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Rangers

2026-08-13T18:21:24Z

Image link cleanup: Remove invisible characters and trailing spaces from File/Image filenames

{{Infobox organization
| Name = Order of rangers
| image = [[File:Nights Watch Rangers.jpg|350px]]
| image_caption = Rangers defend against [[wildlings]] and [[Others]] (from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' Blu-ray)
| Symbol =
| Type = Order
| Seat =
| Region = [[Wall]]
| Allegiance = [[Night's Watch]]
| Current_Leader = None
| Founder =
| Founded = [[Age of Heroes]]
| Disbanded =
| Reorganized =
}}

The '''order of rangers''' is one of the three orders that comprise the [[Night's Watch]]. Their main duty is to defend and protect the [[Wall]] and the castles of the Night's Watch. Theirs can be considered the more dangerous tasks compared to those of the [[builders]] or [[stewards]], as rangers are more likely to encounter wildlings and other threats north of the Wall. A senior officer, known as the [[First Ranger]], leads the order.{{Ref|AGOT|48}}

==Tasks==
[[File:Tomasz Jedruszek Ranging Party.png|thumb|Rangers riding from a tunnel in the [[Wall]], by Tomasz Jedruszek © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The order of rangers ventures [[beyond the Wall]] and battles the [[free folk]] when necessary.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Night's Watch}} While every man at the Night's Watch is expected to take up arms upon a threat, the rangers are considered the fighting heart of the Night's Watch,{{ref|AGOT|41}} and their is the preferred order among most recruits.{{Ref|AGOT|41}} Some qualities expected of rangers are skill in fighting and riding.{{ref|AGOT|41}}

The rangers of the Night's Watch patrol and range beyond the Wall, which could mean they are away from the castle they had been stationed at for multiple days or weeks.{{ref|AGOT|Prologue}}{{Ref|AGOT|19}} On occasion, rangers encounter [[free folk]] during their rangings, in which case battle might ensue. Free folk are known to sometimes wear armor taken from rangers they have killed,{{ref|ACOK|68}} and they carry an especially strong dislike for the rangers.{{ref|ASOS|7}} Nonetheless, the rangers of the Night's Watch can also be on friendly terms with free folk. For example, while they dislike the man, the rangers frequently visit [[Craster]] in [[Craster's Keep|his keep]] in the [[haunted forest]]. Craster's hospitality towards the brothers has been the difference between life and death on several occasions.{{Ref|ACOK|28}} During rangings, rangers ride garrons.{{Ref|AGOT|Prologue}}{{Ref|AGOT|19}}{{Ref|ACOK|13}}

Rangers ride mules{{Ref|ASOS|26}} to patrol the [[Wall]], during which they search for signs of their foes. Rangers do not often encounter climbers, and occasionally they see the corpse of a wildling who failed in an attempt to climb the Wall.{{Ref|ASOS|30}} In addition to patrolling the Wall, rangers also frequently patrol the [[haunted forest]] near [[Castle Black]]. However, due to the low numbers of rangers in the Night's Watch, the preferred number of patrols cannot be made.{{Ref|AGOT|52}}

One blast of a sentry's horn represents returning rangers.{{Ref|AGOT|52}}{{ref|ASOS|Prologue}}

==History==
[[File:Erich Schreiner Ranger of the Watch.JPG|thumb|Ranger of the Night's Watch, by Erich Schreiner © Fantasy Flight Games]]
[[Redwyn]] wrote about his rangings during the reign of [[Dorren Stark]], [[King in the North]].{{ref|ACOK|6}}

When King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] and his sister-wife, Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]], visited the [[north]] in {{date|58}}, Lord Commander [[Lothor Burley]] and a hundred rangers escorted Alysanne during a visit to the [[haunted forest]].{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

A hundred rangers helped hunt down the raiders of [[Sylas the Grim]] in {{date|133}}.{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}

[[Mance Rayder]] was attacked by a [[shadowcat]] while ranging north of the [[Shadow Tower]].{{ref|ASOS|7}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[File:Carlo Bocchio Lost Ranger.JPG|thumb|A ranger [[beyond the Wall]], by Carlo Bocchio © Fantasy Flight Games]]
During a ranging [[beyond the Wall]], rangers [[Gared]], [[Will]], and Ser [[Waymar Royce]] encounter [[Others]]. Will and Waymar Royce are slain,{{Ref|AGOT|Prologue}} while Gared manages to escape south of the [[Wall]], where he is eventually beheaded as punishment for desertion.{{Ref|AGOT|1}}{{Ref|AGOT|2}}

A great number of rangers have gone missing.{{Ref|AGOT|19}}{{Ref|ACOK|6}} [[Benjen Stark]], the [[First Ranger]], goes out to search for Waymar with six rangers,{{Ref|AGOT|19}} but does not return. Other rangers are sent to find Benjen, but they return empty-handed.{{Ref|AGOT|26}} Upon the absence of Benjen, Ser [[Jaremy Rykker]] takes over command of the rangers.{{Ref|AGOT|48}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
Out of the two hundred brothers Lord Commander [[Jeor Mormont]] leads from [[Castle Black]] for the [[great ranging]], some hundred and fifty are rangers.{{Ref|ACOK|6}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
After the [[battle beneath the Wall]], [[Jon Snow]], the new Lord Commander, sends three parties led by [[Dywen]], [[Jack Bulwer|Black Jack Bulwer]], and [[Kedge Whiteye]] to range beyond the Wall.{{ref|ADWD|28}} Black Jack's party is eventually slain by the [[Weeper]].{{ref|ADWD|53}}

==Known Rangers==
===Current Rangers===
{{Columns|2|
* [[Aethan]]{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* Ser {[[Aladale Wynch]]}{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* [[Alan of Rosby]]{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* Ser [[Alliser Thorne]], a senior ranger who serves as the master-at-arms of Castle Black.{{Ref|AGOT|19}} He is later relieved of this duty, and assumes the duties of a ranger.{{Ref|ADWD|28}}
* {[[Bannen]]}{{Ref|ASOS|33}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* [[Bearded Ben]]{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* [[Bedwyck]], also known as Giant{{Ref|ACOK|13}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* [[Benjen Stark]], First Ranger during the command of [[Jeor Mormont]].{{Ref|AGOT|19}}
* [[Black Bernarr]]{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* [[Blane]], a ranger from the [[Shadow Tower]].{{Ref|ASOS|18}}
* {[[Brown Bernarr]]}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* {[[Dalbridge]]}, a veteran ranger{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Dick Follard]]}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* {[[Dirk]]}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* [[Duncan Liddle]], known as Big Liddle{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* [[Dywen]]{{Ref|AGOT|48}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Ebben]]},{{Ref|ACOK|43}} also mistakenly called "Eggen",{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}} a veteran ranger{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
* [[Elron]]{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* [[Emmett]],{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}} also known as Iron Emmett, Ser Alliser Thorne's successor as master-at-arms at Castle Black{{Ref|ADWD|3}}
* [[Emrick]]
* [[Fornio]]{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* [[Fulk the Flea]]{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Gared]]}{{Ref|AGOT|Prologue}}
* [[Garrett Greenspear]]{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Garth Greyfeather]]}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Garth of Greenaway]]}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Garth of Oldtown]]}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* [[Geoff]], also called the Squirrel{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
* [[Goady]]{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* [[Grenn]], also known as Aurochs{{Ref|AGOT|48}}{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Grubbs]]}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
* {[[Hairy Hal]]}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Jack Bulwer]]},{{Ref|AFFC|5}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}} also known as Black Jack Bulwer, [[First Ranger]] during command of [[Jon Snow]].{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Jafer Flowers]]}{{Ref|AGOT|60}}
* {[[Jarman Buckwell]]},{{Ref|ACOK|13}} also spelled as "Jarmen Buckwell",{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}} a senior ranger.{{Ref|ACOK|13}}
* [[Jax]], a wildling{{Ref|ADWD|35}}
* Ser {[[Jaremy Rykker]]},{{Ref|AGOT|26}} who takes over the duties of the First Ranger after Benjen Stark goes missing.{{Ref|AGOT|48}}
* [[Kedge Whiteye]]{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Lark]]}, also known as the Sisterman.{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}
* [[Leathers]], a wildling{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* [[Luke of Longtown]]{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* [[Mance Rayder]], an ex-ranger, now "[[King-Beyond-the-Wall]]".{{ref|ASOS|7}}
* [[Matthar]]{{Ref|AGOT|48}}{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Mawney]]}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Ollo Lophand]]}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* {[[Othor]]}{{Ref|AGOT|52}}
* Ser {[[Ottyn Wythers]]}{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}
* [[Pypar]], also known as Pyp{{Ref|AGOT|48}}{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Qhorin Halfhand]]}, a senior ranger from the [[Shadow Tower]]{{Ref|ACOK|43}}{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Ronnel Harclay]]}{{Ref|ASOS|33}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* [[Rory]]{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Ryles]]}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* {[[Softfoot]]}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* [[Stonesnake]], a veteran ranger{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* {[[Thoren Smallwood]]}, a senior ranger{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}
* [[Tim Stone]]{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* [[Todder]]{{Ref|AGOT|48}}
* [[Tom Barleycorn]]{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* [[Tumberjon]]{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* [[Ulmer]]{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}}
* Ser {[[Waymar Royce]]}{{Ref|AGOT|Prologue}}
* {[[Will]]}{{Ref|AGOT|Prologue}}
* Ser [[Wynton Stout]]{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
}}

===Historical Rangers===
* [[Benton Glover]], a [[First Ranger]].{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
* [[Redwyn]]{{Ref|ACOK|6}}
* [[First Ranger Stane|An unknown member]] of [[House Stane]], who briefly served as the First Ranger a thousand years ago.{{ref|TWOIAF| The North: The Stoneborn of Skagos}}

==Quotes==
{{quote|Every man who wore the black walked the [[Wall]], and every man was expected to take up steel in its defense, but the rangers were the true fighting heart of the [[Night's Watch]]. It was they who dared ride [[beyond the Wall]], sweeping through the [[haunted forest]] and the [[Frostfangs|icy mountain heights]] west of the [[Shadow Tower]], fighting [[free folk|wildlings]] and [[giants]] and monstrous [[snow bear]]s.{{ref|AGOT|41}}|thoughts of [[Jon Snow]]}}

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

{{Members of the Night's Watch}}

[[Category:Rangers of the Night's Watch| ]]
[[Category:Night's Watch]]
[[Category:Organizations]]

[[es:Exploradores]]
[[pt:Patrulheiros]]

Builders

2026-08-13T18:21:23Z

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{{Infobox organization
| Name = Order of builders
| image = [[File:Nights Watch Builders.jpg|350px]]
| image_caption = Builders maintaining the [[Wall]] (from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' Blu-ray)
| Symbol =
| Type = Order
| Seat =
| Region = [[Gift]], [[Wall]]
| Allegiance = [[Night's Watch]]
| Current_Leader = [[Othell Yarwyck]]
| Founder =
| Founded = [[Age of Heroes]]
| Disbanded =
| Reorganized =
}}

The '''order of builders''' is one of the three orders that comprise the [[Night's Watch]], alongside the [[rangers]] and the [[stewards]]. The builders' main duty is to tend to and maintain the [[Wall]] and the castles of the Night's Watch.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Night's Watch}} A senior member, known as the [[First Builder]], leads the order.{{Ref|AGOT|48}}

==Tasks==
[[File:Victor-garciaWalldigger.jpg|thumb|350px|A builder digs a tunnel in the [[Wall]], by Victor Garcia © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The order of builders carries out duties that are centered around tending to and maintaining the [[Wall]] and the castles built against the Wall.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Night's Watch}}

Once, the builders of the Night's Watch, obtained large blocks of ice from lakes in the [[haunted forest]], north of the Wall, which they dragged south in order to make the Wall even higher.{{Ref|AGOT|41}} Their tasks now include looking for cracks in the Wall, signs that the Wall is melting, or other structural problems, and making whatever repairs they possibly can.{{Ref|AGOT|41}}{{Ref|ASOS|26}} When patrolling the [[Wall]] during their check-ups, they ride mules.{{Ref|ACOK|26}}

The builders provide masons, carpenters, miners, and woodsmen to their fellow brothers. They repair the keeps and towers of the Night's Watch, dig tunnels and crush stone for the roads and footpaths on top of the Wall, and clear away the parts of the forest that presses too close to the Wall on its northern side.{{Ref|AGOT|41}}

Although making war upon the [[wildlings]] is not among the tasks of the builders, they are trained in arms, as the first duty of all the brothers of the Night's Watch is to defend the Wall.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Wall and Beyond: The Night's Watch}}

==Recent Events==
[[File:Veteran Builder by Mauro Dal Bo.jpg|thumb|350px|A builder maintains a walkway along the [[Wall]], by Mauro Dal Bo © Fantasy Flight Games]]
===''A Clash of Kings''===
During the [[great ranging]], several builders accompany the rangers led by Lord Commander [[Jeor Mormont]]. A score of builders is set to clearing brush, digging latrines, and untying the bundles of fire-hardened stakes upon the arrival at the [[Fist of the First Men]].{{Ref|ACOK|34}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
With Lord Commander Mormont leading two hundred brothers north of the [[Wall]], most of the four hundred men who remain at [[Castle Black]] are builders and [[stewards]].{{Ref|ASOS|41}}

Most of the four hundred men who remained at [[Castle Black]] when Lord Commander Jeor Mormont led two hundred brothers out for the [[great ranging]] are builders and [[stewards]].{{Ref|ASOS|41}}

When the [[free folk]] army of [[Mance Rayder]] [[battle beneath the Wall|attack the Wall]], several of the builders argue that the ice and broken beams, the result of [[Attack on Castle Black|the attack]] carried out by a hundred [[Thenns]] and some raiders, should be left to block the inner gate, as they believe it can serve as an obstacle for Mance.{{ref|asos|64}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
The new lord commander, [[Jon Snow]], has the builders working hard to repair the staircase leading up to the top of the Wall.{{Ref|AFFC|5}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Most of the builders at [[Castle Black]] agree with [[Bowen Marsh]] to close the gates and seal them up with stone and ice.{{ref|ADWD|17}}

Lord Commander Snow offers to lend builders to [[Stannis Baratheon]] to restore the [[Nightfort]], once the stair to the top of the Wall is done.{{Ref|ADWD|3}} The [[First Builder]], [[Othell Yarwyck]], eventually leads builders off to the Nightfort, and attempts to restore it.{{ref|ADWD|35}} While they are able to restore most of the keep and place a new roof over the kitchens,{{Ref|ADWD|39}} most of it still remains in ruins.{{Ref|ADWD|44}} According to Othell, restorations could be done much faster if there were more builders available.{{Ref|ADWD|39}}

==Known Builders==
===Current Builders===
{{Columns|2|
* [[Othell Yarwyck]], the [[First Builder]] of the Night's Watch{{ref|AGOT|48}}{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}
* [[Albett]], also known as Pimple{{ref|agot|48}}{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}
* [[Alf of Runnymudd]]{{Ref|ADWD|appendix}}
* [[Halder]], also known as Stoney{{ref|agot|48}}{{Ref|ACOK|Appendix}}
* [[Hareth (Mole's Town)|Hareth]], also known as Horse{{Ref|ADWD|35}}
* {[[Young Henly]]}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* [[Kegs]]{{ref|asos|64}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* [[Spare Boot]]{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* {[[Spotted Pate of Maidenpool|Spotted Pate]]} of [[Maidenpool]]{{ref|asos|64}}{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
}}

==Quotes==
{{quote|The order of builders provided the masons and carpenters to repair keeps and towers, the miners to dig tunnels and crush stone for roads and footpaths, the woodsmen to clear away new growth wherever the forest pressed too close to the [[Wall]]. Once, it was said, they had quarried immense blocks of ice from frozen lakes deep in the [[haunted forest]], dragging them south on sledges so the Wall might be raised ever higher. Those days were centuries gone, however; now, it was all they could do to ride the Wall from [[Eastwatch-by-the-Sea|Eastwatch]] to the [[Shadow Tower]], watching for cracks or signs of melt and making what repairs they could.{{ref|AGOT|41}}|thoughts of [[Jon Snow]]}}

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

{{Members of the Night's Watch}}

[[Category:Builders of the Night's Watch| ]]
[[Category:Night's Watch]]
[[Category:Organizations]]

[[es:Constructores]]

Black stone

2026-08-13T18:21:23Z

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[[File:Xtheseastonechairloganfeliciano.jpg|thumb|350px|The [[Seastone Chair]], by Logan Feliciano © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''Black stones''' of unknown origin have been used in the construction of several structures throughout the [[known world]].

==Description==
Some of it is described as oily{{ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}{{ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos}} or greasy,{{ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Basilisk Isles}}{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Asshai-by-the-Shadow}} while others resemble the fused [[Dragonstone (material)|dragonstone]] of the [[Valyrian Freehold]].{{ref|ADWD|5}}

[[Harrenhal]] has massive walls of black stone{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}} and [[Stonehelm]] has watchtowers of black and white stone,{{ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: The Men of the Stormlands}} but the material of these castles has not been described as unusual by scholars. Additionally, black [[basalt]] has been used as another construction material.{{ref|AGOT|55}}

==Oily black stone==
===Seastone Chair===
According to the [[ironborn]], the [[Seastone Chair]] was found on the shore of [[Old Wyk]] and had been carved from a block of oily black stone.{{ref|ACOK|24}} Its creators are unknown; Maester [[Kirth]] suggests it was left by visitors from across the [[Sunset Sea]].{{ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Dawn Age}} The priests of the Iron Islands claim the ironborn are not descended from the [[First Men]] but instead came from the watery halls of the [[Drowned God]] beneath the sea. [[Maesters]] reject this suggestion that the ironborn are closer to fish or [[merling]]s.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}

===Asshai===
[[File:Asshai RENÉ AIGNER.png|thumb|[[Asshai]] by René Aigner ©]]
The buildings of [[Asshai]] by the [[Shadow Lands]] are said to consist of black stone with a greasy, unpleasant feel. It is claimed the stone drinks light, which makes Asshai a dark and foreboding city.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Asshai-by-the-Shadow}}

===Yeen===
[[Yeen]], an ancient ruined city in [[Sothoryos]], is made out of massive blocks of oily black stone. Despite being surrounded by jungle and having been empty for thousands of years, no plant creeps into Yeen.{{ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos}}

===Isle of Toads===
The [[Isle of Toads]], one of the [[Basilisk Isles]], is home to the [[Toad Stone]], a large statue of a toad made of a greasy black stone. It is said the people of the island are reminiscent of fish and have webbed appendages.{{ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Basilisk Isles}}

==Fused black stone==
===Hightower===
The foundation of the [[Hightower]] on [[Battle Isle]] at [[Oldtown]] is a square, labrynthine fortress of fused black stone. Its appearance is reminiscent of the [[dragonroads]] of the [[Valyrian Freehold]] and the [[Black Wall]]s of [[Volantis]], a Valyrian colony, but there is no archaeological evidence of Valyrians at Oldtown, save for the settlers atop [[Whispering Sound]]—Valyrians, Ghiscari and [[Summer Islands|Summer Islanders]]—who set up a place to trade and repair their ships. However, the fortress is plain and unadorned, unlike the fused stone constructions of the Valyrians, who twisted and shaped the fused stone to ornament their buildings.

Archmaester [[Quillion]] suggests a connection between the fortress and the [[mazemakers]] of [[Lorath]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} The legends of Lorath claim the mazemakers were destroyed by something from the sea.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Lorath}} Maester [[Theron]], a bastard of [[ironborn]] ancestry, suggests in his ''[[Strange Stone]]'' that there is a connection between the Hightower's base and the Seastone Chair, and that they were created by the [[Deep Ones]], a legendary race created by the breeding of sea creatures with humans and which may have inspired the legends of [[merlings]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}

===Five Forts===
The [[Five Forts]] along the northeastern edge of [[Yi Ti]] are made of great slabs of single-fused black stone, similar to that of Valyrian construction. Like the Hightower, however, there is no known connection between Valyria and the Five Forts, which are attributed to the legendary [[Pearl Emperor]] of the [[Great Empire of the Dawn]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==Bloodstone Emperor==
The [[Bloodstone Emperor]] rejected the traditional gods of [[Yi Ti]] and instead encouraged the worship of a black stone said to have fallen from the sky. This emperor is said to have founded the [[Church of Starry Wisdom]] and possibly caused the start of the [[Long Night]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Rock}}

[[Category:Rocks]]

[[fr:Pierre noire]]
[[pt:Pedra negra]]

Jeyne Manderly

2026-08-13T18:21:23Z

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{{Infobox character
| arms = Manderly
| arms2 = Stark
| firstname = Jeyne
| lastname = Manderly
| image = [[File:Mariah Stark Lyanna Stark and Jeyne Manderly by coldraindropsss.jpg|300px]]
| image_caption = [[Myriah Stark]], [[Lyanna Stark (daughter of Cregan)|Lyanna Stark]] and Jeyne Manderly by coldraindropsss
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[House Manderly]] [[House Stark]]
| Race =
| Played by =
| Culture = [[Northmen]]
| Spouse = [[Rickon Stark (son of Cregan)|Rickon Stark]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}
| Issue = [[Sansa Stark (daughter of Rickon)|Sansa Stark]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}} [[Serena Stark]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth = In or before {{Date|149}}<ref name=Calculation>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued)#Jeyne Manderly|Jeyne Manderly]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death = In or after {{Date|141}}<ref name=Calculation/>
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (appendix)
}}

'''Jeyne Manderly''' was a noblewoman from [[House Manderly]] during the second century of the [[House Targaryen|Targaryen era]]. She married [[Rickon Stark (son of Cregan)|Rickon Stark]], the heir of Lord [[Cregan Stark]] of [[Winterfell]]. Together they had two daughters, [[Sansa Stark (daughter of Rickon)|Sansa]] and [[Serena Stark]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Appendix: Stark Lineage}}

==Family==
Jeyne's relation to her contemporary, Lord [[Torrhen Manderly]], is unknown. She may be one of his several daughters.{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
{{Cregan Stark tree}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:House Manderly]]
[[Category:House Stark]]
[[Category:Characters from the North|Manderly, Jeyne]]
[[Category:Noblewomen|Manderly, Jeyne]]

[[es:Jeyne Manderly]]
[[fr:Jeyne Manderly]]
[[pt:Jeyne Manderly]]
[[ru:Джейн Мандерли]]
[[zh:简妮·曼德勒]]

The Village Hero

2026-08-13T18:21:22Z

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{{infobox Book |
| name = The Village Hero
| image = [[File:Nocover.png|200px]]
| image_caption=
| author = [[George R. R. Martin]]
| country = [[w:United States|United States]]
| language = [[w:English language|English]]
| series = [[Dunk and Egg]]
| genre = [[w:Fantasy|Fantasy]]
| publisher =
| release_date = TBA
| media_type =
| pages =
| isbn =
| preceded_by = ''[[The She-Wolves of Winterfell]]''
| followed_by = Unknown
}}

''' ''The Village Hero'' ''' is the working title of the fourth or fifth novella in the [[Dunk and Egg]] series. [[George R. R. Martin]] has stated that he does not know which will be finished first, this story or the novella with the working title ''[[The She-Wolves of Winterfell]]''. He has said he will not know more about completing either novella until he has finished ''[[The Winds of Winter]]''.<ref name=NaB>[[Not a Blog]]: [http://grrm.livejournal.com/365715.html Dunk & Egg], April 15, 2014</ref>{{ref|SSM|16122}} As of 2014, work on the novella had not yet begun, and the story remained only "roughed out" in Martin's head.<ref name=NaB /> Martin also has notes and ideas for additional novellas in the series, which may be finished out of chronological order.<ref name=Hms>[[Not a Blog]]: [http://grrm.livejournal.com/412015.html?thread=20463983#t20463983 How many seasons? (March 12th, 2015), reply to comment (March 19th, 2015)]</ref>

==Plot==
''The Village Hero'' takes place in the [[riverlands]].<ref name=NaB/>

==References==
{{References}}

{{GRRM works|state = uncollapsed}}
{{ASOIAF|state=collapsed}}
[[Category:Books|Village Hero, The]]

Pit fighters

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[[File:Marc_Fishman_pit_fighters.jpg|Pit fighters do battle in a [[fighting pit]], by Marc Fishman © |thumb|350px|right]]

'''Pit fighters''' are [[slaves]] trained to fight and die in the [[fighting pits]] of [[Slaver's Bay]] for the entertainment of spectators. Some are trained since birth, while others are forced to fight after being captured or sold into slavery. Those who show great skill and become the best pit fighters are usually reserved for the largest fighting pits which draw huge crowds.

The combatants wear no armor in the fighting pits as it is blood the crowds have come to see.{{ref|ADWD|67}} They are usually bought, sold, and trained in [[Astapor]] and [[Meereen]].

===Known Pit Fighters===
{{Columns|2|
* [[Barsena Blackhair]]
* [[Belaquo Bonebreaker]]
* [[Belwas]]
* [[Brindled Butcher]]
* [[Camarron of the Count]]
* [[Goghor the Giant]]
* [[Fearless Ithoke]]
* [[Khrazz]]
* [[Marrigo]]
* [[Orlos the Catamite]]
* [[Sandoq the Shadow]]
* [[Senerra She-Snake]]
* [[Spotted Cat]]
* [[Steelskin]]
* [[Togosh]]
}}

==Quotes==
{{quote|I have heard your arguments so often I could plead your case myself. Shall I? The [[fighting pits of Meereen|fighting pits]] have been a part of [[Meereen]] since the city was founded. The combats are profoundly religious in nature, a [[blood sacrifice]] to the [[gods of Ghis]]. The mortal art of [[Ghis]] is not mere butchery but a display of courage, skill, and strength most pleasing to your gods. Victorious fighters are pampered and acclaimed, and the slain are honored and remembered. By reopening the pits I would show the people of Meereen that I respect their ways and customs. The pits are far-famed across [[known world|the world]]. They draw trade to Meereen, and fill the city's coffers with [[coin]] from the ends of the earth. All men share a taste for blood, a taste the pits help slake. In that way they make Meereen more tranquil. For criminals condemned to die upon the sands, the pits represent a judgment by battle, a last chance for a man to prove his innocence. There. How have I done?{{ref|ADWD|2}}|[[Daenerys Targaryen]] to [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]]}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Pit fighters| ]]
[[Category:Occupations]]
[[Category:Terms]]

[[es:Arena de combate]]
[[fr:Combattant d'arène]]

Pyramid of Uhlez

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[[File: Marc_Fishman_Viserion_burning_Meereen.jpg|Viserion claims the pyramid of Uhlez as his own - by Marc Fishman © |thumb|300px|right]]
The '''pyramid of Uhlez''' is a [[pyramid]] in [[Meereen]] and the home to members of the [[House of Uhlez]]. The pyramid can been seen from the [[Queen's apartments (Great Pyramid)|Great Pyramid's terrace]].{{Ref|ADWD|2}}{{Ref|ADWD|70}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
After [[Rhaegal]] and [[Viserion]] are unleashed upon [[Meereen]], the [[Great Masters]] from the [[House of Uhlez]] flee when Viserion makes his lair in their pyramid.{{Ref|ADWD|70}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:House of Uhlez]]
[[Category:Pyramids|uhlez]]
[[Category:Places in Meereen]]

[[fr:Pyramide d'Uhlez]]

Kindly man

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{{Infobox character
| arms = Braavos
| arms2 = Faceless Men
| epithet = Kindly man
| image = [[File:Kindly Man1.jpg|250px]]
| image_caption = The kindly man, by Paul Phillips ©
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[Faceless Men]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Braavos]]i
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth = [[Essos]]{{ref|AWOIAF|Kindly Man}}
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appears) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (appears)
| Coat-of-arms =
}}

The '''kindly man''' is a servant of the [[Many-Faced God]] and the priest in charge of the [[House of Black and White]] in [[Braavos]].{{ref|AFFC|6}}{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}} One of the [[Faceless Men]],{{ref|AFFC|6}} he does not give his name.{{ref|AFFC|22}}

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of the kindly man|l1=Images of the kindly man}}
The tall man has a kindly old face and wears a cowled robe with black on the right side and white on the left.{{ref|AFFC|6}} He has a gentle voice{{ref|AFFC|6}} and is wise.{{ref|AFFC|22}}

The kindly man is the only servant in the [[House of Black and White]] who speaks the [[Common Tongue]] of [[Westeros]].{{ref|AFFC|22}} He is fond of chewing [[orange]] rinds to sweeten his breath, and he adds salt to his eggs.{{ref|ADWD|45}}

== Recent Events ==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:Wibben TheKindlyMan.JPG|thumb|The kindly man's initial face, by Wibben © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The priest and the [[waif]] greet [[Arya Stark]] when she arrives at the [[House of Black and White]] in [[Braavos]] in search of [[Jaqen H'ghar]]. Arya shows him the iron coin which Jaqen had given her, but the priest says he does not recognize Jaqen's name. He sees past Arya's attempts to hide her identity and asks if she fears death. When he lowers his cowl, Arya sees a yellow skull with scraps of skin hanging from it and a [[grave worm|white worm]] coming out of an eye hole. After Arya kisses him and bites the worm, his face changes to that of the kindliest old man she has ever seen.{{ref|AFFC|6}}

Arya begins serving at the House of Black and White, and the kindly man is able to see past all of her lies.{{ref|AFFC|22}} After Arya disposes of her old possessions, the kindly man tells her the origin of the [[Faceless Men]] and allows her to become a novice. He tells her and the waif to teach each other their respective languages, the [[Common Tongue]] of [[Westeros]] and the [[High Valyrian|tongue of Braavos]].{{ref|AFFC|22}}

When Arya can speak some Braavosi, he sends her out into the streets of Braavos as "Cat of the Canals". He arranges for her to stay with [[Brusco]], a fish merchant, and to sell cockles, clams and mussels which she transports in a wheelbarrow.{{Ref|AFFC|22}} On nights when the [[moon]] is black, Arya returns to the temple, tells the kindly man new secrets she has learned, and helps the servants, and the girl then returns to Brusco's when the moon returns. After Arya kills [[Dareon]], the kindly man has the waif give Arya warm milk which blinds her.{{ref|AFFC|34}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Now calling herself "Beth", the blinded Arya continues to reveal secrets she has learned to the kindly man. An unidentified man strikes her with a stick, and she later surprises the kindly man by saying she knows he was the culprit; unbeknownst to him, Arya has been [[skinchanger|skinchanging]] a nearby cat. Arya has her sight restored at dinner that night.{{ref|ADWD|45}}

The kindly man attends the meeting of servants of the [[Many-Faced God]] in the temple,{{ref|ADWD|64}} and he provides guidance to Arya after [[plague face]] tasks her with assassinating an [[old man]].{{ref|ADWD|64}} The priest leads the girl into the holy sanctum and, with the assistance of the waif, gives her the face of an ugly girl. After Arya assassinates her target, her true face is restored and the kindly man gives her the robes of an acolyte. The priest gives her a new face and sends her to [[Izembaro]].{{ref|ADWD|64}}

==Quotes by the kindly man==
{{Quote|You lie. Worse, you lie poorly.{{Ref|AFFC|22}}|Kindly man to [[Arya Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Death is not the worst thing. It is [[Many-Faced God|His]] gift to us, an end to want and pain.{{Ref|AFFC|22}}|Kindly man to [[Arya Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Men take many paths through this vale of tears and pain. [[Faceless Men|Ours]] is the hardest. Few are made to walk it. It takes uncommon strength of body and spirit, and a heart both hard and strong.{{Ref|AFFC|22}}|Kindly man to [[Arya Stark]]}}

{{Quote|And are you a god, to decide who should live and who should die? We give the gift to those marked by [[Many-Faced God|Him of Many Faces]], after prayers and sacrifice.{{Ref|ADWD|45}}|Kindly man to [[Arya Stark]]}}

{{Quote|We kill men, but we do not presume to judge them.{{Ref|ADWD|45}}|Kindly man to [[Arya Stark]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|Does he think to scare me?{{ref|AFFC|6}}|thoughts of [[Arya Stark]]}}

{{Quote|If he could have secrets, so could she.{{ref|ADWD|45}}|thoughts of [[Arya Stark]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Characters from Braavos]]
[[Category:Members of the Faceless Men]]
[[Category:Multilingual characters]]
[[Category:Unnamed characters]]

[[es:Hombre Bondadoso]]
[[fr:Homme plein de gentillesse]]
[[pt:Homem Gentil]]
[[ru:Добрый человек]]
[[zh:慈祥的人]]

Patrimony of Hyrkoon

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[[File:Hyrkoon.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Hyrkoon the Hero, with [[Lightbringer]] in hand, leads the virtuous into battle, as depicted by Jordi Gonzales Escamilla in ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]''.]]
The '''Patrimony of Hyrkoon''' was an ancient nation that flourished to the east of the [[Bone Mountains]] in [[Essos]]. It was ruled by the [[Patriarchs of Hyrkoon]]. They founded the fortress cities of [[Kayakayanaya]], [[Shamyriana]] and [[Bayasabhad]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Bones and Beyond}}

The Patrimony is presumably connected with "Hyrkoon the Hero", another name for the legendary figure most commonly known as [[Azor Ahai]]. Its leaders appear to claim descent from him.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==History==
[[File:Hyrkoon women in Vaes Dothrak - GoT Histories & Lore S6.png|300px|thumb|[[Hyrkoon]] warrior maid in [[Vaes Dothrak]] © HBO]]
The Patrimony of Hyrkoon was centered around a fertile area of rivers and lakes, since desiccated to become the [[Great Sand Sea]], a time known as the [[Dry Times]]. The fortified cities of [[Kayakayanaya]], [[Samyriana]] and [[Bayasabhad]] were once part of this great nation, each guarding the [[Steel Road]], the [[Stone Road]], and the [[Sand Road]], respectively, from brigands, outlaws, and wild men of the [[Bone Mountains]], and the savages that dwelt beyond them.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Bones and Beyond}}

Before the Dry Times, the Patrimony fought a savage border war with the [[Jogos Nhai]], who poisoned rivers and wells, burned towns and cities, and carried off thousands into slavery on the plains. The Hyrkoon, for their part, sacrificed tens of thousands of Jogos Nhai to their gods. This enmity survives into the present, with Jogos Nhai ''[[jhattar]]s'' leading attacks on Kayakayanaya.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Bones and Beyond: The Plains of the Jogos Nhai}}

The custom of having [[warrior women]], who fight bare-breasted and pierce their nipples with iron rings and cheeks with rubies, shared by the above cities, possibly originates in the Patrimony. West of the Bone Mountains, the city of Yinishar, now the ruins of [[Vaes Jini]], may have been connected with Hyrkoon, as the people of Yinishar were akin to the people of Shamyriana.{{ref|AWOIAF| Vaes Jini (Yinishar)}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[Daenerys Targaryen]] sees warrior maids from Bayasabhad, Shamyriana, and Kayakayanaya in the Eastern Market of [[Vaes Dothrak]].{{Ref|AGOT|54}}

==Behind the Scenes==
Hyrkoon appears to take its name from the Elric saga by [[w:Michael Moorcock|Michael Moorcock]]. The main character, [[w:Elric of Melniboné|Elric of Melniboné]], is the ruler of his city, while his cousin and heir Yyrkoon plots against him. "Eldric Shadowchaser" is an alternate name for [[Azor Ahai]]. In "[[The Lion and the Rose]]", an episode of ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' scripted by [[George R. R. Martin]], a wedding guest suggests the name "Stormbringer"—which is the name of Elric's sword—for [[Joffrey Baratheon]]'s new sword, but the king prefers the name [[Widow's Wail]].

The name "Hyrkoon" may also draw inspiration from the name "Hyrkania" from the story "[[w:Shadows in the Moonlight (story)|Shadows in the Moonlight]]" by [[w:Robert E. Howard|Robert E. Howard]]. In an essay in his ''[[w:Dreamsongs: A RRetrospective|Dreamsongs]]'' anthology Martin cites reading Howard's story as a formative experience in his (Martin's) development as a reader of fantasy. Martin quotes a passage referring to Hyrkania, "whose riders wore steel and silk and gold."<ref>[[George R. R. Martin|Martin, George R. R.]] (2007-10-30). ''Dreamsongs: Volume I'' (p. 348). Random House Publishing Group.</ref>

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Patrimony of Hyrkoon| ]]
[[Category:Essos]]
[[Category:Nations]]

[[es:Patrimonio de Hyrkoon]]
[[fr:Patrimoine d'Hyrkoon]]

Sorrows

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{{Location map|Free Cities|long=65|lat=-25|label=Sorrows|caption=Western [[Essos]] and the location of the Sorrows}}
The '''Sorrows''' is a stretch of the [[Rhoyne]] from south of [[Dagger Lake]] to beyond the ruins of [[Chroyane]].{{Ref|aWoIaF| Sorrows}} It is full of fog and inhabited by [[stone men]] afflicted with [[greyscale]].

==About==
[[File: In_the_sorrows_MarcSimonetti.jpg|The ''[[Shy Maid]]'' passing through the Sorrows - by Marc Simonetti ©|thumb|350px|right]]

{{See also|:Category:Images of the Sorrows|l1=Images of the Sorrows}}

The fog of the Sorrows is attributed to the fall of [[Chroyane]] and [[Garin's Curse]] upon the [[Valyrian Freehold|Valyrians]] during the [[Second Spice War]].{{ref|ADWD|18}} There has not been law above the Sorrows for a thousand years, so [[pirates]] are common in the Rhoyne north of Chroyane, although they do not enter the ruined city.{{ref|ADWD|14}} [[Volantis|Volantene]] galleys patrol the river south of the Sorrows.{{ref|ADWD|14}} The [[Shrouded Lord]] is said to rule the Sorrows.{{ref|ADWD|18}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[Tyrion Lannister]] travels with the crew and passengers of the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' through the Sorrows. In [[Chroyane]] they are attacked by [[stone men]].{{ref|ADWD|18}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|There is no law above the Sorrows, not for a thousand years.{{Ref|aDwD|14}}| [[Yandry]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

==Chapters that take place in the Sorrows==
*[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 18|''A Dance with Dragons'': 18. Tyrion V]]

==References==
{{references}}

{{Region Free Cities}}

[[Category:Places in Essos]]

[[es:Los Pesares]]
[[fr:Les Chagrins]]
[[pt:Sofrimentos]]
[[ru:Кроян]]

Hobb the Hewer

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{{Infobox character
| firstname = Hobb
| lastname =
| epithet = the Hewer
| image = [[File:Hobbthehewer.png|300px]]
| image_caption = Hobb the Hewer by [http://ashleyhunterrice.tumblr.com/ Ashley Hunter Rice]
| Alias =
| Title =
| Allegiance =
| Race =
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)
| Played by =
| TV_series =
| coat-of-arms =
}}

'''Hobb the Hewer''' was a woodsman who gained fame during the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==History==
During the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]], Hobb managed to slay [[Shrykos]] when he leapt on the [[dragon]]'s neck, driving his axe into the beast's skull as Shrykos tried to shake him off. Hobb locked his legs around the dragon's neck and continued to rain blows on its skull, calling out the names of the [[Faith of the Seven|Seven]]. The seventh blow (known as [[Stranger (the Seven)|the Stranger]]'s blow) ended Shrykos's life.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Grand Maester [[Munkun]] wrote that Hobb slew the dragon [[Syrax]] as well, but most historians concur this is highly unlikely. It is unknown if Hobb survived the collapsing of the [[Dragonpit]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Behind the Scenes==
Hobb the Hewer and [[Three-Finger Hobb]] may have been named by [[George R. R. Martin]] after author [[w:Robin Hobb|Robin Hobb]], whose writing Martin has admired.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/946 Authors Worthy of Legends], November 11, 1998</ref><ref>[[Not A Blog]]: [https://georgerrmartin.com/notablog/2021/07/30/lords-of-fantasy/ Lords of Fantasy], July 30, 2021</ref>

==See Also==
*[[:Category:Images of Hobb the Hewer|Images of Hobb the Hewer]]

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands]]
[[Category:Dragonslayers]]
[[Category:Smallfolk]]

[[es:Hobb el Talador]]
[[fr:Hobb le Trancheur]]

Corlys Velaryon

2026-08-13T18:21:20Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

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

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

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

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

Garin's Curse

2026-08-13T18:21:19Z

Image link cleanup: Remove invisible characters and trailing spaces from File/Image filenames

'''Garin's Curse''' is said to be a lingering [[curse]] that haunts the [[Sorrows]]. It is said to have been called down by Prince [[Garin the Great]], a historical figure of the [[Rhoynar]] who beseeched [[Mother Rhoyne]].

==Legend==
According to legend, the men of [[Volantis]] and [[Valyria]] hung [[Garin the Great]], [[Prince of Chroyane]], in a golden cage during the [[Rhoynish Wars]] and mocked him as he called upon [[Mother Rhoyne]] to destroy them. That very night, the waters rose and drowned the invaders of [[Chroyane]]. From that day, the fallen conquerors are said to have remained beneath the waters of the [[Sorrows]], with their flesh turned to stone and their cold breath causing thick fog.{{ref|ADWD|18}}

[[Lomas Longstrider]] wrote that the [[Sorrows]], the ruins of Chroyane, have been haunted by wayward travelers infected with [[greyscale]].{{ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: Ten Thousand Ships}}

Some believe that the [[Doom of Valyria]] was Garin's curse finally coming to fruition.{{ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Doom of Valyria}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:In_the_sorrows_MarcSimonetti.jpg|thumb|350px|The ''[[Shy Maid]]'' passing through the [[Sorrows]], by Marc Simonetti ©]]
[[Tyrion Lannister]] and the crew of the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' travel through the foggy ruins of [[Chroyane]] in the [[Sorrows]]. [[Haldon]] warns of Garin's Curse because of the thick fog. When "Hugor Hill" (Tyrion) insists that Garin's Curse is only [[greyscale]], [[Ysilla]] tells the story of the [[Valyria]]ns and [[Volantis|Volantenes]] who opposed [[Garin the Great]]. Their boat sails unscathed beneath the [[Bridge of Dream]], but despite sailing with the current of the [[Rhoyne]] and rivers only running one way, they appear to approach the Bridge of Dream again shortly afterward.{{ref|ADWD|18}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|This is no common fog, Hugor Hill. It stinks of [[sorcery]], as you would know if you had a nose to smell it. Many a voyager has been lost here, poleboats and [[pirates]] and great river galleys too. They wander forlorn through the mists, searching for a [[sun]] they cannot find until madness or hunger claim their lives. There are restless spirits in the air here and tormented souls below the water.{{ref|ADWD|18}}|[[Ysilla]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|'''Haldon''': Garin's Curse is all about us. '''Tyrion''': Garin's Curse is only [[greyscale]]. Damp is said to be the culprit. Foul humors in the air. Not [[curse]]s.{{ref|ADWD|18}}|[[Haldon]] and [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Curses]]
[[Category:Rhoynish culture]]
[[Category:Magic]]

[[fr:Malédiction de Garin]]
[[pt:Maldição de Garin]]

Kingdom of Sarnor

2026-08-13T18:21:19Z

Image link cleanup: Remove invisible characters and trailing spaces from File/Image filenames

The '''Kingdom of Sarnor''' is a region of northern [[Essos]] along the shores of the [[Shivering Sea]]. The [[Forest of Qohor]] and [[Vaes Khadokh]] are to the west, while the [[Dothraki sea]] extends along the south. [[Omber]] is a peninsula to the northeast of Sarnor, while the [[Kingdom of the Ifequevron]] is farther to the east.{{ref|tloiaf| Central Essos}}

Most of the grassland kingdom was destroyed by the [[Dothraki]] in the [[Century of Blood]] after the [[Doom of Valyria]], with the cities [[Gornath]], [[Kasath]], [[Sallosh]], Sarnath, [[Sarys]], and [[Sathar]] left in ruins. The only surviving Sarnori settlement is [[Saath]].{{ref|awoiaf}}

Most histories regarding the Kingdom of Sarnor come from the ''[[Summer and Winter Annals]]'' and records of them from [[Qarth]], [[Slaver's Bay]], and the [[Free Cities]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Grasslands}} The fall of the kingdom to the [[Dothraki]] is chronicled in works such as [[Bello]]'s ''[[The End of the Tall Men]]'', [[Maester]] [[Illister]]'s ''[[Horse Tribes, Being a Study of the Nomads of the Eastern Plains of Essos]]'', the eastern chapters and appendices of Maester [[Joseth (maester)|Joseth]]'s ''[[Battles and Sieges of the Century of Blood]]'', and [[Vaggoro]]'s definitive ''[[Ruined Cities, Stolen Gods]]''.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Grasslands}}

==History==
[[File: Sarnor_map.png|The cities of Sarnor|thumb|400px|right]]

===Early History===
Sarnor was an ancient kingdom centered around the great river [[Sarne]] and its tributaries and some of the lake remnants of the [[Silver Sea]]. According to distant legend, the Silver Sea was once truly a large inland body of water, its coasts ruled by the [[Fisher Queens]]. Over the eons the sea dried out into lakes and their realm collapsed. The Sarnori, who call themselves the Tall Men (''Tagaez Fen'' in their language) trace their lineage to the king [[Huzhor Amai]], descended from the last of the Fisher Queens. He took as wives the daughters of the greatest lords and kings of neighboring peoples: the [[Cymmeri]], [[Zoqora]], and [[Gipps]]. However, it is uncertain whether Huzhor Amai ever actually existed; the heroic figure may be a mythological retelling of how the ancient Sarnori conquered and assimilated the Cymmeri, Zoqora, and Gipps, merging into one people.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Grasslands}}

By the time recorded history began, the Sarnori had established a series of city-states along the Sarne River and its tributaries, and became well-known for using chariot teams in battle. Always a proud and quarrelsome people, they were seldom unified, but engaged in long wars against the [[Qaathi]] for domination of central Essos. The Qaathi lost these wars more than they won them, until they were driven past [[Lhazar]] to the southern end of the [[Bone Mountains]]. Later, Dothraki expansion and desertification destroyed the Qaathi cities one by one, until only one outpost remained: [[Qarth]], which ironically then flourished as a major passageway for sea trade into the [[Jade Sea]].

At their height, the Sarnori traded with [[Valyria]], [[Yi Ti]], [[Leng]], and [[Asshai]]. They also sailed the [[Shivering Sea]] to [[Ib]], the [[Thousand Islands]], and Mossovy; warred against the [[Qaathi]] and the [[Ghiscari Empire]]; and led forays against bands of [[Dothraki]], nomadic horsemen who roamed the steppes to their east.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Grasslands}}

Eventually, the Sarnori became involved in the [[Ghiscari Wars|wars between]] the ancient [[Ghiscari Empire]] and the rising [[Valyrian Freehold]]. The Sarnori allied with Valyria during the [[Second Ghiscari War|Second]] and [[Third Ghiscari War]]s, though during the [[Fourth Ghiscari War|Fourth]], the rival Sarnori kings supported both sides.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Grasslands}}

After the fifth and final Ghiscari War some 5,000 years ago, the Valyrians did not move on to conquer the Sarnori - just as they were in no hurry to conquer the still-independent [[Rhoynar]] city-states to the west, and the dragon-lords were always busy with internal rivalries in Valyria itself. Sarnor remained a trading partner with Valyria, and perhaps a useful buffer against raids by the nascent [[Dothraki]] mounted raiders from the northeast of Essos's central grasslands.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Grasslands}}

===Century of Blood===
[[File:Field of Crows.jpg|The Dothraki attack Sathar - by [http://paolopuggioni.com Paolo Puggioni ©] |thumb|right]]
:{{main|Century of Blood}}
After the [[Doom of Valyria]], the Sarnori kingdoms took less than a century to fall. While the [[Free Cities]] fought to become the successor to [[Valyria]], the [[Tall Men]] ignored the [[Dothraki]] threat, even as ''[[khalasar]]s'' began to raid across their eastern borders. Accustomed to them being little more than a nuisance, some Sarnori kings tried to use the Dothraki in their own wars, offering them gold and slaves and other gifts to fight against their rivals. [[Khal]] [[Mengo]], who had united all ''khalasars'' under his rule, accepted the gifts but then burnt fields, farms, and towns to return the grasslands to nature.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Grasslands}}

The Tall Men did not realize the danger until Mengo's son, Khal [[Moro (Century of Blood)|Moro]], led his ''khalasar'' to the gates of [[Sathar]]. The men of Sathar were put to the sword, while the women and children carried off as slaves; three-quarters of them dying on the march to the [[Ghiscari]] city of [[Hazdahn Mo]]. Sathar was burned to ash. Rather than uniting against the Dothraki, the Sarnori kings of [[Kasath]] and [[Gornath]] fought each other for Sathar's plunder.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Grasslands}}

Six years after the fall of Sathar, Khal [[Moro]] razed Kasath, with the aid of the King of Gornath, who had made common cause with the Dothraki and taken one of Moro's daughters to wife. A dozen years afterward Gornath fell to Khal [[Horro]], who had killed Moro. The King of Gornath was killed by his wife, who was then taken by Horro. The slaying of Horro by a rival several years later led to the splintering of his great ''khalasar'' into a dozen lesser hosts.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Grasslands}}

The Sarnori cities fell to new ''khals'' who sought to outdo one another in conquest and carrying the broken gods of the defeated to [[Vaes Dothrak]]. Much of the Tall Men's history was lost with the burning of [[Sallosh]] and its great library. [[Kyth]] and [[Hornoth]] soon fell to rival ''khals''. The fortress city of [[Mardosh]] resisted for nearly six years, but its starving defenders eventually slew their women and children and rode to certain defeat.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Grasslands}}

The fall of Mardosh led the Sarnori to unite under [[Mazor Alexi]], last of the High Kings. His great host was trapped and destroyed by four ''khalasars'' at the [[Field of Crows]], however. [[Sarnath]] was put to the torch by Khal [[Loso]] less than a fortnight later, and the remaining cities continued to fall. [[Sarys]], the last Sarnori city to be conquered, had already been mostly abandoned when Khal [[Zeggo]] reached it. The support of [[Ibben]] and [[Lorath]] have allowed the Sarnori city of [[Saath]] to survive, however.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Grasslands}}

==Cities==
*[[Gornath]], currently in ruins. Renamed [[Vaes Leqse]], meaning City of Rats", by the Dothraki.{{Ref|AWOIAF| Vaes Leqse (Gornath)}}
*[[Hornoth]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}
*[[Kasath]], which had also been known as the ''City of Caravans'', currently in ruins. Renamed [[Vojjor Samvi]], meaning "The Broken Gods", by the Dothraki.{{Ref|AWOIAF| Vojjor Samvi (Kasath)}}
*[[Kyth]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}
*[[Mardosh]], which had also been known as the ''City of Soldiers''. Renamed [[Vaes Gorqoyi]], meaning the "City of the Blood Charge", by the Dothraki.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}
*[[Rathylar]]{{Ref|TWOIAF| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}
*[[Saath]], the only Sarnori city that survived the [[Century of Blood]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}
*[[Sallosh]], which had also been known as ''the City of Scholars'', currently in ruins. Renamed [[Vaes Athjikhari]], meaning "City of Sickness", by the Dothraki.{{Ref|AWOIAF| Vaes Athjikhari (Sallosh)}}
*[[Sarnath]], currently in ruins. Renamed [[Vaes Khewo]], meaning "City of Worms", by the Dothraki.{{Ref|AWOIAF| Vaes Khewo (Sarnath)}}
*[[Sarys]], currently in ruins. Renamed [[Vaes Graddakh]], meaning "City of Filth", by the Dothraki.{{Ref|AWOIAF| Vaes Graddakh (Sarys)}}
*[[Sathar]], which had also been known as the ''Waterfall City'', currently in ruins. Renamed [[Yalli Qamayi]], meaning "Wailing Children", by the Dothraki.{{Ref|AWOIAF| Yalli Qamayi (Sathar)}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[Daenerys Targaryen]] travels through southern Sarnor during the journey of Khal [[Drogo]]'s ''[[khalasar]]'' from [[Pentos]] to [[Vaes Dothrak]].{{ref|tloiaf| Journeys}}

==Behind the scenes==
[[File:Sarnor TV series early map.jpg|thumb|Sarnor, from the [[World Map (HBO Game Of Thrones)|TV map]] based on Martin's ''original'' sketch, before the river was accidentally erased (city names added).]]
According to co-writer Elio Garcia, the map given in ''[[The Lands of Ice and Fire]]'' for Sarnor is in error. In [[George R. R. Martin]]'s original handwritten notes, the [[Sarne]] flows out of the [[Silver Sea]], proceeding ''west'' past [[Sarnath]] before curving north to its delta near [[Saath]] and [[Sarys]]. Thus all cities of the [[Sarnori]] were built around one river system. Unfortunately, as Garcia gleaned from the handwritten maps, it appears that when Martin wrote "Kingdom of Sarnor" over the core of their territory he partially erased the line of the river between the Silver Sea and Sarnath. Jonathan Roberts, the illustrator for ''The Lands of Ice and Fire'', may have assumed that the Silver Sea empties into the sea through a separate river system proceeding in the shortest path, to the north. This does not match the textual descriptions of the Sarnori cities, such as that Sathar is located at a branch of the Sarne. Garcia hopes that a subsequent edition of the official world map will be updated to correct this.<ref>asoiaf.westeros.org: [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/119534-twoiaf-spoilers-inconsistency-or-intentional/&page=13#comment-6420488 Re: Sarthar and the Sarne (November 5, 2014)]</ref>

Martin has said that the world map is not objective but written as it is known to the [[maesters]] of the [[Citadel]] in [[Westeros]], and it gets increasingly less accurate the farther east it goes.<ref>[[Not A Blog]]: [http://grrm.livejournal.com/297016.html Maps! Maps!! Maps!!! (October 30, 2012)]</ref> Therefore, in-universe, the first edition world map might be explained as [[Yandel]] working from an incorrect map with the original river line accidentally erased.

Moreover, the earlier map of the [[World Map (HBO Game Of Thrones)|World Map]] that Martin provided for the HBO television series ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' during [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|Season 2]] matches his textual description of Sarnor's geography: the Sarne flows west, and the remnants of the Silver Sea are three lakes (not two as in the ''Lands'' map, which drain to the north). The earlier map Martin submitted must have predated the erasure. The earlier map was subsequently revised by the time ''The Lands of Ice and Fire'' was released, notably putting the [[Jade Sea]] to the south of [[Qarth]] instead of extending north of it.

==References==
{{references}}

{{Regions}}

[[Category:Kingdom of Sarnor| ]]
[[Category:Nations|Sarnor]]
[[Category:Places in Essos|Sarnor]]

[[es:Reino de Sarnor]]
[[fr:Royaume de Sarnor]]
[[pt:Reino de Sarnor]]
[[ru:Королевство Сарнор]]

Harp

2026-08-13T18:21:18Z

Image link cleanup: Remove invisible characters and trailing spaces from File/Image filenames

[[File:Felicia_Cano_Rhaegar_harp.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] playing his silver-stringed high harp - by Felicia Cano. © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The '''[[w:harp|harp]]''' is a musical instrument of the plucked string family. It is popular in [[Westeros]] amongst all of society, and is often used to accompany a song. The high harp is mentioned as making soft sweet sounds.{{Ref|aFfC|31}} A musician who plays the harp is called a '''harpist'''{{Ref|ACoK|25}} or '''harper'''.{{Ref|ACoK|12}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Clash of Kings''===
In order to plant the notion of Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] taking the white [[Littlefinger]] slips a few silvers to Lord Tyrell's army of singers to sing of [[Ryam Redwyne]], [[Serwyn]] of the Mirror Shield, and Prince [[Aemon the Dragonknight]]. He tells Sansa Stark that a harp can be as dangerous as a sword in the right hands.{{Ref|aSoS|61}}

Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] appears in one of [[Daenerys Targaryen]]'s visions in the [[House of the Undying]]. At the end of the vision he goes to the window seat, picks up a harp, and runs his fingers lightly over its silver strings. Sweet sadness fills the room as the vision fades, and only the music lingers behind.{{ref|ACOK|48}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
When [[Leonette Fossoway]] comes to [[King's Landing]] she gives [[Sansa Stark]] lessons in the high harp.{{ref|ASOS|6}}

[[Tom of Sevenstreams]] tells his [[brotherhood without banners|companions]] that Lady [[Lysa Arryn]] once sent him up the [[high road]], where the [[Moon Brothers]] took his gold, horse, and clothes. He walked up to the [[Gates of the Moon]] with nothing but his harp. There the guards made him sing two songs before letting him pass.{{Ref|ASOS|43}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
Music soothes Lord [[Robert Arryn]], the high harp especially.{{Ref|aFfC|41}}

==Known harpists==
[[File:Nicolas Gregory Riverrun Minstrel.jpg|thumb|300px|right|A minstrel at [[Riverrun]] playing a harp - by Felicia Cano. © Fantasy Flight Games]]
*Ser [[Tom the Strummer]] (possibly), the Bard of [[Flea Bottom]], [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]'s first [[court singer]].{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}}
*[[Dareon]], who plays a woodharp.{{ref|AFFC|15}}
*[[Domeric Bolton]], who played the high harp.{{ref|ADWD|32}}
*[[Guyard Morrigen]] {{Ref|ACOK|22}}
*[[Hamish the Harper]]{{Ref|ASOS|60}}
*[[Leonette Fossoway]], who plays the high harp.{{ref|asos|6}}
*[[Marillion]], who plays a woodharp.{{Ref|aGoT|28}}
*[[Michael Manwoody]]{{ref|twoiaf| The Sisters of Baelor I}}
* Queen [[Naerys Targaryen]]{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Viserys II}}
* Lord [[Pearse Caron]]{{ref|thk}}
*Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]], who played a high harp with silver strings.{{ref|asos|42}}{{Ref|aFfC|24}}
*[[Rylona Rhee]]{{ref|adwd|11}}
*[[Sansa Stark]], who plays the high harp.{{Ref|aGoT|7}}{{ref|asos|6}}
*Lord [[Simon Dondarrion]], who played the high harp.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
*[[Symon Silver Tongue]], who plays a twelve-stringed woodharp.{{Ref|ASOS|32}}
*[[Tom of Sevenstreams]], who plays a woodharp.{{Ref|asos|22}}
* Unnamed brother on the [[Quiet Isle]], who plays the high harp.{{Ref|aFfC|31}}
*[[Rymund the Rhymer]]{{Ref|ACoK|45}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|When you heard him play his high harp with the silver strings and sing of twilights and tears and the death of kings, you could not but feel that he was singing of himself and those he loved.{{ref|ASOS|42}}|[[Barristan Selmy]] to [[Daenerys Targaryen]] regarding [[Rhaegar Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|Many a night she had watched Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen|Rhaegar]] in the hall, playing his silver-stringed harp with those long, elegant fingers of his. Had any man ever been so beautiful?{{Ref|aFfC|24}}|thoughts of [[Cersei Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|Lord [[Petyr Baelish|Petyr]] has been kind enough to let me keep my harp. My harp ... and my tongue ... so I may sing my songs.{{Ref|aFfC|10}}|[[Marillion]] to [[Nestor Royce]], after being tortured}}

{{Quote|At the welcoming feast, [[Rhaegar Targaryen|the prince]] had taken up his silver-stringed harp and played for them. '''A song of love and doom''', Jon Connington recalled, '''and every woman in the hall was weeping when he put down the harp'''.{{Ref|aDWD|61}}|thoughts of [[Jon Connington]]}}

{{Quote|A harp can be as dangerous as a sword, in the right hands.{{Ref|aSoS|61}}|[[Petyr Baelish]] to [[Sansa Stark]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{Musical instrument}}

[[Category:Musical instruments]]

Warrior women

2026-08-13T18:21:18Z

Image link cleanup: Remove invisible characters and trailing spaces from File/Image filenames

[[Image:Visenya.jpg|[[Visenya Targaryen]], who wielded the [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Dark Sister]] - by [http://en.amokanet.ru/gallery/martin/ Amok©]|thumb|right|300px]]
[[File:Tizianobaracchibrienneoftarth.jpg|Brienne of Tarth{{ref|ACOK|22}} is the only living child and heir of [[Selwyn Tarth]], Lord of [[Evenfall Hall|Evenfall]] and head of [[House Tarth]].|thumb|right|300px]]
[[File:ygritte by steamey.jpg|300px|thumb| [[Ygritte]] by [http://steamey.deviantart.com Steamey©].]]
[[File:Dacy Mormont.jpg|300px|thumb|[[Dacey Mormont]] depiction by Amok©]]
[[File:Hyrkoon women in Vaes Dothrak - GoT Histories & Lore S6.png|300px|thumb|[[Hyrkoon]] warrior maid © HBO]]

'''Warrior women''' are women who are trained in the arts of warfare and take part in battle, warfare etc.
==About==
In [[Westeros]] male warriors are plentiful. Westerosi warrior women on the other hand are quite uncommon. Westerosi women however are not forbidden from becoming warriors but neither is it encouraged or seen as acceptable and feminine by many Westerosi. Nor is a woman viewed as a suitable opponent for men, especially during one-to-one combat. Even hitting [[House Piper|a shield with the image of a woman]] can make [[Daven Lannister|a man]] feel unchivalrous.{{Ref|affc|33|p 606}}

Despite Westeros having a martial culture, a culture that reveres the warrior,<ref>The Citadel. “Land Ownership and Marriage in Westeros?”[http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Land_Ownership_and_Marriage_in_Westeros/ So Spake Martin]</ref> no separate warrior class in exists for women in Westeros, except in the ranks of the [[Poor Fellows]], a military order under the command of the [[High Septon]]. They accepted women as warriors.

One of the few famous warrior women in [[Westeros]]’s histories is [[Visenya Targaryen]], who wielded the [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Dark Sister]] and rode [[Vhagar]] into battle. Unlike her sister [[Visenya Targaryen]] there is no mention of [[Rhaenys Targaryen|Rhaenys]] wielding a sword or any other weapon but like her sister she commanded armies and rode [[Meraxes|her dragon]] into battle during the [[War of Conquest]]. According to [[George R. R. Martin]] both women were warriors and dragonriders in their own rights.<ref>December 24, 2005, More Targaryen Descriptions [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1254/ So Spake Martin]</ref>

[[Nymeria]], the warrior-queen of the [[Rhoyne]] who conquered Dorne, is well known, however Nymeria was a war leader but not a warrior - that is, a commander rather than a combatant.<ref>[http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Month/2001/04/ Dornish women - So Spake Martin]</ref> However, other Rhoynish women in history were said to have fought as fiercely as Rhoynish men.{{ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: Ten Thousand Ships}}

In Westeros women tend to be considered the gentler sex, in need of protection. The ability for a woman to be able to defend herself is considered unnecessary and unfeminine besides. Highborn women are not encouraged towards warfare or expected to know how to physically defend themselves, although they may perhaps be instructed on the tactics of warfare, especially if they are female heirs to a House. Lord [[Randyll Tarly]] sums up many a man’s thought on women warriors,
{{Quote|The gods made men to fight, and women to bear children. A woman’s war is in the birthing bed.}}
It is not possible for a woman to become a [[knight]], nor is there a female equivalent of knighthood for a woman who is bent on living a martial life, for a woman who also wishes to abide by a chivalric code. Although [[Brienne]] of [[Tarth]] is as skilled as most any a knight there is no place among them for a woman such as she. Nor is there a feminine title for a woman warrior, such as ''Ser'' as knights have, to acknowledge her ability and chosen vocation, much to the confusion of [[Podrick Payne]].

Further [[north]] however it is not so unusual for a woman to be able to physically defend herself. The women of [[House Mormont]] and [[Bear Island]] have had no choice but to learn how to preserve themselves during attacks from [[ironmen]] and [[wildling]] raiders while their menfolk are absent. Lady [[Maege Mormont]] tells [[Catelyn Stark]],
{{Quote|We have needed to be [warriors]. In olden days the ironmen would come raiding in their longboats, or wildlings from the [[Frozen Shore]]. The men would be off fishing, like as not. The wives they left behind had to defend themselves and their children, or else be carried off.{{Ref|asos|45|p 522}}}}

[[Beyond the Wall]] there are [[spearwife|spearwives]], they are accepted and respected by the men of the [[Free Folk]]. The Free Folk culture is a warrior culture, one that gives women the right, but not the obligation, to be fighters. <ref>June 03, 2003, Concerning Wildling Women. [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/P105/ So Spake Martin]</ref> The same applies to the mountain clansmen of the [[Mountains of the Moon]], who are also a First Men tribal culture, like the Free Folk; [[Chella]], daughter of Cheyk, is a woman warchief of her own clan.

The [[ironborn]] are more also more accepting of women warriors and are willing to fight alongside them.

Some of the women of [[Dorne]] fight but it's not the rule.<ref>[http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Month/2001/04/ Dornish women - So Spake Martin]</ref>

The [[Summer Islands]] have warrior woman, once such warrior woman was [[Xanda Qo]], Princess of Sweet Lotus Vale, who united all of the islands under her rule.

Amongst the [[Jogos Nhai]] There are also female ''[[jhat]]s'' but girls who choose the warrior's way are expected to dress and live as men.

In the ancient nation of the [[Patrimony of Hyrkoon]] there was possibly a custom of having warrior women. A present there is a culture for warrior woman east of the [[Bone Mountains]] which may originate from the Patrimony. There are warrior maids of [[Kayakayanaya]], [[Bayasabhad]] and [[Shamyriana]] who fight bare-breasted and pierce their nipples with iron rings and cheeks with rubies. [[Lomas Longstrider]] apparently visited these successor cities as he said that there are no fiercer fighters in the world than their warrior women.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond}}

The greatest of the [[Sarnori]] went to battle in scythed [[chariot]]s pulled by teams of bloodred horses. These were often driven by their wives or daughters, for it was the custom among the Tall Men for men and women to make war together.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Grasslands}}

It is not known if the [[Valyria]]ns had warrior women. Thus far there has been no mention of [[Dark Sister]] being passed on to a female [[Targaryen]] after Visenya. There is, however, ample evidence for the existence of female dragonlords both in ancient Valyria and among the Targaryens.

==Warrior Women of Westeros==
[[File:Needle, Sword of Arya Stark.jpg|thumb|100px|right|[[Needle]]]]
* [[Visenya Targaryen]] – famously wielded [[Dark Sister]]
* [[Brienne of Tarth]] – wields [[Oathkeeper]]
* [[Asha Greyjoy]] – fights with two throwing axes in either hand
* [[Arya Stark]] – wields [[Needle]]
* [[Meera Reed]] – fights with a net and spear
* The women of [[Bear Island]]
* [[Hagen's beautiful red-haired daughter]]
* [[Obara Sand]] - wields a spear and whip.
* [[Chella]]
* [[Meris]] - [[sellsword]] of the [[Windblown]]
* [[Wenda the White Fawn]] - [[outlaw]] of the [[Kingswood Brotherhood]]
* [[Meg|Swampy Meg]] - a member of the [[Brotherhood without Banners]]
* [[Danelle Lothston]] - the "Mad Lady" of Harrenhal, who personally commanded her men-at-arms and wore armor during the [[Second Blackfyre Rebellion]]{{ref|tmk}}
* [[Wylla of Wyl]] - shieldmaiden
* [[Agnes Blackwood]] - Lady of Raventree Hall, marched on by the [[ironborn]] during the [[Century of Blood]]
* Poxy [[Jeyne Poore]] - A captain of the [[Poor Fellows]] during the [[Faith Militant uprising]]
* [[Melony Piper]] - donned man's mail and a spear in the [[Battle Beneath the Gods Eye]]
* [[Jonquil Darke]] - [[sworn shield]] to Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]]
* [[Sabitha Frey]] - wore mail and fought in the [[Dance of the Dragons]]
* [[Alysanne Blackwood]] - archer for the [[Blacks]] during the Dance of the Dragons

==Warrior Women Beyond the Wall==
* [[Ygritte]] - [[spearwife]]
* [[Osha]] - spearwife
* [[Harma Dogshead]] <ref>June 03, 2003, Concerning Wildling Women.[http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/P105/ So Spake Martin]</ref>
* [[Ragwyle]] - spearwife
* [[Hali]] - spearwife
* [[Val]] - spearwife
* [[Holly]] - spearwife
* [[Rowan]] - spearwife
* [[Squirrel]] - spearwife
* [[Frenya]] - spearwife
* [[Myrtle]] - spearwife
* [[Willow Witch-eye]] - spearwife
* [[Harma]] - spearwife
* [[Munda]] - spearwife
* [[Thistle]] - spearwife
* [[Black Maris]] - spearwife

==Warrior Women of Essos==
* [[Penny]], a dwarf woman, attached to [[Tyrion Lannister]] of the [[Second Sons]], armors herself for the [[second siege of Meereen]].
* [[Barsena]], [[Pit fighters|pit-fighter]], who had slain every other woman sent against her.
* [[Malazza]], the Girl General, a [[Yunkai]]'i noblewoman and commander of the [[Wise Masters]].
* warrior maids of [[Bayasabhad]]
* warrior maids of [[Shamyriana]]
* warrior maids of [[Kayakayanaya]]
* ''[[jhattar]]'' [[Zhea]]
* some [[jhat|jhats]] and jhattars of the [[Jogos Nhai]]
* [[Kingdom of Sarnor|Sarnori]] warrior women

==Warrior Women of the Summer Islands==
* [[Kojja Mo]], an expert marksman
* [[Xanda Qo]]
* [[Chatana Qo]]
==Quotes==
{{Quote|All men must die, and women too... but not all will be remembered.{{Ref|aDwD|11}}|[[Barsena]] to Daenerys [[Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|It is a rare and precious gift to be a knight.{{Ref|aSoS|11}}|[[Brienne of Tarth]], to [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|Men will always underestimate you and their pride will make them want to vanquish you quickly, lest it be said that a woman tried them sorely.{{Ref|affc|4}}|Ser [[Goodwin]], to [[Brienne of Tarth]]}}

{{Quote|Ser? [[Brienne|My Lady]]?{{ref|AFFC|14}}|[[Podrick Payne]], to [[Brienne of Tarth]]}}

{{Quote|Her last foe [[Morgan Liddle|was a northman with an axe]], a big man bald and bearded, clad in a byrnie of patched and rusted mail that could only mean he was a chief or champion. He was not pleased to find himself fighting a woman.{{ref|ADWD|26}}|[[Asha Greyjoy]]'s thoughts}}

{{Quote|What [[House Mormont|we]] are is what [[ironborn|you]] made us. On [[Bear Island]] every child learns to fear the [[House Greyjoy|krakens]] rising from the sea.{{ref|ADWD|42}}|[[Alysane Mormont]], to [[Asha Greyjoy]]}}

{{Quote|Her very womanhood seemed to offend [[Stannis Baratheon|him]]. Men from the [[green lands]] liked their women soft and sweet in silk, she knew, not clad in mail and leather with a throwing axe in each hand.{{ref|ADWD|42}}|[[Asha Greyjoy]]}}

{{Quote| I wanted to present my female characters in great diversity, even in a society as sexist and patriarchal as the [[Seven Kingdoms]] of [[Westeros]]. Women would find different roles and different personalities, so women with different talents would find ways to work with it in a society according to who they are. <ref>George R.R. Martin: "Trying to please everyone is a horrible mistake" [http://www.adriasnews.com/2012/10/george-r-r-martin-interview.html Adria's News]</ref>|[[George R. R. Martin]]}}

{{Quote|She is supposed to be freakish. She was an answer to the bad fantasy cliché of warrior women.<ref> November 18, 2005, US Signing Tour (Half Moon Bay, CA) [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1381/ So Spake Martin]</ref>|[[George R. R. Martin]], on [[Brienne of Tarth]]}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Warrior Women| ]]
[[Category:Terms]]

Donkey (Meribald)

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{{Infobox animal character
| firstname = Donkey
| image =
| image_caption =
| Alias =
| Title =
| Owner = Septon [[Meribald]]
| Species = [[Donkey]]
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Death =
| Place_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appears)
| Played_by =
| TV_series =
}}

'''Donkey''' is a small [[donkey]] belonging to Septon [[Meribald]]. The donkey's name is never mentioned.

==Recent Events ==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:Pojypojy MeribaldandCo.JPG|thumb|Septon [[Meribald]], his donkey, [[Dog (Meribald)|Dog]], [[Brienne]] and her companions by the mudflats - by Pojypojy ©]]
The donkey travels with Septon [[Meribald]], [[Dog (Meribald)|Dog]], [[Brienne of Tarth]], and her companions through the [[riverlands]].{{Ref|AFFC|25}} With the donkey bearing such a heavy load and Meribald afoot the going is sometimes slow. Brienne is half afraid that its back might break. The load consists of food for the poor and hungry of the riverlands, including seeds and nuts and dried fruit, oaten porridge, flour, barley bread, three wheels of yellow cheese from the inn by Fool's Gate, salt cod for Meribald and salt mutton for Dog. There is also onions, carrots, turnips, two sacks of beans, flour of barley, and nine of oranges.{{Ref|AFFC|25}}

Meribald leads the donkey on the path of faith to the [[Quiet Isle]] while he probes the way ahead with his quarterstaff. Brienne follows behind, taking care to keep close to the line of prints left by the dog, the donkey, and the holy man.{{Ref|AFFC|31}}

Later, when the group arrives at the [[inn at the crossroads]], [[Podrick Payne]] and some boys unpack the donkey and carry in the salt cod, mutton, vegetables, nuts, and wheels of cheese.{{Ref|AFFC|37}}

==Quotes==
{{quote|The donkey carried such a heavy load that Brienne was half afraid its back would break.{{ref|AFFC|25}}|thoughts of [[Brienne Tarth]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Donkeys]]

Tapestry

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[[File:Grand Maester Pycelle by Tiziano Baracchi FFG.jpg|thumb|350px|A tapestry hangs on the wall behind Grand Maester [[Pycelle]], by Tiziano Baracchi © Fantasy Flight Games]]
'''Tapestry''' is a form of [[w:Tapestry|textile art]] in [[Westeros]] and [[Essos]].

==Design==
Tapestry is a heavy woven textile with intricate designs suitable for wall-hangings. Presumably, it is traditionally woven on a vertical, or floor loom, as it is in our world. It is likely that the tapestry weavers use fabric such as linen or cotton or wool. Threads may include silk, gold, silver,{{Ref|ADWD|16}} and perhaps other alternatives. Some tapestries are ancient and considered priceless.{{Ref|ADWD|67}} Old tapestries can unravel.{{Ref|TWoW||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne I]]}}

Tapestries can be ornate, depicting the stories of great battles, events, or famous people, for example. [[Westeros]]i noble houses have tapestries portraying their family histories that remain in their families for generations,{{Ref|AFFC|13}} hence some of them having a worn appearance. Many tapestries are likely considered treasured family heirlooms. They are also useful ways of paying homage to and remembering prideful histories down the generations. A tapestry may depict people, events, or times that are now out of favor under the current regime. In that case the important but offending tapestry can merely be stored away if need be, instead of having to be destroyed.{{Ref|AFFC|30}} Unlike murals or other fixed forms of art tapestries are not tied to the architecture, a tapestry may be removed from a wall and rolled up for transport to another location, or storage.{{Ref|AFFC|17}}{{Ref|AFFC|23}}

The [[Free Cities]] are known for their tapestry making, including in [[Lys]],{{Ref|AGOT|20}} [[Myr]],{{Ref|FAB|8}} [[Norvos]],{{Ref|AGOT|20}} and [[Qohor]].{{Ref|AGOT|20}} The artisans of Myr are especially famed for their fine work.{{Ref|TWOIAF|8|2|4}} The tapestries of Qohor, created primarily by women and children, are seen as the equal of those of Myr, although less expensive.{{Ref|TWOIAF|8|2|3}} Tapestries are distributed throughout the [[narrow sea]] by merchants on trading galleys.{{Ref|TWOIAF|8|2}}

==Culture==
[[File:Joshua CairosNedStark.jpg|thumb|350px|Two tapestries behind [[Eddard Stark]], by Joshua Cairós © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The throne room of the [[Red Keep]] is decorated with tapestries depicting hunting and battle,{{Ref|AGOT|49}} and tapestries from Lys, Norvos, and Qohor decorate the chambers of the [[small council]].{{Ref|AGOT|20}} The gloomy halls of the castle have faded tapestries.{{Ref|AGOT|32}} The walls of [[White Sword Tower]] are hung with white woolen tapestries.{{Ref|ASOS|67}} Tapestries also hang in the castle's bedchambers.{{Ref|AFFC|3}}

The [[Eyrie]] is decorated with tapestries, including a dozen splendid tapestries in an arcade.{{Ref|AFFC|23}}

A tapestry at [[Old Oak]] depicts Lord [[Edgerran Oakheart]] sitting with the heads of a hundred [[Dornishmen]] piled around his feet. The castle also has tapestries depicting Ser [[Olyvar Oakheart]], dying beside King [[Daeron I Targaryen]] in [[Dorne]], and [[Alester Oakheart]] in the [[Prince's Pass]], blowing a warhorn.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}

The solar of Lord [[Tytos Blackwood]] at [[Raventree Hall]] has woolen tapestries.{{Ref|ADWD|48}}

[[House Connington]] has faded tapestries on the walls of the great hall at [[Griffin's Roost]].{{Ref|ADWD|61}}

Wool tapestries of fruits and flowers are located in [[Ashford|Ashford Castle]].{{Ref|THK}}

The audience chamber at [[Coldmoat]] has tapestries depicting [[tourney]] scenes and battles.{{Ref|TSS}}

Tapestries are on the walls of the Hermit's Hole at the [[Quiet Isle]].{{Ref|AFFC|31}}

Archmaester [[Marwyn]] has faded tapestries in his chambers at the [[Ravenry]].{{Ref|AFFC|45}}

==History==
According to legend, the [[Grey King's Hall]] had been warmed by [[Nagga]]'s living fire and on the walls hung tapestries made of silver seaweed.{{Ref|AFFC|19}}

Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]] bought tapestries and murals from the [[Free Cities]] to decorate the [[Red Keep]].{{Ref|FAB|8}}

Ser [[Bennis of the Brown Shield]] stole coins which Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]] had hidden behind a mildewed tapestry at [[Standfast]].{{Ref|TSS}}

King [[Robert I Baratheon]] replaced the [[skulls of the Targaryen dragons]] in the Red Keep's throne room with hunting tapestries vivid with greens, browns, and blues.{{Ref|AGOT|13}}{{Ref|AGOT|43}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
King [[Robert I Baratheon]]'s hunting tapestries in the [[Red Keep]]'s throne room are taken down after his death.{{Ref|AGOT|57}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] recalls the tapestries at [[Old Oak]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}} While discretely meeting Princess [[Arianne Martell]] in the [[shadow city]] of [[Sunspear]], Arys sees a tapestry of [[Nymeria]] and her [[ten thousand ships]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}

After the [[taking of the Shields]], [[Lucas Codd]] and [[Quellon Humble]] tear Lord [[Humfrey Hewett]]'s tapestries from [[Lord Hewett's castle|his hall's]] wall to serve as cloaks.{{Ref|AFFC|29}}

Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] mentions that she received a letter from [[Petyr Baelish]] beseeching her to ship him some old tapestries of Robert's.{{Ref|AFFC|17}} Later Petyr mentions to [[Sansa Stark]] that Cersei is sending him some splendid tapestries.{{Ref|AFFC|23}}

While traveling to the [[siege of Riverrun]], Jaime stops at [[Darry|Castle Darry]]. He recalls that when Robert's entourage had traveled north to offer the position of [[Hand of the King]] to Lord [[Eddard Stark]] at [[Winterfell]], they had stayed at Darry both en route and returning. On the northbound stop, [[Tyrion Lannister]] had discovered tapestries depicting all of the kings from [[House Targaryen]], from [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon I]] to [[Aerys II Targaryen|Aerys II]], hidden in the cellar. Tyrion joked that Robert would have made him [[Lord of Darry]] if he had revealed their existence to the king, as the Targaryens had been overthrown in [[Robert's Rebellion]].{{Ref|AFFC|30}} Jaime observes that the castle's walls are still bare after it has been given to his disinterested cousin, Lord [[Lancel Lannister]].{{Ref|AFFC|30}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
While visiting [[Daenerys Targaryen]], [[Queen of Meereen]], the merchant prince [[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]] gifts her with a beautiful tapestry of [[Essos]] that has been in his family vaults since before the [[Doom of Valyria]]. Xaro uses it in his attempt to persuade her to abandon [[Meereen]] and travel by sea to [[Westeros]].{{Ref|ADWD|16}} [[Freedwomen]] give Daenerys a tapestry which she hangs over her bed.{{Ref|ADWD|23}}

The chambers of King [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]] within Meereen's [[Great Pyramid]] are decorated with priceless tapestries depicting the glory of the [[Old Empire of Ghis]]. The largest shows the last survivors of a defeated [[Valyrian Freehold|Valyrian]] army passing beneath the yoke and being chained.{{Ref|ADwD|67}} After slaying the pit fighter [[Khrazz]], Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] finds Hizdahr hiding behind one of these tapestries, begging to be spared.{{Ref|ADWD|67}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
At the [[Gates of the Moon]], Lord [[Nestor Royce]] shows Lady [[House Waxley|Waxley]] his prize tapestries which had belonged to King Robert and had been given to him by Lord Baelish.{{Ref|TWoW||[[Alayne I (The Winds of Winter)|Alayne I]]}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|'''Amerei''': [[Brotherhood without banners|Outlaws]] killed him. [[Merrett Frey|Father]] had only gone out to ransom [[Petyr Frey|Petyr Pimple]]. He brought them the gold they asked for, but they hung him anyway. 
'''Mariya''': Hanged, Ami. Your father was not a tapestry.{{Ref|AFfC|30}}|[[Amerei Frey]] and [[Mariya Darry]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Culture]]

Mountain's men

2026-08-13T18:21:17Z

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[[File:Gregor Clegane Nordheimer.jpg|350px|thumb|Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] with the Mountain's men, by Nordheimer ©]]
The '''Mountain's men'''{{ref|ASOS|17}}{{ref|ASOS|74}} are men-at-arms of the [[westerlands]] in service to Ser [[Gregor Clegane]], the Mountain That Rides.

==Culture==
{{See also|:Category:Images of the Mountain's men|l1=Images of the Mountain's men}}
The Mountain's men are a dangerous, unsavory bunch,{{ref|ACOK|26}} grim and foul-mouthed.{{ref|AFFC|27}}

The best that can be said for Gregor's men is that they are not quite as vile a bunch as the [[Brave Companions]].{{Ref|aFfC|27}} [[Sandor Clegane]] refers to his brother's soldiers as Gregor's "pet rats". According to Sandor, Gregor once killed one of his men for snoring.{{ref|ASOS|47}} Gregor never brings his men-at-arms to court in [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|aSoS|47}} The only exception is [[Joss Stilwood]], who serves as his squire and tended to him at the [[Hand's tourney]].{{ref|ACOK|30}} They often refer to Gregor simply as "Ser".{{ref|ACOK|30}}{{ref|ASOS|74}}{{ref|AFFC|27}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
After [[Tyrion Lannister]] is abducted by [[Catelyn Stark]],{{ref|AGOT|28}} Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] sends the Mountain's men across the [[Red Fork]] into the [[riverlands]] under the guise of brigands. They ravage the [[holdfast]]s of [[Sherrer]], [[Wendish Town]], and the [[Mummer's Ford]] and draw [[House Tully]] forces away from [[Riverrun]] and the [[Golden Tooth]].{{Ref|AGOT|43}}

When Lord [[Eddard Stark]], the [[Hand of the King]], dispatches a party of men led by [[Beric Dondarrion]] to execute Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] for his crimes,{{ref|AGOT|43}} Tywin [[Battle at the Mummer's Ford|ambushes them]] at the Mummer's Ford. When Beric and his men attempt to retreat across the Red Fork, Gregor's men take them in the rear.{{ref|AGOT|55}}

Thereafter, the Mountain's men join Lord Tywin's host as it marches through the riverlands, and they burn [[burning of Stone Hedge]] and [[burning of Pinkmaiden Castle|Pinkmaiden]].{{ref|AGOT|56}} They fight in the Lannister vanguard on the left flank of the [[battle on the Green Fork]].{{ref|AGOT|62}} After the battle, Tywin withdraws to [[Harrenhal]] but leaves the Mountain's men and others to raid in the riverlands.{{ref|AGOT|69}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Marc Simonetti War.jpg|thumb|350px|Clegane's band foraging, by Marc Simonetti © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Gregor's band [[sack of Darry|sacks Castle Darry]], killing the eight-year-old Lord [[Lyman Darry]].{{ref|ACOK|7}}

As the band is foraging and raiding, the [[Tickler]] questions various [[smallfolk]] through his torture. Among the people captured are [[Hot Pie]], [[Gendry]], and [[Arya Stark]] of [[Winterfell]], although they are oblivious to her true identity. Raff slays [[Lommy]] at [[Gods Eye village|a village]] by the [[Gods Eye]].{{Ref|ACOK|26}} Arya quickly comes to know Gregor's men. The men-at-arms take their surviving prisoners to serve Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] at [[Harrenhal]].{{ref|ACOK|26}}

Arya hears rumors that Tywin sent Gregor and the [[Brave Companions]] to destroy the [[north]]ern host of Lord [[Roose Bolton]], who has occupied the [[ruby ford]].{{ref|ACOK|30}} The Mountain's men skirmish several times with the [[brotherhood without banners]], and they lose four men to Lord [[Beric Dondarrion]]'s night raids before returning to Harrenhal, taking up residence in the [[Wailing Tower]].{{ref|ACOK|30}} While in the guise of a common servant, Arya overhears [[Chiswyck]] speak of the earlier rape of a brewer's daughter, [[Layna]]. Arya orders [[Jaqen H'ghar]] to kill Chiswyck.{{Ref|ACOK|30}} Lord Bolton and [[Vargo Hoat]] of the Brave Companions orchestrate the [[fall of Harrenhal]] after Tywin's departure from the castle.{{ref|ACOK|47}}

Lord Tywin attempts to return to the [[westerlands]] by crossing the [[Red Fork]]. During the [[Battle of the Fords]], Gregor leads the assault at the [[Stone Mill]], where so many of his men fall that the river is nearly dammed. Gregor and a handful of his best soldiers gain the west bank of the river, but they are forced to retreat by the reserves of Ser [[Edmure Tully]].{{ref|ACOK|45}} Messengers from [[Bitterbridge]] inform Tywin of a new alliance with [[House Tyrell]], and he marches his army to [[King's Landing]] for the [[Battle of the Blackwater]].{{ref|ACOK|62}}{{ref|ASOS|14}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[File:Gregors men.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Ser Gregor's men, by serclegane Left to right: [[Chiswyck]], [[Polliver]], the [[Tickler]], [[Rafford]], the [[pimply squire]], and [[Shitmouth]]]]
After hearing that Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] has escaped from [[Riverrun]], Tywin has Gregor, [[Samwell Spicer]], and the brothers [[House Plumm|Plumm]] discretely search for his eldest son in the riverlands.{{ref|ASOS|62}}

Lord Bolton orders [[Robett Glover]] and Ser [[Helman Tallhart]] from Harrenhal to attack [[Duskendale]], so Tywin sends Lord [[Randyll Tarly]] to intercept them.{{ref|ASOS|4}} The northern survivors of the [[battle at Duskendale]] are harried in their retreat to the [[kingsroad]] by Gregor's men.{{ref|ASOS|19}}

Lord Bolton leaves Harrenhal to Vargo when he departs for the [[Twins]].{{ref|ASOS|44}} Roose's rearguard is attacked by the Mountain in [[fighting at the fords of the Trident]].{{ref|ASOS|49}}

Following the [[Red Wedding]], Tywin orders Gregor to eliminate the Brave Companions and put Harrenhal to the sword.{{ref|AGOT|53}} Gregor seizes the [[ruby ford]] and then leads the [[capture of Harrenhal]].{{ref|ASOS|60}} Roose's rearguard is attacked by the Mountain in [[fighting at the fords of the Trident]].{{ref|ASOS|49}}

Ser Gregor and his men [[capture of Harrenhal|retake Harrenhal]], which [[Roose Bolton]] has abandoned to [[Vargo Hoat]]. Inside, Gregor's men slaughter the inhabitants and defenders except for the cook who opens the gate, the castle [[smith]] [[Ben Blackthumb]], and some women like [[Pia]] whom the Mountain and his men rape repeatedly.{{ref|ASOS|74}}

Leaving [[Polliver]] as Harrenhal's castellan,{{ref|AFFC|27}} Gregor rides for King's Landing to serve Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]].{{ref|ASOS|70}} When [[Tyrion Lannister]], accused of murdering King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] at his [[Purple Wedding|royal wedding]], requests [[trial by battle]], Cersei announces that Gregor will be her champion. Gregor is [[poison]]ed with [[manticore]] venom{{ref|AFFC|7}} during his duel with Tyrion's champion, Prince [[Oberyn Martell]], who is slain in the fight.{{ref|ASOS|70}}

Polliver and the [[Tickler]] bring a [[pimply squire]] to the [[crossroads inn]] so the youth can sleep with a prostitute. They encounter Arya Stark and [[Sandor Clegane]], Gregor's brother, however, and Sandor accuses them of intending to "[[torture|tickle]] the innkeep". A fight breaks out when they attempt to capture Sandor, and the pair kill the three Mountain's men.{{Ref|aSoS|74}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:Jake Murray Ser Gregor's DogII.png|thumb|350px|Ser Gregor's Dog, by Jake Murray © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Gregor dies in King's Landing while under the care of Qyburn.{{ref|AFFC|17}} The remnants of Gregor's men-at-arms, including [[Rafford|Raff the Sweetling]], [[Dunsen]], and [[Shitmouth]], remain stationed at Harrenhal.{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}} When Jaime arrives there on his way to Riverrun, a handful of Gregor's men emerge from the castle's towers to watch him dismount. Shitmouth informs Jaime that Polliver was killed by Sandor at the crossroads inn, leaving no one in charge at Harrenhal.{{ref|AFFC|27}}

When Jaime informs Gregor's men that they can either ride with him to the [[siege of Riverrun]] or join the [[Holy Hundred]] of Ser [[Bonifer Hasty]], the men state Gregor promised rich rewards for those that rode with him. Jaime tells them to take any grievances up with Cersei.{{Ref|AFFC|27}} Bonifer tells Jaime during supper that he refuses to take any of Gregor's men into his service. Before he leaves Harrenhal, Jaime orders Ser [[Ilyn Payne]] to behead one of Gregor's men who tried to rape [[Pia]], despite the perplexed man's protests.{{ref|AFFC|27}} Jaime tasks Ser [[Ronnet Connington]], [[Knight of Griffin's Roost]], with bringing the captive Ser [[Wylis Manderly]] to [[Maidenpool]].{{ref|AFFC|30}} Some of Gregor's men, including Dunsen, accompany Red Ronnet.{{ref|AWOIAF|Dunsen}}{{ref|AWOIAF|Ronnet Connington}}

After resolving the [[siege of Riverrun]], Jaime allows Ser [[Robin Ryger]] and Ser [[Desmond Grell]] to [[take the black]] and journey to the [[Wall]]. A dozen Mountain's men led by Rafford are ordered to escort Robin and Desmond to Maidenpool.{{Ref|AFFC|44}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Twenty men accompany Red Ronnet from Maidenpool to King's Landing, most of them the Mountain's former men.{{ref|ADWD|Epilogue}} Within a day one is accused of murder and another of rape; Lord [[Randyll Tarly]] executes the murderer and gelds the raper.{{Ref|aDwD|Epilogue}} Randyll suggests that Gregor's men be sent to the Wall, and Lord [[Mace Tyrell]], the new [[Hand of the King]], states he would not suffer such men in the [[City Watch of King's Landing|City Watch]]. Lord Regent [[Kevan Lannister]] decides not to exile them, however, as the [[Iron Throne]] needs loyal swords against the new threat of the [[Golden Company]] after their [[landing of the Golden Company|invasion of the stormlands]]. Kevan tells Grand Maester [[Pycelle]] and Ser [[Harys Swyft]] to hire the Mountain's men if they feel they need guards against [[House Tyrell guards|House Tyrell]].{{Ref|aDwD|Epilogue}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
Raff the Sweetling is among Harys's guard in [[Braavos]], where he is killed by [[Arya Stark|Mercy]].<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Mercy (The Winds of Winter)|Mercy]]</ref>

==Known Mountain's men==

{{Columns|1|
* {[[Chiswyck]]}, killed by [[Jaqen H'ghar]]
* [[Dunsen]]
* [[Eggon]]
* a {[[pimply squire]]} from [[House Sarsfield]], killed by Arya Stark
* {[[Polliver]]}, killed by [[Sandor Clegane]]
* {[[Rafford|Raff the Sweetling]]}, killed by Arya Stark
* [[Shitmouth]]
* [[Joss Stilwood]], Gregor's squire
* The {[[Tickler]]}, a torturer killed by Arya Stark
* [[Tobbot]]
}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|At [[Wendish Town]], the people sought shelter in their [[holdfast]], but the walls were timbered. The raiders piled straw against the wood and burnt them all alive. When the Wendish folk opened their gates to flee the fire, they shot them down with arrows as they came running out, even women with suckling babes.{{Ref|AGOT|43}}|[[Raymun Darry]] to [[Eddard Stark]]}}

{{Quote|'''Varys''': You are quite certain these were more than brigands? '''Raymun''': Brigands, Lord Varys? Oh, they were brigands, beyond a doubt. [[House Lannister|Lannister]] brigands.{{Ref|AGOT|43}}|[[Varys]] and [[Raymun Darry]]}}

{{Quote|They rode down my 'prentice boy. Chased him back and forth across the fields on their horses, poking at him with their lances like it was a game, them laughing and the boy stumbling and screaming till the [[Gregor Clegane|big one]] pierced him clean through.{{Ref|AGOT|43}}|unnamed smith from [[Sherrer]] to [[Eddard Stark]]}}

{{Quote|'''Cersei''': And someone needs to set [[Harrenhal]] to rights. We have urgent need of [[Wylis Manderly]], assuming he is still alive and captive, but the garrison has not replied to any of our [[raven]]s. '''Jaime''': Those are Gregor's men at Harrenhal. [[Gregor Clegane|The Mountain]] liked them cruel and stupid. Most like they ate your [[raven]]s, messages and all.{{ref|AFFC|27}}|[[Cersei Lannister]] and [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|A handful of Ser [[Gregor Clegane|Gregor's]] men emerged from [[Harrenhal|the towers]] to watch him dismount; hard-eyed, hard-mouthed men, the lot of them. They would have to be, to ride beside the Mountain.{{ref|AFFC|27}}|thoughts of [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|The only peace Ser [[Gregor Clegane|Gregor's]] lot had ever given anyone was the peace of the grave.{{ref|AFFC|27}}|thoughts of [[Jaime Lannister]]}}

==References and Notes==
{{References|3}}

[[Category:House Clegane retainers]]

[[fr:Catégorie:Maisonnée Clegane]]

Sky cells

2026-08-13T18:21:17Z

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[[File:Thomas Denmark skycell.jpg|thumb|The sky cells, by [http://thomasdenmarkportfolio.blogspot.com/ Thomas Denmark] © [http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ Fantasy Flight Games]]]

The '''sky cells''' are the infamous dungeons of the [[Eyrie]], the seat of [[House Arryn]] high on the [[Giant's Lance]]. In the months prior to the outbreak of the [[War of the Five Kings]], [[Mord]] is the gaoler in charge of the upkeep and maintenance of the sky cells.{{ref|AGOT|38}}

==Layout==
[[File:The Eyrie-TN.jpg|thumb|The sky cells in the lower levels of the [[Eyrie]], by [http://www.tednasmith.com/ Ted Nasmith] ©]]
The sky cells are located on the lower levels of the Eyrie.{{ref|AFFC|41}} Unlike in a normal dungeon, the sky cells only have three walls; the fourth side opens into thin air. The cells are small, with the empty side only five feet away from the opposing wall. The floor also slopes slightly, unnerving prisoners and making them fearful of accidentally falling to their death while sleeping.{{ref|AGOT|38}}

A prisoner poking out their head can see cells in other directions.{{ref|AGOT|38}} From a distance, the sky cells resemble a stone honeycomb.{{Ref|AGOT|38}}{{ref|AFFC|41}}<ref>[https://www.westeros.org/GoT/Features/Entry/Belfast_Set_Visit_Part_2/ Belfast Set Visit: Part 2], March 01, 2011.</ref> Six hundred feet below is the waycastle [[Sky]].{{Ref|AGOT|38}}

It is cold in the sky cells with the wind screaming night and day. Many prisoners, driven mad by the cold and howling wind, commit suicide rather than remain imprisoned.{{ref|AGOT|38}}{{ref|AFFC|10}}

==History==
Ser [[Arnold Arryn]] twice rose against his cousin [[Jeyne Arryn]], [[Lady of the Eyrie]]. After his second rebellion failed, Arnold was driven mad while imprisoned in Jeyne's sky cells.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}{{ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
When [[Tyrion Lannister]] is brought to the [[Eyrie]] by [[Catelyn Stark]], Lady [[Lysa Arryn]] has Ser [[Vardis Egen]] imprison Tyrion in the sky cells. Tyrion is given a heap of soiled straw and a thin blanket for bedding. A previous tenant has written, in what looks suspiciously like blood, "Gods save me, the blue is calling." The gaoler [[Mord]] taunts his prisoner, dropping Tyrion's food into the air and kicking the dwarf. Tyrion is afraid he will slide to his death if he rolls over in his sleep.{{ref|AGOT|38}}

To escape the sky cell, Tyrion demands [[trial by combat]], and [[Bronn]] volunteers to champion him. Bronn kills Lysa's champion, Vardis, saving Tyrion's life and securing Tyrion's freedom.{{Ref|AGOT|40}} Both men leave the Eyrie on the dangerous [[high road]].{{Ref|AGOT|42}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
Tyrion sometimes has nightmares of his time in the sky cells.{{ref|ASOS|19}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
After he has been arrested, [[Marillion]] is tortured into falsely confessing that he killed Lysa Arryn. Lord [[Petyr Baelish]], Lysa's actual killer, has Marillion repeat his confession in front of Lord [[Nestor Royce]], and then returns the singer to the sky cells.{{Ref|AFFC|10}} During his imprisonment, Marillion sings a variety of songs which echo throughout the castle.{{Ref|AFFC|10}} Petyr later claims that Marillion has died.{{Ref|AFFC|23}}

==Quotes==
[[File:MKomarck TyrionSkyCells.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tyrion Lannister]] in the [[Eyrie]]'s sky cells, by Michael Komarck © ]]
{{Quote|He had plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and the moon and stars by night, but Tyrion would have traded it all in an instant for the dankest, gloomiest pit in the bowels of the [[Casterly Rock]].{{ref|AGOT|38}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|The [[House Arryn|Arryns]] kept the only dungeon in [[Seven Kingdoms|the realm]] where the prisoners were welcome to escape at will.{{ref|AGOT|38}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|The sky cells always break them. [[Faith of the Seven|The gods]] can see them there, and there is no darkness to hide in.{{ref|AGOT|38}}|[[Lysa Arryn]] to [[Catelyn Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Dungeon walls were thick enough to swallow songs and screams alike. But the sky cells had a wall of empty air, so every chord [[Marillion|the dead man]] played flew free to echo off the stony shoulders of the [[Giant's Lance]]. And the songs he chose ... He sang of the [[Dance of the Dragons]], of fair [[Jonquil]] and [[Florian the Fool|her fool]], of [[Jenny of Oldstones]] and the [[Duncan Targaryen|Prince of Dragonflies]]. He sang of betrayals, and murders most foul, of hanged men and bloody vengeance. He sang of grief and sadness. No matter where she went in [[Eyrie|the castle]], Sansa could not escape the music.{{ref|AFFC|10}}|thoughts of [[Sansa Stark]]}}

{{Quote|The sky cells on the lower levels made [[Eyrie|the castle]] look something like a honeycomb from below. A honeycomb made of ice, Alayne thought, a castle made of snow.{{ref|AFFC|41}}|thoughts of [[Sansa Stark]]}}

==See also==
*[[Moon Door]]

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

[[Category:Eyrie]]
[[Category:Prisons]]

[[fr:Cellules célestes]]
[[pt:Celas do Céu]]
[[ru:Небесные камеры]]

Poisoned locusts

2026-08-13T18:21:17Z

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[[File:Locusts.jpg|thumb|350px|right|A bowl of [[poison]]ed locusts]]
[[File:Strong Belwas by Amok.jpg|thumb|350px|right|The [[Blue Graces]] say that only [[Belwas]]'s size and freakish strength saved him from the [[poison]]ed locusts. Art by Roman Papusev ©]]
'''Poisoned locusts''' were used in a possible attempt to [[assassin]]ate [[Daenerys Targaryen]] in [[Meereen]].

==Description==
[[w:Locust#As food|Locusts]] are a common delicacy in [[Essos]].{{Ref|AGOT|54}}{{Ref|ADWD|27}} A large bowl of [[w:honey|honeyed]] and [[spice]]d locusts was laced with [[poison]] and placed in the royal box at [[Daznak's Pit]] during the celebrations for the reopening of the [[fighting pits of Meereen]].{{Ref|aDwD|52}} It is possible that Queen Daenerys Targaryen was the intended target of the poison. It is unknown whether just one or a number of locusts would need to be eaten in order to kill the victim.

==Recent Events==
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
While entering the royal box in Daznak's Pit, Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]] notes that her husband, [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]], has stocked it well with drinks and delicacies. The foodstuffs include flagons of chilled [[wine]] and [[w:Fresh water|sweetwater]], [[w:Common fig|figs]], [[w:Phoenix dactylifera|dates]], [[w:List of melons|melons]], [[w:Pomegranate|pomegranates]], [[w:Pecan|pecans]], [[w:Capsicum|peppers]], and a large bowl of honeyed locusts. One of her [[Queensguard]], Strong [[Belwas]], enters the box, immediately spots the bowl of honeyed locusts, and begins to crunch them by the handful. Hizdahr encourages Daenerys to eat them as well, describing them as very tasty, sweet and spicy, but she declines.{{Ref|aDwD|52}}

While they watch the fights, Belwas finishes the entire bowl of honeyed locusts on his own. After the [[pit fighter]] [[Barsena Blackhair]] is killed by a [[boar]], Belwas rubs his swollen stomach and remarks that the screaming makes him feel sick in his belly. A little later, he has a queasy look on his face, and says that he has eaten too many locusts and needs to drink some milk. When Daenerys's fugitive [[dragon]] [[Drogon]] suddenly appears above the fighting pit, the crowd goes silent, but Belwas moans, stumbles to his feet and falls to his knees. As Drogon consumes both the boar and Barsena, Belwas begins to retch.{{ref|ADWD|52}} He continues vomiting bile and blood even while Daenerys confronts Drogon and [[dragonrider|flies away on dragonback]].{{ref|ADWD|55}}

Afterwards, Belwas is taken into the [[Temple of the Graces]], under the care of the [[Blue Graces]].{{ref|ADWD|55}} He nearly dies, only saved from the poison by his enormous size and freakish strength.{{ref|ADWD|59}} Belwas survives his deadly encounter, but loses two stone of weight, and his skin hangs on him in loose folds. His strength and confidence have also become uncertain.{{Ref|ADWD|70}}

While Belwas is in the temple, [[Skahaz mo Kandaq]] informs Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] that he has found the poisoner – Hizdahr zo Loraq's confectioner. However, Skahaz claims that the confectioner was just a catspaw, as the [[Sons of the Harpy]] had taken the confectioner's daughter and swore that she would be returned unharmed once the queen was dead. According to Skahaz, Belwas and Drogon saved Daenerys, but no one saved the girl. He tells Barristan that she was returned to her father in the black of night in nine pieces. Skahaz tells Barristan that he believes Hizdahr is the one who ordered Daenerys's assassination. Barristan thinks about Hizdahr, and recalls how he had urged Daenerys to try the honeyed locusts, though he never touched one himself. Barristan decides he wants to question the confectioner himself.{{Ref|aDwD|55}}

Ser Barristan also considers that the poisoned locusts may have actually been meant for Hizdahr, as his death would have smashed the fragile peace of Meereen. He wonders if Prince [[Quentyn Martell]], Daenerys's former suitor, might have wanted to remove Hizdahr. Barristan notes that [[Dornishmen]] are known to use poison, particularly Quentyn's uncle, [[Oberyn Martell]]. Barristan speaks with Quentyn, and decides his reaction when questioned proves he cannot be the poisoner, but warns him that Hizdahr may try to use him as a scapegoat. Quentyn's companion, [[Gerris Drinkwater]], says that Daenerys's [[paramour]] [[Daario Naharis]] also has a good reason to desire Hizdahr's death, but Barristan points out that Daario would never use poison. Barristan suggests that Quentyn and his companions leave Meereen before they are accused.{{Ref|ADWD|59}}

[[File:UrukkiSaki SerBS&BB.jpg|thumb|350px|right|[[Barristan Selmy]] and the locust-masked [[Brazen Beasts]] work together to arrest [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]]. Art by UrukkiSaki ©]]
When Skahaz and his loyal [[Brazen Beasts]] arrest Hizdahr and seize control of Meereen, the Brazen Beasts are all wearing [[brass]] locusts masks. During Hizdahr's arrest, Barristan confronts him about the poisoned locusts. Hizdahr claims the poisoner was Quentyn, as he was assured by [[Reznak mo Reznak]], but admits he has no proof. When Barristan asks him why he did not eat any of the locusts, Hizdahr says hot spices disagree with him, and asks why he would want to poison his own wife. He repeats that he thought she would like the hot and sweet flavor, and suggests that Daario might have wanted to kill Daenerys for putting him aside, and if Hizdahr ate any of the locusts, him as well. Hizdahr continues to deny that he is the [[Harpy]], despite Barristan's accusations.{{Ref|ADWD|67}}

After Hizdahr's arrest, the [[Green Grace]], [[Galazza Galare]], asks Barristan Selmy that he be freed to stop the attacks of the Sons of the Harpy. Barristan tells her that Hizdahr attempted to kill Daenerys with poisoned locusts, but Galazza says he is innocent. He asks her how she knows, and she claims that those of the [[House of Loraq]] would never use poison, and the [[gods]] of [[Ghis]] have assured her of his innocence. Barristan replies that [[the Seven|his own gods]] have been silent on the subject.{{Ref|ADWD|70}}

Later, while [[Daenerys Targaryen]] wanders the [[Dothraki Sea]] in an attempt to return to Meereen, she recalls how Belwas had been vomiting, and realizes that the bowl of locusts had been poisoned. Though she remembers how Hizdahr had encouraged her to eat them, she believes he would have no reason to want her dead, as she had made him [[king of Meereen]] and re-opened his fighting pits. Daenerys wonders if the poisoner could have been her [[perfumed seneschal|seneschal]], [[Reznak mo Reznak]], or her enemies the [[Wise Masters]] of [[Yunkai]], or the Sons of the Harpy.{{Ref|aDwD|71}}

==Suspected poisoners==
*[[Hizdahr zo Loraq]]
*[[Quentyn Martell]]
*[[Daario Naharis]]
*[[Skahaz mo Kandaq]]
*[[Reznak mo Reznak]]
*The [[Wise Masters]]
*The [[Sons of the Harpy]]

==Quotes==
{{Quote|Locusts!{{ref|ADWD|52}}|[[Belwas]]}}

{{Quote|'''Hizdahr:''' Those are very tasty. You ought to try a few yourself, my love. They are rolled in [[spice]] before the honey, so they are sweet and hot at once. 
'''Daenerys:''' That explains the way [[Belwas]] is sweating. I believe I will content myself with figs and dates.{{ref|ADWD|52}}|[[Hizdahr zo Loraq]] and [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|And he could still hear [[Hizdahr zo Loraq|Hizdahr]], urging [[Daenerys Targaryen|his queen]] to try the honeyed locusts. Those are very tasty… sweet and hot… yet he never touched so much as one himself.{{Ref|ADWD|55}}|thoughts of [[Barristan Selmy]]}}

{{Quote|[[Daenerys Targaryen|Her]] love for [[Daario Naharis|Daario]] is [[poison]]. A slower poison than the locusts, but in the end as deadly.{{Ref|ADWD|67}}|thoughts of [[Barristan Selmy]]}}

{{Quote|'''Hizdahr:''' I thought she might enjoy them. Hot and sweet at once. 
'''Barristan:''' Hot and sweet and [[poison]]ed.{{Ref|ADWD|67}}|[[Hizdahr zo Loraq]] and [[Barristan Selmy]]}}

{{Quote|'''Barristan:''' [[Daenerys Targaryen|Her Grace]] gave her hand to [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]], made him her king and consort, restored the [[fighting pits|mortal art]] as he beseeched her. In return he gave her poisoned locusts. 
'''Galazza:''' In return he gave her peace. Do not cast it away, ser, I beg you. Peace is the pearl beyond price. Hizdahr is of [[House of Loraq|Loraq]]. Never would he soil his hands with [[poison]]. He is innocent.{{Ref|ADWD|70}}|[[Barristan Selmy]] and [[Galazza Galare]]}}

==Theories==
*[https://meereeneseblot.wordpress.com/2013/09/27/untangling-the-meereenese-knot-part-i-who-poisoned-the-locusts/ The Meereenese Blot] theorizes that [[Skahaz mo Kandaq]] poisoned the locusts so that no matter who ate them, Daenerys or Hizdahr, the peace of Meereen would be shattered, to his advantage, and further manipulated Barristan into believing Hizdahr's guilt.

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Meereen]]
[[Category:Food]]
[[Category:Poisons]]

[[pt:Gafanhotos envenenados]]

UnKiss

2026-08-13T18:21:17Z

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{{Conjecture}}
See also: {{Main|Sansa Stark/Theories}}
[[File:The_hound_and_the_little_bird_by_zippo514-d7v3q7y.jpg|thumb|300px|right|"The Hound and the little bird", by zippo514©, depicting the kiss that never was]]
[[File:Sing For Your Little Lifekallielef.png|[[Sandor Clegane]] forces [[Sansa Stark]] to sing him a song during the [[Battle of the Blackwater]]. Art by Kallielef ©|thumb|300px|right]]
[[File:M.Luisa Giliberti SansaSandorBlackwater.jpg|© M.Luisa Giliberti|thumb|300px|right]]
The '''UnKiss''' is the nickname given by fans of ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' for a kiss remembered by [[Sansa Stark]] between her and [[Sandor Clegane]], but which did not actually happen.

When asked about this discrepancy [[George R. R. Martin]] said this will eventually mean something and that Sansa is an "unreliable narrator". This has led to much speculation by fans on what he means and intends.

==Recent Events==
===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:John_Picacio_Sansa&theHound.jpg|“I’ll have that song. [[Florian the Fool|Florian]] and [[Jonquil]], you said.” © 2012 John Picacio|thumb|300px|right]]
Towards the end of the [[battle of the Blackwater]], [[Sandor Clegane]], whose courage had broken during the fighting, finds his way to [[Sansa Stark]]'s bedroom. He lies down on her bed and falls asleep waiting for her.

Sansa eventually arrives. The Hound is very drunk, drunker than she had ever seen him. He offers to take Sansa with him as he intends to flee the city. He mentions going north somewhere. She does not understand what he means. He pushes her on her bed, holds a dagger to her throat, and drunkenly demands that she sing him the song that she had promised him earlier. Sansa is too terrified to remember the words of the song of [[Florian the Fool|Florian]] and [[Jonquil]], but instead sings [[Mother (the Seven)|the Mother's]] Hymn:

{{Quote|Gentle Mother, font of mercy, save our sons from war, we pray, stay the swords and stay the arrows, let them know a better day. 
Gentle Mother, strength of women, help our daughters through this fray, soothe the wrath and tame the fury, teach us all a kinder way.{{Ref|aCoK|62}}}}

The Hound falls silent and removes the dagger from her throat, and Sansa gently touches his cheek, feeling a wetness that was blood and a wetness that was not blood (tears). Shortly thereafter he gets up, rips off his bloody white cloak, and leaves. Sansa shakes out the torn and bloody cloak, and huddles beneath it, shivering. Ser [[Dontos Hollard]] eventually comes to tell her the battle is won and [[King's Landing|the city]] is saved.{{Ref|aCoK|62}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
Sansa comes to remember this scenario slightly differently, remembering that [[Sandor Clegane]] also kissed her.

Sansa remembers the (un)kiss:
{{Quote|[[Megga Tyrell|Megga]] couldn't sing, but she was mad to be kissed. She and [[Alla Tyrell|Alla]] played a kissing game sometimes, she confessed, but it wasn't the same as kissing a man, much less a king. Sansa wondered what Megga would think about kissing [[Sandor Clegane|the Hound]], as she had. He'd come to her the night of the battle stinking of [[wine]] and blood. He kissed me and threatened to kill me, and made me sing him a song.{{Ref|aSoS|16}}}}

In contrast, as he lies dying, Sandor thinks of the song Sansa had sung to him but does not mention a kiss. He tells [[Arya Stark]]:
{{Quote|And the little bird, your pretty sister, I stood there in my [[Kingsguard|white cloak]] and let them beat her. I took the bloody song, she never gave it. I meant to take her too. I should have. I should have fucked her bloody and ripped her heart out before leaving her for [[Tyrion Lannister|that dwarf]].{{Ref|aSoS|74}}}}

===''Feast for Crows''===
In the [[Eyrie]], [[Sansa Stark]] again remembers the (un)kiss in some detail:
{{Quote|As the boy's lips touched her own she found herself thinking of another kiss. She could still remember how it felt, when his cruel mouth pressed down on her own. He had come to Sansa in the darkness as green fire filled the sky. He took a song and a kiss, and left me nothing but a bloody cloak.{{Ref|aFfC|41}}}}

Sansa thinks of the (un)kiss again when she's asked if she knows what goes on in a marriage bed:
{{Quote|She thought of Tyrion, and of the Hound and how he’d kissed her, and gave a nod.{{Ref|aFfC|41}}}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|You will see, in A STORM OF SWORDS and later volumes, that Sansa remembers the Hound kissing her the night he came to her bedroom... but if you look at the scene, he never does. That will eventually mean something, but just now it's a subtle touch, something most of the readers may not even pick up on.{{Ref|SSM|2999}}|[[George R. R. Martin]]}}

{{Quote|File this one under "unreliable narrator" and feel free to ponder its meaning...{{Ref|SSM|1224}}|[[George R. R. Martin]]}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Events]]
[[Category:House Clegane]]
[[Category:House Stark]]

[[ru:Фантомный поцелуй]]

Cave of the three-eyed crow

2026-08-13T18:21:17Z

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{{Conjecture}}[[File:Westeros - Byound the wall.jpg|400px|thumb|The lands [[beyond the Wall]] and its major locations. The exact location of the cave of the three-eyed crow is unknown, but it is within the haunted forest (click to zoom)|link=Special:FilePath/Westeros - Byound the wall.jpg]]

The '''cave of the three-eyed crow''' is a cave found [[beyond the Wall]] and named after its occupant, the [[three-eyed crow]], who is attended to by the remaining [[children of the forest]]. The precise location is not specified in ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', but ''[[The Lands of Ice and Fire]]'' places it within the [[haunted forest]], east of the [[Fist of the First Men]] and southwest of the [[Antler River]].<ref>Bran's route, "Journeys", ''[[The Lands of Ice and Fire]]''</ref>

==Layout==
The entrance is a cleft in a wooded hillside, halfway up, between some [[weirwood]] trees. It is warded so that dead men, such as [[wights]], cannot enter. Another way in is a back door three leagues north, down a sinkhole.{{ref|ADWD|13}}

Under the hill is a vast, silent cave system extending far below and home to more than three score living singers, the [[children of the forest]], and the bones of thousands dead. Its cramped and branching tunnels are full of weirwood roots. One echoing cavern is as large as the great hall of [[Winterfell]] and contains stalagmites and stalactites.{{ref|ADWD|13}} Further on, the passage is littered with bones of birds and beasts, children of the forest, and [[giants]]. Skulls of various creatures are placed in stone niches in the walls. The cave has chambers full of bones, shafts that plunge deep into the earth, and a place where the skeletons of gigantic bats hang upside down from the ceiling.{{ref|ADWD|34}} Murders of [[raven]]s live within the cave.{{ref|ADWD|34}}

The route steeply descends to a great cavern opening on a black abyss, with a swift river six hundred feet below. Near a natural bridge across the abyss is the [[three-eyed crow]], the last [[greenseer]], sitting on a throne of woven weirwood roots.

No sunlight, moonlight, or starlight reaches the caves beneath the hill. Its inhabitants eat a hundred kinds of mushrooms, as well as blind white fish swimming in the black river. Cheese and milk is made from goats sharing the caves with the singers, and oats, barleycorn, and dried fruit are also available.{{ref|ADWD|34}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File: Three_eyed_crow_Marc_Simonetti.jpg|[[Bran Stark]] and the [[three-eyed crow]] - by Marc Simonetti ©|thumb|375px|right]]
After a perilous journey, [[Bran Stark]] and his companions—[[Hodor]], [[Meera Reed|Meera]] and [[Jojen Reed]], and [[Summer]]—are attacked by [[wight]]s near the entrance to the cave. After being rescued by [[Leaf]], one the [[children of the forest]], they gain entry through the cleft. [[Coldhands]] remains outside because of the magic wards.{{ref|ADWD|13}} Snows later bury most of the wights, but they are still there, waiting.{{Ref|aDwD|34}}

Bran is introduced to the [[three-eyed crow]],{{ref|ADWD|13}} Lord [[Brynden Rivers|Brynden]], who becomes the boy's teacher.{{ref|ADWD|34}} Under the hill Bran sits on a weirwood throne of his own, made by the [[children of the forest]]. The children place it in the great cavern by the abyss, next to Brynden's throne. The singers make his seat of soft grey moss; once he has been lowered into place they cover him in warm furs. Almost everyday they eat a blood stew, thickened with barley and onions and chunks of meat. Bran and his friends sleep in a small chamber off the big cavern where the singers make beds for them to sleep.{{ref|ADWD|34}}

Summer digs his way through the snowdrifts at the entrance to the cave whenever he goes outside to join his pack to hunt.{{ref|ADWD|34}} Bran explores the cave by [[skinchanging]] into Hodor.{{ref|ADWD|34}} One room contains singers, enthroned like Brynden, in nests of weirwood roots. Most look dead to Bran, but as he nears their eyes open and follow his torch, and one of them appears to try to speak.{{Ref|aDwD|34}} Jojen, who also explores, grows increasingly sullen and often looks out the entrance of the cave toward the [[haunted forest]].{{ref|ADWD|34}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|The roots were everywhere, twisting through earth and stone, closing off some passages and holding up the roofs of others. All the color is gone, Bran realized suddenly. The world was black soil and white wood. The [[godswood of Winterfell|heart tree at Winterfell]] had roots as thick around as a [[giant]]'s legs, but these were even thicker. And Bran had never seen so many of them. There must be a whole grove of [[weirwood]]s growing up above us.{{ref|ADWD|13}}|thoughts of [[Bran Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Men should not go wandering in this place. The river you hear is swift and black, and flows down and down to a sunless sea. And there are passages that go even deeper, bottomless pits and sudden shafts, forgotten ways that lead to the very center of the earth. Even [[children of the forest|my people]] have not explored them all, and we have lived here for a thousand thousand of your man-years.{{Ref|aDwD|34}}|[[Leaf]] to [[Bran Stark]]}}

==Chapters that take place at the cave of the three-eyed crow==
*[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 13|''A Dance with Dragons'': 13. Bran II]]
*[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 34|''A Dance with Dragons'': 34. Bran III]]

==References==
{{references}}

{{Region Beyond the Wall}}

[[Category:Caves]]
[[Category:Places beyond the Wall]]

[[es:Cueva del cuervo de tres ojos]]
[[fr:Grottes des enfants de la forêt]]
[[pt:Caverna do corvo de três olhos]]
[[ru:Пещера трехглазой вороны]]

Maegor's Holdfast

2026-08-13T18:21:17Z

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[[File:Red Keep - Lands of Ice and Fire.png|400px|thumb|Maegor's Holdfast is a castle-within-a-castle, a fortress behind walls and a moat within the [[Red Keep]]. Art by Jonathan Roberts for ''[[The Lands of Ice and Fire]]''.]]
'''Maegor's Holdfast''', also called '''Maegor's''',{{ref|ACOK|20}}{{ref|ACOK|57}} is a massive square fortress inside the heart of the [[Red Keep]] in [[King's Landing]]. Named after King [[Maegor I Targaryen]], it is a [[castle]]-within-a-castle and is the strongest place in the Red Keep.{{ref|ASOS|4}}

==Layout==
The [[holdfast]] lies behind walls twelve feet thick.{{ref|AGOT|47}} A dry moat lined with a bed of formidable [[iron]] spikes surrounds it, with a drawbridge spanning the moat.{{ref|AGOT|51}} The only way in or out of Maegor's is across the drawbridge. A knight of the [[Kingsguard]] is usually, but not always,{{ref|ACOK|52}} posted at its far end.{{ref|ADWD|Epilogue}} According to Lord [[Varys]], there is a secret egress built at the behest of King [[Maegor I Targaryen]], but it does not connect to any of the other [[secret passages]] in the Red Keep.{{Ref|ASOS|12}}

The royal apartments are located in Maegor's. The king's bedchamber has a great canopied bed{{ref|ACOK|25}} and twin hearths.{{ref|AGOT|47}}

The [[Queen's Ballroom]] within Maegor's Holdfast is much smaller than the [[Great Hall]] of the Red Keep or the [[Small Hall]] of the [[Tower of the Hand]]. The graceful ballroom seats one hundred, and has beaten [[silver]] mirrors behind the wall sconces, which makes the torchlight seem twice as bright. Its walls are paneled with richly carved wood, and it has a gallery above the main floor. High arched windows sit along the south wall.{{Ref|aCoK|57}}

==History==
===Early History===
[[File: Maegor and the Red Keep builders.png|thumb|350px|King [[Maegor I Targaryen]] executes the builders of the [[Red Keep]], so that only he would know the castle's secrets. From ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': Histories and Lore © HBO]]
Construction of the [[Red Keep]] began in {{date|35}} during the reign of King [[Aegon I Targaryen]] and continued into the reign of King [[Aenys I Targaryen]]. In {{date|43}}, King [[Maegor I Targaryen]] took charge of the castle's construction and ordered the building of a redoubt within the Red Keep.{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} During the downfall of Maegor's Queen [[Alys Harroway]], members of [[House Harroway]] were thrown onto the spikes surrounding Maegor's Holdfast.{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

The Dowager Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]] secluded herself in Maegor's Holdfast when her son, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], resided at [[Dragonstone]]. Jaehaerys landed [[Vermithor]] in the yard before Maegor's Holdfast upon his return in {{date|50}}. Jaehaerys and his sister, Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]], consummated their marriage in Maegor's Holdfast the same year.{{ref|FAB|A Time of Testing - The Realm Remade}}

Ser [[Lucamore Strong]] of the [[Kingsguard]] was guarding the bridge across the dry moat when the dying Princess [[Aerea Targaryen]] returned on [[Balerion]].{{ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

Queen [[Aemma Arryn]] died in Maegor's Holdfast while giving birth to Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Baelon Targaryen]].{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===Dance of the Dragons===
The death of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] in his apartments in Maegor's Holdfast led to the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] kept his death secret from the public while the [[green council]] gathered in her apartments to support the claim of her son, [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. By the time Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] took his leave on [[Vhagar]] for [[Storm's End]], the stink from the dead king's bedchamber had wafted all through the holdfast.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} King Aegon II moved into Maegor's Holdfast with his queen and sister-wife, [[Helaena Targaryen]], while Dowager Queen Alicent moved into the [[Tower of the Hand]]. [[Cheese (ratcatcher)|Cheese]] knew of no way in and out of Maegor's save over the drawbridge, so he and [[Blood (butcher)|Blood]] instead infiltrated Alicent's chamber in the Tower of the Hand to murder Prince [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}

After the [[fall of King's Landing]] to Aegon II's rival, Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], Alicent emerged from Maegor's and attempted to treat with her stepdaughter, but Rhaenyra rejected her proposal. Rhaenyra's men found Aegon's wife, the mad Queen Helaena, locked in her bedchamber. When they broke down the doors of Aegon's apartments, they discovered only his empty bed and a full chamberpot.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}

As Rhaenyra was losing her grip on the [[Iron Throne]], Helaena threw herself from her window in Maegor's Holdfast. She died impaled upon the iron spikes that lined the dry moat below. During the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]], Queen Rhaenyra watched the attack unfold from the roof of Maegor's Holdfast with her sons and members of her court, including [[Mushroom]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

Aegon II lost much of his support after the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]]. Turncloaks turned against Aegon the Elder, and Ser [[Perkin the Flea]] pushed Ser [[Alfred Broome]] off the drawbridge before Maegor's Holdfast onto the spikes below.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}

===Regency of Aegon III===
[[File: Sandoq the Shadow defends Maegor's Holdfast by Doug Wheatley.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Sandoq the Shadow]] defends Maegor's Holdfast from Ser [[Amaury Peake]] and his men during the [[secret siege]]. Art by Douglas Wheatley from ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.]]
Lord [[Cregan Stark]], briefly [[Hand of the King]], confined King [[Aegon III Targaryen]] and [[Gaemon Palehair]] in Maegor's Holdfast during the [[Hour of the Wolf]].{{ref|FAB|Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf}} After Cregan's departure, Ser [[Tyland Lannister]], the new Hand, confined [[Alicent Hightower]] to gentle imprisonment in Maegor's.{{ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}

During the [[Lysene Spring]], the [[Lys]]eni at court were rumored to perform [[bloodmagic|blood sacrifice]] within Maegor's Holdfast.{{ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}} King Aegon and his brother, Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys]], sought refuge in the redoubt during the so-called [[secret siege]]. Aegon's guard, [[Sandoq the Shadow]], slew Ser [[Amaury Peake]] and a dozen [[men-at-arms]] on the drawbridge of the holdfast when they attempted to break the siege.{{ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

===Recent History===
In {{date|270}}, King [[Aerys II Targaryen]] forbade Queen [[Rhaella Targaryen]] from leaving Maegor's Holdfast after she lost several children, falsely suspecting infidelity.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}}

Amid [[Robert's Rebellion]], Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] and Ser [[Amory Lorch]] scaled the walls of Maegor's Holdfast during the [[Sack of King's Landing]].{{ref|ASOS|11}} They made their way to the royal apartments within, where they slew Princess [[Elia Martell]] and her children, Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Rhaegar)|Rhaenys]] and Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon Targaryen]].{{ref|AGOT|30}}{{ref|ASOS|53}} Aegon and Elia were killed in the royal nursery by Ser Gregor, but Rhaenys was hiding under [[Rhaegar Targaryen|her father's]] bed, a floor above the nursery, and was found there and slain by Ser Amory.{{ref|ASOS|53}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
King [[Robert I Baratheon]] dies in Maegor's Holdfast after being gored by a [[boar]] while hunting in the [[kingswood]]. After [[Arrest of Eddard Stark|the arrest]] of Lord [[Eddard Stark]], the [[Hand of the King]], his eldest daughter, [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]], is kept prisoner at the top of the highest tower of Maegor's Holdfast.{{ref|AGOT|51}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Luaprata91 sandor sansa eve of battle.JPG|thumb|350px|[[Sansa Stark]] and [[Sandor Clegane]] atop Maegor's Holdfast. Art by Luaprata91 ©]]
After Sansa Stark leaves a meeting with [[Dontos Hollard]] in the [[godswood of the Red Keep]] late one night, she does not wish to return to her room, and goes up to the roof of Maegor's. There she encounters [[Sandor Clegane]], and they converse about the upcoming battle.{{Ref|ACOK|52}}

During the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], almost every [[highborn]] woman in the city takes refuge in the [[Queen's Ballroom]] in Maegor's Holdfast, along with a handful of old men and boys.{{ref|ACOK|57}} When it appears that the battle is turning against the defenders, Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] recalls her son, King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], from the fighting, and closes Maegor's.{{ref|ACOK|62}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[Tyrion Lannister]] recovers from the Blackwater in a chamber above the Queen's Ballroom, as Lord [[Tywin Lannister|Tywin]] has taken his son's former chamber in the [[Tower of the Hand]].{{ref|ASOS|4}} After marrying Sansa, Tyrion moves from Maegor's Holdfast and displaces Lord [[Gyles Rosby]] in spacious apartments atop the [[Kitchen Keep]].{{ref|ASOS|58}}

On the morning of his [[Purple Wedding|royal wedding]], King Joffrey receives gifts in the Queen's Ballroom after breakfast is cleared.{{ref|ASOS|60}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
Young King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]] is kept safe within Maegor's after the arrest of his mother, Queen Cersei, by the [[Faith of the Seven|Faith]] at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]].{{ref|AFFC|43}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Joshuacairostommenbaratheonandbalerion.jpg|thumb|350px|King [[Tommen Baratheon]] plays with his [[kitten]]s in the royal chambers in Maegor's Holdfast, while the [[Balerion (cat)|bad cat]] watches outside his window. Art by Joshua Cairos ©]]
After Cersei's [[walk of atonement]], Ser [[Kevan Lannister]], her uncle and the new [[Hand of the King]], has her kept under house arrest in her apartments in Maegor's, awaiting her trial by the Faith. Cersei is attended by a [[septa]] and three novices selected by the [[High Sparrow|High Septon]], rather than her usual [[ladies-in-waiting]]. On his way to sup with Cersei and King Tommen in the royal chambers, Kevan notes that the dry moat surrounding Maegor's Holdfast is three feet deep in snow, and that the iron spikes that line it are glistening with frost. At dinner, Tommen tells Kevan that the [[Balerion (cat)|bad cat]] was outside his window the previous night.{{ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|As the [[Red Keep|red stone towers]] rose, [[Maegor I Targaryen|the king]] commanded the building of a [[castle]] within the castle, a fortified redoubt surrounded by a dry moat that would soon be known to all as Maegor's Holdfast.{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

{{Quote|Sansa pulled the hood of her cloak up over her ears, and hurried toward Maegor's Holdfast, the castle-within-a-castle where [[Cersei Lannister|the queen]] had promised they would all be safe.{{ref|ACOK|57}}|thoughts of [[Sansa Stark]]}}

{{quote|Here in Maegor's Holdfast, every servant was in [[Cersei Lannister|the queen's]] pay.{{ref|ASOS|4}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{quote|'''Cersei''': [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]]. Tell me of my son. Is he still king? '''Qyburn''': He is, Your Grace. He is safe and well, secure within the walls of Maegor's Holdfast, protected by the [[Kingsguard]].{{ref|AFFC|43}}|[[Cersei Lannister]] and [[Qyburn]]}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Castles]]
[[Category:Holdfasts]]
[[Category:King's Landing]]
[[Category:Red Keep]]

[[fr:Citadelle de Maegor]]
[[pt:Fortaleza de Maegor]]

Template:Location map+

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This template places one or more location marks on a map, with optional labels. It was Imported from [[Wikipedia:Template:Location_map+]].

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Fishfoot Yard

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[[File:Marc_Fishman_Old_FishfootII.jpg|Old Fishfoot - by Marc Fishman © |thumb|350px|right]]
'''Fishfoot Yard''' is a cobbled square in [[White Harbor]] located just inside the Seal Gate with a fountain at its center. The [[Old Mint]] is located at Fishfoot Yard.{{Ref|ADWD|15}}

==Appearance==
A stone [[merman]] rises from the fountain's waters, twenty feet tall from tail to crown. The impressive statue is called "Old Fishfoot" by the locals which gave the yard its current name (it was originally [[named after]] a deceased [[lord]]). His curly beard is green and white with lichen and one of the prongs of his trident broke long ago.{{Ref|ADWD|15}}

Down past where Old Fishfoot's trident points is an alley where tasty fried cod is sold. There is also a safe brothel nearby. Off the other way, there was a brewhouse which made a black [[beer]] whose casks could fetch as much as [[wine|Arbor gold]] in [[Braavos]] and the [[Port of Ibben]]. Across the yard and down a flight of steps is a winesink called the [[Lazy Eel]]. Oil lamps light the yard at night.{{Ref|ADWD|15}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
When [[Davos Seaworth]] arrives at [[White Harbor]], he visits Fishfoot Yard in the afternoon and finds the square teeming with people. A woman is washing her smallclothes in Fishfoot’s fountain and hanging them off his trident to dry. A young girl is selling cups of fresh milk from her nanny goat. Beneath the arches of the peddler's colonnade, Davos sees scribes, moneychangers, a hedge wizard, a herb women, and a bad juggler. A man is selling apples from a barrow, and a women is offering herring with chopped onions. Chickens and children are underfoot. Davos sees hundred of people within the [[Old Mint]].{{Ref|ADWD|15}}

Davos stops beneath the colonnade and trades a halfpenny for an apple and chats with the apple seller to try and catch up with tidings in White Harbor. Afterwards he makes his way to the [[Lazy Eel]].{{Ref|ADWD|15}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|The square was named for some dead [[lord]], but no one ever called it anything but Fishfoot Yard.{{Ref|ADWD|15}}|thoughts of [[Davos Seaworth]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:Colloquial locations]]
[[Category:Fountains]]
[[Category:Squares]]
[[Category:White Harbor]]

[[fr:Cour Pied-de-Poisson]]
[[pt:Pátio Pedepeixe]]

The She-Wolves of Winterfell

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{{infobox Book |
| name = The She-Wolves of Winterfell
| image = [[File:Nocover.png|200px]]
| image_caption=
| author = [[George R. R. Martin]]
| country = [[w:United States|United States]]
| language = [[w:English language|English]]
| series = [[Tales of Dunk and Egg]]
| genre = [[w:Fantasy|Fantasy]]
| publisher =
| release_date = TBA
| media_type =
| pages =
| isbn =
| preceded_by = ''[[The Mystery Knight]]''
| followed_by = ''[[The Village Hero]]''
}}

'''''The She-Wolves of Winterfell''''' is the working title given to the as-yet unpublished fourth or fifth [[Tales of Dunk and Egg]] novella,<ref name=NaB>[[Not a Blog]]: [http://grrm.livejournal.com/365715.html Dunk and Egg (April 15th, 2014)]</ref> once intended to be published in an anthology named ''[[w:Dangerous Women (anthology)|Dangerous Women]]''<ref name="stuff">[[Not a Blog]]: [http://grrm.livejournal.com/225206.html Stuff and Nonsense (July 2nd, 2011)]</ref><ref>[[Not a Blog]]: [http://grrm.livejournal.com/283248.html Monkeys on My Back (June 23rd, 2012)]</ref> but now postponed.<ref>[[Not a Blog]]: [https://grrm.livejournal.com/310198.html?thread=17181622#t17181622 A Dangerous Delivery (January 22nd, 2013)]</ref><ref name=NaB/> [[George R.R. Martin]] has stated that he does not know which will be finished first, this story or the one with the working title ''[[The Village Hero]]''. He has said that he will not know more about completing either novella until he has finished ''[[The Winds of Winter]]''.<ref name=NaB/>{{ref|SSM|16122}}

==Plot==
The novella is set in [[Winterfell]]. According to Martin, it will feature Ser [[Duncan the Tall]] and his squire [[Aegon V Targaryen|Egg]], who will meet the "She-Wolves":<ref name="stuff" /> a group of formidable [[Stark]] wives, widows, mothers and grandmothers.<ref name=NaB/> According to fans' con reports, four of these "she-wolves" may be widows of previous Lords of Winterfell, and one the current [[Lorra Royce|Lady Stark]] whose husband [[Beron Stark]] is dying from a wound taken while fighting [[Ironborn]].{{ref|SSM|1409}} There may be a [[House Stark]] succession crisis, a struggle for power among the Stark ladies, possibly on behalf of their children, of which there were at least ten at the time.{{ref|SSM|1408}} Additionally, Martin mentioned this story in connection with the fact that there has never been a ruling Lady of Winterfell.{{ref|SSM|2763}}

==The She-Wolves==
The identity of the five "She-Wolves" has not been revealed yet. However, with the Stark lineage given in ''[[The World of Ice and Fire]]'', their names may be deduced:
*{{coa|Royce|s}} Lady [[Lorra Royce]], the soon to be widow of Lord [[Beron Stark]].
*{{coa|Manderly|s}} Lady [[Myriame Manderly]], widow of Lord [[Rodwell Stark]] and Beron's sister-in-law.
*{{coa|Karstark|s}} Lady [[Alys Karstark (wife of Brandon)|Alys Karstark]], widow of Lord [[Brandon Stark (son of Cregan)|Brandon Stark]] and Beron's mother.
*{{coa|Ryswell|s}} Lady [[Robyn Ryswell]], widow of Lord [[Jonnel Stark]] and Beron's aunt by marriage.
*{{coa|Stark|s}} Lady [[Lynara Stark]], widow of Lord [[Cregan Stark]] and Beron's grandmother.

Moreover, four Stark women — [[Arsa Stark|Arsa]], [[Serena Stark|Serena]], and her daughters [[Arrana Stark|Arrana]] and [[Argelle Stark|Argelle]] — might be engaged to various degrees in the power struggle following Beron's injury, even though they did not marry a [[Lord of Winterfell]].{{refn|group="N"|For example, [[Serena Stark]] was the daughter of [[Cregan Stark]]'s eldest son [[Rickon Stark (son of Cregan)|Rickon]], who died long before his father did. Serena married her father's half brother [[Edric Stark (son of Cregan)|Edric Stark]], who died during the reign of his elder brother Lord [[Jonnel Stark|Jonnel]] and before his younger brothers [[Barthogan Stark|Barthogan]] and then [[Brandon Stark (son of Cregan)|Brandon]] became the lord. Arguably Serena had a right to Winterfell's seat herself but was bypassed (since there has never been a ruling lady of Winterfell{{ref|SSM|2763}}), or she could argue that Edric's sons [[Cregard Stark|Cregard]] and [[Torrhen Stark (son of Edric)|Torrhen]] had a better right than Brandon or Brandon's son [[Beron Stark|Beron]] did. See also [[George R.R. Martin]]'s statement re "precedence or proximity" in [[succession]].{{ref|SSM|1053}}}} Also, Beron's son (and future Lord) [[Willam Stark]]'s wives — [[Lyanne Glover]] and [[Melantha Blackwood]] — may be potentially involved if Willam married one or both of them before his father's death.

{{She-Wolves tree}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}
==References==
{{References}}

{{GRRM works|state = uncollapsed}}
{{ASOIAF|state=collapsed}}


[[Category:Books|She-Wolves of Winterfell, The]]


[[es:Las Lobas de Invernalia]]
[[fr:The She-Wolves of Winterfell]]
[[ru:Винтерфелльские волчицы]]

True knight

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[[File:THE HEDGE KNIGHT 6a Mike S. Miller and Anders Finer.jpg|thumb|300px|Ser [[Duncan the Tall]], by Mike S Miller ©]]
The '''true knight''' is a concept that embodies all that a [[knight]] should aspire to be - exemplifying all the qualities of what knighthood stands for. He is a shining example to all and held in the very highest esteem. Very few knights are considered true knights, as achieving and maintaining such high and noble ideals is a hard duty.

The opposite of a true knight is a false knight or "no true knight."

==Culture==
There are [[Westeros]]i songs and stories, particularly those depicting honorable knights and chivalry, that are very popular amongst all strata of society. In particular, [[Sansa Stark]] is captivated by the concept of the true knight.{{ref|AGOT|29}}

Different individuals have different conceptions of what makes a true knight. For example, while Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree]] believed that hedge knights were the truest sort of knights, because they could fight for causes they believed in without being beholden to lords or other powers,{{Ref|THK}} Lord [[Gormon Peake]] believed the hedge knights who attended the [[wedding tourney at Whitewalls]] without invite were no true knights.{{Ref|TMK}} The same knight may be declared both a true knight and no true knight by different individuals. This is the case with Ser [[Duncan the Tall]], who is declared a true knight by several individuals,{{Ref|THK}}{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|TMK}} but denounced as no true knight by Gormon Peake.{{Ref|TMK}}

A true knight must fully embrace the oath of knighthood:
{{Quote|In the name of [[Warrior (the Seven)|the Warrior]] I charge you to be brave. In the name of the [[Father (the Seven)|Father]] I charge you to be just. In the name of [[Mother (the Seven)|the Mother]] I charge you to defend the young and innocent. In the name of the [[Maiden (the Seven)|Maid]] I charge you to protect all women.{{Ref|THK}}}}

==Chivalric code==
True knights are supposed to:
* Be brave and just.
* Defend the young and innocent, especially women who can not defend themselves.{{Ref|ACOK|32}}{{Ref|AFFC|4}}{{Ref|AFFC|30}}{{Ref|AFFC|31}}
* Be cleanly as well as godly.{{Ref|THK}}
* Act with military courtesy: in combat when nobles and knights are taken prisoner, their lives are spared and are often held for ransom.

==History==
After [[Dick Bean]], a simple [[man-at-arms]] and no knight, sided with [[Maegor I Targaryen]] in his [[trial of seven]], Ser [[Bernarr Brune]] joined Maegor's side. As he did so, Bernarr shouted, asking if there are no true knights or leal men present. His scorn led Ser [[Bramm of Blackhull]], Ser [[Rayford Rosby]], Ser [[Guy Lothston]], and Ser [[Lucifer Massey]] to join Maegor's side.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}

The fool [[Mushroom]] claimed that, although Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] longed for Ser [[Criston Cole]], because Cole was a true knight and noble and chaste, he never kissed or declared love for her, despite being constantly in her company.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

As he buried his mentor, Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree]], [[Duncan the Tall|Dunk]] said that he was a true knight. Later, when seeking a seventh man to join him in his trial of seven against Prince [[Aerion Targaryen]], Dunk asked the a crowd full of knights and lords if there were no true knights among them, but none joined his cause. For his conduct, Dunk was considered a true knight by Prince [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor Targaryen]],{{Ref|THK}} Ser [[Eustace Osgrey]],{{Ref|TSS}} and Ser [[Glendon Flowers]].{{Ref|TMK}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
Sansa Stark tells Prince [[Joffrey Baratheon]] that Ser [[Loras Tyrell]] is a true knight and wonders if he will win the [[Hand's tourney]]. Later, after witnessing [[Gregor Clegane]] say Ser [[Hugh of the Vale]] during the jousting, she tells his brother [[Sandor Clegane]] that he was no true knight.{{Ref|AGOT|29}}

Ser [[Marq Piper]] denounces Gregor Clegane as a false knight after he leads raids in the [[riverlands]], killing, raping, and pillaging.{{Ref|AGOT|43}}

When Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] of the [[Kingsguard]] believes he failed in his duty after [[Kingship|King]] [[Robert Baratheon]] sustained a mortal wound from a [[boar]], Lord [[Eddard Stark]] tells him that even the truest knights could not protect a king from himself.{{Ref|AGOT|47}}

When [[Cersei Lannister]] tells Barristan that he will be stripped of his white cloak and [[Jaime Lannister]] will take his place as [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]], he denounces Jaime as a false knight who profaned himself by killing the king he was sworn to defend, [[Aerys II Targaryen]].{{Ref|AGOT|57}}

Sansa tells Ser [[Meryn Trant]] he is no true knight when he arrives to escort her to the [[Great Hall (Red Keep)|throne room]] at Joffrey's request, following the execution of her father. Ser Meryn does not care about the insult.{{Ref|AGOT|67}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
When Sansa receives a letter telling her to come to the [[Godswood of the Red Keep|godswood]] if she wants to go [[Winterfell|home]], she wonders if a true knight is sent to save her, perhaps [[Horas Redwyne]], [[Hobber Redwyne]], [[Balon Swann]], or [[Beric Dondarrion]]. At the [[godswood]], she prays to the [[old gods]] to send her a true knight to champion her. On the way back from the godswood, she encounters Sandor Clegane, who tells her to sing her a song about knights and fair [[Maiden|maids]], recalling that she likes knights. Sansa specifies that she likes true knights, which the [[Hound]] mocks.{{Ref|ACOK|18}}

After Joffrey orders the Kingsguard knights Meryn Trant and [[Boros Blount]] to beat and strip her, Sansa thinks that all the knights who stood by while it happened were no true knights. These knights include [[Lancel Lannister]], Horas Redwyne, and Hobber Redwyne. Only Ser [[Dontos Hollard]], who is no longer a knight, tries to help.{{Ref|ACOK|32}}

Sansa attempts to thank Sandor Clegane for rescuing her during the [[riots in King's Landing]], but he is hostile and mocks her for thanking him as though he was a true knight in the tales she loves. Sansa tells him that true knights protect the weak, but he declares that there are no true knights nor any gods. Sansa tells herself the stories can't be lies, and there are true knights.{{Ref|ACOK|52}}

While singing hymns during the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], Sansa thinks that the Hound was no true knight but still saved her in the riots. Discussing what might befall them if the battle is lost, Sansa tells [[Cersei Lannister]] that true knights would never harm women or children, though the words sound hollow. Cersei is amused and tells her to wait for [[Symeon Star-Eyes]] or [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Viserys II)|Aemon the Dragonknight]] to rescue her.{{Ref|ACOK|57}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
Upon coming across the corpses of [[Prostitution|tavern wenches]] slain for laying with the [[House Lannister|Lannister]] side, [[Brienne Tarth|Brienne]] of [[Tarth]] declares that no true knight would condone such butchery. [[Jaime Lannister]] counters that true knights see and do worse every time they go to war.{{Ref|ASOS|1}}

After Ser [[Jorah Mormont]] kiss her without her permission, [[Daenerys Targaryen]] thinks to herself that to true knight would kiss a queen without her leave. She later tells him that if he were her true knight, he would never have brought her to the [[Slavery|slave]] markets of [[Astapor]].{{Ref|ASOS|23}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
Ser [[Creighton Longbough]] insists that Brienne ride with his part on the road, as a true knight must defend women. One of the [[sparrows]] denounces ser [[Illifer the Penniless]] and Creighton as false knights when he refuses them escort to [[King's Landing]] without payment.{{Ref|AFFC|4}}

Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] declares that Ser [[Lucamore Strong]], who secretly had three wives and sixteen children while a knight of the Kingsguard, was no true knight, no more than Ser [[Terrence Toyne]], who was caught in bed with his [[Aegon IV Targaryen|king's]] [[Bethany Bracken|mistress]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}

Ser [[Hyle Hunt]] is declared a true knight by an old man after he tells the serjeants at the gate at [[Maidenpool]] to let the man and his wife pass. Brienne,{{Ref|AFFC|14}} who has previously been wronged by Ser Hyle,{{Ref|AFFC|20}} frowns at the declaration.{{Ref|AFFC|14}}

As she lets Ser [[Osney Kettleblack]] touch her breast, Cersei tells him she thinks he is no true knight.{{Ref|AFFC|17}}

When Brienne asks him to help her bury [[Dick Crabb]], Hyle Hunt says that no true knight could refuse her beauty.{{Ref|AFFC|20}}

Ser [[Balman Byrch]] tells Cersei that Ser [[Bronn]] of the [[Battle of the Blackwater|Blackwater]], who has wed [[Falyse Stokeworth|his wife's]] younger [[Lollys Stokeworth|sister]], is no true knight. Cersei agrees and claims that he is a knight who would know true knighthood. Cersei convinces Balman to kill Bronn, and calls him a true knight when he understands her meaning and agrees.{{Ref|AFFC|24}}

Brienne thinks that Hyle Hunt is no true knight.{{Ref|AFFC|25}}

When Ser [[Lyle Crakehall]] declares his intent to hunt down Sandor Clegane, Lady [[Amerei Frey]] declares him a true knight for helping a lady in distress.{{Ref|AFFC|30}}

After her husband Ser Balman Byrch is killed by Bronn in single combat, [[Falyse Stokeworth]] says Bronn is no true knight.{{Ref|AFFC|32}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
In his account of his escape from [[King's Landing]] after being stripped of his white cloak, Barristan Selmy explains that a true knight such as himself is worth ten [[City Watch of King's Landing|guardsmen]].{{Ref|ADWD|11}}

Barristan tells his [[squire]]s—[[Tumco Lho]], [[Larraq]], the [[Red Lamb]], and three [[Ghiscari]] brothers—that chivalry is what makes a true knight, not their sword. Without their honor, they are only common killers, and it is better to die with honor than to live without it.{{Ref|ADWD|67}}

==Examples==
Various knights have been declared true knights:
*Ser [[Arlan of Pennytree]]{{Ref|THK}}
*Ser [[Balman Byrch]]{{Ref|AFFC|24}}
*Ser [[Criston Cole]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
*Ser [[Lyle Crakehall]]{{Ref|AFFC|30}}
*Ser [[Duncan the Tall]]{{Ref|THK}}
*Ser [[Galladon of Morne]], the Perfect Knight{{Ref|AFFC|20}}
*Ser [[Hyle Hunt]]{{Ref|AFFC|14}}
*Ser [[Barristan Selmy]], the Bold{{Ref|AGOT|47}}
*[[Symeon Star-Eyes]],{{Ref|ACOK|57}} despite living in an era before knighthood in [[Westeros]]
*Prince [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Viserys II)|Aemon Targaryen]], the Dragonknight{{Ref|ACOK|57}}
*Ser [[Loras Tyrell]]{{Ref|AGOT|29}}
*[[Brienne of Tarth]], not a knight, being a woman, but lives by knightly virtues

By contrast, other knights have been denounced as no true knight or false knights:
*Ser [[Boros Blount]]{{Ref|ACOK|32}}
*Ser [[Bronn|Bronn of the Blackwater]]{{Ref|AFFC|24}}
*Ser [[Gregor Clegane]]{{Ref|AGOT|29}}
*Ser [[Duncan the Tall]]{{Ref|TMK}}
*Ser [[Hyle Hunt]]{{Ref|AFFC|25}}
*Ser [[Illifer the Penniless]]{{Ref|AFFC|4}}
*Ser [[Osney Kettleblack]]{{Ref|AFFC|17}}
*Ser [[Jaime Lannister]]{{Ref|AGOT|57}}
*Ser [[Lancel Lannister]]{{Ref|ACOK|32}}
*Ser [[Creighton Longbough]]{{Ref|AFFC|4}}
*Ser [[Jorah Mormont]]{{Ref|ASOS|23}}
*Ser [[Hobber Redwyne]]{{Ref|ACOK|32}}
*Ser [[Horas Redwyne]]{{Ref|ACOK|32}}
*Ser [[Lucamore Strong]]{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
*Ser [[Terrence Toyne]]{{Ref|AFFC|13}}
*Ser [[Meryn Trant]]{{Ref|AGOT|67}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Heliotropa_no_true_knight.jpg|thumb|300px|right|[[Sansa Stark]] assures [[Sandor Clegane]] that his brother [[Gregor Clegane|Gregor]] is no true knight. Art by Heliotropa©]]

{{Quote|This man protected the weak, as every true knight must.{{Ref|THK}}|[[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor Targaryen]] to [[Maekar I Targaryen|Maekar Targaryen]] regarding [[Duncan the Tall]]}}

{{Quote|[[Knight]]s are sworn to defend the weak, protect women, and fight for the right, but none of them did a thing. Only Ser [[Dontos Hollard|Dontos]] had tried to help, and he was no longer a knight. No more than the [[Tyrion Lannister|Imp]] was, nor the [[Sandor Clegane|Hound]] … the Hound hated knights … I hate them too. They are no true knights, not one of them.{{Ref|ACOK|32}}|thoughts of [[Sansa Stark]] after being beaten by [[Boros Blount]]}}

{{Quote|'''Sansa''': True knights protect the weak. 
'''Sandor''': There are no true knights, no more than there are gods. If you can't protect yourself, die and get out of the way of those who can. Sharp steel and strong arms rule [[known world|this world]], don't ever believe any different.{{ref|ACOK|52}}|[[Sansa Stark]] and [[Sandor Clegane]]}}

{{Quote|A true knight must defend the gentler sex.{{Ref|AFFC|4}}|[[Creighton Longbough]] to [[Brienne of Tarth]]}}

{{quote|You are a true knight, Ser Lyle, to help a lady in distress.{{ref|AFFC|30}}|[[Amerei Frey]] to [[Lyle Crakehall]]}}

{{Quote|Old or young, a true knight is sworn to protect those who are weaker than himself, or die in the attempt.{{Ref|AFFC|31}}|thoughts of [[Brienne of Tarth]]}}

{{Quote|It is chivalry which makes a true knight, not a sword. Without honor, a knight is no more than a common killer. It is better to die with honor than to live without it.{{ref|ADWD|67}}|[[Barristan Selmy]] to his squires}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Knights| ]]
[[Category:Terms]]

Undying Ones

2026-08-13T18:21:15Z

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The '''Undying Ones''' are the chief [[warlocks]] of [[Qarth]],{{ref|AWOIAF|House of the Undying}} dwelling in a chamber deep in the [[House of the Undying]] in [[Qarth]].

==Appearance==
The Undying Ones present themselves as beautiful wizards at the prime of their lives and power, with some wearing sumptuous robes, elaborate armor, or tall pointed hats. They include gown-clad women.{{ref|ACOK|48}} In actuality, however, the Undying Ones are ancient and withered. Through their drinking of the [[shade of the evening]], their flesh, nails, and even the whites of their eyes have turned shades of blue and violet-blue.{{ref|ACOK|48}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:House_of_Dust_MarcSimonetti.jpg|thumb|350px|right|The Undying Ones attack [[Daenerys Targaryen]], by Marc Simonetti ©]]
[[Pyat Pree]], one of the [[warlocks]] of [[Qarth]], informs [[Daenerys Targaryen]] that he will ask the Undying Ones to grant her an audience.{{ref|ACOK|27}} After being rejected by the [[Pureborn]],{{ref|ACOK|40}} Daenerys decides to meet the Undying Ones.{{ref|ACOK|48}}

In a great hall within the [[House of the Undying]], Daenerys finds a splendor of wizards who offer her knowledge and magic weapons. [[Drogon]], one of Daenerys's [[dragon]]s, points her to another door, however, so she abandons these wizards who call on her with sweet voices.{{ref|ACOK|48}}

In a gloomy chamber, Daenerys finds a blue and rotting human heart floating above a stone table, and in the darkness she perceives the true Undying Ones. Although they do not move and do not breathe, Daenerys hears them whisper. The Undying Ones show Daenerys a number of [[visions]] of past and future events, but as they do so they attack her and attempt to drain her life. Drogon rescues Daenerys, however, burning the Undying Ones with [[dragonflame]] and ripping apart the dark heart. Pyat Pree tries to attack Daenerys when she escapes from the building, but he is stopped by [[Jhogo]] and [[Rakharo]].{{ref|ACOK|48}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
According to [[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]], the Undying are all dead.{{ref|ADWD|16}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|When you come to the chamber of the Undying, be patient. Our little lives are no more than a flicker of a moth's wing to them. Listen well, and write each word upon your heart.{{ref|ACOK|48}}|[[Pyat Pree]] to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|'''Woman''': Long have we awaited you. 
'''King''': We knew you were to come to us. A thousand years ago we knew, and have been waiting all this time. We sent [[red comet|the comet]] to show you the way. 
'''Warrior''': We have knowledge to share with you, and [[magic]] weapons to arm you with. You have passed every trial. Now come and sit with us, and all your questions shall be answered.{{ref|ACOK|48}}|Three of the Undying Ones to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|None of them are breathing, and they do not move, and those eyes see nothing. Could it be that the Undying Ones were dead?{{ref|ACOK|48}}|thoughts of [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|[[Drogon]] saved me when they would have drained my life from me. Drogon burned them all.{{Ref|ADWD|16}}|thoughts of [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}

==Behind the Scenes==
Since [[George R. R. Martin]] has long been a fan of [[w:Doctor Strange|Doctor Strange]],<ref>DigitalSpy.com: [https://www.digitalspy.com/comics/a407360/game-of-thrones-george-rr-martin-would-write-doctor-strange/ Game of Thrones' George RR Martin would write 'Doctor Strange'], 21 September 2012</ref> the Undying Ones of Qarth may be a homage by Martin to [https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Undying_Ones demons of the same name] who have fought Strange and the [[w:Defenders (comics)|Defenders]].

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Characters killed by Drogon]]
[[Category:Organizations]]
[[Category:Qarth]]
[[Category:Terms]]
[[Category:Warlocks]]

[[es:Eternos]]
[[fr:Nonmourants]]
[[pt:Imortais]]
[[zh:不朽者]]

Kraken

2026-08-13T18:21:15Z

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[[File:Kraken by Kevin Catalan.jpg|thumb|A kraken, by Kevin Catalan ©]]
A '''kraken''' is a large sea creature, likely similar to the [[w:Giant squid|giant squid]]. Krakens are said to be strong enough to pull down a [[whale|whaling]] [[ship]].{{Ref|ASOS|19}}

The [[Summer Sea]] south of [[Dorne]] is said to be infested with krakens,{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|9}} as are the waters of the northern [[Sunset Sea]].{{Ref|FAB|10}} Krakens have also reportedly been seen in the southern Sunset Sea west of [[Westeros]],{{Ref|FAB|11}} in the Summer Sea west of [[Qarth]],{{Ref|ASOS|8}} and in the [[narrow sea]],{{Ref|ASOS|19}} including between the [[Broken Arm]] and the [[Stepstones]].{{Ref|TWOW||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne I]]}}

==Culture==
{{See also|:Category:Images of krakens|l1=Images of krakens}}
[[File:House Greyjoy.svg|thumb|250px|The arms of [[House Greyjoy]]]]
Tales in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] claim that large [[dragon]]s could pluck krakens from the sea.{{Ref|ASOS|8}}

According to [[ironborn]] legend, [[Nagga]], the first [[sea dragon]], was big enough to feed on krakens and [[leviathan]]s.{{Ref|AFFC|19}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|5|1}}

The ancient [[Seastone Chair]] is carved in the shape of a great kraken from an immense block of oily [[black stone]].{{Ref|ACOK|11}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|5}}

The arms of [[House Greyjoy]] of [[Pyke]] depict a [[gold]]en kraken on black.{{Ref|AGOT|7}} By [[w:Metonymy|metonymy]], the ironborn as a whole are often referred to as "krakens" or "squids".{{Ref|ASOS|19}}{{Ref|ASOS|24}}{{Ref|ASOS|43}} [[Victarion Greyjoy]]'s cloak is made of nine layers of [[cloth-of-gold]], sewn in the shape of a kraken, with arms that reach his boots. His tall black [[iron]] [[armament|warhelm]] is wrought in the shape of a kraken, its arms coiling down around his cheeks to meet beneath his jaw.{{Ref|AFFC|18}}

Lord [[Balon Greyjoy]]'s ship is called ''[[Great Kraken]]''.{{Ref|ACOK|11}} ''[[Kraken's Kiss]]'' is another longship of the [[Iron Fleet]].{{Ref|ADWD|63}}

[[Cape Kraken]] is a peninsula historically contested by ironborn and [[northmen]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|1|2}}

The legendary [[Hrothgar of Pyke]] had a kraken-summoning [[horn]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|5}} and [[House Celtigar]] is rumored to have a similar horn among their treasures at [[Claw Isle]].{{Ref|ASOS|36}}{{Ref|ASOS|54}}

In the [[Merman's Court]], the great hall of the [[New Castle]] in [[White Harbor]], there is a painting of a kraken and a grey leviathan locked in battle.{{Ref|ADWD|15}}

==History==
[[File:Xtheseastonechairloganfeliciano.jpg|thumb|The [[Seastone Chair]] is carved into the shape of a kraken. Art by Logan Feliciano © FFG]]
The Seastone Chair, carved into the shape of a kraken, was said to have been found by the [[First Men]] when they first came to [[Old Wyk]]. [[Archmaester]] [[Haereg]] argued that the chair was made by the first inhabitants of the [[Iron Islands]], who came from an unknown land west of the Sunset Sea.{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|5}}

King [[Loron Greyjoy]] was called "the Old Kraken". He led an invasion of the western shores of the [[north]], taking [[Bear Island]] and [[Cape Kraken]] in the process. After the Old Kraken died, King [[Rodrik Stark]] reclaimed Bear Island, while his sons and grandsons battled for Cape Kraken.{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|1|1}}

After King [[Aegon I Targaryen]]'s [[burning of Harrenhal]] in {{Date|-2}} resulted in the death of King [[Harren Hoare]] and the destruction of [[House Hoare]], claimants to the kingship of the Iron Islands battled for power for more than a year. It was said that the waters between the islands were so choked with corpses, that hundreds of krakens appeared, attracted by the blood.{{Ref|FAB|2}}

In {{Date|2}}, King Aegon I Targaryen [[invasion of the Iron Islands|invaded the Iron Islands]] to put down several rebellious would-be kings. [[Priest of the Drowned God|Priest]]-King [[Lodos]] called upon the krakens of the deep to drag down Aegon's warships. When that failed to happen, Lodos filled his robes with stones, and walked into the sea to "take counsel" with his claimed father, the [[Drowned God]]. Thousands followed Lodos. Their corpses would wash up on the shores for years to come, except for Lodos's own body.{{Ref|FAB|2}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|5|4}}

In {{Date|56}}, when planning to travel west of Westeros to discover new lands, [[Alys Westhill]] chose to avoid the northern Sunset Sea and its many dangers, including monstrous krakens, and decided on a more southerly route for the journey of her ''[[Sun Chaser]]''.{{Ref|FAB|10}}

Ser [[Eustace Hightower]] and his brother, Ser [[Norman Hightower|Norman]], accompanied Alys Westhill's journey west, on their ships ''[[Lady Meredith]]'' and ''[[Autumn Moon]]''. When Ser Eustace returned to [[Oldtown]] in {{Date|59}}, he related that in the midst of a great storm that struck ''Autumn Moon'''s mast with lightning, one of his crewmen screamed that he saw kraken arms rising from the sea. Ser Eustace then saw a monstrous wave sink ''Autumn Moon'', but the crew of the ''Lady Meredith'' claimed it was a kraken that had pulled the ship beneath the sea. Afterwards, Ser Eustace's crew demanded to return to Westeros, afraid of encountering further krakens.{{Ref|FAB|11}}

In {{Date|128}}, while fighting in the [[Stepstones]] as a [[sellsail]], the fifteen-year-old [[Dalton Greyjoy]] saw his uncle killed and avenged his death. Because Dalton emerged from the fight entirely drenched in blood from a dozen wounds, men began calling him "the Red Kraken". Later that year, Dalton returned to the Iron Islands to claim the Seastone Chair after hearing of his father's death.{{Ref|TWOIAF|7|5|5}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[File:Sea of Blood by Tim Durning.png|thumb|A kraken attacks a ship. Art by Tim Durning © FFG]]
While traveling on the ''[[Balerion (ship)|Balerion]]'' in the [[Summer Sea]] from [[Qarth]] to [[Pentos]], Ser [[Jorah Mormont]] convinces Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]] to instead sail for [[Astapor]], buy an army of [[Unsullied]], and continue to Pentos overland. When she points out that there are dangers on such a long march, he tells her that there are dangers at sea as well, such as krakens that could pull their ship under.{{Ref|ASOS|8}}

During the [[small council]] meeting in [[King's Landing]] to discuss the progress of the [[War of the Five Kings]], [[Varys]] tells the attendees that a kraken has been seen off the [[Fingers]]. The kraken reportedly attacked an [[Ibbenese]] [[whale]]r [[ship]] and pulled it under.{{Ref|ASOS|19}}

While traveling on [[Old King Andahar's two-headed water horse|a ferry]] across the [[Trident]] during a storm, [[Arya Stark]] sees an uprooted tree whose roots and limbs reach for them like the arms of a kraken.{{Ref|ASOS|47}}

Ser [[Axell Florent]] suggests that King [[Stannis Baratheon]] sack [[Claw Isle]] for its treasure, but [[Davos Seaworth]] convinces him otherwise.{{Ref|ASOS|36}} Later, Stannis's sellsail [[Salladhor Saan]] chides Davos for not letting him acquire [[House Celtigar]]'s treasure, reportedly including a [[magic]] [[horn]] that can summon krakens from the deep.{{Ref|ASOS|54}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[Quaithe]] gives Daenerys Targaryen a [[prophecy|prophetic]] warning about the dangers coming to her, including a [[Victarion Greyjoy|kraken]].{{Ref|ADWD|11}}

At the [[Merman's Court]] in [[House Manderly]]'s [[New Castle]] in [[White Harbor]], Davos Seaworth sees a painting of a kraken and a grey [[leviathan]] locked in battle.{{Ref|ADWD|15}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
Lady [[Valena Toland]] tells Princess [[Arianne Martell]] that [[Golden Company|sellswords]] have invaded the [[Stepstones]], and that there are tales of krakens off the [[Broken Arm]], pulling under crippled galleys. Valena says their [[maester]] claims that the blood draws them to the surface. She adds that there are bodies which remain in the water, while a few have washed up on [[Ghost Hill]]'s shores.{{Ref|TWOW||[[Arianne I (The Winds of Winter)|Arianne I]]}}

[[File:Victarion Greyjoy by Mattie Victoria.jpg|thumb|[[Victarion Greyjoy]], with his kraken helm, kraken cloak, and kraken sigil. Art by Mattie Victoria ©]]
==Quotes==
{{Quote|Krakens rise from the sea, Theon, or did you forget that during your years among [[House Stark|the wolves]]?{{Ref|ACOK|56}}| [[Asha Greyjoy]] to [[Theon Greyjoy]]}}

{{Quote|What the kraken grasps it does not lose, be it [[longship]] or [[leviathan]].{{Ref|AFFC|19}}| [[Victarion Greyjoy]]}}

{{Quote|A [[lion]] may be fierce enough on land, but at sea the kraken rules supreme.{{Ref|AFFC|29}}| [[Victarion Greyjoy]] to [[Dunstan Drumm]]}}

 
==References==
{{References}}

{{Animals}}

[[Category:Animals]]

[[es:Kraken]]
[[fa:کراکن]]
[[fr:Seiches géantes]]
[[pt:Lula Gigante]]
[[ru:Кракен]]
[[zh:海怪]]

Mammoth

2026-08-13T18:21:15Z

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[[File:Patrick McEvoy mammoth.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Free folk]] hunting a mammoth, by Patrick McEvoy © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The '''Mammoth''' is a mammal species related to [[elephant]]s.

==Appearance==
{{See also|:Category:Images of mammoths|l1=Images of mammoths}}
[[File: Marc Fishman giant on mammoth.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Giants]] use mammoths as mounts. Art by Marc Fishman ©]]
Mammoths are large, elephant-like animals, with great tusks. They are large enough to be ridden by [[giants]], or to carry tall wooden towers with people inside upon their backs.{{Ref|Asos|15}} They leave huge footprints,{{Ref|asos|15}} and although they have an awesome strength, their huge size makes them an easy target in battle.{{Ref|asos|69}}

Mammoths are shaggy,{{Ref|asos|64}} wooly beasts,{{Ref|asos|15}} and their colors are known to include white and grey.{{Ref|asos|15}}

==History==
The [[wood dancer]]s of the [[children of the forest]] are said to have called upon mammoths to fight on their behalf, but the [[First Men]] proved too powerful.{{Ref|TWOIAF|2|2}}

In {{Date|58}}, when Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]] visited [[Castle Black]], the [[Night's Watch]] feasted her on mammoth meat, washed down with [[mead]] and [[beer|stout]].{{Ref|FaB|10}}

In {{Date|129}}, shortly before his death, King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] told his grandchildren, [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]] and [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]], a tale about their great-great-grandfather, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], and great-great-grandmother, Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]], battling [[giant]]s, mammoths, and [[wildlings]] [[beyond the Wall]].{{Ref|twoiaf|4|5}}

Hairy mammoths are said to roam the cold wastes beyond the [[Port of Ibben]]{{Ref|AGOT|13}} on [[Ib]], and the island's plains and hills.{{Ref|twoiaf|8|3|7}} They also roam the woods north [[beyond the Wall]].{{Ref|AGOT|21}}

While there used to be many mammoths in [[Westeros]], now there only are a few hundred left.{{Ref|ADWD|34}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
[[Jeor Mormont]], [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], tells [[Tyrion Lannister]] that mammoths still live in the woods north of the [[Wall]].{{Ref|AGOT|13}} He later tells [[Jon Snow]] that [[Cotter Pyke]] has written of mammoths heading south and east, towards the sea.{{Ref|agot|48}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
A [[wildling]] taken captive by [[Qhorin Halfhand]] swears that the free folk have [[warg]]s and mammoths.{{Ref|ACOK|43}} As a [[skinchanger]], Jon later enters his direwolf, [[Ghost]], and sees [[giant]]s riding mammoths.{{Ref|ACOK|53}} When Jon later encounters [[Rattleshirt]] and his mount, he sees that both man and mount are armored in bones, and recognizes mammoth bones among them.{{Ref|ACOK|68}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
After having joined the host of the [[King-beyond-the-Wall]], [[Mance Rayder]], Jon sees giants and their mammoths. The stink coming off them is choking, but Jon is unable to tell if the smell comes from the giants, or their mammoths.{{Ref|asos|15}}

When the host of Mance arrives at the [[Wall]], Jon identifies the sound of a mammoth and thinks there are a hundred.{{Ref|asos|64}} While fighting the wildlings during the night, the defenders of [[Castle Black]] can hear mammoths trumpet. While one mammoth lies dying at the bottom of the Wall, the defenders can see another mammoth run through the woods, afire, trampling men and trees in its agony.{{Ref|asos|64}} At dawn, the burned carcass is seen covered by crows.

[[File:Battle of Castle Black by Giliberti.jpg|thumb|350px|Battle of Castle Black, by M.Luisa Giliberti ©]]

The wildlings continue the fight by having the giants bring up a ram. Mammoths are used to center the wildling line, a hundred or more, with giants upon their backs. The black brothers shoot arrows at the giants, and several mammoths are injured in the process. One of the injured beasts crashes into another, spilling giants over the ground, while another wounded mammoth goes berserk, smashing wildlings with his trunk and crushing archers underfoot.{{Ref|ASOS|64}} When the line of wildlings, giants and mammoths reaches the gate, the Night's Watch pushes an oil barrel down, which is set aflame. The remaining mammoths flee in terror, and the center breaks. During the next night, the wildlings skin one of the dead mammoths, and use its hide to cover the roof of the wooden turtle which covers a new ram.{{Ref|asos|69}}

When the southron knights of [[Stannis Baratheon]] attack the wildling camp, the mammoths begin to wander west. They manage to shatter the center [[column]] of knights,{{Ref|asos|70}} and when the wildling hosts starts to break, only the giants upon their mammoths are able to hold.{{Ref|asos|70}} Eventually, however, the [[battle beneath the Wall]] is lost,{{Ref|ASOS|73}} and a few giants and mammoths are taken captive.{{Ref|adwd|10}} The others flee.

At [[Castle Black]], [[Three-Finger Hobb]] promises the brothers roast haunch of mammoth, hoping to gain a few more votes that way.{{Ref|ASOS|75}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[Samwell Tarly]] tells Jon Snow, the new Lord Commander, about [[Others]] riding dead mammoths.{{Ref|AFFC|5}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Stannis and [[Melisandre]] urge the wildling captives to join them by embracing the [[Lord of Light]]. Out of the forty captives that refuse, four are giants. One of them refuses to leave his mammoth behind, and the other giants refuse to leave their fellow giant.{{Ref|adwd|10}} The captives are allowed to go, and the giants with their mammoth are the last to leave. Two of them ride the mammoth, while the other two walk.{{Ref|adwd|10}}

[[Tormund]]'s host contains more than eighty mammoths. As they are too big to pass the gate of Castle Black, they go the long way around, passing the Wall at [[Eastwatch-by-the-Sea]].{{Ref|adwd|53}} His people are required to give up their wealth while passing the gate, and among the items they give up is a toy mammoth made of actual mammoth hair.{{Ref|adwd|58}}

Tyrion takes to using the term "mammoth" to refer to huge, fat men, including [[Illyrio Mopatis]]{{Ref|adwd|1}} and [[Yezzan zo Qaggaz]].{{Ref|ADWD|66}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|The [[giant]]s swayed slowly atop the mammoths as they rode past two by two. Jon's garron shied, frightened by such strangeness, but whether it was the mammoths or their riders that scared him it was hard to say. Even [[Ghost]] backed off a step, baring his teeth in a silent snarl. The [[direwolf]] was big, but the mammoths were a deal bigger, and there were many and more of them.{{Ref|ASOS|15}}|[[Jon Snow]]'s thoughts}}

{{Quote|And [[Joramun]] blew the [[Horn of Winter]], and woke [[giants]] from the earth. Is that where they had come from, them and their mammoths? Had [[Mance Rayder]] found the Horn of Joramun, and given it to [[Tormund|Tormund Thunderfist]] to blow?{{Ref|asos|15}}|Jon Snow's thoughts}}

==References==
{{References}}

==External links==
*{{WP}} - about the real-world extinct animal

{{Animals}}

[[Category:Animals]]
[[Category:Beyond the Wall]]
[[Category:Transport]]

[[es:Mamut]]
[[fa:ماموت]]
[[fr:Mammouth]]
[[pt:Mamute]]
[[ru:Мамонты]]
[[zh:长毛象]]

Conflict beyond the Wall

2026-08-13T18:21:14Z

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{{Conjecture}}
{{Todo|This article lacks multiple references and citations. {{fact}}}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict_name = Conflict beyond the Wall
| part_of =
| image =
| caption =
| date = {{Date|296}}-Ongoing
| battles = [[Fight at the Fist|The Fist]] {{!}} [[Fight at the Bridge of Skulls|Bridge of Skulls]] {{!}} [[Attack on Castle Black|Castle Black]] {{!}} [[Battle beneath the Wall|the Wall]]
| location = [[Beyond the Wall]]
| result =
| combatant1 = [[Night's Watch]]
| commander1 = [[Jeor Mormont]] † [[Cotter Pyke]] Ser [[Denys Mallister]] [[Bowen Marsh]] [[Qhorin Halfhand]] † [[Donal Noye]] † [[Jon Snow]]
| combatant2 = [[Others]]
| commander2 =
| combatant3 = [[Free folk]]
| commander3 = [[Mance Rayder]] [[Tormund Giantsbane]] Lord of Bones/[[Rattleshirt]] † [[Styr]] † [[Harma]] Dogshead † The [[Weeper]] [[Alfyn Crowkiller]] [[Mag Mar Tun Doh Weg]] †
}}

The '''conflict beyond the Wall''' takes place north of the [[Wall]], the mightiest and oldest defensive structure constructed by men. Its main purpose was to shield the realms of men against the return of the [[Others]], a race who emerged during the [[Long Night]]. Since then, the [[Night's Watch]] has stood guard for about 8,000 years, defending [[Westeros]] from threats from [[beyond the Wall]]. During that time, its initial task has generally been forgotten and instead they have been guarding against the human [[free folk]] (or wildlings) who hold the lands beyond. Occasionally forming raiding parties, the wildlings consistently try to cross the Wall into the richer and warmer lands to the south or to escape the unknown terrors of the far north.

The main events of this three-sided conflict that take place in the far north of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] and are thus unknown or considered unimportant to the majority of its population, especially with the [[War of the Five Kings]] ravaging through the country.

==Night's Watch Decline==
:{{See also|Night's Watch|Wall}}

Before the [[War of Conquest]] by [[Aegon I Targaryen]], the Night's Watch boasted nineteen castles along the hundred leagues of the Wall, accounting over ten thousand men at arms with [[Castle Black]] quartering five thousand fighting men with all their horses, servants, and equipment. Its power has dwindled during the last 300 years; by the reign of King [[Robert I Baratheon]], the Watch only manages to sustain three castles: Castle Black, located in the middle of the Wall with about six hundred men; the [[Shadow Tower]] at the west of the Wall overlooking the mountains, with about two hundred men; and the coastal [[Eastwatch-by-the-Sea]] with even fewer men. A bare third of them are fighting men.

The 997th [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], [[Jeor Mormont]], is deeply concerned by the declining power of the Watch, and the rising threat of the wildlings beyond the Wall, whose raids have increased on the people south of the wall in recent years. He tries to make it more difficult for the wildlings to know their comings and goings by using a more random system, varying the number of patrols and the days of their departure. Sometimes a larger force is sent to one of the abandoned castles for a fortnight or a moon's turn.

==The King-Beyond-the Wall and the Great Ranging==
:{{See also|Mance Rayder|Great ranging}}

Even before the beginning of [[Robert's Rebellion]], [[Mance Rayder]], the [[King-Beyond-the-Wall]], was gathering wildling forces around him in an attempt to stave off attacks from the Others and recover the [[Horn of Winter]]. The Horn was needed as a fail-safe against the Night's Watch, as it was reputed in legend to be able to bring down the entire Wall with a single sounding. While most thought that the Horn was just a myth, Mance believed not only that it was real but that he could find it, deep in the frozen mountains known as the [[Frostfangs]].

After the disappearance of a group of rangers led by Ser [[Waymar Royce]],{{Ref|aGoT|Prologue}} a second group led by First Ranger [[Benjen Stark]] goes north to find their missing Brothers and discover what is becoming of all the wildlings. After the subsequent disappearance of this second group, and the continued realignment of known wildling population centers, Lord Commander [[Jeor Mormont]] organizes a [[great ranging]] of over 300 Brothers and leads them north to an ancient settlement near the [[Skirling Pass]], east of the Frostfangs, called the [[Fist of the First Men]].{{Ref|aGoT|70}}{{Ref|aCoK|13}}

While Lord Commander Mormont leads his small army north, several groups are dispatched by the Watch to scout ahead. One of these groups is led by [[Qhorin Halfhand]], a senior ranger and the second in command of the [[Night's Watch]] western-most castle, the [[Shadow Tower]]. Accompanied by three other rangers and [[Jon Snow]], a bastard of [[House Stark]], the Halfhand discovers a vast wildling host deep in the Frostfangs. The group is trapped by wildling forces and either killed or goes missing one by one until only the Halfhand and Jon Snow remain. At this point, to ensure that someone survives to bring word back to the Lord Commander, Qhorin Halfhand allows Snow to slay him in a duel, thereby earning Snow the trust of the wildlings. With the destruction of the Halfhand's party, and Snow's inability to escape in time, the Lord Commander receives no warning of the wildling host's purpose or composition, now numbering over a hundred thousand.

==The Half-Hand and the Fight at the Fist==
:{{Main|Fight at the Fist}}

After the Night's Watch encamp on the Fist, a debate ensues among the Watch's leadership as to what the best course of action is to deal with the wildling threat. Some, such as [[Thoren Smallwood]], advocate attacking the wildling host along its line of march. The argument is decided to be the best course of action by the lord commander, who proceeds to convince his men to the plan. It proves useless as the following night the group is attacked by a force of [[wights]]. The Watch has some initial success with flaming arrows and spear walls, but the massive waves of wights overcome the Watch's defenses. Realizing that his position is untenable and remaining on the Fist would result in the overrunning and ultimate destruction of his forces, Lord Commander Mormont orders the Brothers to attempt a breakout of their encircled position. Once mounted, the Brothers form a wedge and managed to fight their way off the Fist.

Mormont's savaged forces manage to make a long march through the snow-covered wilderness to [[Craster's Keep]], a wildling estate known to the Brothers to be friendly to the Watch. The Watch is harried and harassed all through the night as they make their retreat, and by the time that they reach Craster's Keep less than one hundred Brothers remain of the original force. It is here, desperate and angry at their situation, that a group of Brothers rebeld and murder not only [[Craster]] but Lord Commander Mormont as well. A small group of loyalists manage to escape the [[mutiny at Craster's Keep]] and make their way back to the [[Wall]], bringing news of the disastrous expedition's fate.

==The Battles at Castle Black, the Bridge of Skulls, and beneath the Wall==
[[‎File:Tomasz Jedruszek Stannis at the Wall.jpg|350px|thumb|right|King [[Stannis Baratheon]]'s soldiers taking [[Mance Rayder]]'s army in the flank - by Tomasz Jedruszek. © Fantasy Flight Games]]
:{{Main|Attack on Castle Black|Fight at the Bridge of Skulls|Battle beneath the Wall}}

[[Mance Rayder]], now knowing that the bulk of the Watch's fighting forces have been wiped out on the Fist by their mutual enemy, makes his way out of the [[Frostfangs]] and starts his march toward the [[Wall]]. Mance forms a plan to divert the remaining fighting men from both [[Castle Black]] and the [[Shadow Tower]] to the far west so he can send a team to scale the Wall and take the unwalled Castle Black from behind by surprise. With his diversionary force riding hard for the west, Lord Steward [[Bowen Marsh]] marshals his forces and takes the bait, leaving only the old, the green, and the sickly behind to defend Castle Black.

Mance's attempt to take Castle Black from behind by surprise fails, as [[Styr]]'s [[Thenns]] are defeated. Mance assembles his host and assaults the Wall for several days. King [[Stannis Baratheon]], who had landed at [[Eastwatch-by-the-Sea]], takes Mance's army in the flank, routing it utterly and capturing Mance himself.

==New Beginnings and Peace==
[[File:Marc_Fishman_march_to_the_wall_I.jpg|The free folk march to the Wall - by Marc Fishman © |thumb|400px|right]]
With King [[Stannis Baratheon]] at the Wall, [[Mance Rayder]] in irons, and Lord Commander [[Jeor Mormont]] dead, along with most of the senior Brothers killed at the Fist or the Gorge, the [[Night's Watch]] is left in a precarious position of having to not only elect a new Lord Commander but also preserve their political neutrality. After a contested election between Lord [[Denys Mallister]] of the Shadow Tower, [[Cotter Pyke]] of Eastwatch, and Lord [[Janos Slynt]], [[Jon Snow]]'s name is placed as a compromise that both Mallister and Pyke can agree upon. The political maneuvers of [[Samwell Tarly]] securing Mallister's and Pyke's support (to prevent Slynt, who both agreed would make a bad Lord Commander, from being voted in) and some fortunate election night events result in Jon Snow becoming the 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. Jon attempts to make an alliance between the Watch and the wildlings so they can fight their common enemy, the [[Others]].

Jon means to garrison the abandoned waycastles, restore patrols on the Wall, and establish a line of beacon towers along the top of the Wall, until they have more [[maesters]] and [[raven]]s. Jon also asks the free folk to help man the Wall.

According to [[Bastard Letter|a letter]] sent to the wall by [[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]], the army of Stannis has been defeated and Stannis killed. When the letter is received at the Wall, Jon decides to ride south to meet the Bastard of Bolton in the field of battle, and several wildlings join him. [[Bowen Marsh]] and several of his followers, however, fearing that the neutrality of the Night's Watch is being threatened by their Lord Commander's actions, stab Jon several times. It is unknown if he has survived the [[mutiny at Castle Black]].{{Ref|aDwD|69}}

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

{{Template:Conflict Beyond the Wall}}
{{Wars in Westeros}}

[[Category:Wars]]
[[Category:The North]]
[[Category:Beyond the Wall]]
[[Category:Conflict beyond the Wall| ]]

[[es:Conflicto más allá del Muro]]
[[pt:Conflito Para Lá da Muralha]]
[[ru:Война за Стеной]]
[[zh:塞外冲突]]

Triarch of Volantis

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{{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]]
[[pt:Triarquia de Volantis]]
[[ru:Триарх]]

Bastard's girls

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[[File:Hunting by GibiLynx.jpg|[[Ramsay Bolton]] and his hounds - by GibiLynx ©|thumb|350px]]
[[File:Ramsay's Hunting Dogs Jorge Maese.JPG|© Fantasy Flight Games. |thumb|300px]]
The '''"bastard's girls"''' is the name given to [[Ramsay Bolton]]'s pack of hunting hounds by [[Theon Greyjoy]].{{Ref|aDwD|20}}

==About==
{{See also|:Category:Images of the bastard's girls|l1=Images of the bastard's girls}}
The pack is made up of all vicious, mean tempered bitches. The dogs are looked after by the kennelmaster [[Ben Bones]], who under Ramsay's instructions also trained them to kill wolves.{{ref|adwd|32}}

==Hunting==
Ramsay uses the hounds to hunt [[peasant]] women. He releases them naked into the woods, giving them half a day's head start. When he catches them he rapes and kills them. Those that give him good sport are given a quick death, and Ramsay names a new bitch pup after the woman. Those that do not are denied a quick death, instead being flayed alive, and no pup is named after them. He feeds their corpses to his dogs.{{Ref|aDwD|29}}{{ref|adwd|32}}

==The Hounds==
{{Columns|2|
*[[Grey Jeyne]]{{ref|adwd|21}}
*[[Helicent (hound)|Helicent]]{{ref|adwd|21}}
*[[Jez]]{{ref|aDwD|46}}
*[[Alison]]{{ref|aDwD|20}}
*[[Kyra (hound)|Kyra]]{{ref|aDwD|41}}
*[[Maude]]{{ref|adwd|21}}
*[[Red Jeyne]]{{ref|adwd|21}}
*[[Sara]]{{ref|aDwD|46}}
*[[Willow (hound)|Willow]]{{ref|aDwD|46}}
}}
==Quotes==
{{Quote|[[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay]] will use [[spearwives|your women]] as his prey. He'll hunt them down, rape them, and feed their corpses to his dogs. If they lead him a good chase, he may name his next litter of bitches after them.{{Ref|aDwD|51}}|[[Theon Greyjoy]], to "[[Mance Rayder|Abel]]"}}

==See also==
:*[[Bastard's Boys]]

==References==
{{references|3}}

[[Category:Dogs]]
[[Category:House Bolton]]
[[Category:Collective nicknames]]

[[es:Chicas del bastardo]]
[[fr:Meute de Ramsay Snow]]
[[pt:Garotas do Bastardo]]
[[ru:Девочки бастарда]]

Religion

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[[File:Godswood Noth by Kim Pope.jpg|thumb|450px|A [[godswood]] in the [[north]], by Kim Pope ©]]
'''Religion''' is an important of ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'', with numerous faiths existing throughout the [[known world]]. Belief in higher powers and supernatural threats runs deep in many cultures and influence multiple aspects of life.

==Westeros==
[[File:The Seven by guad.jpg|thumb|450px|The [[Faith of the Seven|Seven]], by Isabel ©]]
Relatively few religions have a significant following in [[Westeros]]. They include:

* The [[old gods]] are nameless deities{{Ref|AGOT|70}} of stream, forest, and stone.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Dawn Age}} They were worshiped across Westeros by the [[children of the forest]], and eventually by the [[First Men]], some time after signing the [[Pact]].{{Ref|AGOT|66}} Since the arrival of the [[Andals]] who brought with them their [[Faith of the Seven|own religion]], the old gods are no longer dominantly worshiped in the south of Westeros.{{Ref|AGOT|66}} Only in the [[north]] does a majority of houses still worship the old gods. [[Beyond the Wall|North of the Wall]], the [[free folk]] continue to worship the old gods. Although some accounts state that there are clans who worship different gods (dark gods beneath the ground in the [[Frostfangs]], gods of snow and ice on the [[Frozen Shore]], or [[crab]] gods at [[Storrold's Point]]), there is no reliable confirmation off this.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Wall and Beyond: The Wildlings}}
* The [[Faith of the Seven]] is the dominant religion in the southern part of the [[Seven Kingdoms]]. The Faith worships the Seven Who Are One, a single deity with seven aspects or faces.{{Ref|ACOK|10}}{{Ref|AFFC|25}}{{Ref|AFFC|28}}{{Ref|ACOK|33}}{{Ref|ACOK|57}}{{Ref|ASOS|71}} For the less educated, this concept is often difficult to grasp, leading to the common belief that there are indeed seven different gods.{{Ref|AFFC|25}} The number seven is considered holy.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}
* The [[Drowned God]], also called He Who Dwells Beneath the Waves,{{Ref|ADWD|42}} is a sea deity worshiped by the [[ironborn]] of the [[Iron Islands]]. The religion of the Drowned God is old, predating the [[coming of the Andals]]. All attempts of the [[Andal]] invaders to supplant it with the [[Faith of the Seven|Seven]] have failed. The Drowned God's nemesis is the [[Storm God]].
[[File:MagaliVilleneuve cleansinglight.jpg|thumb|400px|Worshippers asking [[R'hllor]] to bring back the dawn, by Magali Villeneuve © Fantasy Flight Games]]
* [[R'hllor]], also known as the Lord of Light, the Heart of Fire, and the God of Flame and Shadow,{{Ref|ACOK|0}} is a prominent god in [[Essos]] with a small but growing following in the Seven Kingdoms, where he is more commonly known as the red god.{{Ref|ASOS|36}}{{Ref|AFFC|17}} Based on a dualistic, Manichean view of the world, R'hllor, the god of light, heat, and life, is eternally at war against the [[Great Other]], also known as the Lord of Darkness, the Soul of Ice, and the God of Night and Terror, he is the god of darkness, cold, and death.{{Ref|ASOS|25}}
* [[Mother Rhoyne]], the chief goddess of the [[Rhoynar]], is still worshiped by the [[orphans of the Greenblood]], descendants of the Rhoynar.{{Ref|AFFC|21}} She has lesser gods under her like the [[Crab King]] and the [[Old Man of the River]], both of whom are said to be among her many children whilst the Old man of the River is also said to be her consort.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Long Night}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: Ten Thousand Ships}} The side rivers that flow into the river [[Rhoyne]] are called her daughters, but it is unknown at this time if they are also considered gods.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

Additionally, the [[Lady of the Waves]] and the [[Lord of the Skies]] were once worshiped on the [[Three Sisters]] before the Andals introduced the Seven.{{Ref|ADWD|9}} There are also the [[sea god]] and the [[goddess of the wind]] from the legend of [[Durran Godsgrief]] and their child [[Elenei]] who as the child of two gods should technically also be a god.{{Ref|ACOK|31}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Stormlands: House Durrandon}} As a child, [[Renly Baratheon]] once pretended to be the "rain god" during a game. It is possible the rain god was a deity from the stormlands alongside Elenei's parents.{{Ref|ACOK|0}}
In some tales the legendary figure [[Garth Greenhand]] is called a god.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach}}
The [[Merling King (god)|Merling King]],{{Ref|AFFC|22}}{{Ref|ASOS|5}}{{Ref|ADWD|19}} a deity worshiped by sailors in [[Essos]] was also worshiped in Westeros at least until the coming of the Andals.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Vale}}

The [[First Men]] worshiped different gods before the [[Pact]] with the [[children of the forest]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Coming of the First Men}}

==Essos==
[[File:Many-Faced-God.png|350px|right|thumb|The [[Many-Faced God]], as depicted in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': ''Histories & Lore''. [[God]]s depicted include the [[Weeping Lady of Lys]], the [[old gods]], the [[Drowned God]], the [[Stranger (the Seven)|Stranger]], the [[Black Goat of Qohor]], the [[Lion of Night]], and [[R'hllor]].]]
In [[Essos]] [[across the narrow sea]], there are numerous different religions. In [[Braavos]], one can find temples and shrines to almost every god one can imagine.{{ref|ADWD|64}} Named religions in Essos include:

* [[Aquan the Red Bull]], whose priests sacrifice calves.
* [[Bakkalon]] of the Sword, the Pale Child favored of soldiers
* the [[Black Goat of Qohor|Black Goat]], a deity worshiped in [[Qohor]].
* the [[Great Shepherd]], the deity of the [[Lhazareen]].
* the [[Hooded Wayfarer]], a patron of the poor.
* the [[horse god]], the deity worshiped by the [[Dothraki]].
* the [[Lady of Spears]], the deity of the [[Unsullied]].
* the [[Lion of Night]], a god preferred by rich men.
* the [[Many-Faced God]] of [[Braavos]], whose followers believe him to be the true face of all gods.
* the [[Merling King (god)|Merling King]], a deity worshiped by sailors.{{ref|AFFC|22}}{{ref|ASOS|5}}{{ref|ADWD|19}}
* the [[Moon-Pale Maiden]], another deity worshiped by sailors.
* the [[Pattern]], a labyrinth leading to wisdom.
* [[R'hllor]] and the [[Great Other]], a dualistic religion spreading throughout the known world.
* [[Semosh and Selloso]], brother gods with twin temples.
* the [[Silent God]], who is worshiped at the [[Stones of the Silent God]].
* the [[Stone Cow of Faros]], a deity worshiped on [[Faros]].
* [[Trios]], a three-headed deity.{{ref|ADWD|33}}
* the [[Weeping Lady of Lys]], a favorite of old women.
* [[Father of Waters]], His temple on the [[Isle of the Gods]] is rebuilt anew whenever the Father takes a new bride{{ref|AFFC|6}} each year on his feast days.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Braavos}}
* [[Pantera]], a six-breasted cat goddess of Lys.{{ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
* [[Yndros of the Twilight]], who is male by day and female by night.{{ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
* [[Saagael]], the giver of pain, known as faceless Saagael.{{ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
* [[Maiden-Made-of-Light]], a goddess in [[Yi Ti]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}
* The [[Church of Starry Wisdom]], also known as the Cult of Starry Wisdom,{{ref|ADWD|45}} is a sinister religion that persists in many port cities throughout the [[known world]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}
* The [[Moon Mother]] a deity mentioned to [[Arya Stark]] by the [[Kindly man]].{{ref|AFFC|34}}
* [[Mother Rhoyne]] She and here associated lesser gods are still worshiped in Essos by [[orphans of the Greenblood]] who have returned to the river [[Rhoyne]],{{ref|ADWD|14}} and there also seem to be descendants of the [[Rhoynar]] still living around the river, who still tell the stories associated with the religion.{{ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Long Night}}

Unnamed religions include:
* A small household idol which looked like a pregnant woman with swollen breasts and a [[bat]]'s head that was worshiped by [[Rego Draz]].{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under Jaehaerys I}}
* The [[Gardens of Gelenei]] is a temple on the [[Isle of the Gods]] in Braavos, Gelenei may possibly be the name of the god or goddess worshiped there but this not confirmed.{{Ref|ADWD|64}}
* The love goddess of [[Lys]],{{ref|ASOS|59}} whose naked figure is on Lysene coinage;{{ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} it is at present unknown if she is the same as the [[Weeping Lady of Lys]].
* The [[Moonsingers]] are the priestesses of the [[Jogos Nhai]]{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: The Plains of the Jogos Nhai}}, but they are also an important presence in [[Braavos]].{{ref|AFFC|6}}{{ref|AGOT|61}} The [[Temple of the Moonsingers]] is the largest temple in Braavos.{{ref|TLOIAF|Braavos}}{{Ref|AFFC|6}} The Jogos Nhai worship more then one god but it is not known how many or what there names are.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: The Plains of the Jogos Nhai}}
* The [[Fountain of the Drunken God]] may or may not be dedicated to a god.{{ref|ADWD|33}}
* The many gods honored in the [[Holy Refuge]] also called The Warren, it is a temple in Braavos, within it the forgotten gods are honored.{{ref|AFFC|6}}
* The [[Dothraki]] believe that the [[Sun]] and the [[Moon]] are a god and goddess and that they are husband and wife.{{Ref|AGOT|23}}
* The [[Temple of Memory]] is a temple in [[Qarth]] where petitioners seeking audience with the Pureborn must perform a traditional sacrifice. It is unknown which god or gods are worshiped there.{{Ref|ACOK|40}}
* The god of the [[bearded priests]] of [[Norvos]] whose name is unknown, because the sect is so secretive the name of their god is revealed only to initiates.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Norvos}}
* The hundred gods of the [[Tall Men|Sarnori]], who since the [[Century of Blood]] are only worshiped in the city of [[Saath]].{{ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}
* In the ancient (now lost) city of [[Lyber]] on the grasslands of Central Essos they worshipped a spider goddess, as well as a serpent god; the acolytes of the two gods waged a bloody and endless war between one another.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}

Gods that are no longer worshiped include:
* [[Boash]]{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Lorath}}
* The Gods in the Braavosi temple known as the [[Holy Refuge]] which is also called the Warren.{{ref|affc|6}}

==Valyria==
At least four [[dragons]] of [[House Targaryen]] were named after [[old gods of Valyria]]:
* [[Balerion (god)|Balerion]], a god and the namesake for [[Balerion|a dragon]].{{Ref|ACOK|12}}{{Ref|ASOS|57}}
* [[Meraxes (god)|Meraxes]], a god and the namesake for [[Meraxes|a dragon]].{{Ref|ACOK|12}}{{Ref|ASOS|57}}
* [[Vhagar (god)|Vhagar]], a god and the namesake for [[Vhagar|a dragon]].{{Ref|ACOK|12}}{{Ref|ASOS|57}}
* [[Syrax (goddess)|Syrax]], a goddess and the namesake for [[Syrax|a dragon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
* The followers of [[Boash]] settled on the main isle of [[Lorath]] after leaving Valyria 1,322 years before the [[Doom of Valyria]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Lorath}}
* Worshipers of the [[Black Goat of Qohor|Black Goat]] abandoned [[Valyria]] in rejection of the [[Valyrian Freehold|Freehold's]] tenet of religious tolerance and founded the city of [[Qohor]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Qohor}}
* The [[bearded priests]] were a sect which abandoned [[Valyria]], finding the religious tolerance of the [[Valyrian Freehold|Freehold]] intolerable. The sect is so secretive that even the name of their god is revealed only to initiates. They founded the city of [[Norvos]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Norvos}}

==Yi Ti==
* The [[god-emperor]] is worshiped in Yi Ti.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}
* The [[Lion of Night (god)|Lion of Night]].{{ref|AFFC|34}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}
* The [[Maiden-Made-of-Light]].{{ref|AFFC|34}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}
* The first god-emperor of the mythic [[Great Empire of the Dawn]], the [[God-on-Earth]] son of the Lion of Night and the Maiden-made-of-Light.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}
* Many more gods, as Yi Ti is called the land of a thousand gods.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Yi Ti}}

==Other regions==
* On the isle of [[Naath]] off the northwestern coast of [[Sothoryos]], they worship the [[Lord of Harmony]].{{ref|ASOS|71}} There is also a wooden hall dedicated to the god in [[Braavos]].{{ref|ADWD|64}}
* In [[Leng]] there are they [[Old Ones]], gods who live deep below the ruined subterranean cities on the island and who instructed the [[Empress of Leng|God-Empress]] on at least four occasions to massacre all foreigners.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Leng}}
* The [[Empress of Leng|God-Empress]] is worshiped in [[Leng]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: Leng}}
* In the [[Summer Isles]] they worship a score of gods whose many laws are written upon the [[Talking Trees]], the god and goddess of love, beauty, and fertility being the most favored.{{ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}
* On the [[Isle of Toads]] in the [[Basilisk Isles]] there is an ancient idol, a greasy black stone crudely carved into the semblance of a gigantic toad of malignant aspect, some forty feet high.{{ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Basilisk Isles}}
* The corsairs of the Basilisk Isles offer the skulls of their victims to a dark god on [[Skull Island]].{{ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Basilisk Isles}}
* In [[Sothoryos]] the [[Sothoryi]], often called the Brindled Men, worship dark gods with obscene rites.{{ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos}}
* The [[Jogos Nhai]] worship several gods.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Bones and Beyond: The Plains of the Jogos Nhai}}
* The dark and hungry gods of the [[Patrimony of Hyrkoon]] are still worshiped in the cities of the [[Bone Mountains]].{{ref|twoiaf| The Plains of the Jogos Nhai}}
* The gods of [[Ibben]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: Ib}}
* The gods of the [[Thousand Islands]], squamous, fishheaded gods, whose likenesses rise from their stony shores, visible only when the tide recedes.{{ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: East of Ib}}
* In [[Slaver's Bay]] the [[Ghiscari]] still worship the gods of Ghis, with [[Graces]] as their priestesses.{{Ref|ASOS|71}}

==Influences and Theology==
{{See also|Themes in A Song of Ice and Fire}}

Unlike [[w:J. R. R. Tolkien|J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s ''[[w:The Lord of the Rings|The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''A Song of Ice and Fire'' addresses religion in some detail and portrays several competing religions. More than any other novel in the series, ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' explores the different religions of Westeros and Essos. Each of the religions reflects its culture's temperament. [[George R. R. Martin]] based the series' faiths on real religions, tweaking or expanding them a little. However, no religion is presented as the true faith, although there are displays of power on many sides, nor do any have a monopoly on virtue.

Known influences include:
* The old gods are "based on [[w:Animism|animism]] and traditional Pagan beliefs of Wicca and various other Celtic systems and Norse systems", melted into one construct.<ref>[https://youtu.be/QTTW8M_etko?t=48m38s George R.R. Martin | Talks at Google (Published August 6, 2011)]</ref> They are nameless and numerous.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/948/ Gods of Westeros (November 18, 1998)]</ref>
* The Faith of the Seven is based on the medieval [[w:Catholic Church|Catholic Church]], although it borrows other elements as well. The Faith's central doctrine of one God with seven aspects is partly based on the Christian [[w:Trinity|Trinity]]: one God in the divine persons of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. In the Faith of the Seven, God has seven aspects: three males, the Father, the Smith, and the Warrior, three females, the Mother, the Maiden, and the Crone, and the Stranger who represents Death.<ref>Bullseye: [http://www.maximumfun.org/sound-young-america/george-r-r-martin-author-song-ice-and-fire-series-interview-sound-young-america George R. R. Martin, Author of "A Song of Ice and Fire" Series: Interview on The Sound of Young America] {September 19, 2011}</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTTW8M_etko Google Talks: George R. R. Martin]</ref> The Faith Militant, the Faith's military order, is loosely based on crusading orders such as the [[w:Knights Templar|Knights Templar]] and [[w:Knights Hospitaller|Knights Hospitaller]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2765 Faith Militant’s Inspiration and Ice and Fire Dream Cast (April 15, 2008)]</ref>
* Similarities between the religion of the [[Drowned God]] and the Norse mythology can be found. For example, the ironborn believe they will feast eternally in the Drowned God's watery halls after they die, similar to Norse warriors, who hoped to feast in [[w:Valhalla|Valhalla]].
* The [[Mother Rhoyne]] religion is a polytheistic worshiping of the [[Rhoyne]] and many lesser river-dwelling deities such as the [[Old Man of the River]] and the [[Crab King]]. The [[Rhoynar]] may be inspired by the [[w:Romani people|Roma]].<ref>[http://www.tor.com/blogs/2011/04/the-many-gods-a-dark-faiths-of-a-song-of-ice-and-fire Many Gods & Dark Faiths] article by [[User:Ran|Ran]] and [[User:Linda|Linda]]</ref>

Martin tries to slowly reveal how the many different kinds of [[magic]] in the ''Ice and Fire'' world may be manifestations of the same mysterious supernatural forces. This leaves readers free to wonder about the validity, teachings and supernatural power of the competing religions, allowing for a sense of wonder, for things that escape the net of explanation in terms of the physical sciences. Martin regards any religion's claim to truth with suspicion, as he does the claims of real religions. The series' gods, he said, are unlikely to appear [[w:deus-ex-machina|deus-ex-machina]] in Westeros.<ref name=io9_gods />

==Prophecy==
*See [[:Category:Prophecy|list of prophecies]].

==References==
{{References|2|refs=
<ref name=io9_gods>{{cite web |last=Anders |first=Charlie Jane |url=http://io9.com/5822939/george-rr-martin-explains-why-well-never-meet-any-gods-in-a-song-of-ice-and-fire |title=George R.R. Martin explains why we'll never meet any gods in ''A Song of Ice and Fire'' |publisher=io9.com |date=July 21, 2011 |accessdate=2012-02-13}}</ref>
}}

{{Religions}}

[[Category:Religions| ]]
[[Category:Westeros]]

[[es:Religión]]
[[fa:مذهب]]
[[fr:Religions des Sept Couronnes]]
[[zh:宗教]]

Valyrian Freehold

2026-08-13T18:21:13Z

Image link cleanup: Remove invisible characters and trailing spaces from File/Image filenames

{{Infobox polity
| name = Valyrian Freehold
| image = [[File:HBO VFreehold.png|350px]]
| image_caption = [[Dragon]]s fly above the Freehold

| location =
| capital = [[Valyria]]
| government = Freehold
| ruler = [[Archon]]s [[Lords freeholder]]

| religion = Mixed
| population =

| founded =
| preceded =
| destroyed = {{Date|-102}}, the [[Doom of Valyria]]{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
| succeeded = [[Free Cities]] [[Mantarys]] [[Tolos]] [[Elyria]] [[Meereen]] [[Yunkai]] [[Astapor]] [[Gogossos]] [[Lord of Dragonstone|Lordship of Dragonstone]]
| restored =

| places = [[Valyria]] [[Fourteen Flames]]
| organizations = [[Dragonlords]] [[Faceless Men]] [[Bearded priests]]
}}

[[File:Valyrian tamed dragons.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Valyrians]] tamed and used [[dragon]]s ]]
The '''Valyrian Freehold''' was a great territory that spanned much of the continent of [[Essos]], but has since fallen to ruin.{{ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: The Rise of Valyria}} It was destroyed approximately one hundred years before [[Aegon's Conquest]], when it was brought down by a cataclysmic event known as the [[Doom of Valyria]].{{ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Doom of Valyria}}

At its prime, the Valyrian Freehold encompassed most of the eastern continent and reached as far as the current [[Free Cities]] and the island of [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]] off the coast of [[Westeros]]. The Freehold was technically never an empire,<ref name=SSM1>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/SF_Targaryens_Valyria_Sansa_Martells_and_More SF, Targaryens, Valyria, Sansa, Martells, and More (June 26, 2001)]</ref> however for ease of reference it tends to be referred to as one.

The Freehold was an advanced civilization, and the dominant military and cultural power of the known world. Its capital was the city [[Valyria]]. The Freehold was ruled by the [[lords freeholder]], powerful noble families. The most powerful of these were the [[dragonlords]].

==History==
===Origin===
[[File:Valyrians find dragons.jpg|thumb|350px|Valyrians discover [[dragon]]s lairing in the [[Fourteen Flames]]]]

Ancient Valyria was a civilization sheltered in the [[Fourteen Flames]], a ring of volcanoes on the [[Valyrian peninsula]].{{ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: The Rise of Valyria}} [[Valyrians|Valyrian]] stories claim that [[dragon]]s originated in their lands, although tales from [[Asshai]] claim the beasts were brought to Valyria from the [[Shadow Lands]].{{ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: The Rise of Valyria}} The Valyrians tamed the dragons with [[magic]]—taught by a vanished people from the Shadow Lands according to the Asshai'i{{ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: The Rise of Valyria}}—and mastered the technique of raising and training the dragons into devastating weapons of war.{{Ref|aFfC|22}}

They began expanding their influence, establishing the Freehold with the city of [[Valyria]] as its capital. Magic flowered, topless towers{{ref|AGOT|34}} rose toward the heavens where dragons soared, stone [[Valyrian sphinx]]es gazed down through eyes of garnet,{{ref|AGOT|20}} and smiths used spells to forge [[Valyrian steel]] weapons of legendary strength and sharpness.{{ref|AGOT|1}}{{ref|AGOT|2}}

===Rise to Power and the Fall of Ghis===
[[File:HBO Valyria v Ghis III.png|thumb|350px|The [[Valyria|dragon]] defeats the [[Ghis|harpy]]]]

Some five thousand years ago, in the early days of Valyria, the [[Old Empire of Ghis]] dominated and controlled much of [[Essos]]. The Ghiscari attempted to stop Valyria's expansion and the burgeoning freehold was involved in a series of great wars against the Old Empire. The Ghiscari [[lockstep legions]] attacked Valyria five times, but they could never defeat them - with the help of [[dragon]]s, Valyria was able to defend and emerge victorious each time.

Finally, in the last of the [[Ghiscari wars]], the Valyrians marched on their capital, [[Old Ghis]], razed it to the ground, and sowed its fields with salt, sulfur, and skulls,{{Ref|aSoS|23}} obliterating it and thereby destroying the Old Empire of Ghis. Adopting [[slavery]] from Ghis, Valyria expanded its influence over the surviving Ghiscari colonies of [[Slaver's Bay]], and continued to conquer and colonize further.

===Western Expansion===
The Valyrian Freehold continued to expand and conquer further west, capturing many [[slave]]s from conquered lands and using them to mine great wealth from the Fourteen Flames, as well as build great cities and [[Valyrian roads|roadways]] that led to Valyria.

For many years the Valyrians were at peace with the [[Rhoynar]] civilization of the [[Rhoyne]], west of the Valyrian peninsula. From the colonial freehold of [[Volantis]], the Valyrians instead crossed the Rhoyne and marched west to wage war on the [[Andals]] of [[Andalos]]. Rather than be enslaved by Valyria, the Andals crossed the [[narrow sea]] and [[Andal invasion|invaded Westeros]].{{ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: The Arrival of the Andals}} The Valyrians overwhelmed the remaining Andals of western Essos and established colonies west of their peninsula.

The Valyrians are believed to have traveled as far as [[Oldtown]], predating the arrival of the [[First Men]] and trading with the [[Giants|elder]] [[Children of the forest|races]], according to [[Jellicoe]]. [[Septon]] [[Barth]] also claimed Valyrians came to Westeros because their priests prophesied that the [[Doom of Man]] would come out of the land beyond the [[narrow sea]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: Oldtown}}. [[Archmaester]] [[Perestan]] speculates some tragedy or mishap fell upon them and led them to shun Westeros ever after.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Westerlands}}

===Rhoynish Wars===
[[‎File:Magali Villeneuve Dragonlords.jpg|[[Dragonlords]] with a hatchling dragon. Art by Magali Villeneuve|thumb|right|350px]]
The [[Rhoynish Wars]] were a series of wars fought between the city-states of the [[Rhoynar]] and [[Free Cities|colonies]] of the Valyrian Freehold between ~[[950 BC]] and [[700 BC]].{{ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: Ten Thousand Ships}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Events#Rhoynish Wars|Rhoynish Wars]] calculations''</ref> They are described in [[Beldecar]]'s ''[[History of the Rhoynish Wars]]''.{{ref|ASOS|12}}

The wars were concluded in the [[Second Spice War]], when the Valyrian colony [[Volantis]] turned its eyes to the ancient and high civilization of the Rhoynar. Prince [[Garin (prince)|Garin]] of [[Chroyane]] led an army of a 250,000 men and defeated the Valyrian armies at [[Selhorys]], [[Valysar]], and [[Volon Therys]], where they won their greatest victory by defeating an army of a hundred thousand men and killing two dragons in the process.{{ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: Ten Thousand Ships}}

However, the Valyrians responded with an overwhelming force of three hundred dragons, capturing Garin the Great and burning the Rhoynish armies. Princess [[Nymeria]] of [[Ny Sar]] led the exodus of the remaining Rhoynar out of Essos, eventually arriving in [[Dorne]]. The singers say her [[ten thousand ships]] were filled with women and children, suggesting most of the men of fighting age had died in the conflict with the Freehold.{{ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: Ten Thousand Ships}}

===Valyrian Imperialism===
At the height of its power, the Freehold stretched over most of [[Essos]] west of the [[Bone Mountains]]. Many of the numerous cities were connected by [[Valyrian road|dragon roads]].{{ref|TLOIAF| Central Essos}}

The [[Free Cities]], the self-ruling daughters of [[Valyria]], are spread throughout western Essos. [[Volantis]]{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Volantis}} and [[Tyrosh]]{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} began as military outposts, while [[Myr]]{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} and [[Pentos]]{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Pentos}} were founded by merchants in [[Andals|Andal]] territory. [[Dragonlords]] established [[Lys]] as a pleasure retreat.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} Religious refugees founded [[Lorath]],{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Lorath}} [[Norvos]],{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Norvos}} and [[Qohor]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Qohor}} [[Essaria]] was founded as a colony near the [[Kingdom of Sarnor]].{{ref|TWOIAF| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}} [[Braavos]] was founded by slaves who rebelled against a Valyrian slaving fleet, and this Secret City did not accept the rule of Valyria.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Braavos}}

Other cities and towns founded or conquered by the Freehold were governed by [[archon]]s from Valyria. The [[Valyrian peninsula]] contained [[Oros]] and [[Tyria]].{{ref|TLOIAF| Central Essos}} Near Volantis were built [[Selhorys]], [[Volon Therys]], and [[Valysar]].{{ref|ADWD|18}} South of the [[Painted Mountains]] were [[Bhorash]], [[Mantarys]], and [[Tolos]], while located in [[Slaver's Bay]] were [[Velos]] on the [[Isle of Cedars]] and [[Elyria]].

The greatest remnants of the [[Old Empire of Ghis]] were [[Astapor]], [[Meereen]], and [[Yunkai]]. Other [[Ghiscari]] settlements were [[Ghozai]] on the Isle of Cedars, [[Ghardaq]], and what are now [[Vaes Efe]] and [[Vaes Mejhah]].{{ref|AWOIAF}} It is unknown if [[New Ghis]], located south of ruined [[Old Ghis]], owed allegiance to Valyria.

South of the [[Summer Sea]], the Freehold controlled [[Gogossos]] on the [[Isle of Tears]]{{Ref|TWOIAF| Beyond the Free Cities: The Basilisk Isles}} and also had three failed colonies at [[Basilisk Point]] in [[Sothoryos]].{{ref|TWOIAF| Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos}}

Valyrian cities of unknown location included [[Aquos Dhaen]], [[Draconys]], [[Mhysa Faer]], and [[Rhyos]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities}} Among the ruined cities of the [[Rhoynar]] were [[Ar Noy]], [[Chroyane]], [[Ghoyan Drohe]], [[Ny Sar]], [[Sar Mell]],{{ref|TLOIAF| The Free Cities}} and [[Sarhoy]].{{ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: Ten Thousand Ships}}

===Dragonstone===
Some two centuries before the [[Doom of Valyria|Doom]], the Valyrian Freehold colonized the island of [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]] in the [[narrow sea]] and established [[Dragonstone|a citadel]] there, with ineffective resistance from the local lords of [[Blackwater Bay]]. The island was the westernmost outpost of the Freehold.{{ref|ADWD|5}}{{ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: The Doom of Valyria}}

In {{Date|-114}}, [[Daenys Targaryen]], the maiden daughter of [[Aenar Targaryen]], had a vision of the destruction of Valyria. [[House Targaryen]] abandoned their homeland for Dragonstone, an act seen by other [[dragonlords]] as cowardice.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} Nearby [[Driftmark]] had already been settled by [[House Velaryon]], a lesser Valyrian family,{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} and [[Claw Isle]] became ruled by the Valyrian [[House Celtigar|Celtigars]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}

===Doom of Valyria===
[[File:Valyrian peninsula.png|thumb|right|The shattered remains of the Valyrian peninsula after the Doom.]]
The [[Doom of Valyria]] was a cataclysmic event in {{Date|-102}}, after which the city Valyria was utterly destroyed and the Valyrian Freehold crumbled and was no more. The Doom fragmented the land surrounding the city itself into numerous smaller islands, creating the [[Smoking Sea]] between them.{{Ref|aGoT|41}}<ref>[[A Game of Thrones (game)|A Game of Thrones RPG and Resource Book]], Guardians of Order</ref> The area is now described as "demon-haunted", and most people are afraid to go there, as all known expeditions to the shattered peninsula has ended up in failure. Hence the quote, "The Doom still rules in Valyria."{{Ref|aSoS|8}}{{Ref|aFfC|28}}

With Valyrian leadership destroyed, the lands outside of the peninsula fell into chaos in the ensuing [[Century of Blood]], which saw the rise of the [[Free Cities]]. [[Essaria]], the "Lost Free City", was reduced to ruins by the [[Dothraki]],{{ref|TWOIAF| Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}} while [[Gogossos]], the "Tenth Free City", was abandoned after the [[Red Death]] plague.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Beyond the Free Cities: The Basilisk Isles}}

==Legacy==
At its apex, the Freehold's capital, [[Valyria]], was the greatest city in the known world, the center of civilization. Most of Valyria's culture, language, and craft was lost in the Doom, which was followed by the [[Century of Blood]]. Valyrian descendants scattered across the world, many across the surviving Valyrian colonies, the [[Free Cities]], and across the cities of [[Slaver's Bay]]. Many of the surviving Valyrians intermarried and became mixed with other peoples. Their descendants speak in various local dialects of [[High Valyrian|Valyrian]].{{Ref|aSoS|23}}{{Ref|aDwD|1}}

Valyria is remembered for its ability to raise and command dragons and using them as weapons of war. This was demonstrated by the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]], the last of the known Valyrian dragonlords, who used that knowledge to [[Wars of Conquest|conquer]] and rule the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|aGoT|Appendix}} Valyria is also remembered for forging weapons made of [[Valyrian steel]], a magical alloy used to make weapons of unparalleled quality. The secret of forging such metal was apparently lost with Valyria, making those remaining weapons highly treasured and extremely rare.{{Ref|aSoS|32}}

==People and Culture==
[[File:Daenerys DanyinMeereen.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Daenerys Targaryen]] exhibits the classic Valyrian racial characteristics, [[purple eyes]] and silver-gold hair. by © Denkata5698]]
Valyrians are famous for having silver-gold hair and [[purple eyes|violet-purple eyes]], characteristics not found amongst any other peoples of the world. This can vary from white to silver-gold to blond hair, and from lilac, to deep purple, and pale blue eyes. The most noble of Valyrians were considered strikingly, some say inhumanly,{{Ref|agot|Appendix}} beautiful.{{Ref|AFFC|21}}

The Valyrian nobility valued purity of blood. Therefore, the practice of [[incest]] was common in old Valyria,{{Ref|aCoK|33}} as the Valyrians would customarily wed brother to sister.{{Ref|AGoT|Appendix}} These practices were not limited to the Freehold; on [[Dragonstone]] the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]] continued to practice incestuous marriage and [[polygamy]] to keep the dragon bloodline pure.

The language Valyrians spoke was [[High Valyrian]].

===Religion===
The Valyrians had a number of different gods, including [[Balerion (god)|Balerion]], [[Meraxes (god)|Meraxes]], [[Vhagar (god)|Vhagar]], and [[Syrax (goddess)|Syrax]].{{Ref|aGoT|13}}{{Ref|aCoK|12}}{{Ref|asos|57}}{{ref|trp}}

According to some scholars, the dragonlords regarded all faiths as equally false, and looked down on clergy and temples as relics of more primitive times but useful to placate the lower classes with promises of a better life to come after death. Thus, they promoted religious tolerance in order to keep their subjects divided, and prevent them from unifying under the banner of a single god.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Norvos}}

===Magic===
The people of Valyria were very strong in [[magic]], and they would use their powerful wizards and their [[dragon]]s in conjunction with their armies to conquer most of [[Essos]] west of the [[Bone Mountains]]. Dragons were controlled by whips, [[dragon horn|magic horns]], and sorcery.

===Governance===
The Freehold of Valyria at the zenith of its power was neither a kingdom nor an empire, or at least it had neither a king nor an emperor.<ref name=SSM1/> Instead, all freeholders, or freeborn landowners, had a say in its governance.

In practice, however, the Freehold was ruled by the lords freeholder, powerful noble families. They were forty families of great wealth, high birth, and strong sorcerous ability, those families which controlled and rode [[dragons]] in battle, who came to dominate, were known as [[dragonlords]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Ancient History: The Rise of Valyria}}<ref name=SSM1/> The [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]] were one of these dragon houses.

===Architectural works===
The Valyrians had great skill in shaping stone. It is often said that the old wizards of Valyria did not cut and chisel stone, but worked it with fire and magic as a potter might work clay,{{Ref|asos|54}} although much of their knowledge is now lost. Valyrians had a powerful magic which could liquefy stone and shape it how they wanted.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Chicon_7_Reading Chicon 7 Reading (September 02, 2012)]</ref> [[Valyrian roads]], known as dragon roads, still exist as monuments to their work{{Ref|aGoT|23}}{{Ref|aDwD|6}} as do the castle of [[Dragonstone]], and the [[Black Wall]] and [[Long Bridge]] of Volantis.

===Slavery===
One practice the Valyrians adopted from their wars with the [[Old Empire of Ghis]] was [[slavery]].{{Ref|adwd|59}} The Valyrians used thousands of slaves from across the continent in the blisteringly hot mines underneath the [[Fourteen Flames]] to find gold and silver. Slave revolts were common in the mines, but the Valyrians were strong in sorcery and were able to put them down. When there was war, the Valyrians took thousands of slaves, and when there was peace they bred them.{{Ref|aFfC|22}} As the power of the Freehold grew, so did its hunger for ore, and the dragonlords led many conquests to keep the mines full with slaves. It is said so many perished, toiling in the Valyrian mines, that the number was so large as to surely defy comprehension.{{Ref|adwd|59}}

==Books and Scrolls about Valyria==
*''[[The Fires of the Freehold]]'' - [[Galendro]]’s history of [[Valyria]]

==Quotes==
{{Quote|Valyria was the [[Magic|last ember]], and Valyria is gone.{{Ref|acok|28}}|[[Luwin]] to [[Bran Stark]]}}

{{quote|[[Old Ghis]] ruled [[Old Empire of Ghis|an empire]] when the Valyrians were still fucking sheep, and we are the sons of the [[harpies|harpy]].{{ref|ASOS|23}}|[[Kraznys mo Nakloz]] to [[Missandei]]}}

{{Quote|All Valyrian [[magic|sorcery]] was rooted in blood or fire. The sorcerers of the Freehold could see across mountains, seas, and deserts with one of these [[glass candle]]s. They could enter a man's dreams and give him visions, and speak to one another half a world apart, seated before their candles.{{Ref|AFFC|45}}|[[Marwyn]] to [[Samwell Tarly]]}}

{{Quote|The proudest city in all the world was [[Doom of Valyria|gone in an instant]], its fabled empire vanished in a day, the [[Lands of the Long Summer]] scorched and drowned and blighted. An empire built on blood and fire. The Valyrians reaped the seed they had sown.{{Ref|aDwD|33}}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

== Influences ==
It is possible that the titanic clashes between Valyria and Old Empire of Ghis are inspired by the [[w:Punic Wars|Punic Wars]] between [[w:Ancient Rome|Rome]] and [[w:Carthage|Carthage]] over control of the [[w:Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]]. Valyria's advanced technology and magic, as well as the Doom, may be inspired by the legends of [[w:Atlantis|Atlantis]].

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

[[Category:Valyria| ]]
[[Category:Nations]]

[[es:Feudo Franco de Valyria]]
[[fa:ممالک مستقل والریا]]
[[fr:Possessions]]
[[pt:Cidade Franca de Valíria]]
[[ru:Валирия]]
[[zh:瓦雷利亚自由堡垒]]

Stranger (horse)

2026-08-13T18:21:12Z

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{{Infobox animal character
| firstname = Stranger
| epithet =
| arms = Clegane
| image = Sandor and stranger by Giliberti.jpg
| image_caption = Sandor Clegane riding Stranger, by M.Luisa Giliberti©
| Alias = Driftwood{{Ref|AFfC|31}}
| Title =
| Owner = [[Sandor Clegane]] [[Quiet Isle]]
| Species = [[Horse]] (courser)
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (appears) ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (appears) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appears)
| Played_by =
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 3|Season 3]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 4|4]]
}}

'''Stranger''' is the warhorse of [[Sandor Clegane]].

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Stranger|l1=Images of Stranger}}
Stranger is a heavy [[Horse|courser]], almost as large as a destrier but much faster.{{Ref|ASOS|47}} He is a handsome black stallion with a mean temper. He is gentle with his master, [[Sandor Clegane]], but aggressive toward others.{{Ref|ASOS|47}} The horse was blasphemously [[named after]] [[Stranger (the Seven)|the Stranger]], the death aspect of the [[Faith of the Seven|Seven-Faced God]].{{Ref|ASOS|47}}{{Ref|AFFC|31}}

==Recent Events==
[[File: Heliotropa_Stranger_horse.jpg|Stranger, the blasphemously named warhorse - by Heliotropa ©|thumb|350px|right]]
===''A Clash of Kings''===
Dismounting just before the [[riot of King's Landing]], [[Sandor Clegane]] is left afoot when Stranger gallops away with the royal party. When [[Tyrion Lannister]] sends Sandor and [[Bronn]] to contain the fire in [[Flea Bottom]], Sandor only goes so he can find his horse.{{Ref|ACOK|41}}

During the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], Sandor rides Stranger up the plank and on to the deck of ''[[Prayer]]'', hacking down anyone who blunders within reach.{{Ref|ACOK|58}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
[[File:Jonathan Standing thehoundahorse.jpg|[[Sandor Clegane]] escapes with [[Arya Stark]] during the [[Red Wedding]]. Art by Jonathan Standing © FFG|thumb|350px|right]]
After deserting the [[Battle of the Blackwater]] because of the [[wildfire]], Sandor escapes [[King's Landing]] on Stranger. After he is captured by the [[brotherhood without banners]], Sandor wins his [[trial by combat]] in the [[hollow hill]] and is freed.{{Ref|ASOS|34}} Lord [[Beric Dondarrion]] orders [[Anguy]] to kill Sandor's horse if he spots Sandor following them, but the archer and [[Lem]] would prefer to save the horse for their own use.{{Ref|ASOS|39}}

After capturing [[Arya Stark]], Sandor rides with her on Stranger through the [[riverlands]]. Arya rides double with Sandor, though he threatens that if she doesn't behave he'll truss her up and throw her over the back of the horse. Shortly after being kidnapped, thinking she can ride off before the Hound can catch her, Arya tries to steal Stranger when Sandor is relieving himself against a tree. Instead Stranger almost bites her face off.{{Ref|ASOS|47}}

Sandor attempts to ransom Arya to Lady [[Catelyn Stark]] by bringing her to the [[Twins]], where Lord [[Edmure Tully]] is to marry [[Roslin Frey]]. They approach the Twins disguised as peasants delivering salt pork for the wedding feast, with Stranger tethered to the [[wagon]]. When Ser [[Donnel Haigh]] and two [[squire]]s accost them to check their business at the Twins, Haigh inquires about Stranger, who is too fine a horse for [[smallfolk]]. Sandor claims that the horse is a wedding gift from Lady [[Shella Whent]] to Lord Tully, an excuse Haigh accepts. One of the squires almost winds up in the mud when Stranger bites at the squire's own mount.{{Ref|ASOS|50}}

When the battle at [[Red Wedding]] begins, some [[House Frey|Frey]] knights ride at the wagon. Clegane cuts Stranger loose with a single slash of his sword, and leaps onto his back to fight. As Arya runs towards the Twins' open gates, the Hound rides her down, catching her with the flat of an axe.{{Ref|ASOS|52}}

After they escape the Twins, Arya acquires a horse to ride, which she calls [[Craven]]. Although the mare is a good enough horse, Arya resents her for running away from the fighting at the Twins, and thinks that Stranger would have remained to fight.{{Ref|ASOS|65}} When Arya abandons Sandor as he lays dying by the banks of the [[Trident]], she saddles up Craven and rides away, but leaves Stranger with his master.{{Ref|ASOS|74}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:driftwood.jpg|thumb|350px|Driftwood on the [[Quiet Isle]]. Art by Pojypojy ©]]
As [[Brienne of Tarth]] and her companions arrive on the [[Quiet Isle]], they make their way to a whitewashed stable. At the far end of the stable, away from other animals, a huge black stallion trumpets at the sound of their voices and kicks at the door of his stall. Brother [[Narbert]] reveals that the horse, now called '''Driftwood''' to avoid blasphemy, had broken Brother [[Rawney]]'s shinbone, and bitten off Brother [[Gillam]]'s ear when he tried to geld him. The [[Elder Brother (Quiet Isle)|Elder Brother]] explains the horse was once Sandor Clegane's steed, Stranger.{{Ref|AFFC|31}}

==Quotes about Stranger==
[[File:Sandor and Stranger by Kallielef.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Sandor Clegane]] and Stranger, by Kallielef ©]]
{{Quote|'''Beric''': Anguy, on the morrow, take the rear with [[Beardless Dick]]. If you see [[Sandor Clegane|Clegane]] still sniffing after us, kill his horse. 
'''Anguy''': That's a good horse. 
'''Lem''': Aye. It's the bloody rider we should be killing. We could use that horse.{{Ref|ASOS|39}}|[[Beric Dondarrion]], [[Anguy]], and [[Lem]]}}

{{Quote|He was gentle as an old gelding with [[Sandor Clegane|his master]], but otherwise he had a temper as black as he was. She had never known a horse so quick to bite or kick.{{Ref|ASOS|47}}|thoughts of [[Arya Stark]]}}

{{Quote|'''Hyle''': A handsome beast. 
'''Narbert''': [[Faith of the Seven|The Seven]] send us blessings, and the Seven send us trials. Handsome he may be, but Driftwood was surely whelped in [[seven hells|hell]]. When we sought to harness him to a plow he kicked Brother [[Rawney]] and broke his shinbone in two places.{{Ref|AFFC|31}}|[[Hyle Hunt]] and Brother [[Narbert]]}}

{{Quote|Driftwood is a beast of burden. [[Smith (the Seven)|The Smith]] gave men horses to help them in their labors.{{Ref|AFFC|31}}|Brother [[Narbert]] to [[Hyle Hunt]]}}

{{Quote|You may have seen a big black stallion in our stables. That was his warhorse, Stranger. A [[Stranger (the Seven)|blasphemous name]]. We prefer to call him Driftwood, as he was found beside [[Trident|the river]]. I fear he has [[Sandor Clegane|his former master's]] nature.{{Ref|AFFC|31}}|the [[Elder Brother (Quiet Isle)|Elder Brother]] to [[Brienne of Tarth]]}}

==Behind the Scenes==
Stranger may have been inspired by [[w:Bucephalus|Bucephalus]], the black horse of [[w:Alexander the Great|Alexander the Great]]. Both Bucephalus and Stranger were successfully tamed only by their eventual masters.

==References==
{{References}}

==External Links==
*{{WoW|Stranger (horse)|Stranger}}

[[Category:Horses]]
[[Category:House Clegane]]

[[es:Desconocido (caballo)]]
[[fr:Étranger (monture)]]
[[ru:Неведомый (конь)]]

Lemore

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{{Infobox character
| arms = Septa
| title = Septa
| firstname = Lemore
| image = Lemore by Amuelia.png
| image_caption = Lemore, by Amuelia ©
| Alias = Lady Lemore
| Title = [[Septa]]
| Allegiance = [[Faith of the Seven]] [[House Targaryen]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Westeros]]i
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth = [[Westeros]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Lemore}}
| Date_of_Birth = In or before {{Date|259}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Lemore|Lemore]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (appears)
}}

'''Lemore''', also known as '''Lady Lemore''', is a [[septa]] of the [[Faith of the Seven]] and the spiritual tutor for [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Young Griff]].

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

Lemore is described as a handsome woman who is over forty years old. She has brown hair, and stretch marks on her belly from bearing a child. She has an outgoing, friendly personality. She is pleasant company, though she scolds those who blaspheme the [[gods]].{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

Lemore usually wears white [[septa]]'s robes, cinched at the waist with a seven-colored woven belt, and a septa's crystal pendant around her neck. Her hair flows loose to her shoulders.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Lemore.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Lemore, by Max Stocks ©]]

Septa Lemore is a crewmember of the ''[[Shy Maid]]'', and educates [[Young Griff]] about the [[Faith of the Seven]]. During the ship's journey, [[Tyrion Lannister]], incognito as "Hugor Hill", assists Lemore in sewing the children's clothing provided by [[Illyrio Mopatis]] into a [[fool]]'s motley to fit Hugor. Tyrion frequently enjoys watching Lemore bathing naked in the clean water of the river [[Rhoyne]], which she does openly, without shame. As Lemore bathes, Tyrion notices stretch marks on her belly, which imply that she has given birth at some point; he concludes that Lemore was not always a [[septa]], or at least not a chaste one. Tyrion is sexually attracted to Lemore, and enjoys teasing conversations with her.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}

When the ''Shy Maid'' travels through the dangerous [[Sorrows]], home of the [[stone men]], [[Griff]] orders Young Griff to accompany Lemore to safety below deck, but the boy refuses. Lemore reminds him that the crew are sworn to protect him. Tyrion falls into the Rhoyne while defending Young Griff from an attack of the stone men,{{Ref|ADWD|18}} and is rescued by Griff. Lemore revives Tyrion, forcing the water from his lungs, and then helps [[Haldon]] wash him with vinegar, thought to prevent the spread of [[greyscale]].{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

When the ''Shy Maid'' reaches [[Selhorys]], Lemore changes out of her white septa's robes and disguises herself as a merchant's daughter, as the city's inhabitants primarily worship [[R'hllor]], and a septa's robes would make people think of [[Westeros]]. She tells Young Griff he is not the only one who must hide. While Tyrion has deduced Griff and Young Griff's true identities, he cannot figure out who Lemore is or why she travels with the others.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}

After Tyrion disappears in Selhorys, Griff decides to continue to [[Volon Therys]], where he and the rest of the crew meet with the [[Golden Company]]. Griff, actually Lord [[Jon Connington]], thinks of and addresses Lemore with the title "Lady". Though Lemore is displeased that he intends to reveal Young Griff as [[Aegon Targaryen (Young Griff)|Aegon Targaryen]] to the Golden Company, Jon thinks he has grown fond of Lemore, but does not need her approval.{{Ref|ADWD|24}}

Clad again in her septa's robes, Lemore accompanies Jon and Aegon to the [[Stormlands]] with the Golden Company.{{Ref|ADWD|61}}

==Quotes by Lemore==
[[File: Marc_Fishman_SeptaLemore.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Lemore bathing in the [[Rhoyne]], by Marc Fishman for the Subterranean Press edition of ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'']]
{{Quote|'''Lemore:''' Good morrow, Hugor. How did you sleep? 
'''Tyrion:''' Fitfully, good lady. I dreamed of you again. 
'''Lemore:''' A wicked dream, no doubt. You are a wicked man.{{Ref|ADWD|14}}|Lemore and [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|'''Tyrion:''' Plainly, [[Shy Maid|this boat]] was not named for you. 
'''Lemore:''' [[Mother (the Seven)|The Mother]] and [[Father (the Seven)|the Father]] made us in their image, Hugor. We should glory in our bodies, for they are the work of [[gods]].{{Ref|ADWD|14}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]] and Lemore}}

{{Quote|'''Haldon:''' What are we to make of this sudden loss of faith? I preferred you in your [[septa]]'s robes, Lemore. 
'''Tyrion:''' I preferred her naked. 
'''Lemore:''' That is because you have a wicked soul. Septa's robes scream of [[Westeros]] and might draw unwelcome eyes onto us.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|[[Haldon]], [[Tyrion Lannister]], and Lemore}}

{{Quote|You are not the only one who must needs hide.{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|Lemore to [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon Targaryen]]}}

==Quotes about Lemore==
{{Quote|Still, a curious man might wonder why some [[sellsword]]'s [[Aegon Targaryen (Young Griff)|whelp]] would need a soiled [[septa]] to instruct him in [[Faith of the Seven|the Faith]], or a [[Haldon Halfmaester|chainless maester]] to tutor him in history and tongues.{{Ref|ADWD|18}}|[[Tyrion Lannister|Hugor Hill]] to [[Jon Connington|Griff]]}}

{{Quote|Who is she, really? Why is she here? Not for [[gold]], I'd judge. What is [[Aegon Targaryen (Young Griff)|this prince]] to her? Was she ever a true [[septa]]?{{Ref|ADWD|22}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

==Theories==
Readers have also debated Lemore's true identity. See [[Lemore/Theories]].

==References==
{{References}}

{{Protectors of Young Griff}}

[[Category:Characters from Westeros]]
[[Category:Characters with brown hair]]
[[Category:Courtiers and followers of Aegon VI Targaryen]]
[[Category:Septas]]

[[es:Lemore]]
[[fr:Septa Lemore]]
[[ru:Лемора]]

Fighting pits

2026-08-13T18:21:11Z

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[[File:Kaija RudkiewiczMeereen Tourney Grounds.png|thumb|350px|[[Belwas]] defeats an opponent, by Kaija Rudkiewicz © Fantasy Flight Games]]
[[File:Marc_Fishman_pit_fighters.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Pit fighters]] do battle in a fighting pit, by Marc Fishman ©]]
'''Fighting pits''' are arenas in the [[Slaver Cities]] of [[Astapor]], [[Meereen]], and [[Yunkai]]. The [[fighting pits of Meereen]], the largest and most extravagant of [[Slaver's Bay]], are great red circles.{{ref|ASOS|71}} Within the pits, beasts are pitted against beasts, [[pit fighters]] against fellow fighters, beasts against fighters, and even beasts against [[slave]] children, [[dwarf]]s, or crones, all for the entertainment of onlookers, which includes nobility{{ref|ADWD|52}} and the general populace.{{ref|ADWD|6}} Combatants wear no armor in the fighting pits since spectators want to see blood.{{ref|ASOS|57}}{{ref|ADWD|67}} In addition to the grand public pits, establishments like the [[Purple Lotus]] can have their own small pits as well.{{ref|ADWD|60}}

==Known Pits==
In [[Astapor]]:
*[[Douquor's Pit]]
*[[Jothiel's Pit]]

In [[Fighting pits of Meereen|Meereen]]:
*[[Daznak's Pit]]
*[[Golden Pit]]
*[[Pit of Ghrazz]]

==Quotes==
{{quote|All men share a taste for blood, a taste the pits help slake.{{ref|ADWD|2}}|[[Daenerys Targaryen]] to [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]]}}

{{quote|No one wore armor in the fighting pits. It was blood the crowds came for: death, dismemberment, and shrieks of agony, the music of the scarlet sands.{{ref|ADWD|67}}|thoughts of [[Barristan Selmy]]}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Fighting pits| ]]
[[Category:Astapor]]
[[Category:Ghiscari culture]]
[[Category:Meereen]]
[[Category:Terms]]
[[Category:Yunkai]]

[[es:Arena de combate]]
[[fr:Arènes de combat]]
[[pt:Arenas de Luta]]

Valar morghulis

2026-08-13T18:21:11Z

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{{italic title}}
{{For|the ''Game of Thrones'' episodes|Valar Morghulis (TV)|Valar Dohaeris (TV)}}
[[‎File:Valar Morghulis by Thomas Denmark.jpg|thumb|350px|right|''Valar Morghulis''. Art by Thomas Denmark © FFG]]

'''''Valar morghulis''''' translates to "all men must die" in [[High Valyrian]].{{ref|aSoS|27}} It is a customary saying in [[Essos]], via [[Valyria]].{{ref|aSoS|66}} In [[Braavos]], it is traditionally answered with another Valyrian saying, "'''''valar dohaeris'''''," meaning "all men must serve," and is a password and countersign of the [[Faceless Men]] and those who serve them.{{Ref|ASOS|74}}{{Ref|aFfC|34}}{{Ref|ADWD|45}}{{Ref|ADWD|64}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Valar_Morghulis_by_Tim_Tsang_II.jpg|[[Arya Stark]] slits the throat of the guard at [[Harrenhal]]'s postern gate, and whispers ''"valar morghulis"'' as he dies. Art by Tim Tsang ©|thumb|350px|right]]
[[Jaqen H'ghar]] teaches [[Arya Stark]] the words ''"valar morghulis"'' when he departs [[Harrenhal]], and gives her a small [[iron]] [[coin]], telling her if she ever wishes to find him again, to give the coin to any man of [[Braavos]] and say the words.{{ref|aCoK|47}} Although he does not explain the meaning to her (nor does anybody else), she begins to use the words with [[Arya Stark#Arya's prayer|her prayer listing the people she hates and wants dead]].{{ref|aCoK|47}}{{ref|aCoK|64}}{{ref|aSoS|3}}{{ref|aSoS|17}}{{ref|aSoS|39}}{{ref|aSoS|47}}

Just before fleeing Harrenhal with [[Gendry]] and [[Hot Pie]], Arya slits the throat of the [[Guard at Harrenhal|guard]] at the postern gate; she whispers ''"valar morghulis"'' as he dies.{{ref|aCoK|64}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
In [[Astapor]], Queen [[Daenerys Targaryen]] frees a young [[slave]] translator, [[Missandei]], and tells her she may leave her service, but Missandei wishes to stay. Daenerys warns her that the journey with her may be dangerous, but Missandei replies, ''"Valar morghulis"''. Daenerys agrees that all men must die, but hopefully not for a long while.{{Ref|ASOS|27}}

In [[King's Landing]], Prince [[Oberyn Martell]] makes threatening remarks about Lord [[Tywin Lannister]]'s lifespan, and [[Tyrion Lannister]] warns him that [[Varys]]'s [[little birds]] may be listening. Oberyn is unconcerned, stating that ''valar morghulis'', the fact of human mortality, was a saying in [[Old Valyria]].{{ref|aSoS|66}}

At [[Saltpans]], Arya sees a [[ship]], the ''[[Titan's Daughter]]'', and asks its captain, [[Ternesio Terys]], for passage to the [[Night's Watch]] castle [[Eastwatch-by-the-Sea]]. Ternesio refuses her, as she has little [[money]], and the [[north]] is too dangerous. However, when he says he and the ship are from Braavos, Arya shows him the iron coin that was given to her by Jaqen H'ghar, and says the words ''"valar morghulis"'' as Jaqen had taught her. Ternesio replies, ''"valar dohaeris"'', and offers her a cabin.{{Ref|ASOS|74}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[File:ValarDohaerisPP.jpg|350px|thumb|right|''Valar Dohaeris''. The pool within the [[House of Black and White]]. Art by Paolo Puggioni © FFG]]
In Braavos, Arya is brought to the [[House of Black and White]], the temple of the [[Many-Faced God]], by Ternesio's son [[Yorko Terys]]. The temple's doors are closed and locked, but they open when she raises the iron coin and says ''"valar morghulis"''. Inside, Arya sees a young man sitting by a pool and weeping. She fills a cup with water from the pool and offers it to him, to which he says ''"Valar morghulis"'', and she replies, ''"Valar dohaeris"''.{{ref|aFfC|6}}

The [[kindly man]] tells Arya that ''valar dohaeris'', all men must serve within the House of Black and White. If she wishes to stay, she must obey the [[Faceless Men]] at all times and in every way.{{Ref|aFfC|22}}

Arya continues to say ''"valar morghulis"'' with her prayer.{{Ref|aFfC|22}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Aboard the ''[[Shy Maid]]'', [[Griff]] tells Tyrion Lannister he may travel with his company along the [[Rhoyne]] to [[Volantis]], and if he proves to be obedient and useful, he may continue with them on their journey to Daenerys Targaryen. Tyrion replies ''"Valar dohaeris"''.{{Ref|ADWD|8}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
When [[Harys Swyft]] is sent to negotiate the [[Iron Throne]]'s debt to the [[Iron Bank of Braavos]], one of the guards accompanying him is [[Raff the Sweetling]]. They attend a performance of ''[[The Bloody Hand]]'' at [[the Gate]]. Arya, posing as the [[mummer]] "Mercy", spots Raff and seduces him, taking him to her room, streets away. Once he is undressed, she discreetly cuts his femoral artery, causing him to bleed heavily and rendering him unable to walk. Raff asks her to carry him to a healer, but Arya echoes the words Raff said when he murdered [[Lommy Greenhands]], cuts his throat, and says ''"valar morghulis"''.<ref name=Mercy>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Mercy (The Winds of Winter)|Mercy]]</ref>

==Quotes==
[[File:Hallmarccus Valar Morghulis.jpg|350px|thumb|right|[[Arya Stark]] and the [[iron]] [[coin]] of the [[Faceless Men]]. Art by Marcos Feittosa ©]]

{{Quote|'''Jaqen:''' If the day comes when you would find me again, give that [[coin]] to any man from [[Braavos]], and say these words to him—''valar morghulis''. '''Arya:''' ''Valar morghulis''. Please don't go, Jaqen. '''Jaqen:''' Jaqen is as dead as Arry, and I have promises to keep. ''Valar morghulis'', Arya Stark. Say it again. '''Arya:''' ''Valar morghulis''.{{ref|aCoK|47}}|[[Jaqen H'ghar]] and [[Arya Stark]]}}

{{Quote|Ser [[Gregor Clegane|Gregor]]. [[Dunsen]], [[Polliver]], [[Raff the Sweetling]]. The [[Tickler]], [[Sandor Clegane|the Hound]]. Ser [[Ilyn Payne|Ilyn]], Ser [[Meryn Trant|Meryn]], Queen [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]]. [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]], Joffrey, Joffrey. ''Valar morghulis''.{{ref|aCoK|64}}|[[Arya Stark]]'s prayer}}

{{Quote|She liked how the words sounded when she said them.{{ref|aCoK|64}}|thoughts of [[Arya Stark]]}}

{{Quote|'''Daenerys:''' I can give you freedom, but not safety. I have a world to cross and wars to fight. You may go hungry. You may grow sick. You may be killed. 
'''Missandei:''' ''Valar morghulis''. 
'''Daenerys:''' All men must die, but not for a long while, we may pray.{{Ref|ASOS|27}}|[[Daenerys Targaryen]] and [[Missandei]]}}

{{Quote|Is it [[treason]] to say a man is mortal? ''Valar morghulis'' was how they said it in [[Valyria]] of old. All men must die. And [[Doom of Valyria|the Doom]] came and proved it true.{{ref|aSoS|66}}|[[Oberyn Martell]], to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|'''Arya:''' Wait, I have something else. '''Ternesio:''' One more [[currency|silver]] will make no difference, child. '''Arya:''' It's not [[silver]]. It's [[iron]]. Here. '''Ternesio:''' This… how…? '''Arya:''' ''Valar morghulis.'' '''Ternesio:''' ''Valar dohaeris''. Of ''course'' you shall have a cabin.{{Ref|ASOS|74}}|[[Arya Stark]] and [[Ternesio Terys]]}}

==Behind the Scenes==
''[[w:Memento mori|Memento mori]]'' is a [[w:Latin|Latin]] phrase that means "remember that you die", which has been used as a meditative reminder since antiquity. As [[George R.R. Martin]] considers High Valyrian to be the [[known world]]'s cultural equivalent of Latin in the real world,<ref name="time">{{cite news |last=Tharoor |first=Ishaan |title=Tongues of Ice and Fire: Creating the Languages in ''Game of Thrones'' |url=http://entertainment.time.com/2013/05/03/tongues-of-ice-and-fire-creating-the-languages-of-game-of-thrones/ |publisher=Time.com |date=3 May 2013}}</ref> ''"valar morghulis"'' presumably serves as the equivalent to ''memento mori''.

In addition, ''[[w:Minas Morgul|Minas Morgul]]'' is the name of an evil city in ''[[w:The Lord of the Rings|The Lord of the Rings]]'' by [[w:J. R. R. Tolkien|J.R.R. Tolkien]], a series that George R.R. Martin is a great fan of. However, rather than "death", the word "morgul" in Tolkien's languages means "[[sorcery]]" or "[[necromancy]]".<ref>[https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Morgul Tolkien Gateway: Morgul]</ref>

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Terms]]
[[Category:Faceless Men]]
[[Category:Homages]]

[[tr: Valar Morghulis]]
[[es:Valar Morghulis]]
[[fr:Valar morghulis]]
[[pt:Valar Morghulis]]
[[ru:Валар моргулис]]
[[zh:Valar Morghulis]]

High Sparrow

2026-08-13T18:21:11Z

Image link cleanup: Remove invisible characters and trailing spaces from File/Image filenames

{{Infobox character
| title = High Septon
| nickname =
| firstname =
| particle =
| lastname =
| epithet = the High Sparrow
| arms = High Septon
| image = Borja Pindado highsparrow.jpg
| image_caption = The High Sparrow, by Borja Pindado © Fantasy Flight Games
| Alias = the High Sparrow{{Ref|AFFC|36}}
| Title = [[Septon]] [[High Septon]] [[Father of the Faithful]] [[His High Holiness]] [[Shepherd of the Faithful]] [[Voice of the Seven on Earth]]
| Allegiance = [[Faith of the Seven]] [[Sparrows]] [[Faith Militant]]
| Race =
| Culture =
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Birth =
| Date_of_Death =
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Burial =
| Place_of_Burial =
| Father =
| Mother =
| Spouse =
| Lover =
| Issue =
| coat-of-arms =
| Books = ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appears) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (appears)
| Played_by = [[w:Jonathan Pryce|Jonathan Pryce]]
| TV_series = ''[[Game of Thrones]]'': [[Game of Thrones - Season 5|Season 5]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 6|6]]
}}

The '''High Sparrow''', so named by the [[fool]] [[Moon Boy]] after his election to [[High Septon]], is a leading member of the [[sparrows]], a radical and populist sect of the [[Faith of the Seven]]. The [[septon]]'s real name is unknown.

In the television adaptation ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', the High Sparrow is portrayed by [[w:Jonathan Pryce|Jonathan Pryce]].<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 the High Sparrow|l1=Images of the High Sparrow}}
The High Sparrow has a lean, sharp face that is heavily lined.{{ref|AFFC|4}}{{Ref|AFFC|28}}{{Ref|ADWD|54}} He is a small man,{{ref|AFFC|4}} being several inches shorter than Queen [[Cersei Lannister]].{{ref|AFFC|28}} Scrawny{{ref|ADWD|54}} and thin as a broom handle,{{ref|AFFC|28}} he can look half-starved.{{Ref|ADWD|54}} He ties his thin hair in a knot behind his head,{{ref|AFFC|4}}{{ref|AFFC|28}} and he keeps his grizzled grey and brown beard short and closely trimmed.{{ref|AFFC|4}}{{ref|AFFC|28}} His deep-set eyes are mud-brown{{Ref|AFFC|28}} and can look suspicious and hard.{{Ref|ADWD|54}} His bare feet are hard and horny, thick with callus,{{ref|AFFC|4}}{{Ref|AFFC|28}} and he has thin hands.{{ref|ADWD|54}}

The man wears a threadbare [[septon]]'s robe and crystal on a thong about his neck.{{ref|AFFC|4}} After becoming [[High Septon]], he does not wear the rich robes or elaborate [[crystal crown|crowns of crystal]] and spun [[gold]] of his predecessors. Instead, he wears a simple undyed wool tunic that goes to his ankles.{{Ref|AFFC|28}}{{Ref|ADWD|54}}

The High Sparrow is devout to the [[Faith of the Seven|Faith]] and has an iron will.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} He believes that women are wantons at heart, with widows being wicked,{{ref|ADWD|54}} and he believes that treason is punishable by death.{{ref|AFFC|43}} He scourges himself to bring him closer to god.{{Ref|AFFC|43}}

==History==
The High Sparrow claims to have been a traveling [[septon]], tending to half a hundred villages that were too small to have their own [[sept]]s and [[septon]]. He walked a route between each village, where he performed the traditional duties of a septon, such as naming newborn children, absolving sins, and performing [[marriage]]s. However, the villages and their people were destroyed during the [[War of the Five Kings]].{{Ref|AFFC|28}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
On the [[Rosby road]], [[Brienne of Tarth]] spots a group of so-called [[sparrows]] who are bringing to [[King's Landing]] a wagon filled with the [[bone]]s of holy men. Their leader, a small, thin [[septon]], urges Brienne's traveling companions, Ser [[Creighton Longbough]] and Ser [[Illifer the Penniless]], to join the sparrows on their journey. Though the [[hedge knight]]s' refusal angers the sparrows, their leader calms his followers and tells them to let the knights pass in peace. Brienne asks the barefoot septon if he has seen [[Sansa Stark|her lost sister]], and though he has not, he asks [[Maiden (the Seven)|the Maiden]] to watch over Brienne and her sister.{{Ref|AFFC|4}}

After the High Septon apparently dies in his sleep, the [[Most Devout]] begin the selection process to determine which one of them will become his successor.{{Ref|AFFC|17}} Numerous sparrows, who have camped in the plaza of the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] with the bones of their martyrs, forcibly take over the selection process. Septon [[Luceon Frey|Luceon]] is nine votes from elevation when sparrows burst through the doors of the Great Sept with axes in hand and their thin leader on their shoulders. In fear, the Most Devout name him the new High Septon. The [[master of whisperers]], [[Qyburn]], relates to Cersei all that had occurred.{{Ref|AFFC|28}}

The new High Septon begins his term by selling all of the [[gold]]en [[crown]]s of the Faith, including his own [[gold]] and [[crystal crown]], as well as their rings, and their robes of [[cloth-of-gold]] and [[cloth-of-silver]]. The money earned from this is used to buy food for the sparrows and the poor. He clads himself in a humble wool robe, and the Most Devout are forced to follow suit. He has the fat Septon [[Torbert]] of the Most Devout confined to a penitent's cell and fed only bread and water, as he feels it is sinful for a man to be so plump when so many people are starving.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} The High Septon takes as his sanctum a small seven-sided audience chamber below the Great Sept.{{ref|AFFC|43}}{{ref|ADWD|54}}

[[File:Melissa Findley Negotiations at the Great Sept.JPG|right|thumb|450px|Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] negotiates with the High Sparrow, by Melissa Findley © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The new High Septon refuses to come to the [[Red Keep]] to bless young King [[Tommen I Baratheon]], so his mother, Queen Cersei, comes to the Great Sept. She arrives to discover that armed sparrows, including knights, are guarding the doors of the building and will not allow the armed [[Kingsguard]] to enter. When Cersei enters, alone, she is appalled to find the new High Septon and the Most Devout on their knees, scrubbing the floors. Cersei is also displeased to learn what had become of the crystal crown that her father, Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], had given the previous High Septon. When Cersei asks why the sparrows have befouled the Great Sept with their encampment, he responds it was first befouled when Lord [[Eddard Stark]] was beheaded on its steps.{{Ref|AFFC|28}}

The High Septon tells Cersei he is still praying for guidance from the Seven to decide if King Tommen is the rightful king, as the [[Iron Throne]] has not protected the men and women of the Faith as King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys the Conciliator]] once promised. Cersei, though angered, concedes to his concerns that the holy brothers and sisters need protection from rape and murder, and he agrees to have Tommen strike down [[King Maegor's laws]] that prohibited holy men from bearing arms. Cersei promises to restore the [[Faith Militant]], for which the High Septon will acknowledge Tommen as king and forgive the near one million [[currency|dragons]] the crown owed to the Faith.{{Ref|AFFC|28}}

The army of sparrows become [[Poor Fellows]], and soon over a hundred knights join the [[Warrior's Sons]]. The new High Septon becomes commonly known as the "High Sparrow" per a jape by the court [[fool]], [[Moon Boy]].{{Ref|AFFC|36}} [[Lancel Lannister]], grieving for the previous High Septon and regretful of his past actions - namely, his role in the death of King [[Robert Baratheon]],{{ref|ACOK|3}} as well as becoming Cersei's lover -{{ref|ACOK|29}} renounces his lordship of [[Darry]] and travels to King's Landing to swear his sword to the new High Septon and join the Warrior's Sons.{{ref|AFFC|30}}{{ref|AFFC|36}}

Cersei plots against Tommen's wife, Queen [[Margaery Tyrell]], and sends her [[sworn shield]], Ser [[Osney Kettleblack]], to the High Sparrow to falsely confess to bedding Margaery and two of her cousins, [[Megga Tyrell|Megga]] and [[Elinor Tyrell]].{{ref|AFFC|39}} When Margaery and her cousins attend the Great Sept on [[Maiden's Day]], they are arrested by the Faith, emboldened by its new power. However, the High Sparrow is suspicious of Osney's confession, as he had never heard a confession from a man so pleased to be guilty, and he has Osney scourged. Under [[torture]], Osney confesses the actual truth: that Cersei had him lie, that she was the queen he had bedded, and that he killed the previous [[High Septon (Tyrion's)|High Septon]] under her orders. After Cersei visits Margaery's cell at the Great Sept, she meets with the High Septon in his sanctum. The High Septon shows her Osney in chains and has Cersei imprisoned when she tries to flee, planning to have a sacred court of seven godsworn judges both queens.{{Ref|AFFC|43}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman High Sparrow.jpg|right|thumb|350px|The High Sparrow by Marc Fishman, for the Subterranean Press illustrated ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'']]
[[Doran Martell]], [[Prince of Dorne]], tasks [[Tyene Sand]] with accompany her sister [[Nymeria Sand|Nymeria]] to [[King's Landing]] and befriending the High Sparrow.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}

Since the evidence against Margaery and her cousins is quite weak, the High Septon releases them into the custody of Lord [[Randyll Tarly]]. The High Septon requires Randyll to swear a holy oath to return them for trial.{{Ref|ADWD|54}}

The High Septon disapproves of King [[Stannis Baratheon]], believing that Stannis has turned from the truth of the Seven to worship a [[R'hllor|red demon]], and that his false faith has no place in the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|ADWD|54}}

Lancel is one of the accusers against his cousin, Cersei. After days of solitary confinement, Cersei tells her guardian [[septa]]s that she wishes to confess, and she is brought before the High Sparrow. To try and gain access to visitors, Cersei confesses that after the death of her husband, King [[Robert I Baratheon]], she had sexual relations with Lancel and all three [[House Kettleblack|Kettleblacks]] (although she is lying about having slept with Osney's brothers, [[Osmund Kettleblack|Osmund]] and [[Osfryd Kettleblack|Osfryd]]). She knows such admissions would not earn her an execution, but denies the sins that would result in a death sentence. Cersei denies having ordered Osney to kill the previous High Septon, denies any involvement in Robert's death, and denies having [[incest]]uous relations with her brother, Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] of the [[Kingsguard]]. The High Septon agrees to allow her one visitor a day.{{Ref|ADWD|54}}

Ser [[Kevan Lannister]], the [[Lord Regent]], informs his niece that he has spoken with the High Sparrow, who has agreed to free Cersei on the condition that she perform a public [[walk of atonement]] through King's Landing. Cersei reluctantly agrees, and she walks naked from the Great Sept to the Red Keep.{{Ref|ADWD|54}}{{Ref|ADWD|65}}

Cersei and Margaery are still to be put on trial for the accusations they deny to be true and that the accusers have not recanted. Cersei chooses [[trial by combat]], with Ser [[Robert Strong]] as her champion. Margaery chooses trial by the Faith.{{Ref|ADWD|Epilogue}} While Cersei waits for her trial date, Kevan places her under house arrest in the Red Keep. Cersei is attended by a septa and three novices selected by the High Septon, rather than her usual [[ladies-in-waiting]]. The High Septon insists that no girl spend more than seven days with Cersei, lest she be corrupted.{{Ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}

Kevan, Randyll, and [[Mace Tyrell]], the new [[Hand of the King]], are frustrated by having to give in to the demands of the "High Sparrow". However, with so many rebellious subjects in the Seven Kingdoms, they dare not be seen to go against the Faith, lest it drive the pious into the arms of another claimant to the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}

==Quotes by the High Sparrow==
{{Quote|These are the [[bone]]s of holy men, murdered for their faith. They served the Seven even unto death. Some starved, some were [[torture]]d. [[Sept]]s have been despoiled, maidens and mothers raped by godless men and [[demon]] worshipers. Even [[silent sisters]] have been molested. Our [[Mother Above]] cries out in her anguish. It is time for all anointed [[knight]]s to forsake their worldly masters and defend our [[Faith of the Seven|Holy Faith]]. Come with us to [[King's Landing|the city]], if you love the Seven.{{Ref|AFFC|4}}|thin septon to [[Creighton Longbough]], [[Illifer the Penniless]], and [[Brienne Tarth|Brienne of Tarth]]}}

{{Quote|'''Cersei''': Septon [[Raynard]]? What are you doing on your knees? 
'''High Sparrow''': He is cleaning the floor. Work is a form of prayer, most pleasing to [[Smith (the Seven)|the Smith]].{{Ref|AFFC|28}}|[[Cersei Lannister]] and the High Sparrow}}

{{Quote|'''Cersei''': [[Tywin Lannister|My lord father]] gave [[High Septon (Tyrion's)|your predecessor]] a [[crown]] of rare beauty, wrought in crystal and spun [[gold]]. 
'''High Sparrow''': And for that gift we honor him in our prayers, but the poor need food in their bellies more than we need gold and crystal on our head. That crown has been sold. So have the others in our vaults, and all our rings, and our robes of [[cloth-of-gold]] and [[cloth-of-silver]]. Wool will keep a man as warm. That is why [[Faith of the Seven|the Seven]] gave us sheep.{{Ref|AFFC|28}}|[[Cersei Lannister]] and the High Sparrow}}

{{Quote|'''High Sparrow''': This debt shall be forgiven, and King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]] will have his blessing. The [[Warrior's Sons]] shall escort me to him, shining in the glory of their [[Faith of the Seven|Faith]], whilst my [[sparrows]] go forth to defend the meek and humble of the land, reborn as [[Poor Fellows]] as of old. 
'''Cersei''': I shall have the papers drawn up, and His Grace will sign them and affix them with the royal seal. 
'''High Sparrow''': Seven save His Grace. Long may he reign. Let the wicked tremble!{{ref|AFFC|28}}|The High Sparrow and [[Cersei Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|There can be no penance without pain. No man should spare himself the scourge, as I told Ser [[Osney Kettleblack|Osney]]. I seldom feel so close to [[Faith of the Seven|god]] as when I am being whipped for mine own wickedness, though my darkest sins are no wise near as black as his.{{ref|AFFC|43}}|The High Sparrow to [[Cersei Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|'''Cersei''': [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]] loves his [[Margaery Tyrell|little queen]] so much, Your Holiness, I fear it might be hard for him or his lords to judge her justly. Perhaps the Faith should conduct the trial? '''High Sparrow''': I have had the selfsame thought, Your Grace. Just as [[Maegor the Cruel]] once took the [[Faith Militant|swords]] from the Faith, so [[Jaehaerys the Conciliator]] deprived us of the scales of judgment. Yet who is truly fit to judge a queen, save the Seven Above and the godsworn below? A sacred court of seven judges shall sit upon this case. Three shall be of your female sex. A maiden, a mother, and a crone. Who could be more suited to judge the wickedness of women?{{ref|AFFC|43}}|[[Cersei Lannister]] and the High Sparrow}}

{{Quote|'''High Sparrow''': These are common sins. The wickedness of widows is well-known, and all women are wantons at heart, given to using their wiles and their beauty to work their wills on men. There is no treason here, so long as you did not stray from your marriage bed whilst His Grace King [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]] was still alive. 
'''Cersei''': Never. Never, I swear it.{{ref|ADWD|54}}|The High Sparrow and [[Cersei Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|'''Cersei''': I have confessed— 
'''High Sparrow''': —to certain sins, aye. Others you deny. Your trial will separate the truths from the falsehoods. I shall ask [[Faith of the Seven|the Seven]] to forgive the sins you have confessed and pray that you be found innocent of these other accusations.{{ref|ADWD|54}}|[[Cersei Lannister]] and the High Sparrow}}

==Quotes about the High Sparrow==
{{Quote|He is utterly mad. The [[Most Devout]] must have been mad as well, to elevate this creature ... mad, or terrified of [[sparrows|the beggars]] at their doors.{{ref|AFFC|28}}|thoughts of [[Cersei Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|He is just a [[septon|priest]], he cannot do this.{{ref|AFFC|43}}|thoughts of [[Cersei Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|The [[Warrior's Sons|Swords]] and [[Poor Fellows|Stars]] have been re-formed, and this new High Septon is not the puppet that the others were. Try and get close to him.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}|[[Doran Martell]] to [[Tyene Sand]]}}

{{Quote|This man is implacable, she realized once again.{{Ref|ADWD|54}}|thoughts of [[Cersei Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|What have we become, when [[king]]s and high [[lord]]s must dance to the twittering of [[sparrows]]?{{Ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}|[[Randyll Tarly]] to [[Kevan Lannister]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[High Septon (Tyrion's)|Tyrion's]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[High Septon]] [[Father of the Faithful]] [[His High Holiness]] [[Shepherd of the Faithful]] [[Voice of the Seven on Earth]]|years={{Date|300}}–present}}
{{S-inc}}
{{S-end}}

{{High Septons}}

[[Category:Characters from Westeros]]
[[Category:Characters with brown eyes]]
[[Category:Characters with brown hair]]
[[Category:Characters with grey hair]]
[[Category:High Septons|Sparrow]]
[[Category:Septons]]
[[Category:Smallfolk]]
[[Category:Sparrows]]
[[Category:Unnamed characters]]

[[es:Gorrión Supremo]]
[[fr:Grand Moineau]]
[[nl:Hoge Mus]]
[[pt:Alto Pardal]]
[[ru:Его Воробейшество]]
[[zh:大麻雀]]

Shy Maid

2026-08-13T18:21:10Z

Image link cleanup: Remove invisible characters and trailing spaces from File/Image filenames

{{italic title}}
[[File:Dimitri Bielak the shy maid.jpg|thumb|450px|right|The ''Shy Maid'' - by Dimitri Bielak. © Fantasy Flight Games]]
The '''''Shy Maid''''' is an ugly old ramshackle single-masted poleboat with a large [[w:lateen|lateen]] sail. Its crew includes the captain and master, [[Yandry]], and his wife, [[Ysilla]].

==Description==
{{See also|:Category:Images of the Shy Maid|l1=Images of the Shy Maid}}
Although the poleboats that ply the rivers of [[Dorne]] are often brightly painted and exquisitely carved, the ''Shy Maid'' is not. Her paintwork is a muddy greyish brown, mottled and flaking; her big curved tiller, plain and unadorned.

She has a broad beam and her draft is so shallow she can work her way up even the smallest of the river’s vassal streams, negotiating sandbars that would strand larger vessels, yet with her sail raised and a current under her, she can make good speed - which can mean life and death on the upper reaches of the [[Rhoyne]] according to [[Yandry]].

[[Haldon]]'s is the largest of the ship's four cabins. One wall is lined with bookshelves and bins stacked with old scrolls and parchments; another holds racks of ointments, herbs, and potions. The cabin's round window has yellow glass. The furnishings include a bunk, a writing desk, a chair, a stool, and his ''[[cyvasse]]'' table, strewn with carved wooden pieces.

==Recent Events==
[[File:Hugor HillLukasz Jaskolski.png|thumb|450px|right|Hugor Hill aboard the ''Shy Maid'' © Fantasy Flight Games]]
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
The boat is used by [[Griff]] to transport his party down the [[Rhoyne]] to [[Volantis]]. Much to Griff’s consternation [[Yandry]] and [[Ysilla]] refuse to risk their pole boat in the dark and will not continue downstream at night. The [[Upper Rhoyne]] is full of snags and sawyers, anyone of which could rip out the ''Shy Maid'''s hull.

[[Yandry]] and [[Ysilla]] share one cabin, Griff and [[Young Griff]] another. Septa [[Lemore]] has a cabin to herself, as does [[Haldon]], who has the largest. [[Tyrion Lannister]], going by the names Hugor Hill and Yollo, makes a bed atop the roof of one of the ''Shy Maid'''s cabins, with a coil of hempen rope for a pillow. He likes it better there than the boat's cramped hold. Ser [[Rolly Duckfield]] possibly sleeps in the hold.{{ref|ADWD|14}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|She looks like dirt … but no doubt that’s the point.{{Ref|aDwD|8}}|[[Tyrion Lannister]]'s thoughts}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Ships]]

[[es:Doncella Tímida]]
[[fr:Farouche Pucelle]]
[[pt:Donzela Tímida]]
[[ru:Робкая дева]]

A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 71

2026-08-13T18:21:10Z

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{{Infobox Chapter ADwD
| pov = [[Daenerys Targaryen]]
| place = [[Dragonstone (hill)|Dragonstone]] in the [[Dothraki sea]]
| title = Daenerys X
| page = 929
| previous = [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 70|The Queen's Hand]]
| current = Daenerys X
| next = [[A Dance with Dragons-Epilogue|Epilogue]]
| arc previous = [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 52|Daenerys IX]]
| arc next =
}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Marc Fishman Drogon flies to Dany.jpg|[[Drogon]] comes to Daenerys's call - by Marc Fishman ©|thumb|250px|left]]
[[Daenerys Targaryen|Daenerys]] is walking back south through the [[Dothraki Sea]] towards [[Meereen]], following a small rivulet that she thinks will flow into the [[Skahazadhan]]. She has spent her time flying [[Drogon]],<ref group="N">After fleeing Meereen with him back in [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 51|Chapter 51]]</ref> but could not make him take her back.

Instead, they have been staying at his lair, a small cave in a hill she named [[Dragonstone (hill)|Dragonstone]] as a reference to [[Dragonstone|the place where she was born]]. She gets sick on the way,<ref group="N">Some of the symptoms suggest that she may have caught the [[bloody flux]], but she is also bleeding and believes it is due to menstruation.</ref> and has a number of hallucinations as she lies in the grass, bleeding and dying. These include a vision of [[Quaithe]], of [[Viserys Targaryen]], and of [[Jorah Mormont]], and seem to revolve around the idea of forgetting who she is.

[[File:Drogonsprey.JPG|Dany and Drogon, by Ashley Hunter Rice ©|thumb|250px|right]]

Finally, a single [[Dothraki]] scout approaches her, but does not see her. The scout freezes as Drogon approaches, and then flees. Daenerys calls out for Drogon as he flies over, and mounts him. Drogon catches and devours a horse, and Dany joins him. This is how Khal [[Jhaqo]], former [[ko]] of Khal [[Drogo]],{{Ref|AGOT|68}} accompanied by 50 of his warriors, finds her.

{{Stub}}

==Character List appearing/mentioned==
{{Stub}}
{{Columns|3|
* [[Daenerys Targaryen]]
* [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]]
* [[Barristan Selmy]]
* [[Daario Naharis]]
* Khal [[Drogo]]
* [[Jhogo]]
* [[Hero]]
* [[Groleo]]
* [[Rhaego]]
* [[Irri]]
* [[Jhiqui]]
* [[Missandei]]
* [[Reznak mo Reznak]]
* [[Skahaz mo Kandaq]]
* [[Strong Belwas]]
* [[Quaithe]]
* [[Viserys Targaryen]]
* [[Magister Illyrio]]
* [[Jorah Mormont]]
* [[Aggo]]
* [[Rakharo]]
* Khal [[Jhaqo]]
* Khal [[Pono]]
}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

==External links==
*[https://www.tor.com/2015/11/05/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-dance-with-dragons-part-43/ A Read of Ice and Fire: A Dance with Dragons, Part 43] Analyses and summary of the chapter by Leigh Butler.

[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|Dance 71]]
[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Daenerys Targaryen|Dance 71]]
[[Category:Chapters which take place in the Dothraki Sea|Dance 71]]

[[es:Danza de Dragones-Capítulo 71]]
[[fr:A Dance with Dragons, Chapitre 72, Daenerys]]
[[pt:A Dança dos Dragões - Capítulo 71]]
[[ru:Танец с драконами, Дейнерис X]]
[[zh:魔龙的狂舞-章节 71]]

Chroyane

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{{Infobox settlement
| name = Chroyane
| settlement_type = City ruins
| image = [[File:Chroyane.jpg|350px]]
| image_caption = Chroyane, as depicted by Philip Straub in ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]''
| location = [[Free Cities]] region, [[Essos]]
| seat =
| seat_type =
| population =
| religion =
| size =
| founded =
| named_for =
| destroyed = during the [[Second Spice War]]
| places = [[Palace of Sorrow]] [[Bridge of Dream]]
| organizations =
}}
{{Location map|Free Cities|long=60|lat=-28|label=Chroyane|caption=Western [[Essos]] and the location of Chroyane}}

'''Chroyane''' is a foggy, ruined city of [[Rhoynar|Rhoynish]] origin that sits in the southern [[Sorrows]] at the confluence of the [[Lhorulu]] and the [[Rhoyne]], south of the [[Golden Fields]] in [[Essos]].<ref>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', [[Map of the Free Cities (A Dance with Dragons)|Map of the Free Cities]]</ref>

==Layout==
:''See also: [[:Category:Images_of_Chroyane|Images of Chroyane]]''
Chroyane of old was said to have streets made of water and houses of gold.{{Ref|ADWD|14}} It now contains sunken statues and temples, green obelisks, upended trees, and broken spires and [[marble]] stairs. Two places of note are the island ruins of the Palace of Love, now called the [[Palace of Sorrow]], and the [[Bridge of Dream]], where [[stone men]] tend to roam.{{Ref|ADWD|18}}

==History==
Chroyane, nicknamed the festival city, was once the richest and most splendid of the cities along the [[Rhoyne]]. It contained the colossal [[Palace of Sorrow|Palace of Love]], a magnificent fastness.{{Ref|ADWD|18}}

According to legend, Prince [[Garin the Great]] of Chroyane gathered a quarter million soldiers in his city during the [[Second Spice War]]. The [[Rhoynar]] marched south and were victorious against [[Selhorys]], [[Valysar]], and [[Volon Therys]], but were then defeated by the [[dragonlords]] of the [[Valyrian Freehold]] in a great battle along the Rhoyne.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: Ten Thousand Ships}} Men of [[Volantis]] and [[Valyria]] hung Garin in a golden cage and brought him to Chroyane so he could witness the city's destruction. Garin allegedly called upon [[Mother Rhoyne]] to destroy the invaders with [[Garin's Curse|a curse]], and that night the river's waters rose to destroy the Volantenes and Valyrians. The spirits of the drowned [[dragonlords]] are said to remain beneath the water, however, and their cold breath rises to become fog.{{Ref|ADWD|18}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: Ten Thousand Ships}}

Mists now rule the [[Sorrows]] and people infected with [[greyscale]] roam the ruins. They are called [[stone men]], and the mists are said to be ruled by the enigmatic [[Shrouded Lord]].{{Ref|ADWD|18}} Sunken architecture and statues pose threats to passing boats. Many travelers become lost in the thick fog, eventually succumbing to madness, hunger, greyscale, or stone men.

There has not been law above the Sorrows for a thousand years, so [[pirates]] are common in the Rhoyne north of Chroyane, although they do not enter the ruined city.{{Ref|ADWD|18}} Volantene galleys patrol the river south of Chroyane.{{Ref|ADWD|14}} Thrice yearly the [[triarchs of Volantis]] send a mercy galley to aid the stone men, but sometimes the ships arrive late with more mouths than food.{{Ref|ADWD|18}}

[[Lomas Longstrider]] met descendants of the Rhoynar in the ruins of Chroyane.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Long Night}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[Tyrion Lannister]] travels with the crew of the ''[[Shy Maid]]'' through Chroyane, meeting the ''[[Kingfisher]]'' and observing the [[Palace of Sorrow]]. They sail unscathed beneath the [[Bridge of Dream]], but despite sailing with the current of the [[Rhoyne]], they appear to approach the Bridge of Dream again shortly afterward. They are attacked by [[stone men]] during their second voyage past the bridge. Tyrion saves [[Young Griff]] from a stone man, but is dragged into the cold Rhoyne.{{Ref|ADWD|18}} [[Griff]] rescues Tyrion from drowning, but Tyrion's savior is later revealed to have been infected with [[greyscale]] in the process.{{Ref|ADWD|24}}

==Quotes==
{{Quote|Many a voyager has been lost here, poleboats and [[pirates]] and great river galleys too. They wander forlorn through the mists, searching for a sun they cannot find until madness or hunger claim their lives. There are restless spirits in the air here and tormented souls below the water.{{Ref|ADWD|18}}|[[Ysilla]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|This was the most beautiful city on [[Rhoyne|the river]], and the richest. Chroyane, the festival city.{{Ref|ADWD|18}}|[[Yandry]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

{{Quote|Too rich, too beautiful. It is never wise to tempt [[dragonlords|the dragons]].{{Ref|ADWD|18}}|thoughts of [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}

==Chapters that take place in Chroyane==
*[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 18|''A Dance with Dragons'': 18. Tyrion V]]

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

{{Region Free Cities}}
{{Cities}}


[[Category:Chroyane| ]]
[[Category:Places in Essos]]
[[Category:Rhoynish cities]]
[[Category:Ruined cities]]


[[es:Los Pesares]]
[[fr:Les Chagrins]]
[[nl:Chroyane]]
[[pt:Chroyane]]
[[ru:Кроян]]

Qhoyne

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{{Location map|Free Cities|long=87|lat=-3|label=Qhoyne|caption=Western [[Essos]] and the location of the Qhoyne}}
[[File:Stu Barnes Qhoyne.jpg|The Qhoyne - by Stu Barnes. © FFG|thumb|250px]]
The '''Qhoyne''' is a river in northwestern [[Essos]]. The [[Rhoynar]] consider it a daughter of the [[Rhoyne]] and nickname it the '''Darkling Daughter'''. Its headwaters lie in the [[Forest of Qohor]], where it runs through the Free City of [[Qohor]]. It then flows southwest past the forest and meets its tributary, the south-flowing [[Darkwash]], just north of the ruined city of [[Ar Noy]]. The Qhoyne then continues southwest past Ar Noy and meets the Rhoyne at [[Dagger Lake]].<ref>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', [[Map of the Free Cities (A Dance with Dragons)|Map of the Free Cities]]</ref>

Pine-cones from the Forest of Qohor and gold and amber from the Axe flow into Dagger Lake by way of the Qhoyne and the Darkwash, respectively.{{ref|ADWD|14}} Timber from the forest is shipped to the southern Rhoyne via the Qhoyne and Dagger Lake.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Qohor}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Places in Essos]]
[[Category:Qohor]]
[[Category:Rivers]]

[[es:Qhoyne]]
[[ru:Койна]]
[[pt:Qhoyne]]

A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 58

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{{Infobox Chapter ADwD
| pov = [[Jon Snow]]
| place = [[Castle Black]]
| title = Jon XII
| page = 769
| previous = [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 57|Tyrion XI]]
| current = Jon XII
| next = [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 59|The Discarded Knight]]
| arc previous = [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 53|Jon XI]]
| arc next = [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 69|Jon XIII]]
}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:Marc Fishman march to the wall I.jpg|thumb|left|The Free Folk march to the Wall. Art by Marc Fishman ©]]
[[Tormund Giantsbane]] along with over three thousand [[wildlings]] pass the [[Wall]] at [[Castle Black]]. The price of their entry, which was negotiated between Jon and Tormund, is that the wildlings will yield all valuables so that they can be sold for food, as well as one hundred boys as hostages. Initially, two girls are included in the one hundred hostages, although Jon spots them and they are replaced by two new boys. Tormund voluntarily includes his own son as a hostage as a sign of good faith. Jon decides to take him on as his own squire.

While watching the Wildlings pass through the wall, Jon and Tormund speak of many things. Jon mentions that [[Melisandre]] burned the [[horn of Joramun]] that Mance and the wildlings were supposedly going to use to break down the Wall. Tormund tells Jon that although they did find that huge horn in the [[Skirling Pass]], it is not actually the true Horn of Joramun, or they would have used it when they assaulted the Wall. Jon, confused, tries to decide whether it was Mance that lied to him or Tormund lying to him now about the authenticity of the horn.

The rear guard of the Wildings with Tormund includes a warg who is accompanied by his boar. [[Ghost]] and this boar seem to be on edge around each other, and it is mentioned that they should be restrained while the wildings are staying at Castle Black. Most of the wildlings will be relocated in the coming weeks.

Later, Jon receives a letter from [[Cotter Pyke]], saying that he is stranded at [[Hardhome]], and calls for help. He also reveals that the Braavosi captains on loan from Tychos would only allow wildling women and children aboard their ships, and that the Woods Witch has taken to calling them slavers. This explains Arya's report that the wildlings from Hardhome had been captured by slavers, as narrated in "The Blind Girl". He also says there are [[Wight|dead things]] both in the woods and the water, lending a great deal of urgency to his message.

==Character List appearing/mentioned==
{{Stub}}
{{Columns|3|
* [[Jon Snow]]
* [[Ygritte]]
* [[Donal Noye]]
* [[Dick Follard|Deaf Dick Follard]]
* [[Qhorin Halfhand]]
* [[Robb Stark]]
* [[Jeor Mormont]]
* [[Tormund]]
* [[Jaremy Rykker]]
* [[Denys Mallister]]
* [[Benjen Stark]]
* [[Bowen Marsh]]
* [[Dolorous Edd]]
* [[Iron Emmett]]
* [[Black Maris]]
* [[Satin]]
* [[Ty]]
* [[Mully]]
* [[Lew (Left Hand)|Left Hand Lew]]
* [[Duncan Liddle|Big Liddle]]
* [[Rory]]
* [[Fulk|Fulk the Flea]]
* [[Garrett Greenspear]]
* [[Leathers]]
* [[Mance Rayder]]
* [[Melisandre]]
* [[Selyse Florent]]
* [[Ulmer|Ulmer of the Kingswood]]
* [[Toregg]]
* [[Dryn]]
* [[Ghost]]
* [[Soren Shieldbreaker]]
* [[Gerrick Kingsblood]]
* [[Raymun Redbeard]]
* [[Harle the Huntsman]]
* [[Harle the Handsome]]
* [[Howd Wanderer]]
* [[Devyn Sealskinner]]
* [[Kyleg]]
* [[Morna White Mask]]
* [[Great Walrus|The Great Walrus]]
* [[Alfyn Crowkiller]]
* [[Varamyr Sixskins]]
* [[Danny Flint|Brave Danny Flint]]
* [[Bran Stark]]
* [[Theon Greyjoy]]
* [[Rattleshirt]]
* [[Torwynd]]
* [[Borroq]]
* [[Arya Stark]]
* [[Dannel]]
* [[Harmune|Maester Harmune]]
}}

==External links==
*[https://www.tor.com/2015/08/20/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-dance-with-dragons-part-34/ A Read of Ice and Fire: A Dance with Dragons, Part 34] Analyses and summary of the chapter by Leigh Butler.

[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|Dance 58]]
[[Category:A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Jon Snow|Dance 58]]
[[Category:Chapters which take place in Castle Black|Dance 58]]

[[es:Danza de Dragones-Capítulo 58]]
[[fr:A Dance with Dragons, Chapitre 59, Jon]]
[[pt:A Dança dos Dragões - Capítulo 58]]
[[ru:Танец с драконами, Джон XII]]
[[zh:魔龙的狂舞-章节 58]]

Warlocks

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[[File:John Moriarty warlock's servitors.jpg|thumb|400px|A warlock of [[Qarth]] by John Moriarty © Fantasy Flight Games]]
''' Warlocks''' are [[magic]] practitioners of [[Essos]]. Their center of power is the [[House of the Undying]], home to the [[Undying Ones]] of [[Qarth]].{{Ref|ACOK|27}} Warlocks are also said to be active in [[Asshai]], where all religious and magical disciplines can be practiced with impunity.{{ref|AGOT|23}}{{ref|TWOIAF| The Bones and Beyond: Asshai-by-the-Shadow}}

==Appearance==
{{See also|:Category:Images of warlocks|l1=Images of warlocks}}
[[File:Qartheen Warlocks and Sam by Tommy Patterson (AGoT Comic).jpg|thumb|200px|Qartheen warlocks perform rituals on [[Samwell Tarly]] by Tommy Patterson for ''[[A Game of Thrones (comics)|A Game of Thrones]]'' comic]]
The warlocks of Qarth are known to dress in long, beaded robes. They have white, pale skins and pale blue lips, from drinking [[shade-of-the-evening]] many times, in pursuit of ever-greater knowledge. The [[Undying Ones]]' flesh is ripe violet blue, their nails are so blue they are nearly black, and even the whites of their eyes are blue.{{Ref|ACOK|48}}

==History==
Though legend speaks of the mighty power of the warlocks, they have done little in the past century. Similarly to the [[Alchemists' Guild]] of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], the warlocks' power and prestige have waned over the years. Their mighty [[House of the Undying]] is long since a grey stone ruin, neither repaired nor expanded upon, often referred to as the Palace of Dust.{{ref|ACOK|27}}{{ref|ACOK|48}} Even so, the warlocks are feared and respected throughout [[Essos]]{{Ref|ACOK|27}} and few return from their ruin.{{ref|ACOK|48}}

The protagonist of ''[[A Caution for Young Girls]]'' allegedly served as the [[handmaid]] of a Qartheen warlock during part of her life.{{ref|FAB|A Surfeit of Rulers}}

In an effort to cure [[Samwell Tarly]] of his timidity, his father, Lord [[Randyll Tarly]], once brought to his castle at [[Horn Hill]] two warlocks from Qarth, with white skin and blue lips. The warlocks slaughtered a bull [[aurochs]], and made Sam bathe in the hot blood, but it did not make him brave as promised. Randyll had the warlocks scourged.{{ref|AGOT|26}}

Archmaester [[Marwyn]] studied with warlocks.{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Clash of Kings''===
[[File:Victor Manuel Leza MorenoPyatPreeII.png|thumb|400px|[[Pyat Pree]] by Victor Manuel Leza Moreno © Fantasy Flight Games]]
At the beginning of [[Daenerys Targaryen]]'s stay in [[Qarth]], [[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]] warns her to avoid the warlocks in the city.{{Ref|ACOK|27}} Eventually, after having been refused by the [[Pureborn]], Daenerys decides that she has no other options available to her other than to seek [[Pyat Pree]] and the warlocks.{{ref|ACOK|40}} Xaro warns her not to go, but she goes anyway. After Daenerys's visit to the [[House of the Undying]] and the subsequent death of the [[Undying Ones]],{{ref|ACOK|48}} Xaro tells her that Pyat Pree is gathering the surviving warlocks together to work ill on her. As Daenerys is searching for a ship at the [[Port of Qarth]], a [[Sorrowful Man]] attacks her with a [[manticore]].{{ref|ACOK|63}}

In [[Winterfell]], Maester [[Luwin]] tells [[Bran Stark]] that [[magic]] does not work, but Bran reminds him there are mages and warlocks in the east. Luwin corrects Bran, telling him that these are men who simply refer to themselves as mages and warlocks.{{Ref|ACOK|28}}

===''A Storm of Swords''===
On the ''[[Saduleon|Balerion]]'', Daenerys thinks of various threats she faces. She recalls that back in Qarth, Pyat Pree had sent a Sorrowful Man after her to avenge the Undying she had burned in their House of Dust. She remembers it is said warlocks never forget a wrong.{{Ref|ASOS|8}}

===''A Feast for Crows''===
[[Pate (novice)|Pate]] recalls that Archmaester [[Marwyn]] had spent eight years in the east, and during that time, among other things, had studied with warlocks.{{ref|AFFC|Prologue}}

[[Quellon Humble]] confides to [[Victarion Greyjoy]] that his brother, [[Euron Greyjoy]], has three wizards aboard the ''[[Silence]]'', queer terrible men, but Euron has made them his [[slave]]s. Victarion tells the [[dusky woman]] that Euron's wizards had seen that the [[Shield Islands]] would fall to him.{{ref|AFFC|29}}

Euron tells Victarion that he had captured four warlocks in a galleas out of Qarth. On board was a cask of [[shade-of-the-evening]], along with some cloves and nutmeg and forty bolts of green silk. The warlocks told him a curious tale, which Euron does not elaborate upon. Euron killed a warlock who threatened him and [[cannibalism|fed him to the other three]].{{Ref|AFFC|29}} The surviving warlocks are reportedly coaching Euron in black [[magic]].{{ref|AFFC|29}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
In [[Meereen]], Daenerys learns from Xaro that she had not been gone a fortnight from Qarth when Pyat Pree set out from the city with three of his fellow warlocks to seek her in [[Pentos]], in order to seek revenge on her for the burning of the [[House of the Undying]].{{Ref|ADWD|16}}

Inspired by Euron's captive warlocks, Victarion spares the life of [[Moqorro]], a [[red priest]], who is knowledgeable of [[Slaver's Bay]] and [[dragon]]kind.{{Ref|ADWD|63}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
When [[Aeron Greyjoy]] is held captive by his brother Euron in the hold of the ''[[Silence]]'', he notices mutilated warlocks. One of the captives cries a word, "Pree".<ref>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[The Forsaken (The Winds of Winter)|The Forsaken]]</ref>

==Known Warlocks==
* [[Pyat Pree]]

==Quotes==
{{Quote|'''Xaro''': There is a saying in [[Qarth]]. A warlock's house is built of bones and lies. 
'''Daenerys''': Then why do men lower their voices when they speak of the warlocks of Qarth? All across the east, their power and wisdom are revered. 
'''Xaro''': Once they were mighty, but now they are as ludicrous as those feeble old soldiers who boast of their prowess long after strength and skill have left them. They read their crumbling scrolls, drink their [[shade-of-the-evening]] until their lips turn blue, and hint of dread powers, but they are hollow husks compared to those who went before.{{Ref|ACOK|27}}|[[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]] to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|[[Pyat Pree]] has blue lips, and it is truly said that blue lips speak only lies. Heed the wisdom of one who loves you. Warlocks are bitter creatures who eat dust and drink of shadows. They will give you naught. They have naught to give.{{ref|ACOK|40}}|[[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]] to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|Beware men with cold hearts and blue lips.{{Ref|ADWD|16}}|[[Xaro Xhoan Daxos]] to [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}

{{Quote|If a warlock's spell could kill me, I would be dead by now. I left their palace in ashes.{{Ref|ADWD|16}}|[[Daenerys Targaryen]] to [[Barristan Selmy]]}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Warlocks| ]]
[[Category:Magic]]
[[Category:Organizations]]
[[Category:Qarth]]

[[es:Brujo]]
[[fr:Conjurateurs de Qarth]]
[[pt:Magos]]
[[zh:男巫]]

Arnolf Karstark

2026-08-13T18:21:08Z

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{{Infobox character
| arms = Karstark
| title =
| firstname = Arnolf
| lastname = Karstark
| image = [[File:Arnolf_Karstark.jpg|250px]]
| image_caption = Arnolf Karstark by [https://www.deviantart.com/dragonman14x Robert O'Leary]
| Alias = Lord Arnolf{{Ref|ADWD|62}}
| Title = [[Castellan]] of [[Karhold]]{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
| Allegiance = [[House Karstark]]
| Race =
| Culture = [[Northmen]]
| Spouse =
| Issue = [[Cregan Karstark]]{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}} [[Arthor Karstark]]{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}} Daughters{{Ref|ADWD|17}}
| Place_of_Birth = [[Karhold]]{{Ref|AWOIAF| Arnolf Karstark}}
| Date_of_Birth = In or before {{Date|237}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages#Arnolf Karstark|Arnolf Karstark]] calculation.''</ref>
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appendix) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (appears) ''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (appears)
| Played by =
| TV_series =
| Coat-of-arms =
}}

[[File: Marc_Fishman_ArnolfK_I.jpg|Arnolf Karstark - by Marc Fishman ©|thumb|250px|right]]

'''Arnolf Karstark''' is a member of [[House Karstark]] and the uncle of Lord [[Rickard Karstark]].{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}} He is the [[castellan]] of [[Karhold]],{{Ref|AFFC|Appendix}} but the followers of [[Stannis Baratheon]] refer to him as '''Lord Arnolf''' as a courtesy.{{Ref|ADWD|62}}

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Arnolf Karstark|l1=Images of Arnolf Karstark}}
Arnolf is gaunt, crooked, and bent from age, and he walks with a blackthorn cane.{{Ref|ADWD|62}} His left shoulder is half a foot higher then his right. Arnolf has a scrawny neck, squinty grey eyes, and is a few white hairs away from complete baldness. His teeth are yellow and his ragged, forked beard is grey and white.{{Ref|ADWD|12}}{{Ref|ADWD|62}} [[Theon Greyjoy]] considers Arnolf, whose grey woolen cloak is bordered in [[sable]], to be "a poor excuse for a man".{{Ref|TWOW||[[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Arnolf became castellan of [[Karhold]] when Lord [[Rickard Karstark]] and his sons marched south with [[Robb Stark]] during the [[War of the Five Kings]].{{Ref|ADWD|3}} Rickard was eventually executed at [[Riverrun]] for treason by Robb,{{Ref|ASOS|20}} and his last surviving son, [[Harrion Karstark|Harrion]], is a captive of the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]]{{Ref|ADWD|62}} at [[Maidenpool]].{{Ref|ADWD|Appendix}} After [[Stannis Baratheon]] sends a declaration of his arrival at [[Castle Black]] and a demand for fealty, Arnolf is the only [[north]]erner to respond favorably to him, pledging Stannis his support.{{Ref|ADWD|3}} Since [[Jon Snow]], the new [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], has rejected Stannis's offer of becoming Lord of [[Winterfell]], Stannis leans toward offering the castle to Arnolf.{{Ref|ADWD|17}}{{Ref|ADWD|62}}

Although [[Theon Greyjoy]] does not recognize them, Arnolf and [[Hother Umber]] are seated next to [[Ramsay Snow|Ramsay Bolton]] during the feast held at the [[Dreadfort]] before Ramsay marches on [[siege of Moat Cailin|Moat Cailin]].{{Ref|ADWD|12}}{{Ref|TWOW||[[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]}} Arnolf writes to Stannis that the [[House Bolton|Boltons]] left the strong Dreadfort with only fifty men. However, Jon convinces Stannis to recruit the [[northern mountain clans]] and liberate [[fight by Deepwood Motte|Deepwood Motte]] from the [[ironborn]].{{Ref|ADWD|17}}

At [[Barrowton]], Theon learns from Ramsay and his father, Lord [[Roose Bolton]] that Arnolf is conspiring against Stannis. Roose intends for Arnolf to betray Stannis when he marches on Winterfell.{{Ref|ADWD|32}}

[[Alys Karstark]], the daughter of the late Lord Rickard, flees from Karhold for the protection of Jon Snow at the [[Wall]]. She reveals that Arnolf responded favorably to Stannis in hope that when the [[Iron Throne]] heard of the pledge they would execute her captive brother, Lord Harrion. Harry's death would make Alys the heir and Arnolf would then force her to marry his son, [[Cregan Karstark|Cregan]], to claim Karhold. Roose has promised Arnolf a full pardon for this service to the Lannisters.{{Ref|ADWD|44}} [[Clydas]] sends a [[raven]] to Deepwood on Jon's behalf in hopes of informing Stannis, and the Lord Commander has Cregan imprisoned when he tries to retrieve Alys from Castle Black.{{Ref|ADWD|49}}

Arnolf has his army meet up with Stannis at a [[crofters' village]] during the king's [[march on Winterfell]], bringing four hundred spears, two score archers, a dozen mounted lances, and Maester [[Tybald]]{{Ref|TWOW||[[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]}} with a cage of [[raven]]s. Ser [[Justin Massey]] is skeptical of the claims of Arnolf and his kin that Winterfell can be taken from the Boltons.{{Ref|ADWD|62}}

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
[[Tycho Nestoris]] brings Jon Snow's message from Deepwood to Stannis in time, and Tybald admits that he sent a raven with Stannis's location to Roose Bolton at Winterfell. Stannis has Arnolf, his son [[Arthor Karstark|Arthor]], and three grandsons brought before him on the pretext of breaking their fast. Upon entering the village's watchtower, Arnolf notices the chained Theon Greyjoy in the corner and realizes that Stannis is aware of his planned treachery.{{Ref|TWOW||[[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]}}

Stannis's knights surround the five Karstarks; two of Arnolf's grandsons attempt to resist and are badly injured, but Arnolf does not put up a fight. Stannis vows that all five will die, but whether quickly or by fire will depend on their cooperation.{{Ref|TWOW||[[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]}}

==Family==
{{Karstark tree}}

==Quotes by Arnolf==
{{Quote|'''Justin''': You will not take [[Winterfell]]! 
'''Arnolf''': Aye, we will. We'll take it for [[Eddard Stark|the Ned]] and for [[Arya Stark|his daughter]]. Aye, and for the [[Robb Stark|Young Wolf]] too, him who was [[Red Wedding|so cruelly slaughtered]]. Me and mine will show the way, if need be. I've said as much to [[Stannis Baratheon|His Good Grace]] the king. March, I said, and before the moon can turn, we'll all be bathing in the blood of [[House Frey|Freys]] and [[House Bolton|Boltons]]. 
'''Justin''': Your courage is admirable, Lord Karstark, but courage will not breach the walls of Winterfell.{{Ref|ADWD|62}}|[[Justin Massey]] and Arnolf}}

==Quotes about Arnolf==
{{Quote|Homage is the duty every leal subject owes his king. Yet [[Eddard Stark|your father]]'s bannermen all turn their back on me, save the [[House Karstark|Karstarks]]. Is Arnolf Karstark the only man of honor in the [[north]]?{{Ref|ADWD|3}}|[[Stannis Baratheon]] to [[Jon Snow]]}}

{{Quote|Arnolf is rushing to [[Winterfell]], 'tis true, but only so he might put his dagger in your king's back. He cast his lot with [[Roose Bolton]] long ago ... for gold, the promise of a pardon, and poor [[Harrion Karstark|Harry's]] head. Lord [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]] is marching to a slaughter.{{Ref|ADWD|44}}|[[Alys Karstark]] to [[Jon Snow]]}}

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:House Karstark]]
[[Category:Castellans|Karstark, Arnolf]]
[[Category:Characters from the North|Karstark, Arnolf]]
[[Category:Characters with grey eyes|Karstark, Arnolf]]
[[Category:Hunchbacks|Karstark, Arnolf]]
[[Category:Nobles|Karstark, Arnolf]]
[[Category:Spies|Karstark, Arnolf]]
[[Category:Turncloaks in the War of the Five Kings|Karstark, Arnolf]]
[[Category:Supporters of Stannis Baratheon in the War of the Five Kings|Karstark, Arnolf]]
[[Category:Supporters of Tommen Baratheon in the War of the Five Kings|Karstark, Arnolf]]

[[es:Arnolf Karstark]]
[[fr:Arnolf Karstark]]
[[nl:Arnolf Karstark]]
[[pt:Arnolf Karstark]]
[[ru:Арнольф Карстарк]]
[[zh:阿诺夫·卡史塔克]]

A Clash of Kings-Chapter 61

2026-08-13T18:21:07Z

Image link cleanup: Remove invisible characters and trailing spaces from File/Image filenames

{{Infobox Chapter ACfK
| pov = [[Tyrion Lannister]]
| place = [[King's Landing]]
| title = Tyrion XIV
| page = 623
| previous = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 60|Sansa VI]]
| current = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 61|Tyrion XIV]]
| next = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 62|Sansa VII]]
| arc previous = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 59|Tyrion XIII]]
| arc next = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 67|Tyrion XV]]
}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:John_Picacio_Tyrion.jpg|[[Tyrion Lannister]] during the Battle of the Blackwater ‎- © 2012 John Picacio|thumb|250px|left]]
[[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]], with Ser [[Balon Swann]] and Ser [[Mandon Moore]] at his side, is cutting through [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]]’s forces. He is confused to see such a large force of men to the west, seemingly fighting Stannis’s men, and can’t figure out where they came from. But he has little time to consider it, as he sees hundreds of Stannis’s troops crossing the [[Blackwater Rush|Blackwater]] by using the half-sunk ships as a bridge. Racing onto the boats, Tyrion’s men are overwhelmed, and he goes over the edge of a gunwale, clinging for his life. Ser Mandon Moore appears and tells Tyrion to take his hand, his left hand. As Tyrion reaches for his hand, he instinctively withdraws as Ser Mandon’s sword slices into his face. Tyrion, grievously wounded, watches as [[Podrick Payne]] saves his life by shoving Ser Mandon into the river.

==Character list==
{| class="wikitable" width="100%"
|- valign="top"
| style="width:50;" |
'''Appearing:'''
{{Columns|2|
*[[Tyrion Lannister]]
*[[Mandon Moore]]
*[[Podrick Payne]]
*[[Balon Swann]]
}}
| style="width:50;" |
'''Mentioned:'''
{{Columns|3|
*[[Joffrey Baratheon]]
*[[Stannis Baratheon]]
*[[Sandor Clegane]]
*[[Jaime Lannister]]
*[[Lancel Lannister]]
*[[Shagga]]
}}
|}

==Mentions==
{| class="wikitable" width="100%"
|- valign="top"
| style="width:20;" |
'''Events:'''
*[[War of the Five Kings]]
**[[Battle of the Blackwater]]
| style="width:25;" |
'''Houses:'''
*[[House Baratheon]]
**[[House Baratheon of Dragonstone]]
**[[House Baratheon of King's Landing]]
*[[House Celtigar]]
*[[House Clegane]]
*[[House Florent]]
*[[House Lannister]]
*[[House Moore]]
*[[House Payne]]
*[[House Swann]]
*[[House Velaryon]]
|- valign="top"
| style="width:25;" |
'''Places:'''
{{Columns|2|
*[[Blackwater Rush]]
*[[Casterly Rock]]
*[[King's Landing]]
**[[King's Gate]]
**[[Red Keep]]
**[[River Gate]]
}}
| style="width:20;" |
'''Terms:'''
{{Columns|2|
*[[Archer]]
*[[Crab]]
*[[Fox]]
*[[Greatsword]]
*[[Horn]]
*[[Horse]]
*[[Hound]]
*[[Iron]]
*[[Kingsguard]]
*[[Knight]]
*[[Lance]]
*[[Lion]]
*[[Man-at-arms]]
*[[Oak]]
*[[Royal fleet]]
*[[Ship]]
**''[[Dragonsbane]]''
*[[Silk]]
*[[Squire]]
*[[Stag]]
*[[Steel]]
*[[Swan]]
*[[Swordfish]]
*[[Tourney]]
*[[Trumpet]]
*[[Wildfire]]
}}
|}

==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://slynt.blogspot.com/2012/02/re-read-tyrion-xiv-halfman.html Analyses and summary of the chapter] in the course of a 10th reread by Slynt.
* [http://www.tor.com/blogs/2012/08/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-clash-of-kings-part-29 Review and summary] by Leigh Butler.

[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|Clash 61]]
[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Tyrion Lannister|Clash 61]]
[[Category:Chapters which take place in King's Landing|Clash 61]]
[[es:Choque de Reyes-Capítulo 61]]
[[fr:A Clash of Kings, Chapitre 62, Tyrion]]
[[pt:A Fúria dos Reis - Capítulo 61]]

Clayton Suggs

2026-08-13T18:21:06Z

Image link cleanup: Remove invisible characters and trailing spaces from File/Image filenames

{{For|the suitor of Rohanne Webber|Cleyton Caswell}}
{{Infobox character
| title = Ser
| firstname = Clayton
| lastname = Suggs
| arms = Suggs
| image = SerClaytonSuggs_by_KevinMcCoy.jpg
| image_caption = Ser Clayton Suggs - by Kevin McCoy ©
| Alias =
| Title = [[Knight|Ser]]
| Allegiance = [[House Suggs]] [[House Baratheon of Dragonstone]] [[Queen's men]]
| Race =
| Played by =
| Culture = [[Crownlands]]
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth = [[Flea Bottom]], [[King's Landing]]
| Date_of_Birth =
| Place_of_Death =
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (appendix) ''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (appears) ''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (appears)
| TV_series =
| coat-of-arms =
}}

'''Clayton Suggs''' is a [[knight]] from [[House Suggs]], and a supporter of [[Stannis Baratheon]].{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}}<ref>The Citadel. Heraldry: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Heraldry/Houses/10/ Houses from an unknown region]</ref> His coat of arms is a winged [[pig]].{{ref|ADWD|62}}<ref name=TWOW>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'', [[Theon I (The Winds of Winter)|Theon I]]</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Clayton Suggs|l1=Images of Clayton Suggs}}

Clayton is a short, burly man, with a balding head<ref name=TWOW/> and a mouthful of broken brown teeth.{{ref|ADWD|17}} He has [[pig]] eyes, and blackheads on his nose.{{ref|ADWD|62}} Clayton has a deep voice.{{ref|ADWD|10}} He is older than Lord [[Harwood Fell]].{{ref|ADWD|17}}

Clayton is considered a crony{{ref|ADWD|17}} and the strong right hand of Ser [[Godry Farring]].{{ref|ADWD|62}} He is strong and courageous, but also crude and brutish.{{ref|ADWD|17}}{{ref|ADWD|62}} Clayton is cruel and enjoys [[torture|torturing]], and his love for the [[R'hllor|Lord of Light]] may only be love of [[human sacrifice]].{{ref|ADWD|62}}

==History==
Clayton was a [[hedge knight]]{{ref|ADWD|17}} of [[lowborn]] origin,{{ref|AWOIAF| Clayton Suggs}} hailing from [[Flea Bottom]] in [[King's Landing]]. According to Ser [[Justin Massey]], Clayton gambled with [[Dragonstone]]'s [[torture]]rs, and aided them in the questioning of prisoners, especially young women.{{ref|ADWD|62}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
Ser Clayton is sworn to King [[Stannis Baratheon]]. He is among the [[queen's men]] who goes north to the [[Wall]] with Stannis.{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}}

===''A Dance with Dragons''===
[[File:Marc Fishman Riders.jpg|350px|thumb|Suggs rips his longsword from its scabbard - by Marc Fishman ©]]
Clayton is part of Stannis's honor guard when [[free folk]] pass through the [[Wall]] to [[Castle Black]] after the [[battle beneath the Wall]].{{ref|ADWD|10}} During Stannis's war council, Clayton states that Houses [[House Hornwood|Hornwood]], [[House Cerwyn|Cerwyn]], [[House Tallhart|Tallhart]], [[House Ryswell|Ryswell]] and [[House Dustin|Dustin]] are all [[traitor]]s and lapdogs of the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]]. When Stannis dismisses his men during a meeting with [[Jon Snow]], the [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch]], Clayton mutters something to [[Harwood Fell]] that makes him laugh.{{Ref|aDwD|17}}

When Stannis's army is slowed during the [[march on Winterfell]], Clayton agrees with Ser [[Godry Farring]] they should burn someone to appease [[R'hllor]] and end the blizzard, but the king refuses.{{ref|ADWD|42}} [[Asha Greyjoy]] fears Clayton will burn her because of her king's blood, as her father [[Balon Greyjoy|Balon]] was [[King of the Isles and the North]].{{ref|ADWD|62}}

When four [[House Peasebury|Peasebury]] men are caught committing [[cannibalism]] at a [[crofters' village]], they are to be burned alive as a sacrifice to R'hllor. Desiring a quick death, their serjeant insults the queen's men. The serjeant calls Clayton a "bleeding [[bastard]]", goading him into quickly killing the condemned man with a knife.{{ref|ADWD|62}} Clayton insults Asha after the sacrifices are burned, but he is interrupted by [[Alysane Mormont]] and Ser [[Justin Massey]].{{ref|ADWD|62}}

When Asha later reminds Clayton that Stannis [[eunuch|gelds]] men for rape, he laughs and says he would sooner see her burn.{{ref|ADWD|62}} When they hear riders approaching the village, Clayton tells Asha to run and warn the king, as he assumes it is Lord [[Roose Bolton]]'s host upon them. However, the riders turn out to be [[Tycho Nestoris]] of the [[Iron Bank of Braavos]], and his escort, some of whom are Asha's [[ironborn]] men from [[Deepwood Motte]].

===''The Winds of Winter''===
{{Warning/twow}}
Clayton is present along with Ser [[Godry Farring]] and Ser [[Richard Horpe]] when Stannis interrogates Maester [[Tybald]] about his loyalties. Stannis has Clayton threaten violence on the [[maester]] to make Tybald tell him everything. Clayton wants Stannis to burn [[Theon Greyjoy]].<ref name=TWOW/>

==Quotes by Clayton==
{{Quote|'''Godry''': I had forgotten that you [[northmen]] worship [[heart tree|trees]]. '''Clayton''': [[old gods|What sort of god]] lets himself be pissed upon by [[dog]]s?{{Ref|ADWD|17}}|[[Godry Farring]] and Clayton to [[Jon Snow]]}}

{{quote|A sacrifice will prove [[R'hllor|our faith]] still burns true, Sire.{{Ref|ADWD|42}}|Clayton to [[Stannis Baratheon]]}}

==Quotes about Clayton==
{{Quote|Suggs was an upjumped [[hedge knight]], as crude as he was strong.{{Ref|ADWD|17}}|thoughts of [[Jon Snow]]}}

{{Quote|She had seen him at the nightfires, watching, his lips parted and his eyes avid. It is not [[R'hllor|the god]] he loves, it is the flames, she concluded.{{ref|ADWD|62}}|thoughts of [[Asha Greyjoy]]}}

{{Quote|Some men had faces that cried out for a beard. Ser Clayton's face cried out for an axe between the eyes.{{Ref|ADWD|62}}|thoughts of [[Asha Greyjoy]]}}

{{Quote|He learned all he knows in the wynds of [[Flea Bottom]]. Were I to put you in his charge, he might strangle you with your own chain or scoop your eye out with a spoon.<ref name=TWOW/>|[[Stannis Baratheon]] to [[Tybald]]}}

==Behind the Scenes==
Clayton Suggs may be a reference to American football players [[w:Terrell Suggs|Terrell Suggs]] and [[w:Mark Clayton (American Football, born 1961)|Mark Clayton]] of the [[w:Baltimore Ravens|Baltimore Ravens]].

==References==
{{References}}

[[Category:House Suggs]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands|Suggs, Clayton]]
[[Category:Converts|Suggs, Clayton]]
[[Category:Hedge knights|Suggs, Clayton]]
[[Category:Homages|Suggs, Clayton]]
[[Category:House Baratheon retainers|Suggs, Clayton]]
[[Category:Household knights|Suggs, Clayton]]
[[Category:Knights|Suggs, Clayton]]
[[Category:Members of the queen's men|Suggs, Clayton]]
[[Category:Supporters of Stannis Baratheon in the War of the Five Kings|Suggs, Clayton]]

[[es:Clayton Suggs]]
[[fr:Clayton Suggs]]
[[pt:Clayton Suggs]]
[[ru:Клэйтон Саггс]]
[[zh:克拉顿·宋格]]