of [[Eddard Stark|a traitor]], but instead I made her part of mine own household. She shared my hearth and hall, played with my own children. I fed her, dressed her, tried to make her a little less ignorant about the world, and how did she repay me for my kindness? She helped [[Purple Wedding|murder my son]]. When we find [[Tyrion Lannister|the Imp]], we will find the Lady Sansa too. She is not dead ... but before I am done with her, I promise you, she will be singing to the [[Stranger (the Seven)|Stranger]], begging for his kiss.{{ref|AFFC|17}}|[[Cersei Lannister]] to the [[small council]]}}

{{quote|When [[Robert Arryn|Robert]] dies, Harry the Heir becomes Lord [[Harrold Hardyng|Harrold]], [[Defender of the Vale]] and [[Lord of the Eyrie]]. [[Jon Arryn]]'s bannermen will never love me, nor our silly, shaking Robert, but they will love their Young Falcon ... and when they come together for his wedding, and you come out with your long auburn hair, clad in a maiden's cloak of white and grey with a [[direwolf]] emblazoned on the back ... why, every [[knights of the Vale|knight in the Vale]] will pledge his sword to win you back your birthright. So those are your gifts from me, my sweet Sansa ... Harry, the [[Eyrie]], and [[Winterfell]]. That's worth another kiss now, don't you think?{{ref|AFFC|41}}|[[Petyr Baelish]] to Sansa}}

==Family==
{{Stark tree}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==External links==
*{{WP}}
*{{WoW}}

==References==
{{EnWP|House Stark|small=yes}}
{{References}}

{{POV Characters}}
{{Lords of Winterfell}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Stark, Sansa}}
[[Category:House Stark|Sansa Stark]]
[[Category:House Lannister|Sansa Stark]]
[[Category:House Baelish|Sansa Stark]]
[[Category:286 AC births]]
[[Category:House Arryn retainers]]
[[Category:Characters from the North]]
[[Category:Characters with blue eyes]]
[[Category:Characters with dyed hair]]
[[Category:Characters with red hair]]
[[Category:Hostages of House Lannister in the War of the Five Kings]]
[[Category:Members of Robert I Baratheon's court]]
[[Category:Members of Joffrey I Baratheon's court]]
[[Category:Musicians]]
[[Category:Noblewomen]]
[[Category:POV characters]]
[[Category:Princesses]]
[[Category:Skinchangers]]

[[es:Sansa Stark]]
[[fa:سانسا استارک]]
[[fr:Sansa Stark]]
[[it:Sansa Stark]]
[[pt:Sansa Stark]]
[[ru:Санса Старк]]
[[tr:Sansa Stark]]
[[zh:珊莎·史塔克]]

A Storm of Swords-Chapter 72

2026-06-11T02:33:01Z

Hhwang:

{{Infobox Chapter ASoS
| pov = [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]]
| title = Jaime IX
| place = [[King's Landing]]
| page = 818
| previous = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 71|Daenerys VI]]
| current = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 72|Jaime IX]]
| next = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 73|Jon X]]
| arc previous = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 67|Jaime VIII]]
| arc next =''A Feast for Crows'' [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 8|Jaime I]]
}}

==Synopsis==
[[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] is seated with the [[small council]], as King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]] signs all the papers brought before him by Ser [[Kevan Lannister|Kevan]]. The [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] are granting [[Riverrun]] to Ser [[Emmon Frey]] and Kevan's sister [[Genna Lannister|Genna]], once the [[Brynden Tully|Blackfish]] has surrendered. They legitimize [[Ramsay Snow]] and name [[Roose Bolton]] [[Warden of the North]]. Ser [[Rolph Spicer]] is granted [[Castamere]], and raised to lord, and Lord [[Gawen Westerling]], [[Sybell Spicer|his wife]], and daughter [[Jeyne Westerling|Jeyne]] are all granted a royal pardon, along with Lord [[Jonos Bracken|Bracken]], Lord [[House Vance|Vance]], Lord [[Lymond Goodbrook|Goodbrook]] and Lord [[William Mooton|Mooton]] for entering King Tommen's service. Jaime had recently lost during a spar with Ser [[Addam Marbrand]], and is disgusted that he cannot fight left-handed, especially after receiving the new [[Valyrian steel|Valyrian sword]] from [[Tywin Lannister|his father]].

Outside, Jaime watches [[Steelshanks Walton]] and his men prepare to leave [[King's Landing]], and sees a girl who claims to be [[Arya Stark]]. Jaime is pretty sure she is not the real Arya, yet she is to be presented to Roose Bolton and Ramsay Bolton at the [[Dreadfort]]. Ser [[Gregor Clegane|Gregor]]'s screams from [[Pycelle]]'s solar can be heard throughout the [[Red Keep]], for Lord Tywin has demanded that the Grand Maester heal him so that the [[King's Justice]] can execute him (rather than dying from a poisoned spear) in the hopes of placating [[Dorne]] and [[House Martell]], who are likely to be outraged by Prince [[Oberyn Martell|Oberyn's]] death. Jaime recalls his father mentioning that [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]] and his fleet have left [[Dragonstone]], leaving only a token force to guard the island. Unlike Pycelle, Tywin believes Stannis has not conceded defeat; he has only left Dragonstone because he intends to continue fighting elsewhere. He will likely fail if he goes to [[Storm's End]] and tries to rally the Stormlands, but if Stannis wins Dorne to his cause, he can prolong [[War of the Five Kings|the war]] for months or even years, so Tywin will not give Dorne any reason to side with Stannis.

Later, [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]] visits him in the [[Red Keep#White Sword Tower|White Sword Tower]], and reveals that their father plans to send her back to [[Casterly Rock]] so that he will have a free hand in raising Tommen, in addition to marrying Tommen to [[Margaery Tyrell]], but Jaime refuses to talk to their father to convince him otherwise. Their conversation turns to the subject of [[Bran Stark]]; Cersei berates him again for throwing the boy from the tower, but when Jaime questions her about [[catspaw|the assassin]] [[Catelyn Stark]] accused them of sending after the boy, Cersei denies it. When Cersei mentions that [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]] himself, at [[Winterfell]], said it would be kinder to put the boy out of his misery while alone with her and their children, Jaime figures out that it was [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]], 'desperate for a pat on the head from that sot', who sent the assassin to kill Bran, even though Cersei does not believe him when he tells her his suspicions, just as Jaime does not believe her when Cersei insists again that [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]] is responsible for Joffrey's death. When she begins to unlace Jaime's breeches, he sends her off in anger.

Jaime then has [[Brienne of Tarth|Brienne]] and Ser [[Loras Tyrell|Loras]] brought before him, and the Knight of Flowers reveals that after speaking with the woman, he now believes she may be innocent. Ser Loras is dismissed, and Jaime reveals his belief that Tyrion is innocent, and that the girl sent north with Steelshanks was not the real Arya Stark; his father has found some [[Jeyne Poole|northern girl of a similar age and appearance]], and with her immediate family dead or missing, there is no one to say otherwise. Ser Jaime then commands Brienne to find and protect Lady Catelyn's daughters, as they had both pledged to do, and gives her the Valyrian sword he had so recently received from his father, explaining that it was forged from the metal taken from [[Eddard Stark]]'s greatsword [[Ice]], melted down after his execution, saying, "''A sword so fine must bear a name. It would please me if you would call this one '[[Oathkeeper]]'....You'll be defending Ned Stark's daughter with Ned Stark's own steel... [[Sansa Stark]] is my last chance for honor.''"

==Character List appearing/mentioned==
{{Columns|3|
*[[Jaime Lannister]]
*[[Tommen Baratheon]]
*[[Kevan Lannister]]
*[[Emmon Frey]]
*[[Genna Lannister]]
*[[Brynden Tully]] (the Blackfish)
*[[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]]
*[[Roose Bolton]]
*[[Rolph Spicer]]
*[[Gawen Westerling]]
*[[Sybell Spicer]]
*[[Jeyne Westerling]]
*[[Jonos Bracken]]
*[[Lymond Goodbrook]]
*[[William Mooton]]
*[[Addam Marbrand]]
*[[Tywin Lannister]]
*[[Steelshanks Walton]]
*[[Arya Stark]]
*[[Gregor Clegane]]
*[[Pycelle]]
*[[Oberyn Martell]] (the Red Viper)
*[[Stannis Baratheon]]
*[[Cersei Lannister]]
*[[Margaery Tyrell]]
*[[Bran Stark]]
*[[Catelyn Stark]]
*[[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]]
*[[Joffrey Baratheon]]
*[[Tyrion Lannister]]
*[[Brienne of Tarth]]
*[[Loras Tyrell]]
*[[Eddard Stark]]
*[[Sansa Stark]]
}}

==Places and terms mentioned==
{{Columns|3|
*[[Small council]]
*[[House Lannister]]
*[[Riverrun]]
*[[Warden of the North]]
*[[Castamere]]
*[[House Vance]]
*[[Valyrian steel]]
*[[King's Landing]]
*[[Dreadfort]]
*[[Red Keep]]
*[[King's Justice (title)|King's Justice]]
*[[Dorne]]
*[[House Martell]]
*[[Dragonstone]]
*[[Storm's End]]
*[[War of the Five Kings]]
*[[Red Keep#White Sword Tower|White Sword Tower]]
*[[Casterly Rock]]
*[[Winterfell]]
*[[Ice]]
*[[Oathkeeper]]
}}

==References and Notes==
* The synopsis was copied from Aol member vbkorik27 previously at[http://web.archive.org/web/20080228051425/members.aol.com/vbkorik27/summary/legend.html]
*[http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/10/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-storm-of-swords-part-46 A Read of Ice and Fire: A Storm of Swords, Part 46]. Analyses and summary of the chapter by Leigh Butler.

[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|Storm 72]]
[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Jaime Lannister|Storm 72]]
[[Category:Chapters which take place at the Red Keep|Storm 72]]

[[es:Tormenta de Espadas-Capítulo 72]]
[[fr:A Storm of Swords, Chapitre 73, Jaime]]
[[zh:冰雨的风暴-章节 72]]
[[pt:A Tormenta de Espadas - Capítulo 72]]

A Storm of Swords-Chapter 72

2026-06-11T02:21:42Z

Hhwang: Arya's name was repeated twice in the list of characters who appear/are mentioned in the chapter.

{{Infobox Chapter ASoS
| pov = [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]]
| title = Jaime IX
| place = [[King's Landing]]
| page = 818
| previous = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 71|Daenerys VI]]
| current = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 72|Jaime IX]]
| next = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 73|Jon X]]
| arc previous = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 67|Jaime VIII]]
| arc next =''A Feast for Crows'' [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 8|Jaime I]]
}}

==Synopsis==
[[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] is seated with the [[small council]], as King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]] signs all the papers brought before him by Ser [[Kevan Lannister|Kevan]]. The [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] are granting [[Riverrun]] to Ser [[Emmon Frey]] and Kevan's sister [[Genna Lannister|Genna]], once the [[Brynden Tully|Blackfish]] has surrendered. They legitimize [[Ramsay Snow]] and name [[Roose Bolton]] [[Warden of the North]]. Ser [[Rolph Spicer]] is granted [[Castamere]], and raised to lord, and Lord [[Gawen Westerling]], [[Sybell Spicer|his wife]], and daughter [[Jeyne Westerling|Jeyne]] are all granted a royal pardon, along with Lord [[Jonos Bracken|Bracken]], Lord [[House Vance|Vance]], Lord [[Lymond Goodbrook|Goodbrook]] and Lord [[William Mooton|Mooton]] for entering King Tommen's service. Jaime had recently lost during a spar with Ser [[Addam Marbrand]], and is disgusted that he cannot fight left-handed, especially after receiving the new [[Valyrian steel|Valyrian sword]] from [[Tywin Lannister|his father]].

Outside, Jaime watches [[Steelshanks Walton]] and his men prepare to leave [[King's Landing]], and sees a girl who claims to be [[Arya Stark]]. Jaime is pretty sure she is not the real Arya, yet she is to be presented to Roose Bolton and Ramsay Bolton at the [[Dreadfort]]. Ser [[Gregor Clegane|Gregor]]'s screams from [[Pycelle]]'s solar can be heard throughout the [[Red Keep]], for Lord Tywin has demanded that the Grand Maester heal him so that the [[King's Justice]] can execute him (rather than dying from a poisoned spear) in the hopes of placating [[Dorne]] and [[House Martell]], who are likely to be outraged by Prince [[Oberyn Martell|Oberyn's]] death. Jaime recalls his father mentioning that [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]] and his fleet have left [[Dragonstone]], leaving only a token force to guard the island. Unlike Pycelle, Tywin believes Stannis has not conceded defeat; he has only left Dragonstone because he intends to continue fighting elsewhere. He will likely fail if he goes to [[Storm's End]] and tries to rally the Stormlands, but if Stannis wins Dorne to his cause, he can prolong [[War of the Five Kings|the war]] for months or even years, so Tywin will not give Dorne any reason to side with Stannis.

Later, [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]] visits him in the [[Red Keep#White Sword Tower|White Sword Tower]], and reveals that their father plans to send her back to [[Casterly Rock]] so that he will have a free hand in raising Tommen, in addition to marrying Tommen to [[Margaery Tyrell]], but Jaime refuses to talk to their father to convince him otherwise. Their conversation turns to the subject of [[Bran Stark]]; Cersei berates him again for throwing the boy from the tower, but when Jaime questions her about [[catspaw|the assassin]] [[Catelyn Stark]] accused them of sending after the boy, Cersei denies it. When Cersei mentions that [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]] himself, at [[Winterfell]], said it would be kinder to put the boy out of his misery while alone with her and their children, Jaime figures out that it was [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]], 'desperate for a pat on the head from that sot', who sent the assassin to kill Bran, even though Cersei does not believe him when he tells her his suspicions, just as Jaime does not believe her when Cersei insists again that [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]] is responsible for Joffrey's death. When she begins to unlace Jaime's breeches, he sends her off in anger.

Jaime then has [[Brienne of Tarth|Brienne]] and Ser [[Loras Tyrell|Loras]] brought before him, and the Knight of Flowers reveals that after speaking with the woman, he now believes she may be innocent. Ser Loras is dismissed, and Jaime reveals his belief that Tyrion is innocent, and that the girl sent north with Steelshanks was not the real Arya Stark; his father has found some [[Jeyne Poole|northern girl of a similar age and appearance]], and with her immediate family dead or missing, there is no one to say otherwise. Ser Jaime then commands Brienne to find and protect Lady Catelyn's daughters, as they had both pledged to do, and gives her the Valyrian sword he had so recently received from his father, explaining that it was forged from the metal taken from [[Eddard Stark]]'s greatsword [[Ice]], melted down after his execution, saying, "''A sword so fine must bear a name. It would please me if you would call this one '[[Oathkeeper]]'....You'll be defending Ned Stark's daughter with Ned Stark's own steel... [[Sansa Stark]] is my last chance for honor.''"

==Character List appearing/mentioned==
{{Columns|3|
*[[Jaime Lannister]]
*[[Tommen Baratheon]]
*[[Kevan Lannister]]
*[[Emmon Frey]]
*[[Genna Lannister]]
*[[Brynden Tully]] (the Blackfish)
*[[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]]
*[[Roose Bolton]]
*[[Rolph Spicer]]
*[[Gawen Westerling]]
*[[Sybell Spicer]]
*[[Jeyne Westerling]]
*[[Jonos Bracken]]
*[[Lymond Goodbrook]]
*[[William Mooton]]
*[[Addam Marbrand]]
*[[Tywin Lannister]]
*[[Steelshanks Walton]]
*[[Arya Stark]]
*[[Gregor Clegane]]
*[[Pycelle]]
*[[Red Keep]]
*[[Oberyn Martell]] (the Red Viper)
*[[Stannis Baratheon]]
*[[Cersei Lannister]]
*[[Margaery Tyrell]]
*[[Bran Stark]]
*[[Catelyn Stark]]
*[[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]]
*[[Joffrey Baratheon]]
*[[Tyrion Lannister]]
*[[Brienne of Tarth]]
*[[Loras Tyrell]]
*[[Eddard Stark]]
*[[Sansa Stark]]
}}

==Places and terms mentioned==
{{Columns|3|
*[[Small council]]
*[[House Lannister]]
*[[Riverrun]]
*[[Warden of the North]]
*[[Castamere]]
*[[House Vance]]
*[[Valyrian steel]]
*[[King's Landing]]
*[[Dreadfort]]
*[[Dorne]]
*[[House Martell]]
*[[Dragonstone]]
*[[Storm's End]]
*[[War of the Five Kings]]
*[[Red Keep#White Sword Tower|White Sword Tower]]
*[[Casterly Rock]]
*[[Winterfell]]
*[[Ice]]
*[[Oathkeeper]]
}}

==References and Notes==
* The synopsis was copied from Aol member vbkorik27 previously at[http://web.archive.org/web/20080228051425/members.aol.com/vbkorik27/summary/legend.html]
*[http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/10/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-storm-of-swords-part-46 A Read of Ice and Fire: A Storm of Swords, Part 46]. Analyses and summary of the chapter by Leigh Butler.

[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|Storm 72]]
[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Jaime Lannister|Storm 72]]
[[Category:Chapters which take place at the Red Keep|Storm 72]]

[[es:Tormenta de Espadas-Capítulo 72]]
[[fr:A Storm of Swords, Chapitre 73, Jaime]]
[[zh:冰雨的风暴-章节 72]]
[[pt:A Tormenta de Espadas - Capítulo 72]]

A Storm of Swords-Chapter 21

2026-06-11T00:38:44Z

Hhwang: /* Character List */

{{Infobox Chapter ASoS
| pov = [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]]
| title = Jaime III
| place = [[Maidenpool]] - road to [[Duskendale]]
| page = 235
| previous = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 20|Catelyn III]]
| current = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 21|Jaime III]]
| next = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 22|Arya IV]]
| arc previous = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 11|Jaime II]]
| arc next = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 31|Jaime IV]]
}}

==Synopsis==
[[Brienne of Tarth|Brienne]], [[Cleos Frey|Cleos]], and [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] are still travelling to [[King's Landing]]. They visit [[Maidenpool]], but finding the town deserted, continue on toward [[Duskendale]]. Jaime has no success in provoking Brienne into a fight. He misses [[Cersei Lannister|his twin]] and thinks back about their childhood. Even as children they were close and they slept together. Once [[Joanna Lannister|their mother]] caught them. She was shocked and moved Jaime's bedchamber far away from Cersei's. Jaime muses that he should marry his sister as the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]] did.

Suddenly they are attacked by archers. Jaime and Brienne charge at them and the archers run away in the forest. They go back to find that ser Cleos is dead. His horse threw him off but as his feet was stuck in the stirrups he was dragged with his head bouncing against the ground. Jaime takes Cleos's sword and attacks Brienne. Although he is still chained he is confident that he can beat her. They fight for a long time. Jaime is amazed at her skill with the sword and realizes that she is stronger than him. Finally Brienne beats him.

[[File:In the Hands of the QohorikJoao BoscoII.png|250px|thumb|left|[[Zollo]] cuts off Jaime's sword hand, by Joao Bosco © Fantasy Flight Games]]
When they look up a number of men surround them. Jaime recognizes them as the [[Brave Companions]]. They quickly inform him that they have gone over to the [[House Stark|Starks]]. Jaime and Brienne are severely beaten and taken prisoner. Jaime warns Brienne that she will be raped and advises her not to resist, as this will make it worse. He tries to save her by telling the Brave Companions that [[Tarth]] is called the Sapphire Isle and that Brienne will be worth a high ransom. He tries to persuade the leader of the Brave Companions, [[Vargo Hoat]] in releasing them for a high ransom. Vargo Hoat replies that he will give [[Tywin Lannister|Jaime's father]] a message. His men grab Jaime and hold him down. [[Zollo]] raises his sword and brings it down as Jaime screams.

==Character List==
{| class="wikitable" width="80%"
|- valign="top"
| style="width:25;" |
'''Appearing:'''
*[[Jaime Lannister]]
*[[Brienne of Tarth]]
*[[Cleos Frey]]
*[[Rorge]]
*[[Timeon]]
*[[Urswyck]]
*Fat [[Zollo]]
*[[Vargo Hoat]]
*[[Shagwell]]

| style="width:25;" |
'''Mentioned:'''
*[[William Mooton|Lord Mooton]]
*[[Florian the Fool]]
*[[Jonquil]]
*[[Cersei Lannister]]
*[[Joanna Lannister]]
*[[Tywin Lannister]]
*[[Tyrion Lannister]]
*[[Stannis Baratheon]]
*[[Joffrey Baratheon]]

| style="width:25;" |
'''Mentioned:'''
*[[Robert Baratheon]]
*[[Myrcella Baratheon]]
*[[Sansa Stark]]
*[[Catelyn Stark]]
*[[Arya Stark]]
*[[Aerys II Targaryen]]
*[[Gerold Hightower]]
*[[Arthur Dayne]]
*[[Jon Umber_(Greatjon)|Greatjon Umber]]
| style="width:25;" |
'''Mentioned:'''
*[[Lyle Crakehall]]
*[[Gregor Clegane]]
*[[Sandor Clegane]]
*[[Amory Lorch]]
*[[Roose Bolton]]
*[[Robb Stark]]
*[[Harren Hoare]]
*[[Renly Baratheon]]
|}

==Places==
{| class="wikitable" width="80%"
|- valign="top"
| style="width:33;" |
*[[Maidenpool]]
*[[Riverrun]]
*[[King's Landing]]

| style="width:33;" |
*[[Evenfall Hall]]
*[[Tarth]]
*[[Harrenhal]]
| style="width:33;" |
*[[Casterly Rock]]
*[[Duskendale]]
|}

==References and Notes==
* [http://www.tor.com/blogs/2012/12/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-storm-of-swords-part-12 A first-time reader's summary and commentary] of the chapter, by Leigh Butler
* [http://slynt.blogspot.nl/2013/03/re-read-jaime-iii-hands-on-fightin.html Re-read Jaime III: Hands-On Fightin']. Summary and analyses of the chapter in the course of a 10th reread by Slynt.

[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|Storm 21]]
[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Jaime Lannister|Storm 21]]
[[Category:Chapters which take place in Maidenpool|Storm 21]]
[[Category:Chapters which take place in the Riverlands|Storm 21]]

[[es:Tormenta de Espadas-Capítulo 21]]
[[fr:A Storm of Swords, Chapitre 22, Jaime]]
[[zh:冰雨的风暴-章节 21]]
[[pt:A Tormenta de Espadas - Capítulo 21]]

A Storm of Swords-Chapter 1

2026-06-11T00:25:47Z

Hhwang:

{{Infobox Chapter ASoS
| pov = [[Jaime Lannister]]
| place = Aboard a boat on the [[Red Fork]] east of [[Riverrun]]
| title = Jaime I
| page = 15
| previous = [[A Storm of Swords-Prologue|Prologue]]
| current = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 1|Jaime I]]
| next = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 2|Catelyn I]]
| arc previous =
| arc next = [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 11|Jaime II]]
}}

[[Brienne of Tarth]] and Ser [[Cleos Frey]] bring Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] toward [[King's Landing]] in a skiff on the [[Red Fork]].

==Synopsis==
[[File:Felicia Cano Conflict of Interest.JPG|thumb|left|[[Cleos Frey]], [[Brienne of Tarth]], and [[Jaime Lannister]] by Felicia Cano © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Ser [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] is being escorted to [[King's Landing]] by [[Brienne Tarth|Brienne]] and his cousin, Ser [[Cleos Frey]], by boat. He was released in secrecy from [[Riverrun]] by [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]] after swearing never again to take up arms against the [[House Stark|Starks]] or [[House Tully|Tullys]], and to honor his brother [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion's]] pledge to release [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] and [[Arya Stark|Arya]]. The oath was sworn at sword point and while drunk, and Jaime considers killing Brienne and getting away. He is still chained hand and foot.

Jaime ponders [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei's]] feelings with him after the [[Bran Stark|Bran]] incident and wonders if she sent [[catspaw|the assassin]] to Bran's room, but dismisses that notion thinking that she would have sent Jaime himself to do the dirty work. Jaime has Cleos shave his head so he will be less recognizable should they get caught. He and Brienne treat each other with contempt.

As their boat moves down the [[Red Fork]] of the [[Trident]], they see abandoned shacks and a burned towerhouse. While they are in lands of [[House Bracken]], they see a burned inn and the corpses of several tavern wenches hanging from a nearby oak. Brienne stops their boat to cut down the bodies and bury them. Jaime reads a sign which states ''They Lay with Lions'', and Jaime mocks Brienne because they were killed by [[northmen]] or [[rivermen]] for servicing [[House Lannister|Lannister]] men. Jaime wonders if the deaths were ordered by Lord [[Jonos Bracken]], and Cleos suggests [[Marq Piper]], [[Beric Dondarrion]], and [[Roose Bolton]] as alternatives. Since Lord Bolton [[fall of Harrenhal|took Harrenhal]], Jaime worries that the Trident and the [[kingsroad]] are being watched.

Before they can start to dig graves for the women, Brienne spots a river galley bearing down on them. The galley is under the command of Ser [[Robin Ryger]], sent by Ser [[Edmure Tully]] to return the Kingslayer to Riverrun. Brienne jumps out of the skiff and climbs a cliff face. Jaime distracts the men on the galley by challenging Robin to single combat, allowing Brienne to dislodge a large boulder which crashes down on the galley, sinking it. When Brienne swims back to the skiff, Jaime considers smashing her in the face with his oar, but instead pulls her into the boat. Jaime derides Brienne and asks her if she wants his thanks, but she rebuffs the Kingslayer and says she is only motivated by the oath she swore to Catelyn to return him to King's Landing. Jaime marvels at Brienne's sense of duty.

==Character List==
{| class="wikitable" width="80%"
|- valign="top"
| style="width:25;" |
'''Appearing:'''
*[[Jaime Lannister]]
*[[Brienne of Tarth]]
*[[Cleos Frey]]
*[[Robin Ryger]]

| style="width:25;" |
'''Mentioned:'''
*[[Cersei Lannister]]
*[[Catelyn Stark]]
*[[Tyrion Lannister]]
*[[Aerys II Targaryen]]
*[[Genna Lannister]]
*[[Emmon Frey]]
*[[Tywin Lannister]]
*[[Walder Frey]]
*[[Sansa Stark]]
| style="width:25;" |
'''Mentioned:'''
*[[Arya Stark]]
*[[Joffrey Baratheon]]
*[[High Septon (Fat One)|High Septon]]
*[[Selwyn Tarth]]
*[[Robb Stark]]
*[[Bran Stark]]
*[[Robert I Baratheon]]
*[[Eddard Stark]]
*[[Jonos Bracken]]
| style="width:25;" |
'''Mentioned:'''
*[[Marq Piper]]
*[[Beric Dondarrion]]
*[[Roose Bolton]]
*[[Amory Lorch]]
*[[Renly Baratheon]]
*[[Sandor Clegane]]
|}

==Places==
{| class="wikitable" width="80%"
|- valign="top"
| style="width:33;" |
*[[Riverrun]]
*[[The Twins]]
*[[Casterly Rock]]
| style="width:33;" |
*[[Tarth]]
*[[Evenfall Hall]]
*[[Storm's End]]
| style="width:33;" |
*[[King's Landing]]
*[[Trident]]
*[[Harrenhal]]
|}

==References and Notes==
{{References|2}}
* The synopsis was copied from AOL member vbkorik27 previously at [http://web.archive.org/web/20080228051425/members.aol.com/vbkorik27/summary/legend.html].
*[http://slynt.blogspot.nl/2012/05/re-read-jaime-i-throwing-wench-in-works.html Analyses and summary of the chapter] in the course of a 10th reread by Slynth.
* [http://www.tor.com/blogs/2012/09/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-storm-of-swords-part-1 Review and summary] by Leigh Butler.

[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|Storm 01]]
[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Jaime Lannister|Storm 01]]
[[Category:Chapters which take place by the Trident|Storm 01]]

[[es:Tormenta de Espadas-Capítulo 1]]
[[fr:A Storm of Swords, Chapitre 02, Jaime]]
[[zh:冰雨的风暴-章节 1]]
[[pt:A Tormenta de Espadas - Capítulo 1]]

House Harclay

2026-06-10T23:39:44Z

Hhwang:

{{Noble House
| House_name = House Harclay
| Rank = lordly
| image = [[File:House Harclay.svg|250px]]
| image_caption =
| Coat_of_arms = 3 blue moons, waxing, full, waning, on a white bend, on blue (''Azure, on a bend argent a hurt between an increscent and decrescent of the first'')
| Words =
| Seat = North of the [[wolfswood]] in the [[northern mountains]]
| Current_Lord = Unknown
| Region = The [[north]]
| Title = The Harclay Lord Harclay
| Heir =
| Overlord = [[House Stark]] (AGOT) [[House Baratheon of Dragonstone]] (ADWD)
| Ancestral_weapon =
| Cadet_branch =
| Founded_in =
| Founder =
| Died_out =
}}

'''House Harclay''' is one of the [[northern mountain clans]] in the [[north]]. They live in [[Northern mountains|the hills]] to the north of the [[wolfswood]].{{Ref|ASOS|24}}

According to semi-canon sources, they blazon their shield with three blue [[moon]]s, waxing, full, waning, on a white bend, on blue.<ref>The Citadel. Heraldry: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Heraldry/Houses/2/#In the North]</ref>

==Recent Events==
===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[Ronnel Harclay]] is a ranger of the [[Night's Watch]] and is part of the [[great ranging]] that sets out to fight [[Mance Rayder]] and look for [[Benjen Stark]]. After the [[fight at the Fist]], Ronnel is among the remaining man who retreat to [[Craster's Keep]]. He commands the rangers after the death of [[Thoren Smallwood]].{{Ref|ASOS|33}}

Maester [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|Aemon]] sends a raven to House Harclay in a plea for help to defend [[Attack on Castle Black|Castle Black]] from [[wildlings]].{{Ref|ASOS|55}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
King [[Stannis Baratheon]] travels to the [[northern mountains]],{{Ref|ADWD|17}} gaining the [[Northern mountain clans|mountain clans]]{{Ref|ADWD|35}} for his [[fight by Deepwood Motte]]{{Ref|ADWD|26}} and [[march on Winterfell]].{{Ref|ADWD|42}}

==House Harclay at the end of the third century==
The known Harclays during the timespan of the events described in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' are:

* [[Ronnel Harclay]], a [[ranger]] in the [[Night's Watch]].

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

{{HousesNorth}}

[[Category:House Harclay| ]]
[[Category:Houses from the North|Harclay]]
[[Category:Houses of First Men origin|Harclay]]
[[Category:Noble houses|Harclay]]

[[es:Clan Harclay]]
[[fr:Maison Harclay]]
[[pt:Casa Harclay]]
[[ru:Харклеи]]
[[zh:哈克莱氏族]]

House Stark

2026-06-10T21:55:09Z

Hhwang: /* Household */

{{Noble House
| House_name = House Stark of Winterfell
| image = House Stark.svg
| image_caption =
| Coat_of_arms = A running grey direwolf, on an ice-white field ''(Argent, a direwolf courant cendrée)''
| Words = Winter Is Coming
| textcolor = #666666
| bgcolor = #ffffff
| bordercolor = #ccc
| Seat = [[Winterfell]] (formerly)
| Current_Lord = Unknown; [[Bran Stark]] (de jure)
| Region = [[North]] [[Riverlands]] (formerly)
| Title = [[King in the North|King of Winter/King in the North]] (formerly) [[Prince of Winterfell]] (formerly) [[Lord of Winterfell]] (formerly) [[Warden of the North]] (formerly) [[King of the Trident]] (formerly)
| Heir = [[Rickon Stark]] (Bran's heir) [[Jon Snow]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Robb Stark}} (per Robb Stark's will)
| Overlord = [[House Baratheon of King's Landing]] (AGOT) [[House Bolton]] (ADWD)
| Ancestral_weapon = [[Ice]] (reforged)
| Cadet_branch = [[House Greystark]] (extinct) [[House Karstark]] [[Barrowton]] Starks (possibly)<ref name="SSM Stark Family">[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1239/ The Stark Family], June 10, 2003</ref> [[White Harbor]] Starks (possibly)<ref name="SSM Stark Family"/>
| Founded_in = [[Age of Heroes]]
| Founder = [[Brandon the Builder]]
}}

'''House Stark of Winterfell''' is one of the [[Great Houses]] of [[Westeros]] and the principal noble house of the [[north]]. In days of old they ruled as [[King in the North|Kings of Winter]], but since [[Aegon's Conquest]] they have been [[Warden of the North|Wardens of the North]] and ruled as [[Lords of Winterfell]]. Their seat, [[Winterfell]], is an ancient castle renowned for its strength.

Their sigil is a grey [[direwolf]] racing across a field of white. Their words are "''Winter Is Coming''", one of only a few house mottoes to be a warning rather than a boast.{{Ref|AGOT|1}} Several of the [[POV character]]s of ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' are members of House Stark.

Aside from the [[House Karstark|Karstarks]] of [[Karhold]], the Starks of Winterfell may have other, distant relatives in the north. [[White Harbor]] and [[Barrowton]] are considered to be likely options for offshoot branches.<ref name="SSM Stark Family"/> Some younger Starks have also held vassal holdfasts for the Lords of Winterfell.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Land_Ownership_and_Marriage_in_Westeros Land Ownership and Marriage in Westeros?], December 19, 1999</ref>

==Culture==
===Traits===
The Starks have a reputation for long faces,{{ref|AGOT|13}}{{ref|AGOT|15}} brown hair,{{ref|AGOT|15}} and grey eyes.{{ref|AGOT|40}}{{ref|ADWD|20}} Some are known for melancholy{{ref|AGOT|4}} and iciness,{{ref|AGOT|20}} while others have a wildness sometimes called "[[wolf blood]]".{{ref|AGOT|22}}{{ref|ACOK|4}}{{ref|ACOK|64}}

In the current generation of Starks, several members (e.g., [[Arya Stark|Arya]] and [[Bran Stark]] and [[Jon Snow]]) have the ability to enter the minds of their [[direwolf]] pets as [[warg]]s, giving them the ability to experience the senses of their direwolves{{Ref|ASOS|79}} and to see through their eyes. The latter occurs most frequently when the children sleep,{{Ref|ACOK|53}}{{Ref|ADWD|45}} although they are able to do it at will when awake, once they are more practiced.{{Ref|ASOS|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|45}}

===Customs===
House Stark traditionally buries deceased members of their family in the [[crypt of Winterfell|crypts below Winterfell]].{{Ref|ACOK|69}}{{Ref|AGOT|50}} The [[King in the North|Kings of Winter]] and [[Lord of Winterfell|Lords of Winterfell]] are given a statue of their likeness, sitting by their tomb, whereas other family members normally do not get one.{{Ref|AGOT|66}} Exceptions include [[Brandon Stark|Brandon]] and [[Lyanna Stark]], who were given statues by their brother, Lord [[Eddard Stark]],{{Ref|AGOT|66}} and [[Artos Stark]]. The statues of the kings and lords have stone wolves by their feet{{Ref|ACOK|35}}{{Ref|AGOT|50}} and have swords placed upon their lap,{{Ref|AGOT|50}} which are said to keep the spirits of the dead at rest, locked within their tombs.{{Ref|ADWD|41}}{{ref|ACOK|69}}

House Stark traditionally follows the [[old gods]].{{Ref|AGOT|53}}{{Ref|AGOT|57}}{{Ref|AGOT|70}}{{Ref|ACOK|43}} Following the marriage of Eddard to Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]], a follower of the [[Faith of the Seven]], a [[Lady Catelyn's sept|small sept]] was constructed for her at [[Winterfell]].{{Ref|AGOT|2}}

The Starks have traditionally been friends of the [[Night's Watch]].{{Ref|ACOK|66}}{{Ref|ASOS|40}}{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} The four youngest men to have served as [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch|Lord Commander]], including [[Osric Stark]], were brothers, sons, or [[bastards]] of Kings in the North.{{ref|AFFC|5}}

The Starks hold the belief that there must always be a Stark in Winterfell.{{Ref|AGOT|6}}{{Ref|AGOT|14}}<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/ConQuest_Kansas_City_MO_May_27_294 ConQuest (Kansas City, MO; May 27-29)], May 27, 2005</ref> When the head of the house is away, the Stark remaining in the castle to rule the north is referred to as "the Stark in Winterfell".{{Ref|ACOK|21}}{{Ref|ACOK|28}}{{Ref|ACOK|46}}{{Ref|ACOK|51}}{{Ref|ASOS|24}}{{Ref|ASOS|55}}

Starks are less interested in [[tourney]]s and [[gambling]] than [[southron]]s.{{ref|AGOT|28}}

==History==
===Kings in the North===
[[File:T Jedruszek RobbSwornSwords.jpg|thumb|350px|Stark cavalry, Tomasz Jedruszek © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The Starks are an ancient house of [[First Men]] descent.{{Ref|AGOT|1}} House Stark was founded by [[Brandon the Builder]], a legendary figure who lived during the [[Age of Heroes]]. Bran the Builder is said to have raised [[Winterfell]],{{ref|AGOT|2}} the seat of the Starks, and the [[Wall]],{{ref|AGOT|24}} and other legends connect him with [[Storm's End]]{{ref|ACOK|31}}{{ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: House Durrandon}} and the [[Hightower]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} The Starks were [[King in the North|Kings of Winter]] in the north for eight thousand years{{ref|ACOK|21}}{{ref|ACOK|52}} since the Age of Heroes, possibly beginning with Bran the Builder. The [[Night's King]], the attainted thirteenth [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], has been suggested to have been a Stark, among other possibilities.{{ref|ASOS|56}} The Night's King is said to have been defeated by [[Brandon Stark (Breaker)|Brandon the Breaker]] and [[Joramun]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Night's Watch}}

The ancient Starks gradually defeated rival kings, such as the [[Barrow Kings]] to their south and the [[Red King]]s to their east.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}} For several millennia, the Starks were not the uncontested Kings in the North. Their primary antagonists, the Red Kings from [[House Bolton]] of the [[Dreadfort]], swore fealty some thousand years ago, ending their [[flaying]] ways. Meanwhile, King [[Jon Stark]] drove raiders from the [[White Knife]], and the [[Wolf's Den]] was built at its mouth. This stronghold was often granted to sons and grandsons of the King in the North; one such branch, the [[House Greystark|Greystarks]], was extinguished after allying with the Boltons against the Starks.{{ref|ADWD|29}} King Jon's son, [[Rickard Stark (king)|Rickard]], defeated the [[Marsh King]] and married his daughter, bringing the [[Neck]] into Winterfell's realm under the lordship of [[House Reed]].{{ref|AGOT|66}}

When [[Andals]] attempted to conquer the north, King [[Theon Stark]] made common cause with House Bolton and defeated [[Argos Sevenstar]] in the [[Battle of the Weeping Water]], after which he raised a fleet and sailed to [[Andalos]]. There he took revenge by sacking and putting hundreds to death. He later conquered the [[Three Sisters]], attacked the [[Fingers]], and battled against the [[ironborn]], driving them away from [[Cape Kraken]] and [[Bear Island]] and slaying [[Ravos Hoare]]. Both places were later taken back by King [[Loron Greyjoy]], and King [[Rodrik Stark]] took Bear Island back after Loron's death. It is said that he did so by winning a wrestling match, though some scholars doubt the truth of this tale.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Mountain Clans}}{{Ref|AGOT|66}} Rodrik's sons and grandsons took back Cape Kraken.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}} King Theon also smashed a rebellion in the [[Rills]], and gave aid to the Night's Watch against [[wildlings]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}}

Thousands of years before [[Aegon's Conquest]],{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} King [[Brandon Stark (Shipwright)|Brandon the Shipwright]] attempted to sail across the [[Sunset Sea]], but never returned back home. His son, also named [[Brandon Stark (Burner)|Brandon]], burned the northern shipyards in his grief.{{Ref|AGOT|66}}{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} The north has since lacked strength at sea.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

House Stark attempted to conquer the Three Sisters, which began a conflict between the Starks and [[House Arryn]] from the [[Vale of Arryn|Vale]]. In response to the [[Rape of the Three Sisters]], the [[Sistermen]] asked for help from [[Mathos II Arryn]], [[King of Mountain and Vale]]. This conflict, the [[War Across the Water]], lasted for a thousand years, during which time the Starks thrice landed on the [[Fingers]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Vale}}{{Ref|ADWD|9}} During King [[Edrick Stark]]'s hundred-year long reign, the Wolf's Den, already torched by House Arryn, was captured by slavers from the [[Stepstones]]. Edrick's great-grandson, King [[Brandon Stark (Ice Eyes)|Brandon "Ice Eyes"]], took back the Wolf's Den.{{Ref|ADWD|29}} After a thousand years of war, the Arryns were victorious over the Starks, and the Valemen have ruled over the Three Sisters ever since.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Vale}}

Several centuries before Aegon's Conquest,<ref group="N">When exactly [[House Manderly]] came north is unknown. In {{Date|211}}, Lady [[Rohanne Webber]] dated the flight of the Manderlys as having occurred "a thousand years" ago (''[[The Sworn Sword]]''). Lord [[Godric Borrell]] defines the time period to "no more than nine hundred years" before {{Date|300}} (''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 9|Davos I]]). However, [[Wylla Manderly]] and Maester [[Yandel]] date the arrival of the Manderlys in the north back a bit further, "a thousand years before [[Aegon's Conquest|the Conquest]]" (''A Dance with Dragons'', [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 19|Davos III]]) and "some thousand years before the Conquest", (''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'', The North: The Kings of Winter) respectively. A semi-canon source lists "a thousand years before the Conquest" as well (''[[A World of Ice and Fire]]'', White Harbor). These accounts thus place the arrival of the Manderlys in the north between 1000 BC and 600 BC.</ref> [[House Manderly]] was driven into exile from the [[Mander]] by Lord [[Lorimar Peake]] during the reign of [[Perceon III Gardener]], [[King of the Reach]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}} The Starks welcomed them to the north, and accepted oaths of fealthy from the Manderlys, giving them the Wolf's Den and the surrounding lands, leading to the creation of [[White Harbor]] around the Wolf's Den.{{Ref|ADWD|19}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}}{{ref|AWOIAF|Wolf's Den}}

Possibly around 700 BC,<ref group="N">[[Catelyn Stark]] recalls that [[Karlon Stark]] put down a rebel lord "a thousand years ago" (''[[A Storm of Swords]]'', [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 20|Catelyn III]]). It is unknown if this means one thousand years ago (seven hundred years before [[Aegon's Conquest]]) or if [[George R. R. Martin]] is being figurative.</ref> [[Karlon Stark]], a younger son of Winterfell, helped crush a rebel lord. As a reward, he was granted lands on which he built a keep named Karl's Hold. Over time, the keep became known as [[Karhold]] and Karlon's descendants became [[House Karstark]].{{Ref|ASOS|20}}

The Starks helped repel several major [[wildling]] invasions, such as when they and their [[House Umber|Umber]] bannermen defeated the brother [[King-Beyond-the-Wall|Kings-Beyond-the-Wall]] [[Gendel]] and [[Gorne]] three thousand years ago.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Wildlings}} [[Bael the Bard]] is said to have sired a son on the maiden daughter of [[Brandon Stark (the daughterless)|Brandon the Daughterless]]. Bael was later slain by his own son, who was unaware of the fact that Bael was his father.{{ref|ACOK|51}}

===Targaryen Conquest and Aftermath===
[[File:Katherine Dinger my loyalty.jpg|thumb|350px|Stark loyalist, by Katherine Dinger © Fantasy Flight Games]]
During [[Aegon's Conquest]], King [[Torrhen Stark]] raised thirty thousand [[northmen]] and marched south. With the [[burning of Harrenhal]] and the [[Field of Fire]] in mind, however, Torrhen submitted without battle to [[Aegon I Targaryen]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} Since the time of the King Who Knelt, the Starks have held the [[north]] for the [[Lords of the Seven Kingdoms]] as [[Warden of the North|Wardens of the North]].{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}} Queen [[Rhaenys Targaryen]] arranged the marriage of Torrhen's daughter to [[Ronnel Arryn (king)|Ronnel Arryn]], the [[Lord of the Eyrie]], in an attempt to knit the new realm together.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Vale: House Arryn}} There are letters at the [[Citadel]] which suggest that Torrhen only agreed to this match after much protest, and that his sons had refused to attend the wedding.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}} Torrhen's sons did not agree with the rule of [[House Targaryen]]. Some spoke of rebelling and raising the Stark banner.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}}

Torrhen was succeeded by [[Brandon Stark (the Boisterous)|Brandon the Boisterous]]. At some point rule of the north passed to [[Roderick Stark]], and Roderick was succeeded by [[Brandon Stark (father of Walton)|Brandon the Boastful]]. Brandon the Boastful attended the [[Golden Wedding]] in {{date|49}}, along with his sons [[Walton Stark (son of Brandon)|Walton]] and [[Alaric Stark|Alaric]], though Brandon died soon after his return to the north.{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}

Despite earlier rumblings of dissent by Torrhen's sons, the Starks did not rise like the rebels [[Jonos Arryn]], [[Lodos the Twice-Drowned]], and [[Harren the Red]] against Aegon the Conqueror's son, King [[Aenys I Targaryen]]. As the north follows the [[old gods]], they did not heed the [[High Septon (Aenys I)|High Septon's]] calls for rebellion, and the Starks took no part in the [[Faith Militant uprising]] against Aenys and then his brother, King [[Maegor I Targaryen]]. Captured members of the [[Faith Militant]] had been exiled to the [[Night's Watch]] by Maegor the Cruel, and Aenys's son, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], exiled many of Maegor's supporters to the [[Wall]] as well, including surviving members of his old [[Kingsguard]]. Neither group had love for Jaehaerys, so in {{date|50}} the two groups made common cause to [[Night's Watch rebellion of 50 AC|rebel against the leadership of the Watch]]. Lord Walton Stark called his bannermen to intervene and crushed the deserters, but survivors fled beyond the Wall; Walton pursued them but was ambushed by wildlings and killed by [[giants]]. Walton was succeeded by his brother Alaric.{{ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}

In {{Date|58}} Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]] visited Winterfell and was received by Lord Alaric, who was initially cold to her and Jaehaerys because of Walton's fate. Alaric was gradually charmed by Alysanne's visit, however, and his daughter [[Alarra Stark|Alarra]] grew particularly close to the queen during her visit.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} Two of Alaric's sons attended the [[Tourney at King's Landing on the anniversary of the king's coronation|tourney in King's Landing]] which celebrated the tenth anniversary of Jaehaerys's coronation.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} Alaric ordered his bannermen to put aside half of their harvests in anticipation of the winter of {{Date|59|60}}, but not all of the northmen obeyed, resulting in famine.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} The [[Shivers]] followed later that winter, though no specific casualties are mentioned in the north and Alaric survived. Lord Alaric died in {{Date|72}} and was succeeded by his grandson, [[Edric Stark]], as Alaric's two sons had preceded him in death.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}

Alaric's relationship with the Targaryens remained complicated throughout his reign. According to Archmaester [[Gyldayn]], Alysanne charmed a reluctant Alaric<ref group="N">Earlier prints of ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' state that Lord [[Ellard Stark]] was the lord who had been forced to give up the New Gift. However, [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/119534-twoiaf-spoilers-inconsistency-or-intentional/&do=findComment&comment=6483268 it has been confirmed that this is an error], and ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' states that [[Alaric Stark]] was the lord in question.</ref> into granting the [[New Gift]] to the Night's Watch because, even though Alaric was a strong friend to the Watch, he knew the northern lords who already held the lands in question would not be happy to give them away.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} According to Maester [[Yandel]], however, the Starks were opposed to the royal demand for a different reason: the Starks feared that, under the control of [[Castle Black]], the New Gift would inevitably decline, for the Night's Watch would always look northward and never give much thought to their new tenants to the south. Time proved this criticism correct, for as the decades passed the Night's Watch neglected the New Gift and it fell into disuse. Yandel cites that there are archived letters in the [[Citadel]] sent by Lord Stark’s sons, asking the [[maesters]] about precedents against forced donation of property.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}} Whatever the case, on the whole Jaehaerys and Alysanne became popular in the north due to their other generous donations to the Night's Watch, and their construction of the new [[kingsroad]] extending from the [[Neck]] to Winterfell and the Wall.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}}

===The Dance of the Dragons===
Edric was succeeded by Lord [[Ellard Stark]], who attended the [[Great Council of 101 AC]] to determine the new heir of the elderly King Jaehaerys. The final vote came to a choice between [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] (son of Jaehaerys's second son, Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon]]) and [[Laenor Velaryon]] (grandson of Jaehaerys through [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]], daughter of his first son, Prince [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon]]). Viserys was the candidate Jaehaerys himself preferred, and he won the final vote by a landslide, though the Starks were among the minority of lords who had supported Laenor (and one of only two [[Great Houses]], the other being the [[House Baratheon|Baratheons]]). Yandel that Ellard voted against Jaehaerys's preferred successor because the Starks were still bitter about the king forcing them to donate the [[New Gift]] to the Night's Watch, leading to its mismanagement. The pushed the Starks closer to the Velaryon faction at King [[Viserys I Targaryen]]'s court, and through them to ultimately side with [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}}

At some point after {{date|101}}, Ellard was succeeded by [[Benjen Stark (lord)|Benjen Stark]], and later Benjen was succeeded by his son [[Rickon Stark (son of Benjen)|Rickon]]. Rickon died in {{date|121}}, and was succeeded as the nominal Lord of Winterfell by his only surviving son, the thirteen-year-old [[Cregan Stark]]. Rickon's brother, [[Bennard Stark|Bennard]], served as [[regent]] during Cregan's minority. When Cregan came of age in {{Date|126}}, however, Bennard was slow to surrender his power. Relations grew strained between Bennard and Cregan as the young Lord of Winterfell chafed under the limits imposed on him by his uncle. Ultimately, Cregan rose up against his uncle, imprisoned Bennard and his sons, and took rule of the north into his own hands.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

[[File:Cregan_Stark.JPG|thumb|350px|[[Cregan Stark]], as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.]]

In {{date|129}}, as the [[Dance of the Dragons]] began, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] recruited Lord Cregan's aid for his mother, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], known as the [[Pact of Ice and Fire]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}} even though the north was considered to be too remote to be of much influence in the war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Cregan initially sent the [[Winter Wolves]] under [[Roderick Dustin]], [[Lord of Barrowton]], and knights from [[White Harbor]] led by Ser [[Medrick Manderly|Medrick]] and Ser [[Torrhen Manderly]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

After the gathering of one last harvest before winter,{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Cregan led a great army of childless, homeless, unwed, or old men, and younger sons, to King's Landing. He arrived after King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] had been [[poison]]ed, however, and though he had hoped to punish those lords who had supported the late king, [[Corlys Velaryon]], [[Lord of the Tides]], had already sent out ravens suing for peace. While the court awaited replies, Cregan held sway and arrested all those involved in Aegon II's death, as he objected to the murder of a king. The as-yet-uncrowned [[Aegon III Targaryen]] was cowed into naming Cregan as [[Hand of the King]], though Cregan served only a day in that office, a time known as the [[Hour of the Wolf]]. Lord Stark held trials for twenty-one out of twenty-two of his prisoners, with Corlys the only one spared a trial. Aegon III pardoned Lord Velaryon and restored his titles to him, which Cregan allowed when [[Alysanne Blackwood]] offered the Hand her own hand in marriage. Cregan returned north the next day.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}

Cregan struggled to hold the north together against several threats during the [[regency of Aegon III]]. A devastating winter had already begun late in the war which ultimately lasted six years, and in {{date|132}} the north was one of the first regions in Westeros struck by the [[Winter Fever]], which continued through {{date|133}}. With the north weakened by winter, famine, and plague, a large [[Free folk|wildling]] war-band led by [[Sylas the Grim]] seized on the opportunity to force their way south of the Wall. His force of 3,000 raiders overwhelmed the Night's Watch at [[Queensgate]] and proceeded to plunder the lands to the south. Lord Cregan rallied what few remaining able-bodied men were left among his bannermen, then rode out to hunt down and destroy Sylas's raiding bands.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}

Cregan's eldest son and heir was [[Rickon Stark (son of Cregan)|Rickon]], named after his own father. Rickon predeceased his father when he died in one of the final battles of the [[conquest of Dorne]], during the reign of King [[Daeron I Targaryen]]. The north lamented Rickon's death, for the subsequent reigns of Cregan's younger sons after him were troublesome.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}}

===Cregan's successors===
Cregan Stark had five sons: [[Rickon Stark (son of Cregan)|Rickon]], [[Jonnel Stark|Jonnel]], [[Edric Stark (son of Cregan)|Edric]], [[Barthogan Stark|Barthogan]], and [[Brandon Stark (son of Cregan)|Brandon]]. Though Rickon predeceased his father, he was survived by his own two daughters, [[Sansa Stark (daughter of Rickon)|Sansa]] and [[Serena Stark|Serena]], and by the known [[Laws and justice of the Seven Kingdoms|laws]] of succession they should have been ahead of Rickon's younger brothers in line of inheritance. Northern succession laws may be different,<ref name=HW>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/P210/ The Hornwood Inheritance and the Whents], November 02, 1999</ref> there has never been a ruling Queen of Winter or ruling Lady of Winterfell for example,<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2763/ Various Questions Concerning, Tywin, Oberyn, Gregor, The North, and Sansa], April 15, 2008</ref> however, and primogeniture is not necessarily binding elsewhere in the Seven Kingdoms either.<ref>A Forum of Ice and Fire: [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/120966-errors-in-the-woiaf/&page=4#comment-6801531 Errors in the WOIAF – Comment by Ran], March 10, 2015</ref> Cregan's second son Jonnel succeeded Cregan upon his death, marrying his half-niece Sansa.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}} Cregan's third son Edric married Rickon's other daughter Serena.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}} Jonnel's marriage to Sansa was childless, but upon his death rule passed not to Cregan's third son Edric, but to his fourth son, Barthogan.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Stoneborn of Skagos}} While it is possible that Edric predeceased his older brother, Edric did have two sons and two daughters with Serena, and the daughters had children of their own,{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}} and all of these normally would have been ahead of Barthogan in the line of succession. The exact reasons and circumstances under which Barthogan became lord are as yet unknown.

Barthogan himself later died childless, when he was slain in the [[Skagos]]i rebellion during the reign of King [[Daeron II Targaryen]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Stoneborn of Skagos}} and he was succeeded by Cregan's fifth and final son, Brandon, from whom the later generations of House Stark descend. Convoluted succession challenges remained for decades, possibly through Serena and Edric's children and between Brandon's own rival grandchildren. Brandon was succeeded by his eldest son [[Rodwell Stark|Rodwell]], who died without issue, after which rule passed to his younger brother [[Beron Stark|Beron]]. The grandson of Cregan, Beron was mortally wounded fighting off an incursion by [[Dagon Greyjoy]]'s [[ironborn]], and as he lay dying in Winterfell [[The She-Wolves of Winterfell|multiple Stark widows]] pushed their children's rival succession claims against the others.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1408/ Boskone (Boston, MA; February 17-19)], February 17, 2006, report 1</ref><ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1409/ Boskone (Boston, MA; February 17-19)], February 17, 2006, report 2</ref>

Ultimately Beron was succeeded by his eldest son, [[Donnor Stark]], but when he died without issue rule passed to second son, [[Willam Stark]]. In {{Date|226}}, [[Raymun Redbeard]], the [[King-Beyond-the-Wall]], led a large [[wildling]] invasion. Lord Willam and [[Harmond Umber]], [[Lord of the Last Hearth]], met the wildling host in battle on the shores of [[battle at Long Lake|Long Lake]]. Although Willam was killed by Raymun, his younger brother, [[Artos Stark|Artos]], avenged him by slaying the King-Beyond-the-Wall.{{Ref|ADWD|7}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Wildlings}}

Willam was succeeded upon his death by his son [[Edwyle Stark]], father of [[Rickard Stark]] and grandfather of [[Eddard Stark]].

===Robert's Rebellion===
Lord [[Rickard Stark]], urged on by his [[maester]], [[Walys Flowers|Walys]], allegedly sought to further [[southron]] alliances.{{Ref|ADWD|37}} He sent his second son, [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]], to be fostered with Lord [[Jon Arryn]] at the [[Eyrie]] at the age of eight. There, Eddard befriended fellow ward [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]].{{ref|AGOT|2}}{{Ref|AGOT|6}} Rickard betrothed his heir, [[Brandon Stark|Brandon]], to [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]], the daughter of [[Hoster Tully]], [[Lord of Riverrun]],{{ref|AGOT|6}} and his only daughter, [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]], to Robert, [[Lord of Storm's End]].{{Ref|AGOT|4}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring}} Rickard's four children attended the [[tourney at Harrenhal]] in {{Date|281}}, where they met [[Howland Reed]]. After winning the jousting competition at the tourney, Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] crowned Lyanna as his [[queen of love and beauty]], passing over his own wife, Princess [[Elia Martell]].{{ref|AGOT|58}}

In {{Date|282}}, Brandon Stark was at [[Riverrun]] when the date of his wedding to Catelyn Tully was announced. [[Petyr Baelish]], Lord Hoster's ward, had been in love with Catelyn for years, and challenged Brandon to a duel for Catelyn's hand. Brandon won.{{Ref|AGOT|29}}{{Ref|AWOIAF|Petyr Baelish}}{{Ref|AGOT|18}}{{Ref|AGOT|40}} After the duel, Brandon left Riverrun, promising his bride-to-be that he would return soon.{{Ref|AGOT|40}} On his way back to Riverrun, however, Brandon heard about Lyanna's abduction by Prince Rhaegar, and rode for King's Landing, where he was arrested by Aerys II for threatening the life of the crown prince. Rickard, who had been on his way to Riverrun with the wedding party, was summoned to court to answer for Brandon's crime. Brandon and Rickard were executed by Aerys II; Rickard was burned alive, while Brandon strangled himself in his attempt to rescue his father.{{Ref|ACOK|5}}{{Ref|AGOT|53}}{{ref|AWOIAF|Catelyn Tully}} After the executions, King Aerys demanded the heads of Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon from their former foster father, Jon Arryn. The Lord of the Eyrie refused, however, and raised his banners in revolt.{{Ref|AGOT|2}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Fall of the Dragons: Robert's Rebellion}} This act is seen as the start of [[Robert's Rebellion]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Fall of the Dragons: Robert's Rebellion}}

[[File:T Jedruszek EddardStarkCommand.jpg|thumb|350px|Lord [[Eddard Stark]] with [[Ice]], by Tomasz Jedruszek © Fantasy Flight Games]]

Eddard made an arduous journey through the [[Mountains of the Moon]] and the [[Bite]] to call his banners in the north.{{Ref|ADWD|9}} The new lord then marched south and won an important victory during the [[Battle of the Bells]], rescuing his friend Robert with the aid of Hoster Tully.{{Ref|ASOS|29}} Next, he went to Riverrun, where he honored his late brother Brandon's betrothal by marrying Catelyn as part of the alliance to bring [[House Tully]] into the rebel fold.{{Ref|ASOS|2}}{{Ref|AGOT|6}}

One of the principal commanders in the war, Eddard took command of the rebel army after the [[Battle of the Trident]], following the remnants of Rhaegar's army to [[King's Landing]].{{ref|AGOT|12}} Ned arrived at the capital after the [[Sack of King's Landing]] by Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], however, and Lord Stark found Aerys II dead and Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] sitting on the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|AGOT|12}} He had a falling out with Robert when Robert accepted the aid of [[House Lannister]] and condoned the murders of Rhaegar's [[Elia Martell|wife]], [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Rhaegar)|young daughter]], and [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|infant son]]. Eddard rode south the next day to relieve the [[siege of Storm's End]].{{Ref|AGOT|12}}

After Storm's End, Eddard and six companions went to retrieve Lyanna at the building Rhaegar had named the [[tower of joy]], finding it defended by three knights of the [[Kingsguard]]. Eddard and Howland Reed were the only survivors of the ensuing [[combat at the tower of joy]].{{Ref|AGOT|39}} Eddard found Lyanna dying in a bed of blood, clutching rose petals, dead and black, in her palm.{{Ref|AGOT|4}} She forced him to make a promise to her, the contents of which are unknown, but which have haunted Eddard since. Eddard and Robert were reconciled in their shared grief over Lyanna's death.{{Ref|AGOT|12}}

Eddard returned from the war with his [[bastard]] son, [[Jon Snow]],{{Ref|AGOT|6}} said to have been birthed by [[Wylla]],{{ref|AGOT|12}} and Ned was presented with his trueborn son, [[Robb Stark|Robb]], by Catelyn when she arrived from Riverrun. Ned buried Lyanna's body in the [[crypt of Winterfell]] beside her father and brother.{{Ref|AGOT|4}} Eddard's younger brother, [[Benjen Stark|Benjen]], joined the [[Night's Watch]] within a few months of Eddard's return from the war.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/ConQuest_Kansas_City_MO_May_27_294 ConQuest (Kansas City, MO; May 27-29)], May 27, 2005</ref> A skilled [[ranger]],<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Benjen_Stark About Benjen Stark], December 15, 2000</ref> Benjen eventually became [[First Ranger]].{{Ref|AGOT|19}}

Lord Stark fought in [[Greyjoy's Rebellion]] in {{Date|289}}, and he took [[Balon Greyjoy]]'s son [[Theon Greyjoy|Theon]] with him to Winterfell, a hostage to ensure the loyalty of the [[Lord of the Iron Islands]].{{Ref|AGOT|4}} Eddard has ruled the [[north]] in Robert's name, keeping a distance from the intrigue-ridden politics of King's Landing.{{Ref|AGOT|8}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:John_Picacio_Ned_Stark.jpg‎|thumb|300px|[[Eddard Stark]] by John Picacio ©]]
Following the death of his [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Jon Arryn]], King [[Robert I Baratheon]] journeys to [[Winterfell]] to offer Lord [[Eddard Stark]] the office.{{Ref|AGOT|2}}{{Ref|AGOT|4}} A letter arrives from [[Lysa Arryn]], Jon's widow and Eddard's wife [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]]'s sister, who claims the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] were behind Lord Arryn's sudden death. At Catelyn's urging, Ned grudgingly accepts the Handship and a betrothal of their daughter [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] to Prince [[Joffrey Baratheon]].{{Ref|AGOT|6}} During the royal party's stay, Eddard's second son, [[Bran Stark|Bran]], accidentally witnesses Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] having sex with her twin brother, Ser [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]].{{Ref|AGOT|8}} Jaime throws Bran out of the tower window, hoping to kill him to keep their relationship a secret.{{Ref|AGOT|8}} Bran survives, but is crippled and comatose.{{Ref|AGOT|9}}{{Ref|AGOT|10}}

Eddard rides to [[King's Landing]] along with his daughters, Sansa and [[Arya Stark|Arya]], while Catelyn remains at Winterfell with their sons. Meanwhile, Ned's bastard son, [[Jon Snow]], rides north with his uncle, [[Benjen Stark|Benjen]], to join the [[Night's Watch]].{{ref|AGOT|19}} Catelyn is inconsolable in her worry for Bran, ignoring her duties as Lady of Winterfell, but she is jolted back to reality by [[catspaw|an attempt]] on Bran's life thwarted only by [[Summer|his direwolf]].{{ref|AGOT|14}} As Bran lies comatose, he begins to have visions of a [[three-eyed crow]].{{ref|AGOT|17}}

Near the [[ruby ford]] and the [[crossroads]], Arya defends her friend [[Mycah]] from the aggressions of Prince [[Joffrey Baratheon]], upsetting Sansa.{{ref|AGOT|15}} This is exacerbated when Sansa's direwolf, [[Lady (direwolf)|Lady]], is ordered killed in place of Arya's, [[Nymeria (direwolf)|Nymeria]], which has escaped.{{ref|AGOT|16}}

In [[King's Landing]], Eddard is outraged to find that the crown is heavily in debt (largely to Robert's goodfather, [[Tywin Lannister]], [[Lord of Casterly Rock]]) and that the king intends to throw a [[Hand's tourney|lavish tourney]] in his honor.{{ref|AGOT|20}} After taking up his duties as Hand, Eddard assigns twenty of [[House Stark guards|his household guard]] to assist the [[gold cloaks]] in keeping order in King's Landing.{{ref|AGOT|27}}

Ned investigates the death of Jon Arryn, determining that he was looking into the king's [[bastard]] brood. When Robert holds a [[small council]] meeting to arrange the death of the exiled [[Daenerys Targaryen]], who has wed [[Drogo]], a mighty ''[[khal]]'' of the [[Dothraki]], Ned refuses to condone the assassination and resigns as Hand.{{ref|AGOT|33}} In the streets of the capital, he is waylaid by Jaime Lannister and [[House Lannister guards|red cloaks]] in retaliation for Catelyn's abduction of [[Tyrion Lannister]], whom her foster-brother, [[Petyr Baelish]], had told her was responsible for the attempt on Bran's life.{{ref|AGOT|35}} Ned's leg is broken and his best men slain, but Ned survives and Robert re-confirms his appointment as Hand before going on a hunt and leaving Ned to sit the [[Iron Throne]].{{ref|AGOT|39}} In this capacity he sends men, including twenty Stark guards, under [[Beric Dondarrion]], [[Lord of Blackhaven]], to stop Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] from raiding the [[riverlands]].{{Ref|AGOT|43}} Gregor's attacks were ordered by Lord Lannister; since Lord Stark was wounded he was not lured into the field and thus could not be captured and traded for Tyrion. The men sent after Gregor are [[Battle at the Mummer's Ford|ambushed]] and many are slain.{{ref|AGOT|55}} Catelyn brings Tyrion to her sister Lysa at the [[Eyrie]], but Tyrion is released after [[Bronn]] is victorious in a [[trial by battle]].{{ref|AGOT|40}}

[[File:Enife Stark children.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Rickon Stark|Rickon]], [[Bran Stark|Bran]], [[Arya Stark|Arya]], [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]], [[Jon Snow|Jon]], and [[Robb Stark|Robb]], by enife ©]]

At the [[Wall]], Jon Snow deals with the cruel tutelage of Ser [[Alliser Thorne]] while making friends such as [[Samwell Tarly]] and learning lessons from his elders.{{ref|AGOT|26}} Jon becomes the personal [[steward]] of [[Jeor Mormont]], [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]].{{ref|AGOT|48}} The youth encounters a hint of the evil that supposedly lies [[beyond the Wall]] when the corpses of two of his uncle's men [[Wight|rise from the dead]] and go on the rampage at [[Castle Black]]; Jon saves the Lord Commander from being killed by [[Othor|one of the wights]].{{ref|AGOT|52}}

Eventually, Ned arrives at the same conclusion at which Jon Arryn did: that Queen Cersei's children are not Robert's, but bastards born of [[incest]] between the Lannister twins, and determines that it is this secret for which Jon was murdered. He approaches Cersei with this truth, warning her to flee the city.{{ref|AGOT|45}} Enlisting Lord Baelish to recruit the gold cloaks,{{ref|AGOT|47}} Ned confronts Cersei after Robert's death from a hunting accident, insisting that [[Stannis Baratheon]] is now king by rights. Littlefinger betrays Ned, however, and the Hand's men are slaughtered by [[Janos Slynt]]'s gold cloaks and Ned is thrown into a [[black cell]].{{ref|AGOT|49}} Sansa is held hostage in the [[Red Keep]],{{ref|AGOT|51}} but Arya manages to escape thanks to [[Syrio Forel]], the fencing master Ned had hired to train her in swordplay.{{ref|AGOT|50}}

[[Robb Stark]] calls the banners to Winterfell and marches south to aid his mother's family, [[House Tully]] of [[Riverrun]], against the Lannisters, and to rescue his father and sisters from the capital.{{ref|AGOT|53}} At the [[Twins]], Catelyn arranges an alliance with [[Walder Frey]], [[Lord of the Crossing]], to negotiate passage over the [[Green Fork]], promising that Robb and Arya will wed [[House Frey|Freys]].{{ref|AGOT|59}} Robb captures Jaime in the [[battle of the Whispering Wood|Whispering Wood]]{{ref|AGOT|63}} and then relieves the Lannisters' siege of Riverrun with the [[Battle of the Camps]].{{ref|AGOT|69}} The rest of the Stark army, led by [[Roose Bolton]], [[Lord of the Dreadfort]], is defeated by Tywin in the [[battle on the Green Fork]], however.{{ref|AGOT|62}}

Ned initially refuses to name Joffrey as the true king, but in the end agrees in order to ensure the safety of Sansa.{{ref|AGOT|58}} When he publicly announces this support at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]], however, the capricious boy king orders Ned's execution rather than allow him to join the Night's Watch as planned.{{ref|AGOT|65}} In response, the northern and river lords at Robb's war council in Riverrun proclaim him [[King in the North]], seceding from the realm of the [[Iron Throne]].{{ref|AGOT|71}}

Benjen has gone missing [[beyond the Wall]], and Jon Snow, after briefly deserting the Watch to join his half-brother's army, rides as part of the [[great ranging]] meant to determine his fate and the threats of the [[Others]] and [[wildlings]].{{ref|AGOT|70}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Tomasz Jedruszek Battle for Westeros.jpg|400px|thumb|[[Robb Stark]] invades the [[westerlands]], by Tomasz Jedruszek © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Robb, [[King in the North]] and [[King of the Trident]], invades the [[westerlands]], winning a string of victories against Lannister bannermen.{{Ref|ACOK|35}}{{ref|ACOK|39}} In an effort to gain allies, he sends his father's ward, [[Theon Greyjoy]], and his mother, [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]], as envoys to [[Balon Greyjoy]] and [[Renly Baratheon]], respectively. However, Theon joins his family, [[House Greyjoy]], in [[War of the Five Kings#Rise of the Kraken|attacking the north]],{{ref|ACOK|37}} while Catelyn's diplomatic progress is shattered when [[Siege of Storm's End (299)|Renly is killed]] by [[Melisandre]]'s [[shadow assassin]].{{ref|ACOK|33}} Renly's [[sworn shield]], [[Brienne of Tarth]], takes up service with Catelyn.{{ref|ACOK|39}} While Riverrun celebrates the [[Battle of the Fords]], Robb is reported to have taken the [[Crag]].{{ref|ACOK|55}}

Arya journeys north with [[Yoren]] and his new recruits for the Night's Watch, including King Robert's bastard [[Gendry]],{{ref|ACOK|1}} but their band is attacked by westermen at a [[Gods Eye town]]{{ref|AGOT|14}} and she is eventually taken into captivity by the [[Mountain's men]].{{ref|ACOK|19}} At [[Harrenhal]], she is witness to myriad atrocities, but remains strong, orchestrating several deaths of her tormentors via the assassin [[Jaqen H'ghar]].{{ref|ACOK|30}} During the [[fall of Harrenhal]] to Roose Bolton, Arya helps free a band of northern prisoners.{{ref|ACOK|47}} The incognito Arya is named Roose's cupbearer, but she does not trust her father's bannerman and flees the castle when Roose intends to give it to [[Vargo Hoat]].{{ref|ACOK|64}} Meanwhile, Sansa remains in custody at the Red Keep, betrothed to King Joffrey. She suffers abuse at his hands,{{ref|ACOK|32}} but makes tenuous relationships with [[Sandor Clegane]],{{ref|ACOK|52}} [[Dontos Hollard]],{{ref|ACOK|18}} and [[Tyrion Lannister]], the acting [[Hand of the King]].{{ref|ACOK|32}}

At Winterfell, Bran enjoys titular reign and hosts two [[House Frey|Frey]] wards, [[Walder Frey (son of Jammos)|Big Walder]] and [[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Little Walder]].{{ref|ACOK|4}} Maester [[Luwin]] and Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] deal with such issues as the [[harvest feast]], the [[House Hornwood|Hornwood]] inheritance, and the atrocities of [[Ramsay Snow]], the Bastard of Bolton.{{ref|ACOK|16}}{{ref|ACOK|35}} With the guidance of the [[House Reed|Reed]] children, [[Jojen Reed|Jojen]] and [[Meera Reed|Meera]], Bran hones his gift for [[greensight]] and [[skinchanger|skinchanging]].{{ref|ACOK|28}} When Rodrik leads six hundred Winterfell men, among others, to [[fight at Torrhen's Square|battle]] the ironborn under [[Dagmer|Dagmer Cleftjaw]], Theon Greyjoy [[capture of Winterfell|seizes Winterfell]].{{ref|ACOK|46}} On his return to Winterfell, Rodrik and his men mean to liberate the castle from Theon, but are [[battle at Winterfell|betrayed and routed]] by Ramsay. Luwin is mortally wounded by Ramsay's men, and Theon is captured during the [[sack of Winterfell]].{{ref|ACOK|66}} Bran and Rickon, thought to have been killed by Theon, leave the [[crypts of Winterfell]] after the [[House Bolton|Boltons]] depart. The Stark boys split up and flee towards remote northern havens.{{ref|ACOK|69}}

Benjen remains lost beyond the Wall. Jon Snow joins [[Qhorin Halfhand]] on a scouting mission in the [[Skirling Pass]], during which he refuses an order to execute a [[spearwife]] named [[Ygritte]].{{ref|ACOK|51}} On their return to Lord Commander [[Jeor Mormont]], the pair encounter a wildling band led by [[Rattleshirt]]. Jon, on orders from Qhorin, joins the wildlings as a double agent, and is forced to kill the Halfhand to prove his earnestness. Ygritte, now with Rattleshirt, vouches for Jon.{{ref|ACOK|68}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[File:Zippo514 youngwolf.jpg|thumb|200px|The [[House Frey|Freys]] murder [[Robb Stark]] and sew [[Grey Wind|his wolf]]'s head on his body, by Zippo514 ©)]]
With [[Stannis Baratheon]]'s power broken by the [[Battle of the Blackwater]] and the [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] and [[House Martell|Martells]] allied with the Lannisters, the Stark-Tully forces stand alone against their foes in the south, and the Greyjoys threaten the north.{{ref|ASOS|14}} Ramsay blames the slaughter at Winterfell on Theon and his [[ironborn]].{{ref|ASOS|35}}

Having been informed of Bran's and Rickon's alleged deaths, Catelyn frees Jaime Lannister in a desperate attempt to trade him for her daughters, sending Brienne to accompany him to King's Landing. Catelyn is put under house arrest at Riverrun.{{ref|ASOS|2}} Meanwhile, Robb returns from his westerlands campaign having wed [[Jeyne Westerling]], the daughter of a minor Lannister bannerman. Jeyne had treated Robb's wounds after the [[storming of the Crag]], and the youths slept together after Robb was informed of the deaths of his brothers. This marriage breaks the Starks' alliance with the furious Freys, however.{{ref|ASOS|2}}{{ref|ASOS|14}} With Jaime gone from Riverrun, the vengeful [[Rickard Karstark]], [[Lord of Karhold]], murders two prisoners, [[Willem Lannister]] and [[Tion Frey]]. Rickard is in turn executed for treason by Robb, alienating [[House Karstark]].{{ref|ASOS|20}}

Lord [[Walder Frey]] accepts Robb's offer to forgive his breach of marriage contract by having Robb's uncle, [[Edmure Tully]], now [[Lord of Riverrun]], stand in the king's place.{{ref|ASOS|35}} Robb and Catelyn ride with thirty-five hundred veterans to attend the wedding at the [[Twins]].{{ref|ASOS|45}} At [[Hag's Mire]] Robb designates his heir (believed to be Jon Snow,{{ref|AWOIAF|Robb Stark}} in spite of the Night's Watch vows) and resolves to march north to reclaim his homeland from the Greyjoys.{{ref|ASOS|45}} Meanwhile, Arya traverses the [[riverlands]], unknowingly entering the mind of her lost direwolf, [[Nymeria (direwolf)|Nymeria]], and killing several sellswords of the [[Brave Companions]] chasing her from Harrenhal.{{ref|ASOS|3}} She joins with the [[brotherhood without banners]], whose founding members included the Winterfell guards [[Alyn]] and [[Harwin]].{{ref|ASOS|17}} However, Arya is abducted by the Hound, [[Sandor Clegane]], who hopes to ransom her at Edmure's wedding.{{ref|ASOS|47}}

In preparation for the [[siege of Moat Cailin]], Robb's host reconvenes with Lord [[Roose Bolton]]'s thirty-five hundred men at the Twins. Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], the [[Hand of the King]] to [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], has been conspiring with Roose and Walder, however. Despite [[guest right]], Robb, Catelyn, and many of their bannermen are murdered or taken captive in the [[Red Wedding]].{{ref|ASOS|51}}

Bran journeys north with [[Hodor]], [[Jojen Reed|Jojen]] and [[Meera Reed]], and his direwolf [[Summer]].{{ref|ASOS|9}}{{ref|ASOS|24}} They pass through the Wall at the [[Nightfort]] with the aid of [[Samwell Tarly]] and [[Coldhands]].{{ref|ASOS|56}}

Further north, Jon Snow ingratiates himself with the [[free folk]], beginning a romance with [[Ygritte]] and befriending [[Mance Rayder]], the [[King-beyond-the-Wall]], and other wildling leaders.{{ref|ASOS|15}} He scales the Wall with [[Styr]], the Magnar of [[Thenn (valley)|Thenn]],{{ref|ASOS|30}} and escapes from [[Queenscrown]]{{ref|ASOS|41}} to [[Castle Black]] in time to help prepare for [[attack on Castle Black|the assault of the wildlings]].{{ref|ASOS|48}} Ygritte and Styr are killed during the fighting,{{ref|ASOS|55}} and command over the black brothers falls to Jon after the death of [[Donal Noye]].{{ref|ASOS|64}} Jon successfully defends the Wall during the early stages of the [[battle beneath the Wall]], until Ser [[Alliser Thorne]] and Lord [[Janos Slynt]] arrive and imprison him for allegedly betraying his vows.{{ref|ASOS|69}} They send him to assassinate Mance under a flag of parley, but [[Stannis Baratheon]]'s arrival breaks the wildling host before the deed is carried out.{{ref|ASOS|73}} After the battle, Stannis offers to legitimize the youth as Jon Stark, Lord of Winterfell.{{ref|ASOS|76}} Jon decides to decline the offer, however, and is then elected [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]] thanks to the maneuverings of his friend, Samwell Tarly.{{ref|ASOS|78}}{{ref|ASOS|79}}

The Hound brings Arya toward the [[Eyrie]] in an attempt to ransom her to her aunt, Lady [[Lysa Arryn]], but they are halted by snow in the [[Mountains of the Moon]].{{ref|ASOS|65}} They are attacked by the [[Mountain's men]] at the [[crossroads inn]] and Sandor is stabbed. Arya leaves the Hound to die along the [[Trident]]. At [[Saltpans]] she uses the iron coin given to her by [[Jaqen H'ghar]] to book passage across the [[narrow sea]] on the galleas ''[[Titan's Daughter]]''.{{ref|ASOS|74}}

Sansa's engagement to King Joffrey is ended by his betrothal to [[Margaery Tyrell]]. She begins to mingle with the Tyrell women in King's Landing and is nearly betrothed to [[Willas Tyrell]].{{ref|ASOS|6}} She is abruptly wed to [[Tyrion Lannister]] instead, but they never consummate their match.{{ref|ASOS|28}} The pair are blamed for [[Purple Wedding|Joffrey's murder]] at his wedding feast; in truth it was orchestrated by [[Petyr Baelish]] and [[Olenna Tyrell]].{{ref|ASOS|68}} Petyr smuggles Sansa out of the capital, murdering his pawn and her friend, Dontos Hollard.{{ref|ASOS|61}} He brings Sansa to the [[Drearfort|Fingers]], where he marries her aunt, Lysa,{{ref|ASOS|68}} and then to the Eyrie.{{ref|ASOS|80}} Littlefinger keeps Sansa hidden by presenting her as his natural daughter, Alayne Stone. Lysa observes Petyr kiss Sansa after the girl builds a snow castle of Winterfell. When Lysa drunkenly accuses Sansa of trying to steal her new husband and reveals that she and Petyr had killed her first husband, Lord [[Jon Arryn]], Littlefinger throws Lysa from the [[Moon Door]].{{ref|ASOS|80}}

With Bran and Rickon thought dead and Sansa and Arya missing, House Stark is all but extinguished in the eyes of the world. The [[Iron Throne]] names Roose Bolton as [[Warden of the North]] and legitimizes his son Ramsay, and most rivermen return to the king's peace.{{ref|ASOS|62}}{{ref|ASOS|72}} [[Ice]], the ancestral [[Valyrian steel]] blade of the Starks, has been reforged into two new Lannister blades, [[Widow's Wail]]{{ref|ASOS|59}} and [[Oathkeeper]].{{ref|ASOS|72}} A revived Catelyn Stark takes leadership of the brotherhood and hangs Freys.{{ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
The [[small council]] of Queen [[Cersei Lannister]], the regent for King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]], believes that northmen will accept Bolton control and rule by the [[Iron Throne]] once the [[ironborn]] are expelled from the north.{{ref|AFFC|17}} Ser [[Brynden Tully]] continues to fly the Stark banner at Riverrun,{{ref|AFFC|33}} but Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] peacefully resolves the [[siege of Riverrun]].{{ref|AFFC|44}}

Sansa remains in the [[Vale of Arryn]], where she takes on a maternal role for her young cousin, [[Robert Arryn]], [[Lord of the Eyrie]], and she presents herself as Alayne to [[Nestor Royce]]{{ref|AFFC|10}} and the [[Lords Declarant]].{{ref|AFFC|23}} Littlefinger plots to reveal her identity, wed her to Robert's heir, Ser [[Harrold Hardyng]], and use the [[knights of the Vale]] to retake the north in her name.{{ref|AFFC|23}}{{ref|AFFC|41}}

Arya arrives in [[Braavos]], where she takes up training at the [[House of Black and White]] to become a [[Faceless Man]].{{ref|AFFC|6}}

Soldiers bearing the colors of House Stark have washed up on the shores of the [[Quiet Isle]]. According to the [[Elder Brother (Quiet Isle)|Elder Brother]], they are buried alongside their enemies.{{ref|AFFC|31}} Brienne of Tarth, tasked by Jaime with finding Sansa, uses Oathkeeper in her journeys through the [[crownlands]] and [[riverlands]].{{ref|AFFC|20}}{{ref|AFFC|37}} She is captured by the brotherhood, however, and brought to Lady Stoneheart, Catelyn.{{ref|AFFC|42}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Jeyne poole by GibiLynx.jpg|thumb||250px|[[Jeyne Poole]] posing as [[Arya Stark]], by GibiLynx ©]]
Lord Commander Jon Snow begins an uneasy alliance with the free folk, executes the recalcitrant [[Janos Slynt]],{{ref|ADWD|7}} and tactfully deals with the imperious [[Stannis Baratheon]]. While again refusing the king's offer to be legitimized and wed the "wildling princess", [[Val]], Jon offers Stannis advice that helps him in his campaign against the Boltons and Greyjoys.{{ref|ADWD|17}}

At [[Winterfell]], Sansa's friend [[Jeyne Poole]] is wed to [[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]] in the guise of "Arya Stark" in an effort to legitimize Bolton overlordship, with Ramsay claiming to be [[House Bolton of Winterfell|Lord of Winterfell]].{{ref|ADWD|37}} A disguised [[Mance Rayder]], sent by Jon Snow, recruits a broken-willed Theon Greyjoy to rescue the girl and deliver her to Stannis.{{ref|ADWD|51}} When Jon gives orders to retake Winterfell from Ramsay after receiving an [[Bastard Letter|inflammatory letter]], the senior officers of the Watch turn on Jon in the [[mutiny at Castle Black]] for allying with wildlings and meddling in the affairs of the realm.{{ref|ADWD|69}}

Bran arrives at the [[cave of the three-eyed crow]], where he meets the [[three-eyed crow|last greenseer]] and [[children of the forest]]. The boy begins perfecting the advanced arts of greensight.{{ref|ADWD|13}}{{ref|ADWD|34}}

Rickon, [[Osha]], and [[Shaggydog]] are said to be on [[Skagos]], where [[Wyman Manderly]], [[Lord of White Harbor]], has requested that [[Davos Seaworth]] search for Rickon, so that Stannis can rally the northmen to fight in his name.{{ref|ADWD|29}}

==House Stark at the end of the third century==
The known Starks during the timespan of the events described in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' are:

*{[[Eddard Stark]]}, also known as "Ned", middle son of Lord [[Rickard Stark|Rickard]] and Lady [[Lyarra Stark]]. Eddard rules as [[Lord of Winterfell]] and [[Warden of the North]] until his execution in [[King's Landing]], several months after taking office as [[Hand of the King]].
**{[[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]]}, Lord Eddard's wife. She is the mother of [[Robb Stark|Robb]], [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]], [[Arya Stark|Arya]], [[Bran Stark|Bran]], and [[Rickon Stark|Rickon]]. She is killed during the [[Red Wedding]], but is later resurrected by [[Beric Dondarrion]]. Now leading the [[brotherhood without banners]] and called "Lady Stoneheart".
***{[[Robb Stark]]}, Lord Eddard's eldest trueborn son and heir, also known as "the Young Wolf". He takes his father's position as Lord Stark and is later crowned [[King in the North]] and [[King of the Trident|of the Trident]] by his bannermen, prior to his death in the [[Red Wedding]]. His direwolf is named [[Grey Wind]] and is killed along with him at the [[Twins]].
****[[Jeyne Westerling]], Robb's widow and queen.
***[[Sansa Stark]], Eddard and Catelyn's elder daughter. Her direwolf is named [[Lady (direwolf)|Lady]] and is killed under Queen [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei's]] orders in retribution for Arya's direwolf savaging her son [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]]. She is currently hiding in the [[Vale of Arryn]] as Alayne Stone.
****[[Tyrion Lannister]], Sansa's estranged husband.
***[[Arya Stark]], Eddard and Catelyn's younger daughter. She is publicly known to have married [[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]], but Ramsay has instead married [[Jeyne Poole]], who was forced to pose as the Stark girl. Arya is instead in [[Braavos]] training with the [[Faceless Men]]. Her direwolf, [[Nymeria (direwolf)|Nymeria]], leads a wolfpack roaming the [[riverlands]].
***[[Bran Stark|Brandon Stark]], mostly known as "Bran", Eddard and Catelyn's second son. Bran becomes crippled and learns how to become a [[skinchanger|warg]]. He is believed to have been killed by [[Theon Greyjoy]], but is actually [[beyond the Wall]] at the [[cave of the three-eyed crow]]. His direwolf is named [[Summer (direwolf)|Summer]].
***[[Rickon Stark]], Eddard and Catelyn's youngest child, only three years old when the series begins. He is also believed dead at the hands of Theon, though actually Rickon is in [[Skagos]] with [[Osha]]. His direwolf is [[Shaggydog]].
***[[Jon Snow]], Eddard's [[bastard]] son by an unspecified mother. Jon was raised at Winterfell alongside his Stark half-siblings. Having joined the [[Night's Watch]], he has risen to the rank of [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch|Lord Commander]]. His direwolf is [[Ghost]]. Ambushed and stabbed by his own men.
*[[Benjen Stark]], the youngest son of Lord Rickard and Lady Lyarra, the last surviving sibling of Ned. He is [[First Ranger]] of the [[Night's Watch]] and brings Jon Snow to the [[Wall]] when he wants to join the order. Benjen is missing in the lands [[beyond the Wall]].

===Household===

* [[Theon Greyjoy]], dubbed "Theon Turncloak" by northmen, Lord Eddard's ward and hostage. Fought with Robb Stark in the [[War of the Five Kings]], betrayed him for his own House, [[House Greyjoy]], seized Winterfell and proclaimed himself [[Prince of Winterfell]] until betrayed by [[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]]. Imprisoned, tortured and renamed "Reek". Fled with Jeyne Poole. Now a prisoner of [[Stannis Baratheon]].
* [[Brienne of Tarth|Brienne, the Maid of Tarth]], sworn sword to Lady Catelyn. Sent to rescue Sansa and Arya, and keeping to that quest even after Catelyn's death and the seeming destruction of House Stark.
* [[Walder Frey (son of Jammos)|Walder Frey]], called "Big Walder", a ward of Lady Catelyn, eight years of age. Now a squire of Ramsay Bolton.
* {[[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Walder Frey]]}, called "Little Walder", a ward of Lady Catelyn, eight years of age. Made a squire of Ramsay Bolton. Killed at Winterfell.
* Maester {[[Luwin]]}, counselor, healer and tutor. Perished to wounds sustained during the [[sack of Winterfell]].
* {[[Vayon Poole]]}, steward of Winterfell. Killed during the purge of the Stark household in the [[Red Keep]].
** [[Jeyne Poole]], his daughter. Forced to impersonate [[Arya Stark]] and marry [[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]]. Escaped Winterfell with Theon Greyjoy. Now in custody of Stannis Baratheon.
* Ser {[[Rodrik Cassel]]}, master-at-arms and castellan of Winterfell. Killed by Ramsay Snow during the [[battle at Winterfell]].
** [[Beth Cassel]], his daughter. Imprisoned at the [[Dreadfort]].
* {[[Jory Cassel]]}, [[House Stark guards|captain]] of Lord Eddard's guards. Killed by Ser [[Jaime Lannister]]'s men.
** {[[Alyn]]}, guardsman, founding member of the [[brotherhood without banners]]. Now dead.
** {[[Tomard]]}, guardsman. Called Fat Tom. Killed by [[City Watch of King's Landing|gold cloaks]] during the arrest of Ned Stark.
*** [[TomToo]], his son. Fate unknown.
** {[[Wyl (guard)|Wyl]]} and {[[Heward]]}, guardsmen. Killed by Jaime Lannister's men.
** {[[Desmond]]}, guardsman. Killed during the arrest of Ned Stark.
** {[[Cayn]]}, guardsman. Killed by [[Sandor Clegane]] during the arrest of Ned Stark.
*** [[Calon]], his son. Fate unknown.
** {[[Porther]]}, guardsman. Killed during the purge of the Stark household in the Red Keep.
** {[[Varly]]}, guardsman. Killed by [[Janos Slynt]] during the arrest of Ned Stark.
* [[Hallis Mollen]], Jory's successor as captain of guards. Fate unknown since being sent escorting Lord Eddard's bones to Winterfell.
** [[Quent]], [[Jacks]] and [[Shadd]], guardsmen. Fate unknown since being sent escorting Lord Eddard's bones to Winterfell.
** {[[Alebelly]]}, a guardsman. Killed during the [[capture of Winterfell]].
** {[[Hayhead]]}, {[[Skittrick]]}, {[[Wayn (guard)|Wayn]]}, guardsmen. Fate unknown. Likely killed during the [[sack of Winterfell]].
** {[[Poxy Tym]]}, a guardsman. Killed during the [[sack of Winterfell]].
* {[[Hullen]]}, [[master of horse]]. Killed during the purge of the Stark household in the Red Keep.
** [[Harwin]], his son, a guardsman. Founding member of the [[brotherhood without banners]]. Currently with Lady Stoneheart's band.
** {[[Joseth]]}, Hullen's successor as master of horse. Fate unknown. Likely killed during the [[sack of Winterfell]].
*** [[Bandy]] and [[Shyra]], his twin daughters, now imprisoned at the Dreadfort.
* Septa {[[Mordane]]}, tutor to Lord Eddard's daughters. Killed during the purge of the Stark household in the Red Keep.
* Septon {[[Chayle]]}, keeper of Winterfell's sept and library. Drowned as a sacrifice to the [[Drowned God]] during the [[capture of Winterfell]].
* {[[Mikken]]}, [[blacksmith]] and armorer. Killed by [[Stygg]] during the [[capture of Winterfell]].
* {[[Farlen]]}, [[kennelmaster]] of Winterfell. Killed by Theon Greyjoy.
** [[Palla]], his daughter, a kennelgirl. Imprisoned at the Dreadfort.
* [[Nan]], known as "Old Nan", storyteller and once a wet-nurse. Imprisoned at the Dreadfort, possibly dead.
** [[Hodor|Walder]], known as "Hodor", a simpleminded stableboy. Now with Bran Stark [[beyond the Wall]].
* {[[Gage]]}, the cook. Fate unknown. Likely killed during the [[sack of Winterfell]].
** [[Turnip]], his child. Imprisoned at the Dreadfort.
** [[Osha]], of the [[free folk]], imprisoned and serving as kitchen drudge. Now with [[Rickon Stark]] at [[Skagos]].
* {[[Syrio Forel]]}, Arya's fencing instructor and former [[First Sword of Braavos]]. Presumed killed in [[King's Landing]] by Ser [[Meryn Trant]] during the purge of the Stark household in the Red Keep.

==Historical Members==
No precise lineage of House Stark is known before approximately {{Date|100}}, but the individuals listed below are supposed to be in rough chronological order.

===Kings of Winter/Kings in the North===
The following is a possible chronology of known Kings in the North; no precise lineage is known and some published information may be contradictory.

;Antiquity
* [[Brandon the Builder]], founder of House Stark and the first King of Winter. According to legend the builder of [[Winterfell]],{{ref|AGOT|2}} the [[Wall]],{{ref|AGOT|24}} [[Storm's End]],{{ref|ACOK|31}}{{ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: House Durrandon}} and the [[Hightower]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}
** [[Brandon Stark (son of Bran the Builder)|Brandon Stark]], his son. According to some he was the one who was commissioned to build the [[Hightower]] by King [[Uthor of the High Tower]] instead of his father.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}
* [[Brandon Stark (Breaker)|Brandon Stark]], also known as Brandon the Breaker, who allied with [[Joramun]] to defeat the [[Night's King]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Night's Watch}}

;Wolf's Den
* [[Jon Stark]], who built the [[Wolf's Den]] after driving raiders—possibly [[Ibben]]ese, [[Valyrian Freehold|Valyrians]], or early [[Andals]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}}—away from the [[White Knife]].{{ref|AGOT|66}}{{ref|ADWD|29}}
** [[Rickard Stark (king)|Rickard Stark]], also known as the Laughing Wolf, son of Jon, who defeated the [[Marsh King]] and extended the Stark kingdom to include the [[Neck]].{{ref|AGOT|66}}{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Crannogmen of the Neck}}
* [[Theon Stark]], also known as the Hungry Wolf, who defeated the greatest Andal invader, [[Argos Sevenstar]], conquered the [[Three Sisters]], and attacked the [[Fingers]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}} possibly beginning the [[War Across the Water]].
* [[Edrick Stark]], also known as Edrick Snowbeard, who ruled for near a century but lost the Wolf's Den to slavers from the [[Stepstones]].{{ref|ADWD|29}}
** [[Brandon Stark (Ice Eyes)|Brandon Stark]], also known as Ice Eyes, Edrick's great-grandson, who recovered the Wolf's Den from slavers.{{ref|ADWD|29}}

;Centuries before the Conquest
* [[Brandon Stark (Shipwright)|Brandon Stark]], also known as Brandon the Shipwright, who loved to sail and built up a mighty northern fleet.{{ref|AGOT|66}}
** [[Brandon Stark (Burner)|Brandon Stark]], also known as Brandon the Burner, who burned shipyards{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} after the disappearance of his father, Brandon the Shipwright, on the [[Sunset Sea]].{{ref|AGOT|66}} The north has since had no strength at sea for centuries.{{ref|ACOK|16}}
* [[Karlon Stark]], a younger son of a King of Winter, who would become the founder of [[House Karstark]].{{Ref|ASOS|20}}
* [[Harlon Stark]], who centuries ago starved out the [[Dreadfort]] in a siege lasting two years.{{ref|ADWD|17}}
* [[Torrhen Stark]], also known as the King Who Knelt, who bent the knee to [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]], making the north part of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] subject to the [[Iron Throne]].{{ref|AGOT|66}}

;Uncertain era
* [[Dorren Stark]], who reigned when [[Redwyn]] fought [[giants]] and traded with [[children of the forest]].{{ref|ACOK|6}}
* [[Brandon IX Stark]], who destroyed the ships of the [[Skagosi]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Stoneborn of Skagos}}
* [[Rodrik Stark]], who won [[Bear Island]] from the [[ironborn]] and awarded it to [[House Mormont]].{{ref|AGOT|66}} This occurred after the death of the Old Kraken, [[Loron Greyjoy]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}} a [[High King of the Iron Islands]] chosen in a [[kingsmoot]].{{ref|AFFC|1}} Rodrik's sons and grandsons battled the ironborn over [[Cape Kraken]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}}
* [[Benjen Stark (Bitter)|Benjen Stark]], also known as Benjen the Bitter.{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Benjen Stark (Sweet)|Benjen Stark]], also known as Benjen the Sweet.{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Eyron Stark]]{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Edderion Stark]], also known as Edderion the Bridegroom.{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Walton Stark]], also known as Walton the Moon King.{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Brandon Stark (Bad)|Brandon Stark]], also known as Brandon the Bad.{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Jonos Stark]]{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Jorah Stark]]{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Edwyn Stark]], also known as Edwyn the Spring King.{{ref|ACOK|69}}

;Possible members
* [[Brandon Stark (the daughterless)|Brandon Stark]], also known as Brandon the Daughterless.{{ref|ACOK|51}}
** His daughter.{{ref|ACOK|51}}
***Her son by [[Bael the Bard]].{{ref|ACOK|51}}
Brandon the Daughterless, his daughter, and his grandson are mentioned in the [[wildling]] legend of [[Bael the Bard]].{{ref|ACOK|51}} However, the old chronicles of [[Winterfell]] say nothing of Bael,{{ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Wildlings}} and his entire existence, and thus that of the Starks mentioned in the story, is doubted by some, like Maester [[Yandel]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Wildlings}} [[Jon Snow]], upon hearing the story from [[Ygritte]], thinks Bael to be a liar and calls the story false, having never heard of it before.{{ref|ACOK|51}}

;Crypts
Traveling in the [[crypt of Winterfell]] in [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 66|Chapter 66]] of ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'', [[Bran Stark]] sees the statues of Kings [[Jon Stark|Jon]], [[Rickard Stark (king)|Rickard]], [[Theon Stark|Theon]], [[Brandon Stark (Shipwright)|Brandon the Shipwright]], [[Brandon Stark (Burner)|Brandon the Burner]], [[Rodrik Stark|Rodrik]], and [[Torrhen Stark|Torrhen]].{{ref|AGOT|66}} It is unconfirmed if this is a chronological listing.

While leaving the crypt in [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 69|Chapter 69]] of ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'', Bran sees the statues of Kings [[Torrhen Stark|Torrhen]], [[Edwyn Stark|Edwyn]], [[Theon Stark|Theon]], [[Brandon Stark (Burner)|Brandon the Burner]], [[Brandon Stark (Shipwright)|Brandon the Shipwright]], [[Jorah Stark|Jorah]], [[Jonos Stark|Jonos]], [[Brandon Stark|Brandon the Bad]], [[Walton Stark|Walton]], [[Edderion Stark|Edderion]], [[Eyron Stark|Eyron]], [[Benjen Stark (Sweet)|Benjen the Sweet]], [[Benjen Stark (Bitter)|Benjen the Bitter]], and [[Edrick Stark|Edrick]].{{ref|ACOK|69}} It is unconfirmed if this is a reverse chronological listing.

In [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 41|Chapter 41]] of ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', [[Theon Greyjoy]] recalls the names of some statues in the crypt, mentioning Kings [[Edrick Stark|Edrick]], [[Brandon Stark (Shipwright)|Brandon the Shipwright]], and [[Theon Stark|Theon]].{{ref|ADWD|41}}

===Lords Commander of the Night's Watch===
* The [[Night's King]], the thirteenth [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]]. Although his name has been forgotten, some say he was the brother of the King in the North.{{ref|ASOS|56}}
* The four youngest Lords Commander, including [[Osric Stark]]{{ref|AFFC|5}}

===Wardens of the North===
* Lord [[Torrhen Stark]], the King Who Knelt.
** Torrhen's sons.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}}
** Torrhen's daughter, who married [[Ronnel Arryn (king)|Ronnel Arryn]], [[Lord of the Eyrie]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Vale: House Arryn}}
** [[Brandon Snow]], Torrhen's bastard brother.
** Lord [[Brandon Stark (the Boisterous)|Brandon Stark]], called Brandon the Boisterous, Torrhen's successor.<ref name=Lord>A Forum of Ice and Fire: [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/152844-the-wiki-timeline-project-v2/&page=5&tab=comments#comment-8495418 The Wiki-Timeline Project v2 – Comment by Ran], March 16, 2020</ref>
* Lord [[Roderick Stark]], he was succeeded by Brandon the Boastful.<ref name=Lord/>
* Lord [[Brandon Stark (father of Walton)|Brandon Stark]], called Brandon the Boastful. He attended the [[Golden Wedding]].
** Lord [[Walton Stark (son of Brandon)|Walton Stark]], Brandon's elder son. Killed by [[giants]].
** Lord [[Alaric Stark]], Brandon's younger son. Married a [[Lady Mormont (wife of Alaric Stark)|Mormont]] from [[Bear Island]] and hosted [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] and [[Alysanne Targaryen]] at Winterfell.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
*** Their two sons.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
*** [[Alarra Stark]], Alaric's daughter.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
*** Lord [[Edric Stark]], Alaric's grandson.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
* Lord [[Ellard Stark]], supported [[Laenor Velaryon]]'s claim at the [[Great Council of 101 AC]].
* Lord [[Benjen Stark (lord)|Benjen Stark]], married to Lady [[Lysa Locke]].
** Lord [[Rickon Stark (son of Benjen)|Rickon Stark]], married to Lady [[Gilliane Glover]].
*** Lord [[Cregan Stark]], known as the Old Man of the North.
*** A younger son.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}
*** [[Sara Snow]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} (according to [[Mushroom]])
** [[Bennard Stark]], married to [[Margaret Karstark]].
*** [[Benjen Stark (son of Bennard)|Benjen Stark]].
*** [[Brandon Stark (son of Bennard)|Brandon Stark]].
*** [[Elric Stark]].

====Descendants of Cregan====
* Lord [[Cregan Stark]].
* Lady [[Arra Norrey]], Cregan's first wife.
** [[Rickon Stark (son of Cregan)|Rickon Stark]], married to [[Jeyne Manderly]].
*** [[Sansa Stark (daughter of Rickon)|Sansa Stark]], married to Lord [[Jonnel Stark]].
*** [[Serena Stark]], married first to Lord [[Jon Umber (husband of Serena)|Jon Umber]] and then her half-uncle [[Edric Stark (son of Cregan)|Edric Stark]].
* Lady [[Alysanne Blackwood]], also known as Black Aly, Cregan's second wife.
** [[Sarra Stark]].
** [[Alys Stark]].
** [[Raya Stark]].
** [[Myriah Stark]].
* Lady [[Lynara Stark]], Cregan's third wife.
** Lord [[Jonnel Stark]], known as One-Eye, married first to his half-niece Lady [[Sansa Stark (daughter of Rickon)|Sansa Stark]] and second to Lady [[Robyn Ryswell]].
** [[Edric Stark (son of Cregan)|Edric Stark]], married to [[Serena Stark]].
*** [[Cregard Stark]] and [[Torrhen Stark (son of Edric)|Torrhen Stark]], twin sons.
*** [[Arrana Stark]], married to Lord [[Osric Umber]].
*** [[Argelle Stark]], married to Lord [[Robard Cerwyn]].
** [[Lyanna Stark (daughter of Cregan)|Lyanna Stark]].
** Lord [[Barthogan Stark]], known as Barth Blacksword.
** Lord [[Brandon Stark (son of Cregan)|Brandon Stark]], married to Lady [[Alys Karstark (wife of Brandon)|Alys Karstark]].
*** Lord [[Rodwell Stark]], married to Lady [[Myriame Manderly]].
*** Lord [[Beron Stark]], married to Lady [[Lorra Royce]].
*** [[Arsa Stark]].
*** [[Lonnel Snow]], known as Lonny, bastard son by [[Wylla Fenn]].

====Descendants of Beron====
* Lord [[Beron Stark]], married to Lady [[Lorra Royce]].
** Lord [[Donnor Stark]], Beron's first child and first son.
** Lord [[Willam Stark]], Beron's second child and second son.
*** Lady [[Lyanne Glover]], Willam's first wife.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}<ref name=wives>A Forum of Ice and Fire: [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/152844-the-wiki-timeline-project-v2/&page=5&tab=comments#comment-8495079 The Wiki-Timeline Project v2 – Comment by Ran], March 15, 2020</ref>
**** [[Brandon Stark (son of Willam)|Brandon Stark]], Willam's son.
*** Lady [[Melantha Blackwood]], Willam's second wife.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}<ref name=wives/>
**** Lord [[Edwyle Stark]], married to Lady [[Marna Locke]].
***** Lord [[Rickard Stark]], married to Lady [[Lyarra Stark]].
**** [[Jocelyn Stark]], married to [[Benedict Royce]].
** [[Artos Stark]], Beron's third child and third son. Known as the Implacable, married to [[Lysara Karstark]].
*** [[Brandon Stark (son of Artos)|Brandon Stark]], twin to Benjen.
**** Issue.
*** [[Benjen Stark (son of Artos)|Benjen Stark]], twin to Brandon.
**** Issue.
** [[Berena Stark]], Beron's fourth child and first daughter.
** [[Alysanne Stark]], Beron's fifth child and second daughter.
** [[Errold Stark]], Beron's sixth child and fourth son.
** [[Rodrik Stark (son of Beron)|Rodrik Stark]], Beron's seventh child and fifth son. Known as the Wandering Wolf, married to [[Arya Flint]].
*** [[Branda Stark]], married to Ser [[Harrold Rogers]].
*** [[Lyarra Stark]], married to Lord [[Rickard Stark]].

====Descendants of Rickard====
* Lord [[Rickard Stark]]. Executed by King [[Aerys II Targaryen]] before the onset of [[Robert's Rebellion]].
* Lady [[Lyarra Stark]].
** [[Brandon Stark]], first born son of Lord [[Rickard Stark|Rickard]] and Lady [[Lyarra Stark]]. Executed by King [[Aerys II Targaryen]] before the onset of [[Robert's Rebellion]].
** Lord [[Eddard Stark]], second son of Rickard and Lyarra.
** [[Lyanna Stark]], the only daughter of Rickard and Lyarra, and their third child. Died shortly after the end of [[Robert's Rebellion]].
** [[Benjen Stark]], third son of Rickard and Lyarra, and their fourth child.

==Family tree==
The following is House Stark's genealogy over the last three centuries. Currently unknown are:
* The relation between King/Lord [[Torrhen Stark]] and his successor Lord [[Brandon Stark (the Boisterous)|Brandon "the Boisterous" Stark]].
* The relations between Lords [[Brandon Stark (the Boisterous)|Brandon "the Boisterous" Stark]], [[Roderick Stark|Roderick]] and [[Brandon Stark (father of Walton)|Brandon "the Boastful" Stark]].
* The relations between Lords [[Edric Stark|Edric]], [[Ellard Stark|Ellard]] and [[Benjen Stark (lord)|Benjen Stark]].

{{Stark full tree}}

==Sworn Houses==
{{plainlist|
*{{coa|Reed|m}} [[House Reed]] of [[Greywater Watch]]. [[Meera Reed|Meera]] and [[Jojen Reed]] are with [[Bran Stark|Bran]], [[Summer]] and [[Hodor]] [[beyond the Wall]].
*{{coa|Glover|m}} [[House Glover]] of [[Deepwood Motte]]. Allied with [[Stannis Baratheon]] against [[House Bolton]].
*{{coa|Mormont|m}} [[House Mormont]] of [[Bear Island]]. Allied with Stannis Baratheon against House Bolton.
*{{coa|Umber|m}} [[House Umber]] of [[Last Hearth]]. Allied with Stannis Baratheon against House Bolton.
*{{coa|Manderly|m}} [[House Manderly]] of [[White Harbor]]. [[Wyman Manderly]] has sent [[Davos Seaworth]] to find his [[Rickon Stark|liege lord]] in [[Skagos]].
*{{coa|Flint of the mountains|m}} [[House Flint of the mountains|House Flint]] of the [[northern mountain clans]]. Allied with Stannis Baratheon against House Bolton.
*{{coa|Wull|m}} [[House Wull]] of the northern mountain clans. Allied with Stannis Baratheon against House Bolton.
*{{coa|Norrey|m}} [[House Norrey]] of the northern mountain clans. Allied with Stannis Baratheon against House Bolton.
*{{coa|Liddle|m}} [[House Liddle]] of the northern mountain clans. Allied with Stannis Baratheon against House Bolton.
*{{coa|Tully|m}} [[House Tully]] of [[Riverrun]]. Swears allegiance when Robb is named King in the North and [[King of the Trident|of the Trident]]. Now stripped of lands and titles by the Iron Throne.
*{{coa|Westerling|m}} [[House Westerling]] of the [[Crag]]. Joins Robb's cause after he marries [[Jeyne Westerling]]. Now accepted back into the king's peace.
}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|The winters are hard, but the Starks will endure. We always have.{{Ref|AGOT|4}}|[[Eddard Stark]] to [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]]}}

{{quote|I should have thought that heat ill suits you Starks. Here in the south, they say you are all made of ice, and melt when you ride below the [[Neck]].{{ref|AGOT|20}}|[[Petyr Baelish]] to [[Eddard Stark]]}}

{{Quote|'''Tyrion:''' You Starks are hard to kill. 
'''Robb:''' You [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] had best remember that.{{Ref|AGOT|24}}|[[Robb Stark]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{quote|As the Starks are wont to remind us, winter is coming.{{ref|ACOK|64}}|[[Roose Bolton]] to one of his men}}

{{Quote|'''Liddle''': When there was a Stark in [[Winterfell]], a maiden girl could walk down the [[kingsroad]] in her name-day gown and still go unmolested, and travelers could find fire, bread, and salt at many an inn and holdfast. But the nights are colder now, and doors are closed ... It was different when there was a Stark in Winterfell. But [[Eddard Stark|the old wolf's]] dead and [[Robb Stark|young one's]] gone south to play the [[War of the Five Kings|game of thrones]], and all that's left us is [[capture of Winterfell|the ghosts]]. 
'''Jojen''': The wolves will come again.{{ref|ASOS|24}}|a [[The Liddle|Liddle]] and [[Jojen Reed]]}}

{{Quote|[[Bear Island]] knows no king but the [[King in the North]], whose name is STARK.{{Ref|ADWD|3}}|[[Lyanna Mormont]] to [[Stannis Baratheon]]}}

{{Quote|Maester [[Theomore]], tell them! A thousand years before [[Aegon's Conquest|the Conquest]], a promise was made, and oaths were sworn in the [[Wolf's Den]] before the [[old gods]] and the [[Faith of the Seven|new]]. When we were sore beset and friendless, hounded from our homes and in peril of our lives, the wolves took us in and nourished us and protected us against our enemies. [[White Harbor|The city]] is built upon the land they gave us. In return we swore that we should always be their men. Stark men!{{Ref|ADWD|19}}|[[Wylla Manderly]] to the [[Merman's Court]]}}

==Behind the Scenes==
The Starks may have been inspired by the [[w:House of York|House of York]].<ref>''Time'': [https://www.salon.com/2012/04/04/the_real_life_inspirations_for_game_of_thrones/ The Real Life Inspirations for "Game of Thrones"], April 4, 2012</ref>

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 the Starks's words "Winter Is Coming" is "Sōnar amāzis".<ref>Archive of Our Own: [https://archiveofourown.org/works/57041695/chapters/147472675#workskin Conlang Dialogue House of the Dragon S2E8]</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

{{HousesNorth}}

[[Category:House Stark| ]]
[[Category:Houses from the North|Stark]]
[[Category:Houses of First Men origin|Stark]]
[[Category:Kings in the North| ]]
[[Category:Kings of the Trident and Kings of the Rivers and the Hills| ]]
[[Category:Wardens of the North| ]]
[[Category:Lords of Winterfell| ]]
[[Category:Royal houses|Stark]]
[[Category:Noble houses|Stark]]

[[es:Casa Stark]]
[[fa:خاندان استارک]]
[[fr:Maison Stark]]
[[pt:Casa Stark]]
[[ru:Старки]]
[[tr: Stark Hanesi]]
[[zh:史塔克家族]]

Yoren

2026-04-16T20:29:03Z

Hhwang:

{{For|the commander at the Battle by the Bloody Pool|Yoren Yronwood}}
{{Infobox character
| arms = Night's Watch
| firstname = Yoren
| image = Yoren by Amok.jpg
| image_caption = Yoren, by Roman Papusev ©
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[Night's Watch]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Westeros]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth = [[Westeros]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Yoren}}
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death = [[Gods Eye town|Gods Eye]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|299}}
| Books = ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (appears) ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appears) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = [[List of actors of the televised series#Francis Magee,Yoren|Francis Magee]]
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|2]]
}}

'''Yoren''' is a [[sworn brother]] of the [[Night's Watch]]. A recruiter, or [[wandering crow]], he travels the [[Seven Kingdoms]], and is responsible for collecting recruits and prisoners who would take the black. He then escorts them to [[Castle Black]] for training.{{Ref|AGOT|13}}

In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', Yoren is portrayed by [[List of actors of the televised series#Francis Magee,Yoren|Francis Magee]].

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

Yoren is stooped and sinister, with a twisted shoulder.{{Ref|AGOT|13}} His coarse and ugly features are hidden behind a thick and matted black beard.{{Ref|AGOT|13}} Yoren has hard black eyes.{{ref|AGOT|65}}

The recruiter is lice-ridden and smells foul, wearing garments that are tattered and have long since faded to grey.{{Ref|AGOT|13}}{{Ref|rpg|guardiansorder}} Yoren carries dirk,{{ref|AGOT|9}} sword,{{ref|ACOK|5}} and a black-bannered staff representing the [[Night's Watch]].{{ref|ACOK|14}}

Yoren is hard and grim, and he has little patience for fools.{{Ref|rpg|guardiansorder}} He is not the most refined person, but is loyal and trustworthy.{{Ref|ACOK|9}} Yoren's manners are brusque and he does not mince his words. However, he believes in the rules of the Night's Watch, and laments the fact that the order is not treated with the same respect it used to be. He frequently chews [[sourleaf]], and has the habit of spitting the juice out if he wants to express contempt about something. Yoren is familiar with [[House Lannister guards]] in [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|ACOK|1}}

==History==
Yoren suffered a shoulder injury that made it impossible for him to fight well any longer. He has spent the past thirty years traveling the [[Seven Kingdoms]] and recruiting for the [[Night's Watch]], losing only three recruits in that time. His travels frequently bring him to [[Winterfell]], thus he knows the members of [[House Stark]] and has a certain loyalty to them.{{Ref|ACOK|9}}

Yoren brought [[Chett]] to the [[Wall]] after the criminal was judged by [[Walder Rivers]].{{ref|ASOS|Prologue}}

[[Jeor Mormont]], [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], would be willing to have Yoren or [[Conwy]] collect [[Craster's sons]], but the Night's Watch instead allows [[Craster]] to give his sons to the wood so that [[Craster's Keep]] remains a refuge [[beyond the Wall]].{{ref|ACOK|23}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Yorens Task by chrzan666.jpg|thumb|350px|Yoren's Task, by Piotr Chrzanowski © Fantasy Flight Games]]
At a wooden [[holdfast]] at the edge of the [[wolfswood]], Yoren joins the party led by [[Benjen Stark]] that is heading north to the [[Wall]], with [[Tyrion Lannister]] and [[Jon Snow]] also coming along. Yoren brings two young rapists from the [[Fingers]] as recruits for the [[Night's Watch]]. Yoren's ragged appearance as well as his charges serve as a rude awakening to Jon, who might have thought that the Watch just consisted of noble men like his uncle Benjen.{{Ref|AGOT|13}}

Yoren returns south, arriving at [[Winterfell]] in the company of four black brothers and Tyrion, the latter receiving a cold welcome from [[Robb Stark]]. Yoren is present when Tyrion hands over his plans for building a saddle that can carry the crippled [[Bran Stark]]. As Yoren is senior among the Night's Watch men, he is seated with Robb and [[Maester]] [[Luwin]] for dinner that night. Yoren refers to Jon as the bane of Ser [[Alliser Thorne]], and he angers Robb by stating that the missing Benjen is probably dead.{{Ref|AGOT|24}}

Yoren is present when [[Catelyn Stark]] arrests Tyrion at the [[crossroads inn]], and afterwards he continues to [[King's Landing]] to inform her husband, Lord [[Eddard Stark]], the new [[Hand of the King]].{{Ref|AGOT|32}} Yoren remains in the capital to gather more recruits. No [[knight]]s volunteer for the Watch, so Eddard gives Yoren his pick of the king's dungeons.{{ref|AGOT|44}} At some point, Yoren is approached by [[Varys|a man]] who gives him gold to take [[Gendry|a boy]] with him to the Wall, and after Eddard's imprisonment Yoren is told to be ready to take Eddard to the Wall.{{Ref|ACOK|1}}

Yoren is present at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] when Eddard publicly confesses to [[treason]], and he recognizes Eddard's daughter [[Arya Stark|Arya]] in the crowd. When King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] unexpectedly orders Lord Stark to be beheaded by Ser [[Ilyn Payne]], Yoren grabs Arya and prevents her from seeing her father's execution. Calling her "boy", Yoren drags Arya away.{{Ref|AGOT|65}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File: Yoren by Roman Papusev.jpg|thumb|350px|Yoren, by Roman Papusev © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Yoren cuts [[Arya Stark]]'s hair to a stubble with his dagger so she can pass as an orphan boy called "Arry". He intends to bring her with his band of recruits headed for the [[Wall]], and is going to drop her off at [[Winterfell]]. Yoren's band consists of approximately thirty people. In addition, he takes along five wagons laden with supplies, as well as two [[courser]]s and a couple of donkeys for the boys.{{Ref|ACOK|1}}

While heading north on the [[kingsroad]], Yoren stops Arya from beating [[Hot Pie]] with a wooden sword. He strikes her behind with a stick, but gives her [[sourleaf]] for the pain. He informs her that Lord [[Eddard Stark]] was supposed to join the [[Night's Watch]], and that something must have gone wrong, arousing Arya's suspicion that King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] is responsible for her father's death.{{Ref|ACOK|1}}

The band is confronted with refugees, warning of [[War of the Five Kings|war]] and armed men. [[Praed]] dies, only the fourth recruit Yoren has lost. Yoren remains undisturbed at first, insisting that the Night's Watch takes no part in the wars of the realm and that his band will be safe.{{Ref|ACOK|5}}{{Ref|ACOK|9}}

At an inn on the kingsroad where Yoren protects Arya from revealing her [[north]]ern identity, a group of [[City Watch of King’s Landing|gold cloaks]] present a warrant for [[Gendry]], signed by Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]]. Yoren refuses their demand that the boy be handed over, pointing out that laws protect members of the Night's Watch. Yoren makes the unimpressed gold cloaks retreat, although they announce they will be back. Yoren gives Arya and Gendry the two coursers, advising them to flee as fast as they can if the gold cloaks reappear.{{Ref|ACOK|5}}

[[File:Yoren_by_Lopata_4.jpg|thumb|350px|Yoren by Lopata 4]]
Avoiding the kingsroad afterwards, the band marches west- and northwards toward the [[Gods Eye]], which Yoren wants to pass along its western shore. The hostility of the fieldhands at [[Briarwhite]], who take the recruits for possible looters, make Yoren increasingly bitter about disrespect shown to the Night's Watch. Yoren admits to Arya that he might have made a mistake taking orphans away from the safety of the city or, at least, not going by ship to the Wall this time.{{Ref|ACOK|9}}

The band arrives at the eastern side of [[Gods Eye river|the river]] running south from the Gods Eye. Having no means to cross the river with their wagons, Yoren wants to rent a boat in an [[Gods Eye town|unnamed town]] on the southern shore of the Gods Eye and to cross it towards [[Harrentown]], going on from there or finding shelter with Lady [[Shella Whent]] at [[Harrenhal]]. However, when they arrive at the town, it is deserted and no boats can be found.{{Ref|ACOK|14}}

While Yoren and his recruits stay in an abandoned [[holdfast]] overnight, a party led by Ser [[Amory Lorch]], part of the Lannister campaign in the riverlands, arrives and torches the town. In the name of King Joffrey, Amory commands Yoren to open the gate. Again pointing out that the Night's Watch takes no part in the war, Yoren refuses, prompting Lorch to order his men to [[Storming of the Gods Eye town holdfast|storm the holdfast]] and kill everyone inside. They open the attack by thrusting a spear in Yoren's direction, but kill [[Woth]] instead. Yoren organizes the defense of the walls, and during the ensuing assault he kills the man with whom he had the first exchange that night. When he realizes that the attackers have won, Yoren tells Arya that she and Gendry should rescue as many boys as possible, directing her towards a tunnel they found earlier.{{Ref|ACOK|14}}

Arya and Gendry return to the holdfast the next evening, after the departure of Amory's men, but the rest of Yoren's band has been killed. They find Yoren's body, with his skull split by an axe, and surrounded by the bodies of four enemies. They bury him on Arya's insistence, leaving the bodies of the others, as they have no time to bury them all.{{Ref|ACOK|19}}

Back in King's Landing, [[Tyrion Lannister]] is told by [[Bronn]] that a black brother has arrived from the Wall. Tyrion is disappointed when he learns it is Ser [[Alliser Thorne]] instead of Yoren.{{Ref|ACOK|17}} After the [[fall of Harrenhal]], Amory is fed to a black [[bear]], which reminds Arya of Yoren.{{ref|ACOK|47}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
With Yoren missing and presumed dead, [[Dareon]] is named by [[Jon Snow]], [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], as a replacement recruiter.{{ref|AFFC|15}}

==Yoren's Recruits==
[[File:Yoren Leaves KIng's Landing.png|thumb|350px|Francis Magee as Yoren in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
The last recruits that Yoren tried to bring to the Wall with their status and individual fate:

*"Arry" ([[Arya Stark]]) — ''"orphan"'' — survived the [[storming of the Gods Eye town holdfast]]
*[[Biter]] — ''criminal'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye, but was killed the following year by [[Gendry]] at the [[crossroads inn]]
*[[Cutjack]] — ''recruit'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye town
*[[Dobber]] — ''criminal'' — died in attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Gendry]] — ''orphan'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Gerren]] — ''criminal'' — fate unknown, but probably died in attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Hot Pie]] — ''orphan'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Jaqen H'ghar]] — ''criminal'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Koss]] — ''criminal'' — died in attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Kurz]] — ''criminal'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye with a wound, but later died of an infection
*[[Lommy Greenhands]] — ''orphan'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye, but was later killed by [[Rafford|Raff the Sweetling]] because a wound was slowing him down
*[[Murch]] — ''status unknown'' — fate unknown, but probably died in attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Praed]] — ''recruit'' — died of natural causes on the [[kingsroad]]
*[[Qyle]] — ''recruit'' — died in attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Reysen]] — ''recruit'' — fate unknown, but probably died in attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Rorge]] — ''criminal'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye, but was killed the following year by [[Brienne of Tarth]] at the crossroads inn
*[[Tarber]] — ''orphan'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Urreg]] — ''status unknown'' — fate unknown, but probably died in attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Woth]] — ''recruit'' — died in attack at the Gods Eye

==Quotes by Yoren==
{{quote|I'm here to find men for the [[Wall]], and when [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]] next holds court, I'll bend the knee and cry our need, see if the king and his [[Hand of the King|Hand]] have some scum in the dungeons they'd be well rid of.{{ref|AGOT|32}}|Yoren to [[Eddard Stark]]}}

{{Quote|That's no law, just a sword. Happens I got one, too.{{ref|ACOK|5}}|Yoren to a [[gold cloak]]}}

{{Quote|I got thirty this time, men and boys all bound for the [[Wall]], and don’t be thinking they're like that [[Jon Snow|bastard brother o' yours]]. Lord [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]] gave me pick o' the dungeons, and I didn't find no little lordlings down there. This lot, half o' them would turn you over to [[Cersei Lannister|the queen]] quick as spit for a pardon and maybe a few [[currency|silvers]]. The other half'd do the same, only they'd rape you first.{{Ref|ACOK|5}}|Yoren to [[Arya Stark]]}}

==Quotes about Yoren==
{{quote|There was a black brother, begging men for the [[Wall]], only he was kind of old and smelly.{{ref|AGOT|44}}|[[Sansa Stark]] to [[Jeyne Poole]]}}

{{quote|Ser [[Amory Lorch|Amory]] pleaded and sobbed and clung to the legs of [[Brave Companions|his captors]], until [[Rorge]] pulled him loose, and [[Shagwell]] kicked him down into the [[bear]] pit. The bear is all in black, Arya thought. Like Yoren.{{ref|ACOK|47}}|thoughts of [[Arya Stark]]}}

{{quote|Yoren had sworn to deliver her to [[Winterfell]], only she had ended up in [[Harrenhal]] and Yoren in his grave.{{ref|AFFC|6}}|thoughts of [[Arya Stark]]}}

==See also==
* [[Yoren/Theories]]

==References==
{{references}}

==External Links==
:[http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Yoren Yoren] on the [http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Main Game of Thrones wiki]

[[Category:3rd century AC births]]
[[Category:299 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Casualties of the War of the Five Kings]]
[[Category:Characters from Westeros]]
[[Category:Characters with black eyes]]
[[Category:Members of the Night's Watch]]
[[Category:Wandering crows]]

[[es:Yoren]]
[[fr:Yoren]]
[[ru:Йорен]]

Yoren

2026-04-16T20:26:51Z

Hhwang: /* A Game of Thrones */

{{For|the commander at the Battle by the Bloody Pool|Yoren Yronwood}}
{{Infobox character
| arms = Night's Watch
| firstname = Yoren
| image = Yoren by Amok.jpg
| image_caption = Yoren, by Roman Papusev ©
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[Night's Watch]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Westeros]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth = [[Westeros]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Yoren}}
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death = [[Gods Eye town|Gods Eye]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|299}}
| Books = ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (appears) ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appears) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = [[List of actors of the televised series#Francis Magee,Yoren|Francis Magee]]
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|2]]
}}

'''Yoren''' is a [[sworn brother]] of the [[Night's Watch]]. A recruiter, or [[wandering crow]], he travels the [[Seven Kingdoms]], and is responsible for collecting recruits and prisoners who would take the black. He then escorts them to [[Castle Black]] for training.{{Ref|AGOT|13}}

In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', Yoren is portrayed by [[List of actors of the televised series#Francis Magee,Yoren|Francis Magee]].

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

Yoren is stooped and sinister, with a twisted shoulder.{{Ref|AGOT|13}} His coarse and ugly features are hidden behind a thick and matted black beard.{{Ref|AGOT|13}} Yoren has hard black eyes.{{ref|AGOT|65}}

The recruiter is lice-ridden and smells foul, wearing garments that are tattered and have long since faded to grey.{{Ref|AGOT|13}}{{Ref|rpg|guardiansorder}} Yoren carries dirk,{{ref|AGOT|9}} sword,{{ref|ACOK|5}} and a black-bannered staff representing the [[Night's Watch]].{{ref|ACOK|14}}

Yoren is hard and grim, and he has little patience for fools.{{Ref|rpg|guardiansorder}} He is not the most refined person, but is loyal and trustworthy.{{Ref|ACOK|9}} Yoren's manners are brusque and he does not mince his words. However, he believes in the rules of the Night's Watch, and laments the fact that the order is not treated with the same respect it used to be. He frequently chews [[sourleaf]], and has the habit of spitting the juice out if he wants to express contempt about something. Yoren is familiar with [[House Lannister guards]] in [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|ACOK|1}}

==History==
Yoren suffered a shoulder injury that made it impossible for him to fight well any longer. He has spent the past thirty years traveling the [[Seven Kingdoms]] and recruiting for the [[Night's Watch]], losing only three recruits in that time. His travels frequently bring him to [[Winterfell]], thus he knows the members of [[House Stark]] and has a certain loyalty to them.{{Ref|ACOK|9}}

Yoren brought [[Chett]] to the [[Wall]] after the criminal was judged by [[Walder Rivers]].{{ref|ASOS|Prologue}}

[[Jeor Mormont]], [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], would be willing to have Yoren or [[Conwy]] collect [[Craster's sons]], but the Night's Watch instead allows [[Craster]] to give his sons to the wood so that [[Craster's Keep]] remains a refuge [[beyond the Wall]].{{ref|ACOK|23}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Yorens Task by chrzan666.jpg|thumb|350px|Yoren's Task, by Piotr Chrzanowski © Fantasy Flight Games]]
At a wooden [[holdfast]] at the edge of the [[wolfswood]], Yoren joins the party led by [[Benjen Stark]] that is heading north to the [[Wall]], with [[Tyrion Lannister]] and [[Jon Snow]] also coming along. Yoren brings two young rapists from the [[Fingers]] as recruits for the [[Night's Watch]]. Yoren's ragged appearance as well as his charges serve as a rude awakening to Jon, who might have thought that the Watch just consisted of noble men like his uncle Benjen.{{Ref|AGOT|13}}

Yoren returns south, arriving at [[Winterfell]] in the company of four black brothers and Tyrion, the latter receiving a cold welcome from [[Robb Stark]]. Yoren is present when Tyrion hands over his plans for building a saddle that can carry the crippled [[Bran Stark]]. As Yoren is senior among the Night's Watch men, he is seated with Robb and [[Maester]] [[Luwin]] for dinner that night. Yoren refers to Jon as the bane of Ser [[Alliser Thorne]], and he angers Robb by stating that the missing Benjen is probably dead.{{Ref|AGOT|24}}

Yoren is present when [[Catelyn Stark]] arrests Tyrion at the [[crossroads inn]], and afterwards he continues to [[King's Landing]] to inform her husband, Lord [[Eddard Stark]], the new [[Hand of the King]].{{Ref|AGOT|32}} Yoren remains in the capital to gather more recruits. No [[knight]]s volunteer for the Watch, so Eddard gives Yoren his pick of the king's dungeons.{{ref|AGOT|44}} At some point, Yoren is approached by [[Varys|a man]] who gives him gold to take [[Gendry|a boy]] with him to the Wall, and after Eddard's imprisonment Yoren is told to be ready to take Eddard to the Wall.{{Ref|ACOK|1}}

Yoren is present at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] when Eddard publicly confesses to [[treason]], and he recognizes Eddard's daughter [[Arya Stark|Arya]] in the crowd. When King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] unexpectedly orders Lord Stark to be beheaded by Ser [[Ilyn Payne]], Yoren grabs Arya and prevents her from seeing her father's execution. Calling her "boy", Yoren drags Arya away.{{Ref|AGOT|65}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File: Yoren by Roman Papusev.jpg|thumb|350px|Yoren, by Roman Papusev © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Yoren cuts [[Arya Stark]]'s hair to a stubble with his dagger so she can pass as an orphan boy called "Arry". He intends to bring her with his band of recruits headed for the [[Wall]], and is going to drop her off at [[Winterfell]]. Yoren's band consists of approximately thirty people. In addition, he takes along five wagons laden with supplies, as well as two [[courser]]s and a couple of donkeys for the boys.{{Ref|ACOK|1}}

While heading north on the [[kingsroad]], Yoren stops Arya from beating [[Hot Pie]] with a wooden sword. He strikes her behind with a stick, but gives her [[sourleaf]] for the pain. He informs her that Lord [[Eddard Stark]] was supposed to join the [[Night's Watch]], and that something must have gone wrong, arousing Arya's suspicion that King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] is responsible for her father's death.{{Ref|ACOK|1}}

The band is confronted with refugees, warning of [[War of the Five Kings|war]] and armed men. [[Praed]] dies, only the fourth recruit Yoren has lost. Yoren remains undisturbed at first, insisting that the Night's Watch takes no part in the wars of the realm and that his band will be safe.{{Ref|ACOK|5}}{{Ref|ACOK|9}}

At an inn on the kingsroad where Yoren protects Arya from revealing her [[north]]ern identity, a group of [[City Watch of King’s Landing|gold cloaks]] present a warrant for [[Gendry]], signed by Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]]. Yoren refuses their demand that the boy be handed over, pointing out that laws protect members of the Night's Watch. Yoren makes the unimpressed gold cloaks retreat, although they announce they will be back. Yoren gives Arya and Gendry the two coursers, advising them to flee as fast as they can if the gold cloaks reappear.{{Ref|ACOK|5}}

[[File:Yoren_by_Lopata_4.jpg|thumb|350px|Yoren by Lopata 4]]
Avoiding the kingsroad afterwards, the band marches west- and northwards toward the [[Gods Eye]], which Yoren wants to pass along its western shore. The hostility of the fieldhands at [[Briarwhite]], who take the recruits for possible looters, make Yoren increasingly bitter about disrespect shown to the Night's Watch. Yoren admits to Arya that he might have made a mistake taking orphans away from the safety of the city or, at least, not going by ship to the Wall this time.{{Ref|ACOK|9}}

The band arrives at the eastern side of [[Gods Eye river|the river]] running south from the Gods Eye. Having no means to cross the river with their wagons, Yoren wants to rent a boat in an [[Gods Eye town|unnamed town]] on the southern shore of the Gods Eye and to cross it towards [[Harrentown]], going on from there or finding shelter with Lady [[Shella Whent]] at [[Harrenhal]]. However, when they arrive at the town, it is deserted and no boats can be found.{{Ref|ACOK|14}}

While Yoren and his recruits stay in an abandoned [[holdfast]] overnight, a party led by Ser [[Amory Lorch]], part of the Lannister campaign in the riverlands, arrives and torches the town. In the name of King Joffrey, Amory commands Yoren to open the gate. Again pointing out that the Night's Watch takes no part in the war, Yoren refuses, prompting Lorch to order his men to [[Storming of the Gods Eye town holdfast|storm the holdfast]] and kill everyone inside. They open the attack by thrusting a spear in Yoren's direction, but kill [[Woth]] instead. Yoren organizes the defense of the walls, and during the ensuing assault he kills the man with whom he had the first exchange that night. When he realizes that the attackers have won, Yoren tells Arya that she and Gendry should rescue as many boys as possible, directing her towards a tunnel they found earlier.{{Ref|ACOK|14}}

Arya and Gendry return to the holdfast the next evening, after the departure of Amory's men, but the rest of Yoren's band has been killed. They find Yoren's body, with his skull split by an axe, and surrounded by the bodies of four enemies. They bury him on Arya's insistence, leaving the bodies of the others, as they have no time to bury them all.{{Ref|ACOK|19}}

Back in King's Landing, [[Tyrion Lannister]] is told by [[Bronn]] that a black brother has arrived from the Wall. Tyrion is disappointed when he learns it is Ser [[Alliser Thorne]] instead of Yoren.{{Ref|ACOK|17}} After the [[fall of Harrenhal]], Amory is fed to a black [[bear]], which reminds Arya of Yoren.{{ref|ACOK|47}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
With Yoren missing and presumed dead, [[Dareon]] is named by [[Jon Snow]], [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], as a replacement recruiter.{{ref|AFFC|15}}

==Yoren's Recruits==
[[File:Yoren Leaves KIng's Landing.png|thumb|350px|Francis Magee as Yoren in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
The last recruits that Yoren tried to bring to the Wall with their status and individual fate:

*"Arry" ([[Arya Stark]]) — ''"orphan"'' — survived the [[storming of the Gods Eye town holdfast]]
*[[Biter]] — ''criminal'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye, but was killed the following year by [[Gendry]] at the [[crossroads inn]]
*[[Cutjack]] — ''recruit'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye town
*[[Dobber]] — ''criminal'' — died in attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Gendry]] — ''orphan'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Gerren]] — ''criminal'' — fate unknown, but probably died in attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Hot Pie]] — ''orphan'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Jaqen H'ghar]] — ''criminal'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Koss]] — ''criminal'' — died in attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Kurz]] — ''criminal'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye with a wound, but later died of an infection
*[[Lommy Greenhands]] — ''orphan'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye, but was later killed by [[Rafford|Raff the Sweetling]] because a wound was slowing him down
*[[Murch]] — ''status unknown'' — fate unknown, but probably died in attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Praed]] — ''recruit'' — died of natural causes on the [[kingsroad]]
*[[Qyle]] — ''recruit'' — died in attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Reysen]] — ''recruit'' — fate unknown, but probably died in attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Rorge]] — ''criminal'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye, but was killed the following year by [[Brienne of Tarth]] at the crossroads inn
*[[Tarber]] — ''orphan'' — survived attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Urreg]] — ''status unknown'' — fate unknown, but probably died in attack at the Gods Eye
*[[Woth]] — ''recruit'' — died in attack at the Gods Eye

==Quotes by Yoren==
{{quote|I'm here to find men for the [[Wall]], and when [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]] next holds court, I'll bend the knee and cry our need, see if the king and his [[Hand of the King|Hand]] have some scum in the dungeons they'd be well rid of.{{ref|AGOT|32}}|Yoren to [[Eddard Stark]]}}

{{quote|There was a black brother, begging men for the [[Wall]], only he was kind of old and smelly.{{ref|AGOT|44}}|[[Sansa Stark]] to [[Jeyne Poole]]}}

{{Quote|That's no law, just a sword. Happens I got one, too.{{ref|ACOK|5}}|Yoren to a [[gold cloak]]}}

{{Quote|I got thirty this time, men and boys all bound for the [[Wall]], and don’t be thinking they're like that [[Jon Snow|bastard brother o' yours]]. Lord [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]] gave me pick o' the dungeons, and I didn't find no little lordlings down there. This lot, half o' them would turn you over to [[Cersei Lannister|the queen]] quick as spit for a pardon and maybe a few [[currency|silvers]]. The other half'd do the same, only they'd rape you first.{{Ref|ACOK|5}}|Yoren to [[Arya Stark]]}}

==Quotes about Yoren==
{{quote|Ser [[Amory Lorch|Amory]] pleaded and sobbed and clung to the legs of [[Brave Companions|his captors]], until [[Rorge]] pulled him loose, and [[Shagwell]] kicked him down into the [[bear]] pit. The bear is all in black, Arya thought. Like Yoren.{{ref|ACOK|47}}|thoughts of [[Arya Stark]]}}

{{quote|Yoren had sworn to deliver her to [[Winterfell]], only she had ended up in [[Harrenhal]] and Yoren in his grave.{{ref|AFFC|6}}|thoughts of [[Arya Stark]]}}

==See also==
* [[Yoren/Theories]]

==References==
{{references}}

==External Links==
:[http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Yoren Yoren] on the [http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Main Game of Thrones wiki]

[[Category:3rd century AC births]]
[[Category:299 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Casualties of the War of the Five Kings]]
[[Category:Characters from Westeros]]
[[Category:Characters with black eyes]]
[[Category:Members of the Night's Watch]]
[[Category:Wandering crows]]

[[es:Yoren]]
[[fr:Yoren]]
[[ru:Йорен]]

Winterfell

2026-04-13T19:58:16Z

Hhwang: /* A Dance with Dragons */

{{Infobox settlement
| name = Winterfell
| image = [[File:Ted Nasmith A Song of Ice and Fire Winterfell.jpg|350px]]
| image_caption = Winterfell by [http://www.tednasmith.com/ Ted Nasmith] ©
| settlement_type= Castle and regional capital
| location = [[Westeros]], the [[north]]
| seat = [[House Stark]]
| seat_type = [[Feudalism|feudal lord]]
| lord = Lord [[Eddard Stark]] (AGoT) Lord [[Ramsay Bolton]] (ADwD)
| religion = [[Old gods]]
| population =
| size =
| founded = [[Age of Heroes]]
| named_for =
| places = [[Great Hall of Winterfell|Great Hall]], [[Great Keep (Winterfell)|Great Keep]], [[First Keep]], [[broken tower]], [[godswood of Winterfell|godswood]], [[Crypt of Winterfell|crypt]], [[winter town]]
| organizations =
}}
{|
{{Location map| File:The North.png
| label = '''Winterfell'''
| lat = 8
| long = -12
| position = right
| mark = Wolff2.PNG
| marksize = 9
| width = 350
| float = right
| caption = The [[north]] and the location of Winterfell
| alt = The north and the location of Winterfell
}}
|}

'''Winterfell''' is the ancestral castle and seat of power of [[House Stark]] and is considered to be the capital of the [[north]]. It is in the center of the northernmost province of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], on the [[kingsroad]] that runs from [[Storm's End]] to the [[Wall]]. The castle is situated at the eastern edge of the [[wolfswood]], north of the western branch of the [[White Knife]] and [[Castle Cerwyn]]. Winterfell is south of the [[northern mountains]] and southwest of [[Long Lake]],{{ref|TLOIAF|Westeros}} one hundred leagues (three hundred miles) southeast of [[Deepwood Motte]].{{ref|ADWD|42}}

==Household==
[[Vayon Poole]] is the castle's steward, and Maester [[Luwin]] advises Lord [[Eddard Stark]]. Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] serves as Winterfell's master-at-arms and his nephew [[Jory Cassel]] is captain of the [[House Stark guards]]. Septon [[Chayle]] maintains the [[Lady Catelyn's sept|castle's sept]], and Septa [[Mordane]] tutors the Stark children. Other servants include the master of horse [[Hullen]], the kennelmaster [[Farlen]], the blacksmith [[Mikken]], the cook [[Gage]],{{ref|AGOT|Appendix}} and the brewer [[Barth (brewer)|Barth]].{{ref|ACOK|50}} Strong black [[beer]] is served at the castle.{{ref|AGOT|9}}

==Layout==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Winterfell|l1=Images of Winterfell}}

Winterfell is a huge castle complex spanning several acres and encircled by two massive granite walls.{{Ref|ACOK|50}} The [[winter town]] is a village found outside of the castle.{{ref|AGOT|37}}

Winterfell was built around an [[godswood of Winterfell|ancient godswood]] and over natural hot springs. The water is piped through walls and chambers to heat them, making Winterfell more comfortable than other castles during the harsh northern winters. A dozen small courtyards have open pools.{{ref|AGOT|6}}

Winterfell has multiple yards.{{ref|ACOK|50}} Weapons training and [[horse]]riding take place in a large yard, where quintains can be set up for jousting.{{ref|ACOK|16}} Archery butts are found in the old inner ward, which is near the [[broken tower]].{{ref|ACOK|66}} Winterfell's towers and halls have diamond-shaped window panes.{{ref|ACOK|4}}

===Structures===
* The [[Great Keep (Winterfell)|Great Keep]] is the innermost castle and stronghold of the castle complex. It was built over natural hot springs to keep it warm.{{Ref|AGOT|6}} The Great Keep contains bedchambers for [[House Stark]]{{ref|AGOT|6}} as well as the [[solar]] of Lord [[Eddard Stark]].{{ref|ADWD|46}} The building is connected to the armory by a covered bridge.{{Ref|ASOS|80}} From a window on the bridge, one can see the entire yard.{{Ref|AGOT|7}} Beneath the Great Keep are cellars with narrow windows.{{ref|ACOK|69}}

* The [[Great Hall of Winterfell|Great Hall]] is used for receiving guests and the place where the household dines together, including the [[Lord of Winterfell]]. It is made of grey stone{{ref|AGOT|5}} and has wide doors made of [[oak]] and [[iron]],{{ref|ACOK|21}} which opens to the castle yard, and a rear exit leads to a dimly-lit gallery.{{ref|ACOK|21}} Inside, it can hold eight long rows of trestle tables, four to each side of the central aisle,{{ref|ACOK|21}} and the hall can seat five hundred people.{{ref|ACOK|56}} There is a raised platform for noble guests, and the walls are covered with banners.{{Ref|AGOT|5}} The hall contains the high seat of the old [[Kings in the North]]. The seat's cold stone has been polished by the many lords who have sat upon it, and its massive arms are decorated with the carved heads of snarling [[direwolves]].{{ref|AGOT|24}}{{ref|AGOT|53}}

* The [[Lady Catelyn's sept|small sept]] was built for Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]], a [[southron]], by her husband, Lord Eddard.{{Ref|AGOT|2}}

[[File:Winterfell map.png|350px|thumb|Fan-made map of Winterfell before ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]''. 1.North Gate 2.[[Broken Tower]] 3.[[Glass Gardens]] 4.[[Crypt of Winterfell|Crypts]] 5.[[First Keep]] 6.[[Godswood of Winterfell|Godswood]] 7.[[Guards Hall]] 8.[[East Gate]] 9.Armory 10.[[Hunter's Gate]] 11.Kennels 12.[[Guest House]] 13. Bridge between the armory and the Great Keep 14.[[Great Keep (Winterfell)|Great Keep]] 15.Maester's turret 16.Kitchen 17.Courtyard 18.[[Bell Tower]] 19.[[Library Tower]] 20.[[Lady Catelyn's sept|Sept]] 21.Stables 22.[[Great Hall of Winterfell|Great Hall]] 23.Smithy 24.South Gate]]
* The [[First Keep]], a squat and round drum tower, is the oldest surviving part of the castle but is no longer in use. Around it lies a [[lichyard]] where the [[Kings of Winter]] would bury their loyal servants. The keep has [[gargoyle]]s atop it.{{Ref|AGOT|66}}{{ref|ACOK|4}} Maester [[Kennet (maester)|Kennet]] determined it was built after the [[Andals]] arrived.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}}

* The [[broken tower]], also known as the Burned Tower, was once the tallest watchtower in Winterfell. Over 140 years ago a lightning strike set it afire and the top third collapsed inward, but no one rebuilt it.{{Ref|AGOT|8}}{{Ref|ACOK|35}} It stands behind the old inner ward. [[Crow]]s nest atop the broken tower.{{ref|AGOT|8}}

* The ancient [[godswood of Winterfell]] has stood untouched for ten thousand years, with three acres of old packed earth and close-together trees creating a dense canopy, which the castle was built around. At the center of the grove stands an ancient [[weirwood]] with [[heart tree|a face carved into it]], standing over a pool of black water.{{Ref|AGOT|2}} Across the godswood from the heart tree, beneath the windows of the [[Guest House]], an underground hot spring feeds three small pools, with a moss-covered wall looming above them. The godswood is enclosed by walls, and is accessed by a main iron gate, or smaller wooden ones.

* The [[Glass Gardens]]{{ref|ADWD|37}} is a greenhouse heated by the hot springs, which turn it into a place of moist warmth.{{Ref|AGOT|6}} It is used to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers.{{Ref|AGOT|7}}{{Ref|ACOK|51}} The garden has green and yellow glass panes{{ref|ACOK|69}} locked in frames.{{ref|ASOS|80}}

* The [[crypt of Winterfell]], located near the First Keep, is where members of [[House Stark]] are buried. The underground crypts are long and narrow, with pillars moving two by two along its length. Between pillars stand the sepulchers of the Starks of Winterfell, the likenesses of the dead seated on thrones, with iron swords set before them to keep the restless spirits from wandering, and snarling [[direwolves]] at their feet. The crypts are deep under the earth, cavernous and bigger than the complex above ground. They are accessed by a twisting stone stair and a huge ironwood door that lies at a slant to the floor. The stair continues below to older levels where the most ancient [[Kings in the North]] are entombed.{{Ref|AGOT|4}}{{Ref|AGOT|66}}{{Ref|ACOK|69}}

* The [[Bell Tower]] is connected to the [[rookery]] by a bridge. The bridge is covered and runs from the fourth floor of the tower to the second floor of the rookery.{{Ref|AGOT|8}}{{Ref|ASOS|80}}

* The [[maester]]'s turret is below the rookery.{{Ref|ACOK|28}}

* The [[Library Tower]] houses the library at Winterfell. A stonework staircase winds about its exterior.{{Ref|ASOS|80}}

* The [[Guards Hall]] is in line with the Bell Tower, and further back, the First Keep.{{Ref|ACOK|4}}

* The [[sickroom]], located in a tower{{ref|AGOT|17}} with steps and a landing,{{ref|AGOT|10}} is across the bailey from the Library Tower.{{ref|AGOT|14}}

* The armory, which contains the castle's forge,{{ref|AGOT|53}} is located near the Guards Hall{{ref|AGOT|8}} and is a short walk from the yard.{{ref|AGOT|10}} A covered bridge with a window connects the armory to the Great Keep and overlooks the yard.{{ref|AGOT|7}} An ancient [[owl]] sleeps in a dusty loft found above the old armory.{{ref|AGOT|8}} The godswood has a [[sentinel]] tree by the armory wall.{{ref|AGOT|8}}

* Winterfell has undercrofts and cellars.{{ref|ADWD|41}} The castle also has dungeons,{{ref|ADWD|41}} including tower cells.{{ref|ACOK|46}}

===Walls===
[[File:Mariusz Gandzell Gates of Winterfell.png|thumb|350px|Gates of Winterfell by Mariusz Gandzel © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Winterfell is a huge castle complex spanning several acres, defended by two massive walls of grey granite with a wide moat between them.{{ref|ACOK|50}} The outer wall is eighty feet high, while the inner is one hundred feet high.{{Ref|ACOK|50}} There are guard turrets on the outer wall and more than thirty watch turrets on the crenelated inner walls.

The great [[main gates of Winterfell]]{{ref|ADWD|46}} have a gatehouse made of two huge crenelated bulwarks which flank the arched gate{{ref|ASOS|80}} and a drawbridge that opens into the market square of the [[winter town]].{{ref|AGOT|37}}{{ref|ACOK|66}}

A narrow tunnel inside the inner wall stretches halfway around the castle, allowing travel from the south gate all the way to the north gate without interruption.{{ref|AGOT|8}}

* The [[Hunter's Gate]] is close to the kennels and the kitchens. It opens directly onto open fields and the [[wolfswood]], so people can come and go without having to cross through the winter town. It is favored by hunting parties.{{Ref|ACOK|50}}

* The [[East Gate]]{{Ref|ACOK|69}} or east gate{{ref|ADWD|51}} leads to the [[kingsroad]].{{Ref|ACOK|69}} The Kingsroad Gate{{ref|ADWD|46}} may be another name for the same gate.

* The [[Battlements Gate]] is a small arched postern in the inner wall. It crosses the moat between the walls but does not have a passageway through the outer wall.{{ref|ADWD|46}}

===Winter Town===
The [[winter town]], so called because it is mostly deserted during summer, is where smallfolk gather in winter. It is outside the walls of Winterfell. Its market square is filled with wooden stalls for merchants, and its streets are muddy and lined with rows of houses made from logs and undressed stone. Less than one in five are occupied during the summer, but they fill up when winter arrives.{{Ref|AGOT|37}} The kingsroad, which runs east of Winterfell,<ref>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', [[A Dance with Dragons-Map of the North|Map of the North]]</ref> is beyond the winter town.{{Ref|AGOT|13}} There is an inn in the winter town, the [[Smoking Log]].{{Ref|AGOT|37}}

==History==
===Older History===
[[File:Torrhen Stark on the throne at Winterfell by Wouter Florusse for the Rise of the Dragon.jpg|350px|thumb|The last [[King of Winter]], [[Torrhen Stark]], seated on Winterfell's throne by Wouter Florusse for ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'']]
According to legend, Winterfell was built by [[Brandon the Builder]], who was aided by [[giants]],{{Ref|ASOS|41}} after the [[Long Night]] ended eight thousand years ago.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}} [[Maesters]] believe it was built in pieces over different eras, since the ancient Starks did not level the ground and plan it as a single structure.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}} Some scholars have suggested there were once linked [[ringfort]]s where Winterfell now stands.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}}

For most of recorded history Winterfell was the seat of [[House Stark]], the [[Kings in the North]] and later [[Warden of the North|Wardens of the North]] after King [[Torrhen Stark]] bent the knee to [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] and his [[dragons]]. During the wars between the Kings of Winter from House Stark and the [[Red King]]s from [[House Bolton]], Winterfell was burned by Kings [[Royce II Bolton|Royce II]] and [[Royce IV Bolton]] of the [[Dreadfort]] before the [[coming of the Andals]] to [[Westeros]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}}

Maester [[Kennet (maester)|Kennet]] determined that the [[First Keep]], the oldest surviving part of the castle,{{ref|AGOT|8}} was built some time after the Andals came.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}} Winterfell's inner walls were raised approximately two thousand years ago, and the outer walls were built during the reign of King [[Edrick Stark|Edrick Snowbeard]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}} The heads of some giants are said to have been displayed on Winterfell's walls.{{ref|ASOS|80}}

According to [[free folk]] legend, [[Bael the Bard]] once entered Winterfell under the guise of a singer named Sygerrik. Leaving behind only a [[winter rose]], Bael supposedly disappeared with the daughter of Lord [[Brandon Stark (the daughterless)|Brandon Stark]] after tricking the lord. The daughter eventually reappeared with an infant, a future Lord Stark, the story claiming that they had been hiding in the [[crypt of Winterfell]].{{ref|ACOK|51}} The legend is not recorded in the chronicles of Winterfell, however.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}}

[[Harvest feast]]s have been hosted in Winterfell.{{ref|ACOK|16}}

===House Targaryen===
[[File:Great Keep.jpg|350px|thumb|The [[Great Keep (Winterfell)|Great Keep]] by Eric Lofgren © Fantasy Flight Games]]
King [[Torrhen Stark]] called the banners to Winterfell during [[Aegon's Conquest]], but the King Who Knelt eventually submitted to [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] at the [[Inn of the Kneeling Man]] on the [[Trident]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} King Aegon I visited Winterfell in {{Date|33}} during the last of his [[Royal progress|progresses]] throughout the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}}

King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] and Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]] visited Winterfell in {{date|58}}. Lord [[Alaric Stark]] took Alysanne hunting in the [[wolfswood]] and allowed her to explore the [[Library Tower|castle library]]. Lord Stark showed Jaehaerys the tomb of his brother, Lord [[Walton Stark (son of Brandon)|Walton]], in the crypts.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

===Dance of the Dragons===
During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] visited Winterfell and gained Lord [[Cregan Stark]] for the cause of Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and the [[blacks]]. According to [[Mushroom]], Jacaerys slept with [[Sara Snow]] and wed her in the [[godswood of Winterfell|castle's godswood]], although the [[fool]]'s story is doubted by [[Gyldayn]]. The archmaester is also skeptical of Mushroom's claim that [[Vermax]] left a clutch of [[dragon's egg]]s at Winterfell.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

As the war progressed, Lord Cregan gathered hosts to Winterfell, [[Barrowton]], and [[White Harbor]] before marching south toward [[King's Landing]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

After the war ended in {{date|131}}, blizzards descended on Winterfell. Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood]] travelled to Winterfell for the wedding of his aunt, [[Alysanne Blackwood|Black Aly]], to Lord Stark in the godswood.{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

===Eddard Stark===
At the start of [[Robert's Rebellion]], Lord [[Eddard Stark]] left the [[Eyrie]] and crossed the [[Mountains of the Moon]] and the [[Bite]] to return to the north, where he raised the northern banners.{{ref|ADWD|9}} His younger brother [[Benjen Stark]] remained in the castle for the war's duration as the Stark in Winterfell.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/ConQuest_Kansas_City_MO_May_27_294 ConQuest (Kansas City, MO; May 27-29)], May 27, 2005</ref>

[[Mance Rayder]] once accompanied [[Lord Commander Qorgyle]] in a visit from the [[Wall]] to Winterfell to see Lord Eddard.{{ref|ASOS|7}} When [[Alys Karstark]] was six, her father, Lord [[Rickard Karstark|Rickard]], brought her to Winterfell to meet Eddard's heir, [[Robb Stark|Robb]]. Alys danced with a courteous Robb and a sullen [[Jon Snow]] during the feast.{{ref|ADWD|44}} Lord [[Yohn Royce]] visited the Starks when his son, Ser [[Waymar Royce]], joined the [[Night's Watch]], and Bronze Yohn defeated Eddard and Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] in the yard.{{ref|AFFC|23}} The [[House Cerwyn|Cerwyns]] often visit Winterfell because [[Castle Cerwyn]] is only half a day away.{{ref|ACOK|16}}{{ref|ACOK|30}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Thomas Denmark ned cat hart tree.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]] visits [[Eddard Stark|Ned]] in the [[godswood of Winterfell|godswood]], by [http://thomasdenmarkportfolio.blogspot.com/ Thomas Denmark]. © [http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ Fantasy Flight Games] ]]
Lord [[Eddard Stark]] hosts King [[Robert I Baratheon]] and the royal family at Winterfell after the death of Lord [[Jon Arryn]]. They visit the [[crypt of Winterfell|crypt]] so Robert can pay his respects to [[Lyanna Stark]].{{ref|AGOT|4}} Eddard hosts a [[feast in honor of King Robert's visit to Winterfell]].{{ref|AGOT|5}} While climbing toward the [[broken tower]], [[Bran Stark]] is pushed from the [[First Keep]] after finding Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] cavorting with his sister, Queen [[Cersei Lannister]].{{ref|AGOT|8}}

[[Robb Stark]] remains in the castle when Eddard travels south to [[King's Landing]] to serve as the new [[Hand of the King]]. A fire is started in the [[Library Tower]] in order to distract the guards during the [[catspaw]]'s attempt on Bran's life in the [[sickroom]].{{Ref|AGOT|14}}

When Robb hears that Eddard has been taken prisoner in King's Landing, he raises the [[north]]ern bannerman and marches south to rescue his father. Bran remains as the Stark in Winterfell. The direwolf [[Lady (direwolf)|Lady]] is buried in the [[lichyard]] of the First Keep.{{Ref|AGOT|53}} Lady [[Catelyn Stark]] appoints Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] as castellan of Winterfell.{{ref|AGOT|55}} While at [[Riverrun]], Robb is proclaimed [[King in the North]] by northern and [[riverlands|rivermen]] alike.{{ref|AGOT|71}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Winterfell by feliche.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Winterfell by [http://feliche.deviantart.com/ Feliche] ©]]
Bran, the Stark in Winterfell in Robb's absence, hosts numerous northern lords for the [[harvest feast (299)|harvest feast]].{{ref|ACOK|21}} Songs performed during the festival include "[[Iron Lances]]", "[[The Burning of the Ships]]", and "[[The Bear and the Maiden Fair]]".

During the [[War of the Five Kings]], Winterfell is captured in a [[capture of Winterfell|surprise attack]] by the [[ironmen]] led by [[Theon Greyjoy]].{{ref|ACOK|46}} He rules the castle for several weeks, but he lacks the manpower to hold it indefinitely against the Stark bannermen. [[Asha Greyjoy]] refuses to help her brother hold the castle, which is far from the [[Sunset Sea]].{{ref|ACOK|56}}

Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] assembles nearly two thousand northmen to retake Winterfell from Theon. [[Ramsay Snow]], the castellan of the [[Dreadfort]], leads the [[House Bolton|Bolton]] soldiers in betraying their fellow northmen, however, and Rodrik's army is destroyed in a [[battle outside the gates of Winterfell]]. Ramsay then double-crosses Theon, takes him prisoner, and has the Dreadfort men [[Sack of Winterfell|sack and burn Winterfell]].{{ref|ACOK|66}} The ceiling of the [[Great Hall of Winterfell|Great Hall]] and one whole side of the [[First Keep]] collapse during the sack of Winterfell. A shallow steaming lake forms beneath the [[Library Tower]], while the Maester's turret and the bridge connecting the [[Bell Tower]] to the [[rookery]] are destroyed. Bran and [[Rickon Stark]], undetected in the crypts, make their escape from Winterfell in the aftermath.{{Ref|ACOK|69}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
The surviving women and children of Winterfell are taken to the [[Dreadfort]] by [[Ramsay Snow]],{{ref|ASOS|35}}<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1176 Readers and Realism], June 28, 2001</ref> who also holds [[Theon Greyjoy]] as a hostage.{{ref|ASOS|49}}

Due to the alleged deaths of Bran and Rickon Stark, [[Sansa Stark]] is now considered the heir to Winterfell. For this title Lady [[Olenna Tyrell]] plots to have Sansa married to the heir of [[Highgarden]], [[Willas Tyrell]]. When Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] is informed of this he has his son, [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]], marry her instead, to both Sansa and Tyrion's reluctance.

[[File:MKomarck SansaEyrie.jpg|300px|thumb|right|[[Sansa Stark]] making a snow-castle of Winterfell at the [[Eyrie]], by Michael Komarck ©]]

After King [[Robb Stark]] marries [[Jeyne Westerling]], he tells his mother, [[Catelyn Stark]], that he plans to legitimize his brother, [[Jon Snow]] of the [[Night's Watch]], and name him heir of Winterfell and [[King in the North]] should he and Jeyne not have a child. Due to Sansa's marriage to Tyrion, Robb fears that Sansa will give Tyrion a son and thus control of Winterfell which Robb wants to prevent. Catelyn pleads that Robb consider naming his other sister, [[Arya Stark|Arya]], as heir, but Robb insists that no one has seen Arya since his father [[Eddard Stark|Eddard's]] death and that Arya is likely also dead. Robb signs the decree naming Jon his heir,{{ref|AWOIAF|Robb Stark}} but the whereabouts of the will are unknown after Robb's death in the [[Red Wedding]].

As Sansa hides at the [[Eyrie]] after [[Purple Wedding|the murder]] of [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], she reminisces fondly about Winterfell and makes a castle of snow in its likeness with the aid of [[Petyr Baelish]].{{Ref|ASOS|80}}

At the [[Wall]], in exchange for Jon Snow recognizing [[Stannis Baratheon]] as king, Stannis offers to legitimize him, which would make him Lord Jon Stark of Winterfell. However, Jon refuses Stannis and he instead becomes the 998th [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]].

===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[Asha Greyjoy]] informs Lord [[Rodrik Harlaw]] that when she and her [[ironborn]] searched Winterfell for Theon they found only scattered bodies scavenged by wolves.{{ref|AFFC|11}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Lino Drieghe Winterfell.JPG|thumb|350px|Winterfell by Lino Drieghe © Fantasy Flight Games]]
King [[Stannis Baratheon]] reminds [[Jon Snow]] that he had hoped to bestow Winterfell on him, and that his offer was thrown in his face. Jon replies that by right Winterfell should go to his sister, [[Sansa Stark]]. Stannis asks Jon if he is eager to see the Imp, [[Tyrion Lannister]], perched on [[Eddard Stark]]'s seat. He promises Jon that as long as he, Stannis, is alive that will not happen.{{ref|ADWD|3}}

Lord [[Roose Bolton]], the new [[Warden of the North]], moves the wedding of his newly-legitimized son, [[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]], to "[[Arya Stark]]", who is actually [[Jeyne Poole]], from [[Barrowton]] to Winterfell.{{ref|ADWD|32}} When the [[House Bolton|Boltons]] arrive at Winterfell, Roose finds the ruined castle a refuge of more than two dozen squatters. When he tells them he will be merciful if they serve well, they are used as labor to partially restore Winterfell. They rebuild burned gates and raise a new roof over the Great Hall. After the work is completed Roose has them all hanged; true to his word he is merciful and does not flay one.{{ref|ADWD|37}}

[[Wedding of Ramsay Bolton and Arya Stark|Ramsay marries "Arya"]] in the [[godswood of Winterfell|godswood]] and becomes [[Lord of Winterfell]], with [[Theon Greyjoy]] giving Jeyne away. Lord [[Wyman Manderly]] furnishes the wedding feast and asks the singer [[Mance Rayder|Abel]] to sing of the [[Rat Cook]].{{ref|ADWD|37}}

During a winter storm that hits Winterfell, squires build snowmen on the battlements. A dozen snowy lords are built to command them, including depictions of Lord Manderly, Lord [[Harwood Stout]], Lady [[Barbrey Dustin]], and [[Whoresbane Umber]]. Theon and Barbrey discover that swords are missing from the [[crypt of Winterfell|crypts]].{{ref|ADWD|41}} Tensions heighten during the blizzard as several [[House Frey|Freys]] and northerners are found dead.{{ref|ADWD|46}}

After Freys fight with [[House Manderly|Manderly]] men, Roose sends the Freys out the [[main gates of Winterfell|main gate]] and the Manderlys out the [[east gate]]. They are to march on Stannis's army, which is said to be three days [[march on Winterfell|march from Winterfell]]. Amidst the commotion, Theon and "Arya" flee the castle by passing through the [[Battlements Gate]], climbing a stair to the battlements, and leaping into the snow.{{ref|ADWD|51}}

It is believed among Stannis's army that [[Arnolf Karstark]], castellan of [[Karhold]], would receive Winterfell should it be taken from the Boltons.{{ref|ADWD|62}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
Roose has sent out the Freys and Manderlys, as well as Ramsay and his men, but he has kept much of his own strength behind in Winterfell. According to Theon, who has been brought to Stannis by [[Mors Umber]], Roose is keeping his own men back as a reserve, as he once did in the riverlands, to weaken potential rivals.<ref name=Winds>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]</ref>

Mors had his troops built pits outside the main gate. The Freys ride into them, causing [[Aenys Frey]] to break his neck.<ref name=Winds/>

==Quotes==
[[File:Federico Musetti Winterfell CastlII.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Jon Snow]] overlooking Winterfell, by Federico Musetti © Fantasy Flight Games]]
{{Quote|Bran could perch for hours among the shapeless, rain-worn [[gargoyle]]s that brooded over the [[First Keep]], watching it all: the men drilling with wood and [[steel]] in the yard, the cooks tending their vegetables in the [[Glass Gardens|glass garden]], restless dogs running back and forth in the kennels, the silence of [[godswood of Winterfell|the godswood]], the girls gossiping beside the washing well. It made him feel like he was lord of the castle, in a way even [[Robb Stark|Robb]] would never know. It taught him Winterfell's secrets too. The builders had not even leveled the earth; there were hills and valleys behind the walls of Winterfell. There was a covered bridge that went from the fourth floor of the [[bell tower]] across to the second floor of the [[rookery]]. Bran knew about that. And he knew you could get inside the inner wall by the south gate, climb three floors and run all the way around Winterfell through a narrow tunnel in the stone, and then come out on ground level at the north gate, with a hundred feet of wall looming over you. Even Maester [[Luwin]] didn't know that, Bran was convinced.{{Ref|AGOT|8}}|[[Bran Stark]]'s thoughts}}

{{Quote|He remembered Winterfell as he had last seen it. Not as grotesquely huge as [[Harrenhal]], nor as solid and impregnable to look at as [[Storm's End]], yet there had been a great strength in those stones, a sense that within those walls a man might feel safe. The news of the castle’s fall had come as a wrenching shock.{{Ref|ACOK|54}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]]'s thoughts}}

{{Quote|The Lord of Winterfell would always be a [[House Stark|Stark]].{{Ref|ACOK|54}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]]'s thoughts}}

{{Quote|"The [[Prince of Winterfell]]." Of Winterfell burned and tumbled, its people scattered and slain. The glass gardens were smashed, and hot water gushed from the cracked walls to steam beneath the sun. How can you be the prince of someplace you might never see again?{{Ref|ASOS|9}}|[[Bran Stark]]'s thoughts}}

{{quote|The [[weirwood]] was the heart of Winterfell, Lord [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]] always said ... but to save the castle Jon would have to tear that heart up by its ancient roots, and feed it to [[Melisandre|the red woman's]] hungry [[R'hllor|fire god]]. I have no right. Winterfell belongs to the [[old gods]].{{ref|ASOS|79}}|[[Jon Snow]]'s thoughts}}

{{Quote|Drifting snowflakes brushed her face as light as lover’s kisses, and melted on her cheeks. At the center of the garden, beside the statue of the weeping woman that lay broken and half-buried on the ground, she turned her face up to the sky and closed her eyes. She could feel the snow on her lashes, taste it on her lips. It was the taste of Winterfell. The taste of innocence. The taste of dreams.{{Ref|ASOS|80}}|[[Sansa Stark]]'s thoughts, at the [[Eyrie]]}}

{{Quote|'''Petyr''': May I come into your castle, my lady? 
'''Sansa''': Don’t break it. Be ... 
'''Petyr''': ... gentle? Winterfell has withstood fiercer enemies than me. It is Winterfell, is it not? 
'''Sansa''': Yes. 
'''Petyr''': I used to dream of it, in those years after [[Catelyn Stark|Cat]] went north with [[Eddard Stark]]. In my dreams it was ever a dark place, and cold. 
'''Sansa''': No. It was always warm, even when it snowed. Water from the hot springs is piped through the walls to warm them, and inside the glass gardens it was always like the hottest day of summer.{{Ref|ASOS|80}}|[[Sansa Stark]] makes a snow castle of Winterfell with [[Petyr Baelish]]}}

{{Quote|Winterfell was full of ghosts for Theon Greyjoy.{{ref|ADWD|37}}|[[Theon Greyjoy]]'s thoughts}}

{{quote|It was my home, though. Not a true home, but the best I ever knew.{{ref|ADWD|46}}|[[Theon Greyjoy]]'s thoughts}}

==Chapters that take place in Winterfell==
{{Columns|3|
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 2|''A Game of Thrones'': 2. Catelyn I]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 4|''A Game of Thrones'': 4. Eddard I]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 5|''A Game of Thrones'': 5. Jon I]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 6|''A Game of Thrones'': 6. Catelyn II]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 7|''A Game of Thrones'': 7. Arya I]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 8|''A Game of Thrones'': 8. Bran II]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 9|''A Game of Thrones'': 9. Tyrion I]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 10|''A Game of Thrones'': 10. Jon II]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 14|''A Game of Thrones'': 14. Catelyn III]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 17|''A Game of Thrones'': 17. Bran III]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 24|''A Game of Thrones'': 24. Bran IV]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 53|''A Game of Thrones'': 53. Bran VI]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 66|''A Game of Thrones'': 66. Bran VII]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 4|''A Clash of Kings'': 4. Bran I]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 16|''A Clash of Kings'': 16. Bran II]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 21|''A Clash of Kings'': 21. Bran III]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 28|''A Clash of Kings'': 28. Bran IV]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 35|''A Clash of Kings'': 35. Bran V]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 46|''A Clash of Kings'': 46. Bran VI]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 50|''A Clash of Kings'': 50. Theon IV]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 56|''A Clash of Kings'': 56. Theon V]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 66|''A Clash of Kings'': 66. Theon VI]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 69|''A Clash of Kings'': 69. Bran VII]]
*[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 37|''A Dance with Dragons'': 37. The Prince of Winterfell]]
*[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 41|''A Dance with Dragons'': 41. The Turncloak]]
*[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 46|''A Dance with Dragons'': 46. A Ghost in Winterfell]]
*[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 51|''A Dance with Dragons'': 51. Theon I]]
}}
==References==
{{References}}

{{Region North‎}}

[[Category:Winterfell| ]]
[[Category:Castles]]
[[Category:Grey castles]]
[[Category:House Stark]]
[[Category:House Bolton]]
[[Category:Places in the North]]
[[Category:Ringforts]]
[[Category:Ruins]]

[[es:Invernalia]]
[[fa:وینترفل]]
[[fr:Winterfell]]
[[pt:Winterfell]]
[[ru:Винтерфелл]]
[[tr:Kışyarı]]
[[zh:临冬城]]

Winterfell

2026-04-13T19:56:07Z

Hhwang: /* A Clash of Kings */

{{Infobox settlement
| name = Winterfell
| image = [[File:Ted Nasmith A Song of Ice and Fire Winterfell.jpg|350px]]
| image_caption = Winterfell by [http://www.tednasmith.com/ Ted Nasmith] ©
| settlement_type= Castle and regional capital
| location = [[Westeros]], the [[north]]
| seat = [[House Stark]]
| seat_type = [[Feudalism|feudal lord]]
| lord = Lord [[Eddard Stark]] (AGoT) Lord [[Ramsay Bolton]] (ADwD)
| religion = [[Old gods]]
| population =
| size =
| founded = [[Age of Heroes]]
| named_for =
| places = [[Great Hall of Winterfell|Great Hall]], [[Great Keep (Winterfell)|Great Keep]], [[First Keep]], [[broken tower]], [[godswood of Winterfell|godswood]], [[Crypt of Winterfell|crypt]], [[winter town]]
| organizations =
}}
{|
{{Location map| File:The North.png
| label = '''Winterfell'''
| lat = 8
| long = -12
| position = right
| mark = Wolff2.PNG
| marksize = 9
| width = 350
| float = right
| caption = The [[north]] and the location of Winterfell
| alt = The north and the location of Winterfell
}}
|}

'''Winterfell''' is the ancestral castle and seat of power of [[House Stark]] and is considered to be the capital of the [[north]]. It is in the center of the northernmost province of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], on the [[kingsroad]] that runs from [[Storm's End]] to the [[Wall]]. The castle is situated at the eastern edge of the [[wolfswood]], north of the western branch of the [[White Knife]] and [[Castle Cerwyn]]. Winterfell is south of the [[northern mountains]] and southwest of [[Long Lake]],{{ref|TLOIAF|Westeros}} one hundred leagues (three hundred miles) southeast of [[Deepwood Motte]].{{ref|ADWD|42}}

==Household==
[[Vayon Poole]] is the castle's steward, and Maester [[Luwin]] advises Lord [[Eddard Stark]]. Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] serves as Winterfell's master-at-arms and his nephew [[Jory Cassel]] is captain of the [[House Stark guards]]. Septon [[Chayle]] maintains the [[Lady Catelyn's sept|castle's sept]], and Septa [[Mordane]] tutors the Stark children. Other servants include the master of horse [[Hullen]], the kennelmaster [[Farlen]], the blacksmith [[Mikken]], the cook [[Gage]],{{ref|AGOT|Appendix}} and the brewer [[Barth (brewer)|Barth]].{{ref|ACOK|50}} Strong black [[beer]] is served at the castle.{{ref|AGOT|9}}

==Layout==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Winterfell|l1=Images of Winterfell}}

Winterfell is a huge castle complex spanning several acres and encircled by two massive granite walls.{{Ref|ACOK|50}} The [[winter town]] is a village found outside of the castle.{{ref|AGOT|37}}

Winterfell was built around an [[godswood of Winterfell|ancient godswood]] and over natural hot springs. The water is piped through walls and chambers to heat them, making Winterfell more comfortable than other castles during the harsh northern winters. A dozen small courtyards have open pools.{{ref|AGOT|6}}

Winterfell has multiple yards.{{ref|ACOK|50}} Weapons training and [[horse]]riding take place in a large yard, where quintains can be set up for jousting.{{ref|ACOK|16}} Archery butts are found in the old inner ward, which is near the [[broken tower]].{{ref|ACOK|66}} Winterfell's towers and halls have diamond-shaped window panes.{{ref|ACOK|4}}

===Structures===
* The [[Great Keep (Winterfell)|Great Keep]] is the innermost castle and stronghold of the castle complex. It was built over natural hot springs to keep it warm.{{Ref|AGOT|6}} The Great Keep contains bedchambers for [[House Stark]]{{ref|AGOT|6}} as well as the [[solar]] of Lord [[Eddard Stark]].{{ref|ADWD|46}} The building is connected to the armory by a covered bridge.{{Ref|ASOS|80}} From a window on the bridge, one can see the entire yard.{{Ref|AGOT|7}} Beneath the Great Keep are cellars with narrow windows.{{ref|ACOK|69}}

* The [[Great Hall of Winterfell|Great Hall]] is used for receiving guests and the place where the household dines together, including the [[Lord of Winterfell]]. It is made of grey stone{{ref|AGOT|5}} and has wide doors made of [[oak]] and [[iron]],{{ref|ACOK|21}} which opens to the castle yard, and a rear exit leads to a dimly-lit gallery.{{ref|ACOK|21}} Inside, it can hold eight long rows of trestle tables, four to each side of the central aisle,{{ref|ACOK|21}} and the hall can seat five hundred people.{{ref|ACOK|56}} There is a raised platform for noble guests, and the walls are covered with banners.{{Ref|AGOT|5}} The hall contains the high seat of the old [[Kings in the North]]. The seat's cold stone has been polished by the many lords who have sat upon it, and its massive arms are decorated with the carved heads of snarling [[direwolves]].{{ref|AGOT|24}}{{ref|AGOT|53}}

* The [[Lady Catelyn's sept|small sept]] was built for Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]], a [[southron]], by her husband, Lord Eddard.{{Ref|AGOT|2}}

[[File:Winterfell map.png|350px|thumb|Fan-made map of Winterfell before ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]''. 1.North Gate 2.[[Broken Tower]] 3.[[Glass Gardens]] 4.[[Crypt of Winterfell|Crypts]] 5.[[First Keep]] 6.[[Godswood of Winterfell|Godswood]] 7.[[Guards Hall]] 8.[[East Gate]] 9.Armory 10.[[Hunter's Gate]] 11.Kennels 12.[[Guest House]] 13. Bridge between the armory and the Great Keep 14.[[Great Keep (Winterfell)|Great Keep]] 15.Maester's turret 16.Kitchen 17.Courtyard 18.[[Bell Tower]] 19.[[Library Tower]] 20.[[Lady Catelyn's sept|Sept]] 21.Stables 22.[[Great Hall of Winterfell|Great Hall]] 23.Smithy 24.South Gate]]
* The [[First Keep]], a squat and round drum tower, is the oldest surviving part of the castle but is no longer in use. Around it lies a [[lichyard]] where the [[Kings of Winter]] would bury their loyal servants. The keep has [[gargoyle]]s atop it.{{Ref|AGOT|66}}{{ref|ACOK|4}} Maester [[Kennet (maester)|Kennet]] determined it was built after the [[Andals]] arrived.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}}

* The [[broken tower]], also known as the Burned Tower, was once the tallest watchtower in Winterfell. Over 140 years ago a lightning strike set it afire and the top third collapsed inward, but no one rebuilt it.{{Ref|AGOT|8}}{{Ref|ACOK|35}} It stands behind the old inner ward. [[Crow]]s nest atop the broken tower.{{ref|AGOT|8}}

* The ancient [[godswood of Winterfell]] has stood untouched for ten thousand years, with three acres of old packed earth and close-together trees creating a dense canopy, which the castle was built around. At the center of the grove stands an ancient [[weirwood]] with [[heart tree|a face carved into it]], standing over a pool of black water.{{Ref|AGOT|2}} Across the godswood from the heart tree, beneath the windows of the [[Guest House]], an underground hot spring feeds three small pools, with a moss-covered wall looming above them. The godswood is enclosed by walls, and is accessed by a main iron gate, or smaller wooden ones.

* The [[Glass Gardens]]{{ref|ADWD|37}} is a greenhouse heated by the hot springs, which turn it into a place of moist warmth.{{Ref|AGOT|6}} It is used to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers.{{Ref|AGOT|7}}{{Ref|ACOK|51}} The garden has green and yellow glass panes{{ref|ACOK|69}} locked in frames.{{ref|ASOS|80}}

* The [[crypt of Winterfell]], located near the First Keep, is where members of [[House Stark]] are buried. The underground crypts are long and narrow, with pillars moving two by two along its length. Between pillars stand the sepulchers of the Starks of Winterfell, the likenesses of the dead seated on thrones, with iron swords set before them to keep the restless spirits from wandering, and snarling [[direwolves]] at their feet. The crypts are deep under the earth, cavernous and bigger than the complex above ground. They are accessed by a twisting stone stair and a huge ironwood door that lies at a slant to the floor. The stair continues below to older levels where the most ancient [[Kings in the North]] are entombed.{{Ref|AGOT|4}}{{Ref|AGOT|66}}{{Ref|ACOK|69}}

* The [[Bell Tower]] is connected to the [[rookery]] by a bridge. The bridge is covered and runs from the fourth floor of the tower to the second floor of the rookery.{{Ref|AGOT|8}}{{Ref|ASOS|80}}

* The [[maester]]'s turret is below the rookery.{{Ref|ACOK|28}}

* The [[Library Tower]] houses the library at Winterfell. A stonework staircase winds about its exterior.{{Ref|ASOS|80}}

* The [[Guards Hall]] is in line with the Bell Tower, and further back, the First Keep.{{Ref|ACOK|4}}

* The [[sickroom]], located in a tower{{ref|AGOT|17}} with steps and a landing,{{ref|AGOT|10}} is across the bailey from the Library Tower.{{ref|AGOT|14}}

* The armory, which contains the castle's forge,{{ref|AGOT|53}} is located near the Guards Hall{{ref|AGOT|8}} and is a short walk from the yard.{{ref|AGOT|10}} A covered bridge with a window connects the armory to the Great Keep and overlooks the yard.{{ref|AGOT|7}} An ancient [[owl]] sleeps in a dusty loft found above the old armory.{{ref|AGOT|8}} The godswood has a [[sentinel]] tree by the armory wall.{{ref|AGOT|8}}

* Winterfell has undercrofts and cellars.{{ref|ADWD|41}} The castle also has dungeons,{{ref|ADWD|41}} including tower cells.{{ref|ACOK|46}}

===Walls===
[[File:Mariusz Gandzell Gates of Winterfell.png|thumb|350px|Gates of Winterfell by Mariusz Gandzel © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Winterfell is a huge castle complex spanning several acres, defended by two massive walls of grey granite with a wide moat between them.{{ref|ACOK|50}} The outer wall is eighty feet high, while the inner is one hundred feet high.{{Ref|ACOK|50}} There are guard turrets on the outer wall and more than thirty watch turrets on the crenelated inner walls.

The great [[main gates of Winterfell]]{{ref|ADWD|46}} have a gatehouse made of two huge crenelated bulwarks which flank the arched gate{{ref|ASOS|80}} and a drawbridge that opens into the market square of the [[winter town]].{{ref|AGOT|37}}{{ref|ACOK|66}}

A narrow tunnel inside the inner wall stretches halfway around the castle, allowing travel from the south gate all the way to the north gate without interruption.{{ref|AGOT|8}}

* The [[Hunter's Gate]] is close to the kennels and the kitchens. It opens directly onto open fields and the [[wolfswood]], so people can come and go without having to cross through the winter town. It is favored by hunting parties.{{Ref|ACOK|50}}

* The [[East Gate]]{{Ref|ACOK|69}} or east gate{{ref|ADWD|51}} leads to the [[kingsroad]].{{Ref|ACOK|69}} The Kingsroad Gate{{ref|ADWD|46}} may be another name for the same gate.

* The [[Battlements Gate]] is a small arched postern in the inner wall. It crosses the moat between the walls but does not have a passageway through the outer wall.{{ref|ADWD|46}}

===Winter Town===
The [[winter town]], so called because it is mostly deserted during summer, is where smallfolk gather in winter. It is outside the walls of Winterfell. Its market square is filled with wooden stalls for merchants, and its streets are muddy and lined with rows of houses made from logs and undressed stone. Less than one in five are occupied during the summer, but they fill up when winter arrives.{{Ref|AGOT|37}} The kingsroad, which runs east of Winterfell,<ref>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', [[A Dance with Dragons-Map of the North|Map of the North]]</ref> is beyond the winter town.{{Ref|AGOT|13}} There is an inn in the winter town, the [[Smoking Log]].{{Ref|AGOT|37}}

==History==
===Older History===
[[File:Torrhen Stark on the throne at Winterfell by Wouter Florusse for the Rise of the Dragon.jpg|350px|thumb|The last [[King of Winter]], [[Torrhen Stark]], seated on Winterfell's throne by Wouter Florusse for ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'']]
According to legend, Winterfell was built by [[Brandon the Builder]], who was aided by [[giants]],{{Ref|ASOS|41}} after the [[Long Night]] ended eight thousand years ago.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}} [[Maesters]] believe it was built in pieces over different eras, since the ancient Starks did not level the ground and plan it as a single structure.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}} Some scholars have suggested there were once linked [[ringfort]]s where Winterfell now stands.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}}

For most of recorded history Winterfell was the seat of [[House Stark]], the [[Kings in the North]] and later [[Warden of the North|Wardens of the North]] after King [[Torrhen Stark]] bent the knee to [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] and his [[dragons]]. During the wars between the Kings of Winter from House Stark and the [[Red King]]s from [[House Bolton]], Winterfell was burned by Kings [[Royce II Bolton|Royce II]] and [[Royce IV Bolton]] of the [[Dreadfort]] before the [[coming of the Andals]] to [[Westeros]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}}

Maester [[Kennet (maester)|Kennet]] determined that the [[First Keep]], the oldest surviving part of the castle,{{ref|AGOT|8}} was built some time after the Andals came.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}} Winterfell's inner walls were raised approximately two thousand years ago, and the outer walls were built during the reign of King [[Edrick Stark|Edrick Snowbeard]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}} The heads of some giants are said to have been displayed on Winterfell's walls.{{ref|ASOS|80}}

According to [[free folk]] legend, [[Bael the Bard]] once entered Winterfell under the guise of a singer named Sygerrik. Leaving behind only a [[winter rose]], Bael supposedly disappeared with the daughter of Lord [[Brandon Stark (the daughterless)|Brandon Stark]] after tricking the lord. The daughter eventually reappeared with an infant, a future Lord Stark, the story claiming that they had been hiding in the [[crypt of Winterfell]].{{ref|ACOK|51}} The legend is not recorded in the chronicles of Winterfell, however.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: Winterfell}}

[[Harvest feast]]s have been hosted in Winterfell.{{ref|ACOK|16}}

===House Targaryen===
[[File:Great Keep.jpg|350px|thumb|The [[Great Keep (Winterfell)|Great Keep]] by Eric Lofgren © Fantasy Flight Games]]
King [[Torrhen Stark]] called the banners to Winterfell during [[Aegon's Conquest]], but the King Who Knelt eventually submitted to [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] at the [[Inn of the Kneeling Man]] on the [[Trident]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} King Aegon I visited Winterfell in {{Date|33}} during the last of his [[Royal progress|progresses]] throughout the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}}

King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] and Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]] visited Winterfell in {{date|58}}. Lord [[Alaric Stark]] took Alysanne hunting in the [[wolfswood]] and allowed her to explore the [[Library Tower|castle library]]. Lord Stark showed Jaehaerys the tomb of his brother, Lord [[Walton Stark (son of Brandon)|Walton]], in the crypts.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

===Dance of the Dragons===
During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] visited Winterfell and gained Lord [[Cregan Stark]] for the cause of Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and the [[blacks]]. According to [[Mushroom]], Jacaerys slept with [[Sara Snow]] and wed her in the [[godswood of Winterfell|castle's godswood]], although the [[fool]]'s story is doubted by [[Gyldayn]]. The archmaester is also skeptical of Mushroom's claim that [[Vermax]] left a clutch of [[dragon's egg]]s at Winterfell.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

As the war progressed, Lord Cregan gathered hosts to Winterfell, [[Barrowton]], and [[White Harbor]] before marching south toward [[King's Landing]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

After the war ended in {{date|131}}, blizzards descended on Winterfell. Lord [[Benjicot Blackwood]] travelled to Winterfell for the wedding of his aunt, [[Alysanne Blackwood|Black Aly]], to Lord Stark in the godswood.{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

===Eddard Stark===
At the start of [[Robert's Rebellion]], Lord [[Eddard Stark]] left the [[Eyrie]] and crossed the [[Mountains of the Moon]] and the [[Bite]] to return to the north, where he raised the northern banners.{{ref|ADWD|9}} His younger brother [[Benjen Stark]] remained in the castle for the war's duration as the Stark in Winterfell.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/ConQuest_Kansas_City_MO_May_27_294 ConQuest (Kansas City, MO; May 27-29)], May 27, 2005</ref>

[[Mance Rayder]] once accompanied [[Lord Commander Qorgyle]] in a visit from the [[Wall]] to Winterfell to see Lord Eddard.{{ref|ASOS|7}} When [[Alys Karstark]] was six, her father, Lord [[Rickard Karstark|Rickard]], brought her to Winterfell to meet Eddard's heir, [[Robb Stark|Robb]]. Alys danced with a courteous Robb and a sullen [[Jon Snow]] during the feast.{{ref|ADWD|44}} Lord [[Yohn Royce]] visited the Starks when his son, Ser [[Waymar Royce]], joined the [[Night's Watch]], and Bronze Yohn defeated Eddard and Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] in the yard.{{ref|AFFC|23}} The [[House Cerwyn|Cerwyns]] often visit Winterfell because [[Castle Cerwyn]] is only half a day away.{{ref|ACOK|16}}{{ref|ACOK|30}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Thomas Denmark ned cat hart tree.jpg|350px|thumb|[[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]] visits [[Eddard Stark|Ned]] in the [[godswood of Winterfell|godswood]], by [http://thomasdenmarkportfolio.blogspot.com/ Thomas Denmark]. © [http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ Fantasy Flight Games] ]]
Lord [[Eddard Stark]] hosts King [[Robert I Baratheon]] and the royal family at Winterfell after the death of Lord [[Jon Arryn]]. They visit the [[crypt of Winterfell|crypt]] so Robert can pay his respects to [[Lyanna Stark]].{{ref|AGOT|4}} Eddard hosts a [[feast in honor of King Robert's visit to Winterfell]].{{ref|AGOT|5}} While climbing toward the [[broken tower]], [[Bran Stark]] is pushed from the [[First Keep]] after finding Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] cavorting with his sister, Queen [[Cersei Lannister]].{{ref|AGOT|8}}

[[Robb Stark]] remains in the castle when Eddard travels south to [[King's Landing]] to serve as the new [[Hand of the King]]. A fire is started in the [[Library Tower]] in order to distract the guards during the [[catspaw]]'s attempt on Bran's life in the [[sickroom]].{{Ref|AGOT|14}}

When Robb hears that Eddard has been taken prisoner in King's Landing, he raises the [[north]]ern bannerman and marches south to rescue his father. Bran remains as the Stark in Winterfell. The direwolf [[Lady (direwolf)|Lady]] is buried in the [[lichyard]] of the First Keep.{{Ref|AGOT|53}} Lady [[Catelyn Stark]] appoints Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] as castellan of Winterfell.{{ref|AGOT|55}} While at [[Riverrun]], Robb is proclaimed [[King in the North]] by northern and [[riverlands|rivermen]] alike.{{ref|AGOT|71}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Winterfell by feliche.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Winterfell by [http://feliche.deviantart.com/ Feliche] ©]]
Bran, the Stark in Winterfell in Robb's absence, hosts numerous northern lords for the [[harvest feast (299)|harvest feast]].{{ref|ACOK|21}} Songs performed during the festival include "[[Iron Lances]]", "[[The Burning of the Ships]]", and "[[The Bear and the Maiden Fair]]".

During the [[War of the Five Kings]], Winterfell is captured in a [[capture of Winterfell|surprise attack]] by the [[ironmen]] led by [[Theon Greyjoy]].{{ref|ACOK|46}} He rules the castle for several weeks, but he lacks the manpower to hold it indefinitely against the Stark bannermen. [[Asha Greyjoy]] refuses to help her brother hold the castle, which is far from the [[Sunset Sea]].{{ref|ACOK|56}}

Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] assembles nearly two thousand northmen to retake Winterfell from Theon. [[Ramsay Snow]], the castellan of the [[Dreadfort]], leads the [[House Bolton|Bolton]] soldiers in betraying their fellow northmen, however, and Rodrik's army is destroyed in a [[battle outside the gates of Winterfell]]. Ramsay then double-crosses Theon, takes him prisoner, and has the Dreadfort men [[Sack of Winterfell|sack and burn Winterfell]].{{ref|ACOK|66}} The ceiling of the [[Great Hall of Winterfell|Great Hall]] and one whole side of the [[First Keep]] collapse during the sack of Winterfell. A shallow steaming lake forms beneath the [[Library Tower]], while the Maester's turret and the bridge connecting the [[Bell Tower]] to the [[rookery]] are destroyed. Bran and [[Rickon Stark]], undetected in the crypts, make their escape from Winterfell in the aftermath.{{Ref|ACOK|69}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
The surviving women and children of Winterfell are taken to the [[Dreadfort]] by [[Ramsay Snow]],{{ref|ASOS|35}}<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1176 Readers and Realism], June 28, 2001</ref> who also holds [[Theon Greyjoy]] as a hostage.{{ref|ASOS|49}}

Due to the alleged deaths of Bran and Rickon Stark, [[Sansa Stark]] is now considered the heir to Winterfell. For this title Lady [[Olenna Tyrell]] plots to have Sansa married to the heir of [[Highgarden]], [[Willas Tyrell]]. When Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] is informed of this he has his son, [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]], marry her instead, to both Sansa and Tyrion's reluctance.

[[File:MKomarck SansaEyrie.jpg|300px|thumb|right|[[Sansa Stark]] making a snow-castle of Winterfell at the [[Eyrie]], by Michael Komarck ©]]

After King [[Robb Stark]] marries [[Jeyne Westerling]], he tells his mother, [[Catelyn Stark]], that he plans to legitimize his brother, [[Jon Snow]] of the [[Night's Watch]], and name him heir of Winterfell and [[King in the North]] should he and Jeyne not have a child. Due to Sansa's marriage to Tyrion, Robb fears that Sansa will give Tyrion a son and thus control of Winterfell which Robb wants to prevent. Catelyn pleads that Robb consider naming his other sister, [[Arya Stark|Arya]], as heir, but Robb insists that no one has seen Arya since his father [[Eddard Stark|Eddard's]] death and that Arya is likely also dead. Robb signs the decree naming Jon his heir,{{ref|AWOIAF|Robb Stark}} but the whereabouts of the will are unknown after Robb's death in the [[Red Wedding]].

As Sansa hides at the [[Eyrie]] after [[Purple Wedding|the murder]] of [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], she reminisces fondly about Winterfell and makes a castle of snow in its likeness with the aid of [[Petyr Baelish]].{{Ref|ASOS|80}}

At the [[Wall]], in exchange for Jon Snow recognizing [[Stannis Baratheon]] as king, Stannis offers to legitimize him, which would make him Lord Jon Stark of Winterfell. However, Jon refuses Stannis and he instead becomes the 998th [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]].

===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[Asha Greyjoy]] informs Lord [[Rodrik Harlaw]] that when she and her [[ironborn]] searched Winterfell for Theon they found only scattered bodies scavenged by wolves.{{ref|AFFC|11}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Lino Drieghe Winterfell.JPG|thumb|350px|Winterfell by Lino Drieghe © Fantasy Flight Games]]
King [[Stannis Baratheon]] reminds [[Jon Snow]] that he had hoped to bestow Winterfell on him, and that his offer was thrown in his face. Jon replies that by right Winterfell should go to his sister, [[Sansa Stark]]. Stannis asks Jon if he is eager to see the Imp, [[Tyrion Lannister]], perched on [[Eddard Stark]]'s seat. He promises Jon that as long as he, Stannis, is alive that will not happen.{{ref|ADWD|3}}

Lord [[Roose Bolton]], the new [[Warden of the North]], moves the wedding of his newly-legitimized son, [[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]], to "[[Arya Stark]]", who is actually [[Jeyne Poole]], from [[Barrowton]] to Winterfell.{{ref|ADWD|32}} When the [[House Bolton|Boltons]] arrive at Winterfell, Roose finds the ruined castle a refuge of more than two dozen squatters. When he tells them he will be merciful if they serve well, they are used as labor to partially restore Winterfell. They rebuild burned gates and raise a new roof over the Great Hall. After the work is completed Roose has them all hanged; true to his word he is merciful and does not flay one.{{ref|ADWD|37}}

[[Wedding of Ramsay Bolton and Arya Stark|Ramsay marries "Arya"]] in the [[godswood of Winterfell|godswood]] and becomes [[Lord of Winterfell]], with [[Theon Greyjoy]] giving Jeyne away. Lord [[Wyman Manderly]] furnishes the wedding feast and asks the singer [[Mance Rayder|Abel]] to sing of the [[Rat Cook]].{{ref|ADWD|37}}

During a winter storm that hits Winterfell, squires build snowmen on the battlements. A dozen snowy lords are built to command them, including depictions of Lord Manderly, Lord [[Harwood Stout]], Lady [[Barbrey Dustin]], and [[Whoresbane Umber]] on the battlements. Theon and Barbrey discover that swords are missing from the [[crypt of Winterfell|crypts]].{{ref|ADWD|41}} Tensions heighten during the blizzard as several [[House Frey|Freys]] and northerners are found dead.{{ref|ADWD|46}}

After Freys fight with [[House Manderly|Manderly]] men, Roose sends the Freys out the [[main gates of Winterfell|main gate]] and the Manderlys out the [[east gate]]. They are to march on Stannis's army, which is said to be three days [[march on Winterfell|march from Winterfell]]. Amidst the commotion, Theon and "Arya" flee the castle by passing through the [[Battlements Gate]], climbing a stair to the battlements, and leaping into the snow.{{ref|ADWD|51}}

It is believed among Stannis's army that [[Arnolf Karstark]], castellan of [[Karhold]], would receive Winterfell should it be taken from the Boltons.{{ref|ADWD|62}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
Roose has sent out the Freys and Manderlys, as well as Ramsay and his men, but he has kept much of his own strength behind in Winterfell. According to Theon, who has been brought to Stannis by [[Mors Umber]], Roose is keeping his own men back as a reserve, as he once did in the riverlands, to weaken potential rivals.<ref name=Winds>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]</ref>

Mors had his troops built pits outside the main gate. The Freys ride into them, causing [[Aenys Frey]] to break his neck.<ref name=Winds/>

==Quotes==
[[File:Federico Musetti Winterfell CastlII.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Jon Snow]] overlooking Winterfell, by Federico Musetti © Fantasy Flight Games]]
{{Quote|Bran could perch for hours among the shapeless, rain-worn [[gargoyle]]s that brooded over the [[First Keep]], watching it all: the men drilling with wood and [[steel]] in the yard, the cooks tending their vegetables in the [[Glass Gardens|glass garden]], restless dogs running back and forth in the kennels, the silence of [[godswood of Winterfell|the godswood]], the girls gossiping beside the washing well. It made him feel like he was lord of the castle, in a way even [[Robb Stark|Robb]] would never know. It taught him Winterfell's secrets too. The builders had not even leveled the earth; there were hills and valleys behind the walls of Winterfell. There was a covered bridge that went from the fourth floor of the [[bell tower]] across to the second floor of the [[rookery]]. Bran knew about that. And he knew you could get inside the inner wall by the south gate, climb three floors and run all the way around Winterfell through a narrow tunnel in the stone, and then come out on ground level at the north gate, with a hundred feet of wall looming over you. Even Maester [[Luwin]] didn't know that, Bran was convinced.{{Ref|AGOT|8}}|[[Bran Stark]]'s thoughts}}

{{Quote|He remembered Winterfell as he had last seen it. Not as grotesquely huge as [[Harrenhal]], nor as solid and impregnable to look at as [[Storm's End]], yet there had been a great strength in those stones, a sense that within those walls a man might feel safe. The news of the castle’s fall had come as a wrenching shock.{{Ref|ACOK|54}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]]'s thoughts}}

{{Quote|The Lord of Winterfell would always be a [[House Stark|Stark]].{{Ref|ACOK|54}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]]'s thoughts}}

{{Quote|"The [[Prince of Winterfell]]." Of Winterfell burned and tumbled, its people scattered and slain. The glass gardens were smashed, and hot water gushed from the cracked walls to steam beneath the sun. How can you be the prince of someplace you might never see again?{{Ref|ASOS|9}}|[[Bran Stark]]'s thoughts}}

{{quote|The [[weirwood]] was the heart of Winterfell, Lord [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]] always said ... but to save the castle Jon would have to tear that heart up by its ancient roots, and feed it to [[Melisandre|the red woman's]] hungry [[R'hllor|fire god]]. I have no right. Winterfell belongs to the [[old gods]].{{ref|ASOS|79}}|[[Jon Snow]]'s thoughts}}

{{Quote|Drifting snowflakes brushed her face as light as lover’s kisses, and melted on her cheeks. At the center of the garden, beside the statue of the weeping woman that lay broken and half-buried on the ground, she turned her face up to the sky and closed her eyes. She could feel the snow on her lashes, taste it on her lips. It was the taste of Winterfell. The taste of innocence. The taste of dreams.{{Ref|ASOS|80}}|[[Sansa Stark]]'s thoughts, at the [[Eyrie]]}}

{{Quote|'''Petyr''': May I come into your castle, my lady? 
'''Sansa''': Don’t break it. Be ... 
'''Petyr''': ... gentle? Winterfell has withstood fiercer enemies than me. It is Winterfell, is it not? 
'''Sansa''': Yes. 
'''Petyr''': I used to dream of it, in those years after [[Catelyn Stark|Cat]] went north with [[Eddard Stark]]. In my dreams it was ever a dark place, and cold. 
'''Sansa''': No. It was always warm, even when it snowed. Water from the hot springs is piped through the walls to warm them, and inside the glass gardens it was always like the hottest day of summer.{{Ref|ASOS|80}}|[[Sansa Stark]] makes a snow castle of Winterfell with [[Petyr Baelish]]}}

{{Quote|Winterfell was full of ghosts for Theon Greyjoy.{{ref|ADWD|37}}|[[Theon Greyjoy]]'s thoughts}}

{{quote|It was my home, though. Not a true home, but the best I ever knew.{{ref|ADWD|46}}|[[Theon Greyjoy]]'s thoughts}}

==Chapters that take place in Winterfell==
{{Columns|3|
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 2|''A Game of Thrones'': 2. Catelyn I]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 4|''A Game of Thrones'': 4. Eddard I]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 5|''A Game of Thrones'': 5. Jon I]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 6|''A Game of Thrones'': 6. Catelyn II]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 7|''A Game of Thrones'': 7. Arya I]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 8|''A Game of Thrones'': 8. Bran II]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 9|''A Game of Thrones'': 9. Tyrion I]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 10|''A Game of Thrones'': 10. Jon II]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 14|''A Game of Thrones'': 14. Catelyn III]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 17|''A Game of Thrones'': 17. Bran III]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 24|''A Game of Thrones'': 24. Bran IV]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 53|''A Game of Thrones'': 53. Bran VI]]
*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 66|''A Game of Thrones'': 66. Bran VII]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 4|''A Clash of Kings'': 4. Bran I]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 16|''A Clash of Kings'': 16. Bran II]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 21|''A Clash of Kings'': 21. Bran III]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 28|''A Clash of Kings'': 28. Bran IV]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 35|''A Clash of Kings'': 35. Bran V]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 46|''A Clash of Kings'': 46. Bran VI]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 50|''A Clash of Kings'': 50. Theon IV]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 56|''A Clash of Kings'': 56. Theon V]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 66|''A Clash of Kings'': 66. Theon VI]]
*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 69|''A Clash of Kings'': 69. Bran VII]]
*[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 37|''A Dance with Dragons'': 37. The Prince of Winterfell]]
*[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 41|''A Dance with Dragons'': 41. The Turncloak]]
*[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 46|''A Dance with Dragons'': 46. A Ghost in Winterfell]]
*[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 51|''A Dance with Dragons'': 51. Theon I]]
}}
==References==
{{References}}

{{Region North‎}}

[[Category:Winterfell| ]]
[[Category:Castles]]
[[Category:Grey castles]]
[[Category:House Stark]]
[[Category:House Bolton]]
[[Category:Places in the North]]
[[Category:Ringforts]]
[[Category:Ruins]]

[[es:Invernalia]]
[[fa:وینترفل]]
[[fr:Winterfell]]
[[pt:Winterfell]]
[[ru:Винтерфелл]]
[[tr:Kışyarı]]
[[zh:临冬城]]

House Stark

2026-02-24T20:09:24Z

Hhwang: /* Household */

{{Noble House
| House_name = House Stark of Winterfell
| image = House Stark.svg
| image_caption =
| Coat_of_arms = A running grey direwolf, on an ice-white field ''(Argent, a direwolf courant cendrée)''
| Words = Winter Is Coming
| textcolor = #666666
| bgcolor = #ffffff
| bordercolor = #ccc
| Seat = [[Winterfell]] (formerly)
| Current_Lord = Unknown; [[Bran Stark]] (de jure)
| Region = [[North]] [[Riverlands]] (formerly)
| Title = [[King in the North|King of Winter/King in the North]] (formerly) [[Prince of Winterfell]] (formerly) [[Lord of Winterfell]] (formerly) [[Warden of the North]] (formerly) [[King of the Trident]] (formerly)
| Heir = [[Rickon Stark]] (Bran's heir) [[Jon Snow]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Robb Stark}} (per Robb Stark's will)
| Overlord = [[House Baratheon of King's Landing]] (AGOT) [[House Bolton]] (ADWD)
| Ancestral_weapon = [[Ice]] (reforged)
| Cadet_branch = [[House Greystark]] (extinct) [[House Karstark]] [[Barrowton]] Starks (possibly)<ref name="SSM Stark Family">[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1239/ The Stark Family], June 10, 2003</ref> [[White Harbor]] Starks (possibly)<ref name="SSM Stark Family"/>
| Founded_in = [[Age of Heroes]]
| Founder = [[Brandon the Builder]]
}}

'''House Stark of Winterfell''' is one of the [[Great Houses]] of [[Westeros]] and the principal noble house of the [[north]]. In days of old they ruled as [[King in the North|Kings of Winter]], but since [[Aegon's Conquest]] they have been [[Warden of the North|Wardens of the North]] and ruled as [[Lords of Winterfell]]. Their seat, [[Winterfell]], is an ancient castle renowned for its strength.

Their sigil is a grey [[direwolf]] racing across a field of white. Their words are "''Winter Is Coming''", one of only a few house mottoes to be a warning rather than a boast.{{Ref|AGOT|1}} Several of the [[POV character]]s of ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' are members of House Stark.

Aside from the [[House Karstark|Karstarks]] of [[Karhold]], the Starks of Winterfell may have other, distant relatives in the north. [[White Harbor]] and [[Barrowton]] are considered to be likely options for offshoot branches.<ref name="SSM Stark Family"/> Some younger Starks have also held vassal holdfasts for the Lords of Winterfell.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Land_Ownership_and_Marriage_in_Westeros Land Ownership and Marriage in Westeros?], December 19, 1999</ref>

==Culture==
===Traits===
The Starks have a reputation for long faces,{{ref|AGOT|13}}{{ref|AGOT|15}} brown hair,{{ref|AGOT|15}} and grey eyes.{{ref|AGOT|40}}{{ref|ADWD|20}} Some are known for melancholy{{ref|AGOT|4}} and iciness,{{ref|AGOT|20}} while others have a wildness sometimes called "[[wolf blood]]".{{ref|AGOT|22}}{{ref|ACOK|4}}{{ref|ACOK|64}}

In the current generation of Starks, several members (e.g., [[Arya Stark|Arya]] and [[Bran Stark]] and [[Jon Snow]]) have the ability to enter the minds of their [[direwolf]] pets as [[warg]]s, giving them the ability to experience the senses of their direwolves{{Ref|ASOS|79}} and to see through their eyes. The latter occurs most frequently when the children sleep,{{Ref|ACOK|53}}{{Ref|ADWD|45}} although they are able to do it at will when awake, once they are more practiced.{{Ref|ASOS|40}}{{Ref|ADWD|45}}

===Customs===
House Stark traditionally buries deceased members of their family in the [[crypt of Winterfell|crypts below Winterfell]].{{Ref|ACOK|69}}{{Ref|AGOT|50}} The [[King in the North|Kings of Winter]] and [[Lord of Winterfell|Lords of Winterfell]] are given a statue of their likeness, sitting by their tomb, whereas other family members normally do not get one.{{Ref|AGOT|66}} Exceptions include [[Brandon Stark|Brandon]] and [[Lyanna Stark]], who were given statues by their brother, Lord [[Eddard Stark]],{{Ref|AGOT|66}} and [[Artos Stark]]. The statues of the kings and lords have stone wolves by their feet{{Ref|ACOK|35}}{{Ref|AGOT|50}} and have swords placed upon their lap,{{Ref|AGOT|50}} which are said to keep the spirits of the dead at rest, locked within their tombs.{{Ref|ADWD|41}}{{ref|ACOK|69}}

House Stark traditionally follows the [[old gods]].{{Ref|AGOT|53}}{{Ref|AGOT|57}}{{Ref|AGOT|70}}{{Ref|ACOK|43}} Following the marriage of Eddard to Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]], a follower of the [[Faith of the Seven]], a [[Lady Catelyn's sept|small sept]] was constructed for her at [[Winterfell]].{{Ref|AGOT|2}}

The Starks have traditionally been friends of the [[Night's Watch]].{{Ref|ACOK|66}}{{Ref|ASOS|40}}{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}{{Ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} The four youngest men to have served as [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch|Lord Commander]], including [[Osric Stark]], were brothers, sons, or [[bastards]] of Kings in the North.{{ref|AFFC|5}}

The Starks hold the belief that there must always be a Stark in Winterfell.{{Ref|AGOT|6}}{{Ref|AGOT|14}}<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/ConQuest_Kansas_City_MO_May_27_294 ConQuest (Kansas City, MO; May 27-29)], May 27, 2005</ref> When the head of the house is away, the Stark remaining in the castle to rule the north is referred to as "the Stark in Winterfell".{{Ref|ACOK|21}}{{Ref|ACOK|28}}{{Ref|ACOK|46}}{{Ref|ACOK|51}}{{Ref|ASOS|24}}{{Ref|ASOS|55}}

==History==
===Kings in the North===
[[File:T Jedruszek RobbSwornSwords.jpg|thumb|350px|Stark cavalry, Tomasz Jedruszek © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The Starks are an ancient house of [[First Men]] descent.{{Ref|AGOT|1}} House Stark was founded by [[Brandon the Builder]], a legendary figure who lived during the [[Age of Heroes]]. Bran the Builder is said to have raised [[Winterfell]],{{ref|AGOT|2}} the seat of the Starks, and the [[Wall]],{{ref|AGOT|24}} and other legends connect him with [[Storm's End]]{{ref|ACOK|31}}{{ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: House Durrandon}} and the [[Hightower]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} The Starks were [[King in the North|Kings of Winter]] in the north for eight thousand years{{ref|ACOK|21}}{{ref|ACOK|52}} since the Age of Heroes, possibly beginning with Bran the Builder. The [[Night's King]], the attainted thirteenth [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], has been suggested to have been a Stark, among other possibilities.{{ref|ASOS|56}} The Night's King is said to have been defeated by [[Brandon Stark (Breaker)|Brandon the Breaker]] and [[Joramun]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Night's Watch}}

The ancient Starks gradually defeated rival kings, such as the [[Barrow Kings]] to their south and the [[Red King]]s to their east.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}} For several millennia, the Starks were not the uncontested Kings in the North. Their primary antagonists, the Red Kings from [[House Bolton]] of the [[Dreadfort]], swore fealty some thousand years ago, ending their [[flaying]] ways. Meanwhile, King [[Jon Stark]] drove raiders from the [[White Knife]], and the [[Wolf's Den]] was built at its mouth. This stronghold was often granted to sons and grandsons of the King in the North; one such branch, the [[House Greystark|Greystarks]], was extinguished after allying with the Boltons against the Starks.{{ref|ADWD|29}} King Jon's son, [[Rickard Stark (king)|Rickard]], defeated the [[Marsh King]] and married his daughter, bringing the [[Neck]] into Winterfell's realm under the lordship of [[House Reed]].{{ref|AGOT|66}}

When [[Andals]] attempted to conquer the north, King [[Theon Stark]] made common cause with House Bolton and defeated [[Argos Sevenstar]] in the [[Battle of the Weeping Water]], after which he raised a fleet and sailed to [[Andalos]]. There he took revenge by sacking and putting hundreds to death. He later conquered the [[Three Sisters]], attacked the [[Fingers]], and battled against the [[ironborn]], driving them away from [[Cape Kraken]] and [[Bear Island]] and slaying [[Ravos Hoare]]. Both places were later taken back by King [[Loron Greyjoy]], and King [[Rodrik Stark]] took Bear Island back after Loron's death. It is said that he did so by winning a wrestling match, though some scholars doubt the truth of this tale.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Mountain Clans}}{{Ref|AGOT|66}} Rodrik's sons and grandsons took back Cape Kraken.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}} King Theon also smashed a rebellion in the [[Rills]], and gave aid to the Night's Watch against [[wildlings]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}}

Thousands of years before [[Aegon's Conquest]],{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} King [[Brandon Stark (Shipwright)|Brandon the Shipwright]] attempted to sail across the [[Sunset Sea]], but never returned back home. His son, also named [[Brandon Stark (Burner)|Brandon]], burned the northern shipyards in his grief.{{Ref|AGOT|66}}{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} The north has since lacked strength at sea.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

House Stark attempted to conquer the Three Sisters, which began a conflict between the Starks and [[House Arryn]] from the [[Vale of Arryn|Vale]]. In response to the [[Rape of the Three Sisters]], the [[Sistermen]] asked for help from [[Mathos II Arryn]], [[King of Mountain and Vale]]. This conflict, the [[War Across the Water]], lasted for a thousand years, during which time the Starks thrice landed on the [[Fingers]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Vale}}{{Ref|ADWD|9}} During King [[Edrick Stark]]'s hundred-year long reign, the Wolf's Den, already torched by House Arryn, was captured by slavers from the [[Stepstones]]. Edrick's great-grandson, King [[Brandon Stark (Ice Eyes)|Brandon "Ice Eyes"]], took back the Wolf's Den.{{Ref|ADWD|29}} After a thousand years of war, the Arryns were victorious over the Starks, and the Valemen have ruled over the Three Sisters ever since.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Vale}}

Several centuries before Aegon's Conquest,<ref group="N">When exactly [[House Manderly]] came north is unknown. In {{Date|211}}, Lady [[Rohanne Webber]] dated the flight of the Manderlys as having occurred "a thousand years" ago (''[[The Sworn Sword]]''). Lord [[Godric Borrell]] defines the time period to "no more than nine hundred years" before {{Date|300}} (''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 9|Davos I]]). However, [[Wylla Manderly]] and Maester [[Yandel]] date the arrival of the Manderlys in the north back a bit further, "a thousand years before [[Aegon's Conquest|the Conquest]]" (''A Dance with Dragons'', [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 19|Davos III]]) and "some thousand years before the Conquest", (''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'', The North: The Kings of Winter) respectively. A semi-canon source lists "a thousand years before the Conquest" as well (''[[A World of Ice and Fire]]'', White Harbor). These accounts thus place the arrival of the Manderlys in the north between 1000 BC and 600 BC.</ref> [[House Manderly]] was driven into exile from the [[Mander]] by Lord [[Lorimar Peake]] during the reign of [[Perceon III Gardener]], [[King of the Reach]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}} The Starks welcomed them to the north, and accepted oaths of fealthy from the Manderlys, giving them the Wolf's Den and the surrounding lands, leading to the creation of [[White Harbor]] around the Wolf's Den.{{Ref|ADWD|19}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}}{{ref|AWOIAF|Wolf's Den}}

Possibly around 700 BC,<ref group="N">[[Catelyn Stark]] recalls that [[Karlon Stark]] put down a rebel lord "a thousand years ago" (''[[A Storm of Swords]]'', [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 20|Catelyn III]]). It is unknown if this means one thousand years ago (seven hundred years before [[Aegon's Conquest]]) or if [[George R. R. Martin]] is being figurative.</ref> [[Karlon Stark]], a younger son of Winterfell, helped crush a rebel lord. As a reward, he was granted lands on which he built a keep named Karl's Hold. Over time, the keep became known as [[Karhold]] and Karlon's descendants became [[House Karstark]].{{Ref|ASOS|20}}

The Starks helped repel several major [[wildling]] invasions, such as when they and their [[House Umber|Umber]] bannermen defeated the brother [[King-Beyond-the-Wall|Kings-Beyond-the-Wall]] [[Gendel]] and [[Gorne]] three thousand years ago.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Wildlings}} [[Bael the Bard]] is said to have sired a son on the maiden daughter of [[Brandon Stark (the daughterless)|Brandon the Daughterless]]. Bael was later slain by his own son, who was unaware of the fact that Bael was his father.{{ref|ACOK|51}}

===Targaryen Conquest and Aftermath===
[[File:Katherine Dinger my loyalty.jpg|thumb|350px|Stark loyalist, by Katherine Dinger © Fantasy Flight Games]]
During [[Aegon's Conquest]], King [[Torrhen Stark]] raised thirty thousand [[northmen]] and marched south. With the [[burning of Harrenhal]] and the [[Field of Fire]] in mind, however, Torrhen submitted without battle to [[Aegon I Targaryen]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} Since the time of the King Who Knelt, the Starks have held the [[north]] for the [[Lords of the Seven Kingdoms]] as [[Warden of the North|Wardens of the North]].{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}} Queen [[Rhaenys Targaryen]] arranged the marriage of Torrhen's daughter to [[Ronnel Arryn (king)|Ronnel Arryn]], the [[Lord of the Eyrie]], in an attempt to knit the new realm together.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Vale: House Arryn}} There are letters at the [[Citadel]] which suggest that Torrhen only agreed to this match after much protest, and that his sons had refused to attend the wedding.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}} Torrhen's sons did not agree with the rule of [[House Targaryen]]. Some spoke of rebelling and raising the Stark banner.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}}

Torrhen was succeeded by [[Brandon Stark (the Boisterous)|Brandon the Boisterous]]. At some point rule of the north passed to [[Roderick Stark]], and Roderick was succeeded by [[Brandon Stark (father of Walton)|Brandon the Boastful]]. Brandon the Boastful attended the [[Golden Wedding]] in {{date|49}}, along with his sons [[Walton Stark (son of Brandon)|Walton]] and [[Alaric Stark|Alaric]], though Brandon died soon after his return to the north.{{Ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}

Despite earlier rumblings of dissent by Torrhen's sons, the Starks did not rise like the rebels [[Jonos Arryn]], [[Lodos the Twice-Drowned]], and [[Harren the Red]] against Aegon the Conqueror's son, King [[Aenys I Targaryen]]. As the north follows the [[old gods]], they did not heed the [[High Septon (Aenys I)|High Septon's]] calls for rebellion, and the Starks took no part in the [[Faith Militant uprising]] against Aenys and then his brother, King [[Maegor I Targaryen]]. Captured members of the [[Faith Militant]] had been exiled to the [[Night's Watch]] by Maegor the Cruel, and Aenys's son, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], exiled many of Maegor's supporters to the [[Wall]] as well, including surviving members of his old [[Kingsguard]]. Neither group had love for Jaehaerys, so in {{date|50}} the two groups made common cause to [[Night's Watch rebellion of 50 AC|rebel against the leadership of the Watch]]. Lord Walton Stark called his bannermen to intervene and crushed the deserters, but survivors fled beyond the Wall; Walton pursued them but was ambushed by wildlings and killed by [[giants]]. Walton was succeeded by his brother Alaric.{{ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}

In {{Date|58}} Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]] visited Winterfell and was received by Lord Alaric, who was initially cold to her and Jaehaerys because of Walton's fate. Alaric was gradually charmed by Alysanne's visit, however, and his daughter [[Alarra Stark|Alarra]] grew particularly close to the queen during her visit.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} Two of Alaric's sons attended the [[Tourney at King's Landing on the anniversary of the king's coronation|tourney in King's Landing]] which celebrated the tenth anniversary of Jaehaerys's coronation.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} Alaric ordered his bannermen to put aside half of their harvests in anticipation of the winter of {{Date|59|60}}, but not all of the northmen obeyed, resulting in famine.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} The [[Shivers]] followed later that winter, though no specific casualties are mentioned in the north and Alaric survived. Lord Alaric died in {{Date|72}} and was succeeded by his grandson, [[Edric Stark]], as Alaric's two sons had preceded him in death.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}

Alaric's relationship with the Targaryens remained complicated throughout his reign. According to Archmaester [[Gyldayn]], Alysanne charmed a reluctant Alaric<ref group="N">Earlier prints of ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' state that Lord [[Ellard Stark]] was the lord who had been forced to give up the New Gift. However, [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/119534-twoiaf-spoilers-inconsistency-or-intentional/&do=findComment&comment=6483268 it has been confirmed that this is an error], and ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' states that [[Alaric Stark]] was the lord in question.</ref> into granting the [[New Gift]] to the Night's Watch because, even though Alaric was a strong friend to the Watch, he knew the northern lords who already held the lands in question would not be happy to give them away.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} According to Maester [[Yandel]], however, the Starks were opposed to the royal demand for a different reason: the Starks feared that, under the control of [[Castle Black]], the New Gift would inevitably decline, for the Night's Watch would always look northward and never give much thought to their new tenants to the south. Time proved this criticism correct, for as the decades passed the Night's Watch neglected the New Gift and it fell into disuse. Yandel cites that there are archived letters in the [[Citadel]] sent by Lord Stark’s sons, asking the [[maesters]] about precedents against forced donation of property.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}} Whatever the case, on the whole Jaehaerys and Alysanne became popular in the north due to their other generous donations to the Night's Watch, and their construction of the new [[kingsroad]] extending from the [[Neck]] to Winterfell and the Wall.{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}}

===The Dance of the Dragons===
Edric was succeeded by Lord [[Ellard Stark]], who attended the [[Great Council of 101 AC]] to determine the new heir of the elderly King Jaehaerys. The final vote came to a choice between [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] (son of Jaehaerys's second son, Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon]]) and [[Laenor Velaryon]] (grandson of Jaehaerys through [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]], daughter of his first son, Prince [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon]]). Viserys was the candidate Jaehaerys himself preferred, and he won the final vote by a landslide, though the Starks were among the minority of lords who had supported Laenor (and one of only two [[Great Houses]], the other being the [[House Baratheon|Baratheons]]). Yandel that Ellard voted against Jaehaerys's preferred successor because the Starks were still bitter about the king forcing them to donate the [[New Gift]] to the Night's Watch, leading to its mismanagement. The pushed the Starks closer to the Velaryon faction at King [[Viserys I Targaryen]]'s court, and through them to ultimately side with [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] during the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}}

At some point after {{date|101}}, Ellard was succeeded by [[Benjen Stark (lord)|Benjen Stark]], and later Benjen was succeeded by his son [[Rickon Stark (son of Benjen)|Rickon]]. Rickon died in {{date|121}}, and was succeeded as the nominal Lord of Winterfell by his only surviving son, the thirteen-year-old [[Cregan Stark]]. Rickon's brother, [[Bennard Stark|Bennard]], served as [[regent]] during Cregan's minority. When Cregan came of age in {{Date|126}}, however, Bennard was slow to surrender his power. Relations grew strained between Bennard and Cregan as the young Lord of Winterfell chafed under the limits imposed on him by his uncle. Ultimately, Cregan rose up against his uncle, imprisoned Bennard and his sons, and took rule of the north into his own hands.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

[[File:Cregan_Stark.JPG|thumb|350px|[[Cregan Stark]], as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.]]

In {{date|129}}, as the [[Dance of the Dragons]] began, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] recruited Lord Cregan's aid for his mother, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], known as the [[Pact of Ice and Fire]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}} even though the north was considered to be too remote to be of much influence in the war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Cregan initially sent the [[Winter Wolves]] under [[Roderick Dustin]], [[Lord of Barrowton]], and knights from [[White Harbor]] led by Ser [[Medrick Manderly|Medrick]] and Ser [[Torrhen Manderly]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}}

After the gathering of one last harvest before winter,{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Cregan led a great army of childless, homeless, unwed, or old men, and younger sons, to King's Landing. He arrived after King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] had been [[poison]]ed, however, and though he had hoped to punish those lords who had supported the late king, [[Corlys Velaryon]], [[Lord of the Tides]], had already sent out ravens suing for peace. While the court awaited replies, Cregan held sway and arrested all those involved in Aegon II's death, as he objected to the murder of a king. The as-yet-uncrowned [[Aegon III Targaryen]] was cowed into naming Cregan as [[Hand of the King]], though Cregan served only a day in that office, a time known as the [[Hour of the Wolf]]. Lord Stark held trials for twenty-one out of twenty-two of his prisoners, with Corlys the only one spared a trial. Aegon III pardoned Lord Velaryon and restored his titles to him, which Cregan allowed when [[Alysanne Blackwood]] offered the Hand her own hand in marriage. Cregan returned north the next day.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}

Cregan struggled to hold the north together against several threats during the [[regency of Aegon III]]. A devastating winter had already begun late in the war which ultimately lasted six years, and in {{date|132}} the north was one of the first regions in Westeros struck by the [[Winter Fever]], which continued through {{date|133}}. With the north weakened by winter, famine, and plague, a large [[Free folk|wildling]] war-band led by [[Sylas the Grim]] seized on the opportunity to force their way south of the Wall. His force of 3,000 raiders overwhelmed the Night's Watch at [[Queensgate]] and proceeded to plunder the lands to the south. Lord Cregan rallied what few remaining able-bodied men were left among his bannermen, then rode out to hunt down and destroy Sylas's raiding bands.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}

Cregan's eldest son and heir was [[Rickon Stark (son of Cregan)|Rickon]], named after his own father. Rickon predeceased his father when he died in one of the final battles of the [[conquest of Dorne]], during the reign of King [[Daeron I Targaryen]]. The north lamented Rickon's death, for the subsequent reigns of Cregan's younger sons after him were troublesome.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}}

===Cregan's successors===
Cregan Stark had five sons: [[Rickon Stark (son of Cregan)|Rickon]], [[Jonnel Stark|Jonnel]], [[Edric Stark (son of Cregan)|Edric]], [[Barthogan Stark|Barthogan]], and [[Brandon Stark (son of Cregan)|Brandon]]. Though Rickon predeceased his father, he was survived by his own two daughters, [[Sansa Stark (daughter of Rickon)|Sansa]] and [[Serena Stark|Serena]], and by the known [[Laws and justice of the Seven Kingdoms|laws]] of succession they should have been ahead of Rickon's younger brothers in line of inheritance. Northern succession laws may be different,<ref name=HW>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/P210/ The Hornwood Inheritance and the Whents], November 02, 1999</ref> there has never been a ruling Queen of Winter or ruling Lady of Winterfell for example,<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2763/ Various Questions Concerning, Tywin, Oberyn, Gregor, The North, and Sansa], April 15, 2008</ref> however, and primogeniture is not necessarily binding elsewhere in the Seven Kingdoms either.<ref>A Forum of Ice and Fire: [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/120966-errors-in-the-woiaf/&page=4#comment-6801531 Errors in the WOIAF – Comment by Ran], March 10, 2015</ref> Cregan's second son Jonnel succeeded Cregan upon his death, marrying his half-niece Sansa.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}} Cregan's third son Edric married Rickon's other daughter Serena.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}} Jonnel's marriage to Sansa was childless, but upon his death rule passed not to Cregan's third son Edric, but to his fourth son, Barthogan.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Stoneborn of Skagos}} While it is possible that Edric predeceased his older brother, Edric did have two sons and two daughters with Serena, and the daughters had children of their own,{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}} and all of these normally would have been ahead of Barthogan in the line of succession. The exact reasons and circumstances under which Barthogan became lord are as yet unknown.

Barthogan himself later died childless, when he was slain in the [[Skagos]]i rebellion during the reign of King [[Daeron II Targaryen]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Stoneborn of Skagos}} and he was succeeded by Cregan's fifth and final son, Brandon, from whom the later generations of House Stark descend. Convoluted succession challenges remained for decades, possibly through Serena and Edric's children and between Brandon's own rival grandchildren. Brandon was succeeded by his eldest son [[Rodwell Stark|Rodwell]], who died without issue, after which rule passed to his younger brother [[Beron Stark|Beron]]. The grandson of Cregan, Beron was mortally wounded fighting off an incursion by [[Dagon Greyjoy]]'s [[ironborn]], and as he lay dying in Winterfell [[The She-Wolves of Winterfell|multiple Stark widows]] pushed their children's rival succession claims against the others.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1408/ Boskone (Boston, MA; February 17-19)], February 17, 2006, report 1</ref><ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1409/ Boskone (Boston, MA; February 17-19)], February 17, 2006, report 2</ref>

Ultimately Beron was succeeded by his eldest son, [[Donnor Stark]], but when he died without issue rule passed to second son, [[Willam Stark]]. In {{Date|226}}, [[Raymun Redbeard]], the [[King-Beyond-the-Wall]], led a large [[wildling]] invasion. Lord Willam and [[Harmond Umber]], [[Lord of the Last Hearth]], met the wildling host in battle on the shores of [[battle at Long Lake|Long Lake]]. Although Willam was killed by Raymun, his younger brother, [[Artos Stark|Artos]], avenged him by slaying the King-Beyond-the-Wall.{{Ref|ADWD|7}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Wildlings}}

Willam was succeeded upon his death by his son [[Edwyle Stark]], father of [[Rickard Stark]] and grandfather of [[Eddard Stark]].

===Robert's Rebellion===
Lord [[Rickard Stark]], urged on by his [[maester]], [[Walys Flowers|Walys]], allegedly sought to further [[southron]] alliances.{{Ref|ADWD|37}} He sent his second son, [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]], to be fostered with Lord [[Jon Arryn]] at the [[Eyrie]] at the age of eight. There, Eddard befriended fellow ward [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]].{{ref|AGOT|2}}{{Ref|AGOT|6}} Rickard betrothed his heir, [[Brandon Stark|Brandon]], to [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]], the daughter of [[Hoster Tully]], [[Lord of Riverrun]],{{ref|AGOT|6}} and his only daughter, [[Lyanna Stark|Lyanna]], to Robert, [[Lord of Storm's End]].{{Ref|AGOT|4}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring}} Rickard's four children attended the [[tourney at Harrenhal]] in {{Date|281}}, where they met [[Howland Reed]]. After winning the jousting competition at the tourney, Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] crowned Lyanna as his [[queen of love and beauty]], passing over his own wife, Princess [[Elia Martell]].{{ref|AGOT|58}}

In {{Date|282}}, Brandon Stark was at [[Riverrun]] when the date of his wedding to Catelyn Tully was announced. [[Petyr Baelish]], Lord Hoster's ward, had been in love with Catelyn for years, and challenged Brandon to a duel for Catelyn's hand. Brandon won.{{Ref|AGOT|29}}{{Ref|AWOIAF|Petyr Baelish}}{{Ref|AGOT|18}}{{Ref|AGOT|40}} After the duel, Brandon left Riverrun, promising his bride-to-be that he would return soon.{{Ref|AGOT|40}} On his way back to Riverrun, however, Brandon heard about Lyanna's abduction by Prince Rhaegar, and rode for King's Landing, where he was arrested by Aerys II for threatening the life of the crown prince. Rickard, who had been on his way to Riverrun with the wedding party, was summoned to court to answer for Brandon's crime. Brandon and Rickard were executed by Aerys II; Rickard was burned alive, while Brandon strangled himself in his attempt to rescue his father.{{Ref|ACOK|5}}{{Ref|AGOT|53}}{{ref|AWOIAF|Catelyn Tully}} After the executions, King Aerys demanded the heads of Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon from their former foster father, Jon Arryn. The Lord of the Eyrie refused, however, and raised his banners in revolt.{{Ref|AGOT|2}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Fall of the Dragons: Robert's Rebellion}} This act is seen as the start of [[Robert's Rebellion]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Fall of the Dragons: Robert's Rebellion}}

[[File:T Jedruszek EddardStarkCommand.jpg|thumb|350px|Lord [[Eddard Stark]] with [[Ice]], by Tomasz Jedruszek © Fantasy Flight Games]]

Eddard made an arduous journey through the [[Mountains of the Moon]] and the [[Bite]] to call his banners in the north.{{Ref|ADWD|9}} The new lord then marched south and won an important victory during the [[Battle of the Bells]], rescuing his friend Robert with the aid of Hoster Tully.{{Ref|ASOS|29}} Next, he went to Riverrun, where he honored his late brother Brandon's betrothal by marrying Catelyn as part of the alliance to bring [[House Tully]] into the rebel fold.{{Ref|ASOS|2}}{{Ref|AGOT|6}}

One of the principal commanders in the war, Eddard took command of the rebel army after the [[Battle of the Trident]], following the remnants of Rhaegar's army to [[King's Landing]].{{ref|AGOT|12}} Ned arrived at the capital after the [[Sack of King's Landing]] by Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], however, and Lord Stark found Aerys II dead and Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] sitting on the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|AGOT|12}} He had a falling out with Robert when Robert accepted the aid of [[House Lannister]] and condoned the murders of Rhaegar's [[Elia Martell|wife]], [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Rhaegar)|young daughter]], and [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|infant son]]. Eddard rode south the next day to relieve the [[siege of Storm's End]].{{Ref|AGOT|12}}

After Storm's End, Eddard and six companions went to retrieve Lyanna at the building Rhaegar had named the [[tower of joy]], finding it defended by three knights of the [[Kingsguard]]. Eddard and Howland Reed were the only survivors of the ensuing [[combat at the tower of joy]].{{Ref|AGOT|39}} Eddard found Lyanna dying in a bed of blood, clutching rose petals, dead and black, in her palm.{{Ref|AGOT|4}} She forced him to make a promise to her, the contents of which are unknown, but which have haunted Eddard since. Eddard and Robert were reconciled in their shared grief over Lyanna's death.{{Ref|AGOT|12}}

Eddard returned from the war with his [[bastard]] son, [[Jon Snow]],{{Ref|AGOT|6}} said to have been birthed by [[Wylla]],{{ref|AGOT|12}} and Ned was presented with his trueborn son, [[Robb Stark|Robb]], by Catelyn when she arrived from Riverrun. Ned buried Lyanna's body in the [[crypt of Winterfell]] beside her father and brother.{{Ref|AGOT|4}} Eddard's younger brother, [[Benjen Stark|Benjen]], joined the [[Night's Watch]] within a few months of Eddard's return from the war.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/ConQuest_Kansas_City_MO_May_27_294 ConQuest (Kansas City, MO; May 27-29)], May 27, 2005</ref> A skilled [[ranger]],<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Benjen_Stark About Benjen Stark], December 15, 2000</ref> Benjen eventually became [[First Ranger]].{{Ref|AGOT|19}}

Lord Stark fought in [[Greyjoy's Rebellion]] in {{Date|289}}, and he took [[Balon Greyjoy]]'s son [[Theon Greyjoy|Theon]] with him to Winterfell, a hostage to ensure the loyalty of the [[Lord of the Iron Islands]].{{Ref|AGOT|4}} Eddard has ruled the [[north]] in Robert's name, keeping a distance from the intrigue-ridden politics of King's Landing.{{Ref|AGOT|8}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:John_Picacio_Ned_Stark.jpg‎|thumb|300px|[[Eddard Stark]] by John Picacio ©]]
Following the death of his [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Jon Arryn]], King [[Robert I Baratheon]] journeys to [[Winterfell]] to offer Lord [[Eddard Stark]] the office.{{Ref|AGOT|2}}{{Ref|AGOT|4}} A letter arrives from [[Lysa Arryn]], Jon's widow and Eddard's wife [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]]'s sister, who claims the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] were behind Lord Arryn's sudden death. At Catelyn's urging, Ned grudgingly accepts the Handship and a betrothal of their daughter [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] to Prince [[Joffrey Baratheon]].{{Ref|AGOT|6}} During the royal party's stay, Eddard's second son, [[Bran Stark|Bran]], accidentally witnesses Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] having sex with her twin brother, Ser [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]].{{Ref|AGOT|8}} Jaime throws Bran out of the tower window, hoping to kill him to keep their relationship a secret.{{Ref|AGOT|8}} Bran survives, but is crippled and comatose.{{Ref|AGOT|9}}{{Ref|AGOT|10}}

Eddard rides to [[King's Landing]] along with his daughters, Sansa and [[Arya Stark|Arya]], while Catelyn remains at Winterfell with their sons. Meanwhile, Ned's bastard son, [[Jon Snow]], rides north with his uncle, [[Benjen Stark|Benjen]], to join the [[Night's Watch]].{{ref|AGOT|19}} Catelyn is inconsolable in her worry for Bran, ignoring her duties as Lady of Winterfell, but she is jolted back to reality by [[catspaw|an attempt]] on Bran's life thwarted only by [[Summer|his direwolf]].{{ref|AGOT|14}} As Bran lies comatose, he begins to have visions of a [[three-eyed crow]].{{ref|AGOT|17}}

Near the [[ruby ford]] and the [[crossroads]], Arya defends her friend [[Mycah]] from the aggressions of Prince [[Joffrey Baratheon]], upsetting Sansa.{{ref|AGOT|15}} This is exacerbated when Sansa's direwolf, [[Lady (direwolf)|Lady]], is ordered killed in place of Arya's, [[Nymeria (direwolf)|Nymeria]], which has escaped.{{ref|AGOT|16}}

In [[King's Landing]], Eddard is outraged to find that the crown is heavily in debt (largely to Robert's goodfather, [[Tywin Lannister]], [[Lord of Casterly Rock]]) and that the king intends to throw a [[Hand's tourney|lavish tourney]] in his honor.{{ref|AGOT|20}} After taking up his duties as Hand, Eddard assigns twenty of [[House Stark guards|his household guard]] to assist the [[gold cloaks]] in keeping order in King's Landing.{{ref|AGOT|27}}

Ned investigates the death of Jon Arryn, determining that he was looking into the king's [[bastard]] brood. When Robert holds a [[small council]] meeting to arrange the death of the exiled [[Daenerys Targaryen]], who has wed [[Drogo]], a mighty ''[[khal]]'' of the [[Dothraki]], Ned refuses to condone the assassination and resigns as Hand.{{ref|AGOT|33}} In the streets of the capital, he is waylaid by Jaime Lannister and [[House Lannister guards|red cloaks]] in retaliation for Catelyn's abduction of [[Tyrion Lannister]], whom her foster-brother, [[Petyr Baelish]], had told her was responsible for the attempt on Bran's life.{{ref|AGOT|35}} Ned's leg is broken and his best men slain, but Ned survives and Robert re-confirms his appointment as Hand before going on a hunt and leaving Ned to sit the [[Iron Throne]].{{ref|AGOT|39}} In this capacity he sends men, including twenty Stark guards, under [[Beric Dondarrion]], [[Lord of Blackhaven]], to stop Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] from raiding the [[riverlands]].{{Ref|AGOT|43}} Gregor's attacks were ordered by Lord Lannister; since Lord Stark was wounded he was not lured into the field and thus could not be captured and traded for Tyrion. The men sent after Gregor are [[Battle at the Mummer's Ford|ambushed]] and many are slain.{{ref|AGOT|55}} Catelyn brings Tyrion to her sister Lysa at the [[Eyrie]], but Tyrion is released after [[Bronn]] is victorious in a [[trial by battle]].{{ref|AGOT|40}}

[[File:Enife Stark children.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Rickon Stark|Rickon]], [[Bran Stark|Bran]], [[Arya Stark|Arya]], [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]], [[Jon Snow|Jon]], and [[Robb Stark|Robb]], by enife ©]]

At the [[Wall]], Jon Snow deals with the cruel tutelage of Ser [[Alliser Thorne]] while making friends such as [[Samwell Tarly]] and learning lessons from his elders.{{ref|AGOT|26}} Jon becomes the personal [[steward]] of [[Jeor Mormont]], [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]].{{ref|AGOT|48}} The youth encounters a hint of the evil that supposedly lies [[beyond the Wall]] when the corpses of two of his uncle's men [[Wight|rise from the dead]] and go on the rampage at [[Castle Black]]; Jon saves the Lord Commander from being killed by [[Othor|one of the wights]].{{ref|AGOT|52}}

Eventually, Ned arrives at the same conclusion at which Jon Arryn did: that Queen Cersei's children are not Robert's, but bastards born of [[incest]] between the Lannister twins, and determines that it is this secret for which Jon was murdered. He approaches Cersei with this truth, warning her to flee the city.{{ref|AGOT|45}} Enlisting Lord Baelish to recruit the gold cloaks,{{ref|AGOT|47}} Ned confronts Cersei after Robert's death from a hunting accident, insisting that [[Stannis Baratheon]] is now king by rights. Littlefinger betrays Ned, however, and the Hand's men are slaughtered by [[Janos Slynt]]'s gold cloaks and Ned is thrown into a [[black cell]].{{ref|AGOT|49}} Sansa is held hostage in the [[Red Keep]],{{ref|AGOT|51}} but Arya manages to escape thanks to [[Syrio Forel]], the fencing master Ned had hired to train her in swordplay.{{ref|AGOT|50}}

[[Robb Stark]] calls the banners to Winterfell and marches south to aid his mother's family, [[House Tully]] of [[Riverrun]], against the Lannisters, and to rescue his father and sisters from the capital.{{ref|AGOT|53}} At the [[Twins]], Catelyn arranges an alliance with [[Walder Frey]], [[Lord of the Crossing]], to negotiate passage over the [[Green Fork]], promising that Robb and Arya will wed [[House Frey|Freys]].{{ref|AGOT|59}} Robb captures Jaime in the [[battle of the Whispering Wood|Whispering Wood]]{{ref|AGOT|63}} and then relieves the Lannisters' siege of Riverrun with the [[Battle of the Camps]].{{ref|AGOT|69}} The rest of the Stark army, led by [[Roose Bolton]], [[Lord of the Dreadfort]], is defeated by Tywin in the [[battle on the Green Fork]], however.{{ref|AGOT|62}}

Ned initially refuses to name Joffrey as the true king, but in the end agrees in order to ensure the safety of Sansa.{{ref|AGOT|58}} When he publicly announces this support at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]], however, the capricious boy king orders Ned's execution rather than allow him to join the Night's Watch as planned.{{ref|AGOT|65}} In response, the northern and river lords at Robb's war council in Riverrun proclaim him [[King in the North]], seceding from the realm of the [[Iron Throne]].{{ref|AGOT|71}}

Benjen has gone missing [[beyond the Wall]], and Jon Snow, after briefly deserting the Watch to join his half-brother's army, rides as part of the [[great ranging]] meant to determine his fate and the threats of the [[Others]] and [[wildlings]].{{ref|AGOT|70}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Tomasz Jedruszek Battle for Westeros.jpg|400px|thumb|[[Robb Stark]] invades the [[westerlands]], by Tomasz Jedruszek © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Robb, [[King in the North]] and [[King of the Trident]], invades the [[westerlands]], winning a string of victories against Lannister bannermen.{{Ref|ACOK|35}}{{ref|ACOK|39}} In an effort to gain allies, he sends his father's ward, [[Theon Greyjoy]], and his mother, [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]], as envoys to [[Balon Greyjoy]] and [[Renly Baratheon]], respectively. However, Theon joins his family, [[House Greyjoy]], in [[War of the Five Kings#Rise of the Kraken|attacking the north]],{{ref|ACOK|37}} while Catelyn's diplomatic progress is shattered when [[Siege of Storm's End (299)|Renly is killed]] by [[Melisandre]]'s [[shadow assassin]].{{ref|ACOK|33}} Renly's [[sworn shield]], [[Brienne of Tarth]], takes up service with Catelyn.{{ref|ACOK|39}} While Riverrun celebrates the [[Battle of the Fords]], Robb is reported to have taken the [[Crag]].{{ref|ACOK|55}}

Arya journeys north with [[Yoren]] and his new recruits for the Night's Watch, including King Robert's bastard [[Gendry]],{{ref|ACOK|1}} but their band is attacked by westermen at a [[Gods Eye town]]{{ref|AGOT|14}} and she is eventually taken into captivity by the [[Mountain's men]].{{ref|ACOK|19}} At [[Harrenhal]], she is witness to myriad atrocities, but remains strong, orchestrating several deaths of her tormentors via the assassin [[Jaqen H'ghar]].{{ref|ACOK|30}} During the [[fall of Harrenhal]] to Roose Bolton, Arya helps free a band of northern prisoners.{{ref|ACOK|47}} The incognito Arya is named Roose's cupbearer, but she does not trust her father's bannerman and flees the castle when Roose intends to give it to [[Vargo Hoat]].{{ref|ACOK|64}} Meanwhile, Sansa remains in custody at the Red Keep, betrothed to King Joffrey. She suffers abuse at his hands,{{ref|ACOK|32}} but makes tenuous relationships with [[Sandor Clegane]],{{ref|ACOK|52}} [[Dontos Hollard]],{{ref|ACOK|18}} and [[Tyrion Lannister]], the acting [[Hand of the King]].{{ref|ACOK|32}}

At Winterfell, Bran enjoys titular reign and hosts two [[House Frey|Frey]] wards, [[Walder Frey (son of Jammos)|Big Walder]] and [[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Little Walder]].{{ref|ACOK|4}} Maester [[Luwin]] and Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] deal with such issues as the [[harvest feast]], the [[House Hornwood|Hornwood]] inheritance, and the atrocities of [[Ramsay Snow]], the Bastard of Bolton.{{ref|ACOK|16}}{{ref|ACOK|35}} With the guidance of the [[House Reed|Reed]] children, [[Jojen Reed|Jojen]] and [[Meera Reed|Meera]], Bran hones his gift for [[greensight]] and [[skinchanger|skinchanging]].{{ref|ACOK|28}} When Rodrik leads six hundred Winterfell men, among others, to [[fight at Torrhen's Square|battle]] the ironborn under [[Dagmer|Dagmer Cleftjaw]], Theon Greyjoy [[capture of Winterfell|seizes Winterfell]].{{ref|ACOK|46}} On his return to Winterfell, Rodrik and his men mean to liberate the castle from Theon, but are [[battle at Winterfell|betrayed and routed]] by Ramsay. Luwin is mortally wounded by Ramsay's men, and Theon is captured during the [[sack of Winterfell]].{{ref|ACOK|66}} Bran and Rickon, thought to have been killed by Theon, leave the [[crypts of Winterfell]] after the [[House Bolton|Boltons]] depart. The Stark boys split up and flee towards remote northern havens.{{ref|ACOK|69}}

Benjen remains lost beyond the Wall. Jon Snow joins [[Qhorin Halfhand]] on a scouting mission in the [[Skirling Pass]], during which he refuses an order to execute a [[spearwife]] named [[Ygritte]].{{ref|ACOK|51}} On their return to Lord Commander [[Jeor Mormont]], the pair encounter a wildling band led by [[Rattleshirt]]. Jon, on orders from Qhorin, joins the wildlings as a double agent, and is forced to kill the Halfhand to prove his earnestness. Ygritte, now with Rattleshirt, vouches for Jon.{{ref|ACOK|68}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[File:Zippo514 youngwolf.jpg|thumb|200px|The [[House Frey|Freys]] murder [[Robb Stark]] and sew [[Grey Wind|his wolf]]'s head on his body, by Zippo514 ©)]]
With [[Stannis Baratheon]]'s power broken by the [[Battle of the Blackwater]] and the [[House Tyrell|Tyrells]] and [[House Martell|Martells]] allied with the Lannisters, the Stark-Tully forces stand alone against their foes in the south, and the Greyjoys threaten the north.{{ref|ASOS|14}} Ramsay blames the slaughter at Winterfell on Theon and his [[ironborn]].{{ref|ASOS|35}}

Having been informed of Bran's and Rickon's alleged deaths, Catelyn frees Jaime Lannister in a desperate attempt to trade him for her daughters, sending Brienne to accompany him to King's Landing. Catelyn is put under house arrest at Riverrun.{{ref|ASOS|2}} Meanwhile, Robb returns from his westerlands campaign having wed [[Jeyne Westerling]], the daughter of a minor Lannister bannerman. Jeyne had treated Robb's wounds after the [[storming of the Crag]], and the youths slept together after Robb was informed of the deaths of his brothers. This marriage breaks the Starks' alliance with the furious Freys, however.{{ref|ASOS|2}}{{ref|ASOS|14}} With Jaime gone from Riverrun, the vengeful [[Rickard Karstark]], [[Lord of Karhold]], murders two prisoners, [[Willem Lannister]] and [[Tion Frey]]. Rickard is in turn executed for treason by Robb, alienating [[House Karstark]].{{ref|ASOS|20}}

Lord [[Walder Frey]] accepts Robb's offer to forgive his breach of marriage contract by having Robb's uncle, [[Edmure Tully]], now [[Lord of Riverrun]], stand in the king's place.{{ref|ASOS|35}} Robb and Catelyn ride with thirty-five hundred veterans to attend the wedding at the [[Twins]].{{ref|ASOS|45}} At [[Hag's Mire]] Robb designates his heir (believed to be Jon Snow,{{ref|AWOIAF|Robb Stark}} in spite of the Night's Watch vows) and resolves to march north to reclaim his homeland from the Greyjoys.{{ref|ASOS|45}} Meanwhile, Arya traverses the [[riverlands]], unknowingly entering the mind of her lost direwolf, [[Nymeria (direwolf)|Nymeria]], and killing several sellswords of the [[Brave Companions]] chasing her from Harrenhal.{{ref|ASOS|3}} She joins with the [[brotherhood without banners]], whose founding members included the Winterfell guards [[Alyn]] and [[Harwin]].{{ref|ASOS|17}} However, Arya is abducted by the Hound, [[Sandor Clegane]], who hopes to ransom her at Edmure's wedding.{{ref|ASOS|47}}

In preparation for the [[siege of Moat Cailin]], Robb's host reconvenes with Lord [[Roose Bolton]]'s thirty-five hundred men at the Twins. Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], the [[Hand of the King]] to [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], has been conspiring with Roose and Walder, however. Despite [[guest right]], Robb, Catelyn, and many of their bannermen are murdered or taken captive in the [[Red Wedding]].{{ref|ASOS|51}}

Bran journeys north with [[Hodor]], [[Jojen Reed|Jojen]] and [[Meera Reed]], and his direwolf [[Summer]].{{ref|ASOS|9}}{{ref|ASOS|24}} They pass through the Wall at the [[Nightfort]] with the aid of [[Samwell Tarly]] and [[Coldhands]].{{ref|ASOS|56}}

Further north, Jon Snow ingratiates himself with the [[free folk]], beginning a romance with [[Ygritte]] and befriending [[Mance Rayder]], the [[King-beyond-the-Wall]], and other wildling leaders.{{ref|ASOS|15}} He scales the Wall with [[Styr]], the Magnar of [[Thenn (valley)|Thenn]],{{ref|ASOS|30}} and escapes from [[Queenscrown]]{{ref|ASOS|41}} to [[Castle Black]] in time to help prepare for [[attack on Castle Black|the assault of the wildlings]].{{ref|ASOS|48}} Ygritte and Styr are killed during the fighting,{{ref|ASOS|55}} and command over the black brothers falls to Jon after the death of [[Donal Noye]].{{ref|ASOS|64}} Jon successfully defends the Wall during the early stages of the [[battle beneath the Wall]], until Ser [[Alliser Thorne]] and Lord [[Janos Slynt]] arrive and imprison him for allegedly betraying his vows.{{ref|ASOS|69}} They send him to assassinate Mance under a flag of parley, but [[Stannis Baratheon]]'s arrival breaks the wildling host before the deed is carried out.{{ref|ASOS|73}} After the battle, Stannis offers to legitimize the youth as Jon Stark, Lord of Winterfell.{{ref|ASOS|76}} Jon decides to decline the offer, however, and is then elected [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]] thanks to the maneuverings of his friend, Samwell Tarly.{{ref|ASOS|78}}{{ref|ASOS|79}}

The Hound brings Arya toward the [[Eyrie]] in an attempt to ransom her to her aunt, Lady [[Lysa Arryn]], but they are halted by snow in the [[Mountains of the Moon]].{{ref|ASOS|65}} They are attacked by the [[Mountain's men]] at the [[crossroads inn]] and Sandor is stabbed. Arya leaves the Hound to die along the [[Trident]]. At [[Saltpans]] she uses the iron coin given to her by [[Jaqen H'ghar]] to book passage across the [[narrow sea]] on the galleas ''[[Titan's Daughter]]''.{{ref|ASOS|74}}

Sansa's engagement to King Joffrey is ended by his betrothal to [[Margaery Tyrell]]. She begins to mingle with the Tyrell women in King's Landing and is nearly betrothed to [[Willas Tyrell]].{{ref|ASOS|6}} She is abruptly wed to [[Tyrion Lannister]] instead, but they never consummate their match.{{ref|ASOS|28}} The pair are blamed for [[Purple Wedding|Joffrey's murder]] at his wedding feast; in truth it was orchestrated by [[Petyr Baelish]] and [[Olenna Tyrell]].{{ref|ASOS|68}} Petyr smuggles Sansa out of the capital, murdering his pawn and her friend, Dontos Hollard.{{ref|ASOS|61}} He brings Sansa to the [[Drearfort|Fingers]], where he marries her aunt, Lysa,{{ref|ASOS|68}} and then to the Eyrie.{{ref|ASOS|80}} Littlefinger keeps Sansa hidden by presenting her as his natural daughter, Alayne Stone. Lysa observes Petyr kiss Sansa after the girl builds a snow castle of Winterfell. When Lysa drunkenly accuses Sansa of trying to steal her new husband and reveals that she and Petyr had killed her first husband, Lord [[Jon Arryn]], Littlefinger throws Lysa from the [[Moon Door]].{{ref|ASOS|80}}

With Bran and Rickon thought dead and Sansa and Arya missing, House Stark is all but extinguished in the eyes of the world. The [[Iron Throne]] names Roose Bolton as [[Warden of the North]] and legitimizes his son Ramsay, and most rivermen return to the king's peace.{{ref|ASOS|62}}{{ref|ASOS|72}} [[Ice]], the ancestral [[Valyrian steel]] blade of the Starks, has been reforged into two new Lannister blades, [[Widow's Wail]]{{ref|ASOS|59}} and [[Oathkeeper]].{{ref|ASOS|72}} A revived Catelyn Stark takes leadership of the brotherhood and hangs Freys.{{ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
The [[small council]] of Queen [[Cersei Lannister]], the regent for King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]], believes that northmen will accept Bolton control and rule by the [[Iron Throne]] once the [[ironborn]] are expelled from the north.{{ref|AFFC|17}} Ser [[Brynden Tully]] continues to fly the Stark banner at Riverrun,{{ref|AFFC|33}} but Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] peacefully resolves the [[siege of Riverrun]].{{ref|AFFC|44}}

Sansa remains in the [[Vale of Arryn]], where she takes on a maternal role for her young cousin, [[Robert Arryn]], [[Lord of the Eyrie]], and she presents herself as Alayne to [[Nestor Royce]]{{ref|AFFC|10}} and the [[Lords Declarant]].{{ref|AFFC|23}} Littlefinger plots to reveal her identity, wed her to Robert's heir, Ser [[Harrold Hardyng]], and use the [[knights of the Vale]] to retake the north in her name.{{ref|AFFC|23}}{{ref|AFFC|41}}

Arya arrives in [[Braavos]], where she takes up training at the [[House of Black and White]] to become a [[Faceless Man]].{{ref|AFFC|6}}

Soldiers bearing the colors of House Stark have washed up on the shores of the [[Quiet Isle]]. According to the [[Elder Brother (Quiet Isle)|Elder Brother]], they are buried alongside their enemies.{{ref|AFFC|31}} Brienne of Tarth, tasked by Jaime with finding Sansa, uses Oathkeeper in her journeys through the [[crownlands]] and [[riverlands]].{{ref|AFFC|20}}{{ref|AFFC|37}} She is captured by the brotherhood, however, and brought to Lady Stoneheart, Catelyn.{{ref|AFFC|42}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Jeyne poole by GibiLynx.jpg|thumb||250px|[[Jeyne Poole]] posing as [[Arya Stark]], by GibiLynx ©]]
Lord Commander Jon Snow begins an uneasy alliance with the free folk, executes the recalcitrant [[Janos Slynt]],{{ref|ADWD|7}} and tactfully deals with the imperious [[Stannis Baratheon]]. While again refusing the king's offer to be legitimized and wed the "wildling princess", [[Val]], Jon offers Stannis advice that helps him in his campaign against the Boltons and Greyjoys.{{ref|ADWD|17}}

At [[Winterfell]], Sansa's friend [[Jeyne Poole]] is wed to [[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]] in the guise of "Arya Stark" in an effort to legitimize Bolton overlordship, with Ramsay claiming to be [[House Bolton of Winterfell|Lord of Winterfell]].{{ref|ADWD|37}} A disguised [[Mance Rayder]], sent by Jon Snow, recruits a broken-willed Theon Greyjoy to rescue the girl and deliver her to Stannis.{{ref|ADWD|51}} When Jon gives orders to retake Winterfell from Ramsay after receiving an [[Bastard Letter|inflammatory letter]], the senior officers of the Watch turn on Jon in the [[mutiny at Castle Black]] for allying with wildlings and meddling in the affairs of the realm.{{ref|ADWD|69}}

Bran arrives at the [[cave of the three-eyed crow]], where he meets the [[three-eyed crow|last greenseer]] and [[children of the forest]]. The boy begins perfecting the advanced arts of greensight.{{ref|ADWD|13}}{{ref|ADWD|34}}

Rickon, [[Osha]], and [[Shaggydog]] are said to be on [[Skagos]], where [[Wyman Manderly]], [[Lord of White Harbor]], has requested that [[Davos Seaworth]] search for Rickon, so that Stannis can rally the northmen to fight in his name.{{ref|ADWD|29}}

==House Stark at the end of the third century==
The known Starks during the timespan of the events described in ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' are:

*{[[Eddard Stark]]}, also known as "Ned", middle son of Lord [[Rickard Stark|Rickard]] and Lady [[Lyarra Stark]]. Eddard rules as [[Lord of Winterfell]] and [[Warden of the North]] until his execution in [[King's Landing]], several months after taking office as [[Hand of the King]].
**{[[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]]}, Lord Eddard's wife. She is the mother of [[Robb Stark|Robb]], [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]], [[Arya Stark|Arya]], [[Bran Stark|Bran]], and [[Rickon Stark|Rickon]]. She is killed during the [[Red Wedding]], but is later resurrected by [[Beric Dondarrion]]. Now leading the [[brotherhood without banners]] and called "Lady Stoneheart".
***{[[Robb Stark]]}, Lord Eddard's eldest trueborn son and heir, also known as "the Young Wolf". He takes his father's position as Lord Stark and is later crowned [[King in the North]] and [[King of the Trident|of the Trident]] by his bannermen, prior to his death in the [[Red Wedding]]. His direwolf is named [[Grey Wind]] and is killed along with him at the [[Twins]].
****[[Jeyne Westerling]], Robb's widow and queen.
***[[Sansa Stark]], Eddard and Catelyn's elder daughter. Her direwolf is named [[Lady (direwolf)|Lady]] and is killed under Queen [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei's]] orders in retribution for Arya's direwolf savaging her son [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]]. She is currently hiding in the [[Vale of Arryn]] as Alayne Stone.
****[[Tyrion Lannister]], Sansa's estranged husband.
***[[Arya Stark]], Eddard and Catelyn's younger daughter. She is publicly known to have married [[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]], but Ramsay has instead married [[Jeyne Poole]], who was forced to pose as the Stark girl. Arya is instead in [[Braavos]] training with the [[Faceless Men]]. Her direwolf, [[Nymeria (direwolf)|Nymeria]], leads a wolfpack roaming the [[riverlands]].
***[[Bran Stark|Brandon Stark]], mostly known as "Bran", Eddard and Catelyn's second son. Bran becomes crippled and learns how to become a [[skinchanger|warg]]. He is believed to have been killed by [[Theon Greyjoy]], but is actually [[beyond the Wall]] at the [[cave of the three-eyed crow]]. His direwolf is named [[Summer (direwolf)|Summer]].
***[[Rickon Stark]], Eddard and Catelyn's youngest child, only three years old when the series begins. He is also believed dead at the hands of Theon, though actually Rickon is in [[Skagos]] with [[Osha]]. His direwolf is [[Shaggydog]].
***[[Jon Snow]], Eddard's [[bastard]] son by an unspecified mother. Jon was raised at Winterfell alongside his Stark half-siblings. Having joined the [[Night's Watch]], he has risen to the rank of [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch|Lord Commander]]. His direwolf is [[Ghost]]. Ambushed and stabbed by his own men.
*[[Benjen Stark]], the youngest son of Lord Rickard and Lady Lyarra, the last surviving sibling of Ned. He is [[First Ranger]] of the [[Night's Watch]] and brings Jon Snow to the [[Wall]] when he wants to join the order. Benjen is missing in the lands [[beyond the Wall]].

===Household===

* [[Theon Greyjoy]], dubbed "Theon Turncloak" by northmen, Lord Eddard's ward and hostage. Fought with Robb Stark in the [[War of the Five Kings]], betrayed him for his own House, [[House Greyjoy]], seized Winterfell and proclaimed himself [[Prince of Winterfell]] until betrayed by [[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]]. Imprisoned, tortured and renamed "Reek". Fled with Jeyne Poole. Now a prisoner of [[Stannis Baratheon]].
* [[Brienne of Tarth|Brienne, the Maid of Tarth]], sworn sword to Lady Catelyn. Sent to rescue Sansa and Arya, and keeping to that quest even after Catelyn's death and the seeming destruction of House Stark.
* [[Walder Frey (son of Jammos)|Walder Frey]], called "Big Walder", a ward of Lady Catelyn, eight years of age. Now a squire of [[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]].
* {[[Walder Frey (son of Merrett)|Walder Frey]]}, called "Little Walder", a ward of Lady Catelyn, eight years of age. Made a squire of Ramsay Bolton. Killed at Winterfell.
* Maester {[[Luwin]]}, counselor, healer and tutor. Perished to wounds sustained during the [[sack of Winterfell]].
* {[[Vayon Poole]]}, steward of Winterfell. Killed during the purge of the Stark household in the [[Red Keep]].
** [[Jeyne Poole]], his daughter. Forced to impersonate [[Arya Stark]] and marry [[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]]. Escaped Winterfell with [[Theon Greyjoy]]. Now in custody of Stannis Baratheon.
* Ser {[[Rodrik Cassel]]}, master-at-arms and castellan of Winterfell. Killed by Ramsay Snow during the [[battle at Winterfell]].
** [[Beth Cassel]], his daughter. Imprisoned at the [[Dreadfort]].
* {[[Jory Cassel]]}, [[House Stark guards|captain]] of Lord Eddard's guards. Killed by Ser [[Jaime Lannister]]'s men.
** {[[Alyn]]}, guardsman, founding member of the [[brotherhood without banners]]. Now dead.
** {[[Tomard]]}, guardsman. Called Fat Tom. Killed by [[City Watch of King's Landing|gold cloaks]] during the arrest of Ned Stark.
*** [[TomToo]], his son. Fate unknown.
** {[[Wyl (guard)|Wyl]]} and {[[Heward]]}, guardsmen. Killed by Jaime Lannister's men.
** {[[Desmond]]}, guardsman. Killed during the arrest of Ned Stark.
** {[[Cayn]]}, guardsman. Killed by [[Sandor Clegane]] during the arrest of Ned Stark.
*** [[Calon]], his son. Fate unknown.
** {[[Porther]]}, guardsman. Killed during the purge of the Stark household in the Red Keep.
** {[[Varly]]}, guardsman. Killed by [[Janos Slynt]] during the arrest of Ned Stark.
* [[Hallis Mollen]], Jory's successor as captain of guards. Fate unknown since being sent escorting Lord Eddard's bones to Winterfell.
** [[Quent]], [[Jacks]] and [[Shadd]], guardsmen. Fate unknown since being sent escorting Lord Eddard's bones to Winterfell.
** {[[Alebelly]]}, a guardsman. Killed during the [[capture of Winterfell]].
** {[[Hayhead]]}, {[[Skittrick]]}, {[[Wayn (guard)|Wayn]]}, guardsmen. Fate unknown. Likely killed during the [[sack of Winterfell]].
** {[[Poxy Tym]]}, a guardsman. Killed during the [[sack of Winterfell]].
* {[[Hullen]]}, [[master of horse]]. Killed during the purge of the Stark household in the Red Keep.
** [[Harwin]], his son, a guardsman. Founding member of the [[brotherhood without banners]]. Currently with Lady Stoneheart's band.
** {[[Joseth]]}, Hullen's successor as master of horse. Fate unknown. Likely killed during the [[sack of Winterfell]].
*** [[Bandy]] and [[Shyra]], his twin daughters, now imprisoned at the Dreadfort.
* Septa {[[Mordane]]}, tutor to Lord Eddard's daughters. Killed during the purge of the Stark household in the Red Keep.
* Septon {[[Chayle]]}, keeper of Winterfell's sept and library. Drowned as a sacrifice to the [[Drowned God]] during the [[capture of Winterfell]].
* {[[Mikken]]}, [[blacksmith]] and armorer. Killed by [[Stygg]] during the [[capture of Winterfell]].
* {[[Farlen]]}, [[kennelmaster]] of Winterfell. Killed by Theon Greyjoy.
** [[Palla]], his daughter, a kennelgirl. Imprisoned at the Dreadfort.
* [[Nan]], known as "Old Nan", storyteller and once a wet-nurse. Imprisoned at the Dreadfort, possibly dead.
** [[Hodor|Walder]], known as "Hodor", a simpleminded stableboy. Now with Bran Stark [[beyond the Wall]].
* {[[Gage]]}, the cook. Fate unknown. Likely killed during the [[sack of Winterfell]].
** [[Turnip]], his child. Imprisoned at the Dreadfort.
** [[Osha]], of the [[free folk]], imprisoned and serving as kitchen drudge. Now with [[Rickon Stark]] at [[Skagos]].
* {[[Syrio Forel]]}, Arya's fencing instructor and former [[First Sword of Braavos]]. Presumed killed in [[King's Landing]] by Ser [[Meryn Trant]] during the purge of the Stark household in the Red Keep.

==Historical Members==
No precise lineage of House Stark is known before approximately {{Date|100}}, but the individuals listed below are supposed to be in rough chronological order.

===Kings of Winter/Kings in the North===
The following is a possible chronology of known Kings in the North; no precise lineage is known and some published information may be contradictory.

;Antiquity
* [[Brandon the Builder]], founder of House Stark and the first King of Winter. According to legend the builder of [[Winterfell]],{{ref|AGOT|2}} the [[Wall]],{{ref|AGOT|24}} [[Storm's End]],{{ref|ACOK|31}}{{ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: House Durrandon}} and the [[Hightower]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}
** [[Brandon Stark (son of Bran the Builder)|Brandon Stark]], his son. According to some he was the one who was commissioned to build the [[Hightower]] by King [[Uthor of the High Tower]] instead of his father.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}
* [[Brandon Stark (Breaker)|Brandon Stark]], also known as Brandon the Breaker, who allied with [[Joramun]] to defeat the [[Night's King]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Night's Watch}}

;Wolf's Den
* [[Jon Stark]], who built the [[Wolf's Den]] after driving raiders—possibly [[Ibben]]ese, [[Valyrian Freehold|Valyrians]], or early [[Andals]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}}—away from the [[White Knife]].{{ref|AGOT|66}}{{ref|ADWD|29}}
** [[Rickard Stark (king)|Rickard Stark]], also known as the Laughing Wolf, son of Jon, who defeated the [[Marsh King]] and extended the Stark kingdom to include the [[Neck]].{{ref|AGOT|66}}{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Crannogmen of the Neck}}
* [[Theon Stark]], also known as the Hungry Wolf, who defeated the greatest Andal invader, [[Argos Sevenstar]], conquered the [[Three Sisters]], and attacked the [[Fingers]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}} possibly beginning the [[War Across the Water]].
* [[Edrick Stark]], also known as Edrick Snowbeard, who ruled for near a century but lost the Wolf's Den to slavers from the [[Stepstones]].{{ref|ADWD|29}}
** [[Brandon Stark (Ice Eyes)|Brandon Stark]], also known as Ice Eyes, Edrick's great-grandson, who recovered the Wolf's Den from slavers.{{ref|ADWD|29}}

;Centuries before the Conquest
* [[Brandon Stark (Shipwright)|Brandon Stark]], also known as Brandon the Shipwright, who loved to sail and built up a mighty northern fleet.{{ref|AGOT|66}}
** [[Brandon Stark (Burner)|Brandon Stark]], also known as Brandon the Burner, who burned shipyards{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}} after the disappearance of his father, Brandon the Shipwright, on the [[Sunset Sea]].{{ref|AGOT|66}} The north has since had no strength at sea for centuries.{{ref|ACOK|16}}
* [[Karlon Stark]], a younger son of a King of Winter, who would become the founder of [[House Karstark]].{{Ref|ASOS|20}}
* [[Harlon Stark]], who centuries ago starved out the [[Dreadfort]] in a siege lasting two years.{{ref|ADWD|17}}
* [[Torrhen Stark]], also known as the King Who Knelt, who bent the knee to [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]], making the north part of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] subject to the [[Iron Throne]].{{ref|AGOT|66}}

;Uncertain era
* [[Dorren Stark]], who reigned when [[Redwyn]] fought [[giants]] and traded with [[children of the forest]].{{ref|ACOK|6}}
* [[Brandon IX Stark]], who destroyed the ships of the [[Skagosi]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Stoneborn of Skagos}}
* [[Rodrik Stark]], who won [[Bear Island]] from the [[ironborn]] and awarded it to [[House Mormont]].{{ref|AGOT|66}} This occurred after the death of the Old Kraken, [[Loron Greyjoy]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}} a [[High King of the Iron Islands]] chosen in a [[kingsmoot]].{{ref|AFFC|1}} Rodrik's sons and grandsons battled the ironborn over [[Cape Kraken]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Kings of Winter}}
* [[Benjen Stark (Bitter)|Benjen Stark]], also known as Benjen the Bitter.{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Benjen Stark (Sweet)|Benjen Stark]], also known as Benjen the Sweet.{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Eyron Stark]]{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Edderion Stark]], also known as Edderion the Bridegroom.{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Walton Stark]], also known as Walton the Moon King.{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Brandon Stark (Bad)|Brandon Stark]], also known as Brandon the Bad.{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Jonos Stark]]{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Jorah Stark]]{{ref|ACOK|69}}
* [[Edwyn Stark]], also known as Edwyn the Spring King.{{ref|ACOK|69}}

;Possible members
* [[Brandon Stark (the daughterless)|Brandon Stark]], also known as Brandon the Daughterless.{{ref|ACOK|51}}
** His daughter.{{ref|ACOK|51}}
***Her son by [[Bael the Bard]].{{ref|ACOK|51}}
Brandon the Daughterless, his daughter, and his grandson are mentioned in the [[wildling]] legend of [[Bael the Bard]].{{ref|ACOK|51}} However, the old chronicles of [[Winterfell]] say nothing of Bael,{{ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Wildlings}} and his entire existence, and thus that of the Starks mentioned in the story, is doubted by some, like Maester [[Yandel]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Wildlings}} [[Jon Snow]], upon hearing the story from [[Ygritte]], thinks Bael to be a liar and calls the story false, having never heard of it before.{{ref|ACOK|51}}

;Crypts
Traveling in the [[crypt of Winterfell]] in [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 66|Chapter 66]] of ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'', [[Bran Stark]] sees the statues of Kings [[Jon Stark|Jon]], [[Rickard Stark (king)|Rickard]], [[Theon Stark|Theon]], [[Brandon Stark (Shipwright)|Brandon the Shipwright]], [[Brandon Stark (Burner)|Brandon the Burner]], [[Rodrik Stark|Rodrik]], and [[Torrhen Stark|Torrhen]].{{ref|AGOT|66}} It is unconfirmed if this is a chronological listing.

While leaving the crypt in [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 69|Chapter 69]] of ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'', Bran sees the statues of Kings [[Torrhen Stark|Torrhen]], [[Edwyn Stark|Edwyn]], [[Theon Stark|Theon]], [[Brandon Stark (Burner)|Brandon the Burner]], [[Brandon Stark (Shipwright)|Brandon the Shipwright]], [[Jorah Stark|Jorah]], [[Jonos Stark|Jonos]], [[Brandon Stark|Brandon the Bad]], [[Walton Stark|Walton]], [[Edderion Stark|Edderion]], [[Eyron Stark|Eyron]], [[Benjen Stark (Sweet)|Benjen the Sweet]], [[Benjen Stark (Bitter)|Benjen the Bitter]], and [[Edrick Stark|Edrick]].{{ref|ACOK|69}} It is unconfirmed if this is a reverse chronological listing.

In [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 41|Chapter 41]] of ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', [[Theon Greyjoy]] recalls the names of some statues in the crypt, mentioning Kings [[Edrick Stark|Edrick]], [[Brandon Stark (Shipwright)|Brandon the Shipwright]], and [[Theon Stark|Theon]].{{ref|ADWD|41}}

===Lords Commander of the Night's Watch===
* The [[Night's King]], the thirteenth [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]]. Although his name has been forgotten, some say he was the brother of the King in the North.{{ref|ASOS|56}}
* The four youngest Lords Commander, including [[Osric Stark]]{{ref|AFFC|5}}

===Wardens of the North===
* Lord [[Torrhen Stark]], the King Who Knelt.
** Torrhen's sons.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}}
** Torrhen's daughter, who married [[Ronnel Arryn (king)|Ronnel Arryn]], [[Lord of the Eyrie]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North: The Lords of Winterfell}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Vale: House Arryn}}
** [[Brandon Snow]], Torrhen's bastard brother.
** Lord [[Brandon Stark (the Boisterous)|Brandon Stark]], called Brandon the Boisterous, Torrhen's successor.<ref name=Lord>A Forum of Ice and Fire: [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/152844-the-wiki-timeline-project-v2/&page=5&tab=comments#comment-8495418 The Wiki-Timeline Project v2 – Comment by Ran], March 16, 2020</ref>
* Lord [[Roderick Stark]], he was succeeded by Brandon the Boastful.<ref name=Lord/>
* Lord [[Brandon Stark (father of Walton)|Brandon Stark]], called Brandon the Boastful. He attended the [[Golden Wedding]].
** Lord [[Walton Stark (son of Brandon)|Walton Stark]], Brandon's elder son. Killed by [[giants]].
** Lord [[Alaric Stark]], Brandon's younger son. Married a [[Lady Mormont (wife of Alaric Stark)|Mormont]] from [[Bear Island]] and hosted [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] and [[Alysanne Targaryen]] at Winterfell.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
*** Their two sons.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
*** [[Alarra Stark]], Alaric's daughter.{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
*** Lord [[Edric Stark]], Alaric's grandson.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
* Lord [[Ellard Stark]], supported [[Laenor Velaryon]]'s claim at the [[Great Council of 101 AC]].
* Lord [[Benjen Stark (lord)|Benjen Stark]], married to Lady [[Lysa Locke]].
** Lord [[Rickon Stark (son of Benjen)|Rickon Stark]], married to Lady [[Gilliane Glover]].
*** Lord [[Cregan Stark]], known as the Old Man of the North.
*** A younger son.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}
*** [[Sara Snow]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} (according to [[Mushroom]])
** [[Bennard Stark]], married to [[Margaret Karstark]].
*** [[Benjen Stark (son of Bennard)|Benjen Stark]].
*** [[Brandon Stark (son of Bennard)|Brandon Stark]].
*** [[Elric Stark]].

====Descendants of Cregan====
* Lord [[Cregan Stark]].
* Lady [[Arra Norrey]], Cregan's first wife.
** [[Rickon Stark (son of Cregan)|Rickon Stark]], married to [[Jeyne Manderly]].
*** [[Sansa Stark (daughter of Rickon)|Sansa Stark]], married to Lord [[Jonnel Stark]].
*** [[Serena Stark]], married first to Lord [[Jon Umber (husband of Serena)|Jon Umber]] and then her half-uncle [[Edric Stark (son of Cregan)|Edric Stark]].
* Lady [[Alysanne Blackwood]], also known as Black Aly, Cregan's second wife.
** [[Sarra Stark]].
** [[Alys Stark]].
** [[Raya Stark]].
** [[Myriah Stark]].
* Lady [[Lynara Stark]], Cregan's third wife.
** Lord [[Jonnel Stark]], known as One-Eye, married first to his half-niece Lady [[Sansa Stark (daughter of Rickon)|Sansa Stark]] and second to Lady [[Robyn Ryswell]].
** [[Edric Stark (son of Cregan)|Edric Stark]], married to [[Serena Stark]].
*** [[Cregard Stark]] and [[Torrhen Stark (son of Edric)|Torrhen Stark]], twin sons.
*** [[Arrana Stark]], married to Lord [[Osric Umber]].
*** [[Argelle Stark]], married to Lord [[Robard Cerwyn]].
** [[Lyanna Stark (daughter of Cregan)|Lyanna Stark]].
** Lord [[Barthogan Stark]], known as Barth Blacksword.
** Lord [[Brandon Stark (son of Cregan)|Brandon Stark]], married to Lady [[Alys Karstark (wife of Brandon)|Alys Karstark]].
*** Lord [[Rodwell Stark]], married to Lady [[Myriame Manderly]].
*** Lord [[Beron Stark]], married to Lady [[Lorra Royce]].
*** [[Arsa Stark]].
*** [[Lonnel Snow]], known as Lonny, bastard son by [[Wylla Fenn]].

====Descendants of Beron====
* Lord [[Beron Stark]], married to Lady [[Lorra Royce]].
** Lord [[Donnor Stark]], Beron's first child and first son.
** Lord [[Willam Stark]], Beron's second child and second son.
*** Lady [[Lyanne Glover]], Willam's first wife.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}<ref name=wives>A Forum of Ice and Fire: [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/152844-the-wiki-timeline-project-v2/&page=5&tab=comments#comment-8495079 The Wiki-Timeline Project v2 – Comment by Ran], March 15, 2020</ref>
**** [[Brandon Stark (son of Willam)|Brandon Stark]], Willam's son.
*** Lady [[Melantha Blackwood]], Willam's second wife.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}<ref name=wives/>
**** Lord [[Edwyle Stark]], married to Lady [[Marna Locke]].
***** Lord [[Rickard Stark]], married to Lady [[Lyarra Stark]].
**** [[Jocelyn Stark]], married to [[Benedict Royce]].
** [[Artos Stark]], Beron's third child and third son. Known as the Implacable, married to [[Lysara Karstark]].
*** [[Brandon Stark (son of Artos)|Brandon Stark]], twin to Benjen.
**** Issue.
*** [[Benjen Stark (son of Artos)|Benjen Stark]], twin to Brandon.
**** Issue.
** [[Berena Stark]], Beron's fourth child and first daughter.
** [[Alysanne Stark]], Beron's fifth child and second daughter.
** [[Errold Stark]], Beron's sixth child and fourth son.
** [[Rodrik Stark (son of Beron)|Rodrik Stark]], Beron's seventh child and fifth son. Known as the Wandering Wolf, married to [[Arya Flint]].
*** [[Branda Stark]], married to Ser [[Harrold Rogers]].
*** [[Lyarra Stark]], married to Lord [[Rickard Stark]].

====Descendants of Rickard====
* Lord [[Rickard Stark]]. Executed by King [[Aerys II Targaryen]] before the onset of [[Robert's Rebellion]].
* Lady [[Lyarra Stark]].
** [[Brandon Stark]], first born son of Lord [[Rickard Stark|Rickard]] and Lady [[Lyarra Stark]]. Executed by King [[Aerys II Targaryen]] before the onset of [[Robert's Rebellion]].
** Lord [[Eddard Stark]], second son of Rickard and Lyarra.
** [[Lyanna Stark]], the only daughter of Rickard and Lyarra, and their third child. Died shortly after the end of [[Robert's Rebellion]].
** [[Benjen Stark]], third son of Rickard and Lyarra, and their fourth child.

==Family tree==
The following is House Stark's genealogy over the last three centuries. Currently unknown are:
* The relation between King/Lord [[Torrhen Stark]] and his successor Lord [[Brandon Stark (the Boisterous)|Brandon "the Boisterous" Stark]].
* The relations between Lords [[Brandon Stark (the Boisterous)|Brandon "the Boisterous" Stark]], [[Roderick Stark|Roderick]] and [[Brandon Stark (father of Walton)|Brandon "the Boastful" Stark]].
* The relations between Lords [[Edric Stark|Edric]], [[Ellard Stark|Ellard]] and [[Benjen Stark (lord)|Benjen Stark]].

{{Stark full tree}}

==Sworn Houses==
{{plainlist|
*{{coa|Reed|m}} [[House Reed]] of [[Greywater Watch]]. [[Meera Reed|Meera]] and [[Jojen Reed]] are with [[Bran Stark|Bran]], [[Summer]] and [[Hodor]] [[beyond the Wall]].
*{{coa|Glover|m}} [[House Glover]] of [[Deepwood Motte]]. Allied with [[Stannis Baratheon]] against [[House Bolton]].
*{{coa|Mormont|m}} [[House Mormont]] of [[Bear Island]]. Allied with Stannis Baratheon against House Bolton.
*{{coa|Umber|m}} [[House Umber]] of [[Last Hearth]]. Allied with Stannis Baratheon against House Bolton.
*{{coa|Manderly|m}} [[House Manderly]] of [[White Harbor]]. [[Wyman Manderly]] has sent [[Davos Seaworth]] to find his [[Rickon Stark|liege lord]] in [[Skagos]].
*{{coa|Flint of the mountains|m}} [[House Flint of the mountains|House Flint]] of the [[northern mountain clans]]. Allied with Stannis Baratheon against House Bolton.
*{{coa|Wull|m}} [[House Wull]] of the northern mountain clans. Allied with Stannis Baratheon against House Bolton.
*{{coa|Norrey|m}} [[House Norrey]] of the northern mountain clans. Allied with Stannis Baratheon against House Bolton.
*{{coa|Liddle|m}} [[House Liddle]] of the northern mountain clans. Allied with Stannis Baratheon against House Bolton.
*{{coa|Tully|m}} [[House Tully]] of [[Riverrun]]. Swears allegiance when Robb is named King in the North and [[King of the Trident|of the Trident]]. Now stripped of lands and titles by the Iron Throne.
*{{coa|Westerling|m}} [[House Westerling]] of the [[Crag]]. Joins Robb's cause after he marries [[Jeyne Westerling]]. Now accepted back into the king's peace.
}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|The winters are hard, but the Starks will endure. We always have.{{Ref|AGOT|4}}|[[Eddard Stark]] to [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert Baratheon]]}}

{{quote|I should have thought that heat ill suits you Starks. Here in the south, they say you are all made of ice, and melt when you ride below the [[Neck]].{{ref|AGOT|20}}|[[Petyr Baelish]] to [[Eddard Stark]]}}

{{Quote|'''Tyrion:''' You Starks are hard to kill. 
'''Robb:''' You [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] had best remember that.{{Ref|AGOT|24}}|[[Robb Stark]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{quote|As the Starks are wont to remind us, winter is coming.{{ref|ACOK|64}}|[[Roose Bolton]] to one of his men}}

{{Quote|'''Liddle''': When there was a Stark in [[Winterfell]], a maiden girl could walk down the [[kingsroad]] in her name-day gown and still go unmolested, and travelers could find fire, bread, and salt at many an inn and holdfast. But the nights are colder now, and doors are closed ... It was different when there was a Stark in Winterfell. But [[Eddard Stark|the old wolf's]] dead and [[Robb Stark|young one's]] gone south to play the [[War of the Five Kings|game of thrones]], and all that's left us is [[capture of Winterfell|the ghosts]]. 
'''Jojen''': The wolves will come again.{{ref|ASOS|24}}|a [[The Liddle|Liddle]] and [[Jojen Reed]]}}

{{Quote|[[Bear Island]] knows no king but the [[King in the North]], whose name is STARK.{{Ref|ADWD|3}}|[[Lyanna Mormont]] to [[Stannis Baratheon]]}}

{{Quote|Maester [[Theomore]], tell them! A thousand years before [[Aegon's Conquest|the Conquest]], a promise was made, and oaths were sworn in the [[Wolf's Den]] before the [[old gods]] and the [[Faith of the Seven|new]]. When we were sore beset and friendless, hounded from our homes and in peril of our lives, the wolves took us in and nourished us and protected us against our enemies. [[White Harbor|The city]] is built upon the land they gave us. In return we swore that we should always be their men. Stark men!{{Ref|ADWD|19}}|[[Wylla Manderly]] to the [[Merman's Court]]}}

==Behind the Scenes==
The Starks may have been inspired by the [[w:House of York|House of York]].<ref>''Time'': [https://www.salon.com/2012/04/04/the_real_life_inspirations_for_game_of_thrones/ The Real Life Inspirations for "Game of Thrones"], April 4, 2012</ref>

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 the Starks's words "Winter Is Coming" is "Sōnar amāzis".<ref>Archive of Our Own: [https://archiveofourown.org/works/57041695/chapters/147472675#workskin Conlang Dialogue House of the Dragon S2E8]</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

{{HousesNorth}}

[[Category:House Stark| ]]
[[Category:Houses from the North|Stark]]
[[Category:Houses of First Men origin|Stark]]
[[Category:Kings in the North| ]]
[[Category:Kings of the Trident and Kings of the Rivers and the Hills| ]]
[[Category:Wardens of the North| ]]
[[Category:Lords of Winterfell| ]]
[[Category:Royal houses|Stark]]
[[Category:Noble houses|Stark]]

[[es:Casa Stark]]
[[fa:خاندان استارک]]
[[fr:Maison Stark]]
[[pt:Casa Stark]]
[[ru:Старки]]
[[tr: Stark Hanesi]]
[[zh:史塔克家族]]

Blue Bard

2026-02-23T21:05:15Z

Hhwang:

{{Infobox character
| firstname = Wat
| epithet = Blue Bard
| nametemplate = /firstname/epithet
| image =
| image_caption =
| Alias = Blue Bard
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[House Tyrell]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Reach]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appears) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
| Coat-of-arms =
}}

The '''Blue Bard''' is a young singer in service with [[House Tyrell]]. His real name is '''Wat'''.{{Ref|AFFC|39}}

==Appearance==
Wat is a handsome young man{{Ref|AFFC|28}} with healthy teeth.{{ref|AFFC|39}} He has blue eyes and [[Hair dye|dyes]] his curly, shoulder-length brown hair blue in the [[Tyrosh]]i fashion.{{Ref|AFFC|39}}

The Blue Bird dresses all in blue,{{Ref|AFFC|12}} including a blue silk tunic slashed with blue satin, blue wool breeches, and blue calfskin boots.{{ref|AFFC|39}} He plays a lute.{{ref|AFFC|39}}

==History==
Wat was the son of a cooper and was raised in the trade, but he found he had more talent for making [[lute]]s than barrels. When he was twelve years old, he ran away to join a musician troupe. He wandered half the [[Reach]] before coming to [[King's Landing]] in search of patronage.{{Ref|AFFC|39}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
As part of the [[House Tyrell|Tyrell]] entourage, the Blue Bard sings at [[Wedding of Tommen I Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell|the wedding]] of King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]] and [[Margaery Tyrell]].{{Ref|AFFC|12}} [[Taena of Myr]] informs Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] that the Blue Bird has become Margaery's favorite entertainer.{{ref|AFFC|28}} The Blue Bird plays for Margaery and her entourage when they go to pick flowers in the [[kingswood]].{{ref|AFFC|28}} Taena learns that the Blue Bird performs at an inn when he is not attending to Margaery.{{ref|AFFC|36}}

Cersei connives to use the Blue Bard as a pawn in her efforts to remove Margaery from [[King's Landing]], and she has the musician perform while Cersei has dinner with Taena and Lord [[Orton Merryweather]]. During the meal, the queen has the Blue Bard arrested and sent to the dungeons for seducing Margaery, though he claims never to have done so. In front of Cersei, the Blue Bird is stripped and mutilated by [[Qyburn]], who removes one each of his eyes and nipples, and is told to tell the story as Cersei wants him to. Under torture he names Ser [[Osney Kettleblack]], Ser [[Tallad the Tall]], Ser [[Lambert Turnberry]], [[Jalabhar Xho]], [[Hugh Clifton]], Ser [[Mark Mullendore]], Ser [[Bayard Norcross]], and [[Hamish the Harper]] as Margaery's lovers.{{Ref|AFFC|39}}
'
The Blue Bard also names Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] and the Redwyne twins, Ser [[Horas Redwyne|Horas]] and Ser [[Hobber Redwyne|Hobber]], but Cersei has him recant the three; Loras because the accusation is not credible and the twins because she needs the support of [[House Redwyne]] and [[Redwyne fleet|their ships]] to deal with the [[ironborn]].{{Ref|AFFC|39}}

After Margaery is successfully framed, Cersei has the Blue Bard arrested again. He is tortured once again by the [[Faith of the Seven|Faith]] but continues to tell the story Cersei wants him to.{{Ref|AFFC|43}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
The Blue Bard is still held by the Faith. According to Ser [[Kevan Lannister]], the singer appears to have gone mad.{{Ref|ADWD|54}}

==Quotes by the Blue Bard==
{{quote|'''Cersei''': It is easy to see why you are Lady [[Margaery Tyrell|Margaery's]] favorite. 
'''Blue Bard''': Her Grace is kind. She says I give her pleasure. 
'''Cersei''': Oh, I'm certain of it.{{ref|AFFC|39}}|[[Cersei Lannister]] and the Blue Bard}}

==Quotes about the Blue Bard==
{{quote|The singer's boots were supple blue calfskin, his breeches fine blue wool. The tunic he wore was pale blue silk slashed with shiny blue satin. He had even gone so far as to dye his hair blue, in the [[Tyrosh]]i fashion. Long and curly, it fell to his shoulders and smelled as if it had been washed in rosewater. From blue roses, no doubt. At least his teeth are white. They were good teeth, not the least bit crooked.{{ref|AFFC|39}}|thoughts of [[Cersei Lannister]]}}

{{quote|The Blue Bard's eyes were the same color as [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert's]]. For that alone, she hated him.{{ref|AFFC|39}}|thoughts of [[Cersei Lannister]]}}

==Behind the Scenes==
In the US edition of ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'', it is said the Blue Bard was the son of a chandler, a mistake fixed in the UK edition.{{Ref|AFFC|39}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Characters from the Reach]]
[[Category:Characters with brown hair]]
[[Category:Characters with dyed hair]]
[[Category:House Tyrell retainers]]
[[Category:Singers]]
[[Category:Smallfolk]]

[[es:Bardo Azul]]
[[fr:Wat (le Barde Bleu)]]
[[pt:Bardo Azul]]
[[ru:Голубой Бард]]
[[zh:蓝诗人]]

Margaery Tyrell

2026-02-23T20:43:50Z

Hhwang: /* A Game of Thrones */

{{Infobox character
| arms = Tyrell
| arms2 = Baratheon
| arms3 = Baratheon of King's Landing
| title = Queen
| firstname = Margaery
| lastname = Tyrell
| image = MargaeryTyrell_by_BellaBergolts.jpg
| image_caption = Margaery Tyrell, by Bella Bergolts ©
| Alias = Little rose{{ref|ASOS|38}} Little queen{{ref|AFFC|17}} Maid Margaery{{ref|AFFC|12}}
| Title = Lady Queen Consort
| Allegiance = [[House Tyrell]] [[House Baratheon]] [[House Baratheon of King's Landing]]
| Race = [[Andal]]
| Culture = [[Reach]]
| Father = Lord [[Mace Tyrell]]
| Mother = Lady [[Alerie Hightower]]
| Spouse = 1st: King [[Renly Baratheon]] 2nd: King [[Joffrey Baratheon]] 3rd: King [[Tommen Baratheon]]
| Lover = Numerous alleged lovers: Ser [[Osney Kettleblack]] Ser [[Tallad the Tall]] Ser [[Lambert Turnberry]] Prince [[Jalabhar Xho]] [[Hugh Clifton]] Ser [[Mark Mullendore]] Ser [[Bayard Norcross]] [[Hamish the Harper]] Ser [[Horas Redwyne]] Ser [[Hobber Redwyne]]
| Place_of_Birth = [[Highgarden]]{{ref|awoiaf| Margaery Tyrell}}
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|283}} (age 16)<ref name=Cal>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Margaery Tyrell|Margaery Tyrell]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appears) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (appears) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appears) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = [[List of actors of the televised series#Natalie Dormer,Margaery Tyrell|Natalie Dormer]]
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|Season 2]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 3|3]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 4|4]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 5|5]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 6|6]]
}}

'''Margaery Tyrell''' is the only daughter of Lord [[Mace Tyrell]] and his wife, Lady [[Alerie Hightower]].

In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', Margaery is portrayed by [[List of actors of the televised series#Natalie Dormer,Margaery Tyrell|Natalie Dormer]].<ref>[http://natalie-dormer.org/natalie/filmography/game-of-thrones-2012/ Natalie - filmography game-of-thrones-2012]</ref><ref>[http://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/about/slideshow/season-2-new-photos.html About season 2.] Slideshow with photo's of characters and the name of the actor on HBO.</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Margaery Tyrell|l1=Images of Margaery Tyrell}}

Margaery has thick, softly curling brown hair and large brown eyes.{{Ref|ACOK|22}}{{Ref|AGOT|27}}{{Ref|AFFC|12}} She has a slender{{ref|ASOS|6}} but womanly figure{{Ref|AFFC|12}} with smooth and unblemished{{ref|AFFC|12}} pale skin{{ref|ASOS|66}} and small breasts.{{ref|ASOS|60}} Margaery is fair and lively,{{Ref|AFFC|12}} with a shy and sweet smile.{{Ref|ACOK|22}}{{Ref|ASOS|14}} She is regarded as beautiful{{ref|AGOT|32}}{{Ref|ASOS|6}}{{Ref|ASOS|16}}{{Ref|ASOS|66}}{{Ref|AFFC|12}} or pretty{{Ref|AFFC|8}}{{Ref|AFFC|12}} by most. [[Tyrion Lannister]] considers her to be just as comely as [[Sansa Stark]].{{Ref|ASOS|63}} Both Sansa and [[Cersei Lannister]] note the similarities in appearance between Margaery and her youngest brother, [[Loras Tyrell|Loras]].{{Ref|ASOS|6}}{{Ref|AFFC|7}} According to Cersei, Margaery and Loras look more alike than Cersei and her twin, [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]].{{Ref|AFFC|12}} According to [[Renly Baratheon]], there are people who claim Margaery looks like [[Lyanna Stark]].{{Ref|AGOT|27}}

Margaery is intelligent{{Ref|AFFC|8}} and shrewd,{{Ref|AFFC|39}} taking after her cunning grandmother, Lady [[Olenna Tyrell]].{{Ref|ASOS|16}} Margaery is her protégée, and as such, Olenna has made certain that Margaery is capable of protecting herself from those who might use or abuse her.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Margaery Tyrell}} [[Varys]] describes Margaery as sweet and tractable.{{Ref|AGOT|32}} Sansa considers Margaery to be sweet and gentle,{{Ref|ASOS|16}} while Cersei considers her to be restless, as Margaery often goes for a ride, a trip by boat, or out [[hawk]]ing.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} The generous Margaery is popular with [[smallfolk]].{{Ref|affc|28}}{{Ref|AFFC|43}} She follows the [[Faith of the Seven]].{{Ref|AFFC|28}}

Margaery's attire includes a sheer gown of [[ivory]] silk, [[Myr]]ish lace, and seed [[pearl]]s.{{ref|AFFC|12}} She also wears green with a cloak of [[autumn]] flowers,{{ref|ASOS|6}} and a pale green [[w:Samite|samite]] gown with a tight-laced bodice that bares her shoulders and the top of her bosom.{{ref|ASOS|60}}

==History==
Margaery was born at [[Highgarden]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Margaery Tyrell}} in {{Date|283}}<ref name=Cal/> to Lord [[Mace Tyrell]] and Lady [[Alerie Hightower]]. She has three older brothers, [[Willas Tyrell|Willas]], Ser [[Garlan Tyrell|Garlan]], and Ser [[Loras Tyrell|Loras]]. When she was a little girl, Willas used to read to her, and draw her pictures of the [[Astronomy|stars]].{{Ref|ASOS|6}} Margaery has been riding horses since she was old enough to walk.{{Ref|AFFC|28}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Lauren Cannon Margaery TyrellII.png|thumb|350px|Margaery by Lauren Cannon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Lord [[Renly Baratheon]] shows Lord [[Eddard Stark]] a rose gold locket with a picture of Margaery inside, painted in the [[Myr]]ish style. Renly hopes Ned would agree she looks like [[Lyanna Stark]], Ned's late sister, but the [[Lord of Winterfell]] disagrees.{{ref|AGOT|27}} Unbeknownst to Eddard, Renly and Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] hope to rid themselves of Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] by getting King [[Robert I Baratheon]], who is still in love with Lyanna's memory after fourteen years, to become infatuated with Margaery, as Lord [[Varys]] informs [[Illyrio Mopatis]]. According to Varys, Loras writes his father, Lord [[Mace Tyrell]], urging him to send Margaery to court.{{ref|AGOT|32}} During the [[Hand's tourney]], Robert mentions to Eddard that Renly has been telling him about Loras's sister, a young girl as lovely as a dawn.{{ref|AGOT|30}}

Following Robert's death, Renly and Loras flee [[King's Landing]] for [[Highgarden]], where Renly [[wedding of Renly Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell|marries]] Margaery and is crowned king in opposition to Robert's heir, [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]].{{Ref|AGOT|69}}{{ref|AGOT|71}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Renly Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell by Chillyravenart.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Margaery and [[Renly Baratheon]], by Chillyravenart ©]]
Margaery accompanies Renly and his army on their slow march to King's Landing. At the [[melee at Bitterbridge]], Margaery courteously gives her condolences to [[Catelyn Stark]] for the death of her husband, Eddard. During the feast, Catelyn observes Renly giving more of his attention to Loras than his new bride.{{ref|ACOK|22}} While they are at [[Bitterbridge]], word arrives that [[Stannis Baratheon]] has besieged [[Storm's End]], Renly's seat. Renly departs with his cavalry, leaving Margaery at Bitterbridge with his infantry.{{ref|ACOK|31}}

After hearing Renly has been killed during the [[siege of Storm's End (299)|siege of Storm's End]], the [[small council]] sends Lord [[Petyr Baelish]] as an envoy to Bitterbridge. The Tyrells ally with the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] by planning to wed Margaery to King Joffrey.{{ref|ACOK|36}}{{ref|ACOK|65}} Margaery, who has returned to Highgarden, is sent for by her family.{{ref|ACOK|65}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[File:Margaery Tyrell.jpg|thumb|350px|Margaery, by Amok ©]]
Now betrothed to King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], Margaery travels to [[King's Landing]]. She is accompanied by a train of ladies, most of whom are either relatives of her or the daughters of her father's bannermen, while others are to be her ladies-in-waiting. Margaery's cousins [[Alla Tyrell|Alla]], [[Elinor Tyrell|Elinor]], and [[Megga Tyrell]] are among the retinue, as are Lady [[Alysanne Bulwer]], Lady [[Alyce Graceford]], Lady [[Taena Merryweather]], [[Meredyth Crane]], and Septa [[Nysterica]].{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}}

Prior to Margaery's arrival, wagons of food have been sent to King's Landing for the starving population. As this is done in Margaery's name, she is greeted in the capital by cheering crowds.<ref group="N">Despite the fact that House Tyrell had played a large role in the starvation by closing the [[Roseroad]] off when the war started.</ref> Margaery invites [[Sansa Stark]] to supper. There, she and her grandmother, [[Olenna Tyrell]], make inquiries about Joffrey's nature, until Sansa reveals how Joffrey and Cersei have been treating her. Although Sansa fears the revelation will cause Margaery to refuse the marriage, Margaery and Olenna confide in Sansa that Mace is determined to see Margaery become a queen, while simply calling Joffrey's nature "a pity".{{Ref|ASOS|6}} Margaery and Olenna suggest to Sansa that she travel to [[Highgarden]] after Margaery's wedding, secretly plotting to marry Sansa to Margaery's eldest brother, [[Willas Tyrell|Willas]].{{Ref|ASOS|6}} Margaery and her ladies take Sansa in, taking her hawking, doing needlework with her, and other such pastimes.{{Ref|ASOS|16}} While [[hawk]]ing, Margaery's [[Falcon|peregrine]] takes a heron in full flight.{{Ref|ASOS|16}}

When [[House Lannister|the Lannisters]] discover the Tyrell plot to marry Sansa to Willas, Sansa is quickly married off to [[Tyrion Lannister]]. Although Margaery and the Tyrells are not present for the wedding ceremony, they are present at the feast, where Margaery gives Sansa a sad look. When Tyrion refuses to participate in the first dance with Sansa, Margaery and Joffrey lead in their stead.{{ref|ASOS|28}}

Margaery marries Joffrey on the first day of {{Date|300}} at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]], with the [[High Septon (Tyrion's)|High Septon]] officiating.{{ref|ASOS|60}} Following the ceremony, [[Purple wedding|a great feast]] is held in the [[Red Keep]]. [[Hamish the Harper]] brings tears to Margaery's eyes during his performance of "[[Lord Renly's Ride]]". Later in the feast, Joffrey dies after drinking [[Strangler|poisoned wine]].{{ref|ASOS|60}}

Margaery attends the trial of Tyrion, who is charged with the murder, dressed in mourning clothes.{{ref|ASOS|66}} Lord Mace wants Tyrion to die, oft repeating that his daughter had also drank from the [[wedding chalice]].{{ref|ASOS|66}}

Sansa is smuggled out of the city by [[Dontos Hollard]], who brings her to Lord [[Petyr Baelish]] in [[Blackwater Bay]]. Littlefinger reveals that Olenna had poisoned Joffrey to prevent Joffrey from hurting Margaery and Loras from becoming a kingslayer in order to protect his sister. He reasons that, although Mace is insistent on making Margaery queen, Olenna realized that Joffrey was not needed for this. He predicts that Margaery will soon marry Joffrey's younger brother, [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]].{{ref|ASOS|68}}

Littlefinger's prediction proves to be correct. The Tyrells soon begin insisting that Tommen should be married to Margaery.{{Ref|ASOS|62}} Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] suggests to his son [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] that he, as heir to [[Casterly Rock]], could leave the [[Kingsguard]] and marry Margaery, but Jaime is opposed to the idea.{{Ref|ASOS|62}} Jaime sees no harm in the match between Margaery and Tommen, as Tommen, who has been lonely ever since his sister, [[Myrcella Baratheon|Myrcella]] left for [[Dorne]], likes having Margaery and her ladies around. Cersei, Tommen's mother, is opposed to it, however.{{ref|ASOS|72}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:Anders Finer margaery tyrell.jpg|thumb|350px|Margaery by Anders Finer © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Margaery attends several of the services held in the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] for the wake of Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], placing a bouquet of golden roses at his funeral bier.{{Ref|AFFC|7}}{{Ref|AFFC|8}}

Wearing the same gown as when she wed Joffrey, Margaery marries King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]] in a small ceremony in the [[royal sept]]. During [[Wedding of Tommen I Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell|the small feast held afterward]], Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] is approached by [[Taena of Myr]], who claims that Margaery is paying Cersei's maid [[Senelle]] to spy on Cersei for her.{{ref|AFFC|12}} Following the feast, Margaery accompanies the guests outside to watch the [[pyromancers]] burn down the [[Tower of the Hand]] with [[wildfire]], per Cersei's instructions.{{Ref|AFFC|12}} As the Tyrells have insisted that Margaery and Tommen share a bed during their wedding night, despite the fact that Tommen is too young for consummation, Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] escorts them to Tommen's room and stays there all night on the orders of Cersei, to prevent the boy from being left alone with his new wife.{{Ref|AFFC|12}}

When Cersei asks Margaery's leave to take Taena on as her own companion, Margaery reacts thrilled. Both Cersei and Jaime believe Taena to be a spy informing Margaery of Cersei's doings. Cersei gives Taena only the information she wants Margaery to know, with most of it being untrue. Additionally, Taena informs Cersei of everything Margaery does.{{Ref|AFFC|16}} Cersei's hatred for Margaery and her family has been building for years, and after Taena informs Cersei that Ser [[Horas Redwyne|Horas]] and Ser [[Hobber Redwyne]] are in love with Margaery, Cersei begins to plot Margaery's downfall.{{Ref|AFFC|17}} Cersei does not believe that Margaery is still a maiden, as she claims to be.{{Ref|AFFC|3}}{{Ref|AFFC|12}} She convinces Ser [[Osney Kettleblack]] to seduce Margaery, and plans to have Osney's brother [[Osmund Kettleblack|Osmund]] catch them abed. She tells Taena to inform Margaery of a secret admirer.{{Ref|AFFC|17}}

Margaery begins to instruct Tommen on his kingship, telling him he should sit on the [[Iron Throne]] and attend the [[small council]] meetings, which annoys Cersei, who plans to rule until Tommen [[age of majority|comes of age]].{{Ref|AFFC|24}} Meanwhile, Cersei names Osney as Tommen's [[sworn shield]], so he can spend more time in Margaery's presence, but Cersei soon grows impatient as Margaery does not respond to Osney's charms as hoped. Osmund insists it is because Osney and Margaery are never alone. Margaery often prays with Septa [[Nysterica]], reads with her cousin [[Elinor Tyrell|Elinor]], sings with her cousin [[Alla Tyrell|Alla]], sews with her cousin [[Megga Tyrell|Megga]], and plays [[come-into-my-castle]] with [[Alysanne Bulwer]]. Margaery [[hawk]]s with [[Janna Fossoway]] and [[Meredyth Crane]], and she always rides with several companions and at least twelve guards.{{ref|AFFC|24}} She sails the [[Blackwater Rush]], and prays at the Great Sept.{{ref|AFFC|28}} During a trip to the [[kingswood]], Ser [[Tallad the Tall]] teaches Margaery and Tommen how to fight with a staff.{{ref|AFFC|28}}

Osney's mention of men always being around Margaery inspires Cersei,{{Ref|AFFC|24}} who further inquires about them with Taena.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} Taena names Ser [[Lambert Turnberry]], Ser [[Bayard Norcross]], Ser [[Courtenay Greenhill]], and Ser [[Portifer Woodwright|Portifer]] and Ser [[Lucantine Woodwright]] as admirers of Margaery, and Lady Merryweather identifies Grand Maester [[Pycelle]] as a frequent visitor as well.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} When Cersei asks about Margaery's wedding night with Renly, Taena claims that even though Margaery insists that Renly had drunk too much wine at the wedding feast to consummate the marriage, his manhood had been anything but weary when she had last seen it. Taena also admits that no bloody sheet was shown the next morning, which Cersei acknowledges means little, as highborn girls often break their [[maiden]]head by horse riding.{{Ref|AFFC|28}}

Margaery gives Tommen three black [[kitten]]s,{{ref|AFFC|24}} which the boy names [[Boots]], [[Lady Whiskers]], and [[Ser Pounce]].{{ref|AFFC|39}} Margaery's frequent invitations to Tommen to accompany her on trips near the city, and Cersei's frequent refusal to allow him to go, make Tommen sullen with Cersei. The Queen Regent believes that Margaery is attempting to steal Tommen from her.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} Margaery tells Tommen he should attend court and listen to petitioners, and the boy king starts to openly object to Cersei's hatred for Margaery.{{Ref|AFFC|36}} The young queen gains favor with the residents of King's Landing by visiting local markets to buy fresh fruits, bread, and fish, ordering dresses from local seamstresses, and making great public shows of charity.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} Tommen gives the name ''[[Queen Margaery]]'' to one of [[Cersei's dromonds]].{{ref|AFFC|28}}

After the [[taking of the Shields]] by the [[ironborn]], Margaery insists to the small council that her father, Lord [[Mace Tyrell]], and his forces be allowed to return to the [[Reach]], abandoning the [[siege of Storm's End (300)|siege of Storm's End]]. She is shocked when Cersei refers to the [[Shield Islands]] as "rocks" and seems to lack understanding for the threat posed by the ironborn. She is shocked even more when Loras asks permission to take [[Dragonstone]], so the [[Redwyne fleet]] is no longer needed at the island and can return to the Reach to face the ironborn.{{Ref|AFFC|32}}

Although Loras is successful in taking Dragonstone, he is severely injured in the assault. Margaery is tearful when Cersei informs her of Loras's injuries, and when Cersei implies Loras's impending death, Margaery orders her to leave the Maidenvault.{{Ref|AFFC|36}} Margaery remains distraught about Loras and brings Tommen to the sept every day to pray for her brother.{{ref|AFFC|39}}

Cersei questions Pycelle about his frequent visits to Margaery, and has him confess to providing Margaery with [[moon tea]]. She next invites the [[Blue Bard]] over, and questions him about his sexual history with Margaery. Although the Blue Bard denies the claims, Cersei has him arrested and brought to [[Qyburn]]. The master of whisperers tortures the bard until the man claims to have had sex with Margaery's cousins and played music for Margaery while she entertained lovers herself. He names several men, including Horas and Hobber Redwyne, and Loras Tyrell, but Cersei insists they are not to be charged.{{Ref|AFFC|39}}

[[File:Skirts and dignity by cabepfir.jpg|350px|thumb|When [[Cersei Lannister]] visits Margaery after her arrest, Margaery accuses Cersei of involvement in her troubles. Art by Cabepfir©]]

On [[Maiden's Day]], Margaery fasts and purifies herself, as is required of all maidens. This inspires Cersei, who orders Ser Osney Kettleblack to confess to the new High Septon, the so-called [[High Sparrow]], that he had slept with Margaery, Elinor, and Megga while Alla watched.{{Ref|AFFC|39}} Osney goes to falsely confess, and Margaery and her cousins are arrested by the Faith.{{Ref|AFFC|43}} Her clothes are taken, and she is given a roughspun shift to wear. Margaery is separated from her cousins, and visited every hour by a septa, even during the night, who asks Margaery to confess her fornications.{{Ref|AFFC|43}} Margaery is accused of lewdness, fornication, adultery, and high treason. At the behest of the High Septon, Septa [[Moelle]] examines Margaery and finds that her maidenhead has been broken. Moelle reports this at court, where Pycelle adds how he provided moon tea for Margaery on several occasions. Cersei has Ser Tallad, [[Jalabhar Xho]], [[Hamish the Harper]], [[Hugh Clifton]], Ser [[Mark Mullendore]], Bayard, Lambert, Horas and Hobber, and the Blue Bard arrested for having been involved in Margaery's treason. Before the day is over, a mob of [[smallfolk]] forms before the Great Sept to protest Margaery's arrest.{{Ref|AFFC|43}}

Cersei goes to visit Margaery the next day, and tells her there is going to be a trial. She suggests that Margaery can chose for a [[trial by battle]] if she wants, in which case a knight of the [[Kingsguard]] is to defend her. Margaery is quick to understand that it would come down to either Ser [[Meryn Trant]] or Ser [[Boros Blount]],<ref group="N">[[Jaime Lannister]] is considered unfit to fight in a trial by battle due to the loss of his sword hand. Loras is still mortally injured on [[Dragonstone]]. [[Balon Swann]] has been sent to Dorne, where [[Arys Oakheart]] is believed to be, as his death is still unknown to those at court. [[Osmund Kettleblack]] is not considered an option, as it is his brother who is the accuser.</ref> neither of whom would probably fare well against Osney Kettleblack. She scolds Cersei for wanting Tommen all for herself, acknowledging that she knows Cersei wants her dead.{{Ref|AFFC|43}}

Cersei visits the High Sparrow, who agrees that the Faith will conduct Margaery's trial. However, he refuses to allow Cersei to take custody of Ser Osney, and reveals that, under further questioning and torture, Osney admitted to having slept with Cersei, not Margaery. Cersei is subsequently arrested as well. The mob remains in front of the Great Sept, calling out Margaery's name.{{Ref|AFFC|43}}

When news of his daughter's arrest reaches him, Lord Mace abandons his siege of Storm's End to march most of his army back to King's Landing. His bannerman, Lord [[Randyll Tarly]], leaves [[Maidenpool]] with his own army to give Margaery his aid.{{Ref|AFFC|43}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[Randyll Tarly]] is the first to reach [[King's Landing]]. As all the men who stand accused—with the exception of the [[Blue Bard]], who appears to be half-mad—have denied the charges or recanted, the evidence against Margaery and her cousins is weak. As such, the [[High Sparrow]] agrees to hand them over to Lord Tarly's custody, who swears that he will return them for the trial.{{Ref|ADWD|54}}

During her [[walk of atonement]], [[Cersei Lannister]] hears some of the angry [[smallfolk]] shout out the names of Margaery and [[Stannis Baratheon]].{{ref|ADWD|65}}

Although the [[stormlands]] are [[landing of the Golden Company|under attack by the Golden Company]], Lord [[Mace Tyrell]] refuses to leave King's Landing with his army until Margaery's trial is over and she is declared innocent.{{Ref|ADWD|54}} Margaery plans to let the Faith sit in judgement of her.{{Ref|ADWD|65}} Mace wishes for King Tommen to declare Margaery innocent, but Lord Regent [[Kevan Lannister]] argues against the idea, knowing it would mean that the whispers of accusation would follow Margaery forever. Kevan quietly wonders why Mace insists on having his army present when Margaery faces her accusers, if she is as innocent as Mace would have them all believe.{{Ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}

==Quotes by Margaery==
[[File:MargaeryTyrell.jpg|thumb|right|Natalie Dormer as Margaery in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
{{Quote|'''Margaery''': Grandmother, mind your words, or what will [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] think of us? 
'''Olenna''': She might think we have some wits about us. One of us, at any rate.{{ref|ASOS|6}}|Margaery and [[Olenna Tyrell]]}}

{{Quote|'''Sansa''': You mustn't marry him. He's not like he seems, he's not. He'll hurt you. 
'''Margaery''': I shouldn't think so. It's brave of you to warn me, but you need not fear. [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joff's]] spoiled and vain and I don't doubt that he's as cruel as you say, but [[Mace Tyrell|Father]] forced him to name [[Loras Tyrell|Loras]] to his [[Kingsguard]] before he would agree to the match. I shall have the finest knight in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] protecting me night and day, as Prince [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Viserys II)|Aemon]] protected [[Naerys Targaryen|Naerys]]. So our little lion had best behave, hadn't he?{{ref|ASOS|16}}|[[Sansa Stark]] and Margaery}}

{{Quote|I know what a burden you bear. You should let me share the load. There must be some things I could do to help you. It would put to rest all this talk that you and I are rivals for [[Tommen Baratheon|the king]].{{Ref|AFFC|28}}|Margaery to [[Cersei Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|'''Cersei''': You wrong me, daughter. All I want— 
'''Margaery''': —is [[Tommen Baratheon|your son]], all for yourself. He will never have a wife that you don't hate. And I am not your daughter, thank [[Faith of the Seven|the gods]].{{ref|AFFC|43}}|[[Cersei Lannister]] and Margaery}}

==Quotes about Margaery==
[[File:Margaery_tyrell_by_daenerys_mod-d4dmzt8.jpg|350px|thumb|Margaery by Elia Mervi ©]]
{{Quote|Ned was not sure what to make of [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]], with all his friendly ways and easy smiles. A few days past, he had taken Ned aside to show him an exquisite rose [[gold]] locket. Inside was a miniature painted in the vivid [[Myr]]ish style, of a lovely young girl with [[deer|doe]]'s eyes and a cascade of soft brown hair.{{Ref|AGOT|27}}|thoughts of [[Eddard Stark]]}}

{{Quote|The girl is a [[maiden|maid]] of fourteen, sweet and beautiful and tractable, and Lord [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]] and Ser [[Loras Tyrell|Loras]] intend that [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]] should bed her, wed her, and make a new queen.{{Ref|AGOT|32}}|[[Varys]], to [[Illyrio Mopatis]]}}

{{Quote|'''Stannis''': We both know your wedding was a [[mummer]]'s farce. A year ago you were scheming to make the girl one of [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]]'s [[whore]]s. 
'''Renly''': A year ago I was scheming to make the girl Robert’s queen.{{Ref|ACOK|31}}|[[Renly Baratheon]] and [[Stannis Baratheon]]}}

{{quote|If you had to fall into [[Jeyne Westerling|a woman's]] arms, [[Robb Stark|my son]], why couldn't they have been Margaery Tyrell's? The wealth and power of [[Highgarden]] could have made all the difference in the fighting yet to come. And perhaps [[Grey Wind]] would have liked the smell of her as well.{{ref|ASOS|14}}|thoughts of [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Margaery was different, though. Sweet and gentle, yet there was a little of [[Olenna Tyrell|her grandmother]] in her, too.{{ref|ASOS|16}}|thoughts of [[Sansa Stark]]}}

{{quote|Her smile was shy and sweet. A lovely girl, thought Tyrion, and a kinder fate than [[Joffrey Baratheon|my nephew]] deserves.{{ref|ASOS|60}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|Lady [[Olenna Tyrell|Olenna]] was not about to let [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joff]] harm her precious darling granddaughter, but unlike [[Mace Tyrell|her son]] she also realized that under all his flowers and finery, Ser [[Loras Tyrell|Loras]] is as hot-tempered as [[Jaime Lannister]]. Toss Joffrey, Margaery, and Loras in a pot, and you've got the makings for [[kingslayer]] stew. The old woman understood something else as well. Her son was determined to make Margaery a queen, and for that he needed a king... but he did not need ''Joffrey''.{{Ref|ASOS|68}}|[[Petyr Baelish]], to [[Sansa Stark]]}}

{{Quote|We shall have [[Wedding of Tommen I Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell|another wedding]] soon, wait and see. Margaery will marry [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]]. She'll keep her queenly [[crown]] and her [[maidenhead]], neither of which she especially wants, but what does that matter? The great western alliance will be preserved... for a time, at least.{{Ref|ASOS|68}}|[[Petyr Baelish]], to [[Sansa Stark]]}}

{{Quote|So the girl is as clever as she is pretty. [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]] could do a deal worse for a queen.{{Ref|AFFC|8}}|thoughts of [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|She is pretty enough, she had to admit, but most of that is youth. Even [[smallfolk|peasant]] girls are pretty at a certain age, when they are still fresh and innocent and unspoiled, and most of them have the same brown hair and brown eyes as she does. Only a fool would ever claim she was more beautiful than I. The world was full of fools, however. So was [[Tommen Baratheon|her son's]] court.{{ref|AFFC|12}}|thoughts of [[Cersei Lannister]]}}

==Family==
{{Tyrell tree}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], Margaery has similarities with [[w:Anne Boleyn|Anne Boleyn]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1436 Boskone (Boston, MA; February 17-19)], February 17, 2006</ref> Coincidentally, Natalie Dormer portrayed Anne Boleyn in the show "[[w:The Tudors|The Tudors]]" prior to join ''Game of Thrones''.

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Cassana Estermont]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=Lady consort of [[Storm's End]]|years={{Date|299}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Selyse Florent]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Cersei Lannister]]}}
{{S-ttl|order=24th|title=queen consort of the [[Seven Kingdoms]]|years={{Date|300|+}}}}
{{S-inc}}
{{S-end}}

{{Royal consorts of Westeros}}


[[Category:House Tyrell]]
[[Category:House Baratheon]]
[[Category:House Baratheon of King's Landing]]
[[Category:283 AC births|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Characters from the Reach|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Characters with brown eyes|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Characters with brown hair|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Characters with fair skin|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Members of Joffrey I Baratheon's court|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Members of Tommen I Baratheon's court|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Noblewomen|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Royal consorts|Tyrell, Margaery]]


[[es:Margaery Tyrell]]
[[fa:مارجری تایرل]]
[[fr:Margaery Tyrell]]
[[ru:Маргери Тирелл]]
[[zh:玛格丽·提利尔]]

Margaery Tyrell

2026-02-23T20:39:09Z

Hhwang:

{{Infobox character
| arms = Tyrell
| arms2 = Baratheon
| arms3 = Baratheon of King's Landing
| title = Queen
| firstname = Margaery
| lastname = Tyrell
| image = MargaeryTyrell_by_BellaBergolts.jpg
| image_caption = Margaery Tyrell, by Bella Bergolts ©
| Alias = Little rose{{ref|ASOS|38}} Little queen{{ref|AFFC|17}} Maid Margaery{{ref|AFFC|12}}
| Title = Lady Queen Consort
| Allegiance = [[House Tyrell]] [[House Baratheon]] [[House Baratheon of King's Landing]]
| Race = [[Andal]]
| Culture = [[Reach]]
| Father = Lord [[Mace Tyrell]]
| Mother = Lady [[Alerie Hightower]]
| Spouse = 1st: King [[Renly Baratheon]] 2nd: King [[Joffrey Baratheon]] 3rd: King [[Tommen Baratheon]]
| Lover = Numerous alleged lovers: Ser [[Osney Kettleblack]] Ser [[Tallad the Tall]] Ser [[Lambert Turnberry]] Prince [[Jalabhar Xho]] [[Hugh Clifton]] Ser [[Mark Mullendore]] Ser [[Bayard Norcross]] [[Hamish the Harper]] Ser [[Horas Redwyne]] Ser [[Hobber Redwyne]]
| Place_of_Birth = [[Highgarden]]{{ref|awoiaf| Margaery Tyrell}}
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|283}} (age 16)<ref name=Cal>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Margaery Tyrell|Margaery Tyrell]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appears) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (appears) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appears) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by = [[List of actors of the televised series#Natalie Dormer,Margaery Tyrell|Natalie Dormer]]
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|Season 2]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 3|3]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 4|4]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 5|5]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 6|6]]
}}

'''Margaery Tyrell''' is the only daughter of Lord [[Mace Tyrell]] and his wife, Lady [[Alerie Hightower]].

In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', Margaery is portrayed by [[List of actors of the televised series#Natalie Dormer,Margaery Tyrell|Natalie Dormer]].<ref>[http://natalie-dormer.org/natalie/filmography/game-of-thrones-2012/ Natalie - filmography game-of-thrones-2012]</ref><ref>[http://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/about/slideshow/season-2-new-photos.html About season 2.] Slideshow with photo's of characters and the name of the actor on HBO.</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Margaery Tyrell|l1=Images of Margaery Tyrell}}

Margaery has thick, softly curling brown hair and large brown eyes.{{Ref|ACOK|22}}{{Ref|AGOT|27}}{{Ref|AFFC|12}} She has a slender{{ref|ASOS|6}} but womanly figure{{Ref|AFFC|12}} with smooth and unblemished{{ref|AFFC|12}} pale skin{{ref|ASOS|66}} and small breasts.{{ref|ASOS|60}} Margaery is fair and lively,{{Ref|AFFC|12}} with a shy and sweet smile.{{Ref|ACOK|22}}{{Ref|ASOS|14}} She is regarded as beautiful{{ref|AGOT|32}}{{Ref|ASOS|6}}{{Ref|ASOS|16}}{{Ref|ASOS|66}}{{Ref|AFFC|12}} or pretty{{Ref|AFFC|8}}{{Ref|AFFC|12}} by most. [[Tyrion Lannister]] considers her to be just as comely as [[Sansa Stark]].{{Ref|ASOS|63}} Both Sansa and [[Cersei Lannister]] note the similarities in appearance between Margaery and her youngest brother, [[Loras Tyrell|Loras]].{{Ref|ASOS|6}}{{Ref|AFFC|7}} According to Cersei, Margaery and Loras look more alike than Cersei and her twin, [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]].{{Ref|AFFC|12}} According to [[Renly Baratheon]], there are people who claim Margaery looks like [[Lyanna Stark]].{{Ref|AGOT|27}}

Margaery is intelligent{{Ref|AFFC|8}} and shrewd,{{Ref|AFFC|39}} taking after her cunning grandmother, Lady [[Olenna Tyrell]].{{Ref|ASOS|16}} Margaery is her protégée, and as such, Olenna has made certain that Margaery is capable of protecting herself from those who might use or abuse her.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Margaery Tyrell}} [[Varys]] describes Margaery as sweet and tractable.{{Ref|AGOT|32}} Sansa considers Margaery to be sweet and gentle,{{Ref|ASOS|16}} while Cersei considers her to be restless, as Margaery often goes for a ride, a trip by boat, or out [[hawk]]ing.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} The generous Margaery is popular with [[smallfolk]].{{Ref|affc|28}}{{Ref|AFFC|43}} She follows the [[Faith of the Seven]].{{Ref|AFFC|28}}

Margaery's attire includes a sheer gown of [[ivory]] silk, [[Myr]]ish lace, and seed [[pearl]]s.{{ref|AFFC|12}} She also wears green with a cloak of [[autumn]] flowers,{{ref|ASOS|6}} and a pale green [[w:Samite|samite]] gown with a tight-laced bodice that bares her shoulders and the top of her bosom.{{ref|ASOS|60}}

==History==
Margaery was born at [[Highgarden]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Margaery Tyrell}} in {{Date|283}}<ref name=Cal/> to Lord [[Mace Tyrell]] and Lady [[Alerie Hightower]]. She has three older brothers, [[Willas Tyrell|Willas]], Ser [[Garlan Tyrell|Garlan]], and Ser [[Loras Tyrell|Loras]]. When she was a little girl, Willas used to read to her, and draw her pictures of the [[Astronomy|stars]].{{Ref|ASOS|6}} Margaery has been riding horses since she was old enough to walk.{{Ref|AFFC|28}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Lauren Cannon Margaery TyrellII.png|thumb|350px|Margaery by Lauren Cannon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Lord [[Renly Baratheon]] shows Lord [[Eddard Stark]] a [[rose gold]] locket with a picture of Margaery inside, painted in the [[Myr]]ish style. Renly hopes Ned would agree she looks like [[Lyanna Stark]], Ned's late sister, but the [[Lord of Winterfell]] disagrees.{{ref|AGOT|27}} Unbeknownst to Eddard, Renly and Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] hope to rid themselves of Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] by getting King [[Robert I Baratheon]], who is still in love with Lyanna's memory after fourteen years, to become infatuated with Margaery, as Lord [[Varys]] informs [[Illyrio Mopatis]]. According to Varys, Loras writes his father, Lord [[Mace Tyrell]], urging him to send Margaery to court.{{ref|AGOT|32}} During the [[Hand's tourney]], Robert mentions to Eddard that Renly has been telling him about Loras's sister, a young girl as lovely as a dawn.{{ref|AGOT|30}}

Following Robert's death, Renly and Loras flee [[King's Landing]] for [[Highgarden]], where Renly [[wedding of Renly Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell|marries]] Margaery and is crowned king in opposition to Robert's heir, [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]].{{Ref|AGOT|69}}{{ref|AGOT|71}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Renly Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell by Chillyravenart.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Margaery and [[Renly Baratheon]], by Chillyravenart ©]]
Margaery accompanies Renly and his army on their slow march to King's Landing. At the [[melee at Bitterbridge]], Margaery courteously gives her condolences to [[Catelyn Stark]] for the death of her husband, Eddard. During the feast, Catelyn observes Renly giving more of his attention to Loras than his new bride.{{ref|ACOK|22}} While they are at [[Bitterbridge]], word arrives that [[Stannis Baratheon]] has besieged [[Storm's End]], Renly's seat. Renly departs with his cavalry, leaving Margaery at Bitterbridge with his infantry.{{ref|ACOK|31}}

After hearing Renly has been killed during the [[siege of Storm's End (299)|siege of Storm's End]], the [[small council]] sends Lord [[Petyr Baelish]] as an envoy to Bitterbridge. The Tyrells ally with the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] by planning to wed Margaery to King Joffrey.{{ref|ACOK|36}}{{ref|ACOK|65}} Margaery, who has returned to Highgarden, is sent for by her family.{{ref|ACOK|65}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[File:Margaery Tyrell.jpg|thumb|350px|Margaery, by Amok ©]]
Now betrothed to King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], Margaery travels to [[King's Landing]]. She is accompanied by a train of ladies, most of whom are either relatives of her or the daughters of her father's bannermen, while others are to be her ladies-in-waiting. Margaery's cousins [[Alla Tyrell|Alla]], [[Elinor Tyrell|Elinor]], and [[Megga Tyrell]] are among the retinue, as are Lady [[Alysanne Bulwer]], Lady [[Alyce Graceford]], Lady [[Taena Merryweather]], [[Meredyth Crane]], and Septa [[Nysterica]].{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}}

Prior to Margaery's arrival, wagons of food have been sent to King's Landing for the starving population. As this is done in Margaery's name, she is greeted in the capital by cheering crowds.<ref group="N">Despite the fact that House Tyrell had played a large role in the starvation by closing the [[Roseroad]] off when the war started.</ref> Margaery invites [[Sansa Stark]] to supper. There, she and her grandmother, [[Olenna Tyrell]], make inquiries about Joffrey's nature, until Sansa reveals how Joffrey and Cersei have been treating her. Although Sansa fears the revelation will cause Margaery to refuse the marriage, Margaery and Olenna confide in Sansa that Mace is determined to see Margaery become a queen, while simply calling Joffrey's nature "a pity".{{Ref|ASOS|6}} Margaery and Olenna suggest to Sansa that she travel to [[Highgarden]] after Margaery's wedding, secretly plotting to marry Sansa to Margaery's eldest brother, [[Willas Tyrell|Willas]].{{Ref|ASOS|6}} Margaery and her ladies take Sansa in, taking her hawking, doing needlework with her, and other such pastimes.{{Ref|ASOS|16}} While [[hawk]]ing, Margaery's [[Falcon|peregrine]] takes a heron in full flight.{{Ref|ASOS|16}}

When [[House Lannister|the Lannisters]] discover the Tyrell plot to marry Sansa to Willas, Sansa is quickly married off to [[Tyrion Lannister]]. Although Margaery and the Tyrells are not present for the wedding ceremony, they are present at the feast, where Margaery gives Sansa a sad look. When Tyrion refuses to participate in the first dance with Sansa, Margaery and Joffrey lead in their stead.{{ref|ASOS|28}}

Margaery marries Joffrey on the first day of {{Date|300}} at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]], with the [[High Septon (Tyrion's)|High Septon]] officiating.{{ref|ASOS|60}} Following the ceremony, [[Purple wedding|a great feast]] is held in the [[Red Keep]]. [[Hamish the Harper]] brings tears to Margaery's eyes during his performance of "[[Lord Renly's Ride]]". Later in the feast, Joffrey dies after drinking [[Strangler|poisoned wine]].{{ref|ASOS|60}}

Margaery attends the trial of Tyrion, who is charged with the murder, dressed in mourning clothes.{{ref|ASOS|66}} Lord Mace wants Tyrion to die, oft repeating that his daughter had also drank from the [[wedding chalice]].{{ref|ASOS|66}}

Sansa is smuggled out of the city by [[Dontos Hollard]], who brings her to Lord [[Petyr Baelish]] in [[Blackwater Bay]]. Littlefinger reveals that Olenna had poisoned Joffrey to prevent Joffrey from hurting Margaery and Loras from becoming a kingslayer in order to protect his sister. He reasons that, although Mace is insistent on making Margaery queen, Olenna realized that Joffrey was not needed for this. He predicts that Margaery will soon marry Joffrey's younger brother, [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]].{{ref|ASOS|68}}

Littlefinger's prediction proves to be correct. The Tyrells soon begin insisting that Tommen should be married to Margaery.{{Ref|ASOS|62}} Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] suggests to his son [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] that he, as heir to [[Casterly Rock]], could leave the [[Kingsguard]] and marry Margaery, but Jaime is opposed to the idea.{{Ref|ASOS|62}} Jaime sees no harm in the match between Margaery and Tommen, as Tommen, who has been lonely ever since his sister, [[Myrcella Baratheon|Myrcella]] left for [[Dorne]], likes having Margaery and her ladies around. Cersei, Tommen's mother, is opposed to it, however.{{ref|ASOS|72}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:Anders Finer margaery tyrell.jpg|thumb|350px|Margaery by Anders Finer © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Margaery attends several of the services held in the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] for the wake of Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], placing a bouquet of golden roses at his funeral bier.{{Ref|AFFC|7}}{{Ref|AFFC|8}}

Wearing the same gown as when she wed Joffrey, Margaery marries King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]] in a small ceremony in the [[royal sept]]. During [[Wedding of Tommen I Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell|the small feast held afterward]], Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] is approached by [[Taena of Myr]], who claims that Margaery is paying Cersei's maid [[Senelle]] to spy on Cersei for her.{{ref|AFFC|12}} Following the feast, Margaery accompanies the guests outside to watch the [[pyromancers]] burn down the [[Tower of the Hand]] with [[wildfire]], per Cersei's instructions.{{Ref|AFFC|12}} As the Tyrells have insisted that Margaery and Tommen share a bed during their wedding night, despite the fact that Tommen is too young for consummation, Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] escorts them to Tommen's room and stays there all night on the orders of Cersei, to prevent the boy from being left alone with his new wife.{{Ref|AFFC|12}}

When Cersei asks Margaery's leave to take Taena on as her own companion, Margaery reacts thrilled. Both Cersei and Jaime believe Taena to be a spy informing Margaery of Cersei's doings. Cersei gives Taena only the information she wants Margaery to know, with most of it being untrue. Additionally, Taena informs Cersei of everything Margaery does.{{Ref|AFFC|16}} Cersei's hatred for Margaery and her family has been building for years, and after Taena informs Cersei that Ser [[Horas Redwyne|Horas]] and Ser [[Hobber Redwyne]] are in love with Margaery, Cersei begins to plot Margaery's downfall.{{Ref|AFFC|17}} Cersei does not believe that Margaery is still a maiden, as she claims to be.{{Ref|AFFC|3}}{{Ref|AFFC|12}} She convinces Ser [[Osney Kettleblack]] to seduce Margaery, and plans to have Osney's brother [[Osmund Kettleblack|Osmund]] catch them abed. She tells Taena to inform Margaery of a secret admirer.{{Ref|AFFC|17}}

Margaery begins to instruct Tommen on his kingship, telling him he should sit on the [[Iron Throne]] and attend the [[small council]] meetings, which annoys Cersei, who plans to rule until Tommen [[age of majority|comes of age]].{{Ref|AFFC|24}} Meanwhile, Cersei names Osney as Tommen's [[sworn shield]], so he can spend more time in Margaery's presence, but Cersei soon grows impatient as Margaery does not respond to Osney's charms as hoped. Osmund insists it is because Osney and Margaery are never alone. Margaery often prays with Septa [[Nysterica]], reads with her cousin [[Elinor Tyrell|Elinor]], sings with her cousin [[Alla Tyrell|Alla]], sews with her cousin [[Megga Tyrell|Megga]], and plays [[come-into-my-castle]] with [[Alysanne Bulwer]]. Margaery [[hawk]]s with [[Janna Fossoway]] and [[Meredyth Crane]], and she always rides with several companions and at least twelve guards.{{ref|AFFC|24}} She sails the [[Blackwater Rush]], and prays at the Great Sept.{{ref|AFFC|28}} During a trip to the [[kingswood]], Ser [[Tallad the Tall]] teaches Margaery and Tommen how to fight with a staff.{{ref|AFFC|28}}

Osney's mention of men always being around Margaery inspires Cersei,{{Ref|AFFC|24}} who further inquires about them with Taena.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} Taena names Ser [[Lambert Turnberry]], Ser [[Bayard Norcross]], Ser [[Courtenay Greenhill]], and Ser [[Portifer Woodwright|Portifer]] and Ser [[Lucantine Woodwright]] as admirers of Margaery, and Lady Merryweather identifies Grand Maester [[Pycelle]] as a frequent visitor as well.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} When Cersei asks about Margaery's wedding night with Renly, Taena claims that even though Margaery insists that Renly had drunk too much wine at the wedding feast to consummate the marriage, his manhood had been anything but weary when she had last seen it. Taena also admits that no bloody sheet was shown the next morning, which Cersei acknowledges means little, as highborn girls often break their [[maiden]]head by horse riding.{{Ref|AFFC|28}}

Margaery gives Tommen three black [[kitten]]s,{{ref|AFFC|24}} which the boy names [[Boots]], [[Lady Whiskers]], and [[Ser Pounce]].{{ref|AFFC|39}} Margaery's frequent invitations to Tommen to accompany her on trips near the city, and Cersei's frequent refusal to allow him to go, make Tommen sullen with Cersei. The Queen Regent believes that Margaery is attempting to steal Tommen from her.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} Margaery tells Tommen he should attend court and listen to petitioners, and the boy king starts to openly object to Cersei's hatred for Margaery.{{Ref|AFFC|36}} The young queen gains favor with the residents of King's Landing by visiting local markets to buy fresh fruits, bread, and fish, ordering dresses from local seamstresses, and making great public shows of charity.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} Tommen gives the name ''[[Queen Margaery]]'' to one of [[Cersei's dromonds]].{{ref|AFFC|28}}

After the [[taking of the Shields]] by the [[ironborn]], Margaery insists to the small council that her father, Lord [[Mace Tyrell]], and his forces be allowed to return to the [[Reach]], abandoning the [[siege of Storm's End (300)|siege of Storm's End]]. She is shocked when Cersei refers to the [[Shield Islands]] as "rocks" and seems to lack understanding for the threat posed by the ironborn. She is shocked even more when Loras asks permission to take [[Dragonstone]], so the [[Redwyne fleet]] is no longer needed at the island and can return to the Reach to face the ironborn.{{Ref|AFFC|32}}

Although Loras is successful in taking Dragonstone, he is severely injured in the assault. Margaery is tearful when Cersei informs her of Loras's injuries, and when Cersei implies Loras's impending death, Margaery orders her to leave the Maidenvault.{{Ref|AFFC|36}} Margaery remains distraught about Loras and brings Tommen to the sept every day to pray for her brother.{{ref|AFFC|39}}

Cersei questions Pycelle about his frequent visits to Margaery, and has him confess to providing Margaery with [[moon tea]]. She next invites the [[Blue Bard]] over, and questions him about his sexual history with Margaery. Although the Blue Bard denies the claims, Cersei has him arrested and brought to [[Qyburn]]. The master of whisperers tortures the bard until the man claims to have had sex with Margaery's cousins and played music for Margaery while she entertained lovers herself. He names several men, including Horas and Hobber Redwyne, and Loras Tyrell, but Cersei insists they are not to be charged.{{Ref|AFFC|39}}

[[File:Skirts and dignity by cabepfir.jpg|350px|thumb|When [[Cersei Lannister]] visits Margaery after her arrest, Margaery accuses Cersei of involvement in her troubles. Art by Cabepfir©]]

On [[Maiden's Day]], Margaery fasts and purifies herself, as is required of all maidens. This inspires Cersei, who orders Ser Osney Kettleblack to confess to the new High Septon, the so-called [[High Sparrow]], that he had slept with Margaery, Elinor, and Megga while Alla watched.{{Ref|AFFC|39}} Osney goes to falsely confess, and Margaery and her cousins are arrested by the Faith.{{Ref|AFFC|43}} Her clothes are taken, and she is given a roughspun shift to wear. Margaery is separated from her cousins, and visited every hour by a septa, even during the night, who asks Margaery to confess her fornications.{{Ref|AFFC|43}} Margaery is accused of lewdness, fornication, adultery, and high treason. At the behest of the High Septon, Septa [[Moelle]] examines Margaery and finds that her maidenhead has been broken. Moelle reports this at court, where Pycelle adds how he provided moon tea for Margaery on several occasions. Cersei has Ser Tallad, [[Jalabhar Xho]], [[Hamish the Harper]], [[Hugh Clifton]], Ser [[Mark Mullendore]], Bayard, Lambert, Horas and Hobber, and the Blue Bard arrested for having been involved in Margaery's treason. Before the day is over, a mob of [[smallfolk]] forms before the Great Sept to protest Margaery's arrest.{{Ref|AFFC|43}}

Cersei goes to visit Margaery the next day, and tells her there is going to be a trial. She suggests that Margaery can chose for a [[trial by battle]] if she wants, in which case a knight of the [[Kingsguard]] is to defend her. Margaery is quick to understand that it would come down to either Ser [[Meryn Trant]] or Ser [[Boros Blount]],<ref group="N">[[Jaime Lannister]] is considered unfit to fight in a trial by battle due to the loss of his sword hand. Loras is still mortally injured on [[Dragonstone]]. [[Balon Swann]] has been sent to Dorne, where [[Arys Oakheart]] is believed to be, as his death is still unknown to those at court. [[Osmund Kettleblack]] is not considered an option, as it is his brother who is the accuser.</ref> neither of whom would probably fare well against Osney Kettleblack. She scolds Cersei for wanting Tommen all for herself, acknowledging that she knows Cersei wants her dead.{{Ref|AFFC|43}}

Cersei visits the High Sparrow, who agrees that the Faith will conduct Margaery's trial. However, he refuses to allow Cersei to take custody of Ser Osney, and reveals that, under further questioning and torture, Osney admitted to having slept with Cersei, not Margaery. Cersei is subsequently arrested as well. The mob remains in front of the Great Sept, calling out Margaery's name.{{Ref|AFFC|43}}

When news of his daughter's arrest reaches him, Lord Mace abandons his siege of Storm's End to march most of his army back to King's Landing. His bannerman, Lord [[Randyll Tarly]], leaves [[Maidenpool]] with his own army to give Margaery his aid.{{Ref|AFFC|43}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[Randyll Tarly]] is the first to reach [[King's Landing]]. As all the men who stand accused—with the exception of the [[Blue Bard]], who appears to be half-mad—have denied the charges or recanted, the evidence against Margaery and her cousins is weak. As such, the [[High Sparrow]] agrees to hand them over to Lord Tarly's custody, who swears that he will return them for the trial.{{Ref|ADWD|54}}

During her [[walk of atonement]], [[Cersei Lannister]] hears some of the angry [[smallfolk]] shout out the names of Margaery and [[Stannis Baratheon]].{{ref|ADWD|65}}

Although the [[stormlands]] are [[landing of the Golden Company|under attack by the Golden Company]], Lord [[Mace Tyrell]] refuses to leave King's Landing with his army until Margaery's trial is over and she is declared innocent.{{Ref|ADWD|54}} Margaery plans to let the Faith sit in judgement of her.{{Ref|ADWD|65}} Mace wishes for King Tommen to declare Margaery innocent, but Lord Regent [[Kevan Lannister]] argues against the idea, knowing it would mean that the whispers of accusation would follow Margaery forever. Kevan quietly wonders why Mace insists on having his army present when Margaery faces her accusers, if she is as innocent as Mace would have them all believe.{{Ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}

==Quotes by Margaery==
[[File:MargaeryTyrell.jpg|thumb|right|Natalie Dormer as Margaery in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
{{Quote|'''Margaery''': Grandmother, mind your words, or what will [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] think of us? 
'''Olenna''': She might think we have some wits about us. One of us, at any rate.{{ref|ASOS|6}}|Margaery and [[Olenna Tyrell]]}}

{{Quote|'''Sansa''': You mustn't marry him. He's not like he seems, he's not. He'll hurt you. 
'''Margaery''': I shouldn't think so. It's brave of you to warn me, but you need not fear. [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joff's]] spoiled and vain and I don't doubt that he's as cruel as you say, but [[Mace Tyrell|Father]] forced him to name [[Loras Tyrell|Loras]] to his [[Kingsguard]] before he would agree to the match. I shall have the finest knight in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] protecting me night and day, as Prince [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Viserys II)|Aemon]] protected [[Naerys Targaryen|Naerys]]. So our little lion had best behave, hadn't he?{{ref|ASOS|16}}|[[Sansa Stark]] and Margaery}}

{{Quote|I know what a burden you bear. You should let me share the load. There must be some things I could do to help you. It would put to rest all this talk that you and I are rivals for [[Tommen Baratheon|the king]].{{Ref|AFFC|28}}|Margaery to [[Cersei Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|'''Cersei''': You wrong me, daughter. All I want— 
'''Margaery''': —is [[Tommen Baratheon|your son]], all for yourself. He will never have a wife that you don't hate. And I am not your daughter, thank [[Faith of the Seven|the gods]].{{ref|AFFC|43}}|[[Cersei Lannister]] and Margaery}}

==Quotes about Margaery==
[[File:Margaery_tyrell_by_daenerys_mod-d4dmzt8.jpg|350px|thumb|Margaery by Elia Mervi ©]]
{{Quote|Ned was not sure what to make of [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]], with all his friendly ways and easy smiles. A few days past, he had taken Ned aside to show him an exquisite rose [[gold]] locket. Inside was a miniature painted in the vivid [[Myr]]ish style, of a lovely young girl with [[deer|doe]]'s eyes and a cascade of soft brown hair.{{Ref|AGOT|27}}|thoughts of [[Eddard Stark]]}}

{{Quote|The girl is a [[maiden|maid]] of fourteen, sweet and beautiful and tractable, and Lord [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]] and Ser [[Loras Tyrell|Loras]] intend that [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]] should bed her, wed her, and make a new queen.{{Ref|AGOT|32}}|[[Varys]], to [[Illyrio Mopatis]]}}

{{Quote|'''Stannis''': We both know your wedding was a [[mummer]]'s farce. A year ago you were scheming to make the girl one of [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]]'s [[whore]]s. 
'''Renly''': A year ago I was scheming to make the girl Robert’s queen.{{Ref|ACOK|31}}|[[Renly Baratheon]] and [[Stannis Baratheon]]}}

{{quote|If you had to fall into [[Jeyne Westerling|a woman's]] arms, [[Robb Stark|my son]], why couldn't they have been Margaery Tyrell's? The wealth and power of [[Highgarden]] could have made all the difference in the fighting yet to come. And perhaps [[Grey Wind]] would have liked the smell of her as well.{{ref|ASOS|14}}|thoughts of [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Margaery was different, though. Sweet and gentle, yet there was a little of [[Olenna Tyrell|her grandmother]] in her, too.{{ref|ASOS|16}}|thoughts of [[Sansa Stark]]}}

{{quote|Her smile was shy and sweet. A lovely girl, thought Tyrion, and a kinder fate than [[Joffrey Baratheon|my nephew]] deserves.{{ref|ASOS|60}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|Lady [[Olenna Tyrell|Olenna]] was not about to let [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joff]] harm her precious darling granddaughter, but unlike [[Mace Tyrell|her son]] she also realized that under all his flowers and finery, Ser [[Loras Tyrell|Loras]] is as hot-tempered as [[Jaime Lannister]]. Toss Joffrey, Margaery, and Loras in a pot, and you've got the makings for [[kingslayer]] stew. The old woman understood something else as well. Her son was determined to make Margaery a queen, and for that he needed a king... but he did not need ''Joffrey''.{{Ref|ASOS|68}}|[[Petyr Baelish]], to [[Sansa Stark]]}}

{{Quote|We shall have [[Wedding of Tommen I Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell|another wedding]] soon, wait and see. Margaery will marry [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]]. She'll keep her queenly [[crown]] and her [[maidenhead]], neither of which she especially wants, but what does that matter? The great western alliance will be preserved... for a time, at least.{{Ref|ASOS|68}}|[[Petyr Baelish]], to [[Sansa Stark]]}}

{{Quote|So the girl is as clever as she is pretty. [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]] could do a deal worse for a queen.{{Ref|AFFC|8}}|thoughts of [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|She is pretty enough, she had to admit, but most of that is youth. Even [[smallfolk|peasant]] girls are pretty at a certain age, when they are still fresh and innocent and unspoiled, and most of them have the same brown hair and brown eyes as she does. Only a fool would ever claim she was more beautiful than I. The world was full of fools, however. So was [[Tommen Baratheon|her son's]] court.{{ref|AFFC|12}}|thoughts of [[Cersei Lannister]]}}

==Family==
{{Tyrell tree}}

==Behind the Scenes==
According to [[George R. R. Martin]], Margaery has similarities with [[w:Anne Boleyn|Anne Boleyn]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1436 Boskone (Boston, MA; February 17-19)], February 17, 2006</ref> Coincidentally, Natalie Dormer portrayed Anne Boleyn in the show "[[w:The Tudors|The Tudors]]" prior to join ''Game of Thrones''.

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

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

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Cassana Estermont]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=Lady consort of [[Storm's End]]|years={{Date|299}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Selyse Florent]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Cersei Lannister]]}}
{{S-ttl|order=24th|title=queen consort of the [[Seven Kingdoms]]|years={{Date|300|+}}}}
{{S-inc}}
{{S-end}}

{{Royal consorts of Westeros}}


[[Category:House Tyrell]]
[[Category:House Baratheon]]
[[Category:House Baratheon of King's Landing]]
[[Category:283 AC births|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Characters from the Reach|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Characters with brown eyes|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Characters with brown hair|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Characters with fair skin|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Members of Joffrey I Baratheon's court|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Members of Tommen I Baratheon's court|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Noblewomen|Tyrell, Margaery]]
[[Category:Royal consorts|Tyrell, Margaery]]


[[es:Margaery Tyrell]]
[[fa:مارجری تایرل]]
[[fr:Margaery Tyrell]]
[[ru:Маргери Тирелл]]
[[zh:玛格丽·提利尔]]

Robb Stark

2026-02-23T01:01:29Z

Hhwang: /* A Feast for Crows */

{{Redirect|Robb|others named "Rob" or "Robb"|Robb (disambiguation)|characters named "Robert"|Robert (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox monarch
| title = King
| firstname = Robb
| lastname = Stark
| epithet = the Young Wolf
| arms = Stark
| arms2 = Robb Stark
| image = Magali Villeneuve Robb StarkII.jpg
| image_caption = Robb with [[Grey Wind]], by Magali Villeneuve © Fantasy Flight Games
| reign = {{Date|299}}
| coronation = {{Date|299}} [[Great Hall of Riverrun|Great Hall]], [[Riverrun]]{{Ref|AGOT|71}}
| fullname = Robb Stark
| othertitles = [[Lord of Winterfell]] [[King in the North]]{{Ref|AGOT|71}} [[King of the Trident]]{{Ref|ASOS|14}}
| heir = [[Bran Stark]]{{Ref|ACOK|4}} (believed dead) [[Sansa Stark]] (by those who believe Bran dead){{Ref|ASOS|16}}{{Ref|ASOS|19}} [[Jon Snow]] (per will){{Ref|ASoS|45}}{{Ref|AWoIaF|Robb Stark}}
| successor =
| alias = Robb the Lord{{Ref|AGOT|24}} The wolfling{{Ref|AGOT|56}} The Young Wolf{{Ref|AGOT|63}} Wolf king{{Ref|ACOK|11}} The pup{{Ref|ACOK|11}} Robb the boy{{Ref|ACOK|24}} The Boy Wolf{{Ref|ACOK|37}} The King Who Lost the North{{Ref|ASOS|20}}
| dateofbirth = {{Date|283}}<ref name=Calculation>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued3)#Robb Stark|Robb Stark]] calculation.''</ref>
| placeofbirth = [[Riverrun]], the [[riverlands]]
| dateofdeath = {{Date|299}} (aged 16)<ref name=Calculation>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued3)#Robb Stark|Robb Stark]] calculation.''</ref>
| placeofdeath = The [[Twins]], the riverlands
| dateofburial =
| placeofburial =
| royalhouse = [[House Stark]]
| queen = [[Jeyne Westerling]]
| consort =
| spouse =
| issue =
| father = Lord [[Eddard Stark]]
| mother = Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]]
| coat-of-arms = A grey direwolf's head on white (''Argent, a direwolf erased cendrée'')
| Books = ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (appears) ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appears) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (appears) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (mentioned)
| Played_by = [[w:Richard Madden|Richard Madden]]
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|2]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 3|3]]
}}

'''Robb Stark''' is the eldest son of Lord [[Eddard Stark]] and Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]] and is the heir of [[House Stark]] to [[Winterfell]] and the [[north]]. He is called '''the Young Wolf''' by friend{{ref|AGOT|63}}{{ref|ACOK|39}} and foe{{ref|ACOK|20}}{{ref|AGOT|30}} alike.

In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', Robb is portrayed by [[List of actors of Game of Thrones#Richard Madden, Robb Stark|Richard Madden]].<ref>HBO.com: [https://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/cast-and-crew Game of Thrones Cast & Characters]</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Robb Stark|l1=Images of Robb Stark}}
Robb opens the series as a boy of fourteen years.{{Ref|AGOT|1}} His appearance favors his [[House Tully|Tully]] side, with blue eyes and thick red-brown hair.{{ref|AGOT|1}} When he grows a beard, it is redder than his auburn hair.{{ref|ACOK|7}} Fast{{Ref|AGOT|1}} and strong for his age,{{ref|AGOT|24}} Robb is more muscular than his half brother, [[Jon Snow]].{{Ref|AGOT|1}}

Robb is his father [[Eddard Stark|Eddard's]] son, with a keen sense of [[Laws and justice of the Seven Kingdoms|justice]]{{Ref|ASOS|20}} and courtesy.{{Ref|AGOT|59}}{{Ref|ADWD|44}} He shares his father's devotion to honor{{Ref|ASOS|14}} and is caring toward his younger brother [[Bran Stark|Bran]].{{ref|AGOT|24}} Despite his youth, Robb forces himself to act more [[lord]]ly and take on responsibility when needed.{{ref|AGOT|24}}{{ref|AGOT|53}} Robb is a follower of the [[old gods]]{{Ref|AGOT|71}} and is frequently accompanied by his [[direwolf]], [[Grey Wind]].{{ref|AGOT|63}}{{ref|AGOT|71}}

[[Arya Stark]] wants to be as strong as her oldest brother,{{ref|AGOT|22}}{{ref|ACOK|64}} and [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] and Bran admire Robb's bravery.{{ref|ASOS|56}}{{ref|ASOS|59}} Robb and Jon Snow are best friends and constant companions.{{ref|AGOT|19}} Robb and [[Theon Greyjoy]], Eddard's ward and hostage, are friends, with Robb seeming to admire Theon{{ref|AGOT|37}} and Theon thinking of Robb like a younger brother.{{ref|ACOK|11}}

On formal occasions Robb wears grey wool trimmed with white, the colors of [[House Stark]],{{ref|AGOT|7}} and he also has ringmail and boiled leather.{{ref|AGOT|20}} Robb wields a [[longsword]]{{Ref|AGOT|37}}{{ref|AGOT|71}} and a dagger on his belt,{{ref|AGOT|53}} and his [[oak]] shield, banded white and grey with [[iron]], is decorated with a snarling [[direwolf]]'s head.{{ref|AGOT|53}}{{Ref|AGOT|59}}{{Ref|AGOT|63}} Robb has a fur-trimmed cloak{{ref|AGOT|53}} which he wears over his surcoat, both of which are white.{{ref|ASOS|14}} When on campaign, his armor includes grey chainmail over bleached leathers,{{ref|AGOT|53}} plate,{{ref|AGOT|71}} mailed gloves,{{ref|AGOT|63}} and a visor with a helm.{{ref|AGOT|63}} His [[horse]]s include a big grey-and-white gelding,{{Ref|AGOT|37}} a grey stallion,{{Ref|AGOT|63}} and a piebald gelding.{{Ref|AGOT|63}} Robb is better with a lance than Jon, although Jon is more skilled with a sword.{{Ref|AGOT|5}}

==History==
[[File:Robb Stark guillemhp.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Robb, by guillemhp ©]]
Robb was conceived during the first fortnight of the marriage of Lord [[Eddard Stark]] and Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]]{{Ref|AGOT|63}}—on the wedding night at [[Riverrun]], according to Catelyn.{{Ref|ASOS|45}} While Eddard rode south to fight in [[Robert's Rebellion]], Catelyn remained at [[House Tully]]'s castle. Near the end of the war, she gave birth at Riverrun{{Ref|AGOT|63}} with the aid of Maester [[Luwin]].{{Ref|AGOT|6}} After war ended Catelyn traveled to [[Winterfell]] with Robb.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Robb Stark}}

Robb was raised at Winterfell as his father's heir, and is the closest of companions with his half-brother [[Jon Snow]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|Robb Stark}} Robb and Jon trained together at arms ever since they were big enough to walk, and played at being mighty [[knight]]s and heroes.{{Ref|ASOS|79}} Once, Robb and Jon built a great mountain of snow above a gate. They were spotted by [[Mance Rayder]], then a brother of the [[Night's Watch]], who had accompanied the visiting [[Lord Commander Qorgyle]]. Mance promised not to tell on them, and the two boys eventually dumped the snow on [[Tomard|Fat Tom]], the slowest of Lord Eddard's [[House Stark guards|household guards]], who chased them around afterward.{{Ref|ASOS|7}}

After [[Greyjoy's Rebellion]] in {{Date|289}}, Eddard brought to Winterfell a hostage, [[Theon Greyjoy]], the last surviving son of Lord [[Balon Greyjoy]]. Robb came to befriend Theon and enjoy the elder boy's company.{{Ref|AGOT|37}}{{Ref|ACOK|11}} Theon joined Robb and Jon in their training at arms under the tutelage of Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]],{{Ref|ADWD|37}} and Robb and Theon trained at sword fighting at the staircases of Winterfell.{{Ref|ADWD|51}} The Stark children, Jon, and Theon were also educated by Maester Luwin.{{Ref|AFFC|6}} Catelyn resented whenever Jon defeated Robb in a task put before the two youths.{{Ref|ASOS|79}}

When [[Bran Stark|Bran]] was only a few years old, Robb took his siblings into the [[crypt of Winterfell]] to show them the empty tombs that would be theirs one day. Jon, having covered himself with flour to appear as a ghost, tried to scare his half siblings by emerging from a tomb, and a sobbing Bran wrapped his arms around the legs of a laughing Robb.{{ref|AGOT|50}}

When [[Alys Karstark]] was six, Lord [[Rickard Karstark]] brought his daughter to Winterfell in an attempt to betroth her to Eddard's heir.{{Ref|ADWD|49}} Although no betrothal was arranged, Robb courteously told Alys that she danced beautifully.{{Ref|ADWD|44}} Robb has often attended Lord Stark's councils,{{Ref|AGOT|48}} and he has hunted in the [[wolfswood]] with his father, Jon, and [[Jory Cassel]].{{Ref|AGOT|48}} Eddard enjoys [[hawking]] with his heir.{{ref|AGOT|47}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Robb Stark.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Robb Stark and [[Grey Wind]], by Amok ©]]
Robb attends the execution of [[Gared]] and discovers a litter of six [[direwolf]] pups in the snow. He claims one of the direwolves for his own and names him [[Grey Wind]].{{Ref|AGOT|1}} Shortly after the court of King [[Robert I Baratheon]] arrives at [[Winterfell]], Robb spars with the crown prince, [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]], using wooden swords. Bad blood develops between the two when Joffrey challenges Robb to spar with live [[steel]]. Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]], Winterfell's master-at-arms, does not allow it, to the mockery and chagrin of many of the present retainers of [[House Lannister]].{{Ref|AGOT|6}} Robb escorts Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]], to the feast in the [[Great Hall of Winterfell]].{{ref|AGOT|7}}

When his father [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]], [[Lord of Winterfell]], is named [[Hand of the King]] to Robert and journeys south to [[King's Landing]], Robb remains in Winterfell to rule in his father's stead with the help of his mother, [[Catelyn Stark]].{{Ref|AGOT|6}} She becomes traumatized when her younger son [[Bran Stark|Bran]] is crippled by a fall from the [[First Keep]], however, so more responsibility falls on Robb.{{ref|AGOT|14}} After [[catspaw|an assassin]] tries to kill the comatose Bran,{{Ref|AGOT|14}} Catelyn travels to King's Landing to inform Eddard.{{Ref|AGOT|18}}

Robb holds court as the Stark in Winterfell, meeting with [[Tyrion Lannister]] and [[Yoren]] in the Great Hall and traveling to distant holdfasts.{{Ref|AGOT|24}} While riding in the [[wolfswood]], Robb and his friend, [[Theon Greyjoy]], rescue the crippled Bran from [[wildlings]] and deserters from the [[Night's Watch]], with Robb killing an axeman with his sword and then subduing [[Osha]]. Robb criticizes Theon for shooting an arrow near Bran.{{Ref|AGOT|37}}

[[File:Robb stark leaving winterfell diegogisbertllorens.jpg|thumb|350px|Robb leaves [[Winterfell]] with his host, by Diego Gisbert Llorens © Fantasy Flight Games]]
After word arrives of [[arrest of Eddard Stark|Eddard's arrest]] in King's Landing for treason against the late king Robert's successor, Joffrey, Robb calls the Stark bannermen to Winterfell. [[Maege Mormont]], [[Lady of Bear Island]], tries to interest Robb in a granddaughter, and [[Medger Cerwyn]], [[Lord of Cerwyn]], introduces him to his own daughter, [[Jonelle Cerwyn|Jonelle]]. [[Halys Hornwood]], [[Lord of the Hornwood]], offers gifts in return for land and rights, while [[Roose Bolton]], [[Lord of the Dreadfort]], and [[Robett Glover]] both seek battle command. When [[Jon Umber]], [[Lord of the Last Hearth]], threatens Robb's authority, the youth has [[Grey Wind]] attack the Greatjon, biting off two fingers; a laughing Lord Umber becomes Robb's greatest champion. Despite his youth and inexperience, Robb unites the bannermen.{{Ref|AGOT|53}}

When Robb marches south to the [[riverlands]], his motives are to support his mother Catelyn's family, [[House Tully]], in response to the invasion of House Lannister from the [[westerlands]], and to bring back his father Eddard.{{Ref|AGOT|53}} Bran remains at Winterfell with Maester [[Luwin]]{{Ref|AGOT|53}} and Rodrik Cassel.{{Ref|AGOT|55}}

Robb begins growing a beard while marching south.{{ref|AGOT|55}} He resides in the [[Gatehouse Tower]] while encamped at [[Moat Cailin]], where his host is joined by Catelyn, Ser [[Brynden Tully]], and the levies from [[White Harbor]].{{Ref|AGOT|55}} They learn that [[Riverrun]] has been besieged by a host led by Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], whilst another force led by [[Tywin Lannister]], [[Lord of Casterly Rock]], approaches from the south. Robb plans to split his forces, sending his foot under the command of Lord Bolton to engage Tywin's army, while himself crossing the [[Green Fork]] with the majority of his horse so he can lift the siege of Riverrun.{{Ref|AGOT|55}}

[[File:MathiaArkoniel Jaime capture.jpg‎|thumb|350px|Robb captures [[Jaime Lannister]] in the [[battle in the Whispering Wood|Whispering Wood]], by Mathia Arkoniel ©]]

For allowing Robb to cross the river at the [[Twins]] and grant the northman his allegiance, [[Walder Frey]], [[Lord of the Crossing]], extracts the price of a marriage contract, ensuring that Robb will marry one of his daughters after the war is finished. [[Olyvar Frey]], one of Walder's sons, becomes Robb's personal squire.{{Ref|AGOT|59}}

[[Jason Mallister]], [[Lord of Seagard]], joins Robb as he continues south toward Riverrun.{{Ref|AGOT|63}} Robb is protected by a [[Robb Stark's battle guard|battle guard of highborn warriors]] who become his friends and companions.{{Ref|AGOT|63}}

With the aid of his great-uncle, Brynden the Blackfish, Robb achieves complete surprise in ambushing Jaime in the [[Battle in the Whispering Wood|Whispering Wood]], annihilating the Lannister horsemen. Before being captured, Jaime slays [[Torrhen Karstark|Torrhen]] and [[Eddard Karstark]] and [[Daryn Hornwood]] while fighting to get to Robb.{{Ref|AGOT|63}} Shortly thereafter Robb lifts the siege of Riverrun through the [[Battle of the Camps]],{{Ref|AGOT|71}} scattering Jaime's remaining forces. This forces Tywin's army, which had scored a victory against Roose Bolton's foot in the [[battle on the Green Fork]], to retreat back to [[Harrenhal]].{{Ref|AGOT|69}}

Meanwhile, Eddard Stark is executed for treason at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] at the command of King Joffrey, effectively ending the possibility of peace between Stark and Lannister. In the [[Great Hall of Riverrun]], Robb, now Lord of Winterfell, is conflicted over whom to support after [[Renly Baratheon]] is crowned at [[Highgarden]] in opposition to Joffrey. When Lord Umber offers his sword and proclaims Robb to be [[King in the North]], the assembled [[northmen]] and river lords also bend the knee and take up the Greatjon's call.{{Ref|AGOT|71}} The [[rivermen]] later grant Robb the title [[King of the Trident]].{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}

[[Jon Snow]] deserts [[Castle Black]] so he can help his half brother, Robb, in the south, but Jon's new brothers in the Night's Watch convince him to return to the [[Wall]].{{Ref|AGOT|70}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Robb's Crown (GOT Ascent).jpg|thumb|250px|left|Robb's [[crown]], a hammered [[bronze]] circlet incised with [[runes]] of the [[First Men]], and surmounted with nine black [[iron]] spikes shaped like [[longsword]]s. © ''[[Game of Thrones: Ascent]]'']]
King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] has Ser [[Boros Blount]] beat [[Sansa Stark]] after learning that her brother has been crowned King in the North.{{Ref|ACOK|2}}

Riverrun's [[smith]] creates for Robb a [[crown]] inspired by the ancient crowns of the [[Kings of Winter]]. The hammered [[bronze]] circlet is incised with [[runes]] of the [[First Men]], and is surmounted with nine black [[iron]] spikes shaped like [[longsword]]s.{{Ref|ACOK|7}}

During the [[harvest feast]] at Winterfell, [[Wyman Manderly]], [[Lord of White Harbor]], offers to mint [[currency|coinage]] for Robb and build him a warfleet. Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] states he will forward Wyman's offers to Robb.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

Remaining idle for a time at Riverrun, Robb sends [[Theon Greyjoy]], who fought alongside him in the [[Whispering Wood]], to [[Pyke]] with the goal of securing an alliance with his father [[Balon Greyjoy|Balon]], [[Lord of the Iron Islands]], against the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] in exchange for recognition of the independence of the [[Iron Islands]].{{Ref|ACOK|7}} Theon is rebuffed outright by Balon, who responds to the offer for peace with a large-scale invasion of the [[north]].{{Ref|ACOK|24}}{{Ref|ACOK|33}} Theon [[harrying of the Stony Shore|attacks the Stony Shore]],{{ref|ACOK|37}} and Balon styles himself [[King of the Isles and the North]].{{Ref|ACOK|49}}

Robb sends Ser [[Cleos Frey]], a Lannister-allied captive from the Whispering Wood, to King's Landing with peace terms for Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]].{{ref|ACOK|7}} Robb's terms are rejected, however, by Cersei, the [[small council]], and [[Tyrion Lannister]], the acting [[Hand of the King]].{{Ref|ACOK|25}} Robb also sends [[raven]]s to his aunt, [[Lysa Arryn]], at the [[Eyrie]], but receives no response.{{ref|ACOK|22}}

Robb also sends his mother, [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]], south to treat with the late King [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert's]] youngest brother, [[Renly Baratheon]].{{Ref|ACOK|7}}{{Ref|ACOK|22}} Catelyn is unable to secure any meaningful treaty with either Renly{{Ref|ACOK|22}} or his elder brother [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]], who has besieged Renly's seat of [[Storm's End]] after also declaring himself king.{{Ref|ACOK|31}} Catelyn flees back to Riverrun{{Ref|ACOK|39}} after witnessing [[Siege of Storm's End (299)|Renly's assassination]] by [[shadow assassin|a shadow]].{{Ref|ACOK|33}}

[[File:The Wolf KingXOX.jpg|thumb|350px|The Wolf King, by Antonio José Manzanedo © Fantasy Flight Games]]

While the envoys depart on their ultimately unsuccessful missions, Robb heads west to deal with [[Stafford Lannister]]'s host before it is fully trained.{{Ref|ACOK|7}} Catelyn's brother, Ser [[Edmure Tully]], holds Riverrun and guards Robb's rear.{{Ref|ACOK|39}} Bypassing the [[Golden Tooth]] using a goat track found by [[Grey Wind]], Robb smashes Stafford's host in the [[Battle of Oxcross]]; [[Rymund the Rhymer]] composes "[[Wolf in the Night]]" to honor the victory.{{Ref|ACOK|39}} Robb has his bannermen plunder parts of the [[westerlands]].{{Ref|ACOK|39}} He captures several castles, including [[taking of Ashemark|Ashemark]],{{Ref|ACOK|35}} seat of Lord [[Damon Marbrand]], and the [[storming of the Crag|Crag]],{{Ref|ACOK|55}} seat of Lord [[Gawen Westerling]], whom Robb had captured in the Whispering Wood.

After learning that Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] is marching west, Edmure sends word for [[Helman Tallhart]], [[Master of Torrhen's Square]], to depart the [[Twins]] and aid Lord [[Roose Bolton]] in capturing Tywin's previous base, [[Harrenhal]]. Edmure believes that the Lannister host can thus be caught between Riverrun and Harrenhal, and Tywin can then be defeated once Robb returns from the west.{{Ref|AGOT|39}} In the [[Battle of the Fords]], Edmure's host fends off Tywin's attempt to cross the [[Red Fork]] and return to the westerlands.{{Ref|ACOK|45}}

Theon leads a small group of [[ironborn]] in the [[capture of Winterfell]],{{Ref|ACOK|46}} claiming the title [[Prince of Winterfell]] for himself.{{Ref|ACOK|56}} After Robb's brothers, [[Bran Stark|Bran]] and [[Rickon Stark|Rickon]], disappear from the castle, Theon has the bodies of two peasant boys presented in their image.{{Ref|ACOK|66}} The Stark brothers have actually hidden in the [[crypt of Winterfell]], however, and thus survive the [[sack of Winterfell]] by [[Ramsay Snow]].{{Ref|ACOK|69}}

Following Tywin Lannister's victory over Stannis Baratheon in the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], the [[House Frey|Freys]] encamped at Harrenhal with Lord Bolton believe that Robb should bend the knee. Ostensibly by Robb's command, Roose sends word for Helman Tallhart to burn [[Darry]] and then join [[Robett Glover]] and [[Harrion Karstark]] in attacking [[Duskendale]].{{Ref|ACOK|64}}{{Ref|ASOS|37}} Robb's sister [[Arya Stark|Arya]], who is disguised as a servant, overhears the Freys speak of having been betrayed.{{Ref|ACOK|64}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[File:Jeyne WesterlingLauren Cannon.JPG|thumb|350px|[[Jeyne Westerling]] nurses Robb, by Lauren Cannon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Having suffered a wound in the [[storming of the Crag]], Robb is tended to by [[Jeyne Westerling]], Gawen's daughter. When Robb learns of the supposed deaths of Bran and Rickon, Jeyne comforts Robb, which leads to his taking her [[maidenhead]]. In an effort to preserve her honor, Robb weds Jeyne immediately thereafter.{{Ref|ASOS|14}} However, the [[House Frey|Frey]] host that had accompanied Robb into the [[westerlands]] are furious and withdraw their support, with [[Walder Frey (son of Ryman)|Black Walder Frey]] threatening to kill Jeyne. [[Olyvar Frey]] wants to remain with Robb as as his squire, but Ser [[Ryman Frey]] insists he return to the [[Twins]] with his kin.{{Ref|ASOS|14}} Robb shaves his beard but allows his hair to grow to his shoulders.{{ref|ASOS|14}}

Abandoning the castles he had taken in the west,{{Ref|ASOS|19}} Robb returns to [[Riverrun]] with his new wife in tow, much to his mother [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn's]] horror as, having pledged to wed a daughter of House Frey, this was not a slight that Lord [[Walder Frey]] is likely to overlook.{{Ref|ASOS|14}} Catelyn wishes that Robb had wed the more powerful [[Margaery Tyrell]] instead of Jeyne.{{Ref|ASOS|14}}

Ser [[Edmure Tully]], acting [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]] whilst his father [[Hoster Tully]] lays on his deathbed, met [[Tywin Lannister]]'s army as they attempted to cross the [[Red Fork]] near Riverrun and threw them back. While the [[Battle of the Fords]] prevented Tywin's force from approaching Robb's from the rear, Robb's plan had been to entangle Tywin's army in a chase in the west while [[Stannis Baratheon]] marched on [[King's Landing]]. Being thrown back at Riverrun allowed Tywin's force to turn around and arrive at the capital in time for the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], which turned the tide of the battle, and indeed the war, in [[House Lannister]]'s favor. Robb and Ser [[Brynden Tully]] reprimand Edmure in private.{{Ref|ASOS|14}}

Robb learns that in her grief over the supposed murder of two of her sons, Catelyn released [[Jaime Lannister]] from captivity and entrusted him with a mission to return her daughters [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] and [[Arya Stark|Arya]] to her, if possible.{{Ref|ASOS|14}} This earns her the enmity of [[Rickard Karstark]], [[Lord of Karhold]], as Jaime had slain two of Rickard's sons, [[Eddard Karstark|Eddard]] and [[Torrhen Karstark|Torrhen]], while they defended Robb in the [[Battle in the Whispering Wood|Whispering Wood]]; Rickard requires vengeance for their deaths. In response to Jaime's release, Lord Karstark sends his horsemen to search the countryside for Jaime and then leads a small group in murdering two prisoners, [[Tion Frey]] and [[Willem Lannister]], in a tower of Riverrun. For this crime, Robb sentences Lord Karstark to death and beheads Rickard himself with a poleaxe in the [[godswood of Riverrun]].{{Ref|ASOS|20}}

After learning of the defeat of [[Robett Glover]] and Ser [[Helman Tallhart]] in the [[battle at Duskendale]], Robb is dumbfounded as to why his northern infantry even attacked the town.{{Ref|ASOS|35}} With problems on every side, Robb seems only to take solace in the company of the [[House Westerling|Westerlings]]: his loving wife Jeyne, her brother Ser [[Raynald Westerling|Raynald]] his banner-bearer, and their younger brother, Robb's new squire [[Rollam Westerling|Rollam]]. With all others, he is the solemn King in the North. A solitary Robb burns an unsent letter and spends his time reviewing maps.{{Ref|ASOS|35}}

When Lord Hoster Tully finally passes away, Robb aids six rivermen in pushing his grandfather's funereal boat into the [[Red Fork]].{{Ref|AGOT|35}} He meets with [[Lothar Frey|Lame Lothar Frey]] and [[Walder Rivers]], envoys of Lord Walder Frey, who had been slighted by Robb's marriage to Jeyne Westerling. Robb suggests that his uncle Edmure, now [[Lord of Riverrun]], wed one of Lord Walder's daughters in his stead, a proposal to which Edmure reluctantly agrees.{{Ref|ASOS|35}}

Leaving Jeyne behind at Riverrun and appointing Brynden the Blackfish as [[Warden of the Southern Marches]], Robb takes his host north toward the Twins, where Edmure is to marry [[Roslin Frey]].{{Ref|ASOS|45}} Once the wedding is done, Robb intends to then return to the [[north]], reclaim his territory, much of which has been conquered by the [[ironborn]], and avenge Bran and Rickon. Because he believes his brothers dead and Arya lost, and fearing that, by the laws of succession, were he to die without issue, Winterfell and the north would go to Sansa's new husband, [[Tyrion Lannister]], Robb discusses the matter of his succession with his mother at [[Oldstones]]. To her chagrin, Robb suggests that, if he were to die, his [[bastard]] half-brother [[Jon Snow]] should succeed him.{{Ref|ASOS|45}}

At [[Hag's Mire]], Robb sends [[Maege Mormont]] and [[Galbart Glover]], [[Master of Deepwood Motte]], north to [[Howland Reed]], [[Lord of Greywater Watch]], to procure [[crannogmen]] who can guide Robb through the [[Neck]] and thus allow him to attack the ironborn unawares at [[siege of Moat Cailin|Moat Cailin]]. Robb provides letters containing false orders in order to protect Maege and Galbart if they are captured. Robb has a small group of supporters—Catelyn, Edmure, Maege, Galbart, [[Jason Mallister]], and [[Jon Umber|Greatjon Umber]]—witness his choice of successor,{{Ref|ASOS|45}} which according to a semi-canon source is a legitimized Jon Snow.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Robb Stark}}

The [[Brave Companions]] capture Jaime Lannister in the field, chop off his sword hand, and bring him to Harrenhal. Instead of returning Jaime to captivity in Riverrun, Lord [[Roose Bolton]] allows Jaime to continue on to King's Landing.{{Ref|ASOS|37}} When Roose asks Jaime to give his regards to his father, Lord Tywin, Jaime says he will do so if Roose conveys his own to Robb.{{Ref|ASOS|44}}

[[File:Colin Boyer The Red Wedding.png|thumb|400px|Robb tries to get to his mother [[Catelyn|Catelyn]] during the [[Red Wedding]], by Colin Boyer © Fantasy Flight Games]]

Because [[Grey Wind]] is aggressive toward Freys when Robb arrives at the Twins, the direwolf is penned up. When Robb tries to apologize to Lord Frey, Walder instead has the young king beg for pardon from his assembled daughters and granddaughters. Once that is done, Robb and Catelyn ask for food and wine, signifying [[guest right]].{{Ref|ASOS|49}} After Lord Bolton arrives with the remaining northern infantry, mostly [[House Bolton|Boltons]] and [[House Karstark|Karstarks]], he claims to Robb that Robett Glover had attacked Duskendale out of grief for [[taking of Deepwood Motte|Deepwood]]. Roose also reveals that [[Theon Greyjoy]], Robb's one-time friend, is being tortured at the [[Dreadfort]] by his son, [[Ramsay Snow]].{{Ref|ASOS|49}}

Despite [[guest right]], Walder betrays Robb during the feast after the wedding of Roslin and Edmure. In what is later known as the [[Red Wedding]], Robb's companions and men are murdered by Freys, fur-clad northmen, and [[sellsword]]s disguised as musicians. Having been struck by multiple arrows, Robb weakly calls out to his mother and Grey Wind. Catelyn tries to trade her son's life for [[Aegon Frey (son of Stevron)|Jinglebell]], but Walder cares not for his lackwit grandson. Catelyn watches Roose Bolton deliver the final blow to her son, stabbing him through the heart while stating, "Jaime Lannister sends his regards".{{Ref|ASOS|51}} Driven mad with despair, Catelyn murders Jinglebell and is killed shortly thereafter by Ser [[Raymund Frey]].{{Ref|ASOS|51}}{{ref|ASOS|Epilogue}} Grey Wind, who had been chained outside to placate the Freys, is also slain via crossbow bolts, his head removed and sewn onto Robb's body as a final insult to the King in the North.{{Ref|ASOS|58}}

Most of the river lords surrender in the aftermath of the Red Wedding, although Riverrun remains held by the Blackfish.{{Ref|ASOS|53}} Roose Bolton is named [[Warden of the North]] and his son Ramsay is legitimized.{{Ref|ASOS|72}} Ramsay is also to wed "Arya Stark", but Jaime recognizes that the girl to be presented to House Bolton is an impostor.{{Ref|ASOS|72}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
Under the leadership of the reborn Catelyn Stark, now called Lady Stoneheart, the vengeful [[brotherhood without banners]] kills [[House Frey|Freys]] in the [[riverlands]].{{Ref|ASOS|Epilogue}}{{Ref|AFFC|42}}{{Ref|AFFC|44}} [[Brienne of Tarth]] sees Catelyn holding Robb's crown after reclaiming it from [[Queen o' whores|a whore]].{{Ref|AFFC|42}}

Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] peacefully resolves the [[siege of Riverrun]] and takes Robb's widow, [[Jeyne Westerling]], into custody. Jeyne has torn her clothes out of mourning, and her mother, [[Sybell Spicer]], affirms for Jaime that the girl is not pregnant with Robb's child. Sybell has also confiscated the crown which Robb had given the girl.{{Ref|AFFC|44}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
In the aftermath of the [[battle beneath the Wall]], [[Stannis Baratheon]] requests homage from the bannermen of the [[north]]. From [[Bear Island]], [[Lyanna Mormont]] responds with the message that "Bear Island knows no king but the [[King in the North]], whose name is STARK."{{Ref|ADWD|3}}

The Frey envoys at [[White Harbor]]—[[Rhaegar Frey|Rhaegar]], Ser [[Jared Frey|Jared]], and [[Symond Frey|Symond]]—tell the [[Merman's Court]] that Robb turned into a [[wolf]] as a [[warg]] and slew the knights [[Wendel Manderly]], [[Tytos Frey]], and [[Garse Goodbrook]].{{Ref|ADWD|19}} Meeting in secret, Wendel's father, Lord [[Wyman Manderly|Wyman]], and [[Robett Glover]] assure Stannis's envoy, Lord [[Davos Seaworth]], that they do not believe the Frey lies, and Wyman tasks Davos with finding Robb's youngest brother, [[Rickon Stark]].{{Ref|ADWD|29}} The three Freys disappear while traveling from White Harbor to [[Barrowton]].{{ref|ADWD|32}}

[[Bran Stark]] trains as a [[greenseer]] in the [[cave of the three-eyed crow]]. In one vision of the [[godswood of Winterfell]], Bran sees a younger version of his father [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]] praying, "let them grow up close as brothers, with only love between them".{{ref|ADWD|34}}

Jaime Lannister ends the [[siege of Raventree]], as [[Tytos Blackwood]], [[Lord of Raventree Hall]], was the last river lord to continue flying the Stark banner.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

Now a mutilated captive of [[House Bolton]] at Winterfell, [[Theon Greyjoy]] regrets having sided with his own family, [[House Greyjoy]], against House Stark, realizing that Robb had been more a brother to him than his actual kin, [[Rodrik Greyjoy|Rodrik]] and [[Maron Greyjoy|Maron]].{{Ref|ADWD|51}}

==Quotes by Robb==
[[File:Christine Griffin RobbS.jpg|thumb|350px|Robb and [[Grey Wind]], by C.Griffin © Fantasy Flight Games]]
{{Quote|'''Robb''': I can't release the [[Jaime Lannister|Kingslayer]], not even if I wanted to. My lords would never abide it. 
'''Catelyn''': Your lords made you their king. 
'''Robb''': And can unmake me just as easy.{{Ref|ACOK|7}}|Robb and [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Love's not always wise, I've learned. It can lead us to great folly, but we follow our hearts ... wherever they take us.{{Ref|ASOS|14}}|Robb to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|I've made a botch of everything but the battles, haven't I? I thought the battles would be the hard part, but ... if I had listened to you and kept [[Theon Greyjoy|Theon]] as my hostage, I'd still rule the [[north]], and [[Bran Stark|Bran]] and [[Rickon Stark|Rickon]] would be alive and safe in [[Winterfell]].{{Ref|ASOS|14}}|Robb to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Gods be good, why would any man ever want to be king? When everyone was shouting [[King in the North]], King in the North, I told myself ... swore to myself ... that I would be a good king, as honorable as [[Eddard Stark|Father]], strong, just, loyal to my friends and brave when I faced my enemies ... now I can't even tell one from the other. How did it all get so confused? Lord [[Rickard Karstark|Rickard]]'s fought at my side in half a dozen battles. His sons died for me in the [[battle in the Whispering Wood|Whispering Wood]]. [[Tion Frey]] and [[Willem Lannister]] were my enemies. Yet now I have to kill my dead friends' father for their sakes.{{Ref|ASOS|20}}|Robb to [[Brynden Tully]]}}

{{Quote|I have won every battle, yet somehow I'm losing the war.{{Ref|ASOS|35}}|Robb to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|'''Catelyn''': You would not be the first king to bend the knee, nor even the first [[House Stark|Stark]]. 
'''Robb''': Never. 
'''Catelyn''': There is no shame in it. [[Balon Greyjoy]] bent the knee to [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]] when [[Greyjoy's Rebellion|his rebellion failed]]. [[Torrhen Stark]] bent the knee to [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] rather than see his army [[Field of Fire|face the fires]]. 
'''Robb''': Did Aegon kill King Torrhen’s father?{{Ref|ASOS|35}}|Robb and [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|If you keep all your treasures in one purse, you only make it easier for those who would rob you.{{Ref|ASOS|45}}|Robb to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

==Quotes about Robb==
[[File:Robb Stark HBO.jpg|thumb|350px|Richard Madden as Robb in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
{{Quote|No sword is strong until it's been tempered. The Stark boy is a child. No doubt he likes the sound of warhorns well enough, and the sight of his banners fluttering in the wind, but in the end it comes down to butcher's work. I doubt he has the stomach for it.{{Ref|AGOT|56}}|[[Tywin Lannister]] to [[Kevan Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|'''Eddard''': Robb is only a boy. 
'''Varys''': A boy with an army.{{Ref|AGOT|58}}|[[Eddard Stark]] and [[Varys]]}}

{{Quote|There sits the only king I mean to bow my knee to, m'lords. The [[King in the North]]!{{Ref|AGOT|71}}|[[Jon Umber]] to the [[north]]ern bannermen}}

{{Quote|He is a boy no longer, she realized with a pang. He is sixteen now, a man grown. Just look at him. [[War of the Five Kings|War]] had melted all the softness from his face and left him hard and lean.{{Ref|ASOS|14}}|thoughts of [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Robb Stark had won more battles in a year than the [[Mace Tyrell|Lord of Highgarden]] had in twenty.{{Ref|ASOS|19}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]]'s thoughts}}

{{Quote|'''Tyrion''': He foreswore himself, shamed [[Walder Frey|an ally]], betrayed a solemn promise. Where is the honor in that? 
'''Kevan''': He chose [[Jeyne Westerling|the girl]]'s honor over his own. Once he had deflowered her, he had no other course.{{Ref|ASOS|19}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] and [[Kevan Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|Yes, Lord Umber, leave me to the king. He means to give me a scolding before he forgives me. That’s how he deals with treason, our [[King in the North]]. Or should I call you the King Who Lost the North, Your Grace?{{Ref|ASOS|20}}|[[Rickard Karstark]] to [[Jon Umber]] and Robb}}

{{Quote|The crown is crushing him, she thought. He wants so much to be a good king, to be brave and honorable and clever, but the weight is too much for a boy to bear.{{Ref|ASOS|35}}|thoughts of [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|He won [[War of the Five Kings|the war]] on the battlefield and lost it in a bedchamber.{{Ref|ASOS|37}}|thoughts of [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|'''Stannis''': Your brother was the rightful [[Lord of Winterfell]]. If he had stayed home and done his duty, instead of crowning himself and riding off to conquer the [[riverlands]], he might be alive today. Be that as it may. You are not Robb, no more than I am [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]]. 
'''Jon''': I loved my brother. 
'''Stannis''': And I mine. Yet they were what they were, and so are we.{{Ref|ASOS|75}}|[[Stannis Baratheon]] and [[Jon Snow]]}}

{{Quote|I would have slain Robb Stark in the [[battle in the Whispering Wood|Whispering Wood]], if I could have reached him. [[Robb Stark's battle guard|Some fools]] got in my way. Does it matter how the boy perished? He's no less dead, and [[King in the North|his kingdom]] died when he did.{{Ref|AFFC|38}}|[[Jaime Lannister]] to [[Brynden Tully]]}}

{{Quote|More beast than boy, that one, puffed up with pride and bloodlust ... Robb Stark betrayed us all. He abandoned the [[north]] to the cruel mercies of the [[ironmen]] to carve out a fairer kingdom for himself along the [[King of the Trident|Trident]]. Then he abandoned the [[riverlands|riverlords]] who had risked much and more for him, breaking his marriage pact with [[Walder Frey|my grandfather]] to wed [[Jeyne Westerling|the first western wench]] who caught his eye. The Young Wolf? He was a vile dog and [[Red Wedding|died like one]].{{Ref|ADWD|19}}|[[Rhaegar Frey]] to the [[Merman's Court]]}}

{{Quote|Robb who had been more a brother to Theon than any son born of [[Balon Greyjoy]]'s loins. Murdered at the [[Red Wedding]], butchered by the [[House Frey|Freys]]. I should have been with him. Where was I? I should have died with him.{{Ref|ADWD|51}}|thoughts of [[Theon Greyjoy]]}}

==Family==
{{Stark tree}}

==Behind the scenes==
In an early draft of ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'', Robb was 12 years old rather than 14.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/asoiaf/comments/1belw08/spoilers_extended_secrets_of_the_cushing_library/ Secrets of the Cushing Library: A Game of Thrones] - gsteff on Reddit</ref>

==External links==
*{{WP}}
*{{WoW}}

==References==
{{EnWP|House Stark|small=yes}}
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Eddard Stark]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lord of Winterfell]]|years={{Date|299}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Theon Greyjoy]]|as=[[Prince of Winterfell]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-vac|recreated|parameter=before|last=[[Torrhen Stark]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[King in the North]]|years={{Date|299|300}}}}
{{S-non|reason=Dissolved}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-vac|recreated|parameter=before|last=[[Harren Hoare]]|as=[[King of the Isles and the Rivers]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[King of the Trident]]|years={{Date|299|300}}}}
{{S-non|reason=Dissolved}}
{{S-end}}

{{Lords of Winterfell}}
{{Kings of Westeros}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Stark, Robb}}
[[Category:House Stark|Robb Stark]]
[[Category:283 AC births]]
[[Category:299 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Casualties of the War of the Five Kings]]
[[Category:Characters from the North]]
[[Category:Characters from the Riverlands]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Roose Bolton]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Tywin Lannister]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Walder Frey]]
[[Category:Characters with blue eyes]]
[[Category:Characters with fair skin]]
[[Category:Characters with red hair]]
[[Category:Deaths by stabbing]]
[[Category:Kings in the North|Robb Stark]]
[[Category:Kings of the Trident and Kings of the Rivers and the Hills]]
[[Category:Lords of Winterfell|Robb Stark]]
[[Category:Nobles]]
[[Category:Rebels]]
[[Category:Skinchangers]]

[[es:Robb Stark]]
[[fa:راب استارک]]
[[fr:Robb Stark]]
[[it:Robb Stark]]
[[pt:Robb Stark]]
[[ru:Робб Старк]]
[[tr:Robb Stark]]
[[zh:罗柏·史塔克]]

Robb Stark

2026-02-22T23:29:09Z

Hhwang: /* A Clash of Kings */

{{Redirect|Robb|others named "Rob" or "Robb"|Robb (disambiguation)|characters named "Robert"|Robert (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox monarch
| title = King
| firstname = Robb
| lastname = Stark
| epithet = the Young Wolf
| arms = Stark
| arms2 = Robb Stark
| image = Magali Villeneuve Robb StarkII.jpg
| image_caption = Robb with [[Grey Wind]], by Magali Villeneuve © Fantasy Flight Games
| reign = {{Date|299}}
| coronation = {{Date|299}} [[Great Hall of Riverrun|Great Hall]], [[Riverrun]]{{Ref|AGOT|71}}
| fullname = Robb Stark
| othertitles = [[Lord of Winterfell]] [[King in the North]]{{Ref|AGOT|71}} [[King of the Trident]]{{Ref|ASOS|14}}
| heir = [[Bran Stark]]{{Ref|ACOK|4}} (believed dead) [[Sansa Stark]] (by those who believe Bran dead){{Ref|ASOS|16}}{{Ref|ASOS|19}} [[Jon Snow]] (per will){{Ref|ASoS|45}}{{Ref|AWoIaF|Robb Stark}}
| successor =
| alias = Robb the Lord{{Ref|AGOT|24}} The wolfling{{Ref|AGOT|56}} The Young Wolf{{Ref|AGOT|63}} Wolf king{{Ref|ACOK|11}} The pup{{Ref|ACOK|11}} Robb the boy{{Ref|ACOK|24}} The Boy Wolf{{Ref|ACOK|37}} The King Who Lost the North{{Ref|ASOS|20}}
| dateofbirth = {{Date|283}}<ref name=Calculation>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued3)#Robb Stark|Robb Stark]] calculation.''</ref>
| placeofbirth = [[Riverrun]], the [[riverlands]]
| dateofdeath = {{Date|299}} (aged 16)<ref name=Calculation>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued3)#Robb Stark|Robb Stark]] calculation.''</ref>
| placeofdeath = The [[Twins]], the riverlands
| dateofburial =
| placeofburial =
| royalhouse = [[House Stark]]
| queen = [[Jeyne Westerling]]
| consort =
| spouse =
| issue =
| father = Lord [[Eddard Stark]]
| mother = Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]]
| coat-of-arms = A grey direwolf's head on white (''Argent, a direwolf erased cendrée'')
| Books = ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (appears) ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appears) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (appears) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (mentioned)
| Played_by = [[w:Richard Madden|Richard Madden]]
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|2]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 3|3]]
}}

'''Robb Stark''' is the eldest son of Lord [[Eddard Stark]] and Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]] and is the heir of [[House Stark]] to [[Winterfell]] and the [[north]]. He is called '''the Young Wolf''' by friend{{ref|AGOT|63}}{{ref|ACOK|39}} and foe{{ref|ACOK|20}}{{ref|AGOT|30}} alike.

In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', Robb is portrayed by [[List of actors of Game of Thrones#Richard Madden, Robb Stark|Richard Madden]].<ref>HBO.com: [https://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/cast-and-crew Game of Thrones Cast & Characters]</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Robb Stark|l1=Images of Robb Stark}}
Robb opens the series as a boy of fourteen years.{{Ref|AGOT|1}} His appearance favors his [[House Tully|Tully]] side, with blue eyes and thick red-brown hair.{{ref|AGOT|1}} When he grows a beard, it is redder than his auburn hair.{{ref|ACOK|7}} Fast{{Ref|AGOT|1}} and strong for his age,{{ref|AGOT|24}} Robb is more muscular than his half brother, [[Jon Snow]].{{Ref|AGOT|1}}

Robb is his father [[Eddard Stark|Eddard's]] son, with a keen sense of [[Laws and justice of the Seven Kingdoms|justice]]{{Ref|ASOS|20}} and courtesy.{{Ref|AGOT|59}}{{Ref|ADWD|44}} He shares his father's devotion to honor{{Ref|ASOS|14}} and is caring toward his younger brother [[Bran Stark|Bran]].{{ref|AGOT|24}} Despite his youth, Robb forces himself to act more [[lord]]ly and take on responsibility when needed.{{ref|AGOT|24}}{{ref|AGOT|53}} Robb is a follower of the [[old gods]]{{Ref|AGOT|71}} and is frequently accompanied by his [[direwolf]], [[Grey Wind]].{{ref|AGOT|63}}{{ref|AGOT|71}}

[[Arya Stark]] wants to be as strong as her oldest brother,{{ref|AGOT|22}}{{ref|ACOK|64}} and [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] and Bran admire Robb's bravery.{{ref|ASOS|56}}{{ref|ASOS|59}} Robb and Jon Snow are best friends and constant companions.{{ref|AGOT|19}} Robb and [[Theon Greyjoy]], Eddard's ward and hostage, are friends, with Robb seeming to admire Theon{{ref|AGOT|37}} and Theon thinking of Robb like a younger brother.{{ref|ACOK|11}}

On formal occasions Robb wears grey wool trimmed with white, the colors of [[House Stark]],{{ref|AGOT|7}} and he also has ringmail and boiled leather.{{ref|AGOT|20}} Robb wields a [[longsword]]{{Ref|AGOT|37}}{{ref|AGOT|71}} and a dagger on his belt,{{ref|AGOT|53}} and his [[oak]] shield, banded white and grey with [[iron]], is decorated with a snarling [[direwolf]]'s head.{{ref|AGOT|53}}{{Ref|AGOT|59}}{{Ref|AGOT|63}} Robb has a fur-trimmed cloak{{ref|AGOT|53}} which he wears over his surcoat, both of which are white.{{ref|ASOS|14}} When on campaign, his armor includes grey chainmail over bleached leathers,{{ref|AGOT|53}} plate,{{ref|AGOT|71}} mailed gloves,{{ref|AGOT|63}} and a visor with a helm.{{ref|AGOT|63}} His [[horse]]s include a big grey-and-white gelding,{{Ref|AGOT|37}} a grey stallion,{{Ref|AGOT|63}} and a piebald gelding.{{Ref|AGOT|63}} Robb is better with a lance than Jon, although Jon is more skilled with a sword.{{Ref|AGOT|5}}

==History==
[[File:Robb Stark guillemhp.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Robb, by guillemhp ©]]
Robb was conceived during the first fortnight of the marriage of Lord [[Eddard Stark]] and Lady [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn Tully]]{{Ref|AGOT|63}}—on the wedding night at [[Riverrun]], according to Catelyn.{{Ref|ASOS|45}} While Eddard rode south to fight in [[Robert's Rebellion]], Catelyn remained at [[House Tully]]'s castle. Near the end of the war, she gave birth at Riverrun{{Ref|AGOT|63}} with the aid of Maester [[Luwin]].{{Ref|AGOT|6}} After war ended Catelyn traveled to [[Winterfell]] with Robb.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Robb Stark}}

Robb was raised at Winterfell as his father's heir, and is the closest of companions with his half-brother [[Jon Snow]].{{Ref|AWOIAF|Robb Stark}} Robb and Jon trained together at arms ever since they were big enough to walk, and played at being mighty [[knight]]s and heroes.{{Ref|ASOS|79}} Once, Robb and Jon built a great mountain of snow above a gate. They were spotted by [[Mance Rayder]], then a brother of the [[Night's Watch]], who had accompanied the visiting [[Lord Commander Qorgyle]]. Mance promised not to tell on them, and the two boys eventually dumped the snow on [[Tomard|Fat Tom]], the slowest of Lord Eddard's [[House Stark guards|household guards]], who chased them around afterward.{{Ref|ASOS|7}}

After [[Greyjoy's Rebellion]] in {{Date|289}}, Eddard brought to Winterfell a hostage, [[Theon Greyjoy]], the last surviving son of Lord [[Balon Greyjoy]]. Robb came to befriend Theon and enjoy the elder boy's company.{{Ref|AGOT|37}}{{Ref|ACOK|11}} Theon joined Robb and Jon in their training at arms under the tutelage of Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]],{{Ref|ADWD|37}} and Robb and Theon trained at sword fighting at the staircases of Winterfell.{{Ref|ADWD|51}} The Stark children, Jon, and Theon were also educated by Maester Luwin.{{Ref|AFFC|6}} Catelyn resented whenever Jon defeated Robb in a task put before the two youths.{{Ref|ASOS|79}}

When [[Bran Stark|Bran]] was only a few years old, Robb took his siblings into the [[crypt of Winterfell]] to show them the empty tombs that would be theirs one day. Jon, having covered himself with flour to appear as a ghost, tried to scare his half siblings by emerging from a tomb, and a sobbing Bran wrapped his arms around the legs of a laughing Robb.{{ref|AGOT|50}}

When [[Alys Karstark]] was six, Lord [[Rickard Karstark]] brought his daughter to Winterfell in an attempt to betroth her to Eddard's heir.{{Ref|ADWD|49}} Although no betrothal was arranged, Robb courteously told Alys that she danced beautifully.{{Ref|ADWD|44}} Robb has often attended Lord Stark's councils,{{Ref|AGOT|48}} and he has hunted in the [[wolfswood]] with his father, Jon, and [[Jory Cassel]].{{Ref|AGOT|48}} Eddard enjoys [[hawking]] with his heir.{{ref|AGOT|47}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Robb Stark.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Robb Stark and [[Grey Wind]], by Amok ©]]
Robb attends the execution of [[Gared]] and discovers a litter of six [[direwolf]] pups in the snow. He claims one of the direwolves for his own and names him [[Grey Wind]].{{Ref|AGOT|1}} Shortly after the court of King [[Robert I Baratheon]] arrives at [[Winterfell]], Robb spars with the crown prince, [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]], using wooden swords. Bad blood develops between the two when Joffrey challenges Robb to spar with live [[steel]]. Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]], Winterfell's master-at-arms, does not allow it, to the mockery and chagrin of many of the present retainers of [[House Lannister]].{{Ref|AGOT|6}} Robb escorts Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon]], to the feast in the [[Great Hall of Winterfell]].{{ref|AGOT|7}}

When his father [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]], [[Lord of Winterfell]], is named [[Hand of the King]] to Robert and journeys south to [[King's Landing]], Robb remains in Winterfell to rule in his father's stead with the help of his mother, [[Catelyn Stark]].{{Ref|AGOT|6}} She becomes traumatized when her younger son [[Bran Stark|Bran]] is crippled by a fall from the [[First Keep]], however, so more responsibility falls on Robb.{{ref|AGOT|14}} After [[catspaw|an assassin]] tries to kill the comatose Bran,{{Ref|AGOT|14}} Catelyn travels to King's Landing to inform Eddard.{{Ref|AGOT|18}}

Robb holds court as the Stark in Winterfell, meeting with [[Tyrion Lannister]] and [[Yoren]] in the Great Hall and traveling to distant holdfasts.{{Ref|AGOT|24}} While riding in the [[wolfswood]], Robb and his friend, [[Theon Greyjoy]], rescue the crippled Bran from [[wildlings]] and deserters from the [[Night's Watch]], with Robb killing an axeman with his sword and then subduing [[Osha]]. Robb criticizes Theon for shooting an arrow near Bran.{{Ref|AGOT|37}}

[[File:Robb stark leaving winterfell diegogisbertllorens.jpg|thumb|350px|Robb leaves [[Winterfell]] with his host, by Diego Gisbert Llorens © Fantasy Flight Games]]
After word arrives of [[arrest of Eddard Stark|Eddard's arrest]] in King's Landing for treason against the late king Robert's successor, Joffrey, Robb calls the Stark bannermen to Winterfell. [[Maege Mormont]], [[Lady of Bear Island]], tries to interest Robb in a granddaughter, and [[Medger Cerwyn]], [[Lord of Cerwyn]], introduces him to his own daughter, [[Jonelle Cerwyn|Jonelle]]. [[Halys Hornwood]], [[Lord of the Hornwood]], offers gifts in return for land and rights, while [[Roose Bolton]], [[Lord of the Dreadfort]], and [[Robett Glover]] both seek battle command. When [[Jon Umber]], [[Lord of the Last Hearth]], threatens Robb's authority, the youth has [[Grey Wind]] attack the Greatjon, biting off two fingers; a laughing Lord Umber becomes Robb's greatest champion. Despite his youth and inexperience, Robb unites the bannermen.{{Ref|AGOT|53}}

When Robb marches south to the [[riverlands]], his motives are to support his mother Catelyn's family, [[House Tully]], in response to the invasion of House Lannister from the [[westerlands]], and to bring back his father Eddard.{{Ref|AGOT|53}} Bran remains at Winterfell with Maester [[Luwin]]{{Ref|AGOT|53}} and Rodrik Cassel.{{Ref|AGOT|55}}

Robb begins growing a beard while marching south.{{ref|AGOT|55}} He resides in the [[Gatehouse Tower]] while encamped at [[Moat Cailin]], where his host is joined by Catelyn, Ser [[Brynden Tully]], and the levies from [[White Harbor]].{{Ref|AGOT|55}} They learn that [[Riverrun]] has been besieged by a host led by Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], whilst another force led by [[Tywin Lannister]], [[Lord of Casterly Rock]], approaches from the south. Robb plans to split his forces, sending his foot under the command of Lord Bolton to engage Tywin's army, while himself crossing the [[Green Fork]] with the majority of his horse so he can lift the siege of Riverrun.{{Ref|AGOT|55}}

[[File:MathiaArkoniel Jaime capture.jpg‎|thumb|350px|Robb captures [[Jaime Lannister]] in the [[battle in the Whispering Wood|Whispering Wood]], by Mathia Arkoniel ©]]

For allowing Robb to cross the river at the [[Twins]] and grant the northman his allegiance, [[Walder Frey]], [[Lord of the Crossing]], extracts the price of a marriage contract, ensuring that Robb will marry one of his daughters after the war is finished. [[Olyvar Frey]], one of Walder's sons, becomes Robb's personal squire.{{Ref|AGOT|59}}

[[Jason Mallister]], [[Lord of Seagard]], joins Robb as he continues south toward Riverrun.{{Ref|AGOT|63}} Robb is protected by a [[Robb Stark's battle guard|battle guard of highborn warriors]] who become his friends and companions.{{Ref|AGOT|63}}

With the aid of his great-uncle, Brynden the Blackfish, Robb achieves complete surprise in ambushing Jaime in the [[Battle in the Whispering Wood|Whispering Wood]], annihilating the Lannister horsemen. Before being captured, Jaime slays [[Torrhen Karstark|Torrhen]] and [[Eddard Karstark]] and [[Daryn Hornwood]] while fighting to get to Robb.{{Ref|AGOT|63}} Shortly thereafter Robb lifts the siege of Riverrun through the [[Battle of the Camps]],{{Ref|AGOT|71}} scattering Jaime's remaining forces. This forces Tywin's army, which had scored a victory against Roose Bolton's foot in the [[battle on the Green Fork]], to retreat back to [[Harrenhal]].{{Ref|AGOT|69}}

Meanwhile, Eddard Stark is executed for treason at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] at the command of King Joffrey, effectively ending the possibility of peace between Stark and Lannister. In the [[Great Hall of Riverrun]], Robb, now Lord of Winterfell, is conflicted over whom to support after [[Renly Baratheon]] is crowned at [[Highgarden]] in opposition to Joffrey. When Lord Umber offers his sword and proclaims Robb to be [[King in the North]], the assembled [[northmen]] and river lords also bend the knee and take up the Greatjon's call.{{Ref|AGOT|71}} The [[rivermen]] later grant Robb the title [[King of the Trident]].{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}

[[Jon Snow]] deserts [[Castle Black]] so he can help his half brother, Robb, in the south, but Jon's new brothers in the Night's Watch convince him to return to the [[Wall]].{{Ref|AGOT|70}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Robb's Crown (GOT Ascent).jpg|thumb|250px|left|Robb's [[crown]], a hammered [[bronze]] circlet incised with [[runes]] of the [[First Men]], and surmounted with nine black [[iron]] spikes shaped like [[longsword]]s. © ''[[Game of Thrones: Ascent]]'']]
King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] has Ser [[Boros Blount]] beat [[Sansa Stark]] after learning that her brother has been crowned King in the North.{{Ref|ACOK|2}}

Riverrun's [[smith]] creates for Robb a [[crown]] inspired by the ancient crowns of the [[Kings of Winter]]. The hammered [[bronze]] circlet is incised with [[runes]] of the [[First Men]], and is surmounted with nine black [[iron]] spikes shaped like [[longsword]]s.{{Ref|ACOK|7}}

During the [[harvest feast]] at Winterfell, [[Wyman Manderly]], [[Lord of White Harbor]], offers to mint [[currency|coinage]] for Robb and build him a warfleet. Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]] states he will forward Wyman's offers to Robb.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

Remaining idle for a time at Riverrun, Robb sends [[Theon Greyjoy]], who fought alongside him in the [[Whispering Wood]], to [[Pyke]] with the goal of securing an alliance with his father [[Balon Greyjoy|Balon]], [[Lord of the Iron Islands]], against the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] in exchange for recognition of the independence of the [[Iron Islands]].{{Ref|ACOK|7}} Theon is rebuffed outright by Balon, who responds to the offer for peace with a large-scale invasion of the [[north]].{{Ref|ACOK|24}}{{Ref|ACOK|33}} Theon [[harrying of the Stony Shore|attacks the Stony Shore]],{{ref|ACOK|37}} and Balon styles himself [[King of the Isles and the North]].{{Ref|ACOK|49}}

Robb sends Ser [[Cleos Frey]], a Lannister-allied captive from the Whispering Wood, to King's Landing with peace terms for Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]].{{ref|ACOK|7}} Robb's terms are rejected, however, by Cersei, the [[small council]], and [[Tyrion Lannister]], the acting [[Hand of the King]].{{Ref|ACOK|25}} Robb also sends [[raven]]s to his aunt, [[Lysa Arryn]], at the [[Eyrie]], but receives no response.{{ref|ACOK|22}}

Robb also sends his mother, [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]], south to treat with the late King [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert's]] youngest brother, [[Renly Baratheon]].{{Ref|ACOK|7}}{{Ref|ACOK|22}} Catelyn is unable to secure any meaningful treaty with either Renly{{Ref|ACOK|22}} or his elder brother [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]], who has besieged Renly's seat of [[Storm's End]] after also declaring himself king.{{Ref|ACOK|31}} Catelyn flees back to Riverrun{{Ref|ACOK|39}} after witnessing [[Siege of Storm's End (299)|Renly's assassination]] by [[shadow assassin|a shadow]].{{Ref|ACOK|33}}

[[File:The Wolf KingXOX.jpg|thumb|350px|The Wolf King, by Antonio José Manzanedo © Fantasy Flight Games]]

While the envoys depart on their ultimately unsuccessful missions, Robb heads west to deal with [[Stafford Lannister]]'s host before it is fully trained.{{Ref|ACOK|7}} Catelyn's brother, Ser [[Edmure Tully]], holds Riverrun and guards Robb's rear.{{Ref|ACOK|39}} Bypassing the [[Golden Tooth]] using a goat track found by [[Grey Wind]], Robb smashes Stafford's host in the [[Battle of Oxcross]]; [[Rymund the Rhymer]] composes "[[Wolf in the Night]]" to honor the victory.{{Ref|ACOK|39}} Robb has his bannermen plunder parts of the [[westerlands]].{{Ref|ACOK|39}} He captures several castles, including [[taking of Ashemark|Ashemark]],{{Ref|ACOK|35}} seat of Lord [[Damon Marbrand]], and the [[storming of the Crag|Crag]],{{Ref|ACOK|55}} seat of Lord [[Gawen Westerling]], whom Robb had captured in the Whispering Wood.

After learning that Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] is marching west, Edmure sends word for [[Helman Tallhart]], [[Master of Torrhen's Square]], to depart the [[Twins]] and aid Lord [[Roose Bolton]] in capturing Tywin's previous base, [[Harrenhal]]. Edmure believes that the Lannister host can thus be caught between Riverrun and Harrenhal, and Tywin can then be defeated once Robb returns from the west.{{Ref|AGOT|39}} In the [[Battle of the Fords]], Edmure's host fends off Tywin's attempt to cross the [[Red Fork]] and return to the westerlands.{{Ref|ACOK|45}}

Theon leads a small group of [[ironborn]] in the [[capture of Winterfell]],{{Ref|ACOK|46}} claiming the title [[Prince of Winterfell]] for himself.{{Ref|ACOK|56}} After Robb's brothers, [[Bran Stark|Bran]] and [[Rickon Stark|Rickon]], disappear from the castle, Theon has the bodies of two peasant boys presented in their image.{{Ref|ACOK|66}} The Stark brothers have actually hidden in the [[crypt of Winterfell]], however, and thus survive the [[sack of Winterfell]] by [[Ramsay Snow]].{{Ref|ACOK|69}}

Following Tywin Lannister's victory over Stannis Baratheon in the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], the [[House Frey|Freys]] encamped at Harrenhal with Lord Bolton believe that Robb should bend the knee. Ostensibly by Robb's command, Roose sends word for Helman Tallhart to burn [[Darry]] and then join [[Robett Glover]] and [[Harrion Karstark]] in attacking [[Duskendale]].{{Ref|ACOK|64}}{{Ref|ASOS|37}} Robb's sister [[Arya Stark|Arya]], who is disguised as a servant, overhears the Freys speak of having been betrayed.{{Ref|ACOK|64}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[File:Jeyne WesterlingLauren Cannon.JPG|thumb|350px|[[Jeyne Westerling]] nurses Robb, by Lauren Cannon © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Having suffered a wound in the [[storming of the Crag]], Robb is tended to by [[Jeyne Westerling]], Gawen's daughter. When Robb learns of the supposed deaths of Bran and Rickon, Jeyne comforts Robb, which leads to his taking her [[maidenhead]]. In an effort to preserve her honor, Robb weds Jeyne immediately thereafter.{{Ref|ASOS|14}} However, the [[House Frey|Frey]] host that had accompanied Robb into the [[westerlands]] are furious and withdraw their support, with [[Walder Frey (son of Ryman)|Black Walder Frey]] threatening to kill Jeyne. [[Olyvar Frey]] wants to remain with Robb as as his squire, but Ser [[Ryman Frey]] insists he return to the [[Twins]] with his kin.{{Ref|ASOS|14}} Robb shaves his beard but allows his hair to grow to his shoulders.{{ref|ASOS|14}}

Abandoning the castles he had taken in the west,{{Ref|ASOS|19}} Robb returns to [[Riverrun]] with his new wife in tow, much to his mother [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn's]] horror as, having pledged to wed a daughter of House Frey, this was not a slight that Lord [[Walder Frey]] is likely to overlook.{{Ref|ASOS|14}} Catelyn wishes that Robb had wed the more powerful [[Margaery Tyrell]] instead of Jeyne.{{Ref|ASOS|14}}

Ser [[Edmure Tully]], acting [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]] whilst his father [[Hoster Tully]] lays on his deathbed, met [[Tywin Lannister]]'s army as they attempted to cross the [[Red Fork]] near Riverrun and threw them back. While the [[Battle of the Fords]] prevented Tywin's force from approaching Robb's from the rear, Robb's plan had been to entangle Tywin's army in a chase in the west while [[Stannis Baratheon]] marched on [[King's Landing]]. Being thrown back at Riverrun allowed Tywin's force to turn around and arrive at the capital in time for the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], which turned the tide of the battle, and indeed the war, in [[House Lannister]]'s favor. Robb and Ser [[Brynden Tully]] reprimand Edmure in private.{{Ref|ASOS|14}}

Robb learns that in her grief over the supposed murder of two of her sons, Catelyn released [[Jaime Lannister]] from captivity and entrusted him with a mission to return her daughters [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] and [[Arya Stark|Arya]] to her, if possible.{{Ref|ASOS|14}} This earns her the enmity of [[Rickard Karstark]], [[Lord of Karhold]], as Jaime had slain two of Rickard's sons, [[Eddard Karstark|Eddard]] and [[Torrhen Karstark|Torrhen]], while they defended Robb in the [[Battle in the Whispering Wood|Whispering Wood]]; Rickard requires vengeance for their deaths. In response to Jaime's release, Lord Karstark sends his horsemen to search the countryside for Jaime and then leads a small group in murdering two prisoners, [[Tion Frey]] and [[Willem Lannister]], in a tower of Riverrun. For this crime, Robb sentences Lord Karstark to death and beheads Rickard himself with a poleaxe in the [[godswood of Riverrun]].{{Ref|ASOS|20}}

After learning of the defeat of [[Robett Glover]] and Ser [[Helman Tallhart]] in the [[battle at Duskendale]], Robb is dumbfounded as to why his northern infantry even attacked the town.{{Ref|ASOS|35}} With problems on every side, Robb seems only to take solace in the company of the [[House Westerling|Westerlings]]: his loving wife Jeyne, her brother Ser [[Raynald Westerling|Raynald]] his banner-bearer, and their younger brother, Robb's new squire [[Rollam Westerling|Rollam]]. With all others, he is the solemn King in the North. A solitary Robb burns an unsent letter and spends his time reviewing maps.{{Ref|ASOS|35}}

When Lord Hoster Tully finally passes away, Robb aids six rivermen in pushing his grandfather's funereal boat into the [[Red Fork]].{{Ref|AGOT|35}} He meets with [[Lothar Frey|Lame Lothar Frey]] and [[Walder Rivers]], envoys of Lord Walder Frey, who had been slighted by Robb's marriage to Jeyne Westerling. Robb suggests that his uncle Edmure, now [[Lord of Riverrun]], wed one of Lord Walder's daughters in his stead, a proposal to which Edmure reluctantly agrees.{{Ref|ASOS|35}}

Leaving Jeyne behind at Riverrun and appointing Brynden the Blackfish as [[Warden of the Southern Marches]], Robb takes his host north toward the Twins, where Edmure is to marry [[Roslin Frey]].{{Ref|ASOS|45}} Once the wedding is done, Robb intends to then return to the [[north]], reclaim his territory, much of which has been conquered by the [[ironborn]], and avenge Bran and Rickon. Because he believes his brothers dead and Arya lost, and fearing that, by the laws of succession, were he to die without issue, Winterfell and the north would go to Sansa's new husband, [[Tyrion Lannister]], Robb discusses the matter of his succession with his mother at [[Oldstones]]. To her chagrin, Robb suggests that, if he were to die, his [[bastard]] half-brother [[Jon Snow]] should succeed him.{{Ref|ASOS|45}}

At [[Hag's Mire]], Robb sends [[Maege Mormont]] and [[Galbart Glover]], [[Master of Deepwood Motte]], north to [[Howland Reed]], [[Lord of Greywater Watch]], to procure [[crannogmen]] who can guide Robb through the [[Neck]] and thus allow him to attack the ironborn unawares at [[siege of Moat Cailin|Moat Cailin]]. Robb provides letters containing false orders in order to protect Maege and Galbart if they are captured. Robb has a small group of supporters—Catelyn, Edmure, Maege, Galbart, [[Jason Mallister]], and [[Jon Umber|Greatjon Umber]]—witness his choice of successor,{{Ref|ASOS|45}} which according to a semi-canon source is a legitimized Jon Snow.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Robb Stark}}

The [[Brave Companions]] capture Jaime Lannister in the field, chop off his sword hand, and bring him to Harrenhal. Instead of returning Jaime to captivity in Riverrun, Lord [[Roose Bolton]] allows Jaime to continue on to King's Landing.{{Ref|ASOS|37}} When Roose asks Jaime to give his regards to his father, Lord Tywin, Jaime says he will do so if Roose conveys his own to Robb.{{Ref|ASOS|44}}

[[File:Colin Boyer The Red Wedding.png|thumb|400px|Robb tries to get to his mother [[Catelyn|Catelyn]] during the [[Red Wedding]], by Colin Boyer © Fantasy Flight Games]]

Because [[Grey Wind]] is aggressive toward Freys when Robb arrives at the Twins, the direwolf is penned up. When Robb tries to apologize to Lord Frey, Walder instead has the young king beg for pardon from his assembled daughters and granddaughters. Once that is done, Robb and Catelyn ask for food and wine, signifying [[guest right]].{{Ref|ASOS|49}} After Lord Bolton arrives with the remaining northern infantry, mostly [[House Bolton|Boltons]] and [[House Karstark|Karstarks]], he claims to Robb that Robett Glover had attacked Duskendale out of grief for [[taking of Deepwood Motte|Deepwood]]. Roose also reveals that [[Theon Greyjoy]], Robb's one-time friend, is being tortured at the [[Dreadfort]] by his son, [[Ramsay Snow]].{{Ref|ASOS|49}}

Despite [[guest right]], Walder betrays Robb during the feast after the wedding of Roslin and Edmure. In what is later known as the [[Red Wedding]], Robb's companions and men are murdered by Freys, fur-clad northmen, and [[sellsword]]s disguised as musicians. Having been struck by multiple arrows, Robb weakly calls out to his mother and Grey Wind. Catelyn tries to trade her son's life for [[Aegon Frey (son of Stevron)|Jinglebell]], but Walder cares not for his lackwit grandson. Catelyn watches Roose Bolton deliver the final blow to her son, stabbing him through the heart while stating, "Jaime Lannister sends his regards".{{Ref|ASOS|51}} Driven mad with despair, Catelyn murders Jinglebell and is killed shortly thereafter by Ser [[Raymund Frey]].{{Ref|ASOS|51}}{{ref|ASOS|Epilogue}} Grey Wind, who had been chained outside to placate the Freys, is also slain via crossbow bolts, his head removed and sewn onto Robb's body as a final insult to the King in the North.{{Ref|ASOS|58}}

Most of the river lords surrender in the aftermath of the Red Wedding, although Riverrun remains held by the Blackfish.{{Ref|ASOS|53}} Roose Bolton is named [[Warden of the North]] and his son Ramsay is legitimized.{{Ref|ASOS|72}} Ramsay is also to wed "Arya Stark", but Jaime recognizes that the girl to be presented to House Bolton is an impostor.{{Ref|ASOS|72}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
Under the leadership of the reborn Catelyn Stark, now called Lady Stoneheart, the vengeful [[brotherhood without banners]] kill [[House Frey|Freys]] in the [[riverlands]].{{Ref|ASOS|Epilogue}}{{Ref|AFFC|42}}{{Ref|AFFC|44}} [[Brienne of Tarth]] sees Catelyn holding Robb's crown after reclaiming it from [[Queen o' whores|a whore]].{{Ref|AFFC|42}}

Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] peacefully resolves the [[siege of Riverrun]] and takes Robb's widow, [[Jeyne Westerling]], into custody. Jeyne has torn her clothes out of mourning, and her mother, [[Sybell Spicer]], affirms for Jaime that the girl is not pregnant with Robb's child. Sybelle has also confiscated the crown which Robb had given the girl.{{Ref|AFFC|44}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
In the aftermath of the [[battle beneath the Wall]], [[Stannis Baratheon]] requests homage from the bannermen of the [[north]]. From [[Bear Island]], [[Lyanna Mormont]] responds with the message that "Bear Island knows no king but the [[King in the North]], whose name is STARK."{{Ref|ADWD|3}}

The Frey envoys at [[White Harbor]]—[[Rhaegar Frey|Rhaegar]], Ser [[Jared Frey|Jared]], and [[Symond Frey|Symond]]—tell the [[Merman's Court]] that Robb turned into a [[wolf]] as a [[warg]] and slew the knights [[Wendel Manderly]], [[Tytos Frey]], and [[Garse Goodbrook]].{{Ref|ADWD|19}} Meeting in secret, Wendel's father, Lord [[Wyman Manderly|Wyman]], and [[Robett Glover]] assure Stannis's envoy, Lord [[Davos Seaworth]], that they do not believe the Frey lies, and Wyman tasks Davos with finding Robb's youngest brother, [[Rickon Stark]].{{Ref|ADWD|29}} The three Freys disappear while traveling from White Harbor to [[Barrowton]].{{ref|ADWD|32}}

[[Bran Stark]] trains as a [[greenseer]] in the [[cave of the three-eyed crow]]. In one vision of the [[godswood of Winterfell]], Bran sees a younger version of his father [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]] praying, "let them grow up close as brothers, with only love between them".{{ref|ADWD|34}}

Jaime Lannister ends the [[siege of Raventree]], as [[Tytos Blackwood]], [[Lord of Raventree Hall]], was the last river lord to continue flying the Stark banner.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

Now a mutilated captive of [[House Bolton]] at Winterfell, [[Theon Greyjoy]] regrets having sided with his own family, [[House Greyjoy]], against House Stark, realizing that Robb had been more a brother to him than his actual kin, [[Rodrik Greyjoy|Rodrik]] and [[Maron Greyjoy|Maron]].{{Ref|ADWD|51}}

==Quotes by Robb==
[[File:Christine Griffin RobbS.jpg|thumb|350px|Robb and [[Grey Wind]], by C.Griffin © Fantasy Flight Games]]
{{Quote|'''Robb''': I can't release the [[Jaime Lannister|Kingslayer]], not even if I wanted to. My lords would never abide it. 
'''Catelyn''': Your lords made you their king. 
'''Robb''': And can unmake me just as easy.{{Ref|ACOK|7}}|Robb and [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Love's not always wise, I've learned. It can lead us to great folly, but we follow our hearts ... wherever they take us.{{Ref|ASOS|14}}|Robb to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|I've made a botch of everything but the battles, haven't I? I thought the battles would be the hard part, but ... if I had listened to you and kept [[Theon Greyjoy|Theon]] as my hostage, I'd still rule the [[north]], and [[Bran Stark|Bran]] and [[Rickon Stark|Rickon]] would be alive and safe in [[Winterfell]].{{Ref|ASOS|14}}|Robb to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Gods be good, why would any man ever want to be king? When everyone was shouting [[King in the North]], King in the North, I told myself ... swore to myself ... that I would be a good king, as honorable as [[Eddard Stark|Father]], strong, just, loyal to my friends and brave when I faced my enemies ... now I can't even tell one from the other. How did it all get so confused? Lord [[Rickard Karstark|Rickard]]'s fought at my side in half a dozen battles. His sons died for me in the [[battle in the Whispering Wood|Whispering Wood]]. [[Tion Frey]] and [[Willem Lannister]] were my enemies. Yet now I have to kill my dead friends' father for their sakes.{{Ref|ASOS|20}}|Robb to [[Brynden Tully]]}}

{{Quote|I have won every battle, yet somehow I'm losing the war.{{Ref|ASOS|35}}|Robb to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|'''Catelyn''': You would not be the first king to bend the knee, nor even the first [[House Stark|Stark]]. 
'''Robb''': Never. 
'''Catelyn''': There is no shame in it. [[Balon Greyjoy]] bent the knee to [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]] when [[Greyjoy's Rebellion|his rebellion failed]]. [[Torrhen Stark]] bent the knee to [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] rather than see his army [[Field of Fire|face the fires]]. 
'''Robb''': Did Aegon kill King Torrhen’s father?{{Ref|ASOS|35}}|Robb and [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|If you keep all your treasures in one purse, you only make it easier for those who would rob you.{{Ref|ASOS|45}}|Robb to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

==Quotes about Robb==
[[File:Robb Stark HBO.jpg|thumb|350px|Richard Madden as Robb in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
{{Quote|No sword is strong until it's been tempered. The Stark boy is a child. No doubt he likes the sound of warhorns well enough, and the sight of his banners fluttering in the wind, but in the end it comes down to butcher's work. I doubt he has the stomach for it.{{Ref|AGOT|56}}|[[Tywin Lannister]] to [[Kevan Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|'''Eddard''': Robb is only a boy. 
'''Varys''': A boy with an army.{{Ref|AGOT|58}}|[[Eddard Stark]] and [[Varys]]}}

{{Quote|There sits the only king I mean to bow my knee to, m'lords. The [[King in the North]]!{{Ref|AGOT|71}}|[[Jon Umber]] to the [[north]]ern bannermen}}

{{Quote|He is a boy no longer, she realized with a pang. He is sixteen now, a man grown. Just look at him. [[War of the Five Kings|War]] had melted all the softness from his face and left him hard and lean.{{Ref|ASOS|14}}|thoughts of [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Robb Stark had won more battles in a year than the [[Mace Tyrell|Lord of Highgarden]] had in twenty.{{Ref|ASOS|19}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]]'s thoughts}}

{{Quote|'''Tyrion''': He foreswore himself, shamed [[Walder Frey|an ally]], betrayed a solemn promise. Where is the honor in that? 
'''Kevan''': He chose [[Jeyne Westerling|the girl]]'s honor over his own. Once he had deflowered her, he had no other course.{{Ref|ASOS|19}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] and [[Kevan Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|Yes, Lord Umber, leave me to the king. He means to give me a scolding before he forgives me. That’s how he deals with treason, our [[King in the North]]. Or should I call you the King Who Lost the North, Your Grace?{{Ref|ASOS|20}}|[[Rickard Karstark]] to [[Jon Umber]] and Robb}}

{{Quote|The crown is crushing him, she thought. He wants so much to be a good king, to be brave and honorable and clever, but the weight is too much for a boy to bear.{{Ref|ASOS|35}}|thoughts of [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|He won [[War of the Five Kings|the war]] on the battlefield and lost it in a bedchamber.{{Ref|ASOS|37}}|thoughts of [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|'''Stannis''': Your brother was the rightful [[Lord of Winterfell]]. If he had stayed home and done his duty, instead of crowning himself and riding off to conquer the [[riverlands]], he might be alive today. Be that as it may. You are not Robb, no more than I am [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]]. 
'''Jon''': I loved my brother. 
'''Stannis''': And I mine. Yet they were what they were, and so are we.{{Ref|ASOS|75}}|[[Stannis Baratheon]] and [[Jon Snow]]}}

{{Quote|I would have slain Robb Stark in the [[battle in the Whispering Wood|Whispering Wood]], if I could have reached him. [[Robb Stark's battle guard|Some fools]] got in my way. Does it matter how the boy perished? He's no less dead, and [[King in the North|his kingdom]] died when he did.{{Ref|AFFC|38}}|[[Jaime Lannister]] to [[Brynden Tully]]}}

{{Quote|More beast than boy, that one, puffed up with pride and bloodlust ... Robb Stark betrayed us all. He abandoned the [[north]] to the cruel mercies of the [[ironmen]] to carve out a fairer kingdom for himself along the [[King of the Trident|Trident]]. Then he abandoned the [[riverlands|riverlords]] who had risked much and more for him, breaking his marriage pact with [[Walder Frey|my grandfather]] to wed [[Jeyne Westerling|the first western wench]] who caught his eye. The Young Wolf? He was a vile dog and [[Red Wedding|died like one]].{{Ref|ADWD|19}}|[[Rhaegar Frey]] to the [[Merman's Court]]}}

{{Quote|Robb who had been more a brother to Theon than any son born of [[Balon Greyjoy]]'s loins. Murdered at the [[Red Wedding]], butchered by the [[House Frey|Freys]]. I should have been with him. Where was I? I should have died with him.{{Ref|ADWD|51}}|thoughts of [[Theon Greyjoy]]}}

==Family==
{{Stark tree}}

==Behind the scenes==
In an early draft of ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'', Robb was 12 years old rather than 14.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/asoiaf/comments/1belw08/spoilers_extended_secrets_of_the_cushing_library/ Secrets of the Cushing Library: A Game of Thrones] - gsteff on Reddit</ref>

==External links==
*{{WP}}
*{{WoW}}

==References==
{{EnWP|House Stark|small=yes}}
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Eddard Stark]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lord of Winterfell]]|years={{Date|299}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Theon Greyjoy]]|as=[[Prince of Winterfell]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-vac|recreated|parameter=before|last=[[Torrhen Stark]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[King in the North]]|years={{Date|299|300}}}}
{{S-non|reason=Dissolved}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-vac|recreated|parameter=before|last=[[Harren Hoare]]|as=[[King of the Isles and the Rivers]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[King of the Trident]]|years={{Date|299|300}}}}
{{S-non|reason=Dissolved}}
{{S-end}}

{{Lords of Winterfell}}
{{Kings of Westeros}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Stark, Robb}}
[[Category:House Stark|Robb Stark]]
[[Category:283 AC births]]
[[Category:299 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Casualties of the War of the Five Kings]]
[[Category:Characters from the North]]
[[Category:Characters from the Riverlands]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Roose Bolton]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Tywin Lannister]]
[[Category:Characters killed by Walder Frey]]
[[Category:Characters with blue eyes]]
[[Category:Characters with fair skin]]
[[Category:Characters with red hair]]
[[Category:Deaths by stabbing]]
[[Category:Kings in the North|Robb Stark]]
[[Category:Kings of the Trident and Kings of the Rivers and the Hills]]
[[Category:Lords of Winterfell|Robb Stark]]
[[Category:Nobles]]
[[Category:Rebels]]
[[Category:Skinchangers]]

[[es:Robb Stark]]
[[fa:راب استارک]]
[[fr:Robb Stark]]
[[it:Robb Stark]]
[[pt:Robb Stark]]
[[ru:Робб Старк]]
[[tr:Robb Stark]]
[[zh:罗柏·史塔克]]

Erena Glover

2026-02-22T21:16:05Z

Hhwang:

{{Infobox character
| arms = Glover
| title =
| firstname = Erena
| lastname = Glover
| image =
| image_caption =
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[House Glover]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Northmen]]
| Father = [[Robett Glover]]
| Mother = [[Sybelle Glover|Sybelle Locke]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|297}} or {{Date|298}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued)#Erena Glover|Erena Glover]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appendix) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (appendix) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appendix) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
}}

'''Erena Glover''' is the daughter of [[Robett Glover|Robett]] and [[Sybelle Glover]].{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Clash of Kings''===
Erena is captured, along with her brother, [[Gawen Glover|Gawen]], and mother, [[Sybelle Glover|Sybelle]], when the [[ironborn]] [[Battle of Deepwood Motte|take Deepwood Motte]].{{Ref|ACOK|56}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
The Glovers are held captive at [[Deepwood Motte]] by [[Asha Greyjoy]].{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
The Glovers are taken to [[Ten Towers]] in the [[Iron Islands]] by Asha. Along the way they stop at the [[Stony Shore]] to search for a [[wet nurse]] for Erena; instead they find a goat.{{Ref|AFFC|11}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
While Asha takes Sybelle back to Deepwood Motte, Erena and her brother are left captive at Ten Towers under the care of [[Gwynesse Harlaw]]. Asha fears Erena too unhealthy for a second sea voyage.{{Ref|ADWD|26}}

==Family==
{{Glover tree}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:House Glover]]
[[Category:Characters from the North|Glover, Erena]]
[[Category:Hostages of House Greyjoy in the War of the Five Kings|Glover, Erena]]
[[Category:Noblewomen|Glover, Erena]]

[[es:Erena Glover]]
[[fr:Erena Glover]]
[[ru:Эрена Гловер]]
[[zh:艾娜·葛洛佛]]

Gawen Glover

2026-02-22T21:07:22Z

Hhwang:

{{Infobox character
| arms = Glover
| title =
| firstname = Gawen
| lastname = Glover
| image =
| image_caption =
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[House Glover]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Northmen]]
| Father = [[Robett Glover]]
| Mother = [[Sybelle Glover|Sybelle Locke]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|295}} or {{Date|296}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued)#Gawen Glover|Gawen Glover]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appendix) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (appendix) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appendix) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
}}

'''Gawen Glover''' is a member of [[House Glover]], the son of [[Robett Glover|Robett]] and [[Sybelle Glover]].{{ref|ACOK|Appendix}} The appendices of ''[[A Clash of Kings-Appendix|A Clash of Kings]]'' and ''[[A Storm of Swords-Appendix|A Storm of Swords]]'' state that Gawen is the heir to [[Deepwood Motte]], while the appendices of ''[[A Feast for Crows-Appendix|A Feast for Crows]]'' and ''[[A Dance with Dragons-Appendix|A Dance with Dragons]]'' state that his father Robett is the heir of [[Galbart Glover]].

==Recent Events==
===''A Clash of Kings''===
Gawen is captured, along with his sister [[Erena Glover|Erena]] and mother [[Sybelle Glover|Sybelle]], when the [[ironborn]] [[Battle of Deepwood Motte|take Deepwood Motte]].{{Ref|ACOK|56}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
Gawen, his sister and mother are held captive at [[Deepwood Motte]] by [[Asha Greyjoy]].{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
The Glovers are taken to [[Ten Towers]] in the [[Iron Islands]] by Asha.{{Ref|AFFC|11}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Gawen and his sister are left captive at Ten Towers by Asha under the care of her aunt [[Gwynesse Harlaw]].{{ref|ADWD|26}}

==Family==
{{Glover tree}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:House Glover]]
[[Category:Nobles|Glover, Gawen]]
[[Category:Characters from the North|Glover, Gawen]]
[[Category:Hostages of House Greyjoy in the War of the Five Kings|Glover, Gawen]]

[[es:Gawen Glover]]
[[fr:Gawen Glover]]
[[zh:加文·葛洛佛]]
[[ru:Гавен Гловер]]

Gawen Glover

2026-02-22T20:50:48Z

Hhwang:

{{Infobox character
| arms = Glover
| title =
| firstname = Gawen
| lastname = Glover
| image =
| image_caption =
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[House Glover]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Northmen]]
| Father = [[Robett Glover]]
| Mother = [[Sybelle Glover|Sybelle Locke]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|295}} or {{Date|296}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued)#Gawen Glover|Gawen Glover]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appendix) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (appendix) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appendix) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
| coat-of-arms =
}}

'''Gawen Glover''' is a member of [[House Glover]], the son of [[Robett Glover|Robett]] and [[Sybelle Glover]].{{ref|ACOK|Appendix}} The appendices of ''[[A Clash of Kings-Appendix|A Clash of Kings]]'' and ''[[A Storm of Swords-Appendix|A Storm of Swords]]'' state that Gawen is the heir to [[Deepwood Motte]], while the appendices of ''[[A Feast for Crows-Appendix|A Feast for Crows]]'' and ''[[A Dance with Dragons-Appendix|A Dance with Dragons]]'' state that his father Robett is the heir of [[Galbart Glover]].

==Recent Events==
===''A Clash of Kings''===
Gawen is captured, along with his sister [[Erena Glover|Erena]] and mother [[Sybelle Glover|Sybelle]], when [[Asha Greyjoy]] [[Battle of Deepwood Motte|takes Deepwood Motte]].

===''A Storm of Swords''===
Gawen and his sister and mother are kept captive at Deepwood by Asha.{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Gawen and his sister are left captive at [[Ten Towers]] by Asha under the care of her [[House Harlaw|aunts]].{{ref|ADWD|26}}

==Family==
{{Glover tree}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:House Glover]]
[[Category:Nobles|Glover, Gawen]]
[[Category:Characters from the North|Glover, Gawen]]
[[Category:Hostages of House Greyjoy in the War of the Five Kings|Glover, Gawen]]

[[es:Gawen Glover]]
[[fr:Gawen Glover]]
[[zh:加文·葛洛佛]]
[[ru:Гавен Гловер]]

Perwyn Frey

2026-02-22T19:58:19Z

Hhwang: /* A Feast for Crows */

{{Infobox character
| arms = Frey
| title = Ser
| firstname = Perwyn
| lastname = Frey
| image = File:Perwyn_Frey_by_Lopata_4.jpg
| image_caption = Perwyn by Lopata 4
| Alias =
| Title = [[knight|Ser]]
| Allegiance = [[House Frey]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Rivermen]]
| Father = [[Walder Frey]]
| Mother = [[Bethany Rosby]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth = [[Twins]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Perwyn Frey}}
| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|269|278}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Perwyn Frey|Perwyn Frey]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (appears) ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appears) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (appendix)
| coat-of-arms =
}}

'''Perwyn Frey''' is a [[knight]] from [[House Frey]]. He is the fifteenth son of Lord [[Walder Frey]] and the first son born in the marriage between Walder and [[Bethany Rosby]].{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}

==Character==
According to Ser [[Daven Lannister]], Perwyn is a decent man.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}

==History==
Ser Perwyn rode in the [[tourney on Prince Joffrey's name day]] in {{Date|297}}.{{Ref|AGOT|59}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
Ser Perwyn attends the [[Hand's tourney]] in [[King's Landing]] with five other members of [[House Frey]].{{Ref|AGOT|29}}

During [[Catelyn Stark]]'s parley with Lord [[Walder Frey]] within the [[Twins]], Perwyn is left outside in the company of [[Robb Stark]] to ensure his mother's safety.{{Ref|AGOT|59}}

Five Freys serve in [[Robb's personal guard]] during the [[battle in the Whispering Wood]].{{Ref|AGOT|63}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
Perwyn is a member of the party that escorts Catelyn as she travels to treat with [[Renly Baratheon]] at [[Bitterbridge]]{{Ref|ACOK|22}} and [[Stannis Baratheon]] at [[Storm's End]].{{Ref|ACOK|33}} When they return to [[Riverrun]] after [[Siege of Storm's End (299)|Renly's death]], Perwyn is informed of Robb's victories in the [[westerlands]] by his half brother, [[Martyn Rivers]].{{Ref|ACOK|39}} Perwyn jests when he sees [[plot to free Jaime Lannister|hanged plotters]].{{Ref|ACOK|39}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
While under house arrest for freeing Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], Catelyn watches Perwyn and Martyn, who fought in the [[Battle of the Fords]],{{Ref|AWOIAF|Perwyn Frey}} unexpectedly leave Riverrun.{{Ref|ASOS|14}} Catelyn later learns the Freys left because of Robb's marriage to [[Jeyne Westerling]] instead of one of Walder's daughters.{{Ref|ASOS|14}}

Catelyn is surprised that Perwyn is not present at the Twins for the wedding of his sister, [[Roslin Frey]], to Catelyn's brother, Lord [[Edmure Tully]]. [[Lothar Frey]] explains that Perwyn is away and delayed by the flooding of the [[Trident]].{{Ref|ASOS|49}} As the [[Red Wedding]] begins, Catelyn thinks of the absences of Perwyn, [[Olyvar Frey|Olyvar]], and [[Alesander Frey]], as well as Roslin's crying, as warnings of House Frey's betrayal.{{Ref|ASOS|51}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
Perwyn is present at the [[siege of Riverrun]], where he tells Ser [[Daven Lannister]] that his pregnant sister Roslin is in love with Edmure and is praying for a girl. Unlike most of the Freys at the siege, Daven approves of Perwyn.{{Ref|AFFC|33}}

==Quotes by Perwyn==
{{Quote|'''Hallis''': They have hanged [[plot to free Jaime Lannister|some Lannisters]]. 
'''Wendel''': A pretty sight. 
'''Perwyn''': [[House Tully guards|Our friends]] have begun without us.{{Ref|ACOK|39}}|[[Hallis Mollen]], [[Wendel Manderly]], and Perwyn}}

==Quotes about Perwyn==
{{Quote|'''Catelyn''': Is Ser Perwyn about? He helped escort me to [[Storm's End]] and back, when [[Robb Stark|Robb]] sent me to speak with Lord [[Renly Baratheon|Renly]]. I was looking forward to seeing him again. 
'''Lothar''': Perwyn is away. I shall give him your regards. I know he will regret having missed you.{{Ref|ASOS|49}}|[[Catelyn Stark]] and [[Lothar Frey]]}}

==Family==
{{Frey tree Bethany Rosby}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:House Frey]]
[[Category:3rd century AC births|Frey, Perwyn]]
[[Category:Characters from the Riverlands|Frey, Perwyn]]
[[Category:Friends and companions of Edmure Tully|Frey, Perwyn]]
[[Category:Knights|Frey, Perwyn]]
[[Category:Members of Robb Stark's guard|Frey, Perwyn]]
[[Category:Nobles|Frey, Perwyn]]
[[Category:Supporters of Robb Stark in the War of the Five Kings|Frey, Perwyn]]
[[Category:Supporters of Joffrey Baratheon in the War of the Five Kings|Frey, Perwyn]]
[[Category:Supporters of Tommen Baratheon in the War of the Five Kings|Frey, Perwyn]]

[[es:Perwyn Frey]]
[[fr:Perwyn Frey]]
[[ru:Первин Фрей]]
[[zh:派温·佛雷]]

Triarch of Volantis

2026-02-22T19:42:32Z

Hhwang: /* A Dance of Dragons */

{{Hatnote|"Triarch" redirects here. For the union of Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh, also known in Westeros as the Kingdom of the Three Daughters, see [[Triarchy]].}}
'''Triarch of Volantis''' is the title held by the three elected rulers of the [[Free Cities|Free City]] of [[Volantis]].

==About==
[[File:Marc_Fishman_TriarchsElephant.jpg‎ ‎‎‎|The triarchs ride everywhere on [[elephants]] - by Marc Fishman © |thumb|300px|right]]
Volantis is ruled by three triarchs. They are neither kings nor princes, but instead are chosen by every freeborn landowner, regardless of gender.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Volantis}}{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

The triarchs are chosen from amongst [[Old Blood|the noble families]] who can prove unbroken descent from old Valyria, and will serve for a year, until the first day of the new year. The triarchs of Volantis are considered so elevated that they are not allowed to have their feet touch the ground during their year of service.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}

The elections last ten days, with much campaigning and bribery.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Volantis}}{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Volantis becomes filled with torchlight marches, speeches, [[mummer]]s and minstrels and dancers, [[bravos]] fighting duels for the honor of their candidates, [[elephant]]s with the names of would-be triarchs painted on their sides. Some candidates have [[slave]] girls and boys lay with voters to win votes.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} A former triarch can be re-elected.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}}

There has never been a child triarch, in contrast to the child kings in [[Westeros]].{{Ref|ADWD|27}} As the three triarchs rule together, two triarchs can restrict the influence of the third triarch until the end of his term, should that be necessary.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

The triarchs belong to one of two political parties: the [[Tigers (Volantis)|tigers]] and the [[Elephants (Volantis)|elephants]]. The elephants are the party of the merchants and moneylenders, while the tigers are old aristocracy and warriors. The elephants advocate trade and the tigers advocate conquest.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: The Doom of Valyria}} Since the rise of the elephants at the end of the [[Century of Blood]], no more than one tiger has been named triarch at a time, the other two always being elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

Some of the first elephants were women, one of whom, [[Trianna]], was returned four times. Volantis hasn't had a female triarch for three hundred years.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

==History==
{{See also|Volantis#History}}
After the [[Doom of Valyria]], during the [[Century of Blood]], the Volantenes considered themselves the heirs to the [[Valyrian Freehold]] and rightful rulers of the world.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: The Doom of Valyria}} Those of the Old Blood, later known as the tigers, favored war, whilst the moneylenders and merchants, later known as the elephants, favored to achieve dominion by trade. In the end, the tigers held sway for almost a century, and led Volantis into a conflict with the other Free Cities. This conflict would eventually involve all of the Free Cities except for (as far as is known) [[Lorath]]. At first, Volantis succeeded in their conquest. But an alliance of [[Tyrosh]] and [[Pentos]] resisted Volantis, and [[Myr]] and [[Lys]] rebelled. Volantis was further defeated by an alliance of [[Qohor]] and [[Norvos]], by [[Dothraki]], by [[Storm King]] [[ Argilac Durrandon]], and by Lord [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]] of [[Dragonstone]]. In the end, the Volantene faction favoring peace, the elephants, took power from the tigers, and the fighting was at an end.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: The Doom of Valyria}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

For the last three centuries, since taking power from the tigers, at least two of the three triarchs in power have been elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|8}} Some of the first elephants had been women, and female triarch [[Trianna]] was even chosen for four years.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

==Political Parties==
The three triarchs of Volantis are chosen from amongst two political parties:

*'''[[Tigers (Volantis)|Tigers]]''': The tigers originate from those of the [[Old Blood]] who favored conquest at the start of the [[Century of Blood]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: The Doom of Valyria}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}} Some years the tigers elect a triarch, other years there is no member of the tiger party elected triarch.{{Ref|ADWD|14}} The [[tiger cloaks]], the Volantene guards, are presumably named after the militant tiger party. The tiger party has not held power for the last three hundred years.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

*'''[[Elephants (Volantis)|Elephants]]''': The elephants are the party of the merchants and moneylenders, advocating trade.{{Ref|ADWD|14}} Some of the first elephants were women.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} When the elephants came to power, their followers went on a rampage, knocking the heads from the statues of those they blamed for all the wars and deaths.{{Ref|ADWD|22}} The elephant party has held power for the last three hundred years, during which at least two of the three triarchs in power have been elephants.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

==Past Triarchs==
*[[Belicho]], a tiger;{{Ref|ADWD|33}} a book has been written about Belicho, called ''[[The Life of the Triarch Belicho]]''{{Ref|ADWD|33}}
*[[Horonno]], a tiger, returned every year for forty years, put to death when he declared himself triarch for life{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Volantis}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}
*[[Marqelo Tagaros]], Triarch during the [[Century of Blood]]{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands}}
*[[Trianna]], an elephant, Triarch during the Century of Blood, returned four times{{Ref|ADWD|27}}
*[[Vhalaso]] the Munificent, an early triarch who ordered the construction of the [[Long Bridge]]{{Ref|twoiaf| The Free Cities: Volantis}}
*[[Vogarro]], an elephant, seven times elected{{ref|ADWD|27}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Dance of Dragons''===
[[‎File:Marc Fishman the triarch II.jpg|When the elephants came to power, their followers went on a rampage, knocking the heads from the statues of those they blamed for all the wars and deaths. © Marc Fishman|thumb|300px|right]]
[[Illyrio Mopatis]] of [[Pentos]] has paid Triarch [[Nyessos Vhassar]] of the elephant party enough to own him eight times over.{{Ref|ADWD|18}}

Elections are being held in [[Volantis]] for the triarchs.{{Ref|ADWD|27}} Ser [[Jorah Mormont]] and [[Tyrion Lannister]] visit Volantis on the third day of the elections. They board the ''[[Selaesori Qhoran]]'' two days later, before the elections end.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

The city's incumbent triarchs are:
* [[Malaquo Maegyr]], a tiger{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* [[Doniphos Paenymion]], an elephant{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* [[Nyessos Vhassar]], an elephant{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}

Known candidates to become new triarchs are:{{Ref|ADWD|27}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* [[Alios Qhaedar]]
* [[Parquello Vaelaros]]
* [[Belicho Staegone]]

While the elections have ended,{{Ref|ADWD|56}} the results of the new elections have not yet been revealed. With the city thirsty for war against [[Daenerys Targaryen]],{{Ref|ADWD|22}} speculation is that, no matter who is elected triarch, Volantis will go to war against Daenerys Targaryen.{{Ref|ADWD|27}}

While sailing toward [[Meereen]], [[Victarion Greyjoy]] recalls stopping briefly in Volantis and having seen galleys heading to [[Slaver's Bay]] taking on provisions. The whole city had seemed drunk. Sailors and soldiers and tinkers had been observed dancing in the streets with nobles and fat merchants, and in every inn and winesink cups were being raised to the new triarchs.{{Ref|ADWD|56}}

Aboard the ''[[Iron Victory]]'' [[Moqorro]] tells Victarion his flames have confirmed that Volantis has sided with the tigers.{{ref|ADWD|63}}

In Meereen [[Skahaz mo Kandaq]] informs Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] that Volantis has launched its fleet against Daenerys Targaryen, and that [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]] means to open Meereen's gates for them.{{Ref|ADWD|55}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|'''Gerris''': Why [[Volantis]] needs three princes when [[Dorne]] makes do with one, I will never know. 
'''Quentyn''': The triarchs are neither kings nor princes. Volantis is a freehold, like [[Valyria]] of old. All freeborn landholders share the rule. Even women are allowed to vote, provided they own land. The three triarchs are chosen from amongst those noble families who can prove unbroken descent from old Valyria, to serve until the first day of the new year. And you would know all this if you had troubled to read the book that Maester [[Kedry]] gave you.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}|[[Gerris Drinkwater]] and [[Quentyn Martell]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Rulers}}

[[Category:Triarchs of Volantis| ]]
[[Category:Titles]]
[[Category:Volantis]]

[[fr:Triarque]]
[[ru:Триарх]]